He lived a long life.
But no matter how long, it is never enough.
One way or another, he will die.
That's what gave birth to the lich. The ever-credo that sustained their greed, their desire of an eternal life.
They existed for a long time, but no one existed more than the eternal lich, an inappropriate name for a being that is paranoid about death.
Kihersen Pluma, a survivor of the magic eruption era saw life in its most demented form. Creatures blessed with immortality fought tooth and nail as the world slowly crumbles to oblivion.
It is a horror that Pluma still remembers to this date. An immortal deemed to be one of the weakest among the undying 'players' stood above among the dead immortals Pluma so much feared.
The world digressed, with humanity being the last remnants of a world far gone. But it didn't take them long to recover from the damages of the eruption era, all thanks to the champions.
"Pluma, the champion's convocation is about to happen two months later. Make sure you don't arrive late."
"Princess Hilda, please. I am busy. My goblin farm is having quite positive results."
"The convocation is far more important. The Magicka technology will change the world, and as my closest collaborator, I don't want you being left behind."
"I understand."
The magic mirror enchanted with long distant communication blurred as Princess Hilda disconnected from the communication array.
The lich is aware of these champions, they are creatures of immense strength that rose above his and the immortals that plague the ancient era.
As the eruption era subsides, far stronger individuals started to appear among the masses. Even the monsters experienced a great spike in their strength, but not as much as the world races.
Humanity advanced magic to far more intricate branches that make the old system look shit.
Churches through their own designs of faith redefined the divine and created miraculous gifts.
Elfkin rediscovered the power of magic through nature, making them potent druids.
Bloodliners reinvented the concept of mana through wills, allowing them ancient powers of old.
Truly frightening.
Even the immortals of old don't stand a chance against the world races of today.
The lich strolled through the damp cave with anticipation for today is the day of metamorphosis.
The lich is going to create a Goblin Queen, a creature that possesses immense life force through sharing the life of her many goblin spawns. The theory is to recreate the 'respawn' techniques of the ancient immortals, which the lich is slowly finding success.
"G-great lich, I have worrisome news."
A goblin sorcerer fearfully kneeled in front of him. Does the small little critter dare to teleport in front of this great lich? Such a lack of decency.
"A human dares venture into our caves. Half of our forces are already gone!"
What? Is it a champion?
The frantic cry of the goblin made the lich panic. If it can slay his goblins in this manner, the intruder must be certainly strong.
"Take care of him. Summon, Death Goblin King!"
The lich announced, and from his shadows rose, a remnant of the goblin king. Through necromancy, the goblin king was turned into a far more sinister monster, its powers crossed from a goblin king and a death knight.
"I still have more to do, go take care of it."
The goblin sorcerer left with Death Goblin King, eager to exact punishment on the trespasser.
***
Wally's journey to the center of the cave has become laxer. He has become more accustomed to reaping the lives of the goblins barring his way.
"Kieffer, that's right... Mana is the source of this world. In order to tap into it, you need a strong mentality. You have suffered a lot, survived the tribulations, and now you have a stronger mind. This means that you now possess the qualifications to become a magic caster..."
Kieffer listened attentively as he stand toe to toe against the remaining goblin, a goblin grunt ten levels above Kieffer. Wally taught Kieffer the knowledge he barely made connections with the game and the weird memory of his game avatar.
"Yes, teacher!"
"It is annoying, don't call me teacher."
It took Kieffer a whole ten seconds to cast an arcane bolt, the most basic magic there is... As a beginner, Kieffer sucks even to Wally's eyes who lacks a theoretical foundation of magic.
The goblin grunt stumbled, but still endured the puny arcane bolt. Because of recoil, Kieffer wasn't able to dodge in time as the goblin grunt rush toward him.
Wally tossed an arcane bolt to the poor dummy, finally relieving the creature of its sparring duties.
"Listen here Kieffer, you suck... Your magic is visibly unusable in battle. What would you do if the enemy reaches you? Stand there, like in ten seconds, praying that the enemy is dumb enough for you to cast your so~much~long~magic~casting. Tou would have died ten times over if that happens!"
Kieffer felt shame, is he really that dumb? Is there a shortcut to this? A cheat, even?
"Teacher, is there another way to do this?"
Wally felt Kieffer's intentions. He knows that look, of difficulty and depression. This kid wants an easy way out. Back in his old world, Wally always had an easy way out. The reason is simple, it is because the easy way out has been always there, regardless of perspectives. The fact that it works means IT WORKS.
But in a world like this? That's almost impossible. Wally isn't even sure if his perspective will be alright in this world.
"You know, there is an easy way out to this," Kieffer eagerly listened to Wally's words.
Wally continued "Give up, that's an easy way out."
Kieffer became unusually quiet.
"There is another way if you aren't comfortable with giving up... Take it with a grain of salt. After all, it is your decision to make...
Let's see... How about you give up humanity. Become a lich! That sounds mighty appealing to me. There is also the boon of immortality!
Or maybe sign your soul to the demon. They are quite good when it comes to customer service, just don't cheat them, kay?
There is also another way. Something that I personally went through~ find yourself a game to transmigrate to! Except for the dangers of damaging your brain, you are good to go.
If you don't like any of my suggestions. How about you find a corner for yourself to die peacefully outside of my gaze? Hmmm?"
Wally stared at the slouching young man. Tough love for Kieffer, this is just how Wally is... In Kieffer's mind, Wally's scolding is for his own good.
"I am sorry, teacher. I have mistaken. I will make sure to never go astray."
Huh? Hmmm... Wally curiously gazed at Kieffer. Honestly, Wally thought that the kid was about to go on another sobbing session after his tirade of scolding.
"All is well. Young Kieffer, follow closely at my side. I feel that a boss battle is approaching."
Wally dismissed Kieffer's admiration, as he readies his wand for the approaching danger.