During our trip, we shared snacks and sipped hot infusions of regional plants, flavors that I honestly never thought I would taste. Lilia told me that we are going to "The Kingdom of Death". Not a name that invites warmth, but here I am, immersed in a domain in the Northern Kingdom, where ice and death weave the history of the land.
In these arctic lands, where the frosts are fierce and can reach temperatures as extreme as -160°C. Lilia mentioned that the usual temperatures hover around -36°C in summer and drop to a chilling -86°C in winter. However, upon arrival, the temperature marked an imposing -56°C, and to my surprise, I did not feel the biting cold that was expected, plus, the spell Lilia cast on me was over and there has been no need for me to cast it again.
As we moved on, Lilia told me about the climatic oddities of this place, where temperatures defy the logic of my previous world. Although winter here is relentless, my senses adapted to this strange and cold welcome. The icy, skin-cutting wind doesn't affect me the way it should, it seems very strange to us but we continue chatting.
- Mizuki, you have a nice set of glacial wolf clothes where did you get it?
-I made it! Not to brag but in the past I made my own clothes -I said while puffing out my chest, well, technically I didn't make these clothes, but it was my mana that did it -Oh, although this time I used [Creation] to make it, I didn't have the tools to weave or bake.
- Is that so? I understand- He said while sipping some of a berry infusion. But then he spit it out all at once, 'Coff, coff, coff' Lilia seems to be choking, one of the skeletons sees it and runs to her rescue. -Did you say "Creation"?! His answer left me a bit puzzled, why is he acting like this for a mere "R" rank skill? -Yes, it's an "R" rank skill, so what's wrong? - Lilia just blinks - Never mind that! Do you even know how hard it is to obtain that skill! No matter what you do you must have a great knowledge of various branches! You need at least: Blacksmithing, Runic Writing, Alchemy, Enchanting, Silversmithing, Carpentry, Tailoring, Engineering.
Now that you mention it, I read several books regarding it, but runic writing and enchanting are things I don't remember reading? No! First of all, the skill came from an incantation!
AI: The skills of "Runic Writing" and "Incantation" are related to the skill "15 languages of origin" Runes are representations of the word of God and we learned some of that knowledge, the basic runes being: Magic, causality, air, fire, earth, water, darkness, light, space, time, reality, beasts, duality, shadow, cosmos, destiny, destiny, essence, life, death, oblivion, memory, dream, mind, plant, animal, energy, power, transcendence, mystery, change, mystery, fear, courage, achievement, fun, luck, knowledge, knowledge, sin, virtue, good, evil, hope, force, star, symbol, ether, infinity, permanence, curiosity, art, order, chaos. In turn, enchantment means to strengthen an object, usually by means of mana. And as I mentioned before, the incantation is an activator, at the beginning it refused to activate, right?
- Well, now that you mention it, I think I have a bit of knowledge in those things.... I didn't know it was a very rare ability - Meanwhile, Lilia only had her mouth open... W-Well...
We continued the trip without many other surprises, just talking and eating some snacks, or at least that's what I'd like to say...
-What?! You have all the magic attributes?! That's a lot! I have 5 attributes and that's already a lot!
-Hey? -Can't you buy other attribute skills in the point store?
- Yes, you can, but it's no use! If you have fire attribute and you buy the "Water ball" skill without having the water affinity, the amount of water that will come out is less than an inch and at maximum level maybe a water ball of 5 centimeters, besides, the cost in points would be too much... Maybe double or triple the original, so it's not feasible at all.
- Y-I see, I didn't know that's how it worked... - So that's how it works... I don't know, I've only seen offers....
- W-Well, never mind, in the meantime Driver, pick up the pace, we should be home by now! I'm going to introduce you to my parents, okay? - He was asking me but on his face was "You must meet them yes or yes Do you understand?" Besides, he is very close, maybe a few centimeters away from my face... I feel something is stopping me, I hope he doesn't notice....
- Okay, okay, I'll see...
After an intense week of riding in a skeleton carriage, we finally arrive at the Necropolis, the Necropolis stands majestic, a city of bone and obsidian. Unlike the gloomy expectations, the atmosphere is vibrant and active. Streets of skeletal marble glow with a dying light, guiding diligent skeletons and undead busy at their chores. Withered flower gardens and gothic statues adorn carefully designed squares. For the moment I'm still in the carriage, but there is a plethora of undead going about, from spirits, to zombies and skeletons and even some bone dragons flying over the Necropolis, the sound echoing through the streets is of undead musicians and children at play.
- Do you like it? -Lilia asked while observing the rest of the city and its inhabitants, the carriage has a pair of curtains to avoid being seen, but she still opens one of them to observe.
-Yes... you can hear that it is a very lively city. - I said with a serene smile
-It is, or well, it would be if it didn't have such a sad history? - Lilia said with a melancholic smile. On her lips there was a faint smile, but her eyes revealed a deep sadness, as if they were the waters of the ocean loaded with sorrows. I would like to ask her what she is referring to, but I feel it is better to keep silent....
-Well, let's go to my father! Do you agree? - He said with an energetic and bright smile on his face, accompanied by an equally vibrant voice, as if the melancholic smile from before had never existed, it doesn't make me feel good, is he holding back? I wish you would tell me, but.... No... It doesn't matter...
We advance in the carriage to the center of the Necropolis where stands a magnificent haunted castle, there is no word that can write it more than that "Haunted", it is the castle of King Lich, an imposing structure of obsidian and bone. The towers soar skyward with gothic elegance, crowned by sharp peaks and with what I assume are living Gargoyles.... The walls, adorned with intricate skeletal carvings, glow with an unearthly radiance. Mysterious walls, decorated with trellises of ancient runes, surround the castle, giving it an air of power and mysticism, I wish I could analyze them for a while, I wonder if I could ask for permission. In the high windows, flashes of spectral light illuminate the rooms of the Lich King. This castle, in the heart of the Necropolis, is the central abode of undead royalty, a testament to the shadowy majesty that rules over these lands. To tell you the truth, it feels very ominous....
-Well, here we are! -Said Lilia, however, I only see the castle, Wait!
-L-Lilia -Does your father live in the castle by any chance? Is he a nobleman? -I started to tremble in the middle of the sentence, NO! It couldn't be, could it?! What if I get eaten in there?! I'M JUST A HUMAN GOING INTO THE CASTLE! No, wait, I'm not human, so I'll be fine, right?
- Huh? What kind of question is that? - Y-Yeah, well, I guess it's not royalty, thank goodness. So a civil servant? Still, I'm not sure if that's better?
- My father is the Lich King. Didn't I tell you? Mizuki? Are you alright? You look pale... Do you hear me?
No! Absolutely not! Am I really going to appear before the King of the Undead?! Are you kidding me?! This doesn't make any sense! Calm down, Mizuki, calm down, Lilia's by your side, isn't she?! Y-yeah, y-you sure you won't kill me with your daughter by your side, right?!? But what if they take my soul? I-I've read that there are Un-Dead who like to collect souls, gosh, I-I think I just made a mistake.
- Y-Yes, I-I'm fine, P-Princess? -Diooooos, what a fault I have committed by calling a princess by her name! But, after my statement, Lilia pouted?
- Li-li-a Lilia! Did you understand? No princess, no "ma'am" just "Lilia" Okay? - Oh? She doesn't like titles being used on her? But... Is it really okay? Agh! Who cares, I'll just call her Lilia!
- W-Well, Lilia. - After calling her by her name, I smile, it's a bit of a silly smile, but it's really cute....
- Well, let's go! -Without waiting for me, she takes me by the hands and leads me inside the castle, however, an ominous aura starts to surround me Danger! I quickly duck, I don't know why, but suddenly I hear a 'suu' above my head, followed by a roar. Lilia turns her head towards the source of the noise and with an annoyed tone says: - Sia! Didn't they tell you she was my guest?! - It seems that Lilia is really upset about it, but who is Sia? I slowly turn around to see the person and it's a Dullahan?! A headless Undead warrior, from the looks of it, he's high leveled and well versed in combat, but still why did he launch an unplanned attack on me!!!
- My lady, I apologize for my insolence, but! - Before he could finish speaking, Lilia interrupted him: "No buts, no buts, go to the corner." At her words the Dullahan looked hesitant, but Lilia continued: "Go to the corner. - Her expression was serious, her eyes cold and her tone even colder -I can't do it, orders from her majesty, the queen- Hearing the Dullahan's words Lilia's expression changed and sighing she said: -I'll tell you for the last time Sia, Mizuki and I will run away from you until you get tired, do you understand? So, Mizuki Run! - Lilia grabbed my hand again, this time more tightly and took me running through the corridors, while summoning Undead to block the Dullahan's passage. The soldiers, as they appeared, looked around and, as if it had happened before, sighed and went after the Dullahan, started to make small talk and the Dullahan stopped to chat with them.
- Is this something normal, Lilia! - I ask as we run, my physical condition is not the best, but it's not the worst either.
-Huh? Y-Yes, it is, don't worry, that witch is always bothering me! - I laughed as I pronounced those sentences, a smile that only showed happiness, from one moment to another we entered a room, what seems to be a banquet room. Is a banquet room necessary when the undead don't eat?
The banquet hall in the Lich's castle was strikingly similar to that of an ordinary castle, albeit with a subtle macabre touch. Large solid wood tables stretched the length of the hall, covered with finely embroidered black tablecloths. Chairs, carved with intricate designs, surrounded the tables, providing elegant seating for the guests.
The stone walls, decorated with antique tapestries added a touch of nostalgia to the ambiance. Flickering candles that did not need to be lit floated in the air, illuminating the room with a magical light that danced over the skeletal figures carved into the door frames.
Despite the subtle presence of death, the banquet hall radiated a majestic elegance. The main table, located in the center, was adorned with imperishable floral arrangements and exquisite porcelain dishes. The atmosphere, although serene, had the peculiarity of showing a certain melancholic ambiance.
Without time to think, Lilia guided me among the tables and chairs which were constantly changing, the chairs tried to enclose us on several occasions, but we were able to get out safely from that real estate labyrinth, or should I say, furniture labyrinth? Either way, we managed to avoid everything thanks to the fact that there were no people in the banquet hall. As we left, Lilia kept pulling me through different corridors and rooms, to be honest, I already got dizzy, going room after room, between corridors going through paintings and hidden murals, in some rooms gravity is reversed, in others the floor is shaking or full of insects, but Lilia, Lilia has just been smiling.
- Come on Mizuki, it's the room that's left!
-Y-Yes, I-I'm coming. -Lilia stopped instantly Did something happen?
- Turn around, close your eyes and walk backwards, okay? No matter what you hear, no matter what you feel, don't open your eyes, don't talk to anyone, don't move fast and therefore, don't run, just wait for 20 seconds to pass and then open your eyes.
I just nodded at his words, turned around, closed my eyes and started walking backwards, one, two... seconds began to pass, but after the third second.
-There it is! Finally I reach them.
It's the Dullahan's voice, he sounds annoyed, his metallic steps echo around the place, I feel he's less than 3 meters away from me, but only 6 seconds have passed; 6.5 seconds, the same hissing from earlier is heard "suu" My heart starts beating hard, all my senses were telling me "Dodge" or "You're going to die" But still, I'm going to listen to Lilia's words.
AI: "Lunar Will" has been activated, your willpower is superior to the fear around you, the effect of "Fear" disappears.
After hearing that voice, my whole body felt calmer, my heart relaxed, good, I can continue; 7 seconds, I'm still standing, I guess I wasn't cut off No? I keep walking; 10 seconds, whispers start to be heard around me, they are faint whispers and I can't understand what they say, but they start to increase, both in volume and quantity; 14 seconds, the sound has become unbearable, the voices ask me to open my eyes, I won't do it but it sounds unbearable; 17 seconds, the whispers stop; 18 seconds, I bump into something The door?
-Mizuki, you can open your eyes, you're already in front of the door, let's go before they reach us!
Is that Lilia I hear? No, it doesn't matter, I still have 2 seconds left, 1 second, 0. 20 seconds have already passed, I guess I should open my eyes now, right?
-Mizuki! It's been 20 seconds, let's go.
I feel Lilia tugging my arm, but.... I'm still not going to open my eyes, I don't feel it's safe... Has it really been 20 seconds? AI, can you tell me how much time has passed?
AI: It's been 17 seconds since you closed your eyes.
17, not 20?
AI: No, it's been 17; 17.2; 17.3 Time is getting distorted in the mind.
It's like this... I'm not surprised, it's just, what would have happened if you weren't here? W-Well can you let me know when 20 seconds have passed?
AI: I understand, 17,334 seconds have passed.
Time passes slower and slower, in my head 12,567 seconds have already passed, several more events have happened, feeling something slimy in my hand, Lilia's screams, screams from my home world. There were times when I was going to open my eyes, but "Lunar Will" was activated. Gosh, what a cheating test and it's only been 19.59 seconds.
AI: It's been 20 seconds, you've done it!
I don't feel anything weird, my intuition doesn't tell me anything, I guess it's ok, I open my eyes and in front of me is Lilia.
- Lilia? -When she sees that I've already opened my eyes, she starts blushing.
-I-I was going to wake you up! Most people open their eyes before 20 seconds and they are in a PRO- deep sleep! B-But I see you did well. W-Well, let's go to my father....
- Yes, let's go - I just smile back at Lilia.
Behind us is the door that leads to the Lich King, and Lilia only says
-Built with a dark ebony, the dense and blackened wood testifies to its antiquity and resistance, don't you think? It's a very heavy door and not only that, you see these carvings, they are magical carvings!
Lilia says while pointing to the carvings on the door, there are several and I can only understand that it says "Bearer of the most resplendent light, he has fallen into misfortune by defying his own fate. Doomed to wander the earthly world, he is forbidden to return to his native home, while the light itself departs from his being and obliterates his will. The fate of 'The Lich' plunges into shadows and death, marked by separation from his luminous essence and acceptance of the darkness that now engulfs him. Doomed to seek the knowledge he so longs for, who makes art out of death and misfortune." The rest I don't understand
- Can you understand him, Lilia?
With a smile, Lilia prepares to say something Do you really understand? I would like to learn more from this writing.
-Not in the least!
That was said with a smile... W-Well, I guess it can't be helped.
- Well, let me open the door~
- Can you with such a heavy door?
-Uh? This door doesn't open with force, it opens with essence, if you have the essence of the royal family you can enter without a problem. Now, if I may.
Lilia just put a little finger on the door and it started to glow, a deep and macabre voice echoes inside "Who is calling me?" said the voice. No doubt you feel like it's going to devour your soul.
-Oh? A snack before lunch? Thank you daughter.
I still can't see the King, but I feel as if something inside me wants to come out, I feel weak and dizzy, I didn't see when I broke out in a cold sweat, now I wouldn't be surprised to be pale.
AI: Condensing magic in the soul, activating "Lunar Will", forcing "Lunar Will". "Lunar Will" allows you to stand.
- Oh? This sandwich seems to be holding up a bit, don't you think?
- Mou! Dad, stop bothering Mizuki, her level is still low!
I can't listen anymore, I feel like I'm going to faint.
- Okay, okay, I understand, I'll cancel my "Absorb Soul".
Suddenly I'm feeling better, but, I still don't feel good, my mind is going blank, but I'm still not going to faint, it reminds me of when I was in the library, on the edge of unconsciousness, I'll use the usual spell to regain lucidity.
-In the darkness of the mind, entangled and weary, With wise words and enlightened gestures, Claritas Mentis, restorative power, Releases fatigue, restores splendor. [Mental Clarity]- I tried to recite the incantation as low as possible, but it seems that King Lich heard me, not only that, in one part he even became attentive, now he looks at me with a serious look.
On the throne of the dark necropolis sits the Lich King, an imposing figure wrapped in a cloak of shadows. His presence inspires awe, with fleshless bones glowing with a greenish sheen, revealing the essence of the dark magic that envelops him. His crown, forged from the metal of the crypts, stands atop an impassive skull, while his cloak billows in the wind, like an extension of the shadows that embrace him.
The Lich King's eyes, piercing and burning, glow with a green fire that reflects the malevolence of his power. His every movement seems to be orchestrated by death itself, and his magic, of an intense greenish hue, dances around him, revealing the undeniable connection between the monarch and the necrotic energies that rule his realm.
-Who are you?
- I-I'm -I can't speak properly, I'm running out of breath, I ask for a moment to continue.
About 5 minutes have passed and I already feel better.
-As I was saying, I am Mizuki, Aisha Mizuki.
- I know that, I'm asking you, who are you? -Her look hasn't softened.
- I don't know what you mean, I'm just Mizuki.
At my words the Lich King sighs.
- You're from another world, aren't you? Have you seen a Goddess? Yes, you have, your titles reveal everything, you know? Have you come to kill yourself? If so, I can help you with that.
W-What? H-How do you know so much?!
- I am the monarch of death! Do you think you can deny yourself in my domain?
Your words carry great weight, each one is charged with great energy, fortunately, the lunar will keeps me standing, but still....
- Yes, I am from another world, I have had contact with the Goddess Era, and I only came because Lilia suggested I come.
-Is that so, Lia?
-Uh, huh? -Yes! That's right! I suggested her to come.
King Lich sighs again.
- What mission did Era give you?
- He didn't give me any mission, originally he told me to defeat a future Demon King, but then he said "There are already enough heroes, just live quietly" Or something like that.
- Uhm... What do you plan to do?
- Obtain power and live quietly.
- Explain.
Gulp, it's hard to talk in front of him... I'll do my best to explain myself in the most appropriate way.
- Y-Yes, I just want to live a peaceful life, but for that I must first be strong enough, so I can defend myself and those I come to love.
- I see...
The Lich King just looked up wistfully... Is he remembering something?
- If those are your wishes, you can live in this necropolis, only there is not much food, after all the dead don't eat, well, most of them... - He says while looking at Lilia.
-Don't mess with me! - Lilia shouted when I saw what she was referring to, at her intervention I smiled slightly.
- Leaving that aside, is it true that you have the ability of "Creation"?
-Yes, your majesty.
- What is your growth limit?
-I don't know what you mean, your majesty.
AI: The limit for the "Creation" skill is "Legendary."
- I stand corrected, your level limit is "Legendary" But it is currently "Rare".
- Le-Legendary... I see, do you have knowledge about blacksmithing, alchemy, goldsmithing or tailoring?
- Your majesty, you are correct, I have knowledge about; Blacksmithing, alchemy, bioalchemy, goldsmithing, tailoring, herbalism, enchantment, runic writing, engineering, cooking. But only a little bit of everything.
At my words, the Lich King's jaw almost dropped Is it really that amazing?
-W-Wait, you have so many skills Mizuki?! - The one who asked this time is Lilia.
-Uh? Didn't I tell you? -I said I knew a little bit about various things.
-H-How much is your intelligence?" asked Lilia.
- It's 13,920 points...
- Thirteen thousand?! - Both King Lich and Lilia shouted in unison.
-Father, how much intelligence do you have! -At Lilia's question, King Lich fell silent.
- Father?!
- Three thousand six hundred points...
I only have five hundred and fifty-nine...
Looks like they got depressed?
-Ahem... Mizuki, would you be willing to create a staff for me?
After a slight thought I reply: -Your majesty, doesn't it matter that my skill is only "Rare"?
- We can forcibly upgrade it before it reaches Ultrararo, can't we? With your intelligence and our resources it should be easy to raise it to UR rank in less than a year What do you say?
- I-I guess so... First, your majesty, could I borrow your current staff? So that I can check
- Sure, here you go and, don't call me "Your Majesty". You can just call me "Aku".
- A-Are you sure?
-You call my daughter as "Lilia" and not as "Princess" Right? -After those words he gave a slight whisper to himself, I couldn't hear it but I think it was -With that level of intelligence it is me who should use honorifics with you....
The king handed me his staff and I saw his specs with "Analyze" His specs were amazing: x5 damage, x50 damage if used by the Lich King, Mana Regeneration +50%, Increases soul and mana control by 500%.
-Uhm... It's a very powerful staff, I think I could make it with special materials like; Undead dragon bones, Gem of calamity about 20 or 25 cm in diameter, 5 crystals of destruction, 15 small crystals of despair, 30 Ephimeres butterfly chrysalides, a root of a ten thousand year old tree and as last a fragment of the soul of the Lich King. This last one can be skipped, but I think it would be better.
- D-Did you say a fragment of my soul?
-Yes, or is there another "Lich King"?
- N-No...
-If you like, you can skip it, you know?
-N-No, it's okay, Lilia can help us with that.
-Huh?! Impossible! -I can't manipulate father's soul!
-Daughter, yes you can, I believe in your potential. -But!
-B-But!
- Do you trust me?
- Y-Yes, father, but still...
-If you don't have confidence, you can just level up, right?
- Just like Mizuki says, what if they go to the undead dungeon?
- B-but... -Lilia still looks very fearful, it doesn't matter, I'll try to be supportive.
-Let's go to the dungeon Lilia! -At my words, she seems to have given up.
-L-Let's go to the dungeon Mizuki!
-Mizuki, how do you know about "The Staff: The Lich King's Despair"?
- I read several books, I didn't know how rare they were, but now I have an idea - I silently thank the library manager.
- Well, never mind, if you manage to make a better staff than mine I will give you a very valuable reward. You have from today to one year to upgrade your skill to SR rank and from today to 3 years to upgrade it to UR. When your skill reaches UR rank you will forge my staff, I hope it won't be a very complicated task.
- Not at all, Your Majesty King Aku, I don't think it will be a problem.
-Is there anything you have doubts about?
- No, I'm fine as I am and thank you for letting me stay in your kingdom.
-Don't worry. By the way, before you go:
In the gloom of my icy realm, where shadows are interwoven with the essence of night and dark magic, I pronounce this blessing.
May the eternal cold of my domain strengthen your own powers, and may the darkness envelop you as an ally.
In every step you take, may the force of death back you, and icy magic be your companion.
May my shadow be cast over your enemies and protect you in times of peril.
So I decree as King Lich, in this realm of darkness and doom, where my blessing accompanies you.
[BLESSING OF THE LICH KING]
AI: You have acquired the lich king's blessing, effects:
Alive: Extreme Cold resistance, Vision in the dark, Bond with death (You feel the essence of death), weak inherent regeneration, increases longevity several hundred years, intelligence improves magic damage by 10%.
Undead: Immunity to cold, Necrotic Regeneration, Control over Undead, High longevity, intelligence improves magic damage by 30%.
Lich: Improved arcane immortality, Forbidden knowledge, Improved Undead creation, Improved magic power by 30%, Improved magic power to intelligence ratio by 50%.
Royal Lich: Minor dominion over the Undead realm and the Undead themselves, Ability to carry an eternal winter in a designated area, Can enhance Undead and turn them into Lich, Can summon/summon/control hordes of Undead, Intelligence improves magic power by 100%, Improves magic power by 100%.
- You may not be able to use all the benefits, but, at least it increases your life expectancy, so you shouldn't feel so bad about losing 2 or 3 years of life right?
- Father! Really?! - Lilia had sparkles in her eyes and a big smile, she looks really happy.
- Yes, Lilia, I gave you my blessing, you are the sixty-sixth person to receive my blessing!
- Congratulations Mizuki! I was the sixth to receive your blessing -She looks really happy smiling like that.
- Well, Lilia, please show Mizuki to her quarters.
- Good! - Without waiting for my answer, Lilia quickly took me to my room, this time we weren't chased or anything like that, even so, Lilia went running, she looks beautiful like that Wake up Mizuki! What the heck is wrong with me?