Hey guys 😀I'm loving the support for this story and it's been a lot of hard work of not only getting the characters right, but piecing together the lore for this chapter. Honestly its why it takes me so long to write the chapters. On the bright side I'm finishing chapter 7-8 as we speak and got the outline finished for chapter 9. The goal is to be ten chapters ahead in case something happens like my laptop breaks i lose my job etc. If you guys have powers or stuff you want to see make sure to comment 😀 Also next week will be the chapter 2 rewrite but if we got like idk 10-20 power stones ill drop chapter 5 too 😀
Regular text
Venom talking
(Thoughts)
[Health Bar]
[System talking]
ON TO THE CHAPTER
Tarnished POV.
For two weeks, Limegrave had become my very own hunting zone. Every cave, every crevice near the old run-down Church of Marika was my hunting ground. Everything was systematically cleared, repurposed into a training test. I used every opportunity to gain strength and level up the skills I had. The memory of our first camp, the deaths of those two soldiers… it still festered. It hunted me daily knowing I was too complacent.
Ash, the only remains left at the Site of Grace had denied them even a semblance of a proper burial. To me I see a Site of Grace, a place of safety. To others it's just a normal bonfire. The day after the fight, I gathered up the ashes and spread them amongst the wind. I didn't know them well but that was the closest I could give towards freedom.
Nicole's fury had been more subdued, more enraged by my solo confrontation with the Tree Sentinel than the loss of our allies. Which is understandable if I died, she would be forced back into the system. Her dressing-down had been brutal, and entirely deserved. At the end she still understood how I felt and helped me train. Her combat skills are remarkable. It makes sense why I couldn't read her full stats.
This world was a brutal teaching, forcing me to learn the grim art of taking a life. Those soldiers had trusted me, and I'd failed them. Their deaths were a constant weight on my mind, every excuse a pathetic attempt to mask the truth: I'd been weak. Weak in mind, body, and spirit. I'd let them die. No funerals, no last rites, just the stark, echoing absence.
Gwenten and Arwent didn't blame me, but the guilt gnawed relentlessly. So, I channeled my energy into the only thing I could control: securing the area around the church, systematically dismantling every Godrick patrol and camp we encountered. The shattered walls of the church became our fortress, my clones a constant vigil, a fragile shield against the night.
The nights had been relatively quiet since we'd purged the majority of Godrick's forces and the Demi-humans from the area. We'd also discovered a peculiar aspect of my abilities: near a battle, death seemed… permanent. No respawns. It felt as if I was absorbing their souls, fueling my own growth. Like those Dragonborn legends I vaguely remembered.
The stronger the enemy, the greater the reward, translating into enhanced skills and abilities. I could disable this "soul absorption," making future allies immune, but for now… Godrick's soldiers would continue to fuel my skills.
Staring death in the face, yet again, had only solidified my resolve. It wasn't just about getting stronger; it was a desperate need for answers. Why were the Tarnished hunted? What was the purpose of this cursed existence? These were questions I asked everyone we came across. Once answered I hope it'll tell me why I got summoned to this world.
Each fallen enemy was met with the same questions: Why were they hunting us? Who gave the orders? The answers were always the same: ignorance or indifference. Two weeks of relentless hunting yielded nothing but more death, more questions.
Now, as Nicole and I marched towards the Godrick outpost at the Gatefront Ruins, the frustration simmered. The outpost was too close to our church, a festering sore that needed to be excised. Gwenten and Arwent remained behind, guarding the three merchants we'd encountered – one within the church itself, a surprisingly affable fellow, and two we found near the beach cave.
The three caves in the starting area hadn't posed much of a challenge, especially with Venom's… contributions. The beach cave, swarming with Godrick troops and those mangy Demi-humans, had been the toughest. Clearing them all triggered a quest complete.
[Clearing the Beginning Area][Completed]
[Reward- Double XP Gained From The Caves]
A paltry reward of double XP. No gacha spins. Not that I minded. I felt a significant power boost since Venom had… joined me. Though I don't use Venom to his full potential.
"You got that right, partner. We are a force of nature!" Venom's voice boomed in my mind, dripping with smug satisfaction.
I sighed, ignoring him as we continued. I was now wearing the self-repairing outfit from the gacha spin. The loose fit was perfect for combat, especially with my reliance on dodging. The hood was a nice touch, too.
(System, open my stats.)
The familiar screen materialized:
[Name- Tarnished/?]
[Title - Heir of Wukong]
[Race - Human/Tarnished]
[Level - 10]
[xp - 100/3000]
[Health - 600]
[Stamina - 600]
[Magicka - 450]
50 points per stat per skill point, plus two extra stat points and two skill points per level. 20 of each since hitting level 10.
[Skills]
[Regeneration - 10/100 (4 Skill Points: +health, stamina, magicka, regenerate 2.5/s in battle, 5/s out)]
[Spider Sense - 20/100 (4 Skill Points: sense bloodlust, 40% less stamina cost for dodging)] [Unarmed Combat - 20/100 (2 Skill Points: double damage without weapons)]
[Rika - 30/100 (3 Skill Points: 10% less magicka for healing, 20% less for barriers)] [Duplication - 5/100 (1 Skill Point: one clone with ¼ stats, 200 magicka cost)]
[Quirk: Explosion - 5/100 (1 Skill Point: 5% less magicka cost)]
Skill Points left: 5.
My regeneration was higher than the stats showed, thanks to Venom's passive boost. I still didn't fully trust him, refusing to let him manifest beyond my gloves. The passive boost was enough to negate his weakness for now. I hoped leveling up would eventually nullify it completely.
I'd also come to terms with my Explosion quirk, recognizing its raw power. My biggest frustration was the lack of Wukong templates for Duplication and Regeneration. Without them, I had no reference for their progression.
I also forgot to mention I finally switched to my new outfit, and it's really nice honestly. It had a hooded top, a shade of deep navy that bordered on black, billowed slightly with each step. The short, wide sleeves reveal a glimpse of a white tee beneath. Streaks of pale blue and white like brushstrokes, decorated the shoulders and sleeves of the hoodie, hinting at a modern sensibility.
Dark, loose-fitting pants gathered at my ankles, leading the eye to the bold, angular lines of the sneakers. The shoes were a study in contrasts – light grey and dark navy accented with lighter blue details, the chunky sole adding a sense of groundedness. The outfit spoke of comfort and quiet confidence, a style both effortless and considered. [Pic on web novel]
With the recap complete, we could get to the point. We were here to cripple Godrick's forces before venturing to the Weeping Peninsula and taking Castle Morne.
[Main Mission - Defeat Godrick and his forces]
[Side Mission - Take Back Castle Morne]
[Side Mission - Find Out What Happened to the Tarnished]
Only three quests so far. Peculiar. I wondered if my thoughts could trigger more.
"So, kiddo, are we going in loud or quiet?" Nicole asked, breaking my train of thought.
"Loud. These guys are weak. Honestly I just want to hurry up and destroy this encampment.," I replied, impatience creeping into my voice.
Nicole nodded. In the distance, two guards stood by a Marika statue. I felt a strange connection to it, a faint echo of the sensation before my death at the Grafted Scion's hands. It's like a feeling I'm coming. Though as soon as I felt it the sensation left.
"Such an embarrassing death," Venom snickered. I didn't have a chance to reply when two guards marched in front of us. Smugness rolled off them in waves.
"Halt! You two travelers, turn back now!" the left guard shouted, his voice strained.
"This is our lord Godrick the Golden's land!", the right guard finished loudly, also straining his voice.
Nicole charged without a word.
"What the…" The guard on the left started, before Nicole's fist connected with his face, sending him flying.
The other guard didn't even have time to react. A spinning kick, and his head went flying off. Rolling past my feet as I casually walked past the statue. Ahead were broken down carts all stacked as if trophies. Two mangy dogs lunged, snapping at my legs. A pulse of explosive energy, and they were gone.
The sounds of combat erupted to my right. Nicole was already engaged. Many screams were heard as more men could be seen running to defeat her. I reached the center of the camp, where the commander paced, oblivious. To the chaos happening just a little ways away.
"Soldier of Godrick," I called, my voice cold. "I have some questions."
He spun, his face contorted with rage. He pulled a grotesque horn from his back and blew a deafening blast. Men came rushing from the carts to surround us.
"That noise… it hurts!" Venom whined.
"Tell me about it," I muttered, shaking my head.
"Partner, enough noise can hurt us. Be careful," Venom warned.
Before I could answer, an arrow whizzed past my ear. Archers. I didn't notice them being so focused on my headache from the noise.
"Haha! Stupid Tarnished! You SHOULD BE DEAD! Your survival is an insult!" the commander roared. "Men! Attack!"
Ten soldiers charged, their rusty armor clanging. Time seemed to slow. The soldiers' movements became sluggish. (So cliché, I thought. Did he really just say that?)
I dropped to the ground, dodging a sword that flashed where my head had been. I swept a leg, tripping the swordsman, springing to my feet. Venom's tendrils lashed out, webbing the fallen soldier to the ground.
"Show off," Venom grumbled.
(Oh, shut it.)
Two more soldiers attacked. I grabbed their sword arms, forcing their blades into each other. The crunch of bone and steel made me wince. An arrow flew by my side. I dodged, snagged the arrow with a web, and flung it back, embedding it in the archer's throat. Four down. Too easy.
"You cowards! Bring him down!" the commander screeched. He tried to rally his men, but they were terrified.
The remaining soldiers fell quickly. All dying in one blow, heads caved in. The commander turned to flee, but he didn't get far. I quickly shot a web at his back before pulling him back to me. Knocking him over before painfully dragging on the ground. Pulling on the web till he stopped near my feet, he shook in fear as I approached him.
"One question," I said, lifting him with one hand. "Why has everyone been hunting the Tarnished?"
"You and your kin have been a blight on the Golden Order!" he gasped. " We live in grace, compiled by it. Your kin being able to ignore it is something that shouldn't exist. We hunted others before just like you. Godrick, though not a part of the capital, hunts, and uses your kind for weapons! That's all I know!"
I crushed his neck. The snap did nothing to quell the questions. Even the soldiers in my camp hadn't known the reason. Just the same statement we were a blight. But how could we be. Yet they stayed following these orders. The weight of their deaths didn't affect me, which was worrying. Maybe the anger has gotten to me a little bit more than I'd like to think.
A golden hue appeared in my vision, an arrow pointing towards north. Ah, another Site of Grace appears. Finally, I walked towards the gate, Nicole appearing behind me.
Ruining her attempt at trying to scare me I called out "Good job, Nicole, "Another easy victory for us, eh?" offering a smile that I hoped hid the coldness creeping through me.
"You're no fun anymore. I used to be able to sneak up on you, but now you always know where I am," Nicole pouted, crossing her arms like a child. I shrugged, hiding a chuckle. The usual sarcastic retort died on my tongue. I wanted to smile, at least once today.
We reached the Site of Grace, a bonfire that, to anyone without my… sight would seem ordinary. We sat, the adrenaline fading, replaced by a wave of weary relaxation. Even a short battle took its toll. I needed a moment to center myself, to push back the questions swirling in my mind, the nagging feeling of being watched.
"Ye Tarnished, I have been following thee," a soft, feminine voice echoed from the air itself, melodic yet unnerving.
Nicole and I were on our feet instantly, weapons drawn. My senses detected no physical presence, yet the feeling of being observed was overwhelming. I didn't lower my guard. The fallen soldiers were a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in this world.
"Tarnished, I come in peace. I have watched thee since thy arrival in Limgrave," the voice sighed, tinged with sorrow, or perhaps simply impatience.
"Right. Just another normal day, being stalked by a disembodied voice. I already have one voice in my head, and he's creepy enough," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
"Rude, partner. Very rude," Venom whined, sounding petulant.
(I should have just fought. But curiosity got the better of me.), I thought to myself ignoring Venom.
I Casually sat back down. Though Nicole remained vigilant, her weapon ready, a testament to her loyalty. A young woman in a black robe materialized before us. She lowered her hood, revealing a face in her mid-twenties, with faded red hair, both beautiful and marked by hardship. One eye was closed, and an intricate, almost floral tattoo adorned her eyelid.
"Traveler from beyond the Fog, I am Melina," she introduced herself, her voice soft yet resonant. "I offer thee an accord."
"Partner, something's off," Venom murmured, his tone serious. "She smells of fire and death. Be wary."
(She's hiding something, Venom. I can feel it. Trusting her completely would be a mistake.) I replied telepathically.
"Have ye heard of the Finger Maidens? They serve the Two Fingers, offering guidance and aid to the Tarnished. Thou art maidenless. I can play the role of maiden," Melina declared, her closed eye doing nothing to diminish the intensity of her gaze.
"Isn't that ironic? How do you know I'm maidenless?" I asked skeptically, crossing my arms.
"Every Tarnished is accompanied by a Finger Maiden, just as thou art accompanied by ye cat companion," Melina replied, her gaze unwavering. I glanced at Nicole who now had a frown on her face.
"I see, so what's the need of a finger maiden?", I questioned.
"A Finger Maiden follows a Tarnished, strengthening them in exchange for protection. They are sent by the Two Fingers to unite the Tarnished under the Golden Order." She spoke as if reciting a memorized script.
"Uh-huh. So, you just happened to be following me, and decided to offer your services? Seems a little suspicious," I said, raising an eyebrow. "Especially after I just killed all those who wanted me dead."
"Tarnished, all in the Lands Between know of thee. The first Tarnished in two centuries. Thou survived the Grafted Scion and slew a Tree Sentinel," Melina stated.
How does she know all this? A chill ran down my spine. That feeling of being watched growing stronger. Maybe I'm just paranoid but I feel I'm being controlled by something. Like all of this is part of a script.
"Interesting. Partner, you've already got people gunning for you. A record, even for one of my hosts," Venom remarked dryly.
Ignoring Venom, I asked, "What happened to the Tarnished? Why are we hunted?"
Melina's gaze shifted, becoming distant. "The Tarnished… were a special class. Those who lost the grace of the Erdtree and were banished. They fought in the badlands. Upon death, they could return, but nothing ever came of it."
Was this the reason for the system? To give me a chance at becoming Elden Lord? The thought was repulsive. I just wanted to go home.
"After the Shattering, the demigods rose. The Two Fingers brought back the Tarnished to become Elden Lord. The Finger Maidens were to help, and ensure they stayed with the Two Fingers. But the Tarnished were eliminated out of fear of what they could become," Melina finished, her tone hardening.
[Side Mission - Find out what happened to the tarnished ½ complete]
"So, that's why I'm so hated," I sighed, rubbing my temples. Taking in the notification that went across my face.
"Tarnished, do we have an accord? Will thou take me to the foot of the Erdtree?" she asked, a hint of desperation in her voice.
"Sure," I said, trying to mask my suspicion.
"Then it is settled. Summon me by grace to turn runes into strength.", She stated before taking my hand.
[Fake Finger Maiden Found]
[Gacha fully unlocked]
[Error]
[Workaround Found]
[Partial World Travel Unlocked]
[Secret Mission - Complete Meet Melina]
[1 gacha spin acquired]
Not good, I thought, glancing at the system messages. Even the system knew she wasn't a real Finger Maiden. Makes me wonder if what's compelling me to find the answers to the tarnished is also why I feel so lost. Maybe it's leading me to find a finger maiden.
Melina began to stand up before speaking. Breaking me of my train of thought. "One more thing. I bequeath this ring to you . It will summon a spectral steed, named Torrent. He has chosen thee. Please treat him with respect," Melina said, dropping a ring into my hand. It hummed with a strong power. I went to ask something,but she vanished in a golden mist.
[Companion Awarded: Torrent]
[Secret Mission - Completed, gained Torrent]
[1 gacha spin acquired]
Huh, neat I guess. I put the ring on my finger, not summoning him out. My companion slots were full and I don't want to get rid of Nicole or Venom.
"Nicole, head back to camp. I need to sort some things out," I said.
Nicole nodded and ran ahead. Moving so fast you'd think that she was teleporting. Now that I think about it, I wonder if she can teleport. Her powers don't make sense to me, I wonder if I gain strength will I be able to gain the ability to tell her strengths.
(System, how many gacha spins are left?)
[Spins left: 4]
(Please do Two spins.)
[Spins Left : 2]
[Spinning Gacha]
[Gacha finished]
[Magnet Release Acquired]
[Stand Arrow Acquired]
[Naruto Emergency Mission Acquired]
(Wait, what's an emergency mission?)
[With the Fake Finger Maiden, you can travel to other worlds. These missions grant extra XP and gacha spins.]
(Acquire Magnet Release and place the rest in my inventory.)
[Magnet Release Level 1: grants magnetic force, uses 5 Magicka/s]
"Partner! Something's changed! I sense more… like the metal around us," Venom exclaimed.
"I gained a powerful ability," I announced, flexing my hand, "the ability to generate a magnetic force. So it's time to level it up."
"Level it up? Partner, we're about to turn this place into a scrapyard!" Venom practically vibrated with excitement, its voice a low, rumbling purr in the back of my mind. "Let's see if you can make those crossbow twerps dance like puppets on strings!"
I chuckled, a grin spreading across my face. "Gladly." I sprang to my feet, feeling the energy thrum through me, and strode towards the gate. My senses flared, a warning bell clanging in my skull. Five heat signatures huddled behind makeshift barriers, the telltale glint of crossbows reflecting the dim light. No words needed. As I closed the distance, a hail of bolts sliced through the air.
"Incoming!" Venom hissed, the excitement shifting to a predatory focus.
Instead of dodging, I raised my hands, feeling the magnetic force gather around me. With a surge of will and a mental push, I caught the incoming projectiles mid-flight, metal screeching as they reversed their paths. The bolts, now weapons of my making, ripped back towards the soldiers, their screams cut short as they fell, dead.
"Well, that was...efficient. A bit anticlimactic, though," Venom drawled. "A little more pizzazz next time, would ya? Perhaps some dramatic flair? Maybe we could make them build a giant metal monument to us before we turn them into pincushions?"
I snorted, feeling the drain of 100 magicka. "Easy for you to say, you're not the one burning energy here. I need to level this up quickly."
[Magnet Release: 2 Level Ups]
"Oh, now we're talking! Level up, indeed. Let's see how much damage you can do with your new toy!" Venom urged, its hunger for destruction palpable.
I continued up the hill, the absence of any nearby threats a strange lull in the storm. Everyone was likely concentrated at the Gatefront Ruins. Another golden arrow, a frustratingly familiar guide, pointed me towards a dilapidated shack.
"Stormhill," Venom whispered, the name laced with anticipation. "On the road to Godrick's castle. We're getting closer to some real fun. But that camp does sound like a good place for a nap."
I nodded, feeling the pull of exhaustion. "Yeah, I need to return to camp." I approached the Site of Grace, feeling the familiar tingle of power. I activated it, a wave of peace washing over me, the image of a giant metal monument flashing through my mind. I'll be sure to suggest that next time to Venom.
"Alright, Venom, We need to head back. Nicole's waiting.", I told him.
"Nicole? Oh, yes, the little cat person. I suppose she's marginally less boring than those crossbow fodder you keep finding," Venom conceded
I ignored Venom's slightly offensive musings about my companion, turning away from the campfire. "Let's just get moving."