Finding a Body (The Dark Herbalist Book #4) LitRPG series Read online

  But no matter, I’d figure that out as things developed. I stood up and, with another glance in the mirror, took a critical look at my gaunt pale face, unshaven, disheveled and boyish. What a nasty scruff I had after ten days... I’d need to ask for an electric razor and some shaving cream. Maybe it was also worth asking for a tanning booth, given I’d be stuck inside for the next few days. With these completely mundane thoughts in mind, I headed into the virtual reality capsule, getting undressed as I walked and carelessly throwing my clothes around the room. So then, loading!

  Name

  Amra

  Race

  Goblin Vampire

  Class

  Herbalist

  Experience

  2175088 of 2280000

  Character level

  65

  Hit points

  6351/6351

  Endurance points

  5323/5323

  Statistics

  Strength (S)

  267 (1067)

  Agility (A)

  260 (551.8)

  Intelligence (I)

  5 (33.5)

  Constitution (C)

  269 (1058.1)

  Perception (P)

  3 (110.2)

  Charisma (Ch)

  137 (167)

  Unused points

  0

  Primary skills (7 of 7 chosen)

  Herbalism (P A)

  52

  ATTENTION! Second specialization not chosen

  Trading (Ch I)

  30

  Alchemy (I A)

  42

  Dodging (A P)

  36

  Stealth (A C)

  45

  Exotic Weapons (A P)

  25 + 18

  ATTENTION! First specialization not chosen

  Riding (A C)

  33

  Secondary skills (7 of 7 chosen)

  Veil

  22

  ATTENTION! First specialization not chosen

  Acrobatics

  26

  ATTENTION! First specialization not chosen

  Athletics

  33

  Foreman

  66

  ATTENTION! Second specialization not chosen

  Animal Control

  59

  ATTENTION! Second specialization not chosen

  Warchief

  18

  Diplomat

  19

  Now here was a character to be reckoned with. He was stronger and more resilient than his modest level of sixty-five might suggest. That was even true despite the fact his Strength and Constitution were artificially beefed up by the five objects of Fenrir’s Cursed Regalia. One thousand two hundred units of armor, plus fifty-percent resistance to physical damage, regeneration of two hitpoints a second, and he would heal back seventeen percent of damage dealt in close combat (and sixty-seven percent with Vampire Bite). That all filled out the picture of my character, who would be hard to kill even for a character fifty levels higher. What could I say? For someone expecting high-level and hostile guests from all over Boundless Realm , the ability to take hits and stay alive was really very necessary.

  Still, I had soberly considered my situation and understood that I had no way of withstanding truly high-level players. Any character leveled for PvP and at the TOP of their alliance would crush my Goblin Herbalist without even noticing. So my number one mission for the near term was to avoid encounters with such enemies while my big-eared little Goblin grew stronger and became a true Dark Sovereign. Then one day, my heavy footsteps would make the whole of Boundless Realm shake.

  I didn’t fiddle with the specializations right away, leaving it for later and hurried into the game. So then, loading. I reappeared right where I was thrown out fifteen minutes earlier — in front of the open doors to my huge spooky castle. My sister was standing a step away with the Ogre Fortifier and Shaman Ghuu next to her.

  “Big-ears, what hole did you just skitter down? We really need you here!” Valerianna Quickfoot threw herself on me with reproaches. “Your army nearly went ape-shit when you disappeared before entering the castle and finishing your swearing-in!”

  “I got suspended without warning,” I answered with complete honestly, not delving into the details. “But thankfully we sorted things out quickly, and now I’m back.”

  “And perfect timing! I was already starting to worry the giants and rougarou would attack and sweep us away. I even started lining up our orcs with shields and crossbowmen behind even though I knew it would be pointless. But then everything settled down and the warriors near the castle started to change alignment to allied.”

  I looked at the even rows of undead standing before the fortress. They were ghastly and unsettling creatures, as were the innumerable clans of rougarou, minotaurs, titans and other dangerous beasts. What a terrifying sight! I still couldn’t get used to the thought that this was now my army. Well then, no use wasting time. I had to officially declare myself Dark Sovereign, the terror of all Boundless Realm ! I took a decisive step toward the huge iron-banded gates.

  And nearly went deaf from the boom that followed! Seemingly, even the mountains on the very horizon were shaken by the unbearably loud and omnidirectional sound. At the same time, some bright crimson text popped up before my eyes and began blinking:

  ATTENTION!!! There is now a new power in Boundless Realm ! The Dark Sovereign, standard-bearer for innumerable hordes of terrifying bloodthirsty monsters, threatens the safety of the Southern Continent. The provinces of Tori, Lars and Amathy are at risk of invasion! Fearless players, now is the time to reach for your weapons and defend everything you hold dear in Boundless Realm !

  I imagined a similar message was seen by every player in the game regardless of race, class or location. As soon as the identity and location of this Dark Sovereign leaked, I would be guaranteed attention from all combat clans known to enjoy such big events. And not just that! Instead of a ghastly, practically invulnerable monster, this Dark Sovereign was some little Goblin. And his level... it sounded funny just to say... was a paltry sixty-five! And that was at the fact that I had recently seen an official message from the company claiming the average Boundless Realm player’s level was sixty-eight!

  By the way, why hadn’t I gotten some experience for such a unique achievement? At least a million exp., if not two, which seemed fairer for the unique and difficult mission. My Amra desperately needed to reach a higher level, but I hadn’t gotten a thing for reaching the Upper Styx, nor for taking the vacant position of the leader of universal evil. And my direct superior Max Tohner had once promised a rare reward if I was first to reach these unwelcoming climes. Now was just the time to remind my boss of that promise... although for now I had no idea how to reach him. I mean, my cellphone had been taken from me in the real world and all means of communication were blocked. My thinking was interrupted by my sister’s voice:

  “So big-ears, why is someone else deciding which provinces the Dark Sovereign might attack?” The mavka asked an utterly logical question, but I just shrugged because I didn’t even have the slightest idea how to control my army.

  Beyond the tall gates, there was a very long corridor that led inside the gloomy castle. There were branching halls going left and right, but they all ended in locked doors. On our way we also found spiral staircases that went into the dark depths of the dungeon. There were no windows here nor lamps or any other sources of light. I even had to activate Night Vision just so I wouldn’t run into the walls of my new home. Fortunately, the wood nymph soon activated a magical torch and things got easier.

  “It’s a bit dark in here. And empty. No pictures on the walls, no sculptures, no suits of armor,” Shrekson Bastard said with a sour smirk on his face, looking down the monotonous, identical passages. “This isn’t how I imagined medieval castles at all.”

  “Yeah, the interior will definitely have to be changed,” I agreed, looking skeptically at the cold bare stone walls and the damp somewhat moldy floor. “S
ome torches wouldn’t hurt, in dark corridors at the very least. And we should hang decent hundred-candle chandeliers in the rooms. We’ll have to look on the Boundless Realm forum to see how that’s done. There must be a detailed guide on how to furnish a castle in the game.”

  “Don’t fill your head with that crap, Tim! You’ve got thousands of underlings to keep busy now. If you don’t want them squabbling, have them get their lord’s castle in order. By the way, it looks like we’ve arrived...”

  As she said, the corridor before us had come to an end with a set of tall doors made of time-darkened bronze. Unlike all the doors we’d seen before, this one was unlocked. With a high-pitched squeal, the heavy doors gave to my push, and we entered the massive throne room. It was empty and damp here too, but there was at least a source of light. Next to the truly cyclopean black throne, which looked to have been made for some kind of titan, there was a glowing smooth crystal ball three feet in diameter on a massive bronze tripod. All three of us walked up closer, entranced by the unique item.

  Eye of the Dark Sovereign (subject control tool)

  On the surface of the magical ball I could see the square before my palace. And on it I could see the rows of minotaurs, rougarou and other monsters standing in formation. But the lines of soldiers were no longer flawlessly even. The savage creatures were tired of standing at attention and had started wandering. Some of them had even set their weapons down and taken a seat on the cobblestones. The commanders were still trying to maintain discipline in the wild warband, but it was getting harder all the time.

  I had a bird’s eye view, so all my underlings looked small. But then with a flick of my finger, as if dragging an image on a tablet, I tried to zoom in and even shuddered when it worked. Suddenly, I had the faceless decayed stare of a rotting zombie practically at an arm’s length in the crystal ball.

  I quickly flicked the disgusting picture away, and saw Princess Chai-nee Shu surrounded by rougarou. The last member of the ruling family of the Clan of the While Lily was bowing and, carefully holding a wooden water bucket in her clawed hands, giving water to Regent Uvari-Dor-Shu as he lay on the stretcher, still in recovery. Our uncompromising duel had come at a great cost to the Rougarou Druid, and the wounds made by my lupine fangs and claws were taking a very long time to heal. I could see fresh scars on the druid’s body as well, just barely healed. His bones were broken in many places, and had not healed yet either, so the Regent also couldn’t walk.

  I wondered if I could use the ball to talk with my subjects. I cautiously touched the image of the furry Princess and said:

  “Chai-nee Shu, I need you in the castle now!”

  The big-eared girl, who looked like a loyal pet dog, shuddered in surprise and tossed the carved wooden bucket aside, splashing both the crippled druid and everyone around. I also saw the rougarou and other soldiers sitting on the stones give a sharp jump and hurry to get back in formation. Seemingly, I had underestimated the volume of my voice, and the Dark Sovereign’s command had been heard not only by Chai-nee Shu, but all the other warriors on the square around her. No biggie, what mattered was that they heard me. I could use the Eye of the Dark Sovereign to talk with my subjects!

  “Chai-nee, order the Clan of the White Lily to take Uvari-Dor-Shu on the stretcher up into the throne room. I need my advisor in my castle right away. And also bring the Orc Shaman Ghuu and my First Mate Ziabash Hardy! And call the Naiad Trader Max Sochnier too! Also grab a few torches on your way. It’s as dark as the inside of a mountain troll’s ass in here!”

  Foreman skill increased to level sixty-seven!

  The Rougarou in the crystal ball started scurrying around, hurriedly carrying out their Sovereign’s order. I then zoomed out, as if taking off vertically so I could see my holdings from the highest possible vantage point. But I had two disappointments waiting on that front. First, the map was almost totally black. Other than a narrow zig-zagging line marking our path to the castle over hills and mountain passes, all the territory was still unexplored. Clearly, before I could see anything in my magical crystal ball, I would have to explore the area to have it drawn on my map. Second, when I tried to look through the Eye to see land I had already explored, I stumbled on the impenetrable cloud cover constantly enshrouding my lands. In order to see anything in the magic ball, I had to go right down to ground level, which was not convenient and didn’t give me a complete picture.

  I was distracted from continuing the experiment by the derisive voice of Valerianna Quickfoot:

  “Hey Tim, when you finish playing with your ball, walk over to the throne. There’s plenty to see up there, too!”

  I left the crystal ball and walked over to the huge throne, which had innumerable skulls intricately carved into its ebony-colored column legs. And those skulls were not just human. I saw all kinds of unbelievable races and animals. There were hundreds of skeletons making faces at me, eyeless but still with their tusks, teeth or fangs. It was hard to look away from the ghastly skulls. It really seemed like they were also staring back at me. What could I say? It had me shaking...

  To see the whole cyclopean armchair, I had to tilt my head all the way back because my Mask of Fenrir helmet was cursed, so I couldn’t get it off my head. The dark carved legs were around twice as tall as my little Goblin Herbalist, after which they transitioned into a snake-skin seat. Though it may have actually been dragon skin. Above that was the carved back of the throne, again adorned with innumerable skulls going all the way to the ceiling. Hrm... Seemingly my little goblin would need quite the stepping stool to be able to reach his throne for official receptions. Well, I’d be fine as long as my subjects didn’t see that comical display and laugh at their ruler climbing up his immense throne...

  Successful check for Poison Resistance!

  I tried to reach out to one of the carved skulls on the leg, which was made of some strange dark wood but, after that message, I jerked my hand away in fear.

  “Yes, that is antiaris, the wood of death,” Valerianna Quickfoot commented, using her high Intelligence to identify the material. “Antiaris wood has excellent magical properties but unfortunately any objects made of it will always remain deadly to the touch. Just tapping it with one finger would kill me. But it probably won’t kill you... Amra, what’s your resistance to poison like these days?”

  I didn’t even have to open my stats window, I already remembered I had eighty-percent resistance to poison due to my vampiric nature.

  “One touch won’t kill you, though it may hurt sometimes, maybe even badly,” my sister said, shaking her head, walking a circle around the huge throne and looking curiously at the strange, dangerous piece of furniture. “Well big-ears, you’re gonna have to raise your resistance to poison either with amulets and rings or by downing the odd healing potion when you need to saddle the throne.”

  I glanced fearfully at the toxic wood and asked the wood nymph why I even had to clamber up on the throne, especially given how uncomfortable and dangerous it was. The mavka stared at me, batting her eyes in surprise, then reacted:

  “Oh yeah, I’m always forgetting that your Goblin Herbalist has the Intelligence of a bump on a log. So that’s why you gave orders to your subjects through Chai-nee Shu, even though everyone on the square could hear your voice. And now, that’s why you cannot read the properties of the magical throne, but they’re actually quite interesting.”

  I just smiled, not even thinking of getting mad at my little sister’s good-natured teasing, especially given it was well deserved. Valeria then explained that the Throne of the Dark Sovereign was a powerful artifact that generated Direct Intervention Points. Those were an extremely rare and valuable resource in Boundless Realm available only to creatures at demigod level or higher, which could be spent to work wonders but only by the ruler and only while seated on the throne.

  “Something like mana for spells?” I asked, trying to find an analogue. But Valerianna shook her head:

  “No, totally different. Mana allows conj
urers to cast a strictly limited number of spells dependent on class, level and class. No matter how much mana they have, no wizard can do things that are not allowed by their class and skills. But Direct Intervention Points allow a very powerful being to remake the world to suit their needs without any spells. In a hot desert you could bring a spring of fresh water to the surface, change the weather, instantly move around Boundless Realm , whatever you like. And the more points you have, the more significantly you can alter reality.”

  “You know I’ve never heard of this even though I’ve read a bunch of guides,” the Ogre Fortifier threw out, not hiding his skepticism. And the Wood Nymph was eager to explain:

  “Leon, you’ve probably heard of it but until recently they were called Faith Points. This is the same resource generated at altars in temples to allow their titular deity to exercise its will. You see, in the real world the Boundless Realm Corporation got into a conflict because the term ‘Faith Points’ upset religious people who believe faith is an abstract concept that cannot be quantified. So to avoid a legal battle, a few patches ago, the name was changed to Direct Intervention Points.”