Chapter 35: Man vs Spy

Chapter 35: Man vs Spy

In the end, nobody purchased anything. Basil neither had the currency nor an item worth trading, at least for now. Even Walters potions and crafting recipes were too expensive for his meager funds.

Basil was happy with the trip all the same. Walter Tye was a dangerous man, but a knowledgeable one. He had given the team much to consider.

Can you tell me more about the Trimurti System? Basil asked.

I know little more than you. Walter shrugged. I can tell you this: your Earth is not the first world touched by the Trimurti System and three supreme deities administer it.

Ive guessed as much.

Its the deities part that matters, Walter pointed out. Most Systems are self-sufficient. They need no overseer to function. If three deities found it necessary to involve themselves in its day-to-day management, then there must be a reason. Perhaps they serve a function in it.

Shiva the Destroyer, if that was indeed he who shattered Elysium, embodied devastation. The other two members of the trinity, Brahma and Vishnu, represented creation and preservation respectively. If Shivas role was to destroy the world if summoned, what were the other two doing?

Basil had a gut feeling he was about to figure it all out. A little more digging and all the pieces would fall into place.

Have you met with members of the Apocalypse Force? Basil asked. Or the Unity? Metal Olympus?

I have vaguely heard of the first two, although Ive yet to encounter either of these groups, Walter replied with a frown. Metal Olympus is completely unknown to me. They must be native to your world, or perhaps they come from a corner of the multiverse Im unfamiliar with. I can ask my other clients if you wish.

That would be nice. Basil squinted at the shopkeeper. "Though I assume you wont do it for free.

As expected, Walter Tye asked for a favor in return for his services. Come back to me with computers and related technology. I pay handsomely for a job well-done, whether in gold or information. You will not regret it.

New Quest: Forever Serpents Errands IRecommended Level: 5.Walter Tye is digging down the internet rabbit hole. Bring him a high-quality, functioning laptop to enlighten him (Youporn and furry pictures optional).Reward: 1500 Bonus EXP.

Sure, Basil agreed to the offer. Abandoned laptops were easy to come by nowadays. Ill need a way to come back here, however.

Walter Tye snapped his fingers and a small crystal skull identical to Vasis appeared in the palm of his hand.

Take this, he said. It will teleport you and up to two other people into my shop.

Not more? Basil asked as he grabbed the skull. It felt strangely light and warm to the touch in his hand.

As far as customers go, I prefer quality over quantity.

It makes it harder for thieves to break in, Hagen commented. The skulls only work for the people theyre attuned to. So if a thief loots your corpse, they cant reach this place.

My, did you share these gifts with others? Vasi asked coyly. Im jealous.

Mayhaps, Walter replied evasively. A good shopkeeper never reveals their clients personal information. I take no sides.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Aka, he will sell weapons to our friends and enemies alike, Basil read between the lines. The Apocalypse Force, the Unity, Earths armies, theyre all customers to him. Nothing more.

Walter Tye smiled at Basil. His lips had a predatory edge to them. I often make friends with customers, but we are too early to reach that stage, Basil.

Will you give us a discount if we befriend you? Shellgirl asked.

Perhaps. Walter bade them farewell with a polite nod. Good luck on your journey. Especially you, Vasi. We will meet again.

He snapped his fingers and darkness swallowed Basils group once more. When it receded, they were back in his kitchen.

Your Stats and Perks returned to normal. Your Magic and Intelligence separated once again.

He is an interesting man, wouldnt you agree? Vasi noted.

A dangerous one, Basil corrected. Maybe the most dangerous Ive met yet.

So much to do. Shellgirl pointed a finger at Basil, as if daring him to take up a new challenge. Now thats Big Business, Partner! An exclusive shop pleasuring the highest net worths! Ive been trying a grassroots discount strategy, but clearly weve got to up our game!

Im not opening a shop in my backyard, Basil stated before facing Vasi. You said he helped you refine your Samhain ritual?

He did. Vasi put a hand on her waist. From her expression, she was about to ask for a favor. If your proposal still stands, I would require your assistance on that front.

Basil sighed. After she went to the trouble of organizing a meeting with Walter, he could hardly deny her. Go on.

My version of the ritual only requires specific items and Samhain. The right tools and the right time. Walters improved ritual, which will benefit me more in terms of power and experience, requires a right place too. Vasis smile strained a little. I need to cast it in an active dungeon.

Of course. Couldnt magic rituals have simple conditions? At least this one didnt need a human sacrifice or a volcanic eruption.

The two dungeons closest to us, the one in Seignosse and the Water Sanctuary in Lourdes, are both held by the Apocalypse Force, Basil pointed out. Infiltrating either is a risky proposal.

I know, Vasi replied, her expression darkening a little. Ill perfectly understand if you want to sit this one out.

Are you kidding? Shellgirl asked with a grin. We were planning to hit one of these two anyway!

Seignosses dungeon is on our radar, Basil explained. Megabugs fellow insects had probably reported his partys existence to their superior, which left only one solution to cover their tracks: the cement shoes checkout. And you heard Walter, destroying dungeons will delay the Incursions and benefit everyone in the long-term. We can attack Seignosse, clean up the place with your help, let you run your ritual, and then blow the place up afterward.

Looks like the stars align then. Vasi playfully put a finger on Basils chin. Consider yourself hired as my bodyguard, Basil. Ill make it worth your while

Basil gave her a blank, empty stare. If she was trying to fluster him, she needed to up her game.

Youre no fun to tease, Vasi complained. But Im patient. Ill break that poker face one day. I swear it.

Your assets are useless against me, woman, Basil boasted. The only red youll see on my face is goblin blood.

Dont tempt me. Vasi sat on the kitchen counter and crossed her legs. Basil had to admit she had mastered the femme fatale look. No wonder she drove paladins lovesick. Anyway, mind if I set up shop in your basement until Samhain? Itll be easier to coordinate an attack on the dungeon if I dont have to run back and forth to my house.

Sure, you can take one of the guest rooms upstairs. Neria Elissalde never complained about it. Up for fried velociraptor tonight? Kuikui doesnt mind eating his own kind.

Sure, Ill bring drinks and pastries for dessert.

Awesome! Shellgirl gave Vasi a high five. Well be the best roommates ever!

Its only temporary, Basil said. Vasis only crashing for a while.

The two women gave him a familiar glance; the very same Basils own university flatmate once used when he said one of his friends would sleep on the couch only a few days, until he finds a better place.

He ended up staying for two years.

As promised, Estrids elves helped the party carry Steamslimes shell to the house by twilight.

Rosemarine and Bugsy did the heavy lifting for the latter part. The mighty duo dragged the ruined snail-dragons former habitat with chains, like horses pulling a carriage. They brought down many trees, scratched the road along the way, and wrecked the fence.

In short, they had left a clear trail to the house.

In hindsight, this may not have been my brightest idea, Basil said with a groan. Steamslimes colossal, ravaged mechanical shell stood by the river and overshadowed his house. As it wasnt technically part of his Lair, the Stealthy feature didnt hide it from view.

Any flier will see it from miles away, Vasi said. The witch sat on a pile of luggage almost as tall as Basil himself. As for Shellgirl, she had gone to the orcs with monster parts to make into a Berserker outfit. Your secret base wont stay that way much longer.

Your world uses miles instead of kilometers? Basil asked with a sneer. If so, I pity it.

Miles sound classier than kilometers, Vasi shot back.

Its okay, Mister, Rosemarine said as she nested inside the shell. Since she was slightly smaller than Steamslime, she fit in just right. House Gardens party gathered around her like chicks flocking to a mother hen. I will protect you.

The queen has a castle! the vegetables sang. All hail the queens castle!

According to rumors Estrid cleared her throat. Above 90.

No wonder she and the Maleking had been rivals for years. Basil took solace in the fact she wouldnt break into Earth anytime soon as he inserted the gem into the holomachine.

The fog filling the mirrored screen cleared, revealing a holographic projection of a magnificent dragon; not a snail-like parody of one like Steamslime, but a true European dragon with four mighty legs and awe-inspiring translucent wings. The dragon was slim and refined, with scales of polished silver, shining sapphire eyes, and great white horns. Lightning seemed to course in her veins as if they were circuits and runic symbols burned on her wings. The beauty of the beast left Basil almost speechless.

The holomachines processing power surpassed even that of the Playstation 5. The image of the dragon was so lifelike, so detailed, that Basil briefly wondered if he was peering through a window. Estrid kept a hand on her sword, as if half expecting Wyrde to leap through the mirror and attack them for real.

The dragon did no such thing. Wyrde instead locked eyes with Basil as if she could see him, her maw of sharp fangs opening to whisper soft words.

I am Wyrde, Grandmaster of the Unity. The dragons voice was serene, feminine, and almost motherly. Basil would have attributed it to a smooth therapist rather than a world-conquering flying reptile. If you are a dragon, then you are the happy owner of a spell training and simulation program of my own devising. If you are not a dragon, you are violating Unity law and committing a grade-one thoughtcrime. Please report this holomachine to the nearest station and turn yourself in for reeducation therapy.

The pre-recorded speech drew Basil back to reality. No matter how lifelike the creature looked, it was only a program. One that sounded very much like a North Korea ad too.

Training program? Basil asked. Vasi leaned in to listen. Can you teach me magic?

The holographic dragon nodded sharply. This training program can guide you up to spellcasting Tier VI according to most Systems.

Tier VI? By now, Vasi leaned in so much on Basils shoulder that he could feel her breath on his neck. How interesting.

However, to ensure optimal progression, you must learn all the spells of a Tier before unlocking the next one, Wyrde pointed out.

The System confirmed her words to Basil.

Holomachine can serve as a magic tutor, allowing you to learn spells if you meet the right criteria.

Wyrde waved her clawed hand and a floating spreadsheet appeared in front of her. Here is the list of magical disciplines my program can teach you under the current System.

ThaumaturgyNecromancyPsychismChronomancyAstromancyArithmancyRitualismRunicPerformanceGeomancyShamanismWitchcraft

Vasis expression reminded Basil of a child in a candy store. Her eyes burned with greed and curiosity.

Basil, she said, ever so softly. You know you are my dearest fri

Yeah, you can use the machine to train. Basil dismissively waved a hand at the machine. I dont care.

You are such a sweet gentleman. Vasi lightly kissed him on the cheek. The gesture and the warmth of her lips startled Basil, and to his annoyance he felt a little more blood than usual rushing to his head. The witch smirked in triumph. Oh my, I finally left you flustered. Im disappointed that a mere light kiss was enough.

You took me by surprise, that is all, Basil replied with a grunt. "Can't you find a better hobby?

Not so long as you remain so amusing to tease.

You have unlocked: 0 spells, Wyrde said with noticeable distaste. You must work harder. Nothing less than excellence is befitting of a member of the dragon race.

Steamslime had clearly slacked off on his phenomenal cosmic power studies.

Why is Prayer missing from the list? Basil asked. The scene reminded him of his university days and fruitless attempts to get bored teachers to explain themselves.

Prayer is for minions, as is Diabolism, the digital tutor replied with disdain. A true dragon does not barter or submit for power. They are power.

Diabolism is fiend-related magic, Vasi explained. It usually involves forming demonic pacts for power.

Basil rolled his eyes. If the dragon spoke the truth, then the Trimurti System recognized at least fourteen schools of magic. Basil assumed the existence of a class for each, if not more.

Can you define the term minion? Apparently, the alien program could adapt to his questions, so Basil might as well fish for information about the Unity.

Minions are non-dragon races, the silver dragon explained with quiet arrogance. Minions are like children, nave and fragile. If left to their own devices, they hurt themselves and each other. They need us dragons to protect them, to teach them the right way to live. That is why we created the Unity. To unite the universe under our guidance and save the lesser races from themselves.

The casual racism and colonial rhetoric made Basil want to puke. Vasis cheerful expression turned into one of utter distaste, and Estrid herself looked about to choke.

This is who they are, the elf said. They look down on us.

These dragons are even more overbearing than my worlds, Vasi noted. I didnt think it was possible.

What if minions refuse dragon guidance? Basil asked rhetorically. What if they resist?

Minions do not have the emotional maturity to meaningfully talk back, Wyrde answered calmly. If they were sufficiently enlightened, they would understand that dragon rule is the hallmark of an advanced civilization. Certainly, some minion species are too barbaric to grasp this simple fact and we must use force to let them see the errors of their ways. That is heartbreaking. But whenever you harbor doubt about our mission, you must always remember...

The dragon put a hand on her reptilian chest.

This is an act of love.

She managed to say it with a straight face and a voice brimming with conviction.

He was a worm in the ground, smaller than a finger.

His two eyes were too primitive to distinguish colors. His mandibles could do little more than burrow in the ground. The dart at the end of his tail could barely inflict damage. He was weak even among weaklings, a pathetic example of a level 1 monster. Perhaps one day, if his hive killed enough prey, he would evolve into a stronger form.

But he was not the mouth of the swarm.

He was its eyes and ears.

I shall take my leave, Lord Bohen, the red-haired elf said as the human Bohen accompanied her to the limit of his domain. It was she who the worm had followed to this place, so far away from the nest. His orders were to watch and listen so the swarm could feast later. The elves were weak, and the weak were the food of the strong. Ive had my fill of dragons.

Thanks for your help, the human Bohen replied. If you ever want to settle in the Barthes

No, thank you. In fact, we will leave the region the next day. If your suspicions are correct and the Apocalypse Force took over the nearest dungeon, then we cant afford to stay. Normal monsters will fight us if we cross their path, but the Apocalypse Force will actively hunt us down.

She was right to be afraid. The swarm had taken over many dungeons on this planet, more than even the Unity. One day, so very soon, they would conquer them all and usher in the end of all things.

But the swarm cared nothing for elf weaklings. Not when a better prize had shown himself.

The worm hid in the dirt unseen, his eyes and smell hidden by fresh grass. The feline had almost detected him once, but he thought him no more a threat than the mindless frogs in the swamp. A mistake. For the worm was himself, but he was also the swarm.

And the swarm knew the human. It had watched through a murdered drones eyes as Basil Bohen blew his head off. The swarm understood what he was.

An enemy.

They wont be a threat for long, but suit yourself, the human Bohen said. Any way we can stay in touch? Do you have a radio?

Im afraid not. The elf smiled sadly. If we were part of a guild, we could communicate over long distances. Alas, this is not to be.

Alright. The human Bohen extended a hand. Good luck then.

Until our paths cross again. The elf shook the Bohens hand and left.

The worm did not follow her. He crawled stealthily after the human as the Bohen retreated back into his hive of stone and wood. As the worm watched, so did the swarm. A will stirred inside the hive mind, the terrible soul of the Horseman of Famine. The worm felt Lord Apollyons mental presence pierce through the boundary between worlds and fill his mind, whispering orders

And then claws plucked the worm from the ground.

Kuikui found pretty food! his captor said before offering the worm to a hungry hen. You must mate with Kuikui now!

The larva died screaming down a chickens gullet and the swarm cared nothing for it. He had fulfilled his purpose.

They knew where the Bohen lived.