Path of the Slayer B3 2. Rogues & Gains

“Am I in trouble? What did I do? Is it because I’m ugly? I’m not pretty like Weaver. Nobody is. But aren’t I pretty like the other girls? Aren’t I?” Grimmy asked with a scratchy, half-goblin chitter to her voice, obviously nervous even while following me.

“You will turn heads at the Auction House. But I need to pull you away for now.” I stopped at the doors to the more secluded meeting section and turned to everyone. “Good job at taking this seriously, squad. And thank you, tailors. We’ll ensure that we represent your wares very well.”

The tailors were hoping for me to tell the Dragon Princess about their services. That was the reason everything was free for us so far.

They cheered at my words, but it was clear they were more curious about Grimmy’s case.

It was unfortunate to separate Grimmy like this, but if the squad could last beyond the Auction House and the Diamond Castle Tournament, then the other eight juniors would get an explanation.

I opened the door for Grimmy, and the little half-gob girl scurried in. She was as young as she looked, only sixteen, but she’d been working her way up from the age of eight.

Half-gobs had to start earlier than most folks to beat their naturally shorter life expectancy. The only way to extend that was to become a high-enough Ranker or a Pathwalker.

Technically, she had more combat experience than me, even if the caliber was lacking.

“Why’s Grimmy here?” Merlin asked, green eyes narrowing.

Despite his discontent toward his background, the five-foot dwelf was still adorned in the style of Dragon Supremacy. Layers of red, yellow, and black robes covered his body, with a tight sash around the waist and wide open sleeves dangling from his arms.

His reddish hair was unbraided and left to fall to the small of his back. He even had round spectacles tinged red, and he had a fancy yellow smoking pipe with a serpentine dragon stylized on it.

Before I said anything, I felt for the wards and concealment spell with my senses. They were there, adding to our privacy.

“She’s talented.” I looked at Grimmy. “Start over and say it all.”

The half-gob looked at the three of us nervously and did what she was told.

[Grimmy, “It’s Okay If I’m Little,” Pathwalker

Path of the Little Fighter: Level 79

Path Magic: Path Energy (Epic), Path Sword (Epic), Steel Skin (Exquisite), Strike Wall (Exquisite), Path Body (Rare), Sword Step (Rare), Blade Sense (Uncommon).

Great Skills: Slashy Slasher Slash (Uncommon), Stabby Stabber Stab (Uncommon), Dodgy Tucker Roll (Uncommon).

Oath: I’LL FIGHT TILL MY LAST (Legendary).]

I blinked. Words failed me for a moment. Then I regained them without using any power.

“What’s the Oath?” I asked.

She explained honestly.

[I’LL FIGHT TILL MY LAST: Level 101 (Legendary): Hey there little green murderball cutie, you’ve got something special in you – a power that could’ve ended The Rumbling pronto. But first, you have to be on the verge of dying. Then you have to say your Epiphany and follow up by saying your Oath. Once you do, you’ll gain energy self-regeneration, increased power, and immense physicality based on how many enemies you face and/or based on how large they are. What’s the limit? That depends on how much your soul can endure.] [Cost: 0%]

Merlin’s jaw dropped, his pipe hitting the floor.

I barely kept my mouth shut. This was an incredible power. In the right scenario, she could murder an army of giant monsters by herself.

Would she be able to handle the Soul Damage afterward?

That was a question I couldn’t answer, only Grimmy could.

Thumper leaned away from the wall and walked up with a swagger I’d never seen from him. He wasn’t wearing his black hair over his face. He was out with his true regal appearance – long platinum blond hair, silver eyes, and highly royal facial features that were straight out of a fairy tale.

With his slim seven-foot build adorned in an all black suit, polished boots, and a wolf pelt around his shoulders, he looked like a wild fay prince stepping out of the shadows. The casualness of his hands being in his pockets added something to him that even had me straighten my posture.

It was like he exuded a natural force of authority that was his birthright. Such a force had Grimmy gawk up at him, gobsmacked.

“By most means, this squad is a bad idea,” Thumper said with more volume in his voice, more confidence. “I can see most of them dying, unfortunately, if we three and the Veterans cannot protect them from the worst attackers. But to find a talent like this out of the many on this challenge floor makes it another winning move of yours, Arden.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I said nothing. Merlin and Grimmy were the same.

Thumper nodded. “Yeah, she can stay. But … I’ll have to end you myself, Grimmy, if you betray us.”

Merlin caught my gaze.

I saw the question in his eyes.

Was this our Thumper?

Grimmy shivered. “Uh, um, I’m terrible with my Great Skills. And my Oath is useless. I’d never gotten it to work before! Maybe I should go back and wait with the others?”

Thumper studied the little half-gob and her one hundred fifty million tutu. Then he shrugged his wolf-draped shoulders and looked at me and Merlin.

“So … who’s interested in helping me murder a close connection to the First Heir before we leave the auction? Make a little chaos for the Gigantomachy, aye?” Thumper wore a cool smile on his face. “You don’t have to get your hands bloody unless you want to. But it’ll be appreciated.”

Nobody said anything for half a minute until a question came to my mind. “Are you not hiding your identity anymore?”

Thumper flashed me a wolfish smile that was both disturbing and fitting. “For now, yes, but not as much as before. You’ve convinced me, Arden, that it’s time I live up to my Epiphany more. Not always quiet. Not always from the behind. When the Perfect Rogue goes after my parents’ murderers, I want them to Watch Me.”

After Thumper’s Epiphany resonated around us, Merlin moaned. “Oh, System. You’re serious, aren’t you?”

Thumper’s smile became more wolfish. “Yeah. And sorry if I got to twist your arm here, but I haven’t gotten to satisfy my Path enough. Thankfully, the perfect opportunity has arrived. I recognized one of the auctioneers without them recognizing me.”

“I can’t deny you,” I grunted, a little shocked.

How could I?

Thumper had supported me in almost everything. From the very start, he had my back.

Was that because he was a friend who might become my brother one day? Or was that because he’d been calculating how to use me from the moment we met?

“Uhhh.” Grimmy looked up at all three of us with shaky eyes, completely in over her head. “Uhhh.”

Smoke and sparks slipped out of Merlin’s mouth. “Okay, look, the tragedy surrounding your family sounds fucked up, and I’m sorry. But is this the real you, Thumper?”

Merlin picked up his smoking pipe. “They always say you can never trust a rogue, but I figured you’ll be the exception, y’know? Just let me know now so I can shave my back and make it ready for when your royal highness stabs it.”

Thumper rolled his eyes. “Merlin, stop being dramatic. And that’s coming from me, who has to be dramatic when it’s time for it. Nothing’s changed other than showing a different side of my face. And … well … revealing a bit more about me.”

“I just have to confirm, man. Because, well, that reveal was way too heavy and sudden. You could’ve eased us into it, y’know? And Arden over here is having a crisis with how silent he is.”

“Yes, but no.” I shook my head, my gold-heavy dreadlocks swaying. Path Energy, cultivator gates, Slayer Intent, the weight of doom, and more flowed within and outside of me. “It makes sense. We started this because we all had goals.”

I turned to Merlin. “How much do you need to pay off your debt?”

“A little over one trillion, counting the interest.” Merlin sighed. “No … I’m lying. It’s really two trillion. Each semester at the Alpha Academy is considered an Uncommon Rank 7 sort of deal. But all we need is to complete one objective from the Royal Quest to clear it.”

I turned to Thumper. “You had nowhere to go because of what the Gigantomachy had done to your family, right? And there’s a lot more you haven’t told us, yet, because if they killed your parents and kept you alive, there has to be a reason for that.”

“There is more. And yes, I have nowhere to go.” Thumper’s smooth and royal expression fell. “Okay, yeah, I’m a rogue. I’m on the Path of the Perfect Rogue. I’m going to have as many faces and lies as needed. So, I’ll understand if you can’t trust me too much here on out. Hell, I wasn’t considering revenge until recently, but I gotta do it regardless.”

“Did I really inspire you?” I asked.

More of the usual Thumper appeared as he lowered his head and murmured. “Yeah, you did. You’re an inspiration to all of us, Arden.”

“What he said,” Merlin muttered.

“Yup, yup, yup!” Grimmy leaned on her tippy toes while looking up at all three of us. “Arden is strong. Arden inspires. I want to be like Sir Arden.”

“The Nomad,” I corrected. “It’s Arden The Nomad with meaning or Arden without meaning.”

I wasn’t making it up. It was in my System Profile.

[Arden the Nomad, “I’ll Keep Going,” Pathwalker.]

After telling the others this, they looked shocked.

Merlin shook his head slowly. “I’ve never heard of a late change like that after the Path Parameters Initiation. That’s not a thing, right, Thumper?”

“No, that’s not a thing.” The Perfect Rogue stood taller. His royal confidence returned. “That brings us back to my next point. I think it’s fair for me to have this switch up.”

“Because I’ve been keeping my big secret from you.” I nodded. “If that’s what you were going to say, then I agree. You’re right.”

Thumper nodded while perfectly mimicking my voice: “I know.”

“Creepy, but cool, but creepy,” Grimmy commented from below, head lolling back and forth.

Shaking my head, I came to realize my trust in Thumper remained the same. I could’ve used Warrior Nomad Mentality to achieve that realization faster, but I didn’t want to avoid my emotions too much. It was always good to have a baseline.

I smiled. “I’m definitely not taking the moral high ground. And I should’ve taken you with me to deal with the assassins. So, yeah, I’m down to get my hands bloody against some nobles. It’s only fair for all the times you’ve supported me.” 

Merlin groaned. “I swear, if I’m killing another young master, I better get a Master Cantrip out of it.”

“Speaking of powers. Are you guys ready for an update?” Thumper looked down at Grimmy. “Congrats, you get to be among your elders more. But you’re still a junior. You need polishing.”

Grimmy responded by sashaying her hips with a little half-gobbo dance. The damn tutu enraptured all three of us with its overly bright and garish sparkles as she shimmied.

“Mascot?” the wizard asked.

The rogue nodded. “Definite mascot.”

“Gains, Merlin, go,” I said.

Path of the Owl was up to Level 75. Path of the Dragon was up to Level 78. There was nothing else new, unfortunately.

“I think I’m getting close to a Master Cantrip for telekinesis. I just need one last big push somehow,” Merlin muttered. “It’s kind of surprising, since I have more practice with ice and lightning spells. But I’ve gotten really confident with telekinesis lately.”

“Uh … two Paths?” the Little Fighter squeaked.

I chuckled. “We’ll catch you up later. Thumper, go.”

Thumper smirked, which had Grimmy swooning because of his royal features. “I’m ahead of Merlin this time. And I think it’s a sign.”

Path of the Perfect Rogue was up to Level 75. That wasn’t much of a surprise. The new Martial Legacy was.

[Cornered Wolf Void Fang Strike: Level 61 (Epic): Oh, boy, oh, yes, let’s go, prince avenger! Let’s show them that dark and suave and deadly version of you when they least expect it! All you need to do is to be in a cornered position while an enemy is making a move to take advantage. Then channel as much shady dark power into a counter-strike that can bypass some defenses both magical and physical. The end results are as silent and as deadly as the void. Super killer!] [Cost: -40%]

I remembered Thumper saying that an active Martial Legacy was twice the cost of the usual Epic Path Magic. Without power armor, that 40% chunk was a huge expense for Thumper.

Granted, that also meant it was extremely powerful.

The smile on Thumper’s face was exuberant. “So, I don’t think my other Martial Legacy will line up perfectly for simultaneous use. Here’s a reminder.”

[Blade Barrage Dark Wolf Style: Level 1 (Epic): Many have been molded by the darkness, but you’re one of the more interesting Chuunibyou who take themselves seriously. I love it! Now enjoy this PASSIVE power for any maneuver that uses multiple blades and shady dark elements while chasing or ambushing your targets. Big Buff Recipients: Shadow Control. Darkness Conjuration. Blade Sharpness. Speed. Dexterity. Focus. Perception. Deadliness. And Intimidation.] [Cost: 0%]

Thumper continued. “However, if I start off with an ambush and let myself get cornered. The amount of damage I can deliver would probably drive a Pathwalker Veteran under Level 111 close to death if not kill them if they’re already chipped down.”

“Pathwalker … Veteran?” Merlin blinked.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s what Prince Thumper said.” Grimmy moved her head up and down in a flurry. “First, he goes all dark wolf style. Sneak. Sneak. Pounce. Cut, cut, cut, swish, darkness, blah! Then, oh no, gotta back off. More enemies chase. They think they are hunters. No, no, no. Void fang strike! Rawr! Ahhh! Everyone dies everywhere. Yeah!”

Thumper looked down from his tall height at the little half-goblin. “I like her.”

“But … Pathwalker … Veteran?” Merlin blinked some more.

I sighed. “It’s in our Royal Quest. And once we reach Level 91, they can strike us directly.”

“The Royal Quest only needs one objective to be satisfied. Eighty Pathwalkers above Level 61.” Merlin looked frantically between me and Thumper. “We’re not trying to be overachievers on this, right?”

“So … my turn?” I prompted.

Thumper nodded.

Merlin sighed in defeat, and Grimmy was along for the ride.

I opened my System Logs and saw the results from the assassination event.

[Congratulations, Pathwalker! You’ve slain almost all the sanctioned assassins and forced them to end the System-Sanctioned Assassination Event with a retreat!]

[Assassins-For-You cannot strike again for the next 108 hours. Afterwards, if they or any other assassination organization do strike within three months, the next Assassination Event specified against you and yours will be even costlier than before!]

“Yeah, you really owe me for that,” Thumper grumbled. “That should’ve been me.”

Merlin waved him off. “Stop complaining. They’ll be back to harass us in four days and some odd hours if they’re stubborn enough. Like a Saturday morning cartoon.”

“Were you all badass against the assassins?” Grimmy asked me.

“Do the Levels lie?” I answered, revealing my Levels without saying my true Path. I remained an Artificer Warrior to almost everybody.

[Congrats! Path of the Slayer leveled up! 77 to 84!]

I had seventeen more Levels to go until the big Level 101 Milestone.

But that wasn’t the reason for my growing smile. The new powers were.

[Congrats! Your Great Skill evolved! From Striving Elementalist Mastery to Striving Elementalist Grandmastery!]

[Striving Elementalist Grandmastery: Level 31 (Exquisite): Hey! You hear that? That’s the storm approaching! Activate this skill when using your elemental powers for an extreme increase in efficiency, potency, creativity, endurance, and range!] [Cost: -10%]

“Wait, you have Great Skills, too!” Grimmy cried aloud.

I thumped her lightly on the head with a little bit of doom.

She screamed again before shaking her head and blinking up at us. “Is that why you want it secret? I was told to keep the skills and my Oath secret, too. But I’m terrible at holding secrets.”

“Please try your best, Grimmy,” I urged.

Merlin returned the convo back on course. “You’re going to be even more obnoxious with your electromagnetic setup, Arden. Damn, man, I need a skill like that.”

“It’s an amazing skill,” Thumper agreed.

“Here comes the next,” I said. “This one’s a big one for me. Like, really, really big. Almost like Grimmy’s Oath.”

[Congrats! Two Great Skills are combining: Snappy Gun Eye! Multi-Striker Potency!]

[Congratulations, Pathwalker! You’ve acquired a combined Great Skill: One-Man Army!]

[One-Man Army: Level 1 (Rare): They don’t build macho killing machines like they used to. The Rambos. The Die Hards. The Commandos. The icons of the classic super manly era. Thankfully, that’s why you’re here! When you’re slightly or largely by yourself against ten or more enemies, this PASSIVE will greatly increase your strength, power, dexterity, and aim. It’ll also add a moderate increase to your overall combat prowess.] [Cost: 0%]

Merlin turned to Thumper. “Basically, we should just drop him and a dying Grimmy in the middle of the enemy with enough separation between them. And just let them go crazy while the other juniors work on the edges and the two of us sit back with some Piña Coladas.”

“I want to be the boss killer if Arden’s claiming the mook-massacring role with an orbiting sidekick,” Thumper requested.

“Okay, so more Piña Coladas for me.”

Shaking his head at the silly wizard, Thumper replied, “Or you can sweep away the annoying young masters on the sides. Maybe you’ll get your jade beauty that way.”

“Ah, so that’s how I become a full-fledged serial killer of young masters. I guess there goes my carefully constructed morals.” Merlin wrinkled his nose. “Please don’t tell Noodles. She’s stalking me still. If I’m going the crazy girlfriend route like Arden, then let it be an actual jade beauty, please.”

I shook my head at their silly Modern Earth humor. Grimmy looked as lost as me, so I helped move things along. “I’m not going to rely on the one-man skill often. It’s better for special occasions.”

Merlin rubbed at his beardless chin. “Eighty Defiled Covenant Pathwalkers, right?”

“Four Defiled Covenant Veterans,” Thumper pointed out. “And around two-thirds of their embassy.”

“I’m getting mad now.” Grimmy pouted.

“Why?” I asked.

“I can’t talk about how cool you all are to the others! Secrets gotta stay secret! And that makes me mad!” Hopping up and down, she threw a little half-gob tantrum.

Thankfully, she didn’t damage her overly expensive tutu. Or I would’ve thrown a tantrum, too.

Crouching down with the doom avatar hanging on my back still, I went eye-to-eye with her without touching. “Please. We have a lot of credits to make, blood to spill, and objectives to achieve. I need you to do your best for me, Grimmy, until we’re safer.”

The half-goblin calmed down and replied in a small voice, “Okay, Sir Arden the Nomad. I’ll do it for you.”

Smiling, I stood up and looked at the others.

“That’s all I have. But I’m sure there’ll be plenty more to come. Now, let’s go. We have ourselves an auction and an assassination.”