Fool (IV)

Passing through mounds of dead manslaughters and sleeping players, Zero could not help but be amazed at the amount of power Dion had. The first time he met him he thought he was another weak and useless nobleman. He should have expected something was wrong because he had monsters underneath the castle walls.

As he approached the gates, he noticed a large group of players inside the gates not stepping out. They cautiously tested the air around them to see if something was wrong.

"Is everything alright?" asked one of the players that were hiding behind the gates. A lone brave player stepped out into the field.

"It's clear!" The player gave a thumbs-up to everyone.

Streams of players and NPCs alike anxiously came out of the gates.

"So much carnage." A female player glanced around with sadness in her voice. "I wish this had never happened."

"Did we win?" another asked anxiously.

"No. Check your mission. It states that it is not completed yet. I wonder where the last ones are."

Zero stepped forward in front of the large group of people, panting heavily. He bent over, trying to catch his breath. The crowd of people stared over curiously. Whispers could be heard amongst them.

"Is he a survivor?"

"He must be strong, right? But he looks so weak."

"What's he doing here?"

Zero cleared his throat and stood up straight. He needed their help fast and didn't have time to answer questions.

With a loud clear voice he called out, "Aldran is in need of assistance now." People around him burst out with questions.

"What? Where?"

"What can we do? What does he need help on?"

They clamored and surrounded him from all sides, asking thousands of questions. A short and stocky dwarf pushed his way through.

"Move out the way, Hercules guild member coming through!" the dwarf grumbled. He made it through the thick crowds and stood before Zero.

"I'm Angrist. I am part of the Hercules guild. Where is Aldran?" Angrist asked. "I had to run back into the gates when I saw the green smog coming towards us. Luckily I was near the safety of the gates to make it back just in time before the gates closed." His clanking armor was decorated with dried blood spots.

"He's holding off the vampire Dion by himself. He told me to come here and gather more reinforcements," Zero quickly explained.

"By himself?" Angrist replied with shock. Without any hesitation Angrist turned around and called out in a booming voice, "Spread the word! Aldran is calling for our help! We need people ASAP!"

The people around him hustled and bustled, moving fluidly into action.

"Quickly, take us to him," Angrist said to Zero.

"Me too!" yelled a female player.

"Me too. He saved me in my dire times."

Many voices spoke up loudly from the crowd and even more streamed together to go out to help Aldran.

Zero nodded and jogged towards where Aldran was. Hundreds and hundreds of players and NPCs alike followed after him like sheep following their shepherd. He picked up his pace.

"How much further?" Angrist called out between short breaths. His short legs were having a difficult time keeping up.

"We're almost there." Zero looked straight ahead, his mind racing to get there as soon as possible. He hated how he was in his weaker form at this moment of crisis. It made fighting a lot more difficult just when he needed to be at his best.

As they approached, Dion stood waiting. His eyes glimmered with excitement at the possibility of annihilating everyone. A wide grin spread from ear to ear, making him look snister.

"Where's Aldran?" Angrist asked Dion.

Dion snickered and chuckled. "Do you mean him?" He pointed across from him. Aldran lay motionless on the ground.

People gasped from shock at the scene laid out before him. It was a brutal scene of defeat. Aldran's helm lay cracked open with blood flowing heavily from his head.

"Aldran!" Angrist gasped in shock. He was just about to rush forward, but Zero held up his hands to stop him.

"What are you doing? Move out of the way, kid," Angrist snapped.

"Not a good time. He's waiting to pick us off one by one," Zero whispered closely while holding Angrist back. For a small dwarf, Zero had a bit of difficulties holding him back.

Angrist calmed down and silently mouthed, "Oh." He impatiently rubbed his fingers across the edge of the axe. "What are we going to do?" he asked with concern.

"We wait for an opportunity."

Dion paced back and forth like a hungry jaguar. People stepped back with unease. The soldiers that followed along were tense, while the players were still in complete shock. Aldran had fallen and it was very difficult to take in.

"Power and beauty. Bring fear and bring wonder." Dion raised his head in the air looking up into the sky. His eyes glowed brilliantly red. "Yes. Power brings beauty in the eyes of the people. The awe. The fear. The wonder," he cooed. His sword soaked with blood glistened underneath the full moon.

Zero warily watched for any unusual activity, ready to spring forward when need be.

"You human species are like that. You hunger for a place of power through money or position. You exchange it without a second thought when you have gained it. It has always been fascinating to watch you over the centuries that I have stayed alive. It just never changes." Dion put down his hands to his sides.

"What are you talking about? We are not all like that," said Zero.

"Really? Then why do you all go after the goal to grow more powerful in this world? Do you not aim for power? To become stronger, and to aim for the top?"

Silence followed after.

"We do this to play, to enjoy, and to have fun with one another. To connect with the people who we don't have a chance of meeting so easily in real life. It is a place to socialize and become a place of being. Even if we have gained power we cannot always live alone," replied Zero with confidence.

"Ah yes. There is that one as well. The power of the masses. It is a formidable power, but it's just as easy to break. To turn against itself. Look at the fear in these people's eyes." Dion waved his hand across the field where many lay scattered and dead. The residents of Noriene cowered in fear as they huddled together in fright. They could not even pick up their swords to fight back. The intimidation that Dion gave off was in full effect. Even the players were slightly disturbed by this new predicament they were in: a boss monster talking back and acting like a living being.

Dion rubbed his hands together on top of his jeweled sword. He watched his prey out before him like they were dinner.

"My precious foods all laid out for my babies and me to eat." He licked his lips in hunger once again. The people stepped backwards trying to get away from Dion's reach.

"But you also know what it means when the masses become one. Don't you?" Zero replied. Panting with heavy breath, his sword still in hand, he said, "It means it's your defeat."

"Defeat?" He burst out laughing. "You jest. My beautiful power against all of you weaklings? It doesn't compare."

"If humans are so easily defeated then why have you stayed hidden till now? Wasn't it your lack of power that took you so long to arrive at this point?" Zero pointed out.

Dion slightly cringed from hearing Zero's words.

The people listened. Their eyes filled with understanding, their heads cast down in shame. Dion's black cloak flapped magically in the dark, making him look more intimidating.

"You think we are bugs to fool with under your hands. Have you not killed enough of our daughters, wives, husbands, children, and loved ones?" Zero's voice filled with righteous anger. "Or you think we are just puppets that follow your tune?"

"Kahaha. You are all my playthings. My toys that I can break at any given time." He counted each one with his fingers. "You could hear their sweet lullaby of screams at night."

Dion pointed towards one of the man cowering in fear. "You, I remember you. Your lovely girl was the finest morsel I have ever tasted. The blood of a virgin. Would you like me to tell you more of what had happened during those nights?" Dion grinned evilly from ear to ear. The man's face was full of complete shock. His hands began to tremble, clenching and unclenching.

"She cried out every night for more. More. More!" Dion barked out loud with laughter, his head thrown back with his hands pushing back his hair. The man's eyes glazed over into complete emptiness.

"Oh, and you, lovely pet." Dion disappeared and reappeared towards a young female hidden behind light armored clothes. Her eyes and half her face was showing through. His fingers lightly touching her chin, bringing it up towards his.

"Kah. Regrettably you escaped from my hands. No matter—when this is all over, you will come back to me. Didn't you know your little brother has been made into one of my finest off springs? Cast your gaze upon him." He forced her to look towards the manslaughters that were still standing. Her eyes widened in complete horror as tears streamed down her face.

Dion moved through the crowd of thousands and stopped in front of a young male. His armor was loose, making it look too big on him.

"Ah yes. The step-brother, or should I say the lover? Incest? No." Dion closed his eyes and sniffed around him. "Brother with no blood relations." His eyes opened and floated backwards. The young male mouthed a slow no hoping Dion wouldn't say anything more.

"Kehehe. She became food for my babies." He grinned. With a flick of his cloak he turned away. A gasping cry could be heard as the young male fell to his knees sobbing.

Dion floated over to Zero. "You see, kid, I know every single one of these people's secrets. You think I won't know. You make me laugh. Your supposed righteous speech has done nothing for these people. They are too afraid of me. What can one kid do to me?"

Zero smirked. He was not giving up so easily because he could tell that Dion was weakening. The more Dion talked the more he was trying to keep the people from harming him while he recuperated. He could sense that it was all a bluff.

"A lot more than you think." While Dion had made his petty speeches, Zero had picked up a shield from a fallen warrior and drawn his sword Kamori. "And you have dealt the finishing blow." He raised the sword and charged. "To arms!" he yelled to the crowd. "He is actually weakened! All his talk is just jest!"

With his Kamori, Zero sliced forward towards Dion's body. Dion parried it with lightning fast reflexes.

"Kahaha. You worm. Look at the feeble minds of these people. You think they will follow after you? I am more powerful than you or them," said Dion while they clashed sword to sword.

"You really think so?" Zero side stepped out of the way. A blazing blue magical arrow whizzed past his head and straight at Dion. A blast of wind hit Zero, and he had to keep himself from falling over. Dion did not have a chance to dodge out of harm's way.

With a thud, the arrow pierced Dion's shoulder. He faltered backwards, stumbling onto his knees. Two more went flying towards Dion and landed perfectly on his other shoulder and the hand holding the sword. With a clang it fell onto the ground, and he hunched over holding his hands in pain.

"It's about time, Agnis," Zero happily called out.

"I was waiting for the right moment." Agnis was standing a good ways back from Zero. She had hidden in the midst of the crowd. "You took quite a beating over there." She chuckled and nocked another arrow.

"I wouldn't have if you would've done that sooner," he said, his voice hardened. He raised the sword in front of him, ready to attack. Striking fast like a snake, Zero snapped forward, hitting his mark and slicing off Dion's arm.

"You dare!" Dion screamed. He held his stumpy arm. Dion's eyes grew menacingly black, and his hair changed color to complete white. Power around him swirled in like static electricity.

Zero could feel his hair rising up on end. His instinct screamed to back up before he got the full blast. Already he could feel the draw of power for a powerful attack.

"Everyone hit him before he can attack! He's weak!" he yelled.

Dion laughed. "You think the puny humans will follow your lead? They're too afraid!"

Zero looked over his shoulders and saw many people still not moving. Their eyes held no hope and looked away in shame.

"See. You have failed." He laughed maniacally.

Zero felt disappointed, but it did not stop him. Twirling his blade over his head he slashed forward. Dion blocked his attack and stepped out of the way, but in that instant hundreds of different arrows and spells were launched upon Dion. They all struck him at once together. A loud bang sounded off and smoke filled the air. Zero was surprised at where all the arrows and magic came from. It was none other than the people that were left standing. Each of their eyes filled with resolve.

"Thanks," the young man who had lost his lover called out to him.

"Thank you!" another shouted out, the lady who had lost her sister.

With your speech you have influenced the people. Beacon of Hope has temporarily activated upon even the living for the duration of five minutes. People will now look upon you as the light that guides them in dark times and will follow your lead for a short duration of time.

More and more people yelled out their thanks, and Zero couldn't help but smile. His heart tingled with warmth.

A blast of power burst forth, and a massive wind blew back the dirt. Zero and the people pulled back, covering their eyes.

Before them Dion was on his knees covered in heavy wounds. One of his eyes was sealed shut and his clothes were torn to shreds. His other hand was still covering his wounded arm. No arrows were still embedded into his skin; instead they were lying all around him.

Panting heavily, Dion faltered trying to get back up on his feet. "You!" He stared evilly at Zero. "You will pay. All of you!" He yelled with such ferocity that people shied away. He pointed with rage.

"Coming together? Bullshit. You all came to gain something: fame, power, revenge, and recognition. But oh no. I will never allow that." He chuckled then coughed.

"You're done for," Zero replied back. He advanced forwards into a run. With a swing of his sword, he impaled him in the stomach. Dion coughed blood, and looked up with a smirk. His body began to melt, turning into red liquid. It dripped onto the ground, sliding off the sword. The liquid burst forth into small red bats that scattered outwards into the sky.

The manslaughters that were remaining attacked and jumped forward into the fight. It was a battlefield between swarms of NPCs and players hacking away at the last remaining monstrosities.

"Shoot it down!" exclaimed Zero. He sliced up into the air. Dozens of red bats fell to the ground as players and NPCs shot towards the flying bats. Even Agnis was pulling one arrow after another, knocking them down. A few escaped into the dark forest.

A message rolled into every player's view initiating the completion of slaying all the manslaughters in the vicinity.

Special Hidden Quest Alpha has been updated.

All 9,999 manslaughters have been slain. Dion, the mastermind behind the manslaughter, has appeared. Aldran fought and wounded him to the point of death.An unusual eerie curse is still in effect throughout Noriene. All residents and players are cursed till the source has been eradicated.

Difficulty Level: A

Special Requirements: The Seed Shard quest: Dispersal must be completed. Calling of the top twelve warlords of Noriene must be in the same room and majority must agree on countering the threat against Noriene. Once agreed upon, guilds may form temporary alliances and send out invitations to other players. Players who have watched the meeting have the choice to choose which group they want to join in the duration of the quest. NPCs must also join in on the quest. All requirements also apply to the NPCs.

Defeat: A preemptive attack has been initiated. Defeat the 9,999 manslaughters. Defeat Dion. Defeat the wave of the undead land sharks and the source that brings upon the curse. Must prevent all the residents of each city from being annihilated.

Deadline: 3/4th of the population of each city must survive. The quest must be completed in three days. (half a day remaining)

Reward: One high-level armor from the highest level of monsters that they had killed during the duration of three days for each person. Experience points depend on how much you have contributed.

For slaying all the manslaughters an extra bonus experience will be given for the duration of the next three hours. Defeating a boss character will not be included.

The hidden quest Alpha is still in effect until the completion of the eradication of the curse and the land sharks.

The thought of gaining more experience points delighted Zero. This was going to help him get to level 150 a lot faster than he'd hoped for.

Side Quest: Friendly Wager completed.

Zero has won the bet. You have earned 150 gold coins, and the jewel has been sent to you through mail.

Zero excitedly read the message over and over again. He thought he was far behind in the count, but he had surpassed everyone else.

"Great job, Zero," Agnis called out. She stashed her bow on her back and walked over to Zero. "I didn't think you will get the most out of us all. You even started late."

"Yeah." He fumbled for words but he couldn't contain his glee.

Dion's voice boomed loudly. "I'll get you for this. My darling is almost upon you. You people who had cast us aside. Now you will feel our wrath." The voice of the Dion echoed.

"Is it over?" a player asked.

"No. He's not dead," another stated with worry.

"What are we going to do? How are we supposed to kill someone like that?" asked a soldier who had joined the fight at the last minute.

The people of Noriene turned their heads towards Zero, looking towards him for an answer. His tongue became dry and he didn't know what to say.

Clearing his throat he stated, "Do not worry, he is wounded. We should split up and go search for the last remaining bats. They can't have gotten far." He wasn't sure how he was going to track the remaining ones, but he needed to quell the hearts of the people. "Let's move out."

Zero hoped this would end the life of Dion, but he knew that it might not be likely if he didn't find him in time.