Seraphim Online: Afterlife

“Those sick freaks! No wonder we kept getting disappearances… that was little Timmy, wasn’t it? He once tried to steal my underwear while they were still on! Please tell me you made those bastards suffer.”

Back in Bordertown speaking to Miss Jugzilla, that one was a bit crude, we’ve just passed over the bag filled with bones and explained the situation to the woman. The busty receptionist really seems to be worked up and I’m not too sure if it’s rage or sadness.

Even though it may be the dead of night, the Adventurer’s Guild is as busy as ever and might as well be the brightest place on the high street. Adventurers pack this building like cattle to the slaughterhouse, you can barely move in any direction.

“To an extent… can I ask what you’re going to do with the bones?”

“We’ll give these poor souls a burial, even if it’s impossible to tell who’s bones they all are. I know it’s not much but I can offer you a tiny bit of compensation for the work you’ve done.”

Given another pouch of coin, me and Lena half it once again while a little birdie chirps in my ear.

[This guide needs to inform Sera that the previous quest has been forceable removed from the questlog and no EXP has been obtained.]

‘No surprises here, failed quests would do that, I guess.’

After all, the job was to deliver the pelts to the town deep in the forest. I guess we could’ve followed it up, this feels more important though.

“Surprised you’re even in today. When it was packed last time, the other woman was working.”

“Yeah, she seemed pretty rude.”

“Oh, you two met my bigger sister then!? She’s a little shy to newcomers. Don’t take it personally, she’s like that to everyone!”

I can’t help but chuckle slightly at the bigger sister comment. I think she means older… that rude receptionist looks like a dwarf in comparison to her sister. Huh, bet dwarfs exist in this world someplace, don’t see why there wouldn’t be.

“Heh, fair enough. You have anything else we can do?”

Just taking a glance to the quest board, it’s the same as usual. There’s absolutely nothing up to choose, picked clean as all the other adventurers have taken the work. We really need to find a different town if work continues like this.

Thankfully, the receptionist’s smile returns after storing away the backpack, even if it’s not as cheery as usual.

I’m not really sure how me and Lena are supposed to behave on this, it’s not like we even knew who the panty thief little Timmy is. Heh, bet he used to run through the streets with granny bloomers blowing in the wind, so big in fact he gets lifted off the ground when a huge gust of wind hits the bloomers.

‘Great… now I’m feeling down about this.’

“Funny you should ask, I do have something for you two personally, coming from the branch leader himself no less! How do you two feel up for some investigation work?”

…

Both me and Lena look each other confused, why are we getting personally picked for something? This seems a little iffy.

“Investigation work? Why us?”

“Yeah, this better not be something strange. I’ve had enough of sneaky people now.”

“Oh, it’s nothing odd, the request comes because you two are the fastest adventurers we have. Don’t look so worried! We don’t care how you do it, just that you’re way quicker than anyone else!”

The fact the woman continues to smile and winks at us as well as basically shouting to the entire guild that we’re quick… there’s a dirty joke to be made.

Focus Sera! We need the work but we really could do with slowing down a bit. The problem is, do dragons even know how to take things slow?

“What’s the job then?”

“The quest itself is simple really, find the ruined town to the northwest and investigate the place. It takes a few days to find the place, but speed is less an issue for you two, right? Here’s a map you can have anyways!”

---

[Author-Notes]

---Little titbits if you want to know more. The Badlands are dead centre of the continent. The forest seen last chapter is to the right and Agora’s Abyss can be seen already. Piece by piece, the world is coming to life.

---Also, travel time is roughly 1 square length = 1 day on foot. Dragon is obviously much quicker.

---

Winking at us again, I’m really not sure if this receptionist is to be trusted. I already know one sly person; not sure I can handle another.

Fortunately for her sake, Lena doesn’t seem all that bothered by news of our speed getting out. I’m more concerned of the attention it might bring. Dragon scales must go for a fair price as well as the fact they are filled with EXP.

“You got an idea on who or what might’ve destroyed the place?”

I swear if we’re walking into a ruined town full of wolves or bone harvesters, then this might be it for our career in adventuring. Just give us something with actual low risk for a change!

“Who knows, could’ve been those evil otherworlders from hundreds of years ago or even something more recently. People did try resettling the place a few years back, we haven’t heard from them since…”

‘Ah, so more death and destruction, gotcha.’

“It could be anything knowing the Badlands, nothing lives the further you go out. The grounds were once salted by the otherworlders back before the Abyss wasn’t so cracked, it’s why we’re called Bordertown as well! We border all that terrible stuff over there.”

Probably giving us more information than we need, we take the map provided and head on out of the guild, nestling through the packed-out building to find the exit.

[Speechcraft improvement +1]

[QUESTLOG]
[Details]			[Risk]	[Reward]
[Uncover the reason for the closest town's destruction, then report it back to the guild.]			[Unknown]	[Low]

As soon as we exit the place however, my questlog updates and my speech somehow manages to level up again.

‘Huh? Guide, what did I even say to raise that up?’

[Presumably, just asking questions and being in conversation can be enough to raise it. This guide assumes bartering causes more of an effect though.]

‘Got it, long story short is that speechcraft is impossible to predict.’

[This guide also needs to add that 2 more abilities are able to purchase since level 10 in speechcraft has been achieved.]

‘Thanks Guide, I’ll check that out shortly.’

And so, we should probably return to the inn now that we’re back on the high-street. It must already be long past midnight and the night life is absolutely bouncing around here, people are passed out in the street and hookers roam like animals searching for prey. I jest a little but this place is as full as ever… didn’t realize that neighbouring building is a brothel.

For some reason, Lena also appears full of energy like the rest of the town. I presume the idea of going into an empty wasteland far away from any people is attractive. I can see the appeal.

“We could go back to our inn and snuggle for the night, Lena. I’m thinking you’d rather do something else.”

“Hehe, we could do that, Sera, and waste more valuable coin. Or, we could just set off right now to save loads of time! I promise you’ll find a comfy spot to nest somewhere.”

‘Ah, so she even wants me to sleep on her now? Sussy dragon, I can see that glint in your eye…’

__________

‘Yup… still hate this. It doesn’t matter how beautiful or romantic the night sky is, flying is still horrid.’

Gliding through the stary filled sky just as two souls high above the dormant world below, this moment is something I’d never think I’d get to experience. Five gruelling days, close to a week already spent in this world as the female elf Sera no less. It’s definitely a little odd how well I’ve adapted to this body but I’m not complaining.

I’ve already fought for my life, been cut, looted, killed, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. So much done in fact, I’d nearly forgotten about that earlier desire. Maybe after this quest has concluded, I’ll finally find some alone time to go do something a little less not safe for work. Probably not the time right now, I am riding a literal dragon… heh. It wouldn’t surprise me if Lena suggests getting really comfortable knowing her.

Anyways, I’m tucked into a nice blanket, courtesy of Lena so she’s fine if I go to sleep. I’d rather wait as long as I possibly can before drifting off though. This will be a long trip.

‘Let’s see what I’ve unlocked then, Guide.’

[ABILITIES]
[OWNED]		[LOCKED]
[Name]	[Description]		[Requirements]	[Cooldown]
[Land Down Under]	Spoiler Sneaking is easier on your back and you move when in touching distance to the ground at a vastly superior rate. Bog standard technique for hunting down those pesky roos! [collapse]		Dexterity: 10	[N/A]
[Novice Bard]	Spoiler Now following in the footsteps of many an aspiring bard, you can pick an instrument of choice and/or sing to provide ample distraction on a weaker target when needed. [collapse]		Speechcraft: 10	[N/A]
[Holy Visions]	Spoiler Being a follower of Seraphim herself, you can now see glimpses into the past when the conditions are suitable. [collapse]		Speechcraft: 10	[N/A]

I’ll be honest and say either of these abilities don’t sound amazing… there is something strange about Holy Visions though. I’m not sure why but it almost feels like it’s calling out for me, like my inner voice is telling me I’ll regret not picking this.

‘Eh, it’s not like I’m lugging around an instrument anyway. Holy Visions it is, Guide.’

[Ability has been purchased, Sera, just reopen up the ability page if you wish to spend the other point.]

“Yo Sera, are you still shaking? Just hug me as tightly as you can if you’re still cold!”

It’s for certain Lena must notice I’m still shaking up here slightly. The thing is, I’m really not cold at all. This fluffy blanket Lena brought is brilliant, don’t even feel sorry for the wolf this was once part of.

“The blanket is nice, thanks Lena. Still just the heights.”

Seeing that’s she’s suggested it and all, I try giving her a hug only for it to backfire terribly. Scales really aren’t all that inviting and feel similar to sandpaper to touch, the cold doesn’t help considering the time and how high we are as well. Think I’ll stick in the blanket like a toasty cinnamon bun for now… mhm…

Maybe all the death is getting to me as well? Still think I’m handling that pretty well considering. That reminds me of something I need to ask…

“Hey Lena, there’s something I should probably say. Those caravanners, do I need to worry about your temper?”

Even though I may have avoided seeing what she really did to them on our last quest, I purposely tried to filter out the screams coming from the dark forest. Unpleasant is downplaying a bit.

“You heard that, huh Sera? It’s just hard to remain composed when someone you care about gets hurt, you know? Especially those bone stealing rats that dare try to catch you off guard like that.”

Already sensing her aura is growing sinister and the teeth grinding, think it’s for best if I try and make a joke to calm her down. Not sure why I expected anything different but a dragon’s wrath really do be scary.

“Still though, do me a favour and try to keep things a little less… intense. The whole yandere things scares the life out of me.”

Things start off as overprotective, then lead onto obsession and ends with me chained up in a basement for my own safety. Think I’ve watched too much anime but my point still stands.

“I’m not insane, Sera, I just don’t want to see you hurt. That’s all it is really.”

‘Surprised she understood that term, yandere I mean. This world really has an odd grasp of language.’

“Same as you, Lena. Seeing you rage like that made me worry a little.”

“Aww… sleep whenever you like, Sera. I’ll make sure this flight is nice and relaxing…”

__________

“Seriously Lena, we get into a fight and we’re flying away, capiche? No buts or coconuts, we’re fleeing.”

“Okay dokey, Sera.”

“I’m serious Lena, I know that dopey albeit lovely smile anywhere.”

“I am as well Sera, no fighting till you get some rest. I do listen!”

Feeling the full weight of fatigue, it turns out I’m just as impatient as my dragon partner and want to get this done as soon as we can. The journey must’ve taken over a day so I had to sleep. Even with a brief nap, I’m certain my stamina can’t be too high…

[STATUS]
[Name: Sera]		[Species: Elf]		[Level: 4]	[EXP: 73/100]
[Age: 22]		[Gender: Female]		[Skill Points: 1]
[Health]	[120/120]	[Stamina]	[28/115]	[Magic]	[100/100]
[STATS]				Spoiler Extra bonuses from P.I.S.S.E.D. SPE: +5 Stamina 1% Bartering DEX: 5% One-Handed Damage 1% Movement Speed [collapse]
[Perception: 7]		[Intelligence: 9]		[Speechcraft: 10]
[Strength: 7]		[Endurance: 9]		[Dexterity: 12]

‘Knew it, shouldn't risk any combat penalties right now. Not sure how my speech improves my stamina but not complaining.'

We’ve just landed into the town, making really good time flying through the night and cloudy day. This land is exactly as dead as described.

For the town itself, for lack of better words, it’s completely fucked. Not a single soul in sight nor any wildlife as we glided along the entire ruined hellscape. The entire place is practically a graveyard.

“It really is destroyed, isn’t it Sera? What do you think caused it?”

“That’s on us to try and find out.”

Walking through the rubble cladded streets of whatever this town used to be called, not a single body or skeleton can be seen. It’s almost like this place has been picked clean with the only thing human made is the buildings we walk by… it’s awfully unsettling.

Things change when we approach the old remnants of what appears to be the old guild headquarters though. The building has completely collapsed with all that’s left is the guild sign itself, loosely covered and surrounded in a puddle of blood.

[Strength improvement +1]

‘These stat upgrades really come in at the strangest of times.’

Still with my backpack mostly filled with pelts, this seems a little easier than lugging around rocks. If an enemy approaches, I’ll dump this as fast as I possibly can.

“So then Lena, shall we start invest-”

Just as we’re about to start searching through every nook and cranny in search for what happened here, the voice inside my head chimes in.

[This guide needs to inform Sera that a vision is lingering here. Would you like to see it?]

‘Sure Guide, let’s give that new ability a try in just a moment…’

“Lena, think you can guard me a second? Heh, the voice inside my head needs to show me something.”

“O… kay, Sera?”

Can’t help but chuckle seeing Lena unsure what I’m on about. Understanding how my system works is foreign to me at the best of times as well…

__________

“This is the job, huh? Damn, you really are one sick freak!”

“Danja! We already told you to shut it! This is good money and you’ll blow it!”

“Yeah, we won’t have to work for a year with this! The coin is too much to turn down.”

“We’re all in agreement then? Money is money at the end of the day.”

“*Nods*.”

Located inside the temporary Adventurer Guild’s headquarters set up here, five adventurers ponder to themselves over whether or not they should accept my deal. All the details of the job have been made clear enough already, all have read it and none seem all that bothered on the morality side of things.

As for this little settlement itself, it wasn’t so long-ago people started to try and resettle, they’ve already cleaned up the well and set up some temporary accommodation of sorts. Where adventurers look to thrive, people will always follow along is search of protection and safety.

I’m here to personally make sure this place cannot be protected.

The job is simple enough and doesn’t need a degree to comprehend, reading it out loud may get us in trouble. Problem arises, it just means we’ll get to work quicker. All idiots are easy enough to tempt with vast promises of wealth.

“Heya mysterious dude, you going to show your face to us at least? You got dope battle scars or something? Let me see!”

Putting her face right up to my helmet and grinning, this woman is already starting to get on my nerves. It’s a good thing she’s pushed aside because my anger isn’t something to be tempted.

“You really are something else, Danja. Please, just ignore her, Sir. We’ll take the job if you’ll have the five of us. We’ll just gag her if she doesn’t shut up.”

“No, you bloody will not! I’m not going mute like Rocky over there. I bet our mysterious backer has got the face of a stuffed pig under his helmet.”

“*Facepalm*.”

Already sighing and shaking my head, I exit the headquarters with my hires and head down the alleyway. Here’s where we’ll all get prepared… not before I let off some of this steam.

I snatch at the blonde woman’s throat, tossing her to the ground and press all my strength into that feeble neck of hers. This will get her to shut up for a minute.

“W-What the hell are y-you doing to her!?”

“*Choking*.”

“Please S-Sir, we promise she’ll be quiet. Just don’t kill her!”

The rest of the party try to plead for her life, it’s not like I’ll listen. Just one look at the enchanted dagger that sits against my waist is enough for them to understand who’s in charge here. If I so desire it, this women’s neck will snap like a twig.

I think she’s got the message for now but I’ll leave her just for a moment longer, see if she’s finally willing to be professional. If not, the last thing she’ll see is her reflection gleaming against the polished bloodstone this armour is crafted from.

“Done yapping? We dispose of this town quickly, then remove any trace of us being here…”

__________

With a huge rush of blood, I’m thrown back into the present not knowing what just happened. Just how many people died to that party and who the hell was that mysterious backer? I feel somewhat violated with how corrupted and evil that mind was.

My entire body also feels far weaker than it just once, even my eyesight is only just returning to me. It’s as if there’s a thick fog between myself as Sera and that vision.

When my real vision returns... I know exactly where I am. Down on the cobbled floor just used to teach that annoying woman Danja a lesson, Lena has taken her place. My own elven hand up against her throat…

Spoiler

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