Seraphim Online: Afterlife

“Hyaaa!”

“Hehe, you’re going down, punk!”

Jab! Twist! Prod! Both hands pointing a spear, fighting against a beast of legend, I aim for its neck, only to end with the fiend giggling and dodging backwards. Every attack, every swing, all ends in failure as I struggle to use this different fighting style.

In order not to hurt Lena as much, we used some of that deer pelt to wrap around the tip. Yet, that problem was a needless concern. Even with the added range, her agility skips around any jab.

In the blink of an eye, she’s sideswiped another advance and clipped me with her wing. As light as her response is, I still find myself on my back with the hellish beast now smiling over me.

“Hehe, do you want me on top of you or something, Sera? A nap sounds lovely right now.”

‘As if she needs a nap right now.’

“Heh, I had to enact my trap somehow!”

Spear dropped but still in touching distance, I manage to prop the thing up between my legs and poke her stomach with that! The counter is spectacularly useless though, especially when Lena tries to sit, only to wedge the stupid weapon between us!

“Erm… S-Sera? This r-remind you of a-anything?”

“Y-Yeah… best we continue this another time.”

The both of us quickly fluster when this reminds us both of our first meeting. It may be cold and lack girth like the branch, it’s still presses into the same area though.

Anyways, as Lena slowly pulls herself still while giggling, there is probably some context needed for this failed training session. Today is the first time I’ve tried out these new boots and the spear that deranged mage “gifted” me. It’s safe to say, my form is terrible.

“Don’t take this the wrong way… I’m not sure you have the right technique for using a spear.”

“Thanks for killing off what little hope my manhood have left, Lena.”

“Hehe, you’re welcome, Sera!”

Trying my best not to pout, Lena’s point is unfortunately correct. Keeping the range and direct the steel member with my feeble arms is far from ideal, maybe even impossible with my low strength. The usual ways of levelling, like overfilling my backpack seem to have slowed and I don’t have the energy, or libido to be carrying Lena around consistently.

‘Guide, the threshold for effectively using light armour was thirty, correct?’

[Correct, Sera. To be able to use light armour effectively, 30 is required. For heavier weapons, at least 50 is required.]

Another couple things to note, the boots I’m currently wearing are considered light armour and a spear is considered a two-handed weapon. In theory, using a spear should raise my strength. In reality, even with the increased range, I’d be lucky to get one strike in per encounter. I can deal with my legs feeling a little sluggish due to the boots, a spear is just too much of a debuff right now. More content for the end game.

Now finishing off with all my system stuff, a huge weight continues to reign down on me. Sure, the weight may now be on my shoulder, but a dragon’s neck isn’t exactly great for posture.

“You better not be in season, Lena.”

“Hey Sera! I take offense to that! When the last one came around, it didn’t affect me! I just flew away for the week and when I returned… everyone was asleep on top of each other.”

What was a cute moment turns sour when Lena recalls the unfortunate sight of a dragon extravaganza. Sounds far better than describing what it really is.

“Heh, I’ve got a bad feeling your immunity will falter next time. Any idea when it’s due?”

“When the sun is blocked by a moon, Sera, that’s what father always says. Oh, that reminds me, what did you think of my parents? I knew they’d like you!”

Turning around while giving an eyeroll, I had a feeling thing would turn out weird, but maybe not to that extent.

“They were fine, I guess. I can definitely tell you’re related.”

“Is that a good or bad thing?”

“Heh… I’d rather not say.”

The scrunched up pouting face returns, so much so she even turns away from me when I go to pet her nose. Looks wise, Lena definitely has a resemblance to her mother, especially in the cuteness department. Personality wise… I think she might bite me if I mention her father.

“You have any parents out there, Sera? Back in that world you call Earth?”

“Aye, that I do… it’s complicated though. Mother provided but was an addict… my father did the whole milk vanishing routine as well.”

As vague as that brief description goes, that’s just the top of the iceberg. Some things, especially my childhood, they are better off left unsaid. Lena seems a little confused on something

“Milk… vanishing routine? Is that some kind magic trick, Sera?”

“Heh, somewhat. One day he said he was going out for a pack of cigs, a pint of milk and some beer. That was the last we saw of him.”

Unlike most people, I got the luxury of multiple excuses on why the old man disappeared into the horizon! Got to love being a loved child and all… probably explains why I’m such a cynic.

“You think he was attacked or killed?”

“Heh, no Lena. Lousy fathers exist in any world, I just got dealt a bad hand. Nothing more, nothing less.”

As much as Lena seems to be getting worked up for my sake, those puppy-like eyes give her away. It bothers her more than it does me.

“Well, I refuse to accept that! In the dragon world I mean, we’d have strung him up by his neck and forced him to be better! If he still was lousy… then he’d be better off as goat feed.”

“I’m guessing dragon parenting is a huge deal then?”

“Of course it is, Sera! Like my father said, dragons are so unbelievably infertile, this is why mating season is a big deal. A dragon may only get one chance to have offspring. Those that abandon that responsibility deserve all they get.”

Instead of resting it this time, Lena nuzzles her head in to my shoulder, giving me the perfect chance bop her nose. As big of a deal parenting is to her, I’m numb to this.

“Moving on from that depressing shit… think we’ve got company.”

As the sunlight begins to dwindle across the horizon, a small smokestack and a hint of burning flow through the wind. We’re no longer alone out here in the wastes…

__________

“How was I to know slavery is illegal there!? Boss demanded we sell her some place she’d suffer; you’d think the demons of all folk would buy her scruffy ass!”

“And yet, those horned bastards attacked us instead! If we hadn’t lightened the load, we’d never had made it across the chasm.”

“*Sigh*… stop it with the excuses already! You two fucked up so now we’re stuck until the others return. We all knew that wheel wasn’t going to last!”

Watching from the overgrown tundra, ahead of us sits a couple of campfires with four armoured bandits, most angry and tossing insults around like its booze. Considering the state of that carriage parked up on a boulder, covered in arrows, missing a wheel and the horse looking a breath away from death, I can see why they’d be pissed.

“We should’ve just thrown that slave down the Abyss if he wanted her to suffer… hold up! Who’s skulking over there in the dark!?”

Caught eavesdropping, me and Lena causally walk out into the open, yet the group are unsure whether to raise their weapons or not. The thing is, compared to usual bandits, this group seem a little different. Angry and idiotic, sure. Unprofessional, no, the gear they keep is well maintained and they even have bows.

“When tragedy strikes, opportunity presents itself, no?”

“Of course it doesn’t, you stupid fuck! We’re already low on supplies and we don’t have the space.”

“That’s a pure-blooded elf, isn’t it? You know how much they sell for?”

“So fucking what? Plan on feeding her grass and spit until we get back? Happy to share your ration then?”

…

“That’s what I thought. You two gals, fuck off into the night, will ya!?”

‘Correct me wrong, they’re slavers. Bandits are far classier compared to these vermin.’

While I’m somewhat content to leave these alone and disappear into the night, a small twitch grows in Lena’s eye. Add in the sound of grinding teeth… I know where this is heading.

“Sera, you know I have a small issue with slavery, right?”

“Kind of...”

“I just despise those who look at people like animals, destined to be stepped on with no control over their lives. Maybe I’m the same… I only see rats ahead of us.”

Bang! With an explosion rivelling a firework, a thick fog engulfs the campsite, the visibility practically zero in an instant.

	[Double Slash]
		[x2 damage] [single hit]

Weapons unsheathed and fully sprinting towards the slavers, if I remember exactly where he was sitting, four will turn into three.

“What the- ARGHHH!” [HP: 0/200] [-230]

Both my blades sink down into his neck, the ambush working perfectly even if the light armour he wears reduces the total damage slightly.

Once the smoke dissipates, three turn into two when Lena appears like a flash. Being literally tossed like a clay pigeon, all that’s left of that slaver is part of his intestine dangling from Lena’s mouth.

“Do my eyes deceive me? We’re being attacked by that?”

“S-S-Shit, it’s a f-fucking dragon! Throw e-everything we have at it!”

Using their heads, they dare not try fighting us head on, instead retreating while lobbing a green and blue bottle at us.

While we try our hardest to avoid it, the splash effect is huge, bluish and green bubbles spread all across the camp when the glass shatters.

[SP: 62/125] [-31] [MP: 52/105] [-53] 'Those potions didn't do much…’

[HP: 177/195] [-18] ‘Motherfucker! He used that to get some range!’

Only now realizing we’ve left both the archers still breathing, an arrow files true into my shoulder of all things! You’d think the beast preaching Armageddon would be the priority.

Either way, the both of charge forwards and more arrows are shot. All of which either fly wide or into Lena.

“Sera, I’ll deal with these two, distract that walking anvil!

While I’ve got a literal meat shield in front of me blocking arrows, another slaver appears from the dark.

“I only went for a quick whiz- blasted pointy eared fool!” [HP: 200/210] [-10]

Ding! Weapons temporally held between my legs, my bow is equipped and drawn, an arrow quickly fired, dinging against the armoured slaver’s shield.

Another shot ready and reloaded as he tries to drag that suit of armour over here, giving me plenty of time for another go…

Whoosh… ding! Again, he takes the full impact of my shot using that gigantic shield. [HP: 190/210] [-10]

‘Is it a flat ten every time he blocks my attack, Guide?’

[Negative, Sera. Damage blocked by shields reduce incoming damage by 75%. Your bow currently does 38 damage hence why only 10 is inflicted.]

‘Technically Guide, it should be nine point five… this isn’t the time to be pedantic!’

Somehow still having the time to pull out another arrow, somehow this walking tank still hasn’t closed the distance yet!

As he finally gets into range, readying himself for a full-on swipe, I release the string for a third time.

Whack! The third arrow finally hits him, yet the poxy thing pierces his arm rather than getting anything vital.

“Ayaaa!”

Dropping to the ground to narrowly avoid his attack, my bow is discarded and my loadout changed. With the weight of his sword, I have time down here to counter.

“Pointy eared bastard! Try that with a collar on your neck!”

Slice! Both blades swipe the back of his legs, briefly catching him off guard but not enough to stop a response.

Again, he tries to swing the sword at me, but his lack of speed easily allows me to roll away.

Wielding such a heavy sword and shield, especially with that bulky suit of armour might as well be suicide. For those experienced and hardened in battle, this gear is perfect. For a slaver most likely used to people that can’t fight back, it’s terrible.

Another dodge under his swipe, my counter is swift and deadly heading towards his back!

	[Soul Smasher]
		[10% armour reduction] [single hit]

‘I’m done with iron equipment now, it’s too shoddy.’ [HP: 66/210] [-75]

Right as both my dagger and sword smash into his back, the sword shatters apart, fragments of it flying everywhere, only leaving the handle still held by my hand.

“That w-w-wraith behind you is r-real!?”

But thankfully, my sword’s lack of desire for reliability means nothing when another flying soul is tossed right into the path of the tin can. Unlike the arrow that pierced my shoulder, that archer actually knocks down his target this time. In death, at least Lena gave one of those two some extra purpose.

And to follow it up is a purple shadow in the night, appearing out of nowhere to crunch down on that armour like a car compacter. With him at our mercy, all it takes is two more hits into the back of his head. [HP: 16/210] [-50] [HP: 0/210] [-50]

‘Five down out here… looks like we have one more.’

“What is this commotion going on!? Can’t you buffoons deal with a slight prob-… oh. I guess this problem isn’t slight.”

A well dressed, well-spoken man pops out from the behind the carriage’s curtain to see a bloodied battlefield full of his slavers. Before he has the chance to return to whoever’s in there, and to pull up his trousers, me and Lena are on him like a rash.

“Now now, let’s talk this out like civilized folk, alright? I hate to burst your bubble; those ghastly demonic fiends took everything we have to loot. I have nothing for you.”

“Eh, I’m sure we can find something. Lena, how do you feel about splitting this guy in two?”

“Couldn’t think of a better idea myself, Sera!”

“Wait wait, let’s talk firs- ack!”

With a crunch as satisfying as popping bubble wrap, Lena snaps at her prey and arguably does the lord’s work… or Seraphim’s. With a pair of legs over here and the rest of him over yonder, good work has been done today.

With that, the camp falls silent.

…

…

…

“Sera… what are we doing about her?”

[Level 13 has been obtained, Sera. Increasing HP would put it at 205 if that’s the route we’re going down.]

Right as Lena sticks her head into the caravan, the silence is broken when both the women in my life speak up. My system is one thing, Lena’s curiosity is another, that carriage is bound to have someone miserable inside.

‘Change of plan, Guide, stamina for today. We’ll save the point like usual, time to start focusing a little more on carryweight.’

Taking a deep breath before hopping up inside the carriage, thankfully the sight is far safer for work than I was expecting. Although, it’s still damn sad in its own right.

A petite beastkin sits perfectly still like a statue, stationary and unmoving as if touching that chain bolted to the floor will shatter like glass. Smaller than both of us in height and weight, she looks unfortunately malnourished.

With an almighty crunch, the chain connecting her to the floor breaks off when Lena snaps at it. Yet, the slave has no reaction whatsoever to the literal dragon in front of her eyes.

‘Hmm… guess he was right; they really don’t have anything worth looting.’

A quick gander around and excluding the slave, this carriage isn’t carrying much. Most of these crates appear empty apart from a few boxes filled with chains and collars. There is an odd box in particular that might be of some value to pawn off.

“*Coughing*… my bloody legs! Why is it evil always prospers in this hopeless world?”

Sputtering blood and dragging away his chewed-up body from the camp, it looks like the one Lena ripped in half somehow lives! Seeing the trail of blood staining the grass and the beastkin flinch ever so subtly from his voice, an idea comes to mind.

“Damn, I was sure that would kill him! Last hit is yours, Sera.”

“Think I have a better idea. You have a name I can use, slave?”

“…”

The beastkin blankly stares back in my direction, acknowledging I’m here yet dare not respond.

“Doesn’t matter either way, here’s a perfect chance to take control of your destiny. He dies tonight… you can choose how.”

In one hand I hold a 9-iron and the other, my dagger. Still with eyes as empty as the void, that matters little when she snatches both from my grasp.

‘Heh, greedy shit. I like her style.’

The both of us head outside to find Lena now preying over half a man, poking and prodding with her claws even as he tries desperately to crawl away.

“Oi, you enslaving bastard. Don’t you dare bleed out on us just yet!”

“Stop toying and kill me already, dastardly lizard! I will not grant you satisfaction- *bleurgh*.”

“Just leave him be, Lena. Our fight is over for tonight.”

Tossing some firewood over a dwindling campfire, the flames erupt back into life, lighting the darkening night. Still by my side is the slave, maybe I was being a little presumptuous thinking she would want her own slice of vengeance…

‘Oh, I was mistaken. She’s just getting warmed up.’

For the briefest of moments as she holds that club over the fire, her eyes show some colour, a slight yellow tint reflecting against the fire.

Now with that 9-iron positively glowing, the woman sluggishly makes her way back to her enslaver.

“Phahaha- *cough cough*. That animal really thinks she knows how to brand another? Heavens forbid, try me, pest!”

Over him as a faceless silhouette, the last sight I see is the glowing club standing high against the backdrop of the sky, quickly before it falls to the ground.

‘Unsightly, but necessary. A man chooses… a slave obeys. Where was that from again?’

Whack… spatter… crack! Lena looks on while I continue to gaze into the fire, I’ve seen enough blood for today.

“We are letting her live, right Sera?”

Whispering that, I’m honestly shocked Lena is even considering that outcome.

“Of course we are. Here I thought you were a noble and righteous dragon.”

“I am, Sera! It’s just that we’re trying to keep secretive, right? And she doesn’t seem that innocent right now.”

The sound of repetitive screams, whacks and cracks echo from behind us, only lasting until the sounds of screams fall quiet. For several minutes longer, the whacks continue.

…

Once silence falls in The Farlands, only the crackling of the fire and small footsteps are to be heard.

“Shade… my name is Shade. Thank you.”

With an extremely timid voice, both my weapons are returned to me, drenched and dripping in blood. Not sure I need a club that’s twisted like a spring.

“You’re welcome, Shade. Sera is what I go by and this cuddly lizard is Lena. If she bites, getting her ears rubbed normally calms her down.”

“D-Damn it, S-Sera!”

“…”

Confused, presumably because dragons don’t have ears, the beastkin Shade awkwardly takes a seat beside us an

“Shade, your leg is busted, isn’t it? You’ll have to fly with Sera until that’s fixed.”

“Heh, look at you trying to give away my seat.”

Playfully trying to ease the uncomfortableness, whether we have more room or Lena doesn’t care about others riding on her back is irrelevant. In the eyes of any other dragon, this should be a big deal!

“Hehe… is that jealously I hear, Sera?”

“Not going to justify that with a response.”

“You’ll still be the best rider I’ve ever had! Does that help?”

“Heh… somewhat.”

Though we may now giggle to each other, something Lena said about Shade has confused me a little.

‘She may be moving slow, but it’s not obvious her leg is broken. I’m betting that reduces dexterity.’

‘Partially correct at least. Wonder if they have splints in this worl- hang on! Why can I see her stats!?’

There is a load to get through seeing this. She’s a kitsune and has something called spiritism, the three major stats don’t add up to a level ten, she has the six other stats! Her status is roughly based on the same P.I.S.S.E.D system I do.

[Stat distribution is different for differing species, you already knew this. Lenore’s for example starts with a base of 250, a kitsune is clearly different.]

[As for spiritism, this guide isn’t exactly sure what it does. However, it does appear to be related to her affliction and based on the average of INT and DEX.]

‘What about the crippling and her other stats though?’

[Crippling will slowly heal by itself over time, Sera. Since it appears Shade has been nursing it for a while, a day or 2 at most and the leg should be healed. However, Sera’s uncertainty regarding P.I.S.S.E.D makes sense, this is highly suspicious.]

When the robotic wife agrees with me, clearly something must be wrong. I’ve got an idea what could be causing it.

‘Hypothetically speaking, Guide, is there any way for residents born in this world to access these systems?’

[This Guide knows of no such way, Sera. It might be possible… but this guide is highly doubtful.]

‘Then it’s obvious then, isn’t it? This woman is most likely an otherworlder…’