Immortal Kings: A LitRPG Adventure (The World Over Book 2) Page 2

  “How long does it take to build a guild house?”

  Aegis could tell Levo was considering whether to scold or reply.

  He must’ve had some pity.

  “As extravagant as this one? Took about ten fortnights, but not consecutively. This was a work in progress for years. We’ve expanded it multiple times as we grew.” He sniffed. “I remember the days when it was just Urias, our Throne, Grath, his Hand, and the Four Horsemen. We pooled all of our dice from hard-finished raids to build the first iteration of this. Those were good times.”

  Cones of light let in from downward facing windows framed their walkway.

  “I hope my guildmates and I will one day find a plot of land of our own.”

  “A fine goal, lad.”

  So he must be one of the Four Horsemen – a legacy contender in this enormously famous guild. But then… why is he guarding the door?

  After a minute or so, they came to a pair of matte black staircases both leading to the same golden door not high above them. Grey gems speckled the steps just enough to prove its richness to Aegis, and when he followed Levo into the next room, his breath caught in his chest. Two guard’s with perpetually flaming swords bowed curtly to Levo and stepped aside to reveal a man seated behind a wide round table. His locks were long and shiny, cascading over his massive pauldrons like a waterfall over stone. A strong nose with a gash across it spoke to his previous deaths, and piercing orange eyes intently analyzing what was upon the table made Aegis scared… for the table.

  Aegis scratched his eye to try and nonchalantly reactivate his lens, which read:

  Arco Firan Neptus Tue – Level ??

  Idol

  Guild: Immortal Kings

  Rank: Guild Throne

  Infusion: Celestial

  Class: Imbuer

  Health: ---------???----------

  Armor: ??

  Temperament: Neutral

  That’s quite a name, Aegis thought to himself before switching his gaze to the table. He wanted to know what was so special that seemed to capture everyone’s attention, and was shocked to see an intricately modeled dungeon sprawled out before him. Sprung booby traps, chess-like pieces placed in strategic formations, monster statuettes on spawn points, and other markings made Aegis instantly think back to his time in Belna playing with his brother and their toys. It evoked a comical image of this kingly Idol painting tiny figurines and hopping them around the table to his heart’s content. But a harsh lady’s voice brought him back to reality.

  “Yes, protector?” The woman raised her gaze, silk woven sleeves hanging low as she rested her hands under her chin and elbows on the table.

  Aegis squinted to make sure he read her class name correctly, bypassing his wonder that the highest-ranking members of the Immortal Kings were sitting right in front of him. Deity Caller? What the hell kind of class is that? Sounds powerful. His palms grew sweaty the more information registered in his head.

  “Apologies for interrupting, Lord Hand, Lord Throne.” Levo bowed twice. “But I bring you strange tidings during strange times. This Idol here – Aegis, Guild Throne to Shields of Strathmar—”

  That has a nice ring to it. Aegis straightened with pride.

  “… though young in level and peculiar in spirit…”

  Aegis deflated a bit.

  “… brings a message that I simply cannot ignore.”

  The Deity Caller remained straight-faced. “I needn’t remind you the gravity of tonight’s raid.” Levo tried to respond, but she kept on. “The Beta Knights cleared Cobier’s Tomb two weeks ahead of schedule. Two weeks, Levo. I know you’re not on the front lines any longer, but surely you can appreciate and recall the efforts that lie therein.”

  “Apologies, Lord Hand,” Levo spoke through gritted teeth.

  While the Crosspear was being scolded, Aegis couldn’t help but scan the rest of the Idols sitting around the table, each with more intricately crafted armor, more heavenly spun robes, finely stitched leather than the last. Though, through all of the intimidating facets here, he had no idea why his anxiety was so high.

  I’ve stood against Grathbane for god’s sake. So why do I want to jump headfirst under the table in neutral territory?

  His brother’s voice echoed in his head, something about walking the walk and now having to talk the talk. Different skills entirely, he realized, much preferring to use his shield rather than his mouth among company like this.

  So stuffy. So formal.

  “… if we wipe on the Undead Princess this eve, I blame you.”

  “Soldrina!” Levo stomped forward, punching the Throne’s table hard enough to make all of the pieces quiver. “Mind yourself!”

  Aegis’ eyes widened.

  “Enough,” the Guild Throne said calmly, leaning forward as Levo took one step back. “Tell me how to dissolve this situation fastest, Castle-Watcher, so our attention will no longer be divided. Tell me now.”

  Levo turned to their guest; his gaze felt like Aegis imagined the points of Levo’s trident would feel in his belly.

  Okay…

  He wiped his hands on his breaches, as if ridding himself of sweat would somehow help here.

  Just present your case. Your friends are relying on you. Your brother… your mother. You owe it to all of them not to fail.

  “Lord Throne.” His voice was shaky. “I apologize for the intrusion, but I come as a messenger from beyond the grave. Urias Thundersharp, legacy Guild Throne to the Immortal Kings, sends his regards.”

  Whispers immediately broke out around the table, but Arco Firan’s expression was of stone.

  Aegis unhooked his shield, making the two guards by the door step toward him; he could feel the heat of their flaming swords warm his backside.

  They’re worried I have the Warlord Trinket, that I can turn this room hostile and make a mess of their precious strategy session. No, not worried. Wrong word. What could one level ten do? But, they know of the trinket… there’s no other reason for guards.

  “In the Battle of Hearthden, when the Roaring Bandits stormed a Homebound for the first time in Strathmar’s history, I summoned Urias through this shield.” Aegis lay it on the table, which immediately caused the whispers to grow into chatter.

  Arco Firan inspected the shield from his seat, and then turned his eyes to Aegis once more. “Peculiar indeed.” He leaned back in his throne. “What is the meaning behind his regards? Dice? Equipment? Charity?”

  Aegis could tell Levo was offended the Guild Throne didn’t even trust his protector to vet their guest.

  “Amity,” Aegis corrected, making a few of the heavily armored Idols chuckle. He chewed on his lip before speaking louder. “I seek alliance between Shields of Strathmar and the Immortal Kings, through the connection brought forth by this shield.”

  “A bold request… from a level ten.” Arco folded his hands, letting the laughter wash over him like flower petals over a king.

  “I would not have scaled mountains or risked the precious time of my dear friends, had I not thought it crucial.”

  “How steadfast of you, Lord Throne.” Arco held back an angered smirk. “But tell me, do you think our time is yours to risk?”

  “I— mean no disrespect, sir, for a lowly Imbuer could not have known the direness of your progression this evening. I only request your alliance and your seal, so that if a Homebound is threatened again, I can summon the might of the Immortal Kings to protect the land and let your name ring true as defenders of freedom.”

  Aegis could tell the room was not yet convinced. “Surely newcomers to the world should be free to pursue Accomplishments and not be enslaved at spawn. Surely—”

  “Lord Throne, if I may interject,” a male Fejjer with golden clasps around his long ears spoke up. Aegis noted his rank as ‘Guild Ear.’ “There are whispers of a raid on this Homebound he speaks of, and of a Transcendent low-level Idol who stepped up to Grathbane to hold the line. They cheer his name in Hearthden. Though I would have dism
issed the source willingly days ago, seeing that shield… gives some validity to them.”

  Arco rolled his thumbs, still only eyeing Aegis, making him squirm in his presence. The heat of his gaze burned hotter than the flames pinching his behind.

  “I’m so glad you know your good sources from bad,” Arco Firan said sarcastically. “It prevented so much wasted, crucial time, Sir Ear.”

  “His credentials check out,” Levo cut in. “His guild charter holds the alliance of Meekas on behalf of the Lazy Stones, and Hatchet Turner.”

  Soldrina scoffed in disbelief. “Hatchet, you say? That woman is barking mad. How did you—”

  A calm, armored hand over the Deity Caller’s arm made her stop mid-sentence, and the air suddenly grew thick as all awaited the Guild Throne to choose his next words.

  For someone intent on not wasting time, he surely doesn’t mind taking his own in the spotlight.

  “Alright, Aegis of Shields.” He gestured for him to proceed with one hand. “Go ahead.”

  “Uh, sir?”

  “Summon Urias before your audience. Make a believer out of me.”

  Oh god…

  The air grew tense again as Aegis looked to Levo for help, as his palms were nearly dripping now. He could feel his forehead becoming slick, his voice shakier than before.

  I can’t summon him on command. That was a spur of the moment thing, to save my friends.

  He reached over and grabbed his shield once more, watching as it flickered in and out of his grasp.

  “Well?”

  Think Aegis, think.

  He relived the instance in his mind, when Grathbane’s nefarious mace crashed over his Wraith Shield to deal the killing blow. It was only then the Unholy Summon ability unlocked and Urias was called from the deathly skies.

  Maybe if I can convince him…

  “His whispers from the Death Realm do not reach my ears at this time,” he said dejectedly, earning a sneer from those at Arco’s sides. “But perhaps in a show of might through this shield,” he lifted his head, raising his voice over the chatter, “I can convince you of his lent strength. Strike me once in a duel, and if I remain unharmed, lend me your hand in friendship.”

  For the first time, Arco hooted. “You seem fearless in culminating debts. I wonder what kind of Guild Throne that makes you?”

  “A zealous one, sir.”

  “A foolish one, too. I decline. Do you think your audience illiterate? Or perhaps blind? I can read full well your Wraith Shield’s ability to absorb one blow every fifteen minutes. Frankly, the only reason you have audience thus far is because of that inscription. And I can see why those who signed your charter believe your claims. They think Urias Thundersharp permanently dead – unable to respawn – and your ‘Unholy Summon’ ability as the saving grace to somehow to pervert him back into existence. Very convincing, Aegis, truly. But for all I know, you’re a conniving jester in the making. One skilled enough to gain a mad woman and a sleazy merchant to your side to participate in your rouse. For all I know, that Unholy Summon brings back a bunny from the Death Realm.”

  One of the Seles Weapons Masters in the corner began laughing, followed by another, and another.

  Aegis understood why Levo punched the table before. These Idols had a way of making others feel less than human in their presence. It brought a darkness up within him. He wished he had the Warlord Trinket in this moment, and that his brother was with him to help make a mess out of their plans.

  But that was the wish of a hotheaded fool.

  Is this how vengeance begins? Is there another side to Grathbane’s story?

  A grin crept up Arco’s face. “You have provided humor in an otherwise tension-filled day, Aegis of Shields. And for that, I will not send our assassin ranks to camp your corpses in hostile territory. But instead, you may leave as you came, as a neutral insect.”

  Aegis lingered for a moment, feeling the heat rising in his face, the lump forming in his throat.

  “Careful now.” Soldrina tilted her head. “The Guild Throne has spoken. Remember your place, and be grateful we have not charged you for audience, lest you’d be an indentured servant scaping our gardens for the rest of your days. Run along now. Shoo.”

  Aegis reluctantly turned away with his fists clenched.

  “Oh, and a word of advice,” Arco spoke evenly. “The next time you request audience with a top-tier guild, best have your presentation planned and ready. Protector, see him out.”

  Chapter 2

  A Secret Quest

  Aegis could hear muffled laughter coming from the throne room door that slammed shut behind him, and then shuffling of model pieces, which he assumed was for the meeting he’d interrupted.

  What a damn waste that was.

  He started down the opposite staircase he took to get there, deeming this set the ‘reject’ steps. The walk of shame. Statues that seemed so glorious earlier now taunted his every movement. A spear wielder leaping toward the heavens shadowed his path, then a Spell Weaver culminating an almighty summon. Each one told of how much he didn’t belong, how epic they were and how stupid he was. It was incredible how one meeting could change the entire ambience of a castle.

  He spat, while looking up at them.

  The Immortal Kings aren’t valor and glory. They’re petty shit.

  He was so wrapped in his own head, so embarrassed by what had just taken place that he almost forgot about his escort – Levo Len. He was shocked the Crosspear hadn’t scowled at him for making him look so terrible.

  Aegis stared at the back of his glimmering armor as it crossed into the light every few steps. “Sorry, protector.”

  No response… just the clomping of his boots over the red carpet. Levo was peering down at something in front of him; Aegis could tell by his dipped head. He wanted to pry, but why bother? It was true: he really was a neutral insect in here. Who would think otherwise after a beratement like that?

  So instead he just walked on, considering how to tell his friends about such a monumental failure.

  After they scaled mountains for me, got all dressed up because I begged them to... I have nothing to show for it. I guess I’m not ready to talk the talk, brother.

  Not even realizing it, Aegis walked right past Levo, and only stopped because a heavy hand on the shoulder made him.

  Aegis furrowed his brow and snapped from his internal shame.

  “Hm?”

  Levo removed his helmet. “There was a time when a guest would be offered a drink rather than tar and feathers.”

  “Yeah, and I’m sure Belna smelled like flowers and rainbows once upon a time too.” Aegis scoffed. “And here I thought you treated us harshly at the gate.”

  Aegis turned for the door – not able to leave fast enough – when a strong hand spun him once more. It was only then he noticed a sealed letter in Levo’s hand.

  “It takes guts to profess something so absurd to a council of high-ranking guild members.”

  “You going to rub it in more? Here, kiss my ass instead.” He offered it.

  Levo blinked long hoping that Aegis would reset himself. “You seemed so sure of yourself in there. And what the Guild Ear said…”

  Aegis narrowed his eyes.

  “You really are him, aren’t you? The Transcendent Idol the jester spoke about.”

  “Lot of good it did me back there.”

  Levo nodded and handed the letter to him. “For what it’s worth, I believe you, lad. And I too apologize for earlier. Urias Thundersharp represents a different time for the Immortal Kings. A better time, one that even I forget to uphold being in the presence of such arrogant swine.”

  Aegis couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

  “I will honor his wishes whether or not you saw his ghost,” Levo continued. “I guess only time will tell, there.” He lifted his eyes to the high ceiling as if speaking to the heavens. “I just don’t understand… out of all the Idols, why was he the one who had to go missing? The only one in Strathm
ar thought to be dead and gone.”

  “He has a different purpose, protector.” Hope began to fill Aegis’ lungs again, or was that the smell of nervous sweat seeping through his overcoat? Either way, he was fully awake now. He inspected the javelin seal and could only assume it was Levo’s, and then ripped open the letter that read:

  !Quest!

  This letter is for a certain foolhardy Idol with his bravery intact. Aegis, travel to the Vul’doug Mines and conquer the instance governed by the infamous Kron Heist. When I was still gathering my wits in Strathmar, my friends and I stumbled upon this dungeon time and time again. It’s a particularly nasty one that can only be completed by a full group, adjusted for level. Unfortunately, my current position no longer permits excursions that may lead me closer to an old friend. So I impart this journey unto you and yours in the name of Urias Thundersharp.

  I’m in need of a particular dye, Greyspark, that Kron hordes in the black depths. Fetch it for me so I can fulfill my missions here, while you fulfill yours abroad.

  Reward:

  x1 Talisman of the Unheard; or

  x1 Drectabil’s Plate Armor – won in the arena of the Second Son, first prize.

  The Four Horsemen’s spear,

  Levo

  Aegis looked up from the note to see Levo arcing an eyebrow.

  “I take it you’re going to accept my quest?”

  He nodded slowly, still stunned.

  “I also take it you will say nothing to no one outside your guild.”

  Aegis nodded a little faster.

  “Good. I will have a gryphon flown to you once you’ve completed it. Use my seal to reach out.” He smashed his fist heartily against Aegis’ chest as if to say, “Strap up!”

  “Levo,” Aegis stuffed the quest parchment in his bag, “you hate it here. It’s written all over your face. Come with us. Join us! I have Oof—” He hesitated, judging to see if Levo had heard him. “We have strong allies who were at the Battle of Hearthden. Shields is a guild meant to protect against IVI threats, the first of its kind.”