Old Dynasty's Tomb (3)
User's cognitive abilities are reduced for a certain time.
I want it. Such a powerful impulse dominated my mind.
The tiny gem embedded right in the center of the Skeleton Knight's chest. I had no idea what it was. But the moment I laid eyes on it, my head filled with nothing but the desire to possess it. And soon, that small wish twisted into pure greed.
I have to have it. I have to make it mine. My head felt like it might explode from that single thought.
"Pitiful creature. Know your place!"
A buzzing voice droned in my ears, but it didn't register. How could I get that gem? It was lodged in the bastard's chest, embedded so firmly it seemed impossible to dislodge. Staring at it, realization dawned.
Ah, I get it. I just have to kill the bastard and take it.
I'd reached enlightenment. With the answer in hand, it was time to solve the problem. I slowly raised my hefty bone, my gaze locked solely on the gem in the Skeleton Knight's chest.
I charged forward with everything I had.
Mine. I want it. So hand it over!
Arriving at that flawless skeleton logic—three-step syllogism—cleared my mind even further.
"Insolent fool!"
The Skeleton Knight swung a massive sword that looked bigger than my entire body. Whoosh! Dodging the menacing greatsword slicing through the air with agile footwork.
Boom!
A vicious thud erupted from the spot where I'd just stood. One hit from that thing, and my skull would shatter like glass. But even in this dire moment, desire overpowered fear.
Just once. Just one hit would do it. Then that delectable gem would be mine!
The greatsword rose high again. This time, instead of evading, I dove straight into the Skeleton Knight's guard, intent on striking back.
Whoosh! Here it comes! Down from above, aimed right at my head.
Quick judgment: Dodging sideways now wouldn't matter; I'd still be in range. The golden rule of combat? Never flinch. Kill the enemy before they kill you!
I stepped forward boldly and shouted.
"Dodge!"
I curled into a ball and rolled across the floor like a cannonball. It might look pathetic, but the result was anything but.
Boom!
I'd slipped perfectly out of the sword's range and closed right up to the Skeleton Knight's front. It hadn't recovered its stance yet. I kicked off the ground, leaped, and swung my bone wide.
My original target: its right shoulder. But the Skeleton Knight twisted in panic at my sudden assault, redirecting my slash straight toward its chest.
But I panicked.
No!
This could damage the precious gem. I desperately twisted my arm mid-swing.
Slice!
Luckily, the attack veered off to the side as intended, cleanly severing the Skeleton Knight's left arm.
"Kraaaagh!!"
As if feeling actual pain, the Skeleton Knight howled and flailed its remaining right arm threateningly. I easily dodged with nimble movements.
Enraged, it bellowed.
"A mere skeleton, daring to...!"
You're a skeleton too, asshole. Just 'cause you've got an extra title doesn't make you hot shit!
Anyone would strut with a gem that cool, shiny, and radiant gleaming in their chest. ...Not that I'm jealous or anything! It looks special, sure! But that doesn't make you any less of a skeleton.
Know your place!
"Clack clack!"
I knew words wouldn't get through, but I couldn't hold back.
"Arrogant wretch! I am a knight of the great Plaque Empire! I am leagues above trash like you!"
Oh? Did it actually understand me? Skeletons can talk to each other!
All this time, I couldn't chat with my kin because they were all idiots. For a moment, I was thrilled to meet someone worth talking to.
So what?
"Clack."
Didn't change a thing. It seemed to be misunderstanding something—the hunter here was me. Like a beast eyeing prey, I swung my bone again.
"You think I'll fall for the same trick twice?!"
It twisted away from my repeated trajectory, learning from experience that my attacks were dangerous.
Thud!
It didn't sit idle either. As I closed in, the Skeleton Knight thrust out its massive hand.
"Got you!"
I couldn't evade in time—my right arm was caught. The tables seemed turned. Me pinned down, it gripping tight. The scales tipped heavily.
But without hesitation, I wrenched my body violently.
Crack!
My right arm bone crumbled visibly, but I didn't care. Sacrifice a bone to claim a bigger prize! Win, and the gem's mine!
"What...?!"
The Skeleton Knight's shocked voice. Too late. With my remaining left arm, I gripped the bone and swung hard at its neck.
Slice!
The satisfying sensation of a clean cut. By the time I landed, victory was sealed.
Effect has ended.
With the battle over, my mind cleared.
...Huh? What the hell was I doing?
"Clack clack?"
A small gem sparkled in my hand. The Skeleton Knight lay decapitated on the floor. Habitually reaching to scratch my head, I felt emptiness and looked down.
What?! My arm! Where's my arm?!
"Clack clack!"
Horror at my dangling, mangled right arm. What the hell happened? Why was the Skeleton Knight dead and my arm wrecked?
Memories trickled back amid the confusion.
...Why did I fight so recklessly?
They flooded in, leaving me stunned. Blinded by the gem, I'd charged an enemy I'd normally flee from. And why smash my arm like that? I could've kited and waited for an opening.
This berserk brawling wasn't my style. I'm more the cautious analyst, the sniper type.
I sighed, mentally berating my past self. At least it only cost one arm.
I've gotta be more careful.
Skills that activate involuntarily, huh. Craving turned me into someone else. Any upsides? Didn't feel stronger. Arm was trashed, so no tougher either. Pure debuff with zero perks.
Maybe learn meditation or something.
Shaking off idle thoughts, I stood. Heavy losses, but gains too.
◈ A small stone containing someone's soul.
The beautiful gem in my hand gleamed with its own light, even in this pitch-black space. And a barrage of message windows floated before me. I checked the top one first.
Inheritance conditions have been met.
Inheritance conditions? I hurriedly checked my status window again.
Something had subtly changed. My level was already 10. +5 levels from one kill? What luck.
Ding!
Three options. Skipping the safe "Swordsman," two intriguing ones: the vaguely ominous Fallen Knight, and a mysterious ???.
Fallen nation? Sounds bad. Ruined means ruined. The ??? was pure chaos—no appeal there.
No details? Just gut instinct in this high-stakes game of chicken. Wrong choice, and I'm trash forever. No resets in this hardcore mode.
Life's a game anyway. Might as well try everything!
Decision made!
Fallen Knight!
"Clack clack!"
I'll be a grand knight wandering this romance-less world! Though "fallen" nagged a bit.
What's the worst that could happen?
Hooked on "knight," I ignored the safe path. Real men challenge themselves! Whether bold or brilliant, who knows.
I selected without hesitation.
Consuming material (Soul Stone - Skeleton Knight).
Grind! Bones twisted and reformed throughout my body. Farewell to my old skeleton self. I was reborn—a Fallen Knight!
"Clack clack!"
As the transformation finished, a new message appeared.
Synchronization beginning.
Memories flooded my mind. I closed my nonexistent eyes.