The monsters came once upon a time.

Chapter 13

Entering through the doorway, I felt a large portion of what could only be ether, leaving my body in the opposite direction. The feeling was similar when using weapons taken from the monsters. However, the difference between the two was massive. The weapons only used small wisps of ether, almost like strings leaving my body. This, however, was massively different. Thankfully I had become used to this procedure since using my clone required a similar amount.

I had spent a few hours every day since acquiring the system, trying to manipulate the formless energy. I implemented methods based on exercises, slowly pushing and retrieving the energy from different parts of my body and trying to create small tendrils. The good news was that as I kept experimenting it became easier to use. The downside was that it had no effect on increasing my stats, and I couldn't give it an effect anywhere near using a skill. It showed that I still had a long way to go before trying to use the crazy methods I had been fantasizing.

I was awoken from my stupor by a sharp pop originating from behind me. This was the effect of the skill. After implementing a portion of my ether, it somehow changed shape and gained attributes far above my current knowledge leading to the effect taking place behind me.

Finding the nearest place to sit, I moved towards a rather inviting looking brown leather sofa. I inelegantly made myself home, shuffling to find a comfortable spot. Following me, my minions began to trot over. Whyte and Igris taking the lead with their new subordinate tailing closely behind.

I had ordered Whyte to take his new spear, the large silvertip and hefty wood looked at home in his hand. I threw the short sword back to Igris and the new minion held Whyte's old spear. I first spent a portion of my ether to fix the injury on Igris. I couldn't have injured soldiers after all. As the ether left my body, I tried prodding and feeling the energy in hopes of better understanding, but it was to no avail like usual.

Refocusing my eyes before me I was greeted with the sight of loyal soldiers. Soldiers that neither needed food nor rest. Soldiers that obeyed all my orders with no complaints. If I was to say that this feeling was not ecstatic, if it did not inflate my ego, that would be a lie.

Two large dusk white soldiers stood in front of me almost Knight like. Each standing an impressive 190cm. Large shoulders holding in a magnificent frame, bones held together by who knows what, but the feeling imposing. Fearless soldiers that would not hesitate to die by my orders. I had acquired these specimens after killing more of the Ghouls.

Behind them stood a new member of the interrogee. One that I couldn't be bothered to name as I planned to use it sacrificially. No need having sentiment for it, that would only make it harder to use. This one stood 180cm, similar in height to myself. The large imposing frame of the monster I now referred to as an orc now gone. A small, almost feeble looking frame in its place. It seemed the skill had some downsides but at least it still had the bones of its former self, it should prove useful, if not I could always replace it.

I began to first organize the updates since the battle. Beginning with my soldiers.

{Name: Whyte

Species: Skeleton

Job: Skeleton Knight

Lv: 10

Soldiers: 1/1}

{Name: Igris

Species: Skeleton

Job: Skeleton Knight

Lv: 8

Soldiers: -}

It seemed Whyte had levelled up thanks to the battle. Igris had stayed the same level, but that was expected as he did not have a great effect on the battle besides being an oversized noise-cancelling device. I thought to change his name for a minute, before chuckling and refocusing on the task. Thanks to reaching level 10, Whyte was able to command a soldier. This would prove very beneficial in future battles.

After giving the two a once over to see if anything needed repairs I moved to the most lacklustre of the group.

{Species: Skeleton

Job: Skeleton soldier}

It was evident that the skeleton soldier would not be able to grow in power. Their lack of a Lv section proving this. They would be great pawns for the future but that was for another time. Finishing with my soldiers I moved to look at my own information. The purple translucent screen once more appearing before me.

{Player status

Name: Raza

Age: 20

Nickname: Number 2, Immortal

Class: -

Level: 5

Trait 1/1: Dimensional storage - E - 0% - +10%

Titles: First Player (U/E) Dungeon Hunter ®

SP: 1

Ether Particles: 180

Stats:[

Strength:17 +3

Stamina:13 +2

Agility:17 +2

Dexterity:12 +2

Endurance:16 +3

Wisdom:14 +2

Intelligence:18 +2]

Active skills: Skeleton Knight (E)

Passive skills:-

Bonded 1/4 : Abyssal Ring (U/G)

Click for further information}

I had already spent the point from reaching level 4 into intelligence which allowed me to summon my two Knights. I decided to hold onto the new SP and looked over my skill.

{Skeleton Kight: (E) - 14% - +10%

9 Intelligence needed to control 1

Summon a Skeleton Knight with a similar body disposition to the Players. The summoned Knight can grow in battle prowess through battles, increasing familiarity with weapons. The knights can also be named, as they say, names grant power. To control 1 Knight 10 intelligence is needed, the cost reduces as skill gains higher familiarity with player.

Knights: 2

Names: Whyte, Igris}

Thankfully the title "First player" helped to raise the skill familiarity or I would have to spend the SP just to have 2 Knights. As the description stated they could learn and grow. By repeatedly sparing with them I was able to grow more confident in using weapons and similarly, I noticed them become more accurate and approach battles with what appeared as thought or instinct. Now they dodged and tried to receive minimal damage following my orders. They weren't great as they still stood as vegetables waiting for orders at times, but it was a great improvement since the start.

Finishing the tasks with a deep swig of water. I picked myself longingly of the sofa and began retracing my steps to my family. A rather diabolical plan in mind.