With a sudden gasp, Malbin shot up. He put his hand on his face, his head hurts-'Wait.. it feels smooth?' he thought. He slowly opened his eyes as they blinked repeatedly as it adjusted to the light, the room looked different. Wasn't he just in the mud? He tried to get up but groaned as he felt his body aching, pain shot up on his lower back and shoulders, the blankets slightly fell from his chest as he moved. He looked down and saw himself in a hospital gown.
"My lord! Please you must lay down!" A nurse cried out as she ran towards Malbin.
Malbin's head turned as he was gently layed onto the bed, 'My head still hurts..' he thought as the bed sheets covered him once again. He turned his head to the left to avoid eye contact towards the nurse as she was bickering about him being still injured. However, as he turned the UI popped out infront of his eyes.
**Survive the siege mission**
**Status: Incompleted**
**Reward: ???**
**Achievement Unlocked: First Blood!**
**Achievement Unlocked: Nice throw there!**
**Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Strength of the Weak!**
Malbin was confused for a minute... he received skills? This wasn't apart of the game... skills were only unique to one character, is this some kind of cheat code? Malbin grinned and a evil thought came to his mind 'Wait a minute...if every single achievement gives me a skill.. I could be those protagonist in those novels and MAKE MONEY!' He quickly pressed "Accept rewards" button on the UI screen.
**Malbin Quietfang has unlocked: View Skills**
Description: Able to check himself and other peoples skills.
Mana usage: None
Stamina usage: None
Weakness: None.
Cooldown: None.
Malbin nodded 'This skill seems useful.. afterall I might forget some abilities other NPCs or characters has.' He quickly checked his skill by pressing view skills. He then scrolled down the UI screen and saw his skills.
'Tactical Throw'
Description: Increases accuracy and damage of thrown objects and enemies hit by a thrown item are marked for 5 seconds.
Mana usage: None
Stamina usage: 20
Weakness: Others cannot see the marked enemy. Yourself will be also marked for the enemy to see for 5 seconds.
Cooldown: 5 minutes
That's a useful skill but the drawbacks is a problem.... Malbin thought now what's the other one?
'Exploiters eye'
Description: Able to see any enemy weaknesses in any form.
Mana usage: Takes 90% Of Mana of the user.
Stamina usage: None
Weakness: Massive mana usage
Cooldown: 10 Days
Malbins face went blank. 'Really...? Another huge weakness?' he thought.. his mind started to ponder then-'Wait...' as he slowly turned his body and looked at the nurse who stared at him straight into his eyes with unease, her fingers fidget and obviously uncomfortable.
"M-my..lord.." she gulps "Are you fine?" She gave a awkward smile as she tried to keep a straight composure
"I-Im quite well.. th-th-thank you for asking.." Malbin also gave a slight awkward smile back.
A minute of silence before the nurse blurted out, as she looked the other way
"I'll let you get to your own thoughts, my lord!" she quickly gave a courtesy bow and darted out of the room in a hurry trying to avoid the awkward atmosphere, leaving Malbin alone in his bed with a slight embarrassment aswell as leaving him self conscious of what he had done, which caused him to look insane. The UI popped infront of him with a message
**You really made her leave huh? Well its probably your looks afterall.**
Malbin stared at the screen with a blank face, then he reached out and grabs the UI screen
**?**
"YOU LITTLE BLUE BOX!!!" Malbin exclaimed as he started to stretch it with his two hands "IT WASN'T MY FACE!!! IT WAS YOU!!" veins appeared on his face as the UI screen popped with messages repeatedly
**W-A-WAIT! THAT HURTS YOU KNOW**
Just as Malbin was fuming and foaming out of the mouth, the door opened and Malbin quickly jumped, he quickly dropped what he was doing and acting proper-trying to avoid another awkward situation.
"I BEEN TOLD YOU ARE WELL, UGLY!" Alessia stepped into the room, her boots made thuds each time she stepped closer and closer. The old oaked floors creaked as she finally approached Malbin and gave a firm slap on the back "Hahaha, ugly! You finally made your mark in the battlefield." She laughed, as Malbin rubbed his back.
"That stings, you know.." His voice came off as bit annoyed-'Wait..' He thought 'If the mission isn't completed.. why is she even here? Isn't she suppose to be commanding the troops!??!' His head quickly turned, his eyes widen with a serious face as he stared into her eyes.
"Wait... a minute.. aren't you suppose to be on the walls?" His eyes squint as as he asked the question.
"Huh? You don't trust me or the troops?" She said in a calm manner but her expression looked like she was pissed..
"S-sorry." Mablin sheepishly said
Alessia was bit confused as she tilted her head a bit but shrugged it off and begin to kept talking "Anyways, the orges are resting for now. This may be there last charge because of how much orcs they used in that stunt they did, thankfully." There was a pause before Alessia sighed, as she spoke it was more softer and quieter-the opposite of how she acts and talks. "Causalities reports, only the walls were attacked and the gate wasn't breach so its not that much but still devastating." She took out a crunched out folded paper and handed it to Malbin
Malbin stared at the folded paper, his hands felt heavy. 'Why does this tension feel so...overwhelming, When I played the game all troops death was just meaningless.. apart of the game play but when I hold this paper.. it feels-' he thoughts were cut off as Alessia placed a hand on his shoulder, assuring him.
"If you don't want to see, it's fine." She sighed and scratched the back of her head "Its quite normal for you as you don't normally loo-"
"I'll look at it."
"Huh?"
"I'll look at it."
Alessia was quite shocked as her eyes widen and darted to look at Malbins face to see if its just a joke, but all she can see is honesty and empathy.. She smiled a bit and nodded. As Malbin opened the letter with shakey hands.. '260 militias dead and 50 militias wounded or injured. 170 footmen dead and 20 wounded or injured. 10 knights dead and 30 wounded or injured. Dammit... these losses..'
"And these only came from the walls?"
"Yeah.. its quite much if I'm being honest, but its orges they are quite ruthless and barbaric. Too dumb to know they are injured, too blood thirsty to know when to run away."
"I see.." Malbin put the note down on the counter next to him, looking down.
"Get some rest alright. I'll handle the final attack." She turned away just before a sharp call came from Malbins mouth
"Hold it.." He pushed away the blankets and let it dropped to the oaked floor, even with the pain he pushed through "I am the head of this place and I will not be bed ridden during the battle where people die. I refuse to." He used his strength to pull himself up, his tired body ached but he pushed through and finally stood up straight and walked infront of Alessia. "I will help command the troops, as I want to see the end of the siege aswell." Malbin left the room, and closed the door. Malbin took a quick breath then knelt down in pain as he started to regret trying to act tough. 'S-shit.. I really do regret it.. m-maybe I should have left Alessia just do the commanding.' he thought as he pulled himself back up and continued walking in pain.
Malbin came out, and was surprised to see a butler standing outside of the hospital 'He looked to familiar.. handsome, black hair, glasses, young and.. he surrounded by girls... great, this new life really wants to rub it in my face..' a single tear ran down his face as his complicates why he was even brought into this new world. The butler turned and waved his hand towards Malbin, he barged through the crowds of women as Malbin stared with a shock expression 'Ho-hold on why is he approaching me!??!' he thought.
"Young master, it seems you recovered." the butler had a narrow eye as he bowed deeply to greet Malbin.
'Wait.. he's quite familiar?' taking another glance at the butlers appearance 'Popular... beautiful.. black hair.. glasses...' he put a hand on his chin as he looked down and closed his eyes-'WAIT!' he jumped as he realised who this man is. 'This is.. Edwin Beauregard! He's one of the helper characters that always assist you in game giving tips and helping to manage resource in the kingdom. A very helpful NPC and was quite popular in the fandom of the game.. lots of fanart..' he shuddered and shook himself a bit to recover his posture. 'However, his dialogues are quite different with each character when he interacts and starts helping.. he does help and give information but of course with some low blows in his messages for characters he dislikes. This goes for Malbin the same person, he despises as soon as Malbin arrived here in the Last tower lore. Always causing trouble to people and people caring for Malbin staying here which obviously causes Edwin to despise but grudgingly obey.. hold on- my skills..' He tried to test it out by staring intensely at Edwin then after he tried widening his eye then another... while Edwin was slowly looking up to see Malbin making a fool out of himself and was obviously confused but was smirking as Edwin put his head down again while he still bowed. Malbin scratched his head, trying to figure the new system. 'Come on.. I tried to do something viewing related! Tch.. its not like VIeW sKilLS! Is going to activate it like in some comic.' as he thought of that ability name, a transparent yellow glowing star appeared on his eyes. "W-WAH..!" He was freaked out by it.. and looked at Edwin who looked up, squinting his eyes as he watched this buffoon getting scared out of nowhere, Edwin coughed in his balled up fist and straightened himself up.
"Y-you don't.. see it?"
"Are you drunk again, young master?"
A long silence in the air.
"N-no.. I'm fine.. I saw a bug.."
"You got scared by a bug..? Very well, young master. I will note that as one of your fears."
Malbin face palmed and sighed knowing he made a fool of himself.. 'Dammit.. my reputation isn't really getting better- hold on.. If he only saw my actions, then It means this star is only seen by me. This could be good getting what I want. Now..' Malbin looked at Edwin as he still stood there in place, Malbin saw a UI screen hovering above Edwins head showing the abilities skill set.
'Providence Planner'
Description: Possesses a insight into governance, resources, and military logistics. They can assess the strengths, weaknesses, and hidden potential of any territory gained. Food storage, mineral veins, population morale, and army position become clear and movement path can be envisioned in the users mind.
Mana usage: None
Stamina usage: None
Weakness: None
Cooldown: None
'Counsellor's Tongue'
Description: Wields a mana infused tongue that makes it sound like wisdom and influence. Their words cut through confusion, soothe unrest, and shape the decisions of leaders. Every phrase carries the weight of authority.
Mana usage: 10
Stamina usage: None
Weakness: None
Cooldown: None
'Iron Resentment'
Description: Carries a hard burden on their shoulders from suppressed anger and bitterness. They channel every grudge, frustration into their weapon or fists. When unleashed, the blow lands with crushing force upon the enemy.
Mana usage: None
Stamina usage: 40
Weakness: If the character stamina reaches 0, 2 times the amount of negative effects.
Cooldown: 10 minutes.
'Well.. the first two looks like one of the game mechanics, one to help resources and give tips.. and the others maybe to issue laws and such? But why does.. Edwin have an attack ability? Why does a helper have an attack abil-' He thought as he then quickly looked at Edwin who is now looking more and more pissed as he was still standing waiting for something to happen. 'Ah... oh yeah... I got my answer.' he thought in his mind while he straightened his clothes.
"Come on then Edwin, I need to continue preparing for the upcoming battle." He turned away, already thinking of imaging getting out of the hospital gown as it was already embarrassing.
Edwin looked at Malbin with shocked eyes, his mouth slightly opened as if he heard something horrifying and unheard of.
"You.. said my name?" Edwin said as he had seen a ghost
Malbin confused as he turned but replied shortly "Why wouldn't I..?"
Edwin stared suspiciously at Malbin "You never call me by name before.. it's always lackey. Are you.. an imposter?"
Malbin froze cold, his eyes slightly widen, however-he quickly gave a blank robotic expression, his back straightened up.
"Well, I decided to be nice. I can do that as I'm a living person."
"Well... Young master-"
"Are you judging me on how I became nice? Afterall I went through some hardship and matured. I am a living person afterall."
Edwin looked down, his flustered face shows it all.
"If that's all, I will be leaving. You are very welcome to join me." Malbin turned back and walked off. 'Shit. Gaslighting worked!' He did a sly smirk as he continued to think 'Alright.. its best to let him alone and collect his thoughts for now since he's still cautious.'
Edwin shouted "Young master.. where are you going?"
'What is it now!??! He's so persistent!' Malbin thought as he turned back annoyed.
"Are.. you not going to take the carriage?"
"C-carriage?" Malbin looked around and saw a carriage parked along the concrete pathway "I.. mean yes! Carriage I was going to go but had to gather my thoughts for a bit!" He looked away in nervousness. 'Shit.. I messed up twice. Okay, need to act more of a noble and not some ordinary person..' Malbin quickly speed walked to the carriage. He waited for Edwin to open so he doesn't make any more mistakes, Edwin walked over as well as opening it for Malbin to enter. Malbin climbed into the carriage and sat down as Edwin closed the carriages door on top of that he climbed then sat on the box. Edwin then grabbed the reins and did a subtle gesture for the horse to start moving. The horse did a soft neigh as it walked, it galloped along the streets passing through local businesses and homes until it reached a manor. It looked lavishing from the outside as Malbin took a glance out of the carriages windows, it was huge with its own garden and training area. 'Woah.. is this my new home?' As the carriage was put onto a halt, Edwin opened the carriages door.
"Alright, we are back home young master." Giving a slight bow. Malbin stepped off and was greeted by the maids and butlers as Malbin entered the grounds, however it wasn't out of respect.. it was fear. Their faces showed it all completely, they had slight fear in their faces and always on edge. Some of the servants even warned Malbin was coming.. 'Seems like Malbin had quite a reputation..' he contemplated in his mind. Malbin tried to act friendly and wave but the servants were quite scared and jumped back a little thinking it was some sort of prank or trick to get them in trouble. Edwin escorted Malbin to his room, Edwin went to the closet took out a silk clothes and handed it to Malbin to wear. Malbin nodded understanding, he quickly got into the dressed finally relieved he's out of that gown. Malbin looked himself in the mirror. 'Well.. atleast Malbin had great taste.' he thought as he liked the new look.
"Edwin, can you send a letter to Alessia to come over. I have plans to discuss with her in the upcoming battle."
"Very well, young master. I will do that shortly." Edwin took a turn but took a glance at Malbin then left the room.
Malbin sat down on a nearby chair and started to contemplate 'Alright.. since I survive the battle, the enemies were the same due it is basically the tutorial mode.. But before the tutorial mode when you start picking the characters, there's 20 characters along with there respective helper NPC and there own cities. Malbins city is Urvilabs.. Not important but its usually the capital if you start expanding territories. However, those 19 characters become NPCs and lead their own territory and species after this world collapses from the resurrection of the demon king and basically the Empire collapse meaning the territories governed by the characters are now the leaders of the land they control. Then we got the bosses or what I like to call the nuisances, basically like those commanders but they lead different monster species depending on their race..'
Malbin leaned back in his chair and sighed. Everything was still unfamiliar with him even if he thought he got over with it. He mind starts to linger 'It's best if I start to res-' his thought was cut off was a loud BANG! Lots of commotion outside, the noise started to get louder and louder until the door swung open. Alessia walked in as the maids and butler along with Edwin trying to hold her back.
"I- I just sent the letter 5 minutes ago!?!?!" Edwin looking already worn out as he tried to pull her back out of the room but all in vain. "Plus you must wait until your allowed in..! Its common courtesy!"
"Well, I was planning to come here anyways." She stood tall infront of Malbin "So you going to ask them to let me go? Its getting bit heavy."
"Guys its fine, I believe its quite alright!" Malbin said as he waved his hand around as he assured the maids and butlers. They all looked surprised by Malbins gesture, they quickly bowed before leaving expect Edwin not without some whispers among them.
"Woah.. he actually didn't throw a fit?" "Has he really matured?"
As the doors closed and the three stood in the room in silence until it was broken with Alessia's voice "Alright ugly. Inviting me over for some chatting isn't your only thing in your mind to why I am here."
"You are right Alessia." Malbin said, as he straightened himself up. "Lets discuss plans."
Edwin looked left at Alessia then looked right at Malbin and bowed. "I will be leaving then to not interrupt you." He took a turn and was reaching for the door until a firm grip on his shoulder stopped him.
"I didn't say to leave." a voice sounding menacing and sly.
Edwin turned around and saw Malbin having a devious look on his face. "Y-young master.. what you need me to do this time?"
"You are joining this battle."
"Joining what."
"Joining this battle."
There was a minute of silence before Edwin blurted out "T-THERES NO WAY YOU ARE BRINGING ME TO A BATTLE!?!? ARE YOU INSANE?"
"Calling me insane Edwin? Calling the son of a duke insane? That's quite punishable you know.."
Edwin eyes looked at Malbin as he smiled evilly. Edwin knew he was being played but.. he cannot defy the orders..
"I-I apologise.. I will join you.. forgive me.." Edwin shortly said. his face already knowing he's doomed and also leaving some resentment to Malbin as Malbin turned around with joy.
"Alright Alessia! We got a new teammate now!" Malbin face lit up with excitement
"Alright new comrade in arms! Lets fight some fucking orges together!" Alessia smiled linking arms with Edwin as Malbin did aswell.
"LETS DO THIS! WE ARE THE TRIO!!!" Alessia and Malbin cried out as Edwin looked defeated in their arms.