Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

Decay. Rot. Bile. Blood. These were the only things that scented the air of these floors. For someone with Beastman blood like Lucius, the Undead Plains crippled one of his many advantages in a fight. When everything smelled like death, it was hard to tell where more of the fresher ones still lurked.

His advanced hearing was not all that much help either. Since zombies and skeletons had no reason to move unless they were tracking something, they stood stark still. They did not breathe and they had no hearts to beat. Not to mention the only ones that possessed Mana were higher-tiered undead with the ability to cast magic. On early floors, it was unlikely to be something they ran into.

Lucius realized that he had been growling. Natali walked up and placed a tentative hand on his shoulder. She seemed afraid that such forward contact was inappropriate. However, Lucius placed his own hand atop hers and gave it a small pat. He appreciated the comfort she was trying to provide.

"Everything alright? You sound like a feral kitten over there." Mar'Eeyen chuckled. Her many artful tattoos created an interesting sight being illuminated by their small campfire.

Unlike the caverns of the first ten floors, the Undead Plains not only had a false moon, but the dungeon created a 'weather pattern' of sorts where clouds would roll in and hide the moon behind them. This would bath the open plains in darkness.

The nearly pitch-black dark was dangerous to travel in. While the undead only traveled when the moon was out, they would still react to people who approached them in the dark. Lucius was the only one among them with the ability to see in these conditions and that was not enough for them to safely travel.

"These infernal floors cripple me."

"Boohoo." Berk grumbled. "Sorry that you can only see in the dark. You aren't crippled, you crybaby, you are just brought down to the level of mortals."

Lucius's eyes flashed dangerously.

The guide smiled and leaned forward. He tilted his head to the side and traced a circle around his exposed jugular. "Go ahead. Strike me. See how far you get without me." Silence fell around the campfire before the guide chuckled. "Thought so. Calm down cat-boy. When the clouds fade, we can move again. Should only be another hour."

Said hour passed painfully slow. But finally, and after several complaints at his rumbling growl, the clouds above began to move.

"Alright, lets pack up. Don't worry about cleaning up the campsite. The Demon's Stomach will devour it once it burns out. I'll let you know what to look out for, the entrance to lower floors on open spaces like this usually…" Berk's words fumbled to a stop.

Instead of the pale-blue and gray light from earlier. The light peeking from behind the clouds turned pink. Their group watched with wonder as the pink slowly changed to a deeper shade, then red, before finally becoming a blood-like crimson.

"Well shit…" the guide swallowed. "That's not good."

Before they could ask for clarification, a wall of rot slammed into them, making everyone gag. It was much stronger than the smell they had all gotten used to. Soon after, a roar of groans and hisses filled the air. Lucius looked around to see an army of undead in various states of decay shambling toward them. Their numbers seemed impossible given the size of the space. Based on Berk's statement, it seemed the color change and the appearance of this army were connected.

Lightning sparked around Lucius's body as he drew his weapon. The runes its blade and hilt glowed; their magic lengthening the blade. His frustrations had compounded into a feeling within his chest and gut that felt like a fire spell ready to explode. Their new opponents were a perfect release.

Natali, Helena, and Mar'Eeyen readied their weapons. Lucius growled. "Stay." Before launching himself at the enemies. Bright light flashed across the grasslands. Patches of the gray-green blades of grass beneath him caught fire, but quickly died out. The dungeon did not allow for the starting of wildfires as Berk had explained.

Angry groans of the undead were drowned out by the crackling of electricity around Lucius's body and the crunching of bones as his blade hacked through them as if they were nothing more than weeds. Blood roared in his ears becoming louder with each swing. It was freeing to let a little of his strength free. Lucius had been wound tighter than a spring since Grimm released his hold on his emotions. Finally, he was getting a small amount of release.

Despite the rush and excitement of battle, it was still only the eleventh floor. Given how clear Berk had been about wanting his death, Lucius kept most of himself restrained. Showing too much, too early would be bad.

He paused to take a small breath. It was unpleasant to say the least, but in that moment his shining eyes tracked his path of carnage back to the group. Helena and Natali were launching various ranged attacks, while Mar'Eeyen stayed within a reasonable distance so as to jump in should any creature get past them to their oh-so-important guide.

One of us is not leaving this dungeon alive. Seeing as I have wives and children to return to, I'm afraid the decision has already been made Berk. I'll use you to get as deep as I can, but when you make your move, I will remove your heart from your chest and unite your body and soul to the dungeon you so lovingly explore.

With his short rest finished, Lucius returned to his task. Though there were too many to count, each creature fell with a single blow. Lightning crackled once more, though now with red light. His Mana took on a crimson tone to match the moon above as he mixed his Forsaken Arts with his Lightning magic. An air of savagery now surrounded him, giving even the mindless zombies around him a moment to pause. The sensation of a being far greater than himself fell upon him again. It watched with vested interest.

This dive would not be easy, they knew this…but with what felt like the eyes of the dungeon itself on them, what else lied in wait the deeper they delved?