Well, this fic reached 100 reviews a lot faster than I had thought it would…I admit wasn't expecting this much of a response when I stated this :)

I just want to give a shout out to 'AgelessReaper' for his recommendation of this fic, and want to do the same for his own Gamer fic 'Electric Gamer', which is a Skyrim Gamer SI that I do recommend to anyone that enjoys Gamer Fics. It is well written and a very good read, and up to this point has been very reliable on updates.

Great response as well in regard to the Imperial Arms, which has been a great help. I am actually, after thinking it over, considering making the Beast Cloak be just a future evolution of his Shifter Skill. Which would leave space for one of the others. There have been good arguments for and against all of them so far which is great and the reason I wanted everyone's opinions in the first place. So many perspectives and different thoughts that I myself had not even considered. :)

I had considered starting this chapter from Esdeath's Pov as she milks Freddy for information but decide in the end it would just be going over things already gone over in the fic and changed my mind. So just to sum it up, all information given to Esdeath is based on the Bio the Game System gave Raven, because like Raven Freddy is restricted from talking about the System outside other Gamers (even if he isn't a full Gamer).

Due to my work schedule for the next week or so, I will not have much time to write. Two 12-hour days shifts followed 6-night shifts are not going to leave me much time to write I am afraid. But after that I will try and get the next chapter finished as soon as I can.

This is a slightly shorter chapter this time I am afraid, but I waned to get it out before my work schedule got too hectic and it just came to a point, I felt comfortable ending it at. It is still in my within my 5000-10000 goal line so I am happy with it.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter :)

Posted: 04/07/2020

0o0

Disclaimer: I do not own anything

0o0

Chapter 4- Begrudging Acceptance…For Now

0o0

The thought of using the Mirror World Skill to escape into a world where Esdeath wouldn't be able to follow me was very tempting. So much so in fact, that the moment I finished reading over the Skill Info and picked it, I walked over to the large mirror behind the divider with the intention of putting as much distance between myself and her as possible.

Placing my hand on the Mirror I activated the Skill and watched as the surface rippled like water before settling back into its normal appearance only without my reflection in it. Pushing forward slowly, I watch as my hand sunk into its surface, which caused it to ripple again.

With a deep breath, I stepped through.

However, my plan was thrown out the window the moment a System message appeared once I was through.

(!)

Attention!

You have entered the Mirror Dimension! The Mirror you have used as a Gate has been made into an Anker and will remain Open until you leave and close it, or leave through a different Mirror and turn it into an Anker or it is closed. A mirror Anker can only be closed if there is no Living Creature or being inside the Mirror World.

(!)

That was something that had not been in the Skill description. Apparently as long as I am inside the Mirror Dimension, the Mirror I used to entire is open for anyone to follow me through. Which means that it would only take Esdeath a moment to glance into the mirror, notice that it didn't show her reflection, and wonder what was going on.

After spending a few minutes cursing my luck, I finally took the time to actual look around.

The first thing I noticed was just how…odd, it looked. All the colours were a little faded and dull, while the light was tuned up to the point it was almost too much. I was still in the tent, but a mirror image of it. I stepped through the Mirror facing the back of the tent and came out facing the front, and everything that had been on my right is now on my left and vice versa. It was a little disorientating at first.

A quick glance outside the tent showed me a whole backwards world of silence, with faded colours and too bright light. There were still tents everywhere I looked, but no people. No soldiers or animals, just silence and stillness without even a breeze.

The sound of the outside world only reaching as far as the inside of the tent into this dimension before being cut off completely outside it.

Complete and total silence, heavy and almost oppressive in its absoluteness. The sound of thousands of soldiers outside the tent was just gone in an instant. The air felt thick, and every breath I took sounded loud and echoed. Walking over to a piece of paper Esdeath had left on her bedside table, I saw that what was written on it was backwards, just like it would have been if shown to a mirror.

The absolute…wrongness, of this world sent a shiver down my spine.

Having seen enough and realising that at least for the moment I wouldn't be able to use this to escape, I quickly made my way back to the mirror and stepped through. I flinched as the sound of the camp returned in full, seeming too loud now after the utter silence of the Mirror Dimension.

Closing the Gate on the mirror, I moved back over to the bed and sat down again and took a few deep, calming breaths.

That would definitely take some time to get used to.

(!)

New Skills Gained!

For entering the Mirror Dimension for the first time, you have gained 2 new skills!

(!)

Personal Mirror: (Mirror Magic) (Active) You are able to use any mirror as your Personal Inventory. Your Inventory is a small separate space outside, but skill a part of the Mirror Dimension. Items are not limited entry by the size of the mirror used, as anything that is touched to the mirror will be 'pulled' in. An interface that shows you what is inside your Inventory can be found through the Game System and anything you wish to removed can be 'pulled' from an any mirror. Cost: N/A (Note) with the exception of basic plant life, no living thing can be placed inside the Inventory. Anything placed inside the Inventory is put into status, meaning that it will be removed in the exact same condition as when it was placed inside.

Mirror Image: (Mirror Magic) (Active) While inside the Mirror Dimension, you can overlay a basic illusion on yourself of someone's Reflection in a nearby Mirror. As long as they are looking though into the Mirror your image will be replaced with their own. You are able to reuse any Reflection you have used before, even if the person is not in sight of the mirror. Cost: 200 (Note) this Skill also changes the Users voice to match the voice of the person they are imitating. (Warning) This Skill is cosmetic only and does not affect your movement and or expressions. You are only able to change your Reflection and voice and this Skill only works while you are inside the Mirror Dimension. You are only able to take the form of Humanoid creatures.

(!)

The Mirror Image Skill would be useful, though I do wonder why it doesn't level. Is it just a Mirror Magic thing? Are all of the Skills based on Mirror Magic going to be like this, or is it just certain skills? I guess there isn't really much that can be improved on with the skill.

At least I have an Inventory at last, which would make things a lot easier now that I don't need to carry everything with me anymore. It was as I was thinking this that I suddenly realised something.

"Where are my bags?" I asked myself allowed, glancing around the tent.

A moment later I started to panic.

Because not only was Freddy gone, but one of my bags was full of Enchanted Charms I had been making to practice my Enchanter Perk. They were all made from the bones of the Danger Beasts I had killed over the last few months, and while they are all 'Poor' and 'Common' Quality, they all had different effects depending on the Danger Beast the bone came from. Most simply offered small boosts in a single attribute, like speed, strength, or even stamina. They give a noticeable boost, if not as much as a better-quality item would.

The thing is, I didn't just use them to practice my Enchanter Skill, but also my Cures! Every single charm I made has the Curse of Whisper's attached to it. I had been going off the idea that if I used it enough, I might get another Curse from the System. It hadn't worked so far, but I thought it couldn't hurt to keep trying.

I had made thousands of little charms over the last few months, and after getting my first Curse had used it on each and every one of them. After all, what is the worst that could happen, right?

Well, now the worst that could happen is that the literal Army outside the tent might be passing them out right now! This camp might be a ticking time bomb once those Charms start whispering to them, and I am right in the middle of it!

Before I have time to overthink and go into full on panic mode, Esdeath returned. She has a large smile on her face, a blush on her cheeks, and her eyes are shinning. May whoever she just tortured to death to put her in such a good mood rest in peace.

"Raven. I missed you." She said, walking over to me. She sat down and wrapped her arms around me, running her hand over my face gently. "Ah, you clean nicely, Liver did a good job." She continued, leaning forward to press her nose against my neck and taking a deep breath with a sigh. Having learned my lesson a by this point I don't attempt to pull away from her touch, knowing it would only result in a more forceful embrace.

Thankfully for my, admittedly less than good, mental health she resultantly backs off until she only has an iron grip on my hand. "I was just having a wonderful conversation with your friend, and I learned so much about you." She said.

Blinking at her in confusion, I take a moment to think over her words. "Wait you learned what about me? I have a friend?" I ask dumbly.

"Of course, Freddy has been very talkative. He told me all about you." She continued, and I swear she must have used her ice power bullshit to lower the temperature because I felt a chill.

"Freddy…my rock?" I ask for confirmation.

Before she can answer someone else enters the tent, though he is forced to stoop down because of how tall he is.

Frederic The Cursed One: Level- 16

After taking in his features, my eyes automatically move to the small black stone fused to his forehead.

"Freddy? You got smaller…and turned into a giant..." I said, my currently overworked brain unable to understand what the HELL is happening right now.

(!)

Attention!

You have unlocked the 'Familiar' function of the Game System.

(!)

Familiar 'Frederick The Cursed One' has been added to the Gamer System under the Familiar Function.

(!)

Thank you conveniently timed System Message…that explains nothing!

Staying at the entrance of the tent, Freddy gave a polit smile and bowed his head in my direction. "Creator, it is good to see you unharmed. Lady Esdeath has explained the situation to me, and I am incredibly happy that you have found such a strong companion to fulfil your biological urges with." He said, the smile still on his face.

Ok…I think my brain just glitched.

Slowly turning towards Esdeath, who has a large happy smile and blush on her face from his words, I couldn't keep the deadpan from my voice. "You brainwashed my rock onto your side…" I accused.

Giggling, I am not even joking Es-FUCKING-death just giggled like a schoolgirl, she gave me a too innocent smile. "I have no idea what you mean, Freddy and I simply had a conversation while I led him here. I simple told him about how we are lovers now." She explained.

Turning to Freddy, who was still smiling at us, I sent him a slightly betrayed look. "You realised I have not agreed to this? She is keeping me here under threat of being hunted down and punished." I explained.

My words seemed to have no effect on him. "Indeed, Lady Esdeath told me you were 'playing had to get' and 'a little shy', at least I think those are the terms she used. However, I believe that this relationship will be good for you. She is clearly superior to the majority of Biological creatures and is immensely powerful. She is a perfect match for you." He explained his reasoning for turning against me, still smiling.

"Freddy you traitor!" I shout, finally getting over my shock at everything that had happened in the last two minutes.

My words actually got a frown from Freddy this time as he finally looked like he was listening to me, but before I could press my advantage Esdeath pushed her own.

"Freddy, why don't you go help Liver with his duties? You said you wanted to get used to Hugo's body, right? I am sure he will be able to find something for you to do. Raven and I are going to spend a little time alone together." She said, her grip on my hand increasing when I tried to protest, to the point I took damage to my health.

Nodding in agreement, Freddy turned to leave. Only to pause and pull a bag from his waist and drop it on the floor. "Your belongings Creator, I secured them for you. Everything other than myself is accounted for." He said before leaving.

Despite the dread slowly building in me at being left alone with Esdeath, I couldn't help but be a little relieved at the return of my stuff. Especially the Cursed Charms that I am now regretting making without thinking about the consequences.

I felt Esdeath's grip loosen, but instead of letting go of my hand she brought it up to her lap and started rubbing it in an almost caring way. "You really must stop this pointless resistance, Raven. Despite my usual proclivities, I take no enjoyment in hurting you it seems and would like to avoid it as much as possible." She said before binging my hand to her face and kissing it.

"You brainwashed my fucking rock against me." I repeated instead of answering her.

"Of course not. Freddy, while a remarkably interesting…thing, is also as he himself put it 'inexperience with how organics interact'. I simple explained our situation and he agreed that I am a good match for you and gave me his full support." She explained innocently, while moving my hand to the side of her face and sniffing my palm. "You really do smell better now; I love your scent." She said to herself, eyes closed and a smile on her lips.

"General-" I started to say formally in the small hope of reasoning with Esdeath, only for her eyes to snap open and lock on my face with a hard stare.

"You will call me Esdeath." She ordered, before closing her eyes again.

"…Esdeath, you need to stop this. I am not a good match for you, I am not even the same species as you." I said, trying to go with the shock factor to get her to finally listen to me. Surly the fact I am a Nevermore and not human would convince her to change her mind.

"I am aware of you being a Nevermore, Raven. Though I admit I should have realised it before Freddy told me." Esdeath said without seeming to care, not even opening her eyes to look at me and continued to snuggle against my hand like a puppy.

Eyes wide and mouth open in shock, I could find any words for a moment as my last hope of getting her to change her mind slipped through my fingers. "You know what I am…and it doesn't bother you?" I asked for clarification.

Instead of answering me without warning Esdeath leaned over and forced her lips against mine in a surprisingly gentle kiss, though one of her hands was placed against the back of my head as if to stop me from pulling away.

Not that I could at the moment, what with my brain short circuiting and needing to be rebooted.

After a few seconds Esdeath pulled away with a happy smile and a content sigh, before sitting up straight and fixing her hat when it went a little crooked as we kissed. "Of course not, in fact it only makes you better in my eyes. My clan used to talk of the Nevermore when I was a child, though I admit until now I thought your kind a legend, nothing but a story meant to frighten young children into being aware of their surroundings and not take something at face value. The idea that a seemingly harmless animal would start pushing thoughts and nightmares in your head was an effective lesson for many. I personally always loved the stories." She explained, the smile never leaving her face.

Now that I think about it, she rarely stopped smiling around me.

The fact that my race was apparently a cautionary tale in her tribe, like the Brother Grimm stories in my original world, was a little strange. But expected considering the System had said something like this would happen when I was dropped into the world.

"You liked the horror stories about my people?" I asked, though at this point I shouldn't be surprised at anything Esdeath told me about herself.

"Of course. A race so strong they inspired fear in so many people that they were talked about around fires at night even after they fell into legend.? What's not to like about it? I even had a doll when I was young made in the image of a black mountain lion with purple eyes based off the stories of the Nevermore always having black animal forms with purple eyes." She admitted, reaching over, and running a hand down my arm.

It was like she couldn't go more than thirty seconds without touching me or something.

"One of my cousins had that form, she was a natural with Shadows and would use them to sneak up on me. she always claimed she was playing but I think she tried to eat me at least twice…" I said, the memories coming to my mind and words leaving my lips before I could think to stop them.

Esdeath only smiled wider at that, shifting to sit close enough that our legs are touching. "Really? Freddy didn't know much about your Clan since you never spoke to him about them before. I want to learn everything about you, Raven." She said, putting emphasis on the word everything.

It was at this point I realised that she had tricked me into an almost normal conversation, and had almost started relaxing in her presence, which was an extremely dangerous thing to do around Esdeath. She noticed my lips clenching shut and my body tensing straight away and let out an annoyed sigh as she pulled away and stood up.

"Another time than. I think it is time we start on your training anyway. Tomorrow we will need to start moving again and time will be a luxury so it would be best to start now. The sooner I have a baseline of your skill the sooner I can form a schedule." She said, turning serious.

She than seemed to finally notice the jacket and hat left on the bed and frowned a little. "Put them on before we leave." She ordered.

"White isn't really my colure." I tried to explain.

Esdeath would have none of it though. "I said put them on. While I agree that it is not ideal, until we return to The Capital options are limited. I want everyone that sees you to know you are mine Raven, so until we return, and I can dress you properly, you will wear what I have given you." She said, eye locked on me intently and waiting for me to comply.

Knowing that I had little choice in the matter I did as she told me and pulled on the jacket and hat, feeling self-conscious now that we clearly matched. Esdeath on the other hand smiled, a blush raising on her cheeks again as who knows what went through her head.

0o0

Esdeath Pov

0o0

It was getting harder not to pin him down and have her way with him.

While Raven's resistance was getting a little annoying, Esdeath couldn't help but admit to herself that she found it adorable. Like a small woodland creature struggling against the snare that had its leg, even though it was pointless he struggled. Of course, like a snare the more he struggled the more she would tighten her hold on him. Now that he was caught in her grasp Esdeath would never let him go.

The information she had gotten from Freddy had been invaluable.

Not only was her Love interesting, but he was a Nevermore! A nightmare creature off legend spoken of only in whispers, all but forgotten as anything but a story.

Esdeath had been telling the truth when she told Raven she had loved to hear the stories as a little girl. That stuffed lion had been the only toy she ever owned or wanted, and she slept with it every night. Her only regret about what happened to the clan was that it had been burned with her tent, lost to the flames set left by the Northerners as they killed her clan.

But not only was Raven a Nevermore, he is a Nevermore that can use Magic and can Enchant objects. As proven by Freddy's existence even if the cursed stone admitted that he was an accident. Those were invaluable skills, that had been all but lost to humans with the exception of the Imperial Arms.

If not for the warning about the curse attached to them, Esdeath would have already handed out the charms made of bones to her army. After all, as her lover everything Raven owned was also her and vice versa everything of hers was his. If they were weak enough to allow a few simple whispers to get inside their heads, it was only proof of their weakness.

The fact that Raven existed and the things he could do had forced Esdeath to admit that her view on strength had been too narrow. Before she had only considered strength in the form of physical power and skill. But Raven's 'fight', if it could even be called that, with Liver had proven there was more to strength then Esdeath had thought.

She was reminded of when she had drunk the Demon's Extra and the way it had tried to take over her mind and drive her insane, only for her to not only resist it, but to subjugate it with her will. The power of the mind was just as important as the body it seemed. Something she should have realised that day.

Following this thought Esdeath decided that it would be a good test of her men's mental fortitude and willpower. She would have to have Liver start to hand them out…on second thought, maybe she would have Freddy do it.

The cursed stone seemed to have a low opinion of humans in general so she was sure he would enjoy testing her men. Also, other than Raven himself Freddy was the only one who knew what each charm would do. She would have Raven do it himself, but they would be too busy, and she didn't want to take away the time they can spend together by setting him such a menial task.

Leading Raven to the space that had been cleared to act as a training field while army was camped, a requirement she had arranged every time they stopped for more the a night in one place so her men didn't lose their edge, Esdeath couldn't help but glance over at him again and blush.

He really did clean up nicely. Without the knots and grime in it, Raven's hair took on a light feathery quality that just made her want to run her fingers through it. His clean-shaven face also made him look a lot younger, and his more fitted cloths allowed her to appreciate his toned and lean frame. It was the type of body only a hunter could obtain, a mixture of hard-earned muscles and the needed speed, stealth, and freedom of movement to track and kill your prey.

When she had seen him for the first time after he was cleaned up her stomach had filled with butterflies and if not for Freddy being right behind her Esdeath might not have been able to restrain herself. While she had no issue touching and 'playing' with him, Esdeath would not take it further until Raven himself wanted it. Because that would be the point that he was truly hers and hers alone, not when she took him, but when he took her.

Until that time came, Esdeath knew she would just have to settle for being close to him and using him as a body pillow. Even if they would not be taking it further, she refused to allow him to sleep anywhere but in her arms from now on. At least assuming he didn't do anything that required her to put him back in a cage.

Esdeath was unsurprised to see Daidara at the training ground practicing, with Nyau sat to the side on a crate watching the other soldiers train. When they saw her approach though both stood up straight and faced her with a hand on their chest in a salute. Without her even needing to say anything Nyau skipped over to her with Raven's bone club in his hand and presented it to her.

"General Esdeath, I kept it safe just as you instructed." He said with a large smile as she took it.

Ignoring the small blonde and turning her attention back to her Raven, Esdeath held it out to him with a smile. "Your weapon of choice I believe." She said as he took it, though she noticed the indifference he seemed to hold to the club.

"More a weapon of convenience. I hardly even used it and only kept it as a backup in case something attacked me unexpectedly while in my human form." Raven said, swinging the club around in a way that told Esdeath he wasn't lying.

There was no technique or skill in his movements as he swung it around like a child playing with a stick, she could easily see that it wouldn't take much to unbalance him if this was how he used the club. It was actually a little embarrassing for her to see just how badly he was using it.

"Do you have any actual training with any weapon? Because the way you are swinging that around reminds me of a child with a stick playfighting." She said honestly, a small frown on her face as he continued to make a fool of himself.

"No, I have never trained with a weapon before. Like I said I only use and keep it as a last resort if something gets too close while not in Raven form. If I am in Raven form, thing don't get close enough to be an issue." He said, still not seeming to care but at least he had stopped swinging the bone club around.

Taking a moment to think about that, Esdeath decided this was actually better for her and smile. "Good, that means I don't have to make you unlearn anything and we can start from scratch. We will have to try out a few different Weapons to see what is best suited for you first, and then we can begin your training." She explained.

Over the next hour Esdeath had Raven try a number of weapons. Everything from swords, daggers, spears, axes and even maces. Because of this Esdeath learned something she considered important about her love…he was terrible with weapons of any kind, a menace even.

Anything with a blade she handed to him, he somehow ended up stabbing and or cutting himself with. The mace she had him try ended up falling on his own head when he lost his grip on it and it fell on him on the way back down. He even managed to shoot himself with a bow, the arrow having ricocheted off several metal objects before returning to embed itself into his own leg. If not for his high regeneration, Esdeath was afraid he might have crippled or killed himself several times over.

Stood to one side, Esdeath watched a Raven pulled the arow out of his leg with an annoyed grunt, the wound healing itself within a minute leaving only the blood and a small hole in his black pants.

"How are you actually alive? I mean I don't see how you were able to survive a walk through the forest, let alone living in it for however long you did." Nyau mocked, making Esdeath frown slightly towards him but she didn't interfere.

Raven only glared at the small blonde, and a moment later Nyau was on the ground holding his head in pain and screaming. Not taking his eyes off of her struggling subordinate, Raven got to his feet and stepped toward Nyau and gave him a sharp kick to his stomach even as blood started to leak from the blonde's nose.

"Because I can do that. You're a lot weaker than Liver, he hardly flinched from this and your crying like an infant. Maybe I should put you out of my misery, you mouthy little shit." He said, still glaring down at Nyau as he squirmed on the ground.

For her part, Esdeath was of two minds right now. On the one hand, she couldn't allow Raven to kill Nyau, he was one of her Three Beasts after all and the only one in the camp who can use Scream. On the other hand, the sight of her Raven standing over another as they screamed in pain and begged him to stop was making her feel all warm and squirmy inside again. The cruel look in his eyes at the moment was making her so excited.

After letting herself enjoy the scene for a moment, Esdeath moved forward and called out to Raven, making him turn towards her. "That's enough I think, I can't let you kill one of my more useful subordinates just because he doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut." She said.

The moment Raven looked to her and away from Nyau the mental attack seemed to stop, something that Esdeath made a note of in her mind for later. While Freddy had been happy to tell her all about her Raven and what he can do, he wouldn't tell her the details and she didn't push to avoid the stone becoming suspicious of her intentions. The longer she can keep the cursed stone on her side the easier it would be to make Raven see sense and stop his rebellious behaviour.

For a moment after he turned to her Esdeath saw the glare Raven had given Nyau turned to her, but he quickly turned his eyes away.

Moving to stand over Nyau, who was now just whimpering as he curled up on the ground, Esdeath frowned at how pathetic he looked and used her foot to push him onto his back. "Let this be a lesson for you Nyau, I have warned you before that if you continued to antagonised people eventually you would find yourself on the ground with a stronger person standing over you. Now get up and go to a medical tent." She reprimanded and ordered.

"O-o-of c-cause, G-general Esdeath." He stuttered out, before getting to his feet and stumbling away blindly until Daidara came and helped him.

"You should get a better subordinate; my abilities are weaker while in human form and he couldn't even take it at the weakest possible output. His mind is pathetically weak, I have seen Danger Beasts with stronger minds then him." Raven said behind her.

Turning around Esdeath took a moment to think over his words, before giving a small shrug. "Maybe you are correct, but Nyau is the only one who can use Scream at the moment. Until I can find a replacement who can use it to the same if not a higher level as him, he is still too useful to replace." She explained.

Raven's only response was a shrug before he turned away from her again.

Getting annoyed at his refusal to even look at her, Esdeath stepped forward and grabbed his chin, forcing him to face her. "Stop turning away from me…I like your eyes too much to allow you to not look at me." She said in a soft but forceful whisper, smiling when she saw his purple eyes move back to her face.

Nodding in satisfaction, Esdeath reluctantly stepped back again as she looked over the training ground and the numerous weapons they had tried and failed. "I have seen enough for now. We may have to wait until our return to The Capital so I can begin your training properly. As it is, I think I will have to put a ban on allowing you to handle any more weapons, I don't want you damaging yourself for no reason even if you heal within minutes." She said before walking back towards the camp.

Esdeath was happy to note that Raven followed her a moment later without needing to be told, even if he hesitated slightly before doing so.

0o0

Raven's Pov

0o0

(!)

You have Defeated 'Nyau' in Battle!

+10,000 exp

-5000 exp! -Experienced gain is halved due to 'Nyau' surviving your battle.

Total Exp Gain = 5000

(!)

You have received Training from someone of a Higher Level than you!

You have Gained Exp based on the amount of training and the Level of the person training you!

Trainer: Esdeath

+50,000 exp!

(!)

You Have Leveled Up x2!

(!)

These were the massages that appeared in front of me as Esdeath walked away. 50,000 experience just from a hour of her watching me injure myself and giving the odd comment had gotten me 50,000 experience and two levels.

Moving the free points to my Mana I started to follow behind her, absently looking over my status.

Level: 28 (13,000/28,000)

Name: Raven Noctis

Health: (3100/3100)

Mana:(4900/4900)

Stats

Body: 13

Perception: 19

Mind: 21

Mana:49

Health: 31

Stat Points: 0

I don't really know what had made me react to Nyau the way I had, though the fact I know he is a sick little psycho with a face collection might have had something to do with it. Even Esdeath didn't keep trophies of her victims, though it wouldn't surprised me if she had skinned someone alive before as part of her torture experiments.

The fact that I had just gained so much experience actually made me feel slightly better about my situation at least. It was more than I could have gotten hunting Danger Beasts that is for sure. Also, while Nyau didn't give me as much experience as Liver, it was still more then I would have gotten from most Danger Beasts. It seems I get more experience from fighting Humanoids then wild beasts and monsters.

I guess it kind of made sense. Most Danger Beasts and animals seemed to follow the same attack pattern and there is only so much you can learn from fighting them. Humans and Humanoids on the other hand all have their own individual quirks that make it so no two are exactly the same, thus earning me more experience. At least that is the theory I am going with, seeing as the Game System never really explained how experience was calculated.

As for my many failed attempts at wielding a weapon…even I don't know what happened. It was like the moment they were in my hand I became clumsy and awkward. I even remember having used a bow in my first life and while not Hawkeye, I had at least enough skill to hit a target without the arrow bouncing back and hitting me instead of the target. I'm not even sure how that happened.

It seems that Esdeath was is determined to teach me to use something though even if she is waiting until we finished whatever she needed to do. Though considering we are in the Northern Kingdom and the Three Beasts are still alive I can make and confident guess.Because of the memories inside my head messing with my emotions I can't say I am not looking forward to watching the Northern Kingdom be buried under the snow.

Esdeath led me to a large open tent full of tables and benches, with one at the back separating a camp kitchen with several men working away to prepare food as people came and went. A smaller table was place away and to the side. It was only large enough for one or two people as opposed to the other tables made to seat upwards of fifty each, with actual chairs instead of benches.Unsurprisingly it was this table Esdeath led me to.

"Take a seat Raven, I will see to our meal." She said before turning towards the kitchen.

Surprised at her words I paused halfway into the seat and looked towards her, unable to stop myself from speaking. "Your going to cook?" I asked, the scepticism thick in my voice.

Turning to look at me over her shoulder, Esdeath gave me a small smile and nodded. "Of course, I have already made it clear to the cooks in camp that I will be the only one to cook for you. If any of them try and give you something I have not made they will be flogged in front of the whole camp." She said, as if her words weren't horrifying.

Without another word Esdeath made he way to the kitchen, the cooks leaving without needing to be told and those lining up waiting to be served walking away to a different food tent without comment. I can't remember if Esdeath can actually cook in the series or not, and I am not looking forward to finding out because even if she can't I don't have a choice but to eat what she makes me apparently.

Faster then I would have thought Esdeath returned with two bowls of stew full of chunks of meat with a few vegetables mixed in. She placed one in front of me before taking the seat across from me with her own, but instead of starting just sat watching and waiting for me to eat.

Swallowing nervously, I took the spoon that had been brought to me while I waited and took a bite with some meat on it.

I will be honest, if I were an anime character, this would be the scene where the background is full of bright colours while a large blush covered my face and my eyes grow large and sparkle with stars in them. I don't know if it is just because I have had nothing but plain cooked meat without any seasoning for the last nine months, but this is the best stew I have ever eaten. The meat melted I my mouth it was so tender, and the broth was thick and had just the right amount of seasoning without it overpowering the natural flavour of the meant. Even the vegetables are still a little crunchy instead of being mush from over cooking them while still not being undercooked.

Suddenly realising that I haven't had anything to eat since Esdeath first caught me, I started quickly shovelling the stew into my mouth as fast as I can and almost choking a few times as I did, before lifting the bowl and slurping the last drops of broth. Putting the bowl down with a satisfied sigh, I felt myself relax for the first time in a long time.

Only to go tense again a moment later when the sound of Esdeath chuckling reached me and I looked up to see her with an incredibly happy smile on her face as she watched me. "You approve I see, good. That was one of my clan recipes, so I am happy you enjoyed it." She said, finally starting to eat her own bowl now that I had finished.

"...it was delicious," I admit reluctantly, getting another smile from her. "You are a very good cook." I added, reluctant to compliment and encourage her.

Esdeath just smiled even more with a blush spreading across her cheek, and if I didn't know better, I would have thought she almost looked shy at my compliments.

Well, if I am going to be stuck with Esdeath for a while, at least she can cook, I guess.

0o0

Frederick's Pov

0o0

Frederick stood with an impassive expression on his face as the man in front of him fell to the floor screaming and clawing at his own eyes in terror, making a note in the book Liver gave him of his name and failure even as two other Solider came forward and dragged him away even as he reached down and took the Charm away.

He had no issue with testing the Creators mate's subordinates with the Cursed Charms, in fact he actually approved of thinning out the weak minded from the herd. So many humans only seemed to care about their physical ability to the point they neglected their mind, making them easy prey to his more instinctive minded brother and sister that the Creator had made. After he took the time to attach a sting to each of them so they could be worn as a neckless, Frederick had not needed to be asked twice to do this.

Waiting for the next Solider to step forward, Frederick glanced back down at them, lain out on a table neatly.

Weak Cursed Charm of Strength: (Passive) (Poor Quality) +25% to Wearers Strength.

Cursed Charm of Strength: (Passive) (Common Quality) +50% to Wearers Strength.

Weak Cursed Charm of Movement: (Passive) (Poor Quality) +25% to Wearers Movement Speed.

Cursed Charm of Movement: (Passive) (Common Quality) +50% to Wearers Movement Speed.

Weak Cursed Charm of Stamina: (Passive) (Poor Quality) +25% to Wearers Stamina.

Cursed Charm of Stamina: (Passive) (Common Quality) +50% to Wearers Stamina.

Weak Cursed Charm of Charisma: (Passive) (Poor Quality) +25% to Wearers Charisma.

Cursed Charm of Charisma: (Passive) (Common Quality) +50% to Wearers Charisma.

Weak Cursed Charm of Sight: (Passive) (Poor Quality) +25% to Wearers Eyesight.

Cursed Charm of Sight: (Passive) (C0mmon Quality) +50% to Wearers Eyesight.

Weak Cursed Charm of Hearing: (Passive) (Poor Quality) +25% to Wearers Hearing.

Cursed Charm of Hearing: (Passive) (Common Quality) +50% to Wearers Hearing.

Weak Cursed Charm of Scent: (Passive) (Poor Quality) +25% to Wearers Sense of Smell.

Cursed Charm of Scent: (Passive) (Common Quality) +50% to Wearers Sense of Smell.

Cursed Charm of Pain Resistance: (Passive) (Common Quality) -25% to Wearers Ability to feel Pain.

Cursed Charm of Mana: (Passive) (Common Quality) +50% to Wearers Mana Capacity/Control/Regeneration.

While his 'siblings' were not as impressive as Frederick himself, he still felt responsible for them in a way. Though they were all a little overzealous in their corruption of the minds of the Soldiers so far, not taking their time and lacking in subtlety. But they were still young and would learn to savour there meal eventually, and until than they had thousands of Soldiers to learn from. Frederick doubted they would ever gain the same level of self-awareness that he himself possessed, but he also was perfectly aware that his creation was a 'fluke' and not the norm.

Handing the next Soldier one of his brothers, a Charm that was made into a flat coin like shape with a tribal bear like head design caved into it that would increase the wearers Strength, Frederick silently watched as the man put it on and instantly saw the strain on his face as the charm started creeping its way into his brain. He watched as the man struggled for a moment before seeming to relax again, through without the helmet covering his face Frederick could see he was pale and sweating from the internal struggle.

He also noticed the black veins spreading under his skin around his neck, a common reaction so far to the Charms depending on their effect.

Sending the man, a nod and taking down his name with the positive reaction, Frederick waved him away without comment before motioning for the next to move forward.

So far out of the 352 tested, only 117 had been able to withstand the Curse. 1 in 3 was actually better than he would have expected, but then his brothers and sisters were only Weak and common Charms and therefore held Weak Curses. If they were made from with better skill then the Creator currently had, they would have stronger effects and therefore stronger curses. Frederick had no illusion about the Creator being perfect, or even unbeatable. At least not yet anyway. The Creator was only just starting on his path to greatness and Frederick intended to help him on his path as much as he could.

Frederick was still using the body of 'Hugo' as his current Host, though he doubted it would stay this way for long. While the giant's body would be useful in combat the size was good for little else and he was already getting annoyed with how small everything seemed to be. Though with the new skill he was given from after the fight in which he acquired this body made him gain 2 new levels might be interesting to try so he would have to at least use it to experiment before replacing this Host.

Level: 16 (10,000/16000)

Name: Frederick, The Cursed Stone

Health: (16,000/16,000)

Mana:(700/16,000)

Mutation: (10/160)

Human Mutation (Arms/Hands): (Active) This Skill allows for further Mutation of Current Host body, forcing it to Mutate its arms/hands. Effect of Skill can be decided but stronger Mutations result in higher Mutation Cost. Mana Cost: 1000- Extra- Cost: 30 Mutation. Host Body Grows an extra pair of Arms. (Note) This Skill can only be used once per Host. Claw- Cost: 30 Mutation. Host Bodies hand gains clawed fingers. Enlarged- Cost: 40 Mutation. Hosts Bodies hand and arm become larger, allowing for more physical damage. Blade- Cost: 50 Mutation. Host Bodies hand is changed into a blade like weapon. Pincer- Cost: 60 Mutation. Host Bodies Hand and forearm is changed into a large Pincer. Tentacle- Cost: 70 Mutation. Host Bodies arms and hand is replaced by a Tentacle that is able to grow and shrink in length. Fanged- Cost: 100 Mutation. Host Bodies arms and hands are replaced with tentacle like arms that end in fanged mouths. Arms are able to grow and shrink as needed. (Requirement) This Skill can only be used if the Host Body has already been Mutated. (Warning) You can only choose 1 Mutation per arm/hand per host. This Skill can only be used with a Humanoid Host.

While he held off on using any of the Human Mutation Skills for the moment, Frederick had still decided to use the Mutation Skill to enhance his basic abilities and prepare his Host body for when he did decide to experiment. Maybe when he was finished for the day, he would take some time to himself.

Clearly the Game System was following some kind of plan when it came to his skills and he could only assume that eventually he would be able to change a host body completely to the point of it no longer being recognised as Humanoid. Considering his indifference to the two-legged organisms, Frederick had no issue with that.

While there were of course exceptions, such as the Creator and his mate, so far Frederick had a poor opinion of Humanoids as a whole even if their bodies were of use to him as Hosts.

In fact, as he thought this, another exception to the general human race approached him and stood at his side.

"How have things been progressing so far, Frederick." Liver asked, glancing down at the still mostly full table of Charms with a frown.

"It seems that to this point only 1 in 3 of Lady Esdeath's Soldiers are able to resist my Brothers and Sisters Whispering, though they are only weak charms, so it is not actually very impressive. I do not know if the ones that failed will recover, but I know that so far 12 are dead and another 38 injured themselves to the point I doubt they will be of any used to Lady Esdeath anymore so I would suggest culling them so as not to waste any resources on dead weight. Not that I expected much from you humans. No offence." Frederick said, not really caring that he had insulted Liver along with the rest of the man's species.

"No offence taken; it is unfortunately true that the majority of my race leave much to be desired. Many of us are weak willed and lack the resolve needed to become truly strong. It is one of the reasons it is so hard to find people able to use Imperial Arms. I admit though even now I can still feel this 'Charm' you gave me trying to whisper in my mind, though it is more a little irritating then anything I feel." Liver replied his hand moving to the Charm around his own neck.

This Charm was flat and square in shape and covered in more tribal markings that had been stained red with Danger Beast blood in the carvings, making them stand out slightly. A Common Quality Mana Charm that Frederick had given to the man when he had explained what his 'Imperial Arms' did and how it reminded him of what the Creator would call a Mage. The effect had already proven to be useful for the old human, allowing him even better control over water and extending the amount of time he is able to use it before getting tired.

When he had taken the Charm, Liver had not even flinched at the Curse and merely nodded in gratitude.

"Indeed, you seemed to have more mental fortitude then most humans I have come across. It makes me wonder if you would be able to resist me, if I were inclined to take you as a Host." Frederick said as he watched another man be carried away after falling prey to a Poor-Quality Sight Charm, once again noting it down in his book for Esdeath's inspection later.

"Hopefully, that is a question we will never have the answer to. Because I would not allow you to control me without a fight, I assure you." Liver replied without sounding offended in the least at the implied threat.

That was one of the things Frederick liked about the old man, unlike the other Humans he didn't condemn Frederick for the purpose of his exitance or the fact he was required to 'steal' the bodies of others. Frederick actually found himself agreeing with the man's beliefs regarding the strong and the weak, that he had apparently learned from Lady Esdeath.

Truly, Lady Esdeath was a wonderful match for the Creator and could only be a positive influence on him.

0o0

End of Chapter

0o0

Like I said, a little shorter than the others but still good.

Don't expect Raven to just suddenly agree to be Esdeath's partner, it will take time for her to wear him down.

At this point Raven is so far down the rabbit whole he hasn't actually realised just how messed up he is yet. Even being on his own in a monster infested forest for months, he is still stuck in the mindset of a modern-day human. that will slowly change over time.

I will try and get the next chapter done as soon as I can, but like I said it might take a while until I have time to write it.

Let me know what you think of the chapter :)