Apocalypse Tamer

Chapter 63: Man vs Dance

So if I understand correctly Basil put his finger on the Louvres location. The UNESCO dungeon is located under the pyramid? Like a basement?

More like a necropolis, Elsa explained. A map of Paris covered the bars counter, and the Japan Expo survivors were only too happy to scribble useful notes. An Outlaw pal of ours, Abdel, broke into it. He reported that the place is at least seven floors deep. As for the pyramid upstairs, its as large as an Egyptian one and surrounded by a large army of monsters.

How did your friend manage to infiltrate it then? Vasi asked.

Through Paris Catacombs. Elsa pointed at a site in the south of Paris. The old underground tunnels lead to the buried UNESCO building if you can get past the hordes of undead inside and reach the right quarry, that is. You cant take two steps without fighting a skeleton.

It was a good thing that Basil had taken a level in Deathknight of the Sepulchre then. He would send ghosts back to their graves, whether they liked it or not. Do you know how we could contact this Abdel? he questioned the Parisians. Any help would be welcome.

Sorry, Elsa apologized with a sheepish smile. We lost contact with him after we left Paris. I dont even know if hes still in the city.

Didnt Johnny keep a map of the catacombs? her teammate asked with a frown.

Oh right, I forgot about Johnny. Elsa nodded. Yeah, one of our teammates is into ghost rituals and occultism. I think he kept a map of the catacombs, but it wont be up to date.

Is he a Witch? Vasi asked curiously. Our coven is looking to recruit.

Hes an Occultist, Elsa replied. Does that count?

Vasi sighed in disappointment. No.

Well find someone, Basil reassured his girlfriend. And well buy your map.

Eh, I think Johnny will give it for free, Roxie replied with a shrug. Its not like hell have much use for it anyway. We aint returning to Paris anytime soon.

Basil hesitated to mention Leblancs plans to take back Paris. The general had asked that the party try to conquer a dungeon so he could teleport troops there. Attacking the Louvre Pyramid made the most sense so far. Taking it over would allow them to kill two birds with one stone, as it would neutralize a member of Dismaker Labs board and let them establish a permanent foothold in the city.

But first, they needed to locate Kalki. If the musician intended to visit the UNESCO building, then they should find him in the Louvres vicinity.

Elsa ran a circle around the Eiffel Tower and Paris western edge. This was the Apocalypse Forces turf before we left Paris. The Eiffel Tower dungeon, the Trocadero, and Boulogne. No idea if theyve managed to keep the area since.

What about Versailles and Notre Dame? Basil asked. You said there were six dungeons in Paris.

When the apocalypse started, yes, but the numbers shrank since. Notre Dame was under Plutos control when we left, while Versailles and the Arc de Triomphe were contested by both factions.

Plutos got the most dungeons, Roxie said. That makes him the guvnor by default.

Basil observed the map closely. The various dungeons formed a bulwark around the Louvre. The Eiffel Tower and Triomphe covered the west and north sides, while Notre Dame dominated the citys eastern part. There was no way to approach the pyramid without encountering resistance somewhere.

The catacombs looked like the best option for now. It would let the party bypass the lesser dungeons and strike from an unexpected direction.

What about the local monsters? Basil fished for information. Vasi smiled at him, but said nothing. What are the levels, the types? Any elemental weaknesses youve noticed?

Lots of undead, mate, Roxie replied. Bugs, sphinxes, and rock things too Most are weak to water and light. As for levels, their levels upgraded beyond level 20 after the Incursion. Paris is a tough place.

Oh, I forgot to mention it. Elsa cleared her throat. Pluto has a Perk that affects the entire city.

God-Field? Basil guessed.

You know of it?

Weve encountered foes with variants of this power, but the effects are unique to each individual. Basil started to scribble notes on the map as Vasi finished her second drink. What are the elements it affects?

It empowers Soul, Corrosion, Fire, Earth, Darkness, Mythic and instant death effects, if I remember correctly. Elsa scratched her cheek. It weakens Wood, Water, Light, and most importantly, healing effects. You should stock up on potions.

Oh, and the field raises everyone who dies within its range as a zombie under Plutos control, Roxie added with a snort. You better burn monsters corpses after youre done with them.

Or eat them? Basil suggested.

The two Parisians exchanged a glance. I, uh Elsa chuckled. I suppose that works too.

Basil vowed not to let a single steak escape. Thanks for your help, he said as he folded the map. Well keep in touch.

Ill ask again. Elsa frowned at the couple. Are you really sure you want to go to Paris? Anyone still inside is either dead, fled, or part of a gang now. If your friend went to the city I doubt he made it out alive.

Im pretty sure he did, Basil replied. The world hadnt been crushed by Shiva yet, after all. We can use a tool to locate him.

Roxie shrugged. Your funeral.

But be sure to return to Limoges if you make it out alive, guys, her teammate said with a warm smile. We could start a Berserker Anonymous club.

Yes, sure. The class mention made Basil wince. About that Why did you level up so much in Berserker? I would understand if you were a solo act, but arent you putting your team in danger?

Yeah, it took us a while to learn to stick to the rear, Roxie said with a deadpan look.

Ah, its not that bad Elsa chuckled in embarrassment. We mostly struggled with our formation in the early days, but I figured that higher level Perks would mitigate the downsides of the Berserk ailment.

Basils eyes widened in curiosity. Did it?

Yep! Elsa grinned ear to ear. The Berserker level 13 Perk, Anger Management, grants immunity to mental ailments like Charm or Madness and most importantly, it allows me to tell friends from foes.

She still does stupid shit while Berserk. Roxie chuckled. But I dont know if its the class or just her in general.

Im not dumb, Im simple, Elsa protested. I attack the closest enemy in sight until its dead, thats all. Sometimes thats not the best option, but how do you expect me to think rationally when everybody looks like a spider Nazi?

Whats a Nazi? Vasi asked in confusion.

A vicious idiot, Basil replied. And here he thought his goblin obsession was unhealthy, but spider Nazis? This girl had issues.

Yeah, I think I played too much Wolfenstein Elsa fidgeted in place. Anyway, how about we share build information? I was considering taking levels in Tamer with all the cave bears running around the city.

I still say an auroch would be a better mascot for the band, her teammate replied. Bears dont have horns.

But bears are cute and fluffy, Vasi argued. She never missed an opportunity to defend her favorite animal. And they can dance.

I know, right? Elsa chuckled. Roxies just salty that we outvoted her.

Like all geniuses, hindsight will prove me right, her teammate deadpanned. Bear pop is overrated, auroch funk is eternal.

Basil wondered if he should transform into a werebear to support his girlfriends argument, before deciding against it. Shapechanging in a bar full of monster hunters might not be the best idea.

The two groups exchanged class information and split up afterwards. The Parisians returned to their table to drink in peace, whereas Vasi led her boyfriend to the bars dance floor. Bards played a catchy medieval ballad on loudspeakers. After some reluctance, Basil put his hands on his girlfriends back as she leaned against his chest; both settled in a slow, steady dance.

See, youre not that bad, Vasi teased him. I dare say, we might make a passable dancer out of you in a few years time.

Im only going along with this because you asked, Basil grumbled. Even then, he mostly let his girlfriend take the lead. He had never felt comfortable with dancing in a public space, and the ground floor was crowded with other couples. Dont make it a habit.

Ill let you pick the activity next time. Vasis arms moved around his neck. I can tell your heart isnt into it. Youre still thinking about Paris, arent you?

Sorry, Basil apologized. He wanted to be present in the moment for his girlfriends sake, but the discussion with the Parisian party had raised too many questions. Im just trying to figure out what equipment well need. Flashlights for catacombs, anti-undead weapons, and I should probably learn a water-elemental rune to empower everyone.

Vasi smiled at him. What happened to the real Basil?

He raised an eyebrow in confusion. The real me?

First you make plans for battle, and now you prepare a dungeon diving operation days ahead with great forethought. Vasi winked at him. Wheres the wild bull running into battle after making a blood oath to his ancestors?

He outlived Kuikui and Orcine, learning his lesson: that luck is no substitute for preparation. A lesson Basil should have taken to heart earlier after the battle with Steamslime, for his teams sake. That kind of disaster wont happen again on my watch.

Never say never, handsome. Nobody can tell what tomorrow will be made of. The songs tempo slowed down and so did their dance. I suppose youre reconsidering taking levels in Berserker?

No, Basil replied softly. In fact, Ill probably abandon the class entirely.

Oh? She raised an eyebrow. Whys that?

Because I dont want to rely on anger to win my battles, Basil admitted. Even if I obtain a Perk to manage the side-effects, it wont solve my issues. Itll help me suppress them, thats all. I would rather move on. To change.

You already have, Basil, Vasi replied softly. Youre far more grounded since the first time weve met. More self-reflective, more considerate. Less bitter too.

Less bitter? Basil scoffed. Were bums who have been eating shit all day for weeks.

Yes, but still, I can tell that youre happier than before in some ways. A few months ago you didnt even want to leave your house to meet other people, but now youre in a bar with a beautiful girlfriend and becoming buddy-buddy with strangers. And more to the point She looked into his eyes. Youre enjoying a social activity.

Well Basil wouldnt go that far, but she had a point. He had been extremely wary about other people even before the apocalypse began due to the mess with his family, work life, and Rens inheritance. His social circle didnt extend farther than Plato, but now he was on cordial terms with a French major, an interdimensional merchant, and even a god in human form.

Basil wasnt certain if it was for the better, but he was definitely becoming more sociable.

Maybe its because of you, he teased his girlfriend. Youre rubbing off on me.

Oh, I would love to gloat about that success, Vasi replied with a laugh. But it runs deeper. You put more thoughts into your actions rather than reacting.

I admit that before the apocalypse, I was feeling Lost? Confused? Basil struggled to find the right word before settling on one. Aimless. After I failed to find my place in the world, I had no idea what to do with my life besides living in my little corner of the earth.

And do you know what you want to do, now?

Sort of. Basils ambitions didnt extend farther than stabilizing the world enough so he and his friends could live in it peacefully; he had no idea what he would do with his life afterward. I feel Im on the right path.

I understand. Do you want to know what I think? Vasi didnt wait for him to answer. Deep down, you like to help other people.

Basil chuckled. I wont turn down someone in need of help, but to say I like it

Basil, Basil, dont play coy with me. Vasi shook her head in disbelief. I saw your expression when you left the clinic. You were happy to heal the sick.

Oh, thats nothing, he brushed her off. It was just to secure supplies.

Vasi rolled her eyes. Basil

All right, yes, I liked it, Basil admitted. I like feeding healing juices to senior citizens. Happy now?

He felt a few dancers looking at him strangely and ignored them in turn.

Poor choice of words, Vasi commented with a grin. But Im glad youre starting to become more honest with yourself.

How about you then? He returned her smile. Whats up with the glamor? Shouldnt you be honest with me about it?

Ah, youve cornered me. Vasi sighed. I suppose I owe you an explanation. Ive run afoul of witch hunters in my world the few times I visited human villages.

Because you practiced magic? It surprised Basil. From what he had heard, Vasis homeworld was full of magic and wonders. Witch hunters should feel out of place in that kind of environment.

No, because Im a hag on my mothers side. Vasi let out a sigh. Long story short, my maternal family hasnt exactly been getting along with mortals.

What did they do?

You know, the usual: baby abduction, slavery, maiden sacrifices Many of us have tried to turn over a new leaf, but theres a lot of history to make up for. And my father is a demon. It doesnt inspire much confidence.

So even if you havent done anything, you were treated as suspicious for what you are. Basil quickly put two and two together. Is that why you asked Patrick about why this city hasnt made peace with goblins? Because you saw a little bit of yourself in them?

Yes. Cant say I didnt expect his answer. Vasi shrugged. But Ive learned to live with it. A glamor is cheap and will spare us both a witch hunt.

Thats not entirely the same, but I see where this comes from. Ive faced prejudice too in the past. A lot of western Europeans seemed to have a radar for easterners like Basil, and never missed an opportunity to explain to him how Bulgarians were either crooks or thieves. He had gotten into quite a few brawls to defend his countrys honor. But you dont have to fear anything.

Because your people tolerate hags? Vasi mused.

Because Im with you, Basil replied kindly. Nobody will lay a finger on you so long as Im around.

Vasi blushed a little. Oh, sweet talker you. You may not have the paladin class, but you do sound halfway like one.

Isnt that a bad thing? Basil scowled. I thought you werent a fan of them?

Im not. Half the Paladins Ive met say sweet words to get laid, not because they mean them. The other half simply draw their swords and ask questions later. Vasi thought for a second as the song slowed down. They had almost reached the end of this dance. Paladin may not be the best term, true you sound knightly. You speak little, but only because you mean every word you say and you back them up with actions. Thats what I find endearing.

I do have a knight class, gotta live up to the hype, Basil replied with the same tone. I dont think Im the only one who has changed either.

Oh? Vasi raised an eyebrow, her gaze playful. Do tell.

Youre invested in this quest too, Basil pointed out. I think you like it too. The adventure, the travels saving people.

I do admit it has its moments. The song came to an end, and bards started arguing over the next tune. Is it over already?

Another dance? Basil suggested. He was actually starting to enjoy it, though he would never say so out loud.

No, Im satisfied, Vasi replied as she moved her face close to his own. I had something else in mind.

She leaned in and kissed him on the lips.

Basil pulled her closer until nothing separated them. Vasis skin felt good against his, and her hands stroked his hair as if she owned it. A jolt of electricity ran through his body as their lips met, alongside a shiver of pleasure. It had been so long since he had kissed a girl on the lips, but he had never forgotten the taste, the warmth, the comfort for a few seconds, he forgot the crowd around them. Paris, Kalki, the Apocalypse Force, and Metal Olympus, none of them mattered.

The world stopped at her.

Like all good things, the kiss was over way, way too soon. Basic mortal needslike breathingforced Vasi to pull back. She was blushing almost as much as he did. Basil had watched her kiss another knight in Chteau Muloup to charm him but this time, it meant something to her.

Nice, Basil whispered with a pleased smile. But Christmas is next month. Its a bit early for surprises.

Im terrible at counting time, Basil, she joked back with a coy grin. How about we continue this in a more private place? Like the toilets? Nobody ever thinks of the toilets.

Our car isnt that far, Basil teased her back, thinking of the Steamobile. It would be warmer, and we have a TV

I dont think well need Vasi stopped herself, frowned, and checked her dress.

Whats the matter? Basil asked in confusion.

An emergency. Vasi sighed as she brought a small crystal skull from her pocket. The device trembled like a mobile phones alarm.

Walter was calling at the worst time.

Basil, Vasi, how good to see you again. Walter nodded at the couple as they teleported into his shop. Neria Elissalde, who was already present, welcomed them with a smile. I apologize for calling on such short notice.

You didnt catch them at the right time, chief. Hagen straightened up at his employers side. The neurotower loomed behind the shops counter, tall and terrible. I can tell.

Its all right, Vasi whispered without truly meaning it. She was no happier than Basil at having their date interrupted early, but the situation required their full attention. I suppose you finished analyzing the server?

I did and gathered you here to discuss my findings. Walter smiled at Basil, a gesture that sent a shiver down his spine. Somehow, Walter Tye managed to make even the most innocent gesture look menacing. But first of all, let me congratulate you on taking a level in Deathknight. Excellent choice.

I dont know this Sepulchre variant, Hagen noted. What does it do?

It made my halberd super effective against undead, Basil replied bluntly.

A short silence followed his declaration. Walters smile faded away in disappointment. He didnt look amused, at all. Hagens reaction to the news was more lively. He exploded in laughter and swiftly collapsed to his knees.

Disappointing, was all Walter said. Truly disappointing.

Im sorry, chief, Im Hagen held his armored chest. Ahaha!

How can he laugh without lungs? Neria asked with a confused frown.

Ignore him, Walter replied dryly.

Well, his happiness didnt last long, Basil thought. Then again, hes a necromancer. Must be sad to see a client turn in the opposite direction.

Good to see you again, Neria, Basil greeted the Major. Did you receive my latest report?

I did. Major Elissalde smiled ear to ear. The General was extremely happy when I forwarded it to him. Thats one less member of Metal Olympus to deal with, and if another is indeed in Paris, we might eliminate most of their leadership in quick succession.

We should reach Paris in a few days, Basil warned. Ive got a few requests for elemental weapons, if you can satisfy them.

Ill see what I can do, Neria promised before turning to face Walter. By now, Hagen had regained his composure and was back on his feet. In fact, perhaps we should discuss the essences you gathered with Mr. Tye over here? Did you inform him?

I am aware of your recent victories, Walter replied. He must have read their minds already. The details youve gathered should complete my findings.

Basil crossed his arms. Did you figure out how the server works?

I have studied your device, yes. Walter scowled darkly. Unfortunately, this confirmed my hypothesis. Your worlds System functions similarly to mine, which is not a good thing.

The necromancer marked a short pause, as if trying to find the right way to sugarcoat a difficult truth.

What do you know, he asked, of the soul?

More than I want, Basil thought. And less than I should.