Level-Up Apocalypse: Surviving With The Assimilation System

Devoid of a shred of flesh, the skeletal fingers dug out as a groan came from underneath.

"A zombie!" Jasper shouted as he unsheathed his blade.

"Not quite—same difference though," Finn corrected as he readied his daggers.

They all stood ready as the skeleton unearthed itself from the resting grounds of the colossal forest. What arose was a figure of bones, still dressed in half-shattered armor with a scarlet helmet intact.

Finn was about ready to strike as the undead picked itself out of the soil, taking a step towards it to strike its head before—

"Well, I was asleep quite awhile, methinks."

The undead spoke casually while brushing the dirt off of its bony body. Such a soft, unassuming tone brought the assassin to halt his killing intent.

"Oh? Did I give you all a scare? Sorry 'bout that—guess it's not normal to see a pile of bones talking!" The undead man apologized with a dry laugh.

"Yeah…not normal at all," Finn said, taking a step back to stand beside his companions.

The skeleton adjusted his own neck as it was out of place while casually speaking, "I mean no harm, so don't worry. Just a pile of old bones. Call me Geoffrey, or old bones—doesn't matter to me."

It was off-putting just how chipper the undead seemed, talking with excitement as though blood still ran through his veins.

Jasper stood shoulder to shoulder with Finn, getting close as he whispered in his ear, "What do you think, mate?"

"Dunno. Let's just hear him out," Finn responded in a hushed voice.

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The skeleton sat upon a pommel, removing his helmet to reveal the face beneath, or the lack of one as it was all bone.

"You all are heading towards the Storm King's Keep, aren't you?" Geoffrey asked.

"What of it?" Magnus responded.

"You won't be able to get in," the skeleton promptly informed them.

"What do you mean?" Charlotte asked.

A small gust passed through the forest's graveyard of blades, carrying the silence with it as they all looked to the eccentric undead for an answer.

"There's a front gate that's completely impenetrable. It has a practice barrier placed on it that keeps out all outsiders," Geoffrey explained.

"It's impossible, then?" Finn questioned.

"There's no way—we were sent here to deal with that Storm King sucker, it can't be blocked off," Jasper said in clear frustration, tapping his foot against the fallen leaves.

Geoffrey lifted a bony finger, "I didn't say that. There's a way in, though it requires entering the sewers right outside the front—which needs a key to enter."

Magnus shook his head, "Of course…a key. It can never be quite simple, can it?"

"Always has to be a pain in the arse," Jasper agreed.

The remarks were swiftly shut down as the eroding skeleton reached into his own chest cavity, pulling out a glistening object:

A cerulean key was held in his bony hand, "I have it right here," Geoffrey casually said.

"What?—That's it?" Magnus asked in shock.

"You're not lying, are you?" Finn asked, stepping closer to get a look at the key.

As he raised his hand to take it, seeing as the skeleton was holding it as if offering it to them, Geoffrey pulled it away.

"Ah-ah. I'm willing to part with it, but I need something in return," Geoffrey reprimanded, pointing at the assassin.

The notion of having to do something to obtain the required key made Finn want to groan.

'Great…This is going to be a tedious side quest, isn't it?' He thought.

"What do you want for it?" Charlotte asked.

Geoffrey looked towards them with his hollow eye sockets, "It's nothing that crazy, I promise. In fact, it'll take no more than ten seconds."

"Seriously? No catch? What is it?" Jasper asked.

They were all curious as to what the rather quick favor was that the unearthed skeleton wanted.

Geoffrey remained looking at the assassin, "Kill me."

"Huh?—" Finn reacted to the unexpected request.

"Well, I guess I'm already dead, sorta. What I mean is, put an end to whatever existence you can call this," Geoffrey clarified. "This is no way to live. Bound like this for eternity, cursed to guard this forest by the Storm King…I just want some peace."

"Are you sure?" Charlotte asked hesitantly with a look of sadness in her eyes.

The usually chipper undead nodded, "Without a doubt. Young man, I can tell by that blade you're holding—you are an assassin, right?"

Finn confirmed it with a nod, "Yeah. Why?"

"You're a deliverer of death. I'm sure you can cut this curse," Geoffrey said, holding the key. "Do that, and the key is yours."

It was a grim request, leaving the others quiet as Finn stepped closer.

"You're completely sure about this? I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but there's no coming back from this choice," Finn asked as he stood before the tired skeleton.

A quiet nod came from Geoffrey, "The world is at its end anyway. It's a husk, as am I; it's time to rest now."

Finn didn't say another word as he watched the skeleton lower his head to signal he was ready for it. The dagger was raised before he brought it down with a gleam of black—

["The Art of Dying"] [24:59:59]

A breathy gasp left the undead's mouth as the dagger pierced its body, "Ahh…I'm coming home, Maranda…"

From the blade, the strands of purified death took hold of what was already dead, granting to the weary bones a much longed for slumber.

["Geoffrey defeated."] ["Anarch Coin x50 obtained."]

[Experience Points: +500] [40505/50000]

[Assimilated ability from [Geoffrey]: "Magnificent Blade" 1 / 1]

As death was parted to the undead, the skeleton fell apart as the traces of life were extinguished.

"Rest easy, mate," Jasper solemnly said

Finn took the key as promised, tucking it in his pocket as he looked back at the others, who looked as though they just witnessed a funeral.

"Let's keep moving," Finn said.