《Log Entries of a Lich (short Story)》 Log Entries of a Lich Log Entry 117, Cycle 347
Ambient temperature registers at a stable 17 degrees Celsius within the sanctum. Humidity readings are negligible, as expected. Preparation of the standard rehydration solution for phylactery maintenance is complete. Trace elements of ambient magic in the water source continue to be below acceptable levels; current purification rituals are, however, sufficient. Experimentation on the captive village elder is progressing at expected pace. Initial neural pathways are demonstrating signs of targeted decay, within the predicted parameters. The acquisition of his memories regarding local fungal cultivation is proving¡­less than satisfactory. I anticipate a need for more thorough methods. The evening¡¯s bone dust meditation yielded fragmented visuals of¡­a brightly colored bird. Analysis is required.
Log Entry 118, Cycle 347
Re-evaluation of yesterday''s avian stimuli reveals a potential connection to the recent influx of wild berries in the northwestern quadrant of the forest. This merits further investigation. The elder¡¯s resistance to mental probing proves...stubborn. My initial probes appear to have activated a region of his consciousness responsible for the production of intensely unpleasant scents. Disgusting. I have adjusted the parameters of the extraction process but the physiological response to his distress is... irritating. The current temporal loop within which I am practicing binding rituals reached a predictable termination point, and the subject''s physical body requires re-animation. A waste of resources, truthfully.
Log Entry 121, Cycle 347
The investigation into the anomalous avian sightings yielded a minor discovery - a localized patch of mutated flora that appears to be generating a unique, albeit weak, magical resonance. Samples have been collected for later analysis. The elder continues to be uncooperative. I have tried to elicit more information through the manipulation of his fears, however, the subject appears to be more interested in begging for death, which, is¡­ tedious. Perhaps a new approach is needed for the memory extraction. Perhaps a more¡­painful¡­ approach. Further consideration of advanced torture techniques is now a priority.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
Log Entry 128, Cycle 347
The new techniques have proven satisfactory. The elder''s mental fortitude has finally yielded to the pressure, and the desired information regarding the fungal cultivation has been extracted. The new, detailed notes on soil composition will prove useful. The process also revealed¡­unexpectedly detailed knowledge on the village''s love for communal baking. These irrelevant memories have been extracted and placed into a storage jar. The remains of the elder have been added to the bone pile. The mutated samples from the forest have been placed in stasis. The schedule for re-animation of the skeletal legion has been reviewed. It is running one cycle behind. This requires adjustment.
Log Entry 135, Cycle 347
The adjustments to the re-animation schedule have been implemented. The skeletal legions are ready for field deployment. The ambient magical energy of the forest is displaying a minor fluctuation. Further analysis is required, however, it does not appear to be a significant threat. The storage jar containing the irrelevant memories of the village elder has been moved to the lower levels of the sanctum. They are¡­distracting. I appear to have an unaccountable desire to try some of the baked goods he described. This is¡­ illogical. Contingency protocols to counter self-sabotage have been activated.
Log Entry 142, Cycle 347
The fluctuations in the forest¡¯s ambient energy appear more pronounced today. A brief scan reveals a concentrated source near the ancient ruins. It is likely an immature magical nexus. A reconnaissance team will be dispatched to assess the situation after the completion of the current ritual. The ritual requires a living sacrifice. I have selected a goat. The goat is...uncooperative.
Log Entry 148, Cycle 347
The reconnaissance team returned with preliminary data on the magical nexus. It is indeed immature, but its potential is¡­ substantial. It seems to be tied to a dormant entity of some kind. The entity''s essence is¡­intriguing. I must consider how to harness its power for myself, and how much to let the skeletal legions sample of its presence. The goat''s screams are¡­annoying.