Condemned Book 4: A Progression Fantasy LitRPG Series (Lord Valevsky: Last of the Line)

By Vasily Mahanenko

Maximillian has been given the chance to avenge his family’s death: the Duke of Odoevsky has conspired in a plot against the emperor, and if Max plays his cards right, he’ll be able to destroy the man who read out his family’s execution order with such ecstasy. But one small mistake topples his plans, and now thousands of people caught in the clutches of terrible monsters are counting on him to save them. What choice must he make? Revenge or salvation?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Magic Dome Books
• Release date: Nov 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9788076932890

Book preview

Vasily Mahanenko

Condemned

Book 4

Lord Valevsky: Last of the Line

A Progression Fantasy Series

Published by Magic Dome Books

Condemned Book 4: A Progression Fantasy Series

(Lord Valevsky: Last of the Line)

Copyright © V. Mahanenko 2023

Cover Art © Lunar 2023

Cover Design V. Manyukhin

English translation copyright © Taylor Elise Margvelashvili 2023

Published by Magic Dome Books, 2023

All Rights Reserved

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Shop and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental..

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Table of Contents:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

About the Author

Chapter 1

MAX, YOUR MEETING WITH THE EMPEROR is tomorrow evening. How are things coming along? The voice of Mother Alia, my personal servant, rang through my mind. The girl was only eighteen, but recently, she had been through more than most old codgers could boast of. The bonfire alone, which Alia had been sent to in defense of her ideals and of me, was trial enough. Thanks to the Word symbol given to me by Gray Magister Meram, we were able to communicate without any barriers, as we had been doing sporadically over the last three and a half weeks.

I’m on level ten. Crawling forward. Five, maybe six more caves, by the feel of it. I should reach the Master in a couple of hours. If I don’t die first.

"Try not to dawdle. No matter what anyone says, it’s nearly a day’s ride to the capital at full gallop. The Duke promised to deliver you in twelve hours, but let’s be realistic — you’ll spend a lot of time on the road. There’s a bath and two friends waiting here for you. Lana and Dana.

You found them?! The news even cleared my head a little, and the pressure of the dark aura dissipated so much that I was able to get to my hands and knees. I’d had to crawl through the last three caves.

The Fortress always fulfills its obligations. Almost everyone who worked or served on the Valevsky estate is already here, in your new home. Including the twins.

Gustav?

Already at his post. This morning I visited the construction site. From what I saw, it’ll only take a few more days to finish the last aesthetic touches. They might even work through the night to finish before your arrival.

Okay, I’m crawling, I’m crawling! Any other news to report?

Not much. Reconstruction of the magical academy is in full swing. According to Kimal Sarento, classes will resume in two weeks. By the way, he asked me to let you know that he hasn’t forgotten his promise, and that there’s an elixir to add an extra facet with your name on it. He wants to hand it over to you himself. You’ll have to think about the most effective place to put it. The Fortress finally finished its assessment of the eight-level you closed. You are owed seventeen thousand gold, and on top of that, I squeezed five more elixirs out of them that will improve the quality of your magic stones.

How much gold?! I asked, astounded.

Why are you so surprised? Rifts are an extremely profitable enterprise, especially when they’re able to mine so much yem from one. Sure, you’ll only receive eight out of the seventeen thousand — the Fortress took part as compensation for the purchase of your estate. But all your financial obligations have been fulfilled and you don’t owe anyone anything. From now on, the estate officially belongs to you. It’s still in my name, of course, but as soon as you restore your status, we’ll transfer it to you.

So for this ten-level… I was afraid to even speak such numbers aloud. My family never had that kind of money, that’s for sure.

That’s right, for this ten-level, you’ll receive significantly more. I’m guessing twenty-five to thirty thousand, considering that you’re not touching the exclusive creatures. This is quite enough to buy yourself a small plot of land in any region. Even in the center. If the Duke of Turb keeps his promise, then as a viscount, you will need lands. Landless viscounts are looked down upon with significant disdain.

Is there any sort of doubt that he’ll keep his word?

There’s always a doubt. I didn’t see the Duke himself, but I had a private conversation with the chancellor. He says that there’s a certain force within the empire that can either put pressure on the duke or make some kind of move to prevent him from carrying out his plans. One of the targets of this force is you — someone who knows how to close rifts, now up to level ten. If things were done under the table, you can estimate for yourself the amount of money they’d receive. For that kind of money, many will reveal their true colors. The chancellor gave me documentation just in case — from now on you are officially a first-year student at his academy. Even if you don’t become a viscount, and this possibility cannot be ruled out while you’re still studying at the academy, you won’t be able to be kicked out. Even by the emperor himself. This is the law.

Alia, I hope you haven’t forgotten — I’m here trying to conquer the dark influence, and you’re talking about how they’re going to screw me over! I couldn’t hold myself up with just one arm and collapsed onto the stone floor again. This Skron-damned rift would be the end of me!

Max, it’s better to prepare for the worst and rejoice when it all works out. Alia was clearly a pessimist. For now, the Duke is fulfilling his obligations in full. Your new home has been restored. Viscount Kurpatsky is constantly monitoring the quality of the work. As for what will happen at the emperor’s reception, only the Light knows. Maybe everything will work out as planned. Maybe some force that wants to get their hooks in you will intervene. For some reason, I believe the chancellor — this force really does exist.

Who wants me? I muttered, continuing to crawl forward. I only have two rifts left.

That’s exactly right! Only two. That means they must be at least level ten, and level thirteen would be better. The High Priest already told me about how to increase the depth of a rift. Through casualties. Many casualties. But who is going around counting the numbers of the homeless, poor or enslaved? No one! When money’s on the line, and big money at that, the rational mind becomes clouded. All that remains is a lust for profit.

The High Priest… The diSeniorspect in my tone did not go unnoticed.

Max, don’t start. We’ve already had this discussion. We need the Fortress. You’ll still have to pass through the Dark Inquisition after every rift or encounter with a convert. What Father Urg did, he did for the good of the Fortress and our world. Even if he used controversial methods.

What disturbs me most of all is the fact that you defend him so zealously! Alia, they’ve sent bad men to the chopping block for much less! Without the right of even being sent to the doomed legion. How many lives did he cut short for Fardi’s sake? How many ordinary citizens of the empire were lost to his rifts? How many doomed soldiers were destroyed there? Yes, the Fortress grows and flourishes. But is this the only way? Building itself on the bones of its victims? Spawning monsters like Bishop Zwat?

Max, we’ve already had this conversation. I’m not revisiting the issue. And I don’t like that we keep ending up back here, despite all the agreements we’ve come to. It creates a persistent reluctance to speak with you.

Alright, I’ve made it to the guards. I’ll start back soon.

Go on then, the cleanup team is already waiting. As is your carriage.

I removed my hand from the symbol and gazed gloomily up at the cave. Ten three-meter tall barrel bodies stood in the cave, motionless but ready to plunge into battle against the Light at any moment. But I didn’t consider myself among their ranks. My body was practically in spasms — my accelerated three-week immersion course through two levels had taken a heavy toll on me. I was starting to look like the withered husk of a Max that they had pulled out of the eight-level. In any case, the hands that constantly flashed before my eyes had once again become skin-covered bones. My body was devouring my muscles and fat in order to somehow restore the balance of power. The several backpacks full of food that were meant to last me a month had run out three days ago. I ate like crazy, and I had practically no need to relieve myself. Everything was being used!

Rift Master, here I come!

You already have a map of this location. Because the rift has reached or is deeper than level 10, an improvement has been added to the map: spawn locations of magic stones. Total improvements: 1 out of 10.

1 of 12 Amplify shards obtained. Total: 8 of 12.

5 of 100 Devour shards obtained. Total: 68 of 100.

A map of the central region appeared before my eyes. The rifts hadn’t gone anywhere, although the one that had been in Hearth was now grayed out, and there was a notification saying that in three weeks, it would collapse. I’d have to clarify what exactly that meant. But that’s not what caught my attention — a huge number of new points had appeared on the map! A good portion of them were white. When I focused my gaze on one of them, a description popped up:

Magic Stone Fireball. Level: 1. Number of facets: 0.

But there was more than just a smattering of white dots across the map. After figuring out how to filter out the useless, facet-less stones that wouldn’t even be mined for resources, I took in the significantly less cluttered map. The white dots didn’t disappear — there were still plenty of common stones that had one, or even two facets. But this made the dozen or so blue dots, three gold dots, and one red dot much more visible! Yes, there was even an exclusive stone in the central region. It was on the outskirts, near where I finished off the second khorib, but it was there!

Exclusive magic support stone Praxis. Level: 1.

What the stone did was a mystery to me — I’d never encountered one of its kind. Here, I should probably mention one caveat, without which my meetings with the High Priest, Duke of Turb and chancellor of the magic academy would never have occurred. Through Alia, they forced me to sign a paper and give an oath that I would never use Analyze on the High Priest or chancellor. I had to agree, at least until I could figure out how they were monitoring this. If it turned out that all the information I received from this stone was mine and only mine, I’d definitely use the opportunity to scan those two. True, I’d also have to find out the mechanism behind the Truth stone that Demitr Turbin (previously One) had mentioned. I’d been roped into this contract, after all, and that was one way the chancellor could ensure the conditions were fulfilled.

Alia, the rift is closed. And I got something that might give me some leverage with the chancellor. Ask what he’s willing to give me for a map of all the magic stones in the central region.

Will do. Anything else, besides the updated map and fragments?

Nope. That should be more than enough. Alright, I’m climbing out. Time to call in the cleaners.

I can’t say the way back proved easy. Just like the way there. If not for the ring I got from the metamorph, I don’t even know how many years it would have taken me to reach level ten. I was certain that even now, I wouldn’t be able to stand there without the ring on for more than a few seconds. As I walked past level nine, a malicious grin crept across my face. Here I did something that I don’t regret, but which I still wouldn’t tell anyone, except maybe Alia. And even that wasn’t for certain. The steel box that the blacksmith in Hearth made for me now housed an exclusive ousel from level nine. Level nine! I wouldn’t even need to put up my mirror — just remove the plug from a hole the size of a needle. Such a creature will not only reveal all converts in a huge radius, but in case of an emergency, it will make all my enemies fall to the ground. A sort of ultimate ability that could be used in extreme cases. If I’d had such a box during my meeting with Meram, I’m sure I would have been able to do at least something to oppose him. I don’t think it would be a good idea to mirror something so dark among the aristocrats, but I couldn’t just pass the small red ball by. My conscience did not allow it. As for the legal ousel I already had in there, as soon as I released him into the wild of the ninth, it was simply torn to shreds. Accustomed to flying under the sun, the dark beast was simply ill-prepared for such depths.

They were already waiting for me on the surface. The churchmen had dragged a whole crowd of people with them. A healthy dozen at least! My carriage, drawn by four horses, stood near the town hall. They didn’t even give me a chance to wipe it down! Climbing inside, I felt all the delights of my privileged position. Monograms on the carriage and horses indicated who owned this vehicle, so people scattered in all directions. No one wanted to disturb the Duke.

The journey proved quite standard — we galloped full speed, stopped once to change horses, and then raced onward. That was it! No jokes or anecdotes, just cold reality, coupled with the coachman’s desire to carry out the Duke’s order as quickly as possible. At a leisurely pace, the journey took two days. We made it in one, arriving just after dusk. At one point, I shamelessly drifted off, making my own journey much shorter, and I opened my heavy lids with difficulty as the carriage rolled to a stop.

We arrived at a huge mansion equipped with a dozen lamps powered by rift crystals. I liked the outside of the house — no pomp, everything was strictly functional and pragmatic. Only the four columns at the entrance spoiled the overall impression. I got out of the carriage, and immediately a delighted voice rang out:

The master! Girls, the master of the house has arrived!

What a sight! People poured out of the doors, surrounding and trying to explain things to me, somehow thinking that I could make out any of their individual voices in the din. Familiar cooks, laundresses, maids and even a gloomy stableboy — not just the summoned girls, but several boys as well.

Tsss! came a loud hiss, forcing everyone into silence. Gustav stood a few meters from the crowd. How they cackle like hens! Haven’t you seen Maximilian before? Or do you have nothing else to keep you busy? Get to work, parasites! Hop to it! You, your Lordship, should have a bath. I’ll tell you frankly, you smell like an outhouse. We thought you’d be getting back earlier.

Since when did I become your Lordship? I couldn’t hold back my sarcasm. Just two months ago I was, ‘You stupid thing, drop and give me ten push-ups!’

That was two months ago, Gustav said, dropping his gaze. Well, why are you just standing there? Chop chop, let’s get you cleaned up!

That’s better. Against my will, a smile crept across my face. I missed you, mentor!

Go on then, the owner of the bushy mustache waved me off, and I noticed a tear flashing in his ever-stern eyes. Your room is on the second floor, on the right along the corridor. You can’t miss it. Your bath is ready and waiting. And that’s not all…

I needed no further convincing. I nodded to my mentor and flew through the house like lightning, nodding at those I passed. The Fortress had really done its utmost — I was surrounded by familiar faces from childhood. I ran up the wide staircase to the second floor and instantly knew which room was mine. It was easy to tell from the Welcome home! sign posted on the door with rosebuds affixed next to it. It even looked nice, Skron take them!

I liked the room. A huge two-, no, three-person four-poster bed, several wardrobes, a couple of tables and chairs, a huge window covered with curtains and a separate, personal bathroom, from whence I heard the gurgling of water. I stepped into the bathroom, knowing full well what awaited me. My stars. Lana and Dana. The girls hadn’t changed a bit over these two months. They were just as beautiful, alluring and soft. Using all four hands, they removed my dirty clothes, which they immediately threw aside, after which they dragged me into a huge bathtub (more like a swimming pool) and I was transported to dreamland for a while. How grateful I was that fate had placed the Healing Aura stone in my path — it did a lot to restore my masculine virility after many happy endings. The girls were clearly yearning — they had never been so insatiable and sensual. It seemed that the poor things had suffered these past two months and were now channeling all their fears and worries through me, as if they were afraid that I would suddenly vanish again and their world would turn upside down.

We started in the bathroom, where I was thoroughly washed and dried, and finished on the bed. And then, when it was all over, I realized why the bed was so huge. Because from then on, all three of us would be sleeping in it! No one would ever take my twinkling stars from me again!

Get up! Alia’s voice rang through my head, worse than an alarm clock. It felt like a tub of cold water had been poured on me. All my drowsiness instantly disappeared, and I sat up abruptly, trying to figure out what was happening, searching for Alia in the room.

I’m on the first floor. Get dressed and come down.

Lana and Dana were no longer there. They had fled off to tend to some household chores. It was a shame — I actually felt up for another round after such a long time apart. I had to hop into a cold shower to calm down and focus.

I walked through the house, examining my new abode. I hadn’t really had the chance to take it all in the day prior. I liked the interior design. Simple, but appropriately elegant. Nothing gilded or porcelain, but there were some marble decorations. The staircase, for example, was not wooden, but stone. This was already a level up for me — we didn’t have a stone staircase at our previous estate. Alia settled in a spacious living room, with huge windows that let in a lot of light and lamps that flooded the surroundings in a pleasant blue glow, harmonizing beautifully with the curtains and walls. Whoever had selected the decor definitely had a sense of style.

Apart from Alia, all the important people were in the living room. Demitr Turbin, AKA One, my negotiator. Bagration Rubins, AKA Two, clerk and lawyer. Alexy Snor, AKA Three, teacher and future mage. Gustav, my combat training mentor, the Countess and three former doomed soldiers from her team. Flask, Gimlet and Rabblerouser. Alchemist, mage and head of the guard. Not a bad team for a petty aristocrat. A title which, incidentally, I still had not earned.

Hello everyone. I sat at the head of the table and a bowl of porridge appeared before me. The girl who brought it even touched my shoulder lightly. Seemingly by accident, but as if she didn’t believe it was really me. No one bothered me as I wolfed down my breakfast. They all saw how emaciated I looked, and judging by my portion size, they were trying to fatten me back up to normal in one meal.

Alright. Listen, folks, I’ll say the dreaded words: I never studied to be a baron or a viscount. My father always believed my older brothers would assume this role, so they got the brains and I got the weapon. There’s no point in me going on about my exceptionality and upbringing — all that is something I’ll need to learn. I hope that under your strict guidance, watching how you protect and increase our capital, I will master everything. Because before, I only ever spent. Let’s decide right here and now who’s responsible for what. Countess…Oh, I don’t even know your name.

Once upon a time, my name was Countess Eleonora Berzonskaya, answered the Countess. Now the title is a thing of the past. My city was given to another, but I am still here.

I told you so! I heard Alexy whisper. He elbowed Demitr as if he had just lost a bet.

Madam Eleanora, I began, but the woman corrected me with a disarming smile:

Just Eleanora. ‘Madam’ and ‘Your Radiance’ are things I left behind.

Only then did I realize why I had been so flustered this whole time. The Countess — uh, Eleanora, was in a gown! Her shoulders were exposed, but it was modest enough not to be considered vulgar. I was seeing her in an entirely different light. Her jet-black hair was pulled back into an intricate hairstyle that definitely wouldn’t fit under a helmet. I nearly drowned in her bright emerald eyes, which I had barely noticed before, and only my recent liaison with Lana and Dana helped me stay afloat. Eleanora was stunning. The first hints of age were starting to creep in around the edges of her face. She was about forty, but could still give most little pipsqueaks, as the Evil Engineer called young ladies, a run for their money. He was another one I definitely needed to meet with.

Alright, Eleanora. From now on, you are the manager of our small estate. Even if the Valevsky family does not yet exist, since my meeting with the emperor is set to take place this evening, this doesn’t mean we can let our guard down. Please determine the most effective way to use all those present and assign them their work. Alia, what of our finances?

The Fortress is ready to bestow you your reward for the eight-level rift at any time.

Let’s get on with it then. We need to collect what we are owed before the churchmen come up with some other reason to dock our pay.

I accept your offer and agree to act as manager of this estate, Eleanora nodded with such majesty that even I wanted to stand and applaud her. Damn it, she was good! However, this can wait. As you correctly stated, Max, you have a meeting with the emperor this evening. This means we have absolutely no time for anything else. We must prepare you, and that is our task for the day. Everything else can wait. Mother Alia?

I completely agree and defer to your experience, the girl nodded. There is a lot riding on this meeting.

Fantastic. Then on to the first issue: what will you wear to the event?

I gulped. Evidently, they had their work cut out for them.

(Palace of the Duke of Odoevsky, Odoevsk, one day before the emperor’s reception)

Your Radiance, you have a guest. The one the Duke warned you about.

Karina Fardi looked at Tari, her father’s assistant, and could hardly contain her disgust. She had never liked this scoundrel. Insolent, slippery, capable of weaseling his way in anywhere. If people like him found the right patrons, they could achieve a lot. Tari was the best example of this — a rootless townsman, he managed to gain the favor of Count Fardi and had already served him faithfully for ages. Just a couple of years ago, her father had lauded his deep, sincere faithfulness, even though Tari had bought a fine house in Odoevsk that could not have been purchased with the money the Duke paid him. However, the count did not punish his dishonest