“Lucinda’s Blessing!”
As it struck him the swipe turned from a direct hit to a glancing blow. He returned with a Banshee Wail and slashed its head as the concussive whip went through his blocking arm as it traveled through his skull as it shook heavily as its eye burst open and his head shattered and his energy reserves took a massive hit.
“I have to be careful with that.”
+75 Kills-Partial
Level Up! Level 58
As he looked around for Celeste she was blasting Undead and cutting them down with her saber as he felt the kills flood into him. He smiled before he leaped over to the middle of the remaining thousands of undead and began to spin like a dervish again and rushed forward as he continued to clear hundreds of them as he bisected ghouls, shamblers, minotaur''s and even smaller flesh golems. With his strength well over 100 and rising the monsters felt like cardboard as he crushed through them.
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
After several minutes which felt like hours he stopped spinning as he saw Ghouls begin to run away as the Vampire was killed and the Goliaths and Golems were killed. He did not stop though. He hunted as many as he could and spun, clearing hundreds more as he continued to level up.
Between Celeste and himself he had reached Level 77. He felt that he had personally killed at least a thousand.
By the end of the battle he had reached Master 1 in his armor, his hammer and mental band while also reaching Master 3 in his Whip as he looked at both his and Celeste stats She had reached Level 49.
Standard Chain of Wailing Widows[Well Built]
Base Efficiency Bonus: 96% + [20% Well Built Bonus] = 115.2%
Skill Tree: Screams of the Forgotten
Base Ability: Widows Embrace
Trigger: Mentally activating the ability when the target is struck by the whip.
Energy Drain: Low
Description: As the user hits the target with the chain whip, if the target is living the target begins to hear sounds and screams of hundreds of widow’s crying at the lost of their lovers that will never return home. This lasts for a number of seconds equal to your wisdom and your Intellect. This effect is resisted by your wisdom + this weapon''s efficiency vs their Wisdom.
Master Ability 1: Pull of the Forgotten
Trigger: Command Word(Irvine)
Energy Drain: Low to Extreme(duration)
Description: The user says the command word and slashing, extending the chain by an amount equal to the amount of energy used and turning the whip into a supersonic whip of sound. While extended this way all other abilities used by this Skill Tree are considerably more effective while using considerably more energy. Duration is based on the user’s wisdom.
Mastery Ability 2: Banshee Wail
Trigger: Command Word(Sonito)
Energy Drain: High
Description: The user says the command word and makes a slash with their whip as it turns to a bright silver as it turns into pure sonic energy. This weapon can only be stopped by other sonic based attacks or similar items as it unleashes intense sound waves inside of the target. The attack potency of this attack is increased by the user’s wisdom.
Mastery Ability 3: Resonance Nova
Trigger: Command Word
Energy Drain: Extreme
Description: Your whip now has the ability to passively store sound waves in the whip. Generally the louder than sound surrounding the whip the faster it charges. After it fully charges the whip can unleash a omnidirectional sonic blast from the user that deals damage based on the user’s wisdom.
Attunement Slots: 80
Standard Helmet of Mental Clarity [Well Built]
Base Efficiency Bonus: 24%[+20 Well Built Bonus] = 28.8
Skill Tree: Bulwark of Soothing Dreams
Base Ability: Calming Thoughts
Trigger: Wearing the Helmet
Energy Drain: Negligible
Description: This helmet allows the user to have a higher resistance to mental effects while worn. You are able to focus clear your mind by increasing the energy drain
Mastery Ability 1: Mental Reflection
Trigger: Mental Damage
Energy Drain: Variable
Description: Reflects a percentage of mental damage back at the user based on the user’s wisdom. You are less affected by nightmares.
Attunement Slots: 40
Fortune’s Bulwark[Unique]
Base Efficiency Bonus: 96%[+100% Unique Bonus] = 192%
Skill Tree: Ladies of Fortune’s Grace
Base Ability: Lucinda’s Blessing
Trigger: Saying the Command word(Lucinda’s Blessing)
Energy Drain: Low
Description: Allows the user to dramatically decrease the efficiency of the next attack by an amount equal to The user’s total efficiency Unique Bonus. This effect lasts for 3-5 seconds. You can apply this effect to anyone by pointing and saying the command word if willing. There is a small chance that this effect can trigger without you activating it or using energy right before a hit.
Made By: Drogi Shadowrock
Mastery Ability 1: Ashanti’s Invocation
Trigger: Command Word
Energy Drain: Medium
Description: Allows the user to target a creature within 50 feet and reduce the next instance of damage by a variable amount from a small amount to near full negation. This is Luck based and is affected by your Mastery and Wisdom with this item.
Made By: Drogi Shadowrock
Attunement: 80[-20: Unique Bonus] = 60
Major Hammer of Rot[Masterwork]
Base Efficiency Bonus: 96% + [80% Masterwork Bonus] = 172.8%
Skill Tree: Vestiges of The Rot Lord
Base Ability: Mark of Decay
Trigger: Mental Activation upon hitting a target
Energy Drain: Medium
Description: Upon activating this ability a glowing mark appears on the target''s body where they were struck. While the mark is on their body their ability to regenerate is dramatically reduced while slowly spreading necrosis around the mark. This effect stacks. The duration of the mark is based on the user’s wisdom and efficiency of this weapon and resisted by the target’s wisdom.
Mastery 1: Entropic Strike
Trigger: Mental Activation upon hitting a target
Energy Drain: High/Low
Description: Upon activating this ability the target is inflicted with a debuff that lowers the target’s highest stat by a percentage of the user’s wisdom and this weapons efficiency. This effect lasts for 5 seconds. This effect can stack. If you hit a Mark of Decay then the energy drain is reduced to Low.
Attunement: 80[-10: Masterwork Bonus] = 70
As he returned to the encampment to meet with the rest of the soldiers it was a somber tone as he saw bodies of people being carried to various places as crafters started working on harvesting materials for projects.
He saw Celeste and she was covered in blood and guts as she worked with the healers. She was holding a man''s hand as he cried about not wanting to die. As he looked down she saw his legs were ripped apart.
He saw her rest the man''s head in her lap and began to hum as he clung to her terrified of the beyond before he finally shook and passed on. She stood up with the man''s body and carried him over to the corpse wagon before she went to him.
“We did it. You reached level 75+. I didn’t believe it but it was incredible.” Marcus walked over to her and nodded before he stood and looked over the bodies of these people and his hand turned into a fist.
“I promise. I will get stronger and crush these beasts that prey upon us. I will be the one who preys on them.“ Celeste rested a hand on his shoulders.
“If we can continue to grow like this then sure. More often than not it''s not this many Shamblers and Ghouls. Taking over Oakbend provided a lot of fodder. It''s usually more Goliaths, Golems and Knights. Regardless, I have spoken to several people around the camp and you are the talk of the camp.” He nodded as he also moved and helped carry corpses to the wagons as she continued.
“The whole spinning whip top thing was incredibly effective, then you did it with a woman strapped to your back. Fighting a Goliath as a support on your back is insane. Most in your position probably would have set me down somewhere and hoped I didn’t die.” Marcus looked down at Celeste strangely as the words came to lips without any thought.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
“I don’t leave people to die. Ever. I fight until I die or we win. That''s the only option.” Celeste looked up at him and smiled and remembered why her type was the big bruiser type. They were too dumb to think about themselves or even the thought of losing. She had to make sure that he fought in battles that he could win.
The world needs more people like him at the top, not more people like me. I just have to make sure he lives long enough to get there.
She smiled at herself before she continued to carry bodies with Marcus.
“I want to say that at first I didn’t think this was work. But being here with you…..I have bought all the way in. I don’t need your money or your loot coins. As long as you keep supplying stats like you are, that''s enough. I have enough loot coins to survive for a few years at this point. “ Marcus looked at her before he continued.
“Well, if you are sure. I still have to give you stat points. I can give you 75 points again if you want? I think you are right. Khaliun is a pillar of Druid’s Grove. She does more good there than here. I will give you an additional 75 points and then look for someone around level 100. “ Celeste answered immediately.
“Thank you. I can tell you aren’t the scheming type. Just know that from here on out I am yours to command. I will always have you back.” He nodded and assigned her 75 stat points as she continued to speak. “I have always had staying power issues as my techniques consume a lot of energy but with an additional 75 points this should really get me to the exceptional level. I would not be considered a Paragon like you are now especially after I assign my stats but still.“
Level 77
355 more kills till level 78
STR: 130 (+20) = 150
DEX: 72(+20) = 92
CON: 122 (+5)= 127
INT: 51 (+40)= 91
WIS: 41 (+20) = 61
STA: 70 (+45) = 115
Attunement: 225/460
You have 0 points to assign
Loot Coins: 47
Celeste Raven
Level 49 168 kills kill level 50
STR:10(+20)= 30
DEX:15(+20)= 35
CON:39(+5) = 44
INT:20(+40)= 60
WIS:39(+20) = 59
STA:38(+45) = 83
Attunement: 185/292
She smiled from ear to ear as she jumped in the air noticeably higher than before and hugged him.
“You''re the best brute a cowgirl could as for, there is a feast tonight with the camp. We should talk to the Guard Commander guy. He probably has something important to say. “ After he finished help with the bodies he walked over the rest of the soldiers as they were gathered who were eating mainly rations. He went into the temporary barracks area and gathered several hundred food and beverage boxes that he had collected from loot boxes and started handing them out to as many people as he could.
When he made sure everyone had a food and beverage box he pulled out several more for Celeste and himself as they began to eat. Celeste decided to bring up the silence with the most obvious question.
“What made you give away so many food boxes? That was easily 10 platinum marks worth of goods and days of your life given away for nothing. “ Marcus continued to eat for a few more minutes before he continued.
“They all fought for their city. They risked their lives for people that could not do it themselves. They deserve at least a decent reward and a hot meal. Its the least anyone should do.” Celeste nodded.
“Your world seems to be a little less greedy than our world haha. “ As Celeste was eating a large steak with fries and a cup of wine while he was eating a large burger. While he was eating several people did come up to him and shake his hand or Celeste hand it wasn’t until a dark skinned hume with her hair braided behind her head came over. She was dressed in some strange yellow Cheongsam battle robe with black leggins and yellow slippers. Despite her beauty she had the look of a warrior.
“Hello, great warrior. I am Camile, a mercenary from Florro. I just wanted to thank you for the food boxes and for what you did. We could.-”
“I am not interested in joining a mercenary group or any group. I do my own thing.” Camile looked at him with a soft smile before bowing and continuing.
“I assure you that we offer some of the strongest in the region. We have 20 people over level 100 and 5 of them are over level 250. With all of your strength you would be paid for your time and gain access to great quests and bounties. “ Celeste groaned and looked at the woman with her identity lens and saw she was well over 100 at level 118.
“After seeing your stats and level your stat growth has to be well over 7 points per level. It''s incredible.” Celeste leaned against his armor and smiled up at the woman before she spoke.
“Everyone is offering that and more. What makes you stand out? Sadly, we don''t plan to join up with anyone. Good luck to you. Bye” Camile looked down at Celeste and smiled before turning to leave. Marcus spoke up.
“You know you don''t have to do that right? I know you are better at negotiating but you don''t have to pretend for me. I understand that, I am probably like everyone else. As long as your goals align, you don''t have to put me on a pedestal. " Celeste looked at him again and smiled.
"I am not, you just don''t see it and that''s ok. I understand how we met. It can be hard to tell what''s real. “ She inched closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I actually do like you. Out of all of the people that have offered to take me out to much finer places than Bruno''s, what do you think happens?” She shook her head before she continued.
“As someone who has dealt with a wide variety of men and women I know who to turn down and who to accept gifts from. But also I know a good person when I see one. You walked into the back like a fish out of water and looked as if you had never seen that many attractive people in your life.” she began to laugh as continued.
"You have your own way of doing things and as a woman you just have a good feeling about you. I feel safe around you. No amount of money can replace that. “ As they sat in silence for a while she spoke again.
"Are you thinking about a new choice I know you had Khaliuns in mind but she isn''t the only one. Don''t have a scarcity mindset. You are the cream of the top. I have a few people in mind if you want to hear them?.” He motioned for her to continue as he saw The Commander making his rounds towards him. Before Celeste could really make progress Commander Deacon rounded on them.
“Hello, you did great. You earned a lot of respect amongst the men and women here. People are calling you The Golden Dervish. Vikas did not disappoint in recommending you. What are your next plans after we return to Druid’s Grove in a few days?"
"Rest and recover then head out looking for more monsters to slay.” He nodded at Deacon as he chuckled softly to himself.
"Well if you ever wanted to try for the guard I would fast track you through the officers and with ok-” Marcus held up before he spoke again.
“I work alone, thank you for the offer. I am a bit of a freelancer so if you need anything within my power I can help if it interests me.” Deacon nodded before speaking again.
“I understand. We are talking about a celebration when we return back to the town square for the soldiers that fought and died to protect Druid’s Grove. I want you there at the high table with all of the important people and high levelers. You can bring any number of plus ones within reason“
Marcus nodded before he shook both of their hands together before leaving. As they ate their food Celeste began talk about some of the options he could add to the team.
“I know a Ghanume woman that is surprisingly lithe for a Ghanume and is some kind of Night Blade. She is a good friend of mine and works as a Merc in Hollowridge just north of Druid’s Grove. I saved her life and my people tell me she does pretty good work. Most of my connections are in Hollowridge, Druid’s Grove and Redcreek by the way.” He nodded.
“We also need a large vehicle. I am not sure how much something like that costs and we need someone who can manage it and also drive it. I am a warrior and while you are a support, there has to be a specialist for that kind of thing.” Celeste nodded.
“With you being at the High Levelers table and potentially the having support of Lord Vikas and now I assume the Grove Guards you have some favor now. While I can imagine Lord Vikas has crafters, crafting a vehicle is mainly handled by various competing Rig Guilds. He won’t have what we need. He can work armor and such with little additional cost to himself or his crafters. But this is too much.
We should head to Hollowridge after the Celebration. While I don’t have any connections to any Rig Guilds, maybe you could ask for a recommendation or a letter of favor from Deacon or Vikas. They may not make them but they damn sure use them and can get them.”
Marcus asked the obvious question as the night began to wind down and people returned to their sleep arrangements.
“What about a Driver?” Celeste thought for a second.
“Most drivers are bought and trained by guilds as Rig Fighters or Pilots or by factions to do the same. No one''s gonna let you get someone they trained for years to be an asset to their faction. There are some independent people that are dying for a chance to be one. Use that as leverage to get the best you can for the position. I would not worry too much about levels if you make them a Chosen as we share levels between us now. But what I would worry about is that if they are not but enough of that, let''s shower and call it a night.”
Marcus couldn''t agree more as he pulled off his armor and clothes and began to head towards the showers
First Moro and the Ura. Let''s get a crew together then we push back.
“Hey Guin….how come Celeste and I share levels?”