ã€ŠLuckomancerã€‹


 Chapter 1: Choices

    The darkness was complete when Nate awoke. The bed he seemed to be laying on was soft as a cloud, and he felt the bed spring back as he pushed it in various places. The blankets were thin but kept him warm enough to be comfortable. But the blankets on his bed were thicker to defend him from the winter chill. He realized he was somewhere else. He sat up and swung his legs off the side of the bed, surprised when the floor felt as springy as the bed had.

    ¡°What in the hell is going on?¡± he whispered into the darkness. His voice sounded muffled, like being in a sound proofed room. He stood and reached blindly around for a wall, finding one immediately on either side of the bed, made of the same soft material.

    ¡°Am I in a psyche room?¡±  fear briefly gripped his insides. Instinctively he wrapped his arms around his chest, finding bare skin. ¡°And why am I naked?¡±

    A dull glow began to emanate from what Nate discovered was a small table a few steps from the bed. The glowing object was a sphere completely covered in a language that he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°This is a fancy nightlight.¡± When he picked up the sphere, the lettering drifted off into the air before him.

    The words shifted into English. You have activated the Interface Sigil Stone. You currently have zero of five active sigil stones. Once the Interface Sigil Stone is accepted, it cannot be removed. Accept? Yes No.

    ¡°This can''t be real,¡± he whispered. ¡°I''m in the funny farm for sure.¡±

    This is  indeed real, Nate. The object seemed able to answer his unasked questions.

    ¡°Are you a type of high tech AI?¡±

    No. Sigil stones are manifestations of magic that grant the user abilities beyond mortal bounds.

    ¡°Yeah? Sure thing, magic rock,¡± Nate did not believe it for a second. ¡°I accept.¡±

    To his great surprise, the sphere lifted from his hand, the lettering returned to it, and it flew into his chest. Nate reflexively tensed, but there was no push from the sphere. The darkness returned in full once the sphere was gone. He touched his chest and around the floor, but found no trace of it.

    A word appeared in the center of his vision.

    INITIALIZING.

    Nate jumped back in shock, the word staying in his view. When he blinked, it went away for a split second. So he closed his eyes, his breathing growing faster. When he slowly opened his eyes, the word had been replaced by a small, white circle that was always in the middle of his view while his eyes were open. In the upper right corner of his vision, an image of what looked like a closed moleskin journal blinked subtly.

    When his thought focused on the journal, it moved to cover up the dot, growing larger and opening to the first page. Though it was pitch black, he could see and read the journal without trouble.

    Quest: Choices

    Objective: Choose your race.

    Reward: Sackcloth pants, 10 gold pieces.

    Quest cannot be declined.

    Nate stared for a long time at the words in the journal. Panic swelled up in him, and he fumbled around to the bed, crawling back in. At another thought the journal went away.

    Closing his eyes, Nate focused on his breathing, trying to calm himself down. How did this happen? Did playing too many video games break his brain? Was he right now strapped down to a bed in a rubberized room somewhere to keep him from harming himself?

    He opened his eyes as his breathing normalized. The tiny white circle was still there. Why did it remind him of something? As he sat up, a light began to shine ten feet away from the bed, revealing a wall mounted full length mirror. The light fully illuminated the room he was in. The room looked to be made of red thunderclouds. He sat back down hard on the bed and looked at the pillow. When the tiny white circle touched the pillow, text appeared below it.

    Cloud Pillow. Pick up? YES. NO.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Nate said. The pillow disappeared. ¡°No way,¡± Nate whispered. ¡°Do I have an inventory?¡±

    The white circle expanded out a translucent window, showing a table labeled ¡®Inventory.¡¯

    Cloud Pillow. Type: Decoration. Weight: 0.01 lb. Value: 1,000 gp. A lightweight pillow made from cloudstuff.

    He reached out and touched the text on the table. The pillow appeared in his hand, as soft and lightweight as ever. ¡°That¡¯s awesome.¡± He fiddled with his inventory window for several minutes. He could sort by item name type, weight, and value, and found lthat he didn¡¯t need to touch the item to bring it out from his inventory. He also picked up the Cloud Blanket, then turned to look at the mirror. The circle widened to fill the shape of the mirror, and returned when he looked away.

    ¡°Oh!¡± he realized. ¡°You¡¯re my targeting reticle!¡± Nate thought about changing its appearance and found that he could, changing its color, shifting it from a circle to a small cross, to dismissing it entirely. He changed it to a nice light green and back to the circle.

    ¡°Not a bad way to go insane,¡± he said to the empty room. He¡¯d always been a go with the flow kind of guy, and he decided that if he was crazy, he might as well enjoy it. He then noticed that the room had no windows or doors, and it suddenly seemed smaller than he¡¯d like. He pushed that disconcerting fact aside and stepped closer to the mirror. He was reasonably tall, standing right at 6 feet, and the only place he tended to show his being overweight was his belly. He turned sideways and made funny faces in the mirror like he always did.

    The mirror rippled, text appearing large enough for him to read it. He reached up to adjust his glasses, only to find both that they were missing and that he no longer seemed to need them.

    The text at the top showed his race as human, but had arrows that pointed left and right. Below them were a series of sliders that he found very familiar, such as mouth shape, chin depth, and other such options. There were also ones he was less familiar with that could control even more finite aspects of his body.

    ¡°There¡¯s my handsome guy,¡± Nate mimicked the main character¡¯s wife from Fallout 4, a game in which he¡¯d had entirely too many hours of playtime and likewise shared the main character¡¯s default name. He ran his fingers through his relatively short auburn hair.

    Then he reached up and tapped the arrow to the left of ¡®Human.¡¯  It changed to ¡®Gorgonian,¡¯ and a tingling sensation spread over his body. Scales grew over his skin, his hair extending and thickening into individual snakes, his own face elongating to a more snake-like appearance, though he still somehow kept enough features to recognize his own face.

    As he wondered what a Gorgonian was, more text appeared on the mirror. Like the legendary Gorgon, Gorgonians have serpentine features and can petrify with their gaze. They are skilled in the arts of illusion and deception, generally living in hidden enclaves deep within warm deserts.

    He bent over laughing so hard that tears welled in his eyes. His mind locked onto an old video he¡¯d seen online. ¡°I¡¯m a snake! I¡¯m a slithery, sneaky little snake! Catching me a mouse.¡± The sliders changed to reflect the new form, being able to change his scale colors, snake hair length, shift his face between more snake-like to more human-looking with just the slitted eyes.

    ¡°This is so cool!¡± he decided to go through all of his other options before making any kind of final decisions.

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    Chimeran.

    Perhaps descendants from the legendary Chimera, these beings possess a blend of features from various animals, such as lion heads, goat horns, and dragon tails. They are the most varied and numerous of the races, and are skilled hunters and craftsmen, often living in wilderness areas.

    The amount of options for Chimerans was staggering. Nate moved slider after slider, giving himself the face of a purple shark, the brawny arms of a bear, and the legs of a lion.

    ¡°Jawsome!¡± He cheered, smiling with his rows of sharp teeth. ¡°Nah. Not for me.¡±

    Dwarf.

    Made of the stone they mine, dwarves have gemstones for eyes and bushy hair that often resembles moss that grows from rock. They live underground or in fortresses made of stone that jut from mountain faces.

    Shrinking to the height of a Dwarf felt a bit strange, vertigo making Nate dizzy. He shook it out as he gave himself diamond eyes and bright green mossy hair and beard.

    ¡°Doodad!¡± He exclaimed, running his fingers through the beard. ¡°Majestic beard, indeed,¡± he affected a Scottish brogue, ¡°we Dwarves are natural sprinters!¡±

    Elf.

    Tall, thin and with pointed ears and typically long hair, Elves are long lived and are gifted in archery, stealth and magic. Elves have variable skin and hair tones based on where they are living, but for the most part are fair of skin with lighter hair if they live on the surface, and darker skin and darker hair if underground.

    More vertigo as he grew to a few inches taller than his human form. He thinned out and his ears elongated. His chin softened and his nose became sharper. His auburn hair returned and grew to long luxurious locks.

    ¡°Legolas, eat your heart out. I make a damn fine elf. They¡¯re taking the hobbits to Isengard!¡±

    Gorgonian.

    Like the legendary Gorgon, they have serpentine features and can petrify with their gaze. They are skilled in the arts of illusion and deception, generally living in hidden enclaves deep within warm deserts.

    ¡°Nah.¡± Nate, having already fiddled with this one, quickly passed through.

    Human.

    Humans are incredibly varied in skin tones, hair types and styles, and places they are capable of living. Being adaptable does make them generally resilient to living in harsh environments, and they can thrive where others could not.

    ¡°I really am ruggedly handsome, aren¡¯t I?¡± he said as he scrolled through the sliders. ¡°Later, I need to see the others.¡±

    Kappans.

    Kappans are humanoid creatures with turtle-like features, including a beak and shell on their back. They are mischievous and also wise, known for their affinity for water and martial arts prowess. They often live in towns built over and within lakes and rivers.

    Feeling a shell shift from his human skin was disorienting. He read the text again as he touched his scaled face. ¡°Teenage me would have jumped at this choice! Cowabunga, Dudes!¡±

    He tried to pull his head into his shell, surprised when he was suddenly encased in darkness. He peaked out, ¡°Now I¡¯m definitely turtley enough for the Turtle Club. Turtle! Turtle! So many turtle jokes, so little time.¡±

    Krakenkin.

    Sea-dwelling beings with tentacled features reminiscent of the Kraken. They are skilled sailors, expert navigators, and have a deep affinity for the mysteries of the ocean depths. They often live in towns out to and under the sea.

    The shell seemed to gelatinize, oozing back into his body as his skin became slick and shiny. Tentacles erupted from his face and his fingers similarly elongated.

    His voice sounded as though he were underwater, ¡°What in the Davy Jones hentai monster is this?¡± He quickly moved on.

    Mothkin.

    Resembling giant moths or butterflies, these ethereal beings possess delicate wings, luminous antennae, and the ability to manipulate light and shadow. They are often associated with dreams and illusions. They dwell in high mountain cave systems, or in housing built near the tops of tall trees.

    Seeing his facial features somehow reflected from the moth face in the mirror silenced him for several long moments. ¡°I can be a Mothman. No thanks, but that is wild.¡±

    Myconid.

    Also called fungus folk, the myconid race appear as humanoid mushrooms. While genderless, they can present as any type of gender, though they tend to appear feminine in reverence to the Undermother. They can communicate via spores and are gifted alchemists and gardeners. They prefer to dwell in any place that is dark, cool, and damp enough for them to thrive.

    His red hair color was perfectly recreated for the mushroom cap that flared out from his head. His neck thickened to even out with the rest of his body, and his human face was set on the surface of the mushroom body.

    He laughed, ¡°While I am a fun guy, pass.¡±

    Nessian.

    These aquatic beings have serpentine bodies, long necks, and mysterious powers over water. They are skilled swimmers and guardians of hidden lakes and rivers. They often live in towns built over and within lakes and rivers.

    He grew taller as his legs fused together and coiled beneath him. His face elongated, his nose flattening to slits. His arms thickened with ropey muscle.

    ¡°Why iss thiss sso familiar?¡± Nate flexed one of his arms, making it look larger than the other. It clicked. ¡°TROGDAR! If he wass guarding the chamber of ssecretss. Yikess.¡±

    Oreforged.

    This race of people are metallic in appearance, with stone filling in the joints. Their movements can be as quiet as anyone else, or they can make the sound of grinding stone louder for distraction. They live deep underground and are expert miners.

    Slick, translucent skin hardened into metal and stone. His face was the last to change. His body was dark metallic in color, with granite filling in at the points of articulation. His face seemed almost liquid metal, shifting seamlessly as he changed facial expressions.

    ¡°I love you,¡± he said in his falsetto. ¡°I know.¡± He made a distressed face and held up his arms, palms out before him. ¡°Heh. Neat.¡±

    Phoenixfolk.

    These beings are reborn from their own ashes. They are wise scholars and mystics, keepers of ancient knowledge and guardians of sacred fires. They usually live near volcanoes, and some believe that they are in fact the ones creating the volcanoes.

    Bright orange and red feathers spread across his body, his eyes glowing like molten lava. His feet and hands grew rough and taloned. He turned slightly to see that he had grown a lustrous tail.

    ¡°I wonder if my tears in this form heal wounds like Fawkes? Love what I''m doing with the feathers!¡±

    Sasquatch.

    Sasquatch have long coarse fur that makes them resistant to the elements and physical attacks. They tend to live in dense forests where it is easier to hide. If there is a community of Sasquatch, it has never been found, and usually are only seen in small numbers or singularly.

    Nate had to crouch to stay fully in view of the mirror, his auburn hair spreading across his newly hulking form.

    ¡°I could change my name to Harry or be the River Shoulders to someone''s Dresden. Neat.¡±

    Thunderstagian.

    Resembling humanoid deer with crackling lightning antlers, these beings harness the power of storms. They are revered as shamans and protectors of the wilderness, wielding the forces of nature in defense of their lands. They are also skilled enchanters, generally living in hidden enclaves deep within dense forests.

    ¡°Okay, lightning deer man kinda rules,¡± Nate said as he gently touched the bright blue antlers that had sprouted from the top of his head.

    Having reached the end of the list of choices, Nate scrolled through them several more times, tweaking the sliders if for no other reason than to see how it worked.

    ¡°This part always takes so long,¡± he muttered to himself. Despite having numerous options, he couldn''t bring himself to be anything but what he was. Looking at himself in the other forms felt unnatural on a fundamental level.

    So he stuck with human. That''s not to say he didn''t tweak himself a bit. The musculature slider was somewhere on the lower end. As he moved it up, his paunchy gut pulled in, his chest thickened, and his arms took on the svelt muscles of a rock climber.

    ¡°Oh, I think I like this a lot.¡± He only minutely altered his face, chiseling his chin a bit and giving his eyes a slight shimmer. He looked through the eye colors, too, and had trouble picking between grey and a vibrant purple. ¡°Aragorn or Drizzt, Aragorn or Drizzt,¡± he switched back and forth before settling on grey, which went better with his now full auburn beard. He''d never been able to grow a full beard in the past, and he wasn''t going to squander the chance to have one now.

    Satisfied with the results, he took a step back from the mirror. ¡°Done.¡±

    Quest: Choices complete. Quest rewards have been added to your inventory.

 Chapter 2: Youre A Wizard, Nate

    Nate opened his inventory and took out his new pants, slipping them on.

    Sackcloth Pants. Type: Clothing. Weight: 1 lb. Value: 1 iron piece. Ragged, poorly made pants.

    ¡°Better than nothing, I guess.¡±

    A new section appeared next to his inventory list. Iron, Copper, Silver, Gold, and Platinum circles were stacked on top of each other, each with zeros next to them, except the gold which showed 10.

    He pulled a single gold piece out. It looked like the smooth stones one might find in a mancala game. ¡°What''s the exchange rate?¡± A window popped into his view.

    Help: Monetary Exchange Rate. One Platinum is 100 gold. One gold is 10 silver. One silver is 10 copper. One copper is 100 iron.

    ¡°A help function? Nice!¡±

    The mirror and the cloud wall dissipated, revealing a larger circular room with seven runic circles spread throughout.

    Another window appeared over the help window.

    Quest: Intro to Magic

    Objective: Choose your three starting spells.

    Reward: Sackcloth Shirt, 10 gold pieces.

    Quest cannot be declined.

    Heads-Up Display updated.

    In the upper left corner of his vision, three bars appeared with numbers on the right side. The first was a red bar. Health: 50/50. The second bar was green. Fatigue: 50/50. The final bar, of the most interest to Nate at the moment, was blue. Magic: 50/50.

    ¡°Simple enough,¡± Nate said. He ignored the circles on the ground and ran along the wall of the room. His fatigue bar drained as he ran, depleting fully when he returned to the opening.

    ¡°That tracks,¡± he puffed as he braced his hands to his knees. Nate had never been much of a runner.

    He tried punching the wall to see the rate of damage to his health, but it was made of clouds as far as he could tell and reacted in kind.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Nate slapped his face with both hands, ¡°time for some more choices.¡± Being prolific in his consumption of most things fantasy, it had always been a dream to get actual magic. A dream that was seemingly, finally coming true. Unless he was insane, of course.

    He approached the first circle. They were arranged alphabetically. As he drew closer, a new window appeared.

    Alteration magic manipulates objects in the physical realm and allows for the changing of said objects, including the creation of magical shielding.

    Two options were listed below.

    Mend.

    Rank: Novice Alteration.

    Cost: 10 MP per second.

    Effect: Repairs broken physical objects. Larger objects require a longer time to fix. This spell cannot restore magical properties to broken magic items.

    Lesser Shield.

    Rank: Novice Alteration.

    Cost: 25 MP.

    Effect: Creates a shield around the caster that can absorb a Novice ranked attack before breaking.

    He snagged the journal from his HUD and felt around instinctually for a pen. ¡°Can I make notes in this?¡±

    Help: Hero''s Journal. This object documents your quests automatically, the back has a section for personal notes, which you need only think or speak to the journal.

    ¡°Great,¡± Nate added the spells listed to his journal. ¡°Novice rank? So there are tiers of magic. Help?¡±

    Help: Ranks. Spells, skills, magic items like your Sigil Stone, and monsters are all generally categorized by rank, which increases in power as follows: Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, Master. Some magic items can be Artifacts or ranks higher than Master.

    ¡°Like the Skyrim difficulty levels,¡± Nate said. ¡°Got it.¡±

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    Conjuration magic creates temporary objects, weapons, or armor.

    Summon Dagger.

    Rank: Novice Conjuration.

    Cost: 30 MP.

    Effect: Summons a dagger into whichever hand casts the spell. Dagger lasts for 2 minutes or until you dismiss it. Dagger''s damage depends on your Light Melee skill level.

    Multitool.

    Rank: Novice Conjuration.

    Cost: 50 MP.

    Effect: Conjures a multitool that can be changed at will to any noncombat tool. Multitool lasts for 10 minutes or until dismissed. Multitool incapable of dealing direct damage.

    ¡°Damage but minimally useful, or no damage and quite useful, this may be a tougher choice than I thought.¡± Nate stepped to the next circle.

    Divination magic enables the caster to learn secrets long forgotten, detect magic, and find hidden things or foil deceptive spells.

    ¡°Ooh, I bet these are good!¡±

    Detect Magic.

    Rank: Novice Divination.

    Cost: 20 MP.

    Effect: Allows you to see traces of magic commensurate with your rank. Detect Magic lasts for 1 minute or until dismissed.

    Lore Dump.

    Rank: Novice Divination.

    Cost: 50 MP.

    Effect: Learn additional, sometimes secret, information, about the person or object you are touching. Information can be stored into any magic object capable of doing so.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t wrong,¡± Nate said as he added these options to his journal.

    Enchantment magic applies temporary effects to objects, weapons, and armor. Certain ingredients can be used to make enchantments permanent.

    ¡°Now we¡¯re talking!¡±

    Magic Weapon.

    Rank: Novice Enchantment.

    Cost: 20 MP.

    Effect: Makes the mundane weapon you touch magical for the next minute. Magic weapons can bypass some creatures¡¯ resistances.

    Equipment Boost.

    Rank: Novice Enchantment.

    Cost: 30 MP.

    Effect: Casting this spell on non-weapon equipment grants a random effect depending on the equipment enchanted. The enchantment lasts for 1 minute.

    ¡°How am I going to be able to pick just three of these? Interface, how do I learn more than the three spells I choose here?¡±

    Help: Learning Spells. Additional spells are primarily learned through the use of Spellbooks, but tutelage under a person who knows a spell you do not can yield similar results.

    ¡°Maybe there''s a magic school like Hogwarts!¡±

    Evocation magic channels magical energy into elemental damage.

    Elemental Bolt.

    Rank: Novice Evocation.

    Cost: 10 MP.

    Effect: Fires a bolt of magical energy of your choice of fire, frost, or lightning damage. The bolt deals 5 damage of the chosen type and moves in a straight line until it either hits a creature or object or reaches the maximum range of 50 feet, at which point it fizzles.

    Draconic Breath.

    Rank: Novice Evocation.

    Cost: 10 MP per second.

    Effect: Release a 10-foot narrow cone of your choice of fire, frost, or lightning damage originating from your mouth. Anything caught in the blast takes 2 damage per second.

    ¡°Sacrifice range for increased damage spread. Nice.¡±

    Illusion magic temporarily changes the way an object or person is perceived, altering visual, audible, and/or olfactory senses.

    Camouflage.

    Rank: Novice Illusion.

    Cost: 50 MP.

    Effect: Blend into your surroundings, reducing your chances of being detected. This effect lasts for 5 minutes or until you attack a foe or cast another spell.

    Muffle.

    Rank: Novice Illusion.

    Cost: 25 MP.

    Effect: Reduces the sounds made from movement. This effect lasts for 2 minutes.

    Restoration magic restores health to living things and damages the undead.

    Healing Touch.

    Rank: Novice Restoration.

    Cost: 2 MP per second.

    Effect: Restore vitality to living and harms the undead at a rate of 1 Health per second. You must be touching the living or undead when casting this spell for it to take effect.

    Cleanse.

    Rank: Novice Restoration.

    Cost: 30 MP.

    Effect: Cleanse a target you touch of a Novice rank poison or disease.

    ¡®They saved the best for last,¡± Nate walked out of the room to sit on the bed. He took his cloud pillow out for his head as he poured over his 14 options.

    ¡°Healing is going to be crucial without knowing the precise way that I heal naturally. Probably slow like I do now outside of the aid of magic. I''ll try to track down the cleanse one as soon as I can. That leaves two choices.¡±

    ¡°What would you do, Cloud Pillow? Which would you pick?¡± He held the journal open to the pillow.

    ¡°Oh you''re no fun anymore,¡± Nate playfully smacked the pillow. ¡°Maybe I am going crazy.¡±

    When he played video games with similar systems, Nate never played the glass cannon type, only using damaging spells to fill out his character, not as the focus. As such, he crossed the Evocation spells off his list until he had a better grasp on things.

    Where he enjoyed himself the most was stealth. So he chose the Camouflage spell for his second choice.

    ¡°The enchantment description mentioned ingredients, so there is at least some form of crafting. Gathering ingredients is going to be important, and I''ll likely need tools for that. Which unfortunately settles the final choice. Sorry, Equipment Boost, I''ll get you as soon as I can.¡±

    He stashed the pillow and returned to the Conjuration, Illusion, and Restoration circles, choosing the Multitool, Camouflage, and Healing Touch spells. As he selected each one, he felt a strong wind rush around him as his mind filled with the knowledge of how to cast spells.

    ¡°You''re a wizard, Nate!¡± he chuckled to himself.

    Quest: Intro to Magic complete. Quest rewards have been added to your inventory.

 Chapter 3: C.R.A.B.S.

    Nate put on his new sackcloth shirt. It was a bit itchy, but it felt better having at least something to wear. He was still self conscious despite his freshly altered form. A new message popped up after he was dressed.

    Interface complete. Map and HUD Compass now available. Character sheet now available.

    ¡°Open it!¡± Nate said with as much excitement as he felt.

    A window appeared that was thus far unlike any of the others. It was akin to an internet browser, with tabs at the top that showed a variety of options. It defaulted on the tab marked ¡®Stats.¡¯

    Name: Ignatius ¡®Nate¡¯ Arkwright

    Level 0 Human Novice

    Health: 50/50

    Fatigue: 50/50

    Magic: 50/50

    Hunger: 2%

    Thirst: 3%

    Exhaustion: 1%

    ¡°Hunger, thirst, and exhaustion? I haven''t even left the starting area yet and we''ve activated Survival Mode? Rude.¡±

    There were three other tabs after ¡®Stats.¡¯ The first was marked C.R.A.B.S. System, the second Spells and Powers, and his inventory window had become the final tab.

    Nate moved to the next tab. A secondary window appeared in his vision.

    Welcome to the C.R.A.B.S. Skill System. Would you like the tutorial? YES NO.

    ¡°Yes, please!¡±

    A green arrow, the same color as his targeting reticle, appeared next to the tab. A small scroll unrolled next to the arrow, a quill with big fake eyes blinking up at him.

    ¡°You¡¯re my Clippy! I¡¯ll call you Quilly.¡± Text scrawled across the rest of the unfurled scroll.

    There are five skill groups. Crafting are the seven skills that result in the creation of objects, magic or mundane. Racial skills are the most varied, those four skills provided by one''s race. Arcane skills are the seven skills revolving around the schools of magic. Battle skills are the seven skills primarily applying to combat. Stealth skills are the seven skills that revolve around sneaking around one''s foes.

    As he read the text, expandable boxes appeared in the window, one for each skill group. The green arrow didn¡¯t move, seeming to wait on Nate to choose which group he wanted to see first. ¡°Probably best we start from the top and work our way down.¡± He tapped the Crafting button first. It expanded to fill the window, showing a list of the seven skills. Each skill name was labeled Novice, had a bar beginning at 0 and ending in 100, with small dots at the 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent marks. All the skills were set to zero.

    Crafting skills are skills revolving around the use of gathered ingredients to create tangible objects, weapons, and armor. There are seven Crafting skills.

    Alchemy is the crafting skill that uses ingredients to create potions and poisons.

    Bowcraft is the crafting skill that uses ingredients to create bows, crossbows, arrows, and bolts.

    Carpentry is the crafting skill that uses ingredients to create objects made of wood, such as furniture or cookware.

    Clothier is the crafting skill that uses ingredients to create clothing and other objects that utilize fabrics.

    Cooking is the crafting skill that uses ingredients to create various types of edible substances.

    Leatherworking is the crafting skill that uses ingredients to create leather armor and other objects that utilize leather.

    Smithing is the crafting skill that uses ingredients to create objects made of metal, stone, or scale.

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    Improving any crafting skill increases Fatigue on a 1 to 1 basis. Gain a relevant boon at quarter intervals.

    ¡°They covered the bases of most adventuring gear fairly well. Whoever they are.¡±

    Racial skills grant passive abilities and/or powers based on your race.

    Adaptive Learning.

    Humans excel at adapting to new environments and situations. This ability allows them to gain temporary bonuses or adaptability in response to specific challenges or environments encountered during their journey.

    Adaptive Learning automatically activates during times of need, granting temporary increases to the skill most useful in the moment. Additionally, all other skills improve slightly faster. Improving this ability increases Fatigue on a 1 to 1 basis.

    ¡°A passive and emergency skill boost? I¡¯ll take it!¡±

    Indomitable Spirit.

    Humans possess an unyielding spirit and determination, allowing them to push through adversity and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. This ability provides bonuses to resilience, willpower, and the ability to shrug off debuffs or negative effects.

    Unlocks the Indomitable Spirit power. Cooldown 1 hour. When activated, gain resistance to non-damaging negative effects for the next minute. This ability can trigger automatically. Passive: Debuffs and negative effects that take effect have a shorter duration than normal. Improving this ability increases Magic on a 1 to 1 basis.

    ¡°One minute power with an hour cooldown. Need to be selective when using this one.¡±

    Resourceful.

    Humans are resourceful and inventive, able to make use of their surroundings in unexpected ways. This ability grants bonuses to improvisation, such as crafting makeshift weapons or finding hidden pathways.

    You can craft certain objects on the fly, negating the need of accessing specific crafting tables and/or tools. Objects crafted in this way are weaker or less durable than similar items created using crafting tables and/or tools. Additionally, all crafting costs slightly less Fatigue. Improving this ability increases Fatigue on a 1 to 1 basis.

    ¡°This one should be easy to grind out a level or two, provided I have access to the right ingredients.¡± As he was making his own notes, his journal was beginning to fill up, but it seemed to Nate that it never seemed to run out pages.

    Tenacity.

    Unlocks the Tenacity power. Cooldown 1 hour. When activated, gain resistance to elemental damage for the next minute. This power can trigger automatically in times of need. Additionally, resistance effects on clothing and armor are passively increased. Improving this ability increases Health on a 1 to 1 basis.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like the sound of this one,¡± Nate said. He¡¯d always had a low pain threshold. He struggled when popping pimples in sensitive areas. Hell, even non-sensitive areas.

    As Nate had already learned about the Arcane skills, he skimmed it, noted the obvious point that improving his arcane skills would increase his magic points on a 1 to 1 basis, and moved ahead to the next section.

    Battle skills are the skills revolving around fighting, including offensive and defensive skills. There are seven Battle skills.

    Archery encompasses the use of projectile weapons such as bows and crossbows.

    Athletics encompasses strength-based movements such as lifting, pulling and pushing, as well as running.

    Blocking encompasses any actions, especially using shields, that attempts to divert incoming physical damage.

    Heavy Armor encompasses the skill of optimizing the protective nature of heavy armor.

    Heavy Melee encompasses the combat use of weapons classified as heavy.

    Perception encompasses the use of the senses to detect friend and foe alike.

    Unarmed encompasses the use of the body for combat that doesn''t involve external weapons.

    Improving any Battle skill increases Health on a 1 to 1 basis.

    ¡°I hope they have trainers in this world. Maybe there¡¯s a montage sigil stone!¡± The last skill group was of particular interest to Nate, given his preferred gaming style.

    ¡°I¡¯m so glad there¡¯s a stealth section. Stealth archer, here I come!¡± he said as he read on.

    Stealth skills are the skills revolving around hiding, staying hidden, or getting away when discovered.

    Acrobatics encompass the use of speed, balance, and maneuverability to traverse the terrain.

    Disguise enconpasses the use of tools, ingredients, and the environment to hide in plain sight.

    Light Armor encompasses the skill of optimizing the dextrous nature of armor classified as light.

    Light Melee encompasses the combat use of weapons classified as light.

    Lockpicking encompasses the use of tools to pick locks or otherwise gain access to typically inaccessible objects or areas.

    Sleight of Hand encompasses the use of distraction to pull off feats of theft, and the use of tools to set and disarm traps.

    Sneak enconpasses the use of your abilities, equipment, and magic to remain undetected amongst friend and foe.

    Improving any Stealth skill increases Fatigue on a 1 to 1 basis.

    He looked briefly at the Spells and Power tab, but it just listed his three spells and two powers. He then remembered that his character sheet was not the only thing he''d unlocked. The map that he pulled up showed him the room he was in.

    ¡°The Stormroom. A fitting name, if a bit on the nose.¡± His journal began to blink.

 Chapter 4: Freefall

    Quest: Freefall

    Objective: Survive your entrance into Terra.

    Reward: Sigil Stone, 10 gold pieces.

    This quest cannot be declined.

    ¡°I''m sorry, wha-¡± Nate screamed as the room around him suddenly became intangible, and he began to freefall. The cloud cover was thick, and he screamed in terror until he cleared the clouds, seeing an alien world a great distance away from him. His terror settled into dread as he felt the wind rush around him, deafening him.

    Having nothing else to focus on, he focused on the compass at the top of his view. He had magic now. And various skills. He could do this. Just needed to think. He saw a mountain range off to his left, which his compass showed was west.

    An enormous lake was to the southwest, and a vast desert was visible to the southeast. Nate found that he was falling ever closer toward a forest of leafless trees that was nestled between the mountains to the west, the desert to the south and east, and an ocean to the north.

    ¡°The ocean''s too far away. And hitting water at this speed is like concrete anyway.¡± Nate yelled as he opened his inventory and looked over his items. Just the cloud pillow and blanket.

    Adaptive Learning has added a new recipe. Recipe tab created.

    His character sheet now had a fifth tab labeled ¡®Recipes.¡¯ He quickly opened it.

    Parachute. Ingredients: 1 Cloud Blanket, 2 Thread.

    ¡°I don''t have any thread, Quilly!¡±

    Help: Resourceful ability can break down objects into ingredients. The amount is less than the amount used to create the object.

    Frantically, he opened his inventory and checked the pillow. Breaking it down would have only yielded 5 bits of cloudstuff.

    ¡°Shit!¡± Nate closed his inventory and began patting his sackcloth shirt and pants for pockets. All empty.

    Then it clicked. He carefully took off his shirt and it vanished into his inventory. When he broke it down, it gave him one Thread.

    ¡°I guess we''re doing a Rust,¡± he muttered as he similarly broke down his pants. He selected the blanket and the stack of threads.

    He was still several thousand feet above the ground as his newly created parachute appeared in his hands and he hastily put it on, tying it tightly against his torso and pulling the release.

    His momentum fell to a slow drift. He noticed three separate towns within the dessicated forest below. All the towns appeared to be in varying states of ruin. Nate decided to try to aim for the central town.

    Lightning arced in the storm a good distance off.

    ¡°You better stay over there,¡± Nate threatened the lightning.

    Nate had never been skydiving, and it took several moments for him to mostly sort out how to direct his movement. He could just make out several creatures running through the trees when lightning arced into his parachute. It lit on fire and Nate screamed as his speed increased again.

    Branches scratched at him as he entered the treeline, smashing through several of the dried and dying trees. Pain greater than anything he had yet experienced wracked his body as he hit the ground with a wet, rolling crunch and several heavy impacts. His brain, unable to deal with the pain signals across his body, shunted him into unconsciousness.

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    An hour later, Nate woke up with a groan. He felt like he''d hit every single tree on his way to the ground. He could barely move, so he used mental commands to filter through several new messages that were in his periphery.

    Warning! Your health is dangerously low. Drink health potions or use healing magic to recover health. He checked his HUD. Health 2/50. He navigated to his spells tab and selected Healing Touch, discovering that he could choose which hand would cast it.

    He felt warmth fill his left hand and noticed a soft yellow light emanating from it. He groaned with pain as he bent his arm to touch his thigh. A soft sound like wind chimes drifted to his ears as he cast his first spell. The blue bar of his magic meter drained slowly as his health began to climb. Stinging pain shifted to soothing comfort as his injuries began stitching up one by one.

    As his magic depleted, his head began to throb when it reached one-tenth of the maximum. When he stopped, the bar immediately began to refill, and his headache left just as quickly.

    ¡°Magic makes headaches, got it,¡± even talking was a new adventure in pain, even after healing himself to about half his total health. Nate gently tried to lift his left hand, and saw that he seemed to be covered in a thick, mostly dried crimson fluid. He hadn¡¯t noticed before, but it smelled strongly metallic, too metallic to be blood, unless it was the blood of some kind of metallic creature.

    Before healing himself fully, he figured he should go through the other messages.

    Adaptive Learning has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 4%.

    Resourceful has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 8%.

    You have reached the village of Gronwood within the Dead Wood. Map updated. You have slain 3 Steelbeaks. Journal updated.

    ¡°I¡¯ve slain what?¡± Nate sat up a little too fast and the pain put him back on his back. ¡°Right. Healing.¡± The wind chime sound echoed through the empty wood as the remainder of his wounds healed up. As he sat up there was a final message.

    Quest: Freefall complete. The Lucky Sigil Stone and 10 gold pieces have been added to your inventory.

    Nate closed the window and looked around him, ignoring his once again blinking journal. He was laying on something that was soft and wet. A smaller window appeared as his reticle crossed over the corpse he was sitting on.

    He crawled away from the creature, bile rising to his mouth. He threw up next to one of the dead trees, then got to his feet. It was thankfully warm as he surveyed his surroundings. He¡¯d somehow knocked down at least 5 trees. One of which had crushed one the creatures called a Steelbeak. The other two must have been in his wake when he landed. He consulted his journal, which now had a bestiary tab.

    Steelbeak. These migratory carnivorous birds follow their food sources. Their beaks look like the heads of axes, their meat is a delicacy in some places, and their feathers are strong, making them great for fletching.

    ¡°Steelbeaks are a delicacy? Interesting,¡± he approached the one he had woken up on and the small window appeared again. He was able to loot the beak, 10 bones, 20 lbs of meat, 40 feathers, and 6 talons. As he completed it, the creature, and the blood that coated him, dissolved into motes of light that dimmed into nothingness. ¡°And looting monsters dissolves the body. How convenient. At least there¡¯s no smell.¡±

    He similarly looted the other two and walked into town. He pulled up his map and found that he could minimize it to a small window at the corner of his field of view. ¡°Hell yes! Minimap!¡±

    Nate could tell that Gronwood was at one point a town that thrived on a mine and likely via the utilization of the forest around it. Whatever had killed the forest must have pushed the people living there away. He reached the center of town and approached a well whose surrounding wooden structure had collapsed. He found a small footstool next to the well and tested it before sitting down.

    ¡°Three main things to start,¡± Nate said. He¡¯d always enjoyed watching those survival shows like ¡®Alone.¡¯ ¡°Shelter, food and water. We¡¯ll deal with more as it comes.¡± He plucked his new sigil stone from his inventory. It looked like his Interface one, but the runic lettering was green instead.

    The text drifted into the air as before, but there was no discernible shift of the lettering, and Nate found he could read it anyway. A handy perk of the Interface stone, no doubt. Lucky Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain an increase in your overall luck and unlock the Lucky power.

    Lucky. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you gain a burst of extreme luckiness. The cost depends on how hard you push the luck. You currently have one of five active sigil stones. Once the Lucky Sigil Stone is accepted, it cannot be removed. Accept? Yes No.

    He accepted the stone, and like the first it drifted into his chest and disappeared. A tingling sensation began at his chest and spread all the way down to his toes. ¡°Shiny!¡±

    Nate began to explore Gronwood from the well outward. The town had a tavern, a smithy, a handful of homes, a small building with hand carved stairs heading underground, and a surprisingly intact stone tower on the western outskirts. Though he had recovered his smoldering cloud blanket, he needed to find clothes.

    Any kind of cloth he was able to find in the ruined houses was ragged and decrepit, but he kept it anyway, piling scraps into his inventory. He saved the tower for last. As he reached the entrance of the tower, he received another message.

 Chapter 5: Secrets of the Tower

    Quest: Secrets of the Tower

    Objective: Discover the secrets within Gronwood Tower.

    Reward: Spell Book, 100 gold pieces.

    Accept? Yes No.

    ¡°Finally one I could turn down, eh?¡± Nate said, ¡°I¡¯m going in there anyway. Might as well get some gold while I¡¯m at it. Accept.¡±

    The entryway door into the tower was a deep blue that was close to black, with small white specs that made the doorway look like the night sky. Nate gently pushed the door open and stepped into the tower. The ground floor was a sitting room with a series of bookshelves wrapping around the exterior walls. A set of stairs to his right led both up and down with a small landing between flights. Three armchairs sat facing an empty fireplace.

    A soft robe that was slightly moth eaten was tossed across the back of one of the armchairs. It was a little big for him, but he dusted it off and put it on, grateful to finally have some kind of clothing.

    The bookshelves were empty outside of a few empty vials, which he put in his inventory.

    ¡°Okay, upstairs first, then basement,¡± Nate said to psyche himself up. Halfway up the stairs, he heard a scraping sound coming from the second floor. He swapped his healing spell with Camouflage. This time, his hand glowed white. As he cast the spell it made the sound of faintly rushing wind. He watched as his hand took on a translucence that made it blend into the background.

    ¡°Now you see me, now you don¡¯t,¡± he whispered as he ignored his magic headache and crouched to continue up quietly.

    His reticle changed to a line, and his Fatigue began to slowly drain. He stood and his fatigue began to refill as his reticle returned to the circle.

    Nate excitedly switched between sneaking and not, but the scraping sound refocused his attention. A railing edged around the opening, and Nate snuck up to peak around it. The upper floor was a bedroom, complete with a full furniture suite. The wood of the bedposts was scratched up and heavily damaged. And there was a red dot on the compass of his HUD.

    He heard a chittering noise, but the creature was outside of his view. After moving quietly back a bit down the stairs, he reviewed his inventory. ¡°Can¡¯t be too hard to make a weapon from what I have, right?¡± In his inventory, like he did with the parachute, he could select groups of items to craft together.

    Adaptive Learning has added a new recipe. Steelbeak Ax. Ingredients: 1 beak, 1 bone, 3 strips of cloth. Using higher quality materials will increase weapon damage and durability.

    He crafted the ax and pulled it from his inventory. The haft of the ax was one of the straight bones of the steelbeak, the ax¡¯s head secured to it via the strips of cloth. It was shoddy, but given his need, it would have to do. It blended into the surroundings even as he inspected it.

    Nate snuck back up to the bannister to get a better look. The creature terrorizing the bedroom looked like a large black rat with the big front claws of a mole and rows of sharp teeth beneath its twitchy black nose. The creature looked a bit panicked as it scoured the soft wood of the furniture. Nate whistled and it swerved his direction, nose twitching as it tried to find the source. It walked over to the stairwell and noticed his scent. A piercing scream reverberated through the room and Nate stepped back in fear. He missed a step, loudly rolling down the steps. The creature charged and leapt down at him.

    He raised up his ax as the creature descended on him, and with a thought he triggered his Lucky power. His arms shifted noticeably, and the creature landed squarely on the translucent blade, seeming to split in two midair, spattering his robes with blood. His ax thankfully didn¡¯t break, which he noticed as his camouflage spell wore off because of his attack. The burst of luck wasn¡¯t long enough to drain him to the point of exhaustion or give him the headache from magic drain, but he felt the drop nonetheless.

    ¡°Gotta be careful with that one. Also, gross.¡±

    Illusion has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Magic increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 12%.

    Sneak has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Fatigue increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 16%.

    Light Melee has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Fatigue increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 20%.

    You have slain rat-mole. Journal updated.

    Looting the creature added 5 lbs of meat, 10 teeth, and 2 leather strips, and the blood across his robes dissolved as the creature did.

    ¡°So,¡± he said as he walked up to the bedroom, ¡°rat-mole isn''t the secret. Figures.¡±

    The bedroom, other than the damage by the rat-mole, was in a shockingly good state. Even the curtains on the inside of the closed windows were intact. A small cabinet with closed doors was set against the bannister.

    ¡°Take a chance, roll the dice,¡± Nate muttered as he knelt before the cabinet. Just to try it out, he triggered his Lucky power as he opened the door. He felt the drain, but this time it was greater than with the rat-mole, leaving him feeling tired and with a headache.

    It paid off. He found two spell books hidden in the compartment. One for the Mend spell he''d passed in the beginning, and one for a new spell.

    Summon Short Bow.

    Rank: Novice Conjuration.

    Cost: 70 MP.

    Effect: Summons a short bow to your hand and a quiver on your back. Bow and quiver last for 2 minutes or until you dismiss them. Quiver contains 20 arrows. Bow''s damage depends on your Archery skill level.

    His tiredness lingered even after his Fatigue bar had refilled. Nate checked his main page to find that his Exhaustion had spiked.

    ¡°Using the Lucky Power too frequently, maybe?¡± Nate thought aloud. Something he''ll be testing later.

    He dusted off the top blanket of the bed and put both of the books on it, climbing into the bed himself and sitting cross legged before them. As he leaned forward to pick up the first, the damaged front legs of the bed gave way and the bed tipped forward, now leaning at an odd angle.

    ¡°My bad!¡± He patted the bed in apology, ¡°Should be able to fix you up soon, buddy.¡± Maybe he''d lost his mind after all.

    The spell books looked largely the same, dark brown leather wrapped around thick parchment pages. Etched onto the spine and front cover were the spell''s name followed by the school in parentheses. He opened the Mend book first.

    The pages began to glow, with various runes slipping out from between the pages. As the runes made fascinating shapes in front of him, the book dissolved into rainbow smoke that smelled like flipping through an old acid washed book while standing in an ancient library. The runes drifted into his head.

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    ¡°I love the smell of old books,¡± he said as he opened the second one a little closer to his nose.

    You have learned Mend. Mend has been added to your character sheet. You have learned Summon Short Bow. Summon Short Bow has been added to your character sheet.

    ¡°Can''t cast you yet, but I''m excited nonetheless.¡±

    Nate''s hand glowed a soft blue as he touched it to the bed. A sound of a faint or distant impact wrench accompanied the spellcasting. It only took half of his MP to fix the bed, and it almost felt like he had been reversing time in a localized area, like he''d rewound the bed''s damage.

    ¡°Okay, that''s awesome.¡±

    Alteration has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Magic is increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 24%.

    Nate took out his pillow and his tattered cloud blanket, which he also mended after his magic regenerated. He got out of bed and pushed the cabinet to at least hinder anyone trying to get to him from the stairs.

    ¡°Don''t know what''s down there, so I probably shouldn''t go to the basement this tired.¡± The moment his head hit the pillow, Nate fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

    The night was long when Nate awoke feeling refreshed but a bit hungry. Checking his character sheet, he found that sleeping reduced his Exhaustion but slightly increased his hunger and thirst. ¡°Glad to know that works the same. No time for breakfast yet.¡±

    Nate stashed his pillow and blanket, dusted off his tattered robe, which he only just now realized he could mend. The fixed robe offered a bit more protection against the night chill, and the blanket from the bed over that made him nice and toasty as he pushed the cabinet back.

    Ignoring the ground floor, Nate continued down the stairs, camouflaging himself and sneaking until he could see into the room. Like the floor above, the basement was a singular room. Across the room from the stair landing sat several tables with a smattering of odd looking, heavily damaged equipment. In the center of the floor were the remains of a magic circle that was cracked throughout. Shards of a dark green glass scattered across the ruined magic circle. To his immediate right was a bookshelf full of books and a chest that was as long as he was tall and came up to his belly button.

    Nate looked down at his bare feet, then at the glass. ¡°Yeah, let''s take care of that first.¡± He picked up one of the shards on the outskirts of the circle and used his Mend spell. Shards flew up from the ground to reconnect to the one he''d picked up. At first he thought it may have been a bottle of some kind, but the shape became a fist sized gemstone instead.

    Unenchanted Essence Stone. Type: Ingredient. Weight: 1 lb. Value: 100 gold pieces. An essence stone with no active enchantment. For use in Enchantment recipes and teaching skills to familiars.

    He nodded appreciatively and tucked the stone into his inventory. He skirted around the magic circle, just in case there was residual magic, and looked at the bookshelf. There were books about magic theory, which interested him, but he put them in his inventory for later perusal. He found another spell book, this one for the Lore Dump spell, which he immediately opened and added to his spell list.

    ¡°Hell yes!¡± Nate made his voice sound like an old man, ¡°Wisdom is only possessed by the learned.¡±

    There were other books with interesting titles, so he stashed them all for later. Without television here as far as he could tell, the books would prove an entertainment necessity.

    The tables were next. He mended the equipment but their use was still alien to him. From his limited knowledge of chemistry from his world, he figured the equipment was some form of distillery, but for what he didn''t know.

    Alteration has increased from Novice 1 to Novice 2. Total Magic is increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 28%.

    ¡°Getting closer! Now, what''s in the box?!¡± Nate approached the chest and looked it over. The front latch was locked with a comically large lock with a large keyhole.

    Nate''s hand glowed orange as he cast the Multitool spell, enjoying the light sound of bricks being stacked as a translucent object appeared in his hand. It looked like a Swiss army knife with extra tools that had been made of clear plastic in a 3D printer.

    He thought about needing to pick the lock, and the tool reshaped itself into a lockpick set.

    ¡°This is a big lock. How hard can it be?¡± Ten minutes passed before he knew it and the picks dissolved in his hands. ¡°Fair enough.¡±

    He recast the spell and set to work again. He understood how locks worked in the same way children understood how ovens got hot. He could feel the tumblers inside, but it took him several more castings before he got the hang of keeping them in place to rotate the lock.

    Lockpicking has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 2. Total Fatigue is increased by 2. Progression to Level 1 at 36%.

    ¡°Thank you, Oblivion''s stupid tumbler minigame!¡± He hummed the Legend of Zelda big chest opening tune as he opened the chest, white fog pouring over the opening.

    The fog was thick and an unpleasant slightly skunky smell reached his nostrils. He wrinkled his nose and waved a hand to disperse the fog.

    A thick fingered hand covered in dark red fur gripped the edge of the box from the inside. Nate fell back to the staircase, quickly recasting Camouflage and crouching just out of view.

    Nate nearly fell over when a small Sasquatch rose out from the chest with a satchel slung across its right shoulder. He somehow knew the creature was young, likely because he still stood at Nate''s eye level.

    ¡°Wh- where am I?¡± It said. Nate heard the guttural language of the being before him, and realized his sigil stone must have an on board translation power.

    ¡°Gronwood,¡± Nate said.

    ¡°Who said that?¡±

    ¡°I''m Nate,¡± he didn''t step out from his hiding spot, ¡°what''s your name?¡±

    ¡°My name is- I''m not actually sure.¡± Confusion turned to frustration.

    ¡°I may be able to help with that.¡±

    ¡°Please do, if you can.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I''m coming out now. Don''t try to kill me.¡± Nate stepped out from the stairwell and dismissed his camouflage effect. The sasquatch jumped a bit despite having been warned.

    ¡°Why would I kill you? How can you help me?¡±

    ¡°I''m something of a wizard, and I''ve come upon a new spell recently.¡± He took up the Lore Dump spell in his right hand, a soft green glow.

    ¡°Will this hurt?¡±

    ¡°No?¡± Nate said with zero conviction.

    ¡°Not a great tone, Nate.¡±

    ¡°Just hold still.¡±

    They both heard the sound of shuffling cards as he cast Lore Dump and touched his new acquaintance. A window popped up in his view and he read it aloud.

    Fuzbalingralod Growdenander

    Level 25 Sasquatch (Apprentice Rank)

    Sigil Stones: 2 (Alchemy and Garden)

    Nate struggled a bit to get the name out. ¡°I will never remember that, buddy. Do you mind if I just call you Fuzzball?¡± His journal was blinking again, but he ignored it.

    ¡°Fuzzball. I like it.¡±

    ¡°You''re some kind of gardening alchemist!¡± Nate said, describing Fuzzball''s sigil stones.

    Fuzzball grew contemplative, ¡°I can feel it within myself. Why can''t I remember?¡±

    ¡°Would you mind if we look through your satchel? It may shed extra light on who you are.¡±

    Fuzzball hadn''t noticed he even had it on, but he pulled it over his head and they set it on top of the now closed chest. Within the satchel was a smaller pouch of jerky, a length of rope, several interesting looking vegetables, and a book. The book was smaller than spellbooks and had a colorful cover on the front of which read ¡®Alchemical Recipes.¡¯

    ¡°I think, Fuzzy, that you must have been the alchemist here, or their assistant.¡±

    ¡°Why did they freeze me?¡±

    ¡°Maybe the book will tell us. But there will be time for delving into that book soon enough. We need to do a bit of work before night falls, and I''m starting to get hungry.¡±

    Fuzzball''s stomach growled. ¡°I''ve been hungry since I woke up.¡± He grabbed two pieces of jerky from the pouch and handed Nate one.

    ¡°You don''t know what kind of meat this is, right?¡±

    ¡°No clue,¡± Fuzzball said as he chewed, ¡°tastes good.¡±

    Nate took a small bite. It tasted a little like deer, with somewhat of the tang of wild game. ¡°So it does. I need to check something before we go back up.¡±

    He triggered his notifications.

    Illusion has increased from Novice 1 to Novice 2. Total Magic has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 40%.

    Sneak has increased from Novice 1 to Novice 2. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 44%.

    Divination has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Magic has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 48%.

    Athletics has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Health has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 52%.

    Perception has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Health has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 56%.

    You have made a friend. Interface Sigil Stone updated. Chat functions now available. Character sheet has gained new ¡®Friends¡¯ tab. Fuzzball has been added to your Friends List.

    Quest: Secrets of the Tower complete. Elemental Bolt spell book and 100 gold pieces have been added to your inventory.

 Chapter 6: Rebuilding

    Nate and Fuzzball exited the tower and walked toward the well in the center of town. Fuzzball''s expression shifted from shock of seeing the ruins to sadness.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Nate asked as he moved the footstool he had previously used away from the ruined well.

    ¡°How did I survive in all of this ruin?¡±

    ¡°I don''t know. I haven''t found any bodies among the ruins yet, so maybe they all just left.¡±

    ¡°Did I cause this?¡±

    ¡°Even if your evil plans were somehow locked away in your amnesia, which I doubt, what happened here was cataclysmic in scale.¡±

    ¡°You think I''m incapable of this?¡±

    ¡°I do. And not just because of the power disparity.¡±

    Fuzzball frowned, ¡°How can you think that? We''ve known each other for half an hour.¡±

    Nate smiled, ¡°Just wait.¡±

    In the center of Fuzzball''s vision, a small window appeared. His hand passed harmlessly through when he swiped at it.

    Nate has sent you a Chat request. Accept? Yes No.

    ¡°What the-?¡± Fuzzball swiped at it a few more times.

    ¡°It''s okay. I sent that to you. And the only way I could was if I knew you to be a friend. That''s not to say I''m not sometimes too trusting, but I''m not getting any bad feelings from you.¡±

    Fuzzball accepted the request. Nate stood right in front of him and sent a mental thought to lift his left leg if he got the message. Fuzzball''s eyes widened and he lifted his left foot to stand solely on his right.

    ¡°I heard you, but your mouth wasn''t moving,¡± Fuzzball said aloud as he set his foot down.

    ¡°This will be great for our mid battle tactics. And really just in general. We''ll test the range of it later.¡±

    ¡°Mid battle?¡± Fuzzball shook his head vehemently, ¡°No battle for me, thanks.¡±

    ¡°Given how these things tend to go, I''m not sure you''ll be able to avoid combat entirely. Besides, you must have some combat ability, unless you reached Apprentice rank only from crafting or the non-combat skills.¡±

    Fuzzball nodded and continued to look around as Nate closed the chat and stepped up to the well. He touched one of the stones and cast Lore Dump.

    This is the Gronwood central well. It is one of four wells spread across Gronwood. Currently too broken to provide water. Repair to restore functionality.

    ¡°Thanks, Quilly. Fuzzball, can you help me lift this?¡±

    Working together, Nate and Fuzzball lifted the small frame over the well. The difference between the rank of Novice and Apprentice became very apparent. Fuzzball was having a much easier time that Nate, though he was pleasantly surprised at his ability to hold nearly the entirety of the weight. While holding it up, Nate cast the Mend spell. One full magic bar and a headache later, the protective roof of the well was standing on its own.

    ¡°That''s what I thought,¡± Nate puffed as he rested for his magic to regenerate.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°If we can get the broken piece as close to its original location as possible, it repairs faster with my spell. Obviously some things we can''t do that way like these broken houses, but we''re going to be working up a sweat, my friend.¡±

    Fuzzball''s expression grew serious, ¡°Before we jump into this, I wanted to thank you for saving me.¡±

    ¡°You''re welcome! Honestly, I''m glad you were in there. I''ve only been in this world for about a day, and it''s nice finally having someone to talk to.¡±

    ¡°You look much older than one day old, Nate.¡±

    Nate laughed and patted Fuzzball on the shoulder, ¡°Indeed I do. I think a magic storm pulled me into this place from where I''m originally from.¡±

    ¡°You''re from a different world?¡±

    ¡°I think that should be a secret between us, but yes.¡±

    ¡°Do you miss it?¡±

    That question hit Nate harder than he thought it would. ¡°Assuming you aren''t a figure of my broken mind, no. I had a low paying, stressful, unappreciated job. I got my degree in civil engineering, but the job market was garbage so I ended up stuck in a dead end call center job barely scraping by.¡±

    ¡°I don''t understand a lot of that,¡± Fuzzball said.

    ¡°That''s okay. I''m not super close to most of my family members. My parents split up when I was eight years old, and they did okay with what they had. My stepmother was addicted to drugs and abusive, my stepfather tried, but obviously loved his biological children more than us.¡±

    ¡°You have siblings?¡±

    ¡°An older brother, Isaac, and a younger sister, Irene. Our parents had a thing for names beginning with I.¡±

    ¡°But your name is Nate.¡±

    ¡°Short for Ignatius,¡± he said as he stacked up the well''s stones before casting Mend on the well.

    Athletics has increased from Novice 1 to Novice 2. Total Health has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 60%.

    Alteration has increased from Novice 2 to Novice 3. Total Magic has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 64%.

    Quest: Defend Gronwood.

    Objective: Steelbeaks are drawing near Gronwood. Don''t let them further damage the town.

    Reward: Random Novice Rank Magic Item.

    Accept? Yes No.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Nate said aloud.

    ¡°Yes, what?¡± Fuzzball asked as he was sifting through a nearby market stall.

    ¡°We have incoming monsters,¡± Nate quickly withdrew the Elemental Bolt spellbook and added it to his character sheet.

    ¡°I might be needing that soon.¡±

    Fuzzball looked frightened, so Nate crafted another steelbeak ax and gave it to him. ¡°This will hopefully last until we can get a proper crafting table.¡±

    ¡°Do you have any empty vials?¡± Fuzzball asked.

    Nate withdrew three of them from his inventory. ¡°Is this enough?¡±

    ¡°For now.¡± Fuzzball drew water from the well and filled the vials, then he pulled some ingredients that he had stashed in his satchel. ¡°I''m going to the tower basement. Can you keep them off me while I work?¡±

    ¡°I can certainly try.¡± As Fuzzball ran in front of him, Nate''s body shook with nervous fear before he followed after.

    He''d never faced off against a monster before, luck saving him from that twice so far. He focused on what he needed.

    Adaptive Learning has added two new recipes. Bone Shortbow. Ingredients: 3 bones, 5 strips of cloth. Using higher quality materials will increase weapon damage and durability. Bone Arrows. Ingredients: 10 bones, 10 teeth, 10 feathers. Each crafting makes 20 arrows. Using higher quality materials will increase weapon damage and durability.

    Using his inventory menu, he crafted both bow and arrows and retrieved them. The scraps of cloth had somehow been interwoven to create the bow string. The bow was the slightly pitted ivory of bone, perhaps ribs based on the curvature. The arrows included a soft leather quiver with a shoulder strap.

    He slung the bow on his shoulder, cast Camouflage, and hid right inside the front door of the tower.

    Adaptive Learning has increased from Novice 1 to Novice 4. Total Fatigue has increased by 3. Progression to Level 1 at 76%.

    Resourceful has increased from Novice 1 to Novice 2. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 80%.

    Bowcraft has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 84%.

    ¡°Almost there,¡± Nate whispered as he waited. It wasn''t long before the clack of talon on cobblestone drew close.

    Before the bodies had dissipated into motes of light, Nate hadn''t fully realized the size of steelbeaks, as his landing had scattered them in several places. Three steelbeaks walked into view. Each stood as tall as Nate and looked like oversized green feathered chickens with an ax as the top part of their beak.

    Nate took up the bow and arrow. He hadn¡¯t fired an arrow since he was a teenager, and the bow felt awkward in his hands. As he nocked an arrow, a loud banging sound began echoing from the tower basement. Six beady eyes locked on the tower as the steelbeaks charged it.

    Nate¡¯s arrow hit the first steelbeak in its right wing, drawing a cry of pain that sounded like a whetstone sliding along metal, and it flailed around trying to get the arrow out. The line of his stealth reticle began to shift back into the usual circle as his camouflage faded.

    He¡¯d been discovered. Hefting his ax in his right hand, he switched to his newest spell for his left, softly glowing red.

    Elemental Bolt.

    Rank: Novice Evocation.

    Cost: 10 MP.

    Effect: Fires a bolt of magical energy of your choice of fire, frost, or lightning damage. The bolt deals 5 damage of the chosen type and moves in a straight line until it either hits a creature or object or reaches the maximum range of 50 feet, at which point it fizzles.

    With the sound of crackling flames accompanying the casting, Nate sent lightning out to hit the nearest charging steelbeak. Lightning arced across the beak of the monster as it continued its screaming charge.

    Nate triggered his Tenacious power as the arcing steelbeak tried to cut him vertically in two. He raised his ax to block the incoming blow, which shattered the haft and still cut a deep gash across his chest. The seering pain seemed somehow lessened, though it still hurt like hell and left him a bit jittery.

    Tenacious has reduced the lightning damage dealt to you.

    A quick glance at his health bar showed that the blow only dealt about a quarter of his total health. He needed to give Fuzzball more time. And he had no more ax. So he tried his fists.

    He knew he had an unarmed skill in the battle category, and now was as good a time as any to try it out. He tried to punch the steelbeak before him, but it dodged to the right as the other chopped in from the left.

    Nate fell backward to avoid the blow, and rolled toward the basement opening as beaks pecked down at him, sparking off the floor. As he was rolling, he moved the bolt to his right hand and healing touch to his left. Shards of ice gouged deeply into the steelbeak he had hit with lightning, finally dropping it to the ground even as his own wounds began to close. He kept backing up and found himself up on the landing between the stairs. The banging noise became subdued as the steelbeaks moved to flank Nate.

    His head ached as he had drained his magic bar to heal some of the damage. He needed to buy time. In a desperate move, Nate charged the left monster and triggered the Lucky Sigil Stone.

    Power: Lucky. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you gain a burst of extreme luckiness. The cost depends on how hard you push the luck.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Exhaustion washed over him as the right steelbeak aimed for Nate¡¯s head.

    Fuzzball was swirling the red liquid in one of the vials when Nate and the two steelbeaks rolled in a pile down the stairs. One of the monsters¡¯ had its ax beak buried deep in the neck of the other, and its own neck had been violently twisted in the fall.

    <hr>

    Nate woke up back in the bed on the upper floor of the tower some time later, pain radiating from all over. A cup of water and a vial of red liquid were set on the bedside table. He drank the water first and picked up the vial. He cast Lore Dump on it.

    Potion of Healing (Novice). This potion was created by Fuzbalingralod. Type: Consumable. Effect: Drink this potion to instantly regain 50 health.

    ¡°Thank him later, rest now,¡± Nate said as he pulled out his cloud pillow to rest his head, pulling up his latest messages.

    Acrobatics has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 88%.

    Archery has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Health has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 92%.

    Blocking has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Health has increased by 1. Progression to Level 1 at 96%.

    Evocation has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 3. Total Magic has increased by 3. Progression to Level 1 at 100%. Progression to Level 2 at 8%.

    Perception has increased from Novice 1 to Novice 2. Total Health has increased by 1. Progression to Level 2 at 12%.

    Sneak has increased from Novice 2 to Novice 3. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 2 at 16%.

    Tenacious has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Health has increased by 1. Progression to Level 2 at 20%.

    Unarmed has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 1. Total Health has increased by 1. Progression to Level 2 at 24%.

    You have leveled up. Choose a primary stat to increase by 10 points.

    Current Primary Stats: Health: 58/58. Fatigue: 64/64. Magic: 59/59.

    Originally Nate was thinking he''d be pouring his level up increases into his health, but if he put it into his magic he''d be much closer to being able to summon a shortbow. He looked through his other pages and noticed that his carrying capacity had increased to 192 lbs from the original 150 lbs.

    ¡°Three pounds per point of Fatigue. Damn.¡± The loot goblin inside of him now wanted to pour everything into Fatigue, but he pushed that aside. ¡°Carrying more doesn''t improve my survivability.¡±

    Ultimately, he watched his health increase to 68. ¡°I have a whole town to fix up. I¡¯ll get to that bow sooner or later.¡±

    Quest: Defend Gronwood complete. Rewards have been added to your inventory.

    Nate opened up his inventory and found that a pair of gloves were there. He plucked them out to examine them. They were bright red with white trim, etching thread throughout made it look like musculature.

    Gloves of Lifting (Novice). Type: Hands.  Weight: 1 lb.  Value: 75 gold pieces.  Effect: While wearing these gloves, the wearer is able to lift twice as much. These gloves have no effect on any extra-dimensional storage spaces. Only usable by Novice ranked adventurers.

    His stomach made an intense noise. He stood with a groan and walked downstairs to the basement. The crumpled bodies of the steelbeaks were still there, and Fuzzball was sitting at a table reading the recipe book he''d found in his satchel.

    Nate looted the corpses and they dissolved into motes of light, startling Fuzzball from his reading.

    Fuzzball was fast, scooping him up into a strong hug. ¡°You''re awake! I wasn''t sure if you would wake, nasty fall and all.¡±

    Nate wheezed, ¡°Can''t breathe. Let go!¡±

    Fuzzball dropped him back to his feet and Nate coughed a bit before smiling up at him. ¡°I''m starving. Do you by chance have any ingredients that double as spices?¡±

    The fireplace on the ground floor had ashes within it and only a handful of logs left on an adjacent stand. There were hooks set in the brickwork within the fireplace for setting up a hanging pot, which they found dinged up on the backside of the tower. Nate mended it and set it up. He piled the logs under it while Fuzzball went to fetch water.

    An elemental bolt later and they had a nice fire going while meat and whatever edible ingredients Fuzzball had were slowly becoming a delightful smelling stew.

    ¡°How did you know how to make healing potions? And do they always not take very long to make?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°I have the Alchemist Sigil Stone, which helps me craft potions faster, and I must have learned the craft somewhere along the way. It was muscle memory.¡±

    ¡°But you still can''t remember certain points of your past?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Fuzzball''s look became frustrated. ¡°As much as I try.¡±

    ¡°It sounds like someone or something locked away certain of your memories. Intentionally.¡±

    ¡°Why would someone do that?¡±

    ¡°No idea,¡± Nate said. ¡°An alternate possibility is that you did it yourself. It happens where I''m from sometimes as a response to physical or emotional trauma. Maybe the same thing can happen here.¡±

    ¡°Like whatever happened to the town was bad enough that I locked it away myself?¡±

    Nate shrugged, ¡°It''s possible.¡±

    ¡°Let''s hope not, for both our sakes.¡±

    <hr>

    The steelbeak stew tasted better than Nate had expected. The vegetables provided by Fuzzball were tubers that looked like potatoes but were orange like carrots. They added an unexpectedly earthy sweetness to the broth.

    Nate''s journal updated with the Steelbeak Stew recipe.

    Cooking has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 2. Total Fatigue has increased by 2. Progression to Level 2 at 32%.

    ¡°That was delightful,¡± Fuzzball said.

    ¡°Thank you. Is there anyway that we can grow more of these potarrot things?¡±

    ¡°Potarrot?¡±

    ¡°We had two different root veggies like this one. Potatoes held the general shape and carrots the color.¡±

    ¡°We call these cotates.¡±

    ¡°That''s definitely better,¡± Nate said.

    ¡°And yes, I suppose we could. I know a spell that can grow ingredients faster.¡±

    ¡°Awesome!¡±

    They spent the better part of a week getting the center of town in some semblance of working order. The well had already been completed, but it was tiny in comparison to even the smallest house.

    It took hours of casting the Mend spell to fix small sections of destroyed buildings, resting for his magic bar to refill, and casting it again.

    They had walked back to the tower for a bite of lunch, warmed up leftover stew.

    ¡°Why do you want to rebuild this town?¡± Fuzzball asked between spoonfuls.

    ¡°I have no idea why or how I ended up here. What I do know is that the people of this town may eventually come back. If they don''t, then we still have a nice town to call our own. Also, it''s a great opportunity for me to train up my skills in relative safety. I''ve only been here a short time, so I have a lot to learn, and I suspect that gaining power is the best way to ensure I can figure out why I was sent here in the first place. Do you think there''s an Adventurer''s Guild or something like that in this world?¡±

    ¡°I don''t know. Given what we''ve encountered thus far, I would hope so.¡±

    The first day they had fixed up the tavern northwest of the central well. The lower floor was a bar with a full kitchen in the back. The upper a series of bedrooms.

    ¡°This building has everything we need and it''s closer to the well than the tower,¡± Nate said.

    They chose rooms near the stairs across the hall from one another.

    While Nate worked on rebuilding the store north of the well, Fuzzball worked the soil behind the tavern.

    Plant Growth

    Rank: Apprentice Alteration

    Cost: 300 MP

    Effect: Plants on which this spell is cast experience a month of growth in an instant.

    Fuzzball was further along in his advancement than Nate, and he had the gardening in a decently functional state by the week''s end, growing cotates and several other local fruits and vegetables. His gardening work further showcased the disparity between them, as Fuzzball tirelessly worked the field and had energy to spare when helping Nate with particularly heavy building sections. He seemed energized by days end, compared to Nate''s slumped exhaustion.

    As time passed, Nate began to implement a training regiment. In the morning, he would run along the rectangular road that wrapped around the town''s outskirts. He''d walk when his fatigue bar neared being empty and continue running when refilled. The first day he''d taken 10 walking breaks, which he marked in his journal. Over time this gradually reduced to nearly half by the end of the first month.

    After his morning run, he worked on lifting ruined pieces of buildings into place for mending, stacking stones and holding beams in place to reduce the overall magic cost. His Gloves of Lifting were integral to this process, and didn''t seem to reduce his Athletics training.

    After the tavern, for which they hadn''t decided a name just yet, and the store, Nate worked on mending the blacksmith''s workshop south of the well, and the small building east of it that led down underground.

    He didn''t feel ready to go into the mine, so he continued his training with various skills. Despite the town seeming long abandoned, there didn''t seem to be a shortage of rat-moles. They would terrorize the garden, coming in groups. Nate and Fuzzball killed them by the dozen the first day the garden was up, and Nate had gathered enough leather strips to finally craft some simple patchwork leather armor. Feeling better about facing off against monsters now that he had armor, he took to clearing out rat-moles with reckless abandon. Repairing his steelbeak axes as needed and blasting them with Elemental Bolt when he could.

    Nate was surprised at the fierceness that Fuzzball showed to protect his garden. He could make himself blurry, no doubt a Sasquatch racial ability, and his huge hands crushed rat-moles or flung them far away, often deathly hard against buildings. Once, during a particularly large rat-mole swarm, Fuzzball had called heavy vines to wrap around his feet and fists, the vines striking out as he punched and kicked, extending his range and power.

    On the third day after their morning rat-mole clearing session, he climbed up to the top of the tower and looked down.

    ¡°It worked in Bravil''s stilt houses, so might as well test it here.¡±

    Jumping out of a second story window is scary when doing it on purpose, and it took several minutes of pumping himself up before he did it.

    He landed hard, taking less damage than he thought he would. His healing touch washed away the pain in his legs and he jumped in place, his feet reaching just below the first floor window sill, about four feet up.

    Nate excitedly ran back up the stairs to jump from the window again. Later, he ran down the street jumping as high as possible. Jumping had a minor fatigue cost, but it was well worth it as jumping trained both his Athletics and Acrobatics skills.

    ¡°If other people eventually live here with us, please don''t jump every other step,¡± Fuzzball said as Nate jumped into view of his garden. ¡°And don''t do that in my garden.¡±

    ¡°If only we had two barrels under a store sign,¡± Nate puffed between jumps.

    Their evenings were spent reading the numerous books on magic theory they had found in the tower. There weren''t many beginner level books, but Nate found that his Adaptive Learning ability was beneficial in distilling the complexity, and Fuzzball filled in some of the gaps pertaining to Alchemy. His deepening understanding of the way that magic worked reflected in his Arcane skills, increasing the progressions of even those in which he knew no spells.

    Two weeks into the rebuilding of Gronwood, Nate reached 70 magic points on his character sheet. He grabbed Fuzzball from the garden and took him over to the smithy.

    ¡°I want you here to see this!¡±

    ¡°See what?¡± Fuzzball looked around in confusion.

    Nate cast Summon Short Bow, the orange light and sound of stacking bricks accompanying the conjuration magic. Into his left hand appeared a translucent orange bow with wicked looking spikes extending from the grip. On his back appeared a quiver and 20 arrows of the same orange translucence.

    ¡°Now training archery will be much easier!¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Fuzzball said with less than equal enthusiasm.

    ¡°C''mon, man, this is awesome! Magic is awesome!¡± Nate excitedly yet clumsily drew an arrow and shot it at one of the front porch posts of the tavern. It instead shattered a nearby window.

    ¡°I can fix that!¡±

    <hr>

    The early skill increases were fast and relatively easy to achieve, but Nate found by the end of his first month that the rate at which the skills increased began to plateau around the 15 point mark.

    He laid in his bed in the tavern and pulled up his character sheet.

    Ignatius ¡°Nate¡± Arkwright

    Level 7 Human Novice

    Health: 139/139

    Fatigue: 136/136

    Magic: 142/142

    Crafting Skills

    Alchemy - Novice 5

    Bowcraft - Novice 1

    Carpentry - Novice 0

    Clothier - Novice 2

    Cooking - Novice 12

    Leatherworking - Novice 3

    Smithing - Novice 0

    Racial Skills

    Adaptive Learning - Novice 14

    Indomitable Spirit - Novice 0

    Resourceful - Novice 7

    Tenacity - Novice 1

    Arcane Skills

    Alteration - Novice 16

    Conjuration - Novice 12

    Divination - Novice 3

    Enchantment - Novice 2

    Evocation - Novice 10

    Illusion - Novice 8

    Restoration - Novice 11

    Battle Skills

    Archery - Novice 14

    Athletics - Novice 14

    Blocking - Novice 6

    Heavy Armor - Novice 0

    Heavy Melee - Novice 0

    Perception - Novice 9

    Unarmed - Novice 5

    Stealth Skills

    Acrobatics - Novice 14

    Disguise - Novice 0

    Light Armor - Novice 7

    Light Melee - Novice 8

    Lockpicking - Novice 2

    Sleight of Hand - Novice 0

    Stealth - Novice 11

    He was a few more skill bumps away from level 8. He''d alternated between increasing his health and his magic with his level increases, and as he thought his fatigue bar was keeping pace.

    He could now carry over 400 pounds in his inventory, and much of it was filled with rat-mole parts, garden vegetables, and prepared food. He''d found that an amazing feature of his inventory power was that foodstuff was as fresh as when placed within. Similarly, prepared food was still hot when plucked from the inventory. They had a stash of already cooked food ready to go should circumstances suddenly change.

    He fell asleep feeling accomplished and awoke refreshed. His morning run was typically before Fuzzball woke up, and this day was much the same. Gronwood was still largely in ruins, Nate only having recently finished all the buildings around the central square. The tavern, smithy, mine entrance, a small house and two stores took every bit of his first month to fix, and he had a long way to go before the town was in more complete working order.

    His repair of the town had been slowed after being able to magically summon the shortbow and arrows. He refocused his afternoons to archery practice, and his proficiency had considerably increased. He no longer accidentally shattered windows, able to hit the wooden columns with ease. His real practice was with the rat-moles. They were agile and quick, dodging most of his arrows for the first several days before he got a better grasp of leading his shots and accounting for the natural arrow drop.

    ¡°We''re getting better at this,¡± Nate said as he hopped down from the tavern roof to land next to Fuzzball, deftly avoiding the growing plants.

    ¡°I told you not to jump in my garden, Nate,¡± Fuzzball huffed.

    ¡°I didn''t crush anything.¡±

    ¡°This time.¡±

    ¡°I didn''t see that slippery rock!¡±

    Fuzzball shook his head, ¡°Which wouldn''t have mattered if you would NOT JUMP IN MY GARDEN!¡±

    ¡°I''m sorry! I get excited sometimes,¡± Nate said as he healed the damage from jumping off the second story rooftop. ¡°I wonder where all of these rat-moles are coming from.¡±

    ¡°I''ve begun wondering the same thing. They seem to come out at around the same time every day and in increasing numbers.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we can track them?¡±

    Fuzzball knelt to pull a weed from the soil, ¡°Many of them tunnel close before appearing to damage my plants. It will be difficult to find the source.¡±

    ¡°I think,¡± Nate said with a confident smile, ¡°I have a plan.¡±

 Chapter 7: The Temple

    From the center of Gronwood the roads extended from the square in the cardinal directions. Perpendicular roads branched from the main roads to form a grid of two columns and four rows, with the town square in the center. Over the next week, Nate and Fuzzball planted small gardens around the town in each of the grid squares.

    The rat-moles didn''t reach Fuzzball''s primary garden that day. Nate ran from square to square, finding the top row gardens had been hit. After a day to fix the damage, Fuzzball took the western grid column. Nate climbed atop some rubble in his square so that he could remain out of sight and within view of the lure garden.

    ¡°Need some help!¡± Fuzzball called over the chat system.

    Sounds of combat came from Fuzzball''s sector just as Nate had been starting to doze off. He leapt off the rubble, summoned his short bow, and ran to help.

    Fuzzball was next to the still ruined well in the center of his sector, writhing within a mound of rat-moles, flinging them away as fast as they were clambering over him, clawing and biting. His fur was thick, though, and few dealt any perceptible damage.

    But there were not just a few.

    Translucent arrows pierced through two or three at a time as Nate shot into the mass that surrounded Fuzzball. Several of the flung rat-moles landed near enough to Nate to rush at him instead.

    He kicked the nearest one when it leapt at him and punched out with his spiked bow grip at the second. Whistling as he moved, Nate tried to grab the attention of as many of them as possible.

    Fuzzball downed a red potion as soon as he got some breathing room, kicking and punching his way out of the swarm.

    Nate moved backward, shooting arrows into the rat-moles grouped together, hoping to possibly hit multiple at once.

    Running out of arrows before the spell''s duration ran out, Nate dropped the bow and recast, scrambling up onto the remains of a particularly large building, hoping to get away.

    Rat-moles climbed his legs and bit at his feet. A line of text appeared under his slowly dwindling health bar.

    You have contracted Rat-mole Fever. Rat-mole Fever slows natural regens until it is removed. Indomitable Spirit has reduced the duration of this effect.

    Nate activated the power of the same name.

    Power: Indomitable Spirit. Cooldown 1 hour. When activated, gain minor resistance to non-damaging negative effects for the next minute. Passive: Debuffs and negative effects that take effect have a shorter duration than normal.

    He moved and shot, jumped back to the open ground and loosed more arrows. Reaching Fuzzball, he loosed his last arrows. His magic regen had been slowed by the rat-moles, so he couldn''t summon his bow again. So he drew his steelbeak ax and set to work. His active power resisted most of the new incoming bites, but his fatigue bar was dropping with each kill.

    ¡°Little help here, buddy!¡± Nate called as he wearily struck down another rat-mole.

    Fuzzball gripped the head of the steelbeak ax he''d broken sometime earlier, his vines swinging the axe wide as he cut them down. Their numbers were finally beginning to dwindle, and they worked together to clear out the rest of them.

    Nate fell onto his back, not caring about the blood soaked grass coating his armor. ¡°Was that a lot more than usual?¡±

    Fuzzball laid next to him, breathing heavily and looking up at slowly drifting clouds, ¡°You noticed that, too? Thanks for jumping in. That was rough.¡±

    ¡°I thought you didn''t want to fight?¡±

    ¡°I don''t,¡± Fuzzball said, ¡°I''d rather tend my garden and brew helpful potions. But, I will fight if doing so protects my friends.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean me or your garden?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I''m glad I found you in that chest.¡±

    ¡°Me too.¡±

    The rat-mole fever lasted for half an hour for Nate and fifteen minutes longer for Fuzzball. While Fuzzball continued to rest, Nate stood and looted all the rat-moles.

    ¡°I hope you like rat-mole meat,¡± he said jovially.

    ¡°It''s alright. Not my favorite. You got anymore steelbeak meat?¡±

    ¡°I do, but I''m saving it for a more celebratory time. Besides, there''s a few more ways to cook rat-mole that we haven''t tried yet. Can you make vegetable oil?¡±

    ¡°It''s sometimes used in alchemical formulae for various purposes, though I don''t have any recipes that call for it. I''ll work on that.¡±

    ¡°Yes, please!¡± Nate sat next to Fuzzball, surveying the trampled garden and surrounding area. ¡°Where did they come from?¡±

    Fuzzball pointed to the well and the ruins Nate had temporarily climbed during the fight. ¡°Most came from the well, but several snuck out from under the debris.¡±

    ¡°Then we''ve found our next target,¡± Nate checked his notifications while Fuzzball rested.

    Indomitable Spirit has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 5. Total Magic has increased by 5. Progression to Level 8 at 100%. Progression to Level 9 at 8%.

    Unarmed has increased from Novice 5 to Novice 6. Total Health increased by 1. Progression to Level 9 at 12%.

    He chose his level bonus to be added to his Magic, bringing it up to 157, now over three times his starting amount.

    He stood and approached the well, casting Mend as he pushed some of the heavier pieces into place. It cost nearly his entire mana pool, but the well now looked like they had constructed it yesterday. The magic depletion headaches were lasting less and less time as his regeneration rate seemed to be percentage based, not numerical, resulting in his bar surpassing the headache threshold faster the more magic he acquired.

    Peeking down into the opening, he saw that a hole was set in the side of the well. ¡°Looks like it''s twenty or so feet below the ground surface.¡±

    ¡°How big?¡±

    ¡°I could probably fit through, not you. Maybe there''s access from this building we can both take.¡± Nate put on his Gloves of Lifting and began mending the largest building in this sector of Gronwood.

    Fuzzball, after feeling better, helped Nate move heavy debris and hold things in place. This was only viable for the lower sections, and soon Fuzzball left to tend his garden while Nate continued the arduous task of magically mending.

    When he reached the section outside of his reach, shards of colored glass previously covered by layers of dust drifted up to rebuild stained glass windows.

    ¡°Is this a church?¡± Nate asked as he fixed window after window. There were sixteen total stained glass windows, each showing a different image. What they all shared was the top of the windows, filled with heavy storm clouds the same color as the cloud room he''d found himself in a little over a month ago.

    The symbols on the windows appeared to Nate to be concepts more than deities. A sword crossed with an ax, a creature with 7 legs, innumerable eyes and tooth-lined mouths towering over small buildings, a skull missing the jaw, a rotted hand erupting from the ground, a wristwatch that looked higher tech than what he''d seen back on Earth, and a flowering tree were among them.

    He''d fixed the largest, central window last, and it stopped him cold. The same telltale clouds floated at the top, but it showed multiple projectiles falling from the clouds. Most resembled jagged stone of vibrant glowing reds, blues, and purples.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    The largest projectile shown was a red-haired naked man wearing a parachute being struck by lightning.

    ¡°Shit.¡±

    His work on the temple continued into the evening, revealing several rows of pews and an undamaged podium underneath the rubble. The podium was clearly magical, with runic carvings that had the faint glow that matched the falling jagged rocks from the window, but also had what appeared to be panels, under which he could see gears.

    Fuzzball came by to check on him, finding Nate seated in a front pew looking at the window.

    ¡°Didn''t that happen to you?¡± Fuzzball asked as he stared at the window.

    ¡°Unfortunately, yes.¡±

    ¡°What do you think it means?¡±

    ¡°That things are going to get a lot more complicated soon enough. Do you remember anything about this place?¡±

    Fuzzball shook his head, but remembered something, ¡°Why don''t you use your Lore Dump spell?¡±

    It''d been a while since he''d used it; he nearly forgot he had it. He hesitated, though.

    Fuzzball didn''t miss it, ¡°Worried about what you''ll learn?¡±

    ¡°Of course. This feels like a turning point, or more likely a point of no return.¡±

    ¡°Well, the temple''s not going anywhere. You still have time to think about it. And we need to eat dinner anyway.¡± He handed Nate a vial of thick translucent green liquid.

    ¡°I made you some vegetable oil.¡±

    ¡°Is it supposed to be green?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Fuzzball said, ¡°it''s not green in your world?¡±

    ¡°Usually only olive oil is green! I''m excited to try it!¡±

    They sauteed some rat-mole meat with a vegetable that was a cross between onions and garlic. Nate told Fuzzball about ramps from his world, surprised to find that the name was shared.

    ¡°I''ve always wondered why they had that name,¡± Nate said between bites.

    ¡°Same. Alchemists can use the juice from them in making fatigue recovery potions. Maybe it''s tied to that somehow.¡±

    Nate nodded, but a errant thought struck him, ¡°What do you think is drawing in these rat-moles?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°There had only been one rat-mole when I first got here, then once you started your garden more and more came out the larger the garden.¡±

    ¡°And adding the other gardens for tracking them made the biggest group that we''ve seen,¡± Fuzzball added.

    ¡°Yeah, like the use of growth magic in town increased the spawning.¡±

    Fuzzball looked at his hands, ¡°Do you think this is what happened in the past? Did I chase away the townsfolk with rat-moles?¡±

    ¡°I don''t think so,¡± Nate said, ¡°The only evidence of large-scale gardening is the ruined farm east of the town square. My guess is there''s something underground affecting the rate of rat-mole spawning. Maybe there''s a rat-mole queen or some such using ambient magic to make more.¡±

    ¡°We need to stop it from going further.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡±

    <hr>

    Quest: The Temple

    Objective: Uncover the source of the rat-mole infestation.

    Reward: Growth Orb (Novice).

    Accept? Yes No.

    Nate stood in front of the double doors that lead into the temple.

    ¡°Quilly, what''s a Growth Orb?¡± he asked aloud.

    Help: Growth Orb data not present. Analyze a growth orb to update this entry.

    ¡°That''s not very helpful. Okay, fine. Yes.¡± The quest window closed and he pushed through the doors. He stepped in front of the window with crossed sword and ax. He cast Lore Dump and touched the window.

    Stained glass. Made from smelted silica sand or glass-based creatures. Colors are added using powdered dyes or other ingredients. Journal updated.

    ¡°Of course it''s just the glass,¡± Nate said, shaking his head. He tried again.

    Temple of Fate. Built alongside the rest of Gronwood, the temple was established within which all the known deities are accounted. Constructed using the designs of renowned architect Zifezi Smol.

    Nate couldn''t help but laugh as he read the final sentence. ¡°But was Smol smol, I wonder?¡±

    He got more of the same info casting on various objects in the temple. Then he reached the pulpit. It stood out from the rest of the temple and seemed both very old and brand new at the same time. The runes etched upon it were a variety of colors, showing the purple of enchantment magic, the orange of conjuration, the blue of alteration, the white of illusion, and the green of divination.

    Interface Podium. Type: Artifact. Weight: Varies. Value: Unknown. This podium allows for anyone with an interface ability to access its power.

    ¡°Hey, Fuzzball, you got a sec?¡± Nate said through the chat function.

    ¡°Not really, weeding the ramp section.¡±

    ¡°This podium in the temple, which is called the Temple of Fate, by the way, is designed for someone with Interface.¡±

    ¡°So the temple name is fitting for you,¡± Fuzzball said with a grunt as he stood with a fistful of weeds that he tossed into a box they were using to compost.

    ¡°I don''t like how coincidental this all feels.¡±

    ¡°Well, you could always not interact with it. After all, we still have much to do to get Gronwood up and running. But you''re too curious for that, aren''t you?¡±

    ¡°Yep,¡± Nate said as he paced around the podium.

    Fuzzball sighed, ¡°Give me a few minutes.¡±

    Nate was still pacing around the podium when Fuzzball pushed through the entryway chewing on a long stem of a plant Nate didn''t know. ¡°I really love the way the light plays with the stained glass.¡±

    ¡°Me too,¡± Nate said.

    ¡°Is this going to trigger more rat-moles?¡±

    ¡°No idea,¡± Nate maneuvered to the podium to face Fuzzball, who had sat down in the front pew.

    The surface at chest level was flat, and Nate gently touched the center. A screen appeared on the surface.

    Welcome to an Interface Podium. Would you like a tutorial? Yes No. Nate tapped ¡®Yes.¡¯

    Welcome to the Interface Podium Tutorial! An Interface Podium can be changed with magic to suit your needs once it is free of external power sources and claimed by you. A conical opening appeared on the surface. You can apply your own magic or use Essence Stones to change the podium. This podium is currently connected to an Astral Collector located in the Gronwood Mine. Essence Stones enchanted via this podium will gain astral-based enchantment until it''s disconnected from the Astral Collector.

    ¡°What''s an Astral Collector?¡± Fuzzball asked.

    ¡°No idea, but if it''s in the mine, it''s probably the source of our problem.¡±

    ¡°So, we go to the mine.¡±

    Nate nodded, ¡°Yep. But first, let''s try this out.¡± He pulled the Unenchanted Essence Stone from his inventory and set it into the conical space. One of the books on magic they had been reading discussed the process of enchanting, and Nate kept his hand on the gem.

    After several moments of focus, he felt a trickle of his raw magic flow into the stone. The clear gemstone began to swirl with darkness and tiny specks of light like a swirling galaxy. He pushed every bit of magic he could into it, his head raging from the drain. He felt exhaustion wash over him and he suddenly felt ravenously hungry and parched. Gripping the edge of the podium to keep from falling, Nate watched as the Essence Stone began to float several inches above the surface.

    Essence Stone of Astral Step. Type: Ingredient. Weight: 1 lb. Value: 1000 gold pieces. A worn object enchanted with this stone grants the wearer the Astral Step ability.

    Power: Astral Step. Cooldown: None. Cost: 30 magic points per second, 30 fatigue points per second. Effect: Create an astral portal between two points you can see within a number of feet equal to your total Magic. Portal can be set at any angle, but both portals are created at the same angle.

    ¡°Ooh, nice! Scaling power with an enchantment ingredient? That''s rare, right?¡±

    Fuzzball flipped through one of the books he''d borrowed from Nate. ¡°Scaling power, no. Astral essence stone, yes!¡±

    Tucking away the charged Essence Stone, Nate went through his new messages.

    <hr>

    Tempeste, the Free City, was nestled in the coastal mountains several hundred miles northwest of Gronwood. The higher up the winding mountainous city, the wealthier its denizens.

    Near the top, in a sprawling and opulent suite, a wiry human man with streaks of grey in his hair, a tightly trimmed beard, and heavily enchanted crimson robes sipped a small cup of a glowing yellow substance. As he did so, the wrinkles in his forehead slowly smoothed, age spots fading as he set the cup down and picked up a rectangular translucent tablet, referred to as a ¡®slate,¡¯ on which glowed the day''s newspaper.

    ¡°Four months until the competition,¡± Zolis muttered. ¡°Grack!¡±

    A small kappan man darted into the chamber, his extended turtle-like head bearing a small blue hat that matched his butler clothing, ¡°Yes, my lord?¡±

    ¡°Any word from Blackwing?¡±

    ¡°No, sir.¡±

    ¡°Damnit! I need to- did you feel that?¡±

    Grack was unflinchingly professional, ¡°Feel what, sir?¡±

    Zolis swiped away his daily reading, tapping an app whose logo was a big purple ¡®Z.¡¯ A map of Terra appeared on the slate with a bright blinking light centered on Gronwood.

    Without another word Zolis stood and walked brusquely through the door Grack had entered, turning right and walking into the next left-hand door.

    His footfalls were sticky as he strode through the crimson covered room. Curved blades hung on the walls, and a Chimeran was suspended from chains in the room''s center, completely covered in blood. The Chimeran had the head of a wolf, his left hand a crustacean claw, his right arm was thickly plated like a rhinoceros. The wolf fur spread down to agile, pawed legs, sharp nails adorning each of his toes.

    Zolis slapped the creature awake, who instinctively started howling. ¡°Silence.¡± Though Zolis had not spoken loudly, it pierced through, instantly bringing the blood covered hanger to silence.

    ¡°How would you like to be free from this?¡± The chains rattled with the vigorous nodding. Zolis pulled a wand from a deep pocket of his robe, tapping a sigil on the creature''s chest, which glowed with renewed vigor. He cast another spell and a thud accompanied the man falling hard onto the floor.

    ¡°I have a task for you.¡±

 Chapter 8: The Mine

    Adaptive Learning has increased from Novice 14 to Novice 15. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 9 at 16%.

    Enchanting has increased from Novice 2 to Novice 8. Total Magic has increased by 6. Progression to Level 9 at 40%.

    Divination has increased from Novice 3 to Novice 8. Total Magic increased by 5. Progression to Level 9 at 60%.

    Quest: The Temple complete. Reward has been added to your inventory.

    Nate sat next to Fuzzball and withdrew the Growth Orb, which looked like a palantir from the Lord of the Rings movies if someone dumped rainbow colors into the mechanism that made the swirl effect. He cast Lore Dump on it.

    Growth Orb (Novice). Type: Consumable. Weight: 1 lb. Value: 25,000 gold pieces. Effect: Add 10  points to a skill of your choice. Not usable for skills above Novice Rank.

    Lore Dump Bonus Information: If used to cross the 25, 50, 75, or 100 skill levels, the user may choose their ability rather than being granted one based on the skill¡¯s use at the time of crossing the threshold.

    ¡°No wonder this is worth so much!¡± Nate said. ¡°This would be huge at later training stages.¡±

    ¡°You''re thinking of using it now?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps you should wait,¡± Fuzzball said, ¡°weigh your options.¡±

    Nate pouted, ¡°Yeah, yeah. I should do the sensible thing. Might save weeks of training down the road.¡± It disappeared as he stashed it. ¡°Unfortunate. You want to go mining?¡±

    ¡°No, thank you.¡±

    ¡°Hear me out. There''s no telling what trouble I''ll get in down there. And, and I can¡¯t stress this enough, you¡¯re better at most things than I am.¡±

    Fuzzball ignored the compliment. ¡°We should test the range of your party chat thing underground.¡±

    The entrance into the mine was a largely nondescript brick shack with a sturdy door, no windows, and a caution sign on the inside wall next to the descending wooden steps.

    Nate descended several flights of stairs, which after the third shifted to carved stone. Eventually the stairwell opened into an oddly dimensioned room with a minecart track that led deeper into the mines.

    Nate still felt the connection to the party chat, ¡°I think we¡¯re still good on the chat for now.¡±

    ¡°It would seem so.¡±

    ¡°There''s a track but no cart. Also, part of these rails look like they''re made from that stuff that fell with me in the stained glass image.¡±

    Indeed, the rails looked to be mostly iron or steel, with just the top of the rail coated in a thin layer of faintly glowing material.

    ¡°Maybe the cart is further in?¡± Fuzzball said over chat.

    ¡°Unless someone took it with them. I think this is a redstone situation.¡±

    ¡°What''s redstone?¡±

    ¡°It''s a kind of magic rock crafted in our own fake mines to power tracks and various other things.¡±

    ¡°Why would you have fake mines?¡±

    ¡°It''s one of those video game things people do for fun back home. The children yearned for the mines.¡± Nate knelt to touch the rail and cast Lore Dump.

    Storm Ore Railways are commonly used in mining ventures to help propel laden carts quickly over distances.

    ¡°Totally a redstone thing! But they call it Storm Ore here.¡±

    ¡°We read about Storm Ore before in several of those magic books,¡± Fuzzball said.

    ¡°Hopefully we can get some down here. Speaking of, be ready to run down here and save my ass if I get in a pickle.¡± Nate found that the track ran southeast, a direction away from the temple, and looked along the walls of the room. He withdrew his most recently constructed steelbeak ax and tapped on the walls every so often. On the northern wall, he heard a shift in the tapping sound.

    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡°By Legend of Zelda game logic, we have a secret tunnel. Secret tunnel!¡± Nate looked around the immediate area, but nothing looked like a lever or button.

    Nate opened his character sheet and looked through his powers, spells, and skills. He locked onto one in particular.

    Multitool.

    Rank: Novice Conjuration.

    Cost: 50 MP.

    Effect: Conjures a multitool that can be changed at will to any noncombat tool. Multitool lasts for 10 minutes or until dismissed. Multitool incapable of dealing direct damage.

    He chose the spell, closed the window, and cast. The same default multitool as before appeared in his hand. He placed it next to the echoing spot on the wall, focusing on what tool he thought would work. It attached itself to the wall and expanded out into a large lever.

    When Nate pulled it, the wall slid open.

    Conjuration has increased from Novice 12 to Novice 13. Total Magic has increased by 1. Progression to Level 9 at 64%.

    Resourceful has increased from Novice 7 to Novice 8. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 9 at 68%.

    Nate made keyboard typing sounds over the chat, ¡°I''m in.¡±

    ¡°In what?¡±

    ¡°Found a secret tunnel. Opened it with magic. This is awesome!¡±

    Fuzzball didn''t respond, so Nate carried on. A long stretch of carved hall went north and then opened both west and east. Nate''s minimap function proved to be immeasurably helpful, filling in what he could visibly see.

    Two doors were set along both walls of the hall 20 feet apart. They were made of the wood found through the Deadwood and the buildings of Gronwood. Each had a lock similar to the one on Fuzzball''s ice chest.

    With the experience of picking the chest some months before, and channeling a bit of his Luck power, he made relatively short work of the locks.

    Lockpicking has increased from Novice 2 to Novice 7. Total Fatigue has increased by 5. Progression to Level 9 at 88%.

    The first room was lined with shelves filled with dust covered mining tools. Picks, hammers, prybars, and some tools he didn''t recognize were tucked away into his inventory.

    The second room was cleaner than the first, but had no shelves. Instead, piles of stone lined with rusty red veins filled in the corners.

    The third was where they kept the smelted ore ingots, and the larger room was full of pallets of ingots stacked up to Nate''s waist. He couldn''t hope to fit all the ingots in his inventory, so he just took a few and closed the door behind him.

    ¡°Fuzzball,¡± Nate whispered as he opened the last door, ¡°come down here, please.¡±

    <hr>

    Fuzzball and Nate stood in the open doorway, silently observing the room. It glowed with enchanted runes along the floor, walls, and ceiling.

    A short column in the middle of the room was topped with a display case made entirely of glass. It appeared to have no door or handle, and within it was a crystalline orange cuboid, twice as tall as it was wide. A mix of other colors swirled deep inside the object, and they could feel the hungry energy coming from it.

    ¡°What do you think that is?¡±

    Fuzzball shrugged, ¡°Couldn''t say, other than they took a lot of effort to keep us out of this room.¡±

    ¡°Or to keep that thing in,¡± Nate said. He gently extended a hand toward the opening, a faint shimmer pulsed like a drop into a calm pond and his hand pressed against the solid barrier.

    ¡°Why is the door just a regular door, and not another layer of defense?¡± Fuzzball said as he, too, touched the barrier.

    ¡°So they can pop open the door at any time to make notes, observe this- whatever it is.¡±

    ¡°Which would also explain why it''s held so close to the surface. Accessibility.¡±

    ¡°You sure you aren''t curious about what lies deeper within? I stand by needing your help,¡± Nate said with perhaps a bit more earnestness than he intended.

    Fuzzball crossed his arms as he stared into the cuboid. ¡°Now that we know this is here, I am indeed curious,¡± he stepped deeper into the tunnel system, ¡°Let''s go.¡±

    Nate jumped excitedly, cutting his head on the jagged tunnel ceiling. He healed it and reached up to excitedly pat Fuzzball on the shoulder, ¡°Thank you!¡±

    During their time together, Nate had only just begun to fully realize the disparity between his Novice and Fuzzball''s Apprentice rank abilities. Nate would be exhausted after several hours of repairing Gronwood while Fuzzball tirelessly worked the field. They had no, and needed no, beasts for tilling the ground. This disparity was made clear again as they expanded Nate''s map of the mining system.

    Nate puffed with his hands on his knees, his limbs all burning as they cleared their seventh cave in. Fuzzball stoically worked on, pushing enormous stones so Nate could repair the support structures.

    After two more days of clearing they reached the mine''s area under the temple, pausing to clear out the rat-mole swarms when they rose up.

    ¡°Do you feel that?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°The magical energies are thick here.¡±

    ¡°Must be what''s spawning in the rat-moles, but it feels like the energy coming from that caged crystal prism.¡±

    The very air in the mine shaft grew thick and heavy as they stepped up to the opening into a wide, cylindrical room. Theirs was the only way in or out. The top half of the cylinder room''s walls were riddled with tunnels made by the myriad rat-moles.

    A writhing mass of the creatures made their own column, covering a metallic and dark device that rested in the center. Nate summoned his shortbow and nocked an arrow.

    ¡°It''s going to be a busy evening.¡±

 Chapter 9: The Problem with Airships

    To the southeast of Gronwood was a vast desert known as the Sand Sea. Beneath the sands were innumerable dimensional rifts that constantly pushed air through the sand, just enough to make it behave like a liquid. Airships sail to and from the Floating City upon the shifting sands, drawing power using Storm Ore enchanted plating on the keels called siphon plates.

    Two airships, one hoisting the colors of the Floating City and the other a flag of white with black moth wings, circled one another through the air, firing ballista and bursts of magic in a desperate fight for survival. Mothkin flew overhead, guns and crossbows peppering the decks.

    A grease-covered young man with blue skin, windswept white hair, and heavily worn armored coveralls stepped out from the belly of the pirate airship, hurriedly approaching a Mothkin woman at the helm.

    A cutlass swung out from a falcon headed chimeran who''d jumped across to their airship. An elven hand spread into a shining buckler as Ellisandra, first mate of the Slip Stream, blocked the strike, her other hand a long blade that stabbed forward, piercing the man through the chest.

    ¡°Not safe up here, Zeff!¡± She called as she darted away in a blur in pursuit of more of the privateers. Zeff gave his thanks and continued toward the captain.

    The captain was a mostly black Mothkin, but had grey and white circles that randomly spotted her face, upper torso, and her three wings. One had been lost sometime ago. Her bright yellow pants ruffled in the wind.

    ¡°Captain Luma!¡± he puffed, still holding a rather large wrench.

    ¡°What is it, boy?¡± she yanked on the wheel, tilting the deck as several huge ballista bolts narrowly missed the hull.

    ¡°I''ve found the issue with the siphon plates, but we need to land before I can fully fix it.¡±

    ¡°No time for that, Zeff! Do what you can,¡± she gripped the steering column as a new volley struck true, sending a shudder through the ship. The bolts then exploded, shearing huge chunks off the starboard side.

    Luma snagged Zeff as he slid on the now tilted deck. ¡°New plan.¡± She motioned to the crew, many of whom were mothkin like her. Some had already flown to the enemy ship, combat washing over the deck as they desperately tried to end the barrage.

    ¡°Operation Smash and Grab!¡± she ordered, pushing Zeff toward the steps leading into the ship as she aggressively began to turn the airship, leading up into the air and heading straight for the enemy ship.

    Zeff ran as smoothly as he could, pausing at his chambers to grab his backpack that held his tools and other things he''d collected over his five year stint on the Slip Stream, Luma''s beautiful airship. That he now needed to sabotage to explode.

    Tears ran down his cheek as he rushed to the centralized engine room, which he affectionately called the core. A sphere of pulsing magic was held aloft by a similarly colorful matrix of lines like webbing. Most of these were connected to the siphon plates, converting the kinetic energy into magic that was fed directly into the three motors that powered the steering and movement, as well as the other amenities within the ship.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°That''s the problem with airships,¡± he''d explained to the captain two years before. ¡°Anyone who knows anything about airships and has sufficient magic can easily destroy them if they can get into the core.¡± Shortly after that, Luma had devised a plan if the ship ever reached the point of no repair.

    Zeff began his work, channeling magic into the threads of the core. His Technology sigil stone significantly reduced the cost and time he needed to affect technological objects. He detached the connections leading to the air conditioning, food storage, and all other non-critical systems, connecting them equally to the three motors. He could already hear the engines beginning to surge with power as he put on his pack and fled toward the deck.

    Captain Luma took to the air after setting the course, her crew behind her as she charged at the other vessel. She spat at the Flying City flag of the privateer ship as she tapped a small stone in her left ear.

    ¡°Abandon ship! Operation Smash and Grab!¡±

    Twenty more mothkin took to the air from the privateer ship, some carrying the non-flyers.

    Zeff burst out onto the deck as three more bolts blew the front off the ship, splintered wood, shredded metal, and furniture rained down into the roiling sands.

    The deck was completely empty. Zeff sighed with relief as he leapt from the twisted guardrail.

    They had climbed high enough during the fight that he had several seconds to enjoy the rushing air and the beautiful view of the shifting sands. He folded out handles from his backpack and pushed the red button. A parachute with runic stitching burst out from the top and a custom siphon plate he''d recently finished from the bottom. The plate was long and narrow, with magnetic plates that connected to the metal bands he''d secured to his boots.

    Above him, the Slip Stream slammed into the other vessel and exploded. Debris rained down around him as he landed on the sands. His siphon plate board fed power to his enchanted parachute, allowing him to surf over the sand. He looked up and saw the captain and crew circling around the crumbling debris snatching up any supplies they could muster as the two crumbling airships fell to the sands below.

    As he couldn''t fly, Zeffrey von Zeppelberg turned northwest toward the ruins of Alogow, where they would convene to discuss next steps.

    <hr>

    Hunger.

    The astral maw had been trapped in its orange cuboid egg for far longer than it should have been. The wizard who had trapped it in the runic room had set the energies that would feed it to the minimum for survival.

    Hunger.

    After several years, the maw detected new life. Near life. They¡¯d opened the door and talked about it. They were right. The room kept it trapped in its glass case. Perhaps they would set it free. Then it could eat the wizard who trapped it there. And maybe the big fuzzy one.

    Hunger.

    Days passed and the small one kept passing through, peeking in at it with curiosity. It sensed the red haired man¡¯s power. Weak, but he had the Luck sigil stone. That meant this one would be pulled into grand events, even if he didn¡¯t want it. Grand events involving power it could eat.

    Hunger.

    The astral maw felt its connection to the source of what fed it, gently pushing its will against the object. It would be free of this place, no matter the cost.

    Hunger.

    The lucky man was close to the device. This was its chance!

    Hunger.

 Chapter 10: Luck Only Goes So Far

    Nate and Fuzzball pushed themselves to the limits. Magic arrows dotted the chamber as they maneuvered, trying to keep the swarms at bay. The bodies were stacked up to where Nate could loot en masse, temporarily blinding the living rat-moles and granting a brief reprieve.

    To Nate''s surprise, the motes of light were drawn into the Astral Collector, and the rat-mole pile grew. They kept coming. The central pile had been reduced, but it should be much smaller.

    ¡°We need to stop the collector,¡± Nate said over chat.

    ¡°I know! Any ideas?¡±

    ¡°You got any vegetables in your pouch to draw them away?¡± Nate asked as he resummoned his bow to refresh his arrows.

    ¡°Nope!¡± Fuzzball said as he threw another cluster of them away.

    ¡°Head for the exit. I''ll camouflage myself and try to hide until I can get up to the collector.¡±

    Nate fired two more arrows before dropping his bow and casting Camouflage. He trickled some of his Lucky power and crept along the gently curving wall, throwing some of his own vegetable stockpile from his inventory toward the doorway. Fuzzball made extra noise, and a trail of rat-moles followed him out of the room. Thankfully, rat-moles aren¡¯t very bright.

    The Astral Collector became visible as the swarm dissipated in pursuit of Fuzzball. Floating several feet into the air, it was held aloft by some unknown force. Nate thought it looked like a plumb bob from the Sims game if it was black instead of green, was 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, and had a series of metallic strips wrapping in horizontal stripes near its center.

    Nate could see that there were a series of buttons and knobs spread along the metallic strips. He avoided touching the few remaining rat-moles and reached up to touch the machine. A new pop-up window appeared.

    Astral Collector is at full capacity. All further astral energies collected will be dispersed. Warning: overflow energies will create alterations within local fauna and flora.

    ¡°I think this may be what killed the forest around here,¡± Nate sent to Fuzzball through chat.

    ¡°Hurry it up, these things are relentless!¡±

    Nate read on.

    You can converge the astral energies held within the Astral Collector. This will create an object at the cost of the Astral Collector. Converge? Yes No.

    Nate sent his question mentally to Quilly, opening a new window.

    Help: Astral Collector Convergence. The created object depends on the quantity of energy stored within the Astral Collector. It is often a sigil stone, though it may create something different if certain parameters are met.

    Another sigil stone! Nate closed his help window and selected the affirmative, pushing fatigue and magic into his Lucky power as he did. He felt a strange connection as the collector powered up. It made him feel¡­ hungry?

    His camouflage spell wore off a second before the Astral Collector exploded.

    Obsidian shards splintered through the room, slashing any remaining rat-moles to pieces. Nate was similarly pierced by many shards, though the rat-moles that had moved to attack him when he became visible seemed to take the brunt of the shards that would have targeted his vital organs. White hot pain erupted across his body, and though he was starting to get more acquainted with pain, it proved too much and he crumpled to unconsciousness after the explosion slammed him against the wall.

    <hr>

    Fuzzball felt the connection of their chat line end, and he turned back, striking out at the mass of rat-moles with his gardening tools, fists, and anything he could use as a weapon along the way.

    Quickly, however, it became clear that the rat-moles had lost interest and were fleeing from something else, tunneling into the walls out of sight just as a shockwave of force nearly knocked him from his feet. Fuzzball ran back, finding slowly dissolving crystalline shards in a doorway shaped grouping outside of the cylindrical room. He gingerly maneuvered around them and surveyed the room. Nate lay in a heap against the far wall. In the center of the room were several twisted metal bands and a glowing sigil stone.

    Moving faster as the shards dissolved, Fuzzball crouched and leaned over his friend, relief washing over him as noticed Nate was still breathing. The dissolving shards within him left behind small holes that were slowly leaking dark purple smoke.

    Fuzzball was gathering Nate into his arms when he heard a clinking sound echoing through the mineshafts.

    <hr>

    Hunger.

    The runes sealing it in the room lost power when the Astral Collector exploded. It was free. With all its might it pushed against its shell. The orange cuboid tipped against the weakened display case and it broke through, shards of glass scattering around it as it struck the ground.

    Hunger.

    The egg began to roll along the ground, its strength growing with every turn.

    Hunger.

    The red haired creature that it had connected with was closer than ever. And it trembled with excitement at all the power it would soon be able to consume.

    Hunger.

    <hr>

    As he stooped to pick up the sigil stone, movement made him freeze. In the doorway a large orange rectangular prism rolled into view, clinking sounds as crystal struck stone.

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°That can''t be good,¡± Fuzzball whispered, moving Nate into a fireman''s carry so one of his arms would be free.

    A small crack appeared across the crystalline cuboid, spreading as though in slow motion. Light began to emit from the crack, a similar dark purple to the smoke still rising from Nate''s wounds.

    Fuzzball tried to run over the crystal to get to the exit, but a blinding flash accompanied another energy pulse that sent Fuzzball sprawling, Nate rolling several feet away, landing on top of the sigil stone.

    Nate, who had been unconscious, was pulled to semi-consciousness by a sharp pain in his chest. His journal was blinking rapidly, and a window had popped up. Somehow, he could comprehend it despite his limited awareness.

    Familiar Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain one Familiar Slot and can gain a familiar. Familiars grant you abilities based on the creature and your current rank. You may use certain essence gems to teach them new abilities. You currently have two of five active sigil stones. Once the Familiar Sigil Stone is activated, it cannot be removed. Accept? Yes No.

    Nate''s awareness was increasing as he healed his wounds, the roaring pain subsiding to a mewl. He considered only for a moment before accepting.

    Fuzzball watched as Nate glowed with a dark purple light, even as he warily watched the creature that had come from the crystal. It was bipedal, light purple leathery skin spread over corded muscle. Darker purple sections of hard carapace shell covered its back, arms, and legs. Jagged white teeth lined its wide mouth, its four eyes glowed like starlight. White claws adorned its hands and feet.

    A primal fear washed over Fuzzball, though he didn''t know why. It locked him in place.

    The creature tilted its head as it stared at Nate, who opened his eyes slowly. He groaned as he sat up, then jumped to his feet. He felt different. He could sense the presence of the creature and of Fuzzball. He could feel the power of the beast before him. Feel the fear from Fuzzball.

    The purple creature moved slowly toward Nate, but not in a hostile way. It cooed, which Nate would have found adorable if it didn''t sound like a death rattle. It stood as tall as it could, just reaching to Nate''s waist. He tentatively reached out to touch it.

    Astral Maw wants to be your familiar. Accept? Yes No.

    ¡°Astral Maw, huh?¡± he patted the creature on its head. ¡°Welcome to the family! Accept.¡±

    Astral Maw is now your familiar. Astral Maw''s attributes will increase commensurate with your level and rank. You gain the following ability.

    Astral Sense. Ability type: Passive. Cooldown: None. You can sense astral energies. You can channel them into your familiar for a boost to its attributes at a small magic point per second cost.

    The Astral Maw, upon becoming Nate''s familiar, increased in size as its attributes were raised to match Nate''s. It now stood up to Nate''s shoulder.

    The fear that had gripped Fuzzball released upon the transition.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Nate asked as his new familiar pushed into him for more head pats, its forked tongue happily lolling from its mouth.

    ¡°What just happened?¡±

    ¡°I just got a familiar, I think? Not sure what that means exactly yet.¡±

    ¡°What''s an astral maw?¡±

    ¡°No idea! Cute and badass at the same time! Go say hi to Fuzzball, Terry.¡±

    ¡°Terry?¡± Fuzzball asked as Terry loped over to him, making happy, short death rattle noises.

    ¡°He doesn''t look like a Terry to you?¡±

    ¡°I couldn''t say.¡± Fuzzball gingerly touched Terry, finding him to be cool to the touch. Terry decided it liked Fuzzball''s warm hands and nuzzled him affectionately.

    ¡°Aww! He likes you!¡±

    ¡°Did you cast your Lore Dump spell before accepting this creature?¡±

    Nate hesitated. ¡°No, but I feel like that would have gone very differently had I chosen no. I hope it''s good this time, Quilly.¡± He approached Terry and cast his spell.

    Astral Maw. These colossal apocalyptic creatures roam the Astral Plane, devouring the energies of the multiverse. Commonly seen as harbingers of doom, as their presence often results in planetary death.

    ¡°Well?¡± Fuzzball asked.

    ¡°It''s¡­ fine,¡± Nate swallowed hard. ¡°Everything is fine.¡±

    They walked out of the mine and back to the temple. Fuzzball remained at Nate''s side, fascinated by the Astral Maw and the Interface Podium.

    The door with the protective barrier had been blown off its hinges. The runic markings were all dormant now, showing signs of sudden and violent deactivation.

    ¡°Do you think Terry affected the collector?¡± Nate said, poking his head into the room. He could feel the diminishing link between the room and the Astral Collector.

    ¡°It would explain a few things. I don''t think they usually explode unless trapped or acted upon by an outside force.¡±

    Terry was actively avoiding even looking at the room.

    ¡°Well, I imagine if I had been trapped in a room for who knows how long, I would be jumping at any option to be free.¡±

    Fuzzball grew introspective, ¡°Agreed. I was not aware of my imprisonment in that chest, but I still feel angry about my entrapment when I think on it.¡±

    ¡°Were you aware the whole time, Terry?¡± Nate asked, not sure he really wanted to know. Terry nodded. ¡°I''m sorry I didn''t get here sooner, buddy.¡± Terry pushed his plated head into Nate''s hand.

    ¡°You''re welcome. Now let''s go look at this podium thing!¡±

    Nate sat in the front pew before approaching the podium, ¡°I''m going to sort through my interface messages before we look at this.¡± Fuzzball nodded and sat next to him. Terry curled up against Fuzzball like a large dog who still thought it was small enough to sit in his lap.

    Archery had increased from Novice 14 to Novice 18. Total Health has increased by 4. Progression to Level 9 at 100%. Progression to Level 10 at 4%.

    Athletics has increased from Novice 14 to Novice 19. Total Health has increased by 5. Progression to Level 10 at 24%.

    Sneak has increased from Novice 11 to Novice 15. Total Fatigue has increased by 4. Progression to Level 10 at 40%.

    Indomitable Spirit has increased from Novice 5 to Novice 11. Total Magic has increased by 6. Progression to Level 10 at 64%.

    This one had a subwindow that displayed all the instances of rat-mole fever he''d been resisting and reducing the duration of during their time fixing up the mine. His magic still hadn''t fully recovered since healing himself. Rat-mole fever was very unpleasant indeed.

    Tenacity has automatically triggered. Astral shard''s damage is decreased. There were many, many instances of the second sentence.

    Tenacity has increased from Novice 1 to Novice 8. Total Health has increased by 7. Progression to Level 10 at 92%.

    Upon accepting your third sigil stone, you have gained a confluent aura, Familial Luckomancy.

    Familial Luckomancy. Aura. Cooldown: None. Effect: The passive luck increase from the Lucky Sigil Stone is increased further based on the number of friends and/or family within the range of your Interface party chat. Allies within your aura have increased luck. Enemies within your aura have decreased luck. Each ally within your aura reduces the cost of your Lucky power.

    Nate''s mouth was open with shock as he read the last entry. ¡°I think I just became Dom Toretto.¡±

    ¡°Who''s Dom Toretto?¡± Fuzzball asked as he patted Terry''s gently snoring form.

    ¡°He''s a character from a super hero franchise from my world. They tried to hide it as a series of car racing movies, but the true fans realized what it really was. Dom is extremely lucky, and his luck, like mine, increased as he gained more and more family members. I doubt mine will have exponential growth like his, but I''m excited to find out.¡±

    ¡°Be careful with that. Luck only goes so far. You nearly died today. Again.¡±

 Chapter 11: It Came from Gronwood

    The wreckage smoldered beneath Captain Luma as she and her crew surveyed for any valuables within reach. She reached into her side pouch and withdrew a pair of goggles that Zeff had made for her some time ago.

    After securing them over her eyes she twisted the focus rings on both lenses, activating the magics within them. Glowing points overlaid her view of the wreckage, and she directed her crew to each.

    The shifting sands were busy during this process, slowly flooding the broken vessel. As the sand entered the wreckage it ceased being affected by the portals of air, making the vessel sink faster and faster.

    Luma dove to the captain''s quarters of the enemy vessel, a particular brightness peaking her interest.

    The room, like the airship, leaned at an awkward angle, but Luma used her wings to steady herself. The room was dark, so she summoned four motes of light that drifted into the corners. As a Mothkin she had abilities that let her control light and shadows.

    As was common, most of the furniture was secured to the deck, including the chest in front of the captain''s bed. The cutlass shape she''d seen in the area was emanating from the chest.

    ¡°Come to momma,¡± she purred as she took a small wand from her pouch and tapped the lock.

    With a rush of movement, the Chimeran captain burst out of the chest, sword in hand. Luma was caught by surprise, and paid for that with blood, a gash across her torso. She leapt back, drawing her own blade.

    ¡°Smash and Grab seemed a little premature, Luma.¡±

    ¡°I thought it might have been you, Magrin.¡± Luma said as she struck, blade intercepting blade to neither''s gain.

    Magrin, like other Chimerans, was an amalgamation of different creatures. Her head was draconic, one of the rarer varieties. The scales on her arms, like her head, were glistening blue and ended in sharp talons, while her torso and legs were furred like a tiger''s, large paws serving as her feet. She wore the loose fitting silken garb common among the desert dwellers.

    ¡°Why wouldn''t it be me?¡± Magrin said as she put on the offensive, her prowess shown as she landed a fresh cut to Luma''s right shoulder.

    ¡°You tried a mutiny, then stole my sword before fleeing like a coward,¡± Luma goaded.

    Magrin''s face twisted with rage and she inhaled sharply, breathing out a line of electricity. Luma had leapt to the right, the bolt instead blowing the door off its hinges.

    ¡°I don''t care that you tried to take my ship,¡± Luma dusted herself off and recentered her focus, ¡°but I will have my sword back.¡±

    Luma shifted around Magrin cautiously, their swords nearly touching. Quick strikes met with parries, heavy blows with quick steps that only just got them out from harm''s way. Neither gave any ground.

    ¡°You''ve been training,¡± Luma said, genuinely impressed with Magrin''s skill.

    ¡°You die today,¡± Magrin growled.

    Luma positioned herself near the blasted doorway, into which was slowly gathering sand.

    ¡°Looks like your crew has all but abandoned you. Did they lock you in that chest?¡± Luma''s defensive movement made their fight spill out onto the main deck, which had leveled out over the shifting sands, nearly level with the sand sea.

    With more space to play in, Luma made better use of her wings, distracting and dodging and flying in short bursts to navigate around Magrin, who breathed bolt after bolt after her.

    Then one of her bolts landed, striking a wing and sending Luma spiraling to the deck. She landed hard, struggling to find her footing. When she did, she found her own sword pressed against her neck.

    ¡°Impressive you show no fear in the face of death,¡± Magrin said with a vicious smile.

    ¡°Impressive you forgot that I''m not alone,¡± Luma said as she grimaced from the pain of her smoking wing.

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Elemental bolts, bullets, arrows, and other ranged weapons all struck at Magrin at once. She dropped the sword as she tucked in so her hard scales could protect the rest of her body. And she ran, Luma''s sword cutting deep into her side before she dove into the shifting sands.

    Luma picked up her sword, sighing as though a part of her soul had been returned. The blade was immaculate, with gems inset in the hilt, pommel, and guard. The blade was a metallic blue, shimmering in the sun.

    She drank a potion from her pouch, gently flexed her wing, and took to the skies, leading her crew toward Alogow.

    <hr>

    The wolf-faced Chimeran had cleaned up, his tailored clothing covering the heavy scars across his body and the rune Zolis had etched into his chest. He felt the power of the rune pushing him forward, knowing that if he deviated from his task there would be dire and painful consequences.

    His left hand that was a strong crustacean claw drew a bottle to his lips. He took in several gulps, feeling the burn of the booze into his gut. In his right, he held out a slate with a document on the display. The ship''s captain, a Nessian woman he didn''t care to learn the name of, read it once he''d handed off the slate.

    ¡°You work for Zolis?¡± She said warily.

    He grunted, moving around her to step onto her ship. ¡°We leave now,¡± he growled.

    ¡°We''re still loading up sup-¡± with a lunge the wolf man had her by the throat near where her long neck joined her shoulder.

    He pulled her close enough to smell the strong liquor on his breath, ¡°Ten minutes.¡±

    She nodded, taking in a deep breath when he released her. She barked out some orders and the loading pace increased. It would be several days'' journey to reach the Dead Wood, and she wanted to ensure they had enough provisions. Her crew consisted of the turtlefolk Kappans, tentacled Krakenkin, and more of the serpentine Nessians like herself. All of them beings with affinity for water meant they needed fewer stores of food, able to get what they need from the Atlantris Ocean. Thus, most of their provisions were recreational in nature. Rum and other alcohols, spices, teas and coffees. They did store some food just in case the ocean was light on options or they wanted to change things up.

    Shelldon, a smaller than average kappan with a chef''s hat and a scowl, bolted out from belowdecks. His voice, though an octave higher than other Kappans, carried an air of authority. ¡°Captain Raine! Why is everyone running around my kitchen like jitterfish?¡±

    ¡°New orders! We leave in ten minutes.¡±

    ¡°Because of this chimeran?¡±

    ¡°His boss, technically, but yes.¡±

    ¡°Zolis again?¡± Raine nodded. ¡°What, he sends his big bad wolf to knock someone''s ship over?¡±

    ¡°We''re getting paid for it, so what does it matter?¡± Raine whispered.

    ¡°We nearly lost our ship the last time we had to take a Zolis goon to some random ass port city!¡±

    Raine grabbed Shelldon by the shoulder, crouching to his eye level. ¡°We have to do this. You know what would happen if we refused.¡±

    Shelldon solemnly nodded his agreement and shuddered. The last crew that denied one of Zolis''s ¡®requests¡¯ had washed up to shore, piece by piece, over several months¡¯ time. ¡°I don''t have to like it though.¡±

    ¡°I don''t like it either, but this is a burden we all must share. Try to keep their spirits up, will you?¡±

    ¡°I''ll do my best.¡±

    Three days into their journey, Raine was steering the ship when she felt a strange pulse of energy wash across it. Her navigator, a krakenkin named Garret, ran to her wringing his tentacles nervously.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Our sensors just started acting up.¡±

    ¡°Did you feel that pulse?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No, captain.¡±

    ¡°How did they start acting up? Do we still have our heading?¡±

    Garret nodded, ¡°We are still tracking our location, but it''s like our sensors got overcharged. Some were completely fried. And-¡± He hesitated.

    ¡°Out with it!¡± She demanded.

    ¡°There may be something wrong with our sensors.¡±

    ¡°Stop dancing around it.¡±

    ¡°Normally, this section of ocean has a lower ambient magic concentration, but since the surge it''s like the surrounding area has rebounded to the magic level of the adjacent areas.¡±

    Confusion and concern flashed briefly across Raine''s face. ¡°Why do I get the feeling this involves the Chimeran we have on board?¡±

    <hr>

    Zeff arrived safely into Alogow and began working diligently to get the ramshackle  dwellings ready for Luma and the others. He sat in a lawn chair he had set on a second story balcony next to a moisture condenser, sipping a cup of water when the mothkin drew close enough for him to see them as specks in the sky.

    The condenser sparked and sputtered as the pulse passed through the town. His slate, which he had linked to several sensors he''d set up around Alogow, was making a claxon with abnormal readings.

    He checked the data uploading into his slate and pulled up a map of the surrounding area.

    He muttered to himself. ¡°Started north of town, spreading uniformly south. Slight curvature of triggering sensors. Normal storm would trigger all simultaneously. Must mean a centralized point of origin. Given the distance,¡± he tapped on the image to zoom out showing Alogow, Gronwood, and Saltwatch, ¡°it came from Gronwood.¡±

    Knowing Luma and the rest would be fine once they arrived, Zeff left a note, hefted his pack, and set off, far too curious not to investigate.

 Chapter 12: Guessing Game

    Interface Podium is no longer connected to the Astral Collector and can be claimed. Claim? Yes No.

    Nate stood in front of the podium, Terry still asleep in Fuzzball''s lap on the front pew. He accepted, and the podium''s internal gears began to move, the podium shrinking smaller and smaller until it became an amulet with a chain as dark purple as Terry''s armor plating.

    You have claimed Interface Podium. Interface Podium is bound to you. No one else can use the podium without your implicit permission.

    Nate picked up the amulet. It was a fist sized cube with small gears. ¡°Fuzzball?¡±

    ¡°I saw it.¡±

    ¡°Magic is amazing!¡± He excitedly pumped the air. ¡°Let''s go, Terry! We need to test this thing out.¡± Terry sprang up, accidentally breaking the pew and sprawling Fuzzball to the floor.

    ¡°Really, Terry?¡± Fuzzball groaned as he rose to his feet and followed Nate outside.

    In the open space next to the well, Nate dropped the amulet, stepping several feet away. He channeled magic into it, and the gears churned again, the cube elongating and stretching into an enormous outdoor grill.

    ¡°Oh my,¡± Nate exclaimed, ¡°think of all the deliciousness we can make on this! And look!¡± He opened a cabinet door, revealing shelves stocked with fresh meat and vegetables. ¡°All the food I have in my inventory can be accessed from here!¡±

    He tested the modular aspects of the Interface Podium, changing the grills to ovens, to microwaves, to a fire pit with a rotating spit.

    Fuzzball, though impressed, said, ¡°What else besides food prep can this thing do?¡±

    Adaptive Learning has increased from Novice 15 to Novice 16. Total Fatigue has increased by 1. Progression to Level 10 at 96%.

    Nate ran the podium through its paces, finding that changing its nature quickly over short spans was magically taxing. He made a forge, and like the cooking elements had to trickle in magic for the heating to work. He turned it into a toolshed where the tools he''d gathered from the mine were all organized.

    ¡°How does this know what you have in your inventory?¡± Fuzzball asked as he picked up a pickax from the wall.

    ¡°The message I received said it''s bound to me, so it must be able to access it as part of my interface.¡±

    He changed it again to workbenches suitable for each of the seven crafting skills. Fuzzball was particularly interested in the alchemist station, and they spent several hours fiddling with its elements. His Alchemist Sigil Stone increased the speed at which he could craft alchemical formulae. Nate, who had been learning as much as possible over the short time they had thus far spent together, was hard pressed to keep up with Fuzzball''s efficiency.

    Fuzzball helped him fine tune the station for optimal crafting. Nate made notes in his journal to make sure he could reform the setup later.

    ¡°I''m beat,¡± Nate said as he sat hard on the soft grass. ¡°This sunlight is nice. I think Terry and I will have a nap.¡±

    ¡°Do you mind if I continue?¡± Fuzzball asked.

    ¡°Of course! You can apply your own magic to work the systems, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Terry curled up behind Nate, who rested his head on the astral maw''s leathery stomach, giving it a light rub. ¡°Don''t let me sleep too long.¡±

    The sky was all reds and purples when Nate woke up. Fuzzball was still at work.

    ¡°Why did you let me sleep so late?!¡± Nate said, exasperated.

    Fuzzball looked up from his work, ¡°What? It hasn''t been that- oh. Sorry, I must have lost track of time.¡±

    Much to Nate''s surprise, his skin wasn''t red from overexposure to sunlight. It was warm to the touch, of course, much like Terry''s.

    ¡°Am I so magical now that I don''t sunburn?¡± he asked aloud.

    ¡°I wouldn''t know,¡± Fuzzball said, refocused on his potion making.

    ¡°What have you been doing all this time? And why do you smell like fresh laundry?¡±

    Fuzzball presented Nate with a small vial of a pearlescent liquid. ¡°First, I can use magic to make the vials. It takes a lot of it to make a permanent one, but you could make several that lasted a few days for the same amount, or many that last an hour. It varies.¡±

    Nate tried the same thing, and found it took nearly his full magic bar to make a vial that lasted a day. ¡°Not practical at my current abilities, but good to know. What is this liquid?¡±

    ¡°I''ve been experimenting with the plants we have available, and I''ve found a way to make a specialized cleaner.¡±

    ¡°This stuff?¡±

    ¡°Yep! I poured a vial of it over myself not too long before you woke up. I don''t know what to call it yet.¡±

    Nate tipped the vial over his head and felt a cooling sensation like he''d stepped into a cool shower. Dirt and blood and other materials that dirtied his clothing seemed to dissolve away. He smelled himself, finding the same fresh linen scent.

    ¡°Fuzzball, if this doesn''t already exist, you might just have a million dollar invention. I''ve never felt so clean in my entire life! I think even my teeth are clean!¡±

    ¡°Not sure it''s practical for long term creation, as it took me several hours just make those two vials, but perhaps we can refine the process. Also, what are dollars?¡±

    ¡°Money from where I''m from.¡± A low noise rumbled out from Terry as he abruptly stood, looking toward the south. ¡°I''m sorry I didn''t save you any, buddy.¡±

    Terry ran in the direction he was looking, his claws digging deep ruts into the dirt as he ran. Nate shouted after him, then followed along. Fuzzball stayed behind. Nate started their chat link as he ran, taking every chance he got to jump over fences, onto rooftops, and through any space he could reasonably navigate. As he caught up, his aura sense picked up someone new. His HUD compass showed the dot as blue, which Nate took as a positive.

    Terry was chasing a blue skinned man who looked a bit younger than Nate, moving easily though he carried a hefty looking backpack.

    ¡°To me, Terry!¡± Nate called out. ¡°Don''t worry, stranger, Terry won''t really hurt you unless I tell him.¡±

    Terry stopped chasing the man and moved to stand next to Nate, his four glowing eyes narrowed at the newcomer, who pulled a tablet connected via cable to a wand that he waved around. The slate began beeping.

    ¡°An astral creature of some sort. Heart rate indicates it is terrifying in nature until heeled by,¡± Zeff looked up from his notes, ¡°a human?¡±

    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°My name''s Nate. Welcome to Gronwood!¡±

    ¡°Zeff. Did you cause that pulse yesterday?¡±

    ¡°I think so? Not intentionally. Are you hungry? Fuzzball and I will be having a late dinner soon.¡± Zeff''s stomach growled loudly enough that Nate heard it. ¡°Well, that settles it! Come eat with us.¡±

    Zeff stared with unabashed wonder as Nate led him to the mobile alchemy station that he changed into a grill. Fuzzball, to similar wonder, was a sasquatch!

    ¡°I have so many questions,¡± Zeff said.

    Nate, now wearing an apron that said ¡®I came to Gronwood and all I got was Dope Ass Magic Powers!¡¯ trickled in magic to fire the grill and plucked some slabs of steelbeak from behind the counter, tossing a raw one at Terry, who happily snatched it from the air. He summoned his multitool, which he turned into a spatula with small tines on the front face. ¡°We have many of our own. As this is a special occasion, how do you like your steak?¡±

    <hr>

    The Aquanaut skimmed swiftly over the waters of the Atlantris Ocean. Captain Raine stood at the helm, her nervousness growing stronger the closer they got to their destination. Shelldon had brought her a skewer of grilled fish, and she chewed thoughtfully as she looked over the waters.

    As though stepping from her shadow, the Chimeran appeared next to her, similarly contemplative and holding a skewer of grilled fish. Raine said nothing, trying to ignore her latest problem even as he turned to look at her.

    ¡°Your cook is skilled,¡± he said, drawing a shocked expression.

    ¡°Yes he is.¡±

    ¡°My name is Skelwulf,¡± the Chimeran said.

    Raine''s expression shifted from shock to realization. ¡°Zolis''s personal hunter,¡± she whispered.

    Skelwulf nodded.

    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±

    ¡°We draw near to the shores of the Dead Wood. My target is south in the ruined town of Gronwood.¡±

    ¡°Never been that far inland here.¡±

    Skelwulf reached into a pocket of his suit and handed her a palm sized orb. ¡°You will stay nearby once we reach landfall, I will contact you through this orb every day at dusk. If I don''t contact you for two dusks, you are free to go as I am likely dead.¡±

    Raine tucked away the orb and said nothing, returning to looking over the waters as Skelwulf slipped away. He had thus far been a very good stowaway. Her crew barely noticed he was even there, except when he appeared for meals. That one conversation was the most words she''d heard from him all the journey thus far.

    She still didn''t like the forced job, but with Zolis paying twice the day rate, it was an acceptable risk. She could keep her crew afloat for longer, maybe even take a long deserved break after all this was done.

    <hr>

    ¡°Those smell amazing!¡± Fuzzball exclaimed as Nate set the plates on one of the tables in the tavern that Zeff noticed had been named the Gronwood Cantina, under which it read ¡®You will never find a more restful hive of grub and flippancy. We hope you''re hungry!¡¯

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Nate accepted graciously, ¡°the ramps really tie it all together.¡±

    After they''d mostly cleaned their plates, Zeff continued his questioning. ¡°So you woke up here in Gronwood and found Fuzzball frozen in a chest?¡±

    ¡°Yep! We''ve been rebuilding this place ever since.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Our question next, Zeff, that''s how this game works.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said as he chewed his last bit of steak.

    ¡°I didn''t see your type of being when¡­ I arrived. Are you from around here?¡±

    ¡°I''m not sure, to be honest. I haven''t run into any others like me except for once in the Floating City, but he disappeared in the crowd before I could approach him. My earliest memory was when I was young and swimming through the sand. I''ve bounced around from job to job since then. What exactly is Terry?¡±

    ¡°He''s my familiar as of a few hours ago. He''s an Astral Maw, though that may present more questions than answers.¡± Nate watched Zeff pull a semitransparent pane of glass from his backpack, text appearing on it as he began to tap away. ¡°Is that a tablet?¡±

    ¡°We call them slates. They''re connected to the Scene for information input and output,¡± he looked pointedly at Fuzzball, ¡°Can you really become blurry?¡±

    Fuzzball seemed to begin vibrating at a frequency that blurred his appearance. Zeff made more notes into his slate.

    ¡°What is the Scene?¡±

    ¡°You might call it something different here. It''s the SCN. Storm Chaser Network. It taps into the ambient magic across Terra to power its communication grid. It has several colloquial names, but we call it the Scene. Given that you have a familiar, how many sigil stones do you have?¡±

    ¡°I have three. Fuzzball has two,¡± he looked at the no longer blurry Fuzzball.

    ¡°Alchemy and Garden,¡± Fuzzball curled his hand into a fist that covered in vines to accentuate the point.

    Zeff nodded, ¡°Explains the farm you have out back. I have one, Technology.¡±

    ¡°What does that sigil stone do?¡± Fuzzball asked.

    ¡°It gives me insight on how technology functions, including such things as how to fix or sabotage them, or to construct new things within my Novice capabilities. And I can use my magic to enhance those abilities further.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you may be a good friend to have, Zeff.¡±

    ¡°I make myself useful where I can,¡± he said with a smile.

    Nate reached out his hand. Zeff wasn''t sure how to respond, so he just reached his hand out in the same fashion. Nate grabbed and shook it.

    Zeffrey von Zeppelberg. Level 16 Elementoid (Air) Novice.

    ¡°That''s very Dungeons and Dragons of you, Zeffrey,¡± Nate said.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you didn''t get on a roller coaster and appear here, only to be harassed by a short, balding wizard in red robes?¡±

    ¡°You''ve lost me.¡±

    ¡°You know, constantly under attack by a dumb one-horned overlord and a five headed dragon god?¡±

    ¡°Are you following this, Fuzzball?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± Fuzzball savored another bite.

    ¡°It''s fine. Maybe one day I can introduce you to television.¡±

    ¡°Sounds great!¡± Zeff was sincere in his curiosity about things he didn''t know, especially if technological in nature.

    ¡°Are there any other Elementoids like you around?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°El-what now?¡±

    ¡°You- don''t know what you are?¡±

    Zeff scrolled through his notes and began rambling. ¡°I haven''t been able to discover that through my research. I know the things I can do because of what I am, like holding my breath for an extremely long time, but I haven''t found¡­¡±

    Nate began to feel like he''d made a mistake as Zeff''s eyes grew wider and wider.

    ¡°You have the Interface Sigil Stone!¡±

    Terry silently stepped behind Zeff, awaiting a command from Nate, sensing potential danger.

    ¡°I do, yes. Is that bad? Is this something I should be keeping to myself?¡±

    ¡°No! It''s amazing! And maybe? Some people in power may want to control that ability if it comes out you have it. Only one other person has ever been found to have had one across Terra.¡±

    ¡°And where are they now?¡±

    ¡°No idea,¡± Zeff shrugged, continuing to scroll on the slate. ¡°So, Interface and Familiar. What''s the third one?¡±

    ¡°What are you looking up there?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°The Scene has a database for known sigil stones and their abilities. With three it awakens your aura, depending on the three stones you have. I can look it up.¡±

    Nate opened his friends list, seeing Zeff had been added. His new aura senses felt only curiosity from him, not any malice. ¡°Let''s make a game of it.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡±

    ¡°I want you to guess. Do you have any coins?¡±

    ¡°What are coins?¡±

    Nate ignored the question, ¡°Dice?¡±

    ¡°Coins are dice?¡±

    ¡°No, do you have any dice?¡±

    Zeff reached into his pack and pulled out a cup that rattled with dice. ¡°Of course! We use them to pass the time on the ship.¡±

    Nate picked up the cup and emptied them onto the table. Ten dice with ten sides spilled out. He picked one up to inspect it. There were symbols his Interface stone translated into numbers he recognized. Each was numbered one through ten.

    ¡°I''m going to give you a big clue to start, okay?¡±

    Zeff enthusiastically nodded.

    ¡°I''m going to roll a three,¡± Nate said, activating his Lucky power. With Fuzzball, Terry and now Zeff in close proximity, it cost him nearly nothing to control the roll. The dice read three.

    Zeff searched the slate database. ¡°No blurring or color flashes. Must be a subtle ability. Rules out Time, Psychic, and Ghost sigil stones. Could still be a few options. Cooldown?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Okay, so not Metal or Stone for control of the dice or Wood for the table materials.¡±

    ¡°How many sigil stone types are there?¡±

    ¡°Over 500, for sure. I don''t know the exact number.¡±

    Nate whistled. ¡°That''s a lot of choices.¡±

    ¡°And many are prohibitively rare and expensive. Do it again.¡±

    Nate picked up two dice. ¡°Both ten.¡± He rolled as he said.

    Zeff searched for longer this time, applying filters and muttering to himself. A confident smile crossed his face. ¡°I''ve got it!¡±

 Chapter 13: We may have a Luckomancer

    The Gunda Mountains were the primary feature of the large island far southwest of Gronwood. Two fortress cities were constructed long ago within the range, Glimmergard to the north near a wetland nestled in a wide valley called Middenmarsh and Automaport to the south near the Dark Swamp. The Gunda River flows south from the Middenmarsh and the Dark Swamp.

    Vibrant fluorescent lights dotted Glimmergard, a bright spot among the dark mountain faces. Damian Cashew, a stout dwarf with dark grey skin, spiked black hair and tightly groomed beard stood in the middle of his penthouse office, his red headband securing his hair from obscuring vision, his hands calmly behind his back.

    His ruby gemstone eyes surveyed the open space, his desk and other office furniture pushed against the walls. Five fighters stood around him, all adorned in martial art gis.

    Each activated their abilities.

    The chimeran with a zebra head and torso and scaly alligator arms and legs, grew a foot taller, her skin turning golden metallic.

    The kappan''s turtle shell grew fiery spikes that he could pluck and throw or use as brutal clubs.

    The gorgonian, her snake hair hissing aggressively, extended a whip of green vines that ended in flowers bearing rows of teeth.

    The phoenixfolk, a humanoid bird with feathers ranging from yellow to red that shifted like flames, raised his fists to guard his face, his clawed hands encased in glowing sky blue ice.

    The Thunderstag''s lightning antlers bristled as he bolstered his speed, his hands and feet becoming blurred as he quickstepped.

    They all moved simultaneously, their auras leading before physical contact. The Thunderstag was quicker by far than the rest, his aura attempting to slow Damian''s movement as he punched at his face.

    Damian sidestepped the blow, shifting his weight to present a target to the phoenixfolk''s icy fist. The fist struck true, ice encrusting Damian''s right shoulder as he continued his flowing movement, his hands never leaving their relaxed state behind his back.

    The fiery spike from the kappan struck the ice on his shoulder, the elements dissipating one another. The chimeran grabbed his left arm, and he pivoted, the lashing whip of the gorgonian biting at the chimeran''s metal arm instead.

    The fight continued for some time, with Damian navigating around his five foes, redirecting or simply avoiding their strikes. They began showing signs of exhaustion and desperation, making more and more reckless maneuvers.

    Damian unclasped his hands, his movement becoming a blur. He finished in a position looking out over the city as the five combatants collapsed behind him, unconscious.

    A well dressed grey haired human shifted from next to Damian''s desk, a white towel tucked over his right arm. He snapped a finger and the penthouse doors opened, four other servants entering the room holding rolls of fabric. They unrolled them next to each of the unconscious forms and channeled into them, the fabric tightening and hardening. They worked together to load each on the fabric and the hardened cloth boards floated up.

    ¡°Well done, as usual, sir,¡± the man said as the combatants were all floated out of the room.

    ¡°They fought well for Adepts. Increase their training. Have we pinpointed the next storm?¡±

    ¡°No, sir. The last one over the Dead Wood was the last recorded six weeks ago.¡±

    ¡°Six weeks is a long gap,¡± Damian said as he pushed his furniture back in place.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Yes, sir. That may have to do with the energy pulse we-¡±

    Damian''s desk, its surface a large slate, made a sharp notification sound. They shared a look, and Damian appeared before his desk, tapping several runes.

    A holographic globe appeared, with several minor flashing lights throughout and one bright spot centered on Gronwood. Damian tapped the hologram and a window appeared, showing an inquiry in the SCN sigil stone database.

    ¡°Someone''s been looking up sigil stone interactions with the Interface stone,¡± Damian mused.

    ¡°Several people have over the years, sir. That could just be some random researcher.¡±

    ¡°The filters were altered over time, looking for something in particular. Interface, Familiar, and¡­¡± he trailed off.

    ¡°And what, sir?¡±

    ¡°We may have a luckomancer.¡±

    Conroy''s eyebrows raised slightly, but he said nothing.

    Damian tapped more runes, the globe dissolving as a translucent chimeran materialized who mostly resembled a humanoid golden retriever except for the ram horns that wrapped around his floppy ears and his cloven sheep hooves that made it difficult to find appropriate shoes. He wore a lab coat, thick glasses, and was holding a clipboard.

    ¡°-reason we do these experiments! Poison mist isn''t supposed to dissolve the glass unless someone misenchanted it! Fix it now!¡± The chimeran barked, not realizing he''d been contacted.

    ¡°Stephen, it sounds like your research is going well.¡± Stephen jumped, a short whine of surprise slipping out.

    ¡°Damian! We aren''t scheduled for another three days.¡±

    ¡°Something''s come up. Send a Storm Chaser team to Gronwood.¡±

    ¡°Acquisition or alliance?¡±

    ¡°Start with alliance, but have them prepare for acquisition.¡±

    ¡°Certainly, sir. This about the delayed storm?¡±

    ¡°No. Do we have open Null cells?¡± That got Stephen''s attention. ¡°I''ll explain in a bit. Call an emergent meeting. I''ll be right down.¡±

    Damian was the Fist of the Scuffle Alliance, one of five conglomerate companies that formed the group known as the Storm Chasers. The elevator dropped quickly several floors down, opening into a large open space with a round table whose center was a series of holographic displays.

    As they were closest, Damian and Conroy arrived before everyone else. Conroy stood quietly behind Damian''s chair as they waited for the others to arrive.

    Within 15 minutes, the table was full. Stephen sat across the way from Damian, still wearing his lab coat.

    To Damian¡¯s right sat Mika Rian, the human currently serving as the Heart of the Scuffle Alliance. Her short red coat barely reached her midsection, and her tight blue dress stopped mid thigh. She looked annoyed to have been interrupted, but smiled at Damian nonetheless.

    To Damian¡¯s left sat Frank Cashew, another Dwarf who looked nearly identical to himself, except he stood a few inches taller and was thin and wiry with tinges of grey at his roots. He served as the Brain of the Scuffle Alliance, and he straightened his pressed suit before sitting, nodding politely at his younger brother Damian.

    Also at the table sat the Knee, a colorful Mothkin named Kiran Black wearing equally colorful and distracting attire, and the Foot, a pure rat Chimeran named Sprinter, his white suit with red pocket square blending well with his white fur and red eyes. His nose twitched as he sat.

    ¡°I¡¯ve called this meeting for full transparency,¡± Damian said.

    ¡°Please tell me this couldn¡¯t have been handled in a slate-mail?¡± Kiran, despite her colorful appearance, was usually in a sour mood. ¡°Our manufacturing doesn¡¯t run itself.¡±

    ¡°You can spare a few minutes,¡± Damian said, ¡°I wanted you all to hear this from me before the rumor mill took hold. We may have tracked down a Luckomancer.¡±

    Fierce whispering cascaded over the room. Damian raised his hand and they dropped to silence. ¡°It is paramount that we control this as long as possible.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what the Storm Chaser group was sent out for?¡± Sprinter squeaked out the words in a high, adorable voice.

    ¡°We will try to form an alliance with the Luckomancer, and capture them if necessary. Our hope is that the Luckomancer is still early in their power.¡±

    Frank nodded, ¡°Getting them on board early will make our competitors green with envy.¡±

    ¡°And keeping them on good terms should reduce the risk of them using their abilities against the Scuffle Alliance,¡± Mika said.

    ¡°That is the plan. I¡¯ve sent the Storm Chasers with our standard Luckomancer treasures and a contract should they choose to accept the gifts.¡±

    ¡°And we take him by force if he refuses?¡± Frank asked, though he already knew the answer.

    ¡°Naturally.¡±

 Chapter 14: Portal Problems

    Zeff was still furiously implementing notes. ¡°Familial Luckomancy is an incredible aura ability, but it has limitations.¡±

    ¡°Like how many friends I have?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°Like the cost when things are dire could be deadly.¡±

    ¡°That''s why I need more friends,¡± Nate said. ¡°Keep that cost as low as possible.¡±

    ¡°It drains your fatigue and magic simultaneously, and when those are done it spikes through your exhaustion, so pushing too much can render you unconscious. Which makes you an easy target.¡±

    ¡°Which is why we need to train and get stronger, so this doesn''t happen.¡± Nate patted Terry''s head. ¡°And so Terry here can grow big and strong!¡±

    ¡°Speaking of Terry,¡± Zeff said, ¡°There isn''t much information on the Scene about Astral Maws. What it does have is not good.¡±

    ¡°Can I look at the slate?¡± Nate asked. Zeff slid it over. He had the Bestiary app open.

    The Astral Maw is a being of great and terrible hunger, feeding on anything it can find. Most are banished to the Astral Plane, but some have been known to escape and wreak havoc on Terra until put down or returned to the Astral.

    When Nate touched the slate to read further, a window appeared.

    Storm Chaser Slate. This device is capable of accessing the Storm Chaser Network data such as that associated with Sigil Stones and various known flora and fauna. Copy data? Yes No.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Nate said with perhaps more vigor than he meant to. The display on the slate lifted from the glass, spiraling into a line that connected to Nate''s forehead. After several seconds, a new window appeared.

    Databases updated. Journal has been updated. Bestiary has been updated. Item Identification tab added. Item database has been updated. All known recipes have been added to your Recipes list. Ingredient database has been updated.

    Updating your Interface Sigil has bolstered your Adaptive Learning skill.

    Adaptive Learning has increased from Novice 16 to Novice 25. Total Fatigue has increased by 9. Progression to Level 10 at 100%. Progression to Level 11 at 32%. Please select your primary stat to be increased. Current Health: 166/166. Current Fatigue: 157/157. Current Magic: 175/175.

    Nate chose to increase his Magic. His body glowed briefly green as he received a new message.

    Your Adaptive Learning skill has reached Novice 25. You have unlocked Contact Identification.

    Contact Identification. Passive ability. Cooldown: none. Touching an object or creature imparts basic knowledge about said object or creature. Touching Novice ranked magic items grants inherent understanding of their uses and abilities.

    Nate touched the table before him and the word ¡®Table¡¯ appeared above his hand, beneath which, in smaller text, were the ingredients listed to create it. Some of the ingredients had the letter ¡®R¡¯ in parentheses after them. He focused and found he could easily turn the effect off if he so chose.

    ¡°Quilly, is the R a reference to my Resourceful skill?¡±

    Help: Resourceful Ingredient Listing. Any ingredient in a recipe with an R at its rear is one used in the weaker Resourceful variant of the object. More durable, higher quality pieces must be crafted at crafting tables such as your Interface Podium using the full ingredient list.

    Zeff was looking over Terry, but got Fuzzball''s attention. ¡°Does Nate talk to his interface stone often?¡±

    ¡°All the time.¡±

    ¡°Does he know he doesn''t have to?¡±

    ¡°Doubt it.¡±

    ¡°You know I can hear you, right?¡± Nate said as he dismissed the window.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Zeff said, resuming his notetaking.

    Nate stood and strode out of the tavern. ¡°Time for some testing!¡±

    Stolen story; please report.

    Terry ran in excited circles around Nate as they walked out to the eastern farm. The fields were predominately abandoned, with the corner nearest the town square showing signs of Fuzzball''s gardening. Nate took out the Astral Essence Stone.

    Essence Stone of Astral Step. Type: Ingredient. Weight: 1 lb. Value: 1000 gold pieces. A worn object enchanted with this stone grants the wearer the Astral Step ability.

    Power: Astral Step. Cooldown: None. Cost: 30 magic points per second, 30 fatigue points per second. Effect: Create an astral portal between two points you can see within a number of feet equal to your total Magic. Portal can be set at any angle, but both portals are created at the same angle.

    To ensure he remembered properly, he rechecked his Familiar Sigil Stone.

    Familiar Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain one Familiar Slot and can gain a familiar. Familiars grant you abilities based on the creature and your current rank. You may use certain essence gems to teach them new abilities.

    Terry, who had grown another inch or so taller with Nate''s advancement to level 10, had run all the way to the far edge of the field and was rooting around in the dirt. Nate sent a mental command to him, and Terry rushed back to stand before him, a rat-mole tail twitching from the side of his mouth.

    ¡°Finish up and we''ll get started.¡± With a slurp the tail shot into his mouth like the last noodle. Terry swallowed and nodded. ¡°Do you know how to absorb this?¡± Nate held up the essence stone.

    Terry grabbed it with his right hand and put the stone in his mouth, biting down hard. The gem shattered, its swirling enchantment swallowed as Terry chewed.

    Your Astral Maw familiar has learned Astral Step. You gain the Astral Step ability while Terry is your familiar.

    Nate held a hand above his head, ¡°Astral Sense and Astral Step! Hell yeah!¡± Terry, not knowing what a high five was, rose up on his toes to nuzzle as his death rattle purr spread across the field.  As Nate patted Terry, his vision was drawn to threads of astral energy streaming into the field. A window popped up in his vision.

    Quest: Portal Problems

    Objective: Close the portal.

    Reward: Blood Fusion Essence Stone, 15 gold pieces.

    Accept? Yes No.

    ¡°Yes. Quilly, what''s a Blood Fusion Essence Stone?¡±

    Help: Blood Fusion Essence Stone. This stone is used to forge a stronger bond between allies. Enchanting a wearable item grants the wearer the Blood Link ability. If consumed by a familiar, a different ability manifests depending on the familiar.

    Blood Link. Passive. Cooldown: 2 hours. You may choose an ally within your aura. For the next 10 minutes any damage taken by either linked person is split between them.

    ¡°Oh, that''s cool! What portal is it-¡±

    A swirl of blue light the size of a barn door appeared near where Terry had caught the rat-mole.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Fuzzball asked.

    ¡°A manifestation portal,¡± Zeff answered as he pulled his large wrench from his backpack. ¡°Monsters are coming.¡±

    Nate summoned his bow and Fuzzball clenched his fists as the first creatures began bursting from the portal. The four of them ran at the incoming monsters.

    Rat-moles.

    Terry was faster and reached the rat-moles first, shredding them as they dove to bite at him. Nate opened a portal to get within bow range, a smaller portal of similar color opening before him. Stepping through felt like stepping through a cool waterfall, though he came out the other side completely dry. Orange arrows pinned writhing monsters and vine covered furry fists and heavy wrench knocked them away in droves.

    The portal kept spitting them out, and they were getting larger.

    Zeff smashed the one nearest to him with a hefty wrench chop as Nate spoke over party chat.

    ¡°Zeff! They''re getting bigger. What''s the deal?¡±

    ¡°The portal is building power. Looks like we should be getting different ones-¡± the first steelbeak strode out of the portal looking angry and confused, ¡°-now.¡±

    A wave of steelbeaks chopped away nearby rat-moles, some running away from Nate''s newfound group of friends toward the relative safety of the woods.

    But, like the rat-mole phase, the steelbeaks kept coming, and not all of them fled into the Dead Wood. Fuzzball, as the group''s strongest member, was faring the best. Close calls had nearly cost Zeff an arm and Nate a leg, but Nate''s aura had its usefulness.

    Where a steelbeak axehead peck would have cut deep, a bump from an adjacent one would knock it off balance enough to make the cut shallow. A shifting stumble would avoid a strike by a hair''s breadth rather than cause an opening.

    Then Nate fed magic and fatigue into his Lucky power. With three friends within his aura, the cost was low. The cost to the steelbeaks was high.

    Though it wasn''t noticeable at first, the battle began to shift. Several of the steelbeaks, more intelligent than the rat-moles, felt the aura activate and fled, reducing the numbers.

    Those that stayed did not fare well. A stumbling step placed a steelbeak in an intercept position, its head rolling from the chop of another. Nate fired an arrow only to see it pierce through the neck of one to deflect into the neck of another.

    ¡°Double Kill!¡± Nate''s voice dropped as he mimicked the Halo multiplayer narrator.

    Terry fought with a frenzy Nate did not expect. Vicious claws ripped into steelbeak throats, his huge maw crunching skull and beak alike. Nate found that he could feel every cut that Terry received, like a subtle pressure in his head.

    The steelbeaks continued increasing in size, up to the height of a large horse. Nate had to pump more and more into his Lucky power to maintain their edge.

    ¡°I''m going to have to stop my power to recover,¡± he said over chat, ¡°get ready.¡±

    As he stopped his channeling, a new creature emerged from the manifestation portal.

 Chapter 15: Unexpected Assistance

    The Aquanaut had set anchor a few hundred feet from the shore. Captain Raine informed Skelwulf and he''d leapt from the ship, swimming faster than any of their dinghies could take him.

    ¡°Remember, I''ll check in every day at dusk. Two days with no checks, you''re free to go,¡± he''d reminded her before his swim to shore.

    Skelwulf sniffed the air as he ran tirelessly through the woods. The ruins of Saltwatch gave him pause, and he slowed to a walk as he passed through.

    Vines had grown over houses before themselves shriveling black and dry, leaving each building looking like it had cracked like glass from foundation to peak. Worse still were the bodies. Standing in midwalk, sitting at overgrown tables, lying in the streets were vine covered skeletal remains. He saw items born upon many of the dead, etched runes long drained of magic.

    The pulse he''d felt days ago had invigorated him, bringing to his mind numerous possibilities. If the Astral Collector had been destroyed as he thought, the magic of the surrounding area would begin its recuperation to normal levels. The astral energy would begin flooding in, causing manifestations of life to hasten the return of the delicate balance.

    He stopped in front of what had been the town''s inn, kneeling to inspect a small leafy green plant that had sprouted through a crack in the stone street. He plucked it and rolled it between his fingers, enjoying the vibrant smell emanating as he crushed it.

    He turned to the south and continued running, leaping over the inn and other buildings that stood in his way.

    <hr>

    Luma and her crew arrived in Alogow several hours after Zeff had begun his trek north to investigate the energy pulse. She issued commands for storing their loot and her crew set about returning to their assigned living quarters.

    With a flap of her wings she alighted onto the balcony that held one of their water collectors, pouring a glass for herself. She set her retrieved sword on the small table and picked up the note left behind by Zeff.

    Captain,

    I''m sure you felt the pulse of energy that passed through this area. Our sensors indicated that the pulse came from the north, likely from Gronwood or Saltwatch. I''ve gone ahead to investigate and will report as soon as I return.

    Zeff

    She had indeed felt it, as it nearly knocked them from the air. She re-read it again and slowly stood, returning her sword to her side. Hopping down to the ground, Luma called out to her crew.

    Though mostly Mothkin, her crew has several Chimerans, two Dwarves, and one Elf, who currently served as her new second in command.

    First Mate Ellisandra Woodwalker was, for an Elf, bulky, her thick, ropy muscles largely on display as she wore a loose fitting vest with only the lowest button secured and the billowy silken pants common for those who dwell in the Sand Sea. She wore no shoes, preferring to feel the ground beneath her with no barriers, and she carried no weapon.

    ¡°Yes, Captain?¡± Ellisandra said as she lived nearest to Luma''s quarters. Her voice was soft like rain falling through a leafy canopy.

    ¡°Zeff has ventured north in pursuit of whatever caused the pulse we felt on our journey here. After you''ve rested, take a few of the crew and make sure he''s okay. I don''t know what he''ll find, but I presume he''ll need help and he''s proven himself worthy of our crew time and again.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡± She said with a salute, heading back among the crew to issue new commands.

    <hr>

    The creature that strode from the portal was bipedal and looked like a tangled mass of vines, overlapping lines forming its musculature, its eyes pools of glowing amber. It looked around at the mass of fleeing confused steelbeaks, and at Nate and company fighting what remained.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°What is that? And how do we stop this?¡± Nate asked as Terry approached the vine monster. It stood almost twice as tall as Terry, but when they neared each other, the creature''s eyes widened and it turned to run away.

    ¡°Shambler!¡± Zeff said as Terry, instead of rushing the shambler leapt at the portal, biting a cartoonish hole in the side of the portal as he devoured the energy.

    ¡°Great idea, Terry! Keep eating!¡± Two more shamblers stumbled out of the portal. ¡°We''ll keep them busy.¡±

    The shamblers were brimming with astral energies. Nate could sense the power emanating from the creatures. ¡°These are tougher than anything we''ve faced before,¡± he whispered to the group.

    ¡°Is it weird that I''m kind of excited?¡± The look on his face quickly shifted to determination as Fuzzball surged forward, a strike from the nearest stretching out into a thick root sphere that launched the sasquatch rolling through his patch of garden.

    Nate loosed the rest of his arrows, which did almost nothing to the shamblers, and switched to his elemental bolts. The obvious idea was fire first, and like kindling the forwardmost shambler was set ablaze. Its eyes shifted from amber to red and the flames across its body changed to green in a wave centered from its chest.

    Nate fired ice next to counter the flames, but the shard of ice melted away. He shouted to draw the attention of the other shambler.  He fired ice into the new one, and it changed into an icey shambler, its eyes a cold blue.

    He motioned for them both and they charged at him. He triggered his Lucky power as they each swung fists at him, and he opened a portal beneath him, landing softly on the grass about 20 feet behind his original position.

    Fire and ice crashed together. The forces, naturally opposed, manifested as anger within the shamblers and the two began to fight among themselves, trampling several steelbeaks that were pursuing Zeff.

    The mutinous combat only lasted a few seconds before their eyes shifted back to amber and the ice and fire dissipated. They each turned to glare at Nate. They charged at him, and he made to run away.

    Loud pops and twangs sounded from the road as bullets and arrows pierced Nate''s pursuers. Ellisandra leapt over the fence and charged at Zeff, who had just received a nasty gash from a steelbeak.

    Nate could see she was strong, both physically and using his aura. She extended her left hand flat, her fingers melding together as they turned metallic, a blade piercing through the steelbeak''s hard skull.

    ¡°Elly!¡± Zeff said with relief. ¡°Captain sent you?¡±

    ¡°No time for that now, kid.¡±  She held out her right hand with her fingers splayed. It became a buckler just as another steelbeak pecked down at her, glancing off.

    ¡°Right!¡± Zeff reached into his backpack and rolled a 6 inch cube into the grass. It expanded into a tripod mounted turret, the barrels etched with runes. He hefted his wrench as another of the crew stepped up to start laying out ordinance.

    ¡°You had that this whole time!¡± Nate chastised him through chat as he summoned his bow and continued running and shooting at the shamblers.

    ¡°It''s very costly to use and its cooldown is long. Didn''t want to waste it,¡± Zeff said as he deflected the downward chop of a steelbeak, sparks flying from his oversized wrench.

    A hail of large, magically strengthened bullets tore the leg off one of the shamblers.

    ¡°Good call. Who are these new peo-¡± the shambler caught up to Nate and punched him hard in the chest, sending him into the air. Fuzzball caught him and set him gasping on his feet.

    Fuzzball''s rage was evident in his face as he turned to the shamblers. ¡°You made me damage my own garden!¡± He stepped toward them, plants growing up around his legs and over his arms, growing in an instant what looked like oversized acorn shells over his fists.

    Though he was almost half their size, his fist struck theirs with more power than Nate had ever seen Fuzzball use. The plant life of the shambler''s arm turned against the rest of the shambler, whipping to wrap the creature like a cocoon.

    Terry had the portal down to half its original size as three more shamblers squeezed out. Terry, whose stature had been increasing with each bite, now stood nearly twelve feet tall, making shorter and shorter work of the portal as his mouth grew ever larger.

    ¡°Part of the airship crew,¡± Zeff answered through the chat. ¡°Elly is the first mate.¡±

    ¡°She''s the elven T-1000?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Never mind. Tell them I''m going to send them chat invitations.¡±

    They were confused before the message came through.

    ¡°Elly? My name is Nate. The big purple one is my familiar Terry. Don''t shoot at him. The sassy sasquatch is Fuzzball. He''s with us too.¡±

    ¡°How are you-¡±

    ¡°Not important right now. Let''s finish this.¡±

    A loud burp that sounded more like a sonic boom cascaded across the field.

    Quest: Portal Problems complete. Rewards have been added to your inventory.

 Chapter 16: Distraction

    After finishing his consumption of the portal, Terry stood 15 feet tall, astral energy visibly emanating from his musculature. His claws dug deep grooves in the ground as he leapt at one of the five remaining shamblers. It lashed at him even as he picked it up by the torso, grabbed one of its legs, and ripped it in half.

    The expenditure of strength shrank him down a foot, still taller than the next shambler that he struck with the two halves of the first.

    Elly and her crew worked outward from Zeff''s turret, using well honed tactics to keep the swarming steelbeaks and rat-moles at bay as three of the other crew switched between firing the turret as their magic ran out. Nate fought alongside Fuzzball, healing when and where he was able, summoning his bow each time he ran out of arrows.

    The field became slick with blood and riddled with corpses of monsters. Nate had to optimize his maneuverability to traverse without tripping or slipping. The shambler that lost its leg had since grown it back using mass from other parts of itself, growing visibly less dense as it did so.

    ¡°Turret bros? Names?¡± The three mothkin gunners identified themselves as Galad, Umberto, and Nicholas. ¡°Focus on severing limbs from the shamblers. It seems to weaken the whole. That''s what she said.¡±

    ¡°That''s what who said? Elly?¡±

    ¡°I said nothing of the sort,¡± she protested as her blade hand neatly severed the leg off one of the shamblers.

    ¡°Just do it!¡± Nate said, unable to keep a grunt from his voice as he dove out of the way of a shambler fist.

    The shambler stepped forward in a lunge with its other fist. Nate gripped his bow with both hands and pushed up in an attempt to block the strike, only to feel its dead weight nearly knock him to the ground.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± he said as he stepped through another portal to a point at the edge of his shortbow''s range. He restocked his quiver and loosed more arrows, causing as much chaos as possible.

    Ellisandra took advantage of the chaos, rushing in and chopping a heavy blow to finish severing a shambler''s swinging arm before it smashed into her. As it fell, thick vines shot through the ground and arched over Umberto and the turret, suddenly constricting and crushing them into the ground. A cry of pain cut off short as blood and mechanical fluid covered the crushing vines.

    Nate could feel the pain and rage from Ellisandra and the rest of her crew, especially Zeff, but he couldn''t tell if it was from the chat or his new aura sense. The rage set the final push in motion, and the cacophony of battle soon changed to the silence of sorrow.

    A wave of nausea hit Nate hard, and he emptied his stomach onto the ground. Panic threatened to overtake him. He''d never seen anyone die before, and certainly never so graphically. He''d killed monster after monster and didn''t think anything of it.

    This was different.

    Fuzzball and Terry moved to stand next to Nate to give the crew space. Terry''s overabundance of astral magic had since dissipated, returning him to his usual height, and Nate gave both of them a hug. All were covered in monster blood, mud, and exhaustion.

    ¡°I''m glad you''re both okay,¡± Nate said, spitting bile.

    ¡°Me too. I''d thought maybe with them showing up we''d be okay.¡±

    ¡°Honestly,¡± Nate sighed, ¡°without their help, we wouldn''t have been.¡±

    Through the chat, Ellisandra spoke, her voice trembling with barely contained grief and rage, ¡°Do you have a companion who''s a wolf chimeran?¡±

    Nate looked around, spotting the chimeran near where the manifestation portal appeared. With a single leap, Skelwulf landed in the center of the field among the monstrous corpses.

    ¡°I''ll take care of it.¡± Nate, Fuzzball, and Terry approached. ¡°We''re a little busy right now, friend. Could you-¡±

    ¡°Which one of you activated the podium?¡± Skelwulf interrupted.

    Nate was glad at this instance that it was still in town and not around his neck. ¡°Podium? Like for giving speeches?¡±

    Nate felt an aura stronger than anything prior push against his own, tightening around him. Fuzzball locked up as well. Terry stood nonplussed.

    ¡°I don''t have time for games, Nate.¡±

    Nate hadn''t told him his name. Perhaps an aura ability?

    Skelwulf suddenly appeared next to Terry, his clawed hand swung across his neck. Terry''s head rolled in front of Nate before dissolving into motes of light that flew into Nate.

    The sudden disconnect stunned Nate before the grief rushed in. He hadn''t known Terry for long, but losing a familiar hurt to the core. His scream mirrored that of Umberto''s crew and rage flooded his aura. He pushed back against the oppressive aura, his emotions strengthening his own.

    It was like trying to cut a hole through a wall by splashing a bucket of water on it.

    ¡°What are you?¡± Nate managed to squeeze out.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°Adept,¡± Fuzzball said, his eyes flooded with fear and memory. ¡°He''s an Adept.¡±

    Zeff and Ellisandra saw the commotion and felt the chat function end as Nate''s aura was suppressed. Then they heard Fuzzball''s words.

    Ellisandra picked up Umberto''s body. ¡°We need to leave, now.¡±

    Zeff looked between them, ¡°Nate''s my friend.¡±

    ¡°Nothing we can do for him. If we tried to step in, we''d only get ourselves killed. We regroup with the captain.¡±

    Skelwulf stepped very close to Nate, strong breaths tousling his red hair. ¡°Where is the podium?¡±

    Nate only glared at him. Then a small object appeared on his HUD right beneath his stat bars. It looked like a digital alarm clock with hours, minutes, and seconds. It started at 24 hours and was dropping. Then a pop up appeared.

    Quest: Distraction Action.

    Objective: Distract Skelwulf until help arrives.

    Reward: 5 Unenchanted Essence Stones. Type: Ingredient. Weight: 1 lb. Value: 100 gold pieces. An essence stone with no active enchantment. For use in Enchantment recipes.

    Accept? Yes No.

    Nate mentally accepted the quest and focused on the timer. As he did so, he felt his connection to Terry coalesce.

    ¡°Did you not hear me?¡± Skelwulf growled.

    ¡°I heard you,¡± Nate answered. ¡°It''s in town.¡± He mentally sorted his plethora of messages to any concerning Terry.

    Terry has absorbed astral energy. His stats have increased. This message was repeated several times.

    Terry''s stats are at the maximum possible at your given rank. All additional consumed energy is returned to the astral plane.

    Terry has expended excess energy and has returned to normal stats.

    Your familiar has died. As it is bound to you, it will respawn in 24 hours. Timer set.

    Nate involuntarily sighed with relief. Terry wasn''t fully dead! Happiness flooded him and he channeled it into his distraction.

    ¡°Sorry, friend. I was temporarily struck with sadness because you killed my familiar. Not very nice of you.¡±

    ¡°Where in town?¡±

    ¡°Before I answer,¡± Nate looked over to see the Zeff and the others were actively retreating, ¡°do you mind if I loot all of these monsters?¡±

    That surprised Skelwulf, ¡°You have a looting power?¡± Nate nodded. Skelwulf''s smile sent a shiver down Nate''s spine. Fuzzball was staring at Nate as though he''d seen a ghost.

    ¡°My master will be pleased. By all means.¡± He released Nate and Fuzzball from his aura. Nate slowly navigated through the field, looting each monster individually, waiting for the motes of light to dissipate before moving on to the next. He re-established the party chat.

    His words were sent mentally so Skelwulf couldn''t hear. ¡°Zeff, I can feel you''re on the edge of my range. I''m going to distract this guy until help arrives.¡±

    ¡°By looting each creature individually?¡± Fuzzball asked, incredulous.

    ¡°Sorry about Terry,¡± Zeff said.

    ¡°He''ll be back soon. I''m sorry about Umberto.¡±

    ¡°Me too. We''ll go to Captain Luma and see if there''s anything we can do.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thanks. Be safe out there.¡±

    ¡°You, too.¡±

    ¡°Fuzzball, did I see some memories return to you back there?¡±

    There was a pause. ¡°Yes,¡± he finally said. ¡°My master was an Adept ranked alchemist. I remember a similarly strong aura.¡±

    Nate continued the looting process as they talked. The name wasn''t there yet, but the fact that Fuzzball got even a little of his memories back was great news.

    The sun was beginning to drop as dusk settled over them. Skelwulf pulled an orb from his pocket while watching Nate work, relaying a message to someone.

    There were so many creatures that night fell before he had finished his slow trek through. Skelwulf stoically watched. Fuzzball helped by bringing monster bodies to Nate.

    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Nate asked. He had eighteen hours before Terry was back and who knows how long before help arrived.

    ¡°Always,¡± Skelwulf said.

    Nate plastered on a grin, ¡°Well, then, I just got a shitload of rat-mole and steelbeak meat and some vines from the shamblers that might be edible? How do you like your steak?¡±

    The Gronwood Cantina windows shed light into the night as Nate worked the Interface Podium kitchen he''d set up like a hibachi grill.

    Cotates, ramps, some blue peppers Fuzzball had called blue bells, and strips of meat sizzled as Nate put on a show for Skelwulf. His worry was on a constant uptick, threatening to disperse his calm.

    ¡°I had a job once working at this Japanese hibachi place and they taught me the tricks. If I had any eggs I could do some crazy stuff.¡± Nate prattled on, telling of things that Skelwulf neither knew nor cared to know.

    But it smelled more amazing than anything he''d ever smelled, so he listened silently in anticipation.

    Nate took on a serious tone as he plated up their food, stowing some away into his inventory. ¡°Do you mind if I ask you something?¡±

    Skelwulf said nothing before grabbing a fork in his non-claw hand and taking his first bite. He nearly fell over. The combination of flavors was astounding. Perhaps his first ever genuine smile crossed his face. ¡°This is incredible!¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Nate said graciously.

    The chimeran took several more bites before, ¡°You have earned three questions from this meal.¡±

    ¡°I''m glad you like it. As terrifying as it is, you were sent here by someone else. Likely someone strong enough to give you commands.¡± Skelwulf slowly chewed another bite without acknowledgement. ¡°You''re an Adept, according to Fuzzball here, and based on the strength of your aura I can believe it. That means that whoever sent you is strong enough to force you to do it, an Expert or Master ranked individual.¡±

    Fuzzball nearly dropped his fork.

    ¡°Which brings me to my first question. Did the person who sent you give you all of the scars I can see peeking out from your suit?¡±

    Skelwulf finished his bite, ¡°Not all of them.¡±

    ¡°Which implies some, which means your boss is likely not the friendliest guy.¡± Skelwulf couldn''t hold back a snort.

    Nate ran with it. The longer he pushed, the less time before help arrived. ¡°Based on your scarring you''ve seen terrible things. Perhaps even done terrible things, no doubt, in service to whoever pushed you my way.¡±

    Skelwulf, who had not given his lot much thought, found himself nodding despite not having been asked any question.

    ¡°I figured. Some scars go deeper than skin. Second question. If you were freed from your servitude, what would you want to do with the rest of your life?¡±

    Pain racked through Skelwulf as he thought of his freedom.

 Chapter 17: Secret Objective

    The air was crisp as Krypdyr scrubbed the deck of the airship. As the squire of his squad of Stormchasers, menial tasks were often his responsibility. But he¡¯d been given a new task by Damian Cashew himself. Well, at least a message from him anyway. He¡¯d be training a potential new recruit, and working on his own training. He couldn¡¯t join as a full Storm Chaser until he reached Adept.

    As part of his training, he always insisted on wearing his heavy plate armor as he worked. The plate mail he wore was a dark metal accented with gold, with storm ore etched runes that silenced any sound the armor would have made. Central to the breastplate, a symbol of a golden snake poised to strike nearly filled the space not taken up by the enchantment.

    He was Gorgonian, more snake than not, and many times he''d been mistaken for a pure snake chimeran. Rather than the typical human face with snake hair, his entire head was that of a venomous snake, black scales covering his entire body. Rather than legs, a long tail coiled beneath him, ring plates linked by chainmail down to a foot above the ground. He was barrel chested and his thick arms swung the mop with a gracefulness that belied his hulking form. A large sword rested in its scabbard across his back.

    ¡°It''s so odd that you make no noise,¡± a voice said from the doorway leading inside. Krypdyr''s amber eyes blinked slowly as he silently continued his work.

    Rosco Denton stepped out onto the deck. He stood nearly as tall as Krypdyr, his upper body sporting the head and thick grey skin of an elephant, his lower half the strong legs and balancing tail of a kangaroo. He wore green leather armor with hardened leather plating and storm ore studs along the shoulders, bracers, and leg plates.

    ¡°Of all the enchantments you could have chosen, why the silent one?¡±

    His voice was deep, and held none of the telltale elongated hissing usually associated with Gorgonians. ¡°Noisy armor gives away movement. Easier to track and avoid in combat.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of, it''s time for sparring.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir, but I¡¯m almost finished here. I''ll join shortly.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Rosco said with only a hint of warning. ¡°You know he doesn''t approve of lateness.¡±

    Krypdyr nodded, picking up his pace. ¡°Rosco?¡± He turned back in the doorway. ¡°Why send me to guard and train a Novice?¡±

    ¡°You say that like you didn''t just rank up from Novice.¡±

    ¡°I''ve never heard of the Scuffle Alliance sending a whole squad to deal with a Novice.¡±

    Rosco stepped closer to Krypdyr, his voice dropping to a whisper, ¡°Honestly, me neither, and it¡¯s not official that our target is Novice in the first place. But if rumors are true, he''ll be invaluable to our success in future competitions. Not this one, as there isn¡¯t time to get him to Adept to allow him to compete.¡±

    <hr>

    Zeffrey and Ellisandra left the others to begin funeral preparations, heading straight to Captain Luma. Standing in the training yard, she thrust her sword forward with a flutter of her wings, continuing the sword dance she had sorely missed now that she¡¯d recovered her sword. Her sword played with the light, and they stood watching until she turned and noticed them.

    She hastily sheathed her sword and several beats of her wings brought in front of them, ¡°Zeff! I''m glad to see you are alright.¡± She noticed the sour looks they shared. ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Umberto,¡± Ellisandra said, unconsciously clenching her fist.

    Sadness drifted over Luma, but she didn''t show signs of it, ¡°Tell me everything.¡±

    After half an hour and a transition into Luma''s dwelling so they could sit, Luma stood and began pacing.

    ¡°You''re sure?¡± She asked.

    ¡°I checked the database myself,¡± Zeff answered.

    ¡°Having a Luckomancer on board would be an immeasurable boon.¡±

    ¡°What about the Adept?¡± Ellisandra said, involuntarily swallowing hard.

    ¡°That is a problem,¡± Luma conceded, ¡°even if we all rushed him at once, he''d just have an easier time killing us all grouped together.¡±

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Zeff asked, ¡°he''s my friend, and I''d rather not see him dead or enslaved by whoever hired the Adept.¡±

    ¡°If he is a Luckomancer, he''ll free himself soon enough. We just need to be ready to help however we can.¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Nate asked as he stood over Skelwulf, who had fallen to the ground and ripped his shirt at some point in his pained writhing. Nate noticed a complex rune seemingly carved into Skelwulf¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Fine,¡± he lied, getting back to his feet. ¡°We need to leave soon.¡±

    Nate, who''s quest hadn''t quite updated to show success, pivoted. ¡°That manifestation portal was rough on me and my friend here,¡± he motioned to Fuzzball, who had been tentatively watching Skelwulf their entire meal.

    ¡°He has no bearing on the situation at hand. You alone are coming with me.¡±

    ¡°If I get no rest, I''ll be dead before we get there.¡± It wasn''t exactly a lie, as the adrenaline had worn off and exhaustion had hit him like a truck.

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    Nate felt the pressure from Skelwulf''s aura again, but it was different, merely sensing him out instead of being oppressive. It felt menacing and strong, and he wondered if his own aura would become like that as he progressed.

    ¡°A few hours. We leave at dawn.¡±

    ¡°May I go up to my room?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Nate pointedly looked at Fuzzball, ¡°Would you mind bringing a bed down? I don''t think I''d get very good sleep on the table here.¡±

    Skelwulf ignored all but his duty of watching over his target, so Fuzzball freely moved around the area.

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Fuzzball asked through the chat once he was upstairs.

    ¡°Buy as much time as we can. Can you see if any of our books have information about the mark our wolf friend has on his chest? Look for something called Geas, possibly.¡±

    ¡°You know what it''s called?¡±

    ¡°We have a tabletop game called Dungeons and Dragons that has a spell called Geas, which forces someone along a course of action, causing pain if deviating from it. In fact,¡± he spoke aloud to Skelwulf, ¡°that mark that''s on your chest, is that a Geas Rune, or some such naming?¡±

    A look of surprise crossed Skelwulf''s face before he corrected. He felt a tingling of the pain threatening to rise, so he said nothing.

    ¡°Good, right track.¡± Back to the chat, ¡°That''s on the right track, so hopefully you find something we can use.¡±

    Nate soon lay in the bed that now sat among the tables and chairs. He went through more of his notifications before sleep took him.

    Conjuration has increased from Novice 13 to Novice 16. Total Magic has increased by 3. Progression to Level 11 at 44%.

    Evocation has increased from Novice 10 to Novice 14. Total Magic has increased by 4. Progression to Level 11 at 60%.

    Restoration has increased from Novice 11 to Novice 15. Total Magic increased by 4. Progression to Level 11 at 76%.

    Archery has increased from Novice 18 to Novice 20. Total Health increased by 2. Progression to Level 11 at 84%.

    Light Armor has increased from Novice 7 to Novice 13. Total Fatigue has increased by 6. Progression to Level 11 at 100%. Progression to Level 12 at 8%. Choose a primary stat to increase. Current Health: 168/168. Current Fatigue: 163/163. Current Magic: 196/196.

    He chose to increase his health to 178.

    Perception has increased from Novice 9 to Novice 11. Total Health increased by 2. Progression to Level 12 at 16%.

    Acrobatics has increased from Novice 14 to Novice 16. Total Fatigue increased by 2. Progression to Level 12 at 24%.

    Cooking has increased from Novice 12 to Novice 13. Total Fatigue increased by 1. Progression to Level 12 at 28%.

    Indomitable Spirit has increased from Novice 11 to Novice 13. Total Magic increased by 2. Progression to Level 12 at 36%.

    Nate slept for four hours before Fuzzball shouted him awake via the chat.

    ¡°What is it?¡± He asked as he shifted and rubbed sleep from his eyes.  He felt well rested, and checked his character sheet. To his surprise, his exhaustion bar had dropped all the way to 10%. He made a mental note to ask about that later.

    ¡°I found the mark, and I think we can do something about it.¡± Nate''s journal updated and he checked it.

    Secret Objective for Distraction Action discovered. Secret Objective: Save Skelwulf from his current fate.

    Reward: Apprentice Spellbook.

    ¡°I agree,¡± Nate said. ¡°Just got a secret quest objective.¡±

    ¡°I think we''ll need the podium, set to an enchanting station.¡±

    ¡°Bring the book.¡±

    Nate sat up, seeing Skelwulf watching him from a nearby table. He smiled widely as he stood and stepped over to the Interface Podium, which was still set up as a hibachi grill.

    ¡°Don''t you need sleep?¡±

    Skelwulf shook his head, ¡°Not for a while. We''re leaving now, gather your things,¡± Skelwulf said gruffly.

    ¡°Not yet. What if I told you we have a solution to your little problem?¡±

    Skelwulf looked at him incredulously before holding Nate aloft by the neck. Nate hadn''t even seen the movement. ¡°I don''t have time for this.¡± His aura pulsed through Nate. ¡°You are rested enough.¡±

    Fuzzball walked into the tavern carrying a thick tome. The binding was crimson leather embossed with the title on the front. He nearly dropped it to rush at Skelwulf but Nate raised a hand.

    ¡°Could¡­ you-¡± Nate rasped, struggling to take a breath. Skelwulf dropped him to the ground. After he coughed and swallowed several deep breaths, he continued, ¡°Look. I understand that trust isn''t something that you are brimming with, but I need you to give me a little. I''m putting my trust in you, at least as far as I know you can''t kill me without angering your boss.¡±

    ¡°We are leaving. Gather your belongings.¡±

    ¡°I''m not leaving yet. My podium here isn''t in a position to be easily moved around, and only I can change it.¡±

    Skelwulf growled and slammed a fist into a table, shattering it to pieces.

    Nate bent to touch a table shard and cast Mend. ¡°Now you''re just being ridiculous, Skelly.¡±

    In a flash he was flung horizontally through one of the front windows, the shards of broken glass slicing up his rat-mole leather armor and leaving superficial cuts he quickly healed and mended. The air knocked from his lungs was the worst of it.

    ¡°Ouch,¡± Nate gasped. ¡°How rude.¡±

    Fuzzball rushed to his side and helped him to a sitting position. ¡°Why are you goading him?¡±

    ¡°The quest is still active, remember? That hurt, but if we can help him, it benefits everyone. Hand me that book while we have a second.¡±

    ¡°Greater Manipulation,¡± Nate read the front before cracking it open.

    ¡°I marked the page.¡±

    The page in question showed a symbol that was remarkably similar to the one on Skelwulf''s chest, though a handful of the runes were different.

    A Geas Mark was Expert ranked magic, and Nate could see even from his initial glance that Fuzzball and he working together didn''t have enough magic between them to remove the mark. It contained elements from the Alteration, Divination, Enchantment, and Evocation schools, and a staggering amount of magic was required.

    ¡°Why does this look impossible?¡± Nate said, running his fingers over the text as he read.

    ¡°Because we''re not strong enough to deal with it.¡±

    ¡°Maybe not, but we may be smart enough. The evocation runes account for the pain he experiences. The divination maybe for the boss being able to sense him?¡±

    ¡°Alteration could be in conjunction with the Evocation runes, the pain caused by altering his physical form.¡±

    ¡°Then what''s the Enchanting element for?¡± Nate asked as he read.

    Skelwulf appeared in the doorway, teeth bared in rage, ¡°You don''t get to call me that.¡±

 Chapter 18: Memories

    ¡°Skelly! We''re going to be late!¡± A voice called from downstairs. Skelwulf stood before a full length mirror in their bathroom, adjusting his cuff links and patting his long surcoat flat with his thick grey-skinned hands. The colorful overcoat extended down to two points that to his annoyance ruffled with the slightest breeze.

    ¡°Be right there, my sweet!¡± He called.

    He''d slept in, the night before filled with celebratory drinks and dancing. He''d just advanced to Apprentice rank, after all.

    Freya stood at the bottom of the stairwell. She was mostly wolf chimeran like him, but her legs starting at the knee were the scaly legs of an ostrich, the wicked claws capping each toe painted a sultry dark red. Her dress was similar in color, cut in places that made Skelwulf want to rip it off her.

    He whistled as he descended the stairs. ¡°Damn, baby! You look good enough to eat!¡±

    ¡°Not so bad yourself,¡± she pulled him into a deep kiss.

    ¡°We need to go,¡± Skelwulf said, his voice low with desire, ¡°or we''ll miss it entirely.¡±

    She reluctantly pulled away, overly swaying her hips as she led the way out the door. With a shudder of desire, Skelwulf followed after.

    The Storm Chaser induction ceremony was set to take place in the Lightning Arena, a  wide amphitheater in the lower part of Tempeste. Even the wealthy people from the upper sections of Tempeste were filing into the theater.

    The music swelled as Skelwulf accompanied Freya to her seat. She kissed him, more politely in front of the growing crowd, and sat. ¡°I''ll be fine here, my love! Go get ready.¡±

    Skelwulf maneuvered through the crowd toward the entry to backstage. Several others shifted in excitement or fear.

    He ignored them. He was about to become a Storm Chaser! And their lives would become so much better for it. Maybe in a few months they could even move to a higher level place in Tempeste. He felt the box in his pocket, cracking it to make sure the gem encrusted crown was still there. She was going to love it.

    The ground shook, and Skelwulf''s world became blinding light and immeasurable pain. His vision cleared slowly, and he found himself pinned under shredded structural metal debris. Gashes across his body screamed as he reached to push himself free.

    Only his right arm responded. Looking to his left, he took a sharp breath as he spotted his left arm several feet away.

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Didn''t matter now. Had to get to Freya. Surely whatever happened was focused on the new recruits, right?

    His panic rising into blind rage, Skelwulf pushed the debris enough to free himself. He picked up his arm and ran. The smell of blood and death was thick in the air. The others backstage were either dead or too buried for his help to mean anything.

    Kicking the door open, he surveyed the area. The Lightning Arena was a shambles. Numerous fires burned, people screamed in pain and grief, and the stands had been gouged like heavy fingers through sand.

    The area for graduate attendees was worse. The once lightning blue seats were crimson spattered. Freya''s seat was empty.

    Skelwulf''s stomach dropped and he surged ahead, throwing people out of his way.

    Freya lay crumpled next to several chimeran children. It was obvious she''d tried to protect them. Shards of metal and stone jutted from her back.

    A howl rose above the din, drowning out the noise.

    Skelwulf fell to his knees before his beloved, turning her over to make sure. The loss of blood finally caught up to him, and he collapsed in her arms.

    <hr>

    Some time later, Skelwulf awoke inside a vat of a translucent red fluid. His body jolted as he struggled to give it commands. A haze hung heavy on his thoughts. A young human man in a white lab coat hastily approached. His voice was dull and muted through the glass.

    ¡°You''re already awake?¡± He typed something into his slate. The haze thickened as something dragged him back to unconsciousness.

    The next time he opened his eyes he was in the softest bed he''d ever laid in. The room was opulent, with storm ore evident in the room''s trim, bed frame, and even the doorknob. He wore a long, loose fitting black shirt and pants.

    Sitting up entirely too fast, pain washed over him, but he growled it away. Skelwulf rushed through the door, looking for anything or anyone that could point him to Freya. They''d saved him, after all. Surely they did the same for her. Surprise again struck him when he noticed that his once removed left arm was now a sharp and strong crustacean claw.

    He caught someone''s scent and followed. The doctor, or whatever the man he''d seen before was, was sitting at a large table in what Skelwulf assumed was someone''s dining hall, big enough to fit their entire apartment.

    In a flash the doctor''s feet were kicking in the air as he was hoisted from his chair. Skelwulf spoke through gritted teeth, ¡°Where is my Freya?¡±

    ¡°That''s enough,¡± an older man''s voice said from behind him. ¡°Put him down.¡±

    Baring his teeth as he turned, Skelwulf began the move to throw the man at the other. Pain unlike anything he''d felt before rushed through his veins, like his blood was on fire. He howled and dropped the doctor, falling to the floor.

    ¡°Where¡­ Freya¡­¡± he managed to growl out.

    The old man in exquisite robes sat at the table. ¡°My name is Zolis Fezim. Come and sit.¡±

    Skelwulf moved as if to not obey, and the pain trickled in. Begrudgingly, he sat. ¡°What did you do to me?¡±

    ¡°I saved your life,¡± the old man''s hurt expression was clearly fake. ¡°You owe me, and I intend to recoup my losses in work. You have been marked with a Geas Rune. You listen to me now.¡±

    ¡°Where''s Freya?¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    That one syllable rocked Skelwulf back in his chair, and he couldn¡¯t focus on the rest of the man¡¯s words other than his name.

    Zolis Fezim.

 Chapter 19: Freedom

    ¡°I''m sorry,¡± Nate said. ¡°I meant no offense with the nickname, Skelwulf.¡±

    ¡°We must go at once,¡± Skelwulf growled.

    ¡°I''m going with you,¡± Fuzzball said firmly.

    ¡°No,¡± Skelwulf glared at Fuzzball.

    A voice called out from around the blacksmith''s shop, ¡°You alright, Nate?¡±

    Zeff and Ellisandra ran up to him, avoiding the shards of glass and wood that were scattered around.

    Nate smiled broadly, feeling his aura bolstered by the presence of more friends, ¡°Better now. I need your help.¡±

    Nate found himself suddenly unable to breathe and dangling in the air. ¡°I grow tired of your insolence, boy. I will kill every one of these people if you delay another moment.¡±

    Nate tried to choke out a word, and quickly mentally set up a chat between himself and the others.

    ¡°I need you all to gather around the Interface Podium.¡± He said mentally through the chat. ¡°I have an idea.¡±

    He coughed as he fell to his hands and knees, rubbing his throat. ¡°Okay, fine.¡± The others followed them in and he stood next to the kitchenette his Interface Podium currently was. He sent some magic through it and it changed into an enchanting table, with glowing purple runes and slots for essence stones or other enchanting ingredients. The four corners of the table held purple orbs on small, three-legged stands.

    Through the chat he sent commands for Fuzzball, Zeff, and Ellisandra to one at a time place a hand on an orb.

    Skelwulf looked on in confusion, his anger threatening to billow out again. ¡°I said no more delays!¡±

    Nate simply smiled at him, trickled some of his Lucky power, and said, ¡°I''m more than happy to close this up, but I need your help. Can you put your hand on that last orb? Just needs a little push to begin its transformation into a portable state.¡±

    Skelwulf growled, but impatiently put his hand on the orb. The runes on the table pulsed a bright purple, and a tingling sensation spread over his chest as the carved Geas Rune glowed and floated out into the center of the table. All five of them felt the table pull from their magic reserves. Nate pushed his Lucky power to the max and prodded the Enchantment rune that read as a name. Quilly popped up next to the rune.

    This Geas Rune is assigned to Zolis Fezim. Would you like to reassign this rune to yourself? Yes No.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Nate said aloud, feeling his exhaustion level spike despite all of his friends¡¯ proximity significantly reducing the cost.

    There was a flash of purple, Skelwulf''s eyes went wide with shock, and Nate saw a pop-up for an instant before passing out.

    Quest: Distraction Action Secret Objective Complete. Rewards have been added to your inventory.

    <hr>

    Zolis was halfway through his breakfast when he felt his connection severed from Skelwulf. ¡°Grack?¡±

    Grack appeared next to Zolis, ¡°Yes, master?¡±

    ¡°Skelwulf has just been killed.¡±

    ¡°Shall I hire the usual?¡±

    Zolis chewed another bite thoughtfully before answering. ¡°Not yet. Send the Carrot Crew first. The Black Bunny owes me a favor.¡±

    Grack bowed as he dipped out of Zolis''s view, ¡°Of course, master.¡±

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    <hr>

    Nate awoke with a start as a strong red-haired hand gently shook him. Bright daylight shone through the window of his tavern room. They''d moved his bed back up. Terry, who had apparently returned during his sleep, lay curled up at the foot of his bed, though he hopped up at once when he noticed Nate was awake, a long dark purple tongue licking his face accompanied by a loud, happy screech that sounded like nails on a chalkboard.

    ¡°Don''t do that!¡± Nate laughed as he patted Terry on the head. ¡°I''m surprisingly okay.¡± He felt an odd sensation, a connection not unlike the one he felt with Terry.

    ¡°Skelwulf is still here.¡±

    Fuzzball nodded, ¡°The others are downstairs too. It just so happens to have been my turn to check on you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I feel like I''ve been running for hours.¡±

    ¡°You keep overtaxing your luck power. It''ll be a few days before you''re back to full strength.¡±

    With a groan, Nate swung his legs over into a sitting position on the bed. He tried to stand, and found that though he could, it felt like standing on a ship in a storm. ¡°A little help, please?¡±

    Terry and Fuzzball each took an arm over the shoulder, guiding him down into the tavern area.

    ¡°Nice place you''ve got here,¡± Ellisandra said.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Nate groaned into a chair at the same table where Skelwulf sat. He said nothing, staring at the table. ¡°I''m sorry I lied to you about the podium.¡±

    Skelwulf looked up, and Nate noticed the fur near his eyes was wet. ¡°I didn''t think it was possible.¡±

    ¡°I used a lot of your own magic for it, so you helped me make it possible.¡±

    ¡°I am in your debt more than you can know.¡±

    ¡°Don''t say that yet. I''m the one with the power over you now.¡± Skelwulf''s eyes narrowed. ¡°I''m just kidding. My first and only order for you is that you be free from the Geas Rune.¡±

    Nate felt the tether to Skelwulf end as the rune shone brightly for a second before dissipating.

    ¡°Why would you do that?¡± Skelwulf said as his eyes widened. ¡°I could easily kill all of you.¡±

    ¡°When I first got here, I had to make many choices about who I wanted to be. I could have changed to look like any of the people here, among other options. But I stuck with what I am for a number of reasons, namely that changing myself on a fundamental level would''ve left me feeling more lost than I already was at the time. This rune on you was keeping you from being your true self. Also, slavery of any sort is terrible and the only part I''ll have in it is stopping it.¡±

    Skelwulf nodded but said nothing, deep in his thoughts.

    ¡°Besides, what''re friends for?¡± Nate said. ¡°Anytime you need help, assuming I am capable of providing it, I will.¡±

    ¡°The same goes for you. I owe you that much at least.¡±

    Nate smiled at him, ¡°Now that you''re free, what will you do?¡±

    ¡°I''m going to kill Zolis Fezim.¡± The absolute coldness sent an involuntary shiver down their spines.

    ¡°I''ve heard of him!¡± Zeff said, pulling his slate out.

    ¡°Zolis was the guy who had the Geas Rune before me.¡±

    Fuzzball, though covered in fur, seemed to go pale. Terry crouched low and nuzzled him, and Fuzzball focused on patting Terry''s side as memory flooded back into his mind.

    Zeff slid the slate to face Nate and triggered a holographic image of a man whose age Nate couldn''t place, looking very old and young at the same time. Must be the eyes. ¡°Zolis Fezim is a member of the Tempeste Council. They oversee the Storm Chasers, the governmental workings of Tempeste, and host the competition known as the Battle of the Brands.¡±

    Nate nodded, finally realizing that Fuzzball''s face had drained and he looked ready to faint. ¡°You good, man?¡±

    Fuzzball shook his head, his eyes wide staring at the holographic image. ¡°I was his apprentice.¡±

    A sour look crossed Skelwulf''s face and Zeff''s mouth hung open in shock. Ellisandra thoughtfully chewed her breakfast.

    ¡°Zolis stayed in Gronwood?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°He brought me here to set up gardens so he could test the strength of the Astral Collector and establish the rune chamber that held Terry.¡± He grabbed his head as more flashed through his mind. ¡°And we¡­ experimented on the people here.¡±

    ¡°Did he tell you where Terry had come from?¡± Ellisandra asked as she handed a large piece of meat to Terry, who eagerly devoured it.

    ¡°I¡­ don''t know. I need to process this.¡± Fuzzball stood and strode upstairs, staring in horror down at the ground as his thoughts coalesced.

    The others silently watched him go before Nate continued, ¡°Skelwulf, someone is coming here that would have been strong enough to save me from you.¡±

    ¡°How do you know that?¡± Skelwulf''s head tilted in a very dog-like way that was almost adorable.

    ¡°Let''s call it an aspect of my luck power. Regardless, you may not want to stick around just in case.¡±

    They all stood at the same time, Nate nearly falling back into his chair, his knees shaking from the effort. The Chimeran walked around and extended a hand to Nate.

    ¡°If we meet again, I''ll probably need your help,¡± Nate said as he grasped Skelwulf''s hand, glad that some gestures seemed to have carried over. Skelwulf nodded and without another word left the tavern.

    ¡°You really have a way with people,¡± Zeff said as he sat back down.

    ¡°My mom always told me that being nice costs you nothing.¡±

    ¡°Says the guy who can barely stand,¡± Ellisandra said.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess this one did cost me a little. But it helped him in the end.¡±

    When Skelwulf was outside the range of his party chat, a hum began growing louder and louder. Then their cutlery began to shake.

 Chapter 20: Unexpected Consequences

    Nate wanted to go through his recent quest rewards, but events just kept pushing it back. Nate, Zeff, and Ellisandra stepped outside to see what the hum was. Exhaustion was threatening to topple Nate over.

    A huge airship floated above Gronwood, moving slowly downward. Its front was black, with two grappler arms extending from either side of a reinforced spiked ram shaped vaguely like a wolf. Behind the front segment, the airship was divided into 3 colors, golden yellow in the center running back to the enormous glowing engine, battered and chipped blue on the port side, and a grey splattered with red on the starboard side.

    ¡°Weird color choices,¡± Nate said as Zeff began excitedly making notes in his slate.

    ¡°Storm Chasers,¡± Ellisandra said with more awe than she intended.

    ¡°Their M.E.C.s are powered such that they don''t need siphon plates! Isn''t it fascinating?!¡±

    Terry nuzzled against Nate and he patted Terry''s head for a moment before he processed Zeff''s words. His eyes widened. ¡°Did you say mechs?¡±

    ¡°Short for Magic Enhancing Constructs.¡±

    The airship broke apart along the lines of color separation. The sound of shifting gears and sliding metal on metal accompanied the transformation as five huge humanoid mechs landed around them.

    ¡°Robots in disguise!¡± Nate sang aloud.

    The hatches on the mechs opened and six individuals strode toward Nate and the others. The forwardmost mech looked to be a suit of black full plate armor with red light emanating from beneath the plates. Three people exited the mech, one wearing similarly shaped full plate, red and orange feathers visible under the armor, a sharp beak protruding from the helm, the very snake-forward heavily armored gorgonian Krypdyr, who carried an large ornate lidded box by its top-centered, gold plated handle, and the elephant chimeran Rosco with a heavy bag full of supplies for Krypdyr¡¯s stay.

    To the right of the central mech stood the battered blue and golden yellow mechs, the spattered grey and a smaller white mech to its left. The battered and chipped blue mech looked like a heavily armored bipedal crab, and from it strode a Krakenkin wearing slimy looking grey leather armor, her head tentacles leaving unintentional slime across the front of her armor. The golden yellow mech slithered into place, its snake tail coiling under its folded muscular looking arms as glistening fangs shown from its statically open mouth. A beautiful Gorgonian woman with golden yellow snake hair exited the mech and straightened her flowing and elegant emerald dress before drawing up behind the plated one Nate assumed was the leader.

    The grey mech that seemed constantly spattered with blood was blocky and indistinct, and an enormous Oreforged covered in bulky plate armor that blended seamlessly with his obsidian skin stomped forward. From the smallest mech that looked like an angel if it were a giant faceless robot, an Elf in white robes floated to the ground and drifted over to the others, his feet never touching the ground.

    Nate¡¯s new aura senses picked them all up as Adepts, except for the one holding the chest.

    ¡°You¡¯re all a bit late,¡± Nate said with a smile, ¡°we¡¯ve already taken care of our Chimeran friend.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t know what you mean,¡± the Phoenixfolk man in front said. His voice was crisp and professional, but had musical undertones like singing birds. ¡°We¡¯re here because someone in this vicinity used the SCN to search for the Lucky sigil stone. The only reason to be searching for it is if one had finally been found.¡±

    Nate shared a glance with the others, ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be able to answer your questions. My name is Nate. My familiar here is Terry, that¡¯s Zeffrey and Ellisandra. Fuzzball is a Sasquatch who I believe is still upstairs in the tavern.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Fuzzball stumbled out of the tavern, ¡°how could I not with the commotion out here.¡±

    The Phoenixfolk bowed deeply and pulled back his visor, showing his left eye glowing with magic, a scar running at a sharp angle across his face, ¡°My apologies. I fear our business is urgent and we may have lapsed in decorum. My name is Beacon Flamel of Scuffle Alliance, Incorporated. Krypdyr holds the chest.¡± Krypdyr bowed.

    The Krakenkin stepped forward and bowed, ¡°I am Zorelkreth.¡± He sounded like he was underwater.

    ¡°Mela,¡± the Gorgonian nodded her head. Her voice was lower than Nate expected, and spectacularly, aggressively sultry.

    ¡°Onyx,¡± the Oreforged made a fist with his right hand and laid it across his chest in a salute of sorts. His voice was more surprising than the others so far in that it was neither low nor high, and it seemed to have a slight southern accent.

    ¡°Tassarion Luxalim,¡± the floating elf gave a nearly imperceptible nod. His voice was soft but carried to everyone as if he were standing next to them.

    ¡°Good to meet you all,¡± Nate said with a genuine smile. ¡°I¡¯m the one you¡¯re looking for.¡±

    ¡°You searched the SCN?¡±

    Nate took a deep breath, ¡°No, that was Zeff.¡± Zeff waved enthusiastically at them. ¡°The Lucky Sigil Stone is the second one I found when I got here.¡±

    Beacon looked him over carefully before speaking, ¡°And you used it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been a real lifesaver in the most literal sense, and I didn¡¯t really understand it at the time, so of course I did. This is a dangerous world and I figured I needed all the help I could get.¡±

    Zorelkreth pulled out her slate and approached, ¡°What other sigil stones do you have? You have an aura, so you have at least three. And you said you have a familiar, so you have the Familiar stone as well.¡± She was rapidly typing with her tentacled fingers.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather not say,¡± Nate said honestly. ¡°I feel like every time someone new finds out that something bad happens or my friends get into trouble.¡±

    ¡°The Scuffle Alliance has no intention of bringing harm to you or yours unless you choose not to cooperaate. In fact, we¡¯re here to offer what assistance we can. Krypdyr.¡± Beacon waved him forward. Krypdyr set the chest in front of Nate and popped open the chest.

    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Red velvet lined the inside and contained eight recesses upon which rested eight Sigil Stones. Nate whistled as he looked over the objects before closing it again.

    ¡°While I appreciate the gesture, I¡¯m not so sure as to why you are doing this. What do you have to gain from this?¡±

    Mela pulled two palm sized clear glass prisms from a pocket, checked each one separately, and handed one to Nate. ¡°Damian Cashew sends his regards.¡±

    Ellisandra¡¯s and Zeff¡¯s sharp breath surprised Nate, who looked confused at them.

    Ellisandra whispered, ¡°Damian is the Fist of the Scuffle Alliance, and a renowned Storm Chaser!¡±

    ¡°He single handedly won the Battle of the Brands ten years ago!¡± Zeff said excitedly.

    The Dwarven figure appeared in a holographic image that rose several inches above the prism, wearing a crisp red suit with vibrant purple tie. He cleared his throat. ¡°This is likely a bit confusing for you, as you have stumbled upon and utilized the Lucky Sigil Stone without true understanding of the consequences. As there is no way for its removal, even upon your death, it is tantamount that you survive. You will soon enough be pulled into the grand scheming of many who wish to use your power for their own gain. And as I see little point in lying to you, I will eventually be one such individual. Others will pursue your death so that you may not interfere with their plans. Thus, I have brought you two gifts that will be yours upon the signing of the contract with SAI. The first is the chest with Sigil Stones that go splendidly well with the Lucky Sigil Stone. The second is Krypdyr, who will serve as a trainer and guard for you. He is skilled in combat and physical training. I imagine you already have others around you who can help you with other parts of your training as well. I will be calling on you soon enough. Train hard. I¡¯ll be in touch.¡±

    Krypdyr uncoiled and slithered in front of Nate. ¡°I¡¯m here to serve.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather us be more informal, if it¡¯s all the same to you,¡± Nate said.

    ¡°Certainly. I look forward to your training.¡±

    ¡°Same.¡± Nate turned his focus back onto Beacon. ¡°Did I hear Damian right in that there¡¯s a contract involved?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir. Onyx?¡± Onyx retrieved a slate that showed the beginning wording of a very lengthy contract, handing it to Nate. Nate touched the top of the contract text and mentally commanded Quilly to analyze the contract for any shenanigans. He felt his own understanding of the contract grow as his interface continued its analysis.

    Analysis complete. In return for these gifts and bodyguard, you are to not interfere negatively with SAI business for the next 10 years under penalty of incarceration in the Nullhold and compete in the Battle of the Brands for a minimum of 2 times as soon as you reach Adept rank.

    Interfere negatively?

    Defined therein as any action that would incur significant damage to personnel or property owned or hired by Scuffle Alliance, Incorporated. Significant damage is defined as anything valued over 1,000 gold pieces.

    And we¡¯re protected from them as well? Nate asked.

    Yes. Any conflict perpetuated by SAI toward you or yours renders the contract null and void. They would also be responsible for any damages incurred by you in the defense of your personnel or property.

    Any loopholes? Nate asked Quilly mentally.

    No. Their contract writers are naturally very thorough.

    ¡°What happens if I choose not to sign?¡± he asked aloud.

    With a matter-of-factness that put Nate on his heels, Beacon said, ¡°We take you to our facility, where we can safely train you and ensure your safety away from outside forces.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like kidnapping.¡±

    Beacon said nothing.

    ¡°I have several questions before I sign, and I¡¯d appreciate your honesty.¡±

    ¡°I will answer what I can.¡±

    Nate thought for several moments before beginning, ¡°If I sign this, the sigil stones are mine to use as I see fit?¡±

    ¡°Yes. You yourself can only use one stone before you get your Correlation Stone, so the other seven can be used, traded, or sold as you see fit.¡±

    Nate made a mental note in his journal to ask Quilly about the Correlation Stone, then continued, ¡°What is SAI doing such that I would want to ¡®negatively interfere¡¯ with their operations? The contract implies that SAI has owned personnel.¡±

    Zorelkreth stepped forward and answered, ¡°Every corporation has indentured servants. People working off owed debt, mostly, though some choose to be beholden to a corp in exchange for support or safety. I am one such individual.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good to know. But my question remains unanswered.¡±

    Beacon took back up the conversation. ¡°As it will remain. We are not privy to all information as to the goings-on of the various and sundry groups hired by SAI.¡±

    Nate sighed, ¡°That¡¯s fair. It all looks good.¡± As he signed on the dotted line and handed the slate back, he felt a slight tingle as the contractual magic set in place.

    Beacon gave a genuinely warm smile and extended a hand, which Nate gripped firmly, ¡°We must go prepare for the Battle of the Brands.¡±

    ¡°I suppose thanks are in order, and you have given me a lot to consider.¡±

    <hr>

    Captain Raine nearly fell off her chair when Skelwulf hoisted himself upon the deck of the Aquanaut. His sodden fur left a trail of drops as he approached.

    ¡°Thank you for waiting,¡± Skelwulf said. ¡°You will drop me off at Aertrock on your return to Tempeste.¡± Aertrock was a coastal city east of Tempeste within the high technology zone known as the Aznoble Republic.

    ¡°Did you complete the task you were here to do?¡±

    ¡°In more ways than I anticipated. You will be paid when you return to Tempeste, having completed your duty. He will assume I¡¯m dead. I¡¯d like to keep it that way.¡±

    Captain Raine sipped her tea, ¡°Your secret is safe with my indifference and unwillingness to be disappeared by Zolis.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Skelwulf slipped back into the shadows until they reached Aertrock several days later, upon which he thanked her again and departed, a newfound, hungry purpose in his eyes.

    <hr>

    Spring Jack¡¯s vibrant blue, long rabbit ears bobbed from the holes cut into his black top hat as he ran across the rooftops of Tempeste, hopping over gaps between them with practiced ease. Town guards pursued him from many directions, but he wasn¡¯t worried. He laughed as he rolled to his feet after a particularly long jump to a lower rooftop. Then his jovial red eyes locked onto the fluttering papers.

    Drifting to the ground between the buildings was the handful of bounty posters he¡¯d torn down on his morning stroll through the city. His hesitation cost him as he was tackled to the ground. He just smiled as the cuffs were placed on his wrists and he was hoisted to his feet. His brass goggles tumbled off his hat onto the flat roof. His black shirt, vest, gentleman¡¯s coat, cloak, and poofy pirate pants were soiled from the run. The gold tassels on his shoulders, with which he feigned admiralty, matched the gold pocket watch dangling precariously out of his right pants pocket. A red sash around his waist, with a scabbard for his scimitar and hook for his whip, matched his hatband and his eyes. His shiny black leather boots with pronounced silver heels clicked as he tapped his feet.

    ¡°I should have known the missing bounty posters were your doing, Spring Jack,¡± the human guard puffed.

    ¡°Thanks, doc,¡± Spring Jack said, twitching his cute black nose as he turned. ¡°Is my room ready?¡±

    ¡°You aren¡¯t going to jail today,¡± the guard sneered as a well dressed kappan landed softly on the roof. Spring Jack stood a bit stiffer.

    ¡°Indeed not,¡± Grack dusted off his coat. ¡°Zolis has a task for the Carrot Crew.¡±

    ¡°And you think I¡¯m a member?¡±

    ¡°You have their symbol on your hat.¡±

    Indeed, the crest strapped to the front of his hat with a red bandana showed a rabbit skull under which were two crossed carrots. ¡°You make a fair point.¡±

    Grack withdrew a folded piece of paper and tucked it into Spring Jack¡¯s frayed red coat. ¡°The job is on this. Triple standard payment.¡±

 Chapter 21: We Are Terry

    Krypdyr stayed behind as the mechs reformed into the airship and flew off.

    Nate began limping back into the Gronwood Cantina. Krypdyr moved close to his side just in case he needed steadying.

    ¡°See, Fuzzball? I told you we''d be filling up our little town soon enough. I think we even have enough rooms for you all in the tavern until we can get more of the buildings fixed up.¡±

    ¡°You are injured,¡± Krypdyr said as he helped Nate to the nearest table.

    ¡°I have a tendency to push myself when helping others.¡±

    Fuzzball shook his head, ¡°Even people who kill your familiar.¡±

    Terry made an annoyed sound like a chorus of agonized screams. Nate patted his head and then withdrew his newest spellbook. ¡°I helped because he needed it, and because the secret objective gave me this tome.¡±

    He opened the book and as before the runes drifted from the pages and flew into his head. All eyes but Fuzzball''s widened in surprise.

    ¡°Why are you staring like that?¡±

    Zeff answered with fascination and a hint of jealousy, ¡°Your Interface power lets you just instantly absorb how to cast spells. Everyone else here would have to study the tome for a while before understanding how to cast the spell.¡±

    ¡°Gotcha.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps you should learn new spells in private going forward. For everyone''s safety,¡± Krypdyr said as he positioned himself with his back to the wall next to the Cantina''s entryway.

    Nate nodded as he pulled up his spell list.

    Infinite Quiver

    Rank: Apprentice Conjuration.

    Cost: 400 MP.

    Effect: Creates a quiver that always contains 5 arrows. The quiver lasts for 5 minutes or until dismissed or dispelled.

    ¡°Can''t cast it yet,¡± Nate mused aloud. ¡°And I''ll need a bow for the arrows. Future problems. Let''s have a look at the chest.¡±

    Krypdyr placed the ornate chest on the table and swung it open. Eight pristine Sigil Stones glowed softly within. Nate added each of them to a party chat, which to Nate''s curiosity didn''t garner a response from Krypdyr, and examined each one.

    The glowing script of the stones varied from swirling blue and white, to orange and yellow, to black outlined in white. As Nate lifted each stone, a window appeared with the information and he shared it with the others.

    Water Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain minor control over water, including the ability to breathe underwater, and unlock the Aquakinesis power.

    Aquakinesis. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can control nearby water. The cost depends on how much water you are attempting to control.

    Fire Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain minor control over fire, including immunity to mundane fire, resistance to magical fire, and unlock the Pyrokinesis power.

    Pyrokinesis. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can control nearby fire. The cost depends on how much fire you are attempting to control.

    Armor Sigil Stone. Once activated, your skin hardens, increasing your overall defense against physical attacks and unlocks the Stalwart power.

    Stalwart. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, magical armor forms around you, absorbing magic attacks and deflecting physical attacks. The cost depends on how much physical damage you deflect. The absorbed magic refills your Magic and Fatigue on a two to one basis.

    Shadow Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain minor control over shadows, become nearly undetectable while in shadow, and unlock the Shadowstep power.

    Shadowstep. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per foot of distance, you can step into a shadow and out of another that you can see. The cost depends on the range.

    Healing Sigil Stone. Once activated, your healing magic effectiveness is doubled, your total health increases by half, and you unlock the Greater Restore  power.

    Greater Restore. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can amplify a person''s rate of healing and remove any diseases and poisons afflicting them. The cost depends on the degree of healing required.

    Strength Sigil Stone. Once activated, your carrying capacity doubles, strength related skills improve twice as fast, and you unlock the Adrenaline power.

    Adrenaline. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, your strength and awareness increase. The cost depends on the strength or awareness required to complete the task at hand.

    Vampiric Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain the ability to drain life from living things you can touch, and unlock the Charm power.

    Charm. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue, you can magically charm living beings with which you interact. The cost depends on their rank and level compared to your own.

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    Dragon Sigil Stone. Once activated, your skin becomes coated with dragon scales, improving your defensive capabilities and any interactions with dragons, and unlock the Draconic Breath power.

    Draconic Breath. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can expel a cone or line of draconic breath from your mouth. You may choose to deal Health, Fatigue, or Magic damage, or any combination of the three. The cost depends on how much and of what type of damage the breath consists.

    Zeff whistled as the list finished. ¡°All of these are incredible finds!¡±

    ¡°Which one are you going to choose?¡± Ellisandra asked.

    ¡°That depends on what will go best with the rest of you,¡± Nate said. All eyebrows raised in surprise. ¡°I only need one of these. And you have all been vital to my success thus far. I am leaning toward the Vampiric stone, but that may just be the Brad Pitt fan in me talking.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps we should see what everyone has first, then we map out the best choices,¡± Fuzzball said. ¡°Zeff?¡±

    ¡°I''m on it!¡± Zeff opened his pack and withdrew an object that looked like a small high tech end table and set his slate on it. A three dimensional holographic space sprung up and Zeff already had the eight stones represented, as well as his own single Technology Sigil Stone, Nate''s Interface, Lucky, and Familiar stones, Fuzzball''s Alchemy and Garden stones, and Ellisandra''s Steel and Blood stones.

    ¡°Steel and Blood? Oh, that''s how you can shape your body into various weapons! Krypdyr?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°I have the Strength and Venom stones.¡± Krypdyr said.

    Zeff added them to the display. ¡°So, I need three to fill out my set. Nate needs one. Ellisandra, Fuzzball, and Krypdyr need 2.¡±

    ¡°So we''re two short to get everyone,¡± Nate said, ¡°but we can at least get everyone''s auras up and running.¡±

    Zeff''s display showed various combinations with descriptions. Nate read several options before speaking.

    ¡°I want everyone''s thoughts on these options, but I think it should be split up this way.¡± He pushed around the sigil stones in the display.

    ¡°You''re giving me a Sigil Stone as well?¡± Krypdyr asked.

    ¡°Of course! If you''re going to be my bodyguard, I need you to have abilities that compliment my own. The Shadow stone should give you a stealth related aura, which will be quite useful if we need to sneak around.¡±

    ¡°I get the Water Sigil Stone for me, but you want me to have the Healing stone?¡± Fuzzball asked.

    Nate nodded, ¡°In particular as your third stone. My aura incorporated all my current stones, so presumably it will do the same for you. And a healing aura is going to be incredible in battle!¡±

    ¡°The Fire and Armor stones will give me a defensive aura that likely has some fire resistance in there too!¡± Zeff said, speaking with deferential awe. ¡°And Ellie''s Strength based aura should be a great combination alongside the Dragon Sigil Stone. Or maybe she should go with the Dragon stone for the aura¡­¡±

    ¡°I''m not sure I can accept these,¡± Ellisandra said softly, staring at the ground.

    Nate stepped in front of her and rested his hand on her shoulder. She raised her eyes to meet his.

    ¡°You''ve more than earned them back there. Your group''s intervention turned the battle to our favor,¡± Nate said.

    ¡°Then these should go to Captain Luma, on whose orders we came.¡±

    ¡°While I¡¯d very much like to meet your captain, she?¡± Nate looked at Zeff, who nodded, ¡°she didn''t save us. You did.¡±

    She shifted uncomfortably in her chair, eventually nodding, ¡°I don''t like it, but it will help me keep the crew safe.¡±

    ¡°Shall I go first?¡± Nate asked. All nodded their agreement. Then he remembered something Beacon had said and called up Quilly. ¡°Show everyone in the chat the entry for Correlation Stone.¡±

    The Correlation Stone is the fifth Sigil Stone slot and incorporates aspects from the four previously acquired stones. There are a nearly infinite number of these, as the type and order of the other four can change what the Correlation Stone becomes. Some cultures call the fifth stone your Class or Title Stone, as the stone''s name is more like a title than a concept or material.

    ¡°Okay, great! I figured it would be something to that effect. Let''s do this.¡± Nate picked up the Vampiric Sigil Stone.

    Vampiric Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain the ability to drain life from living things can touch, and unlock the Charm power.

    Charm. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue, you can magically charm living beings with which you interact. The cost depends on their rank and level compared to your own.

    You currently have three of five active sigil stones. Once the Vampiric Sigil Stone is accepted, it cannot be removed. Accept? Yes. No.

    The purple runes swirled into his chest as Nate felt the stone settle into place. Then the runes from all his Sigil Stones erupted from him, spinning around him faster and faster, then shifting in front of him and tightening, coalescing into a translucent glowing sphere.

    Serendipitous Symbiosis Correlation Stone. Once activated, you gain the ability to temporarily fuse together with your familiars, absorbing their health into your own, and you unlock the Manifest power. While fused with your familiar, your Luck and Familiar based abilities cost less to use.

    Manifest. You can, while fused with your familiars, manifest them as armor or weapons. While manifested as such, your Magic and Fatigue maximums are reduced by an amount that varies based on what equipment the familiar takes on. Manifested weapons and armor are more affected than normal by your Lucky power.

    Nate faced Terry. ¡°You feel that too?¡±

    Terry walked over to Nate and didn''t stop moving, walking into him and causing visual distortions as if Nate were a pool of water, disappearing within. A wave of intense hunger nearly overtook him, but with an effort he pushed it aside.

    Nate looked at his stats. His health had doubled to 340. He focused on his new ability, sensing the various options that he now possessed. The armor mode would drop his maximum Magic and Fatigue by 150 for heavy armor, 100 for light, and 50 for heavy weapons or 25 for light.

    Everyone took a step away from Nate as purple leather wrapped around his body, his hands and feet becoming Terry''s clawed appendages. The head was last, rows of razor sharp teeth extending into Terry''s massive jaws.

    The left half of the head melted away for a moment, revealing Nate''s face. His voice was a mix of his own and a chorus of other voices, some deep and resonant, others high and tortured. The effect made those around him take a step back. Ellisandra''s hand even extended out into a blade.

    ¡°We are Terry!¡± The other half of Terry''s head pulled back like a hood, and Nate laughed, his voice returned to normal. ¡°You should have seen your faces!¡±

    The armor melted toward his right hand and extended out to either side, forming a dark purple bow whose limbs resembled Terry''s razor sharp teeth, the string the dark red of sinew. His maximum magic shifted accordingly.

    ¡°This solves my need of bow problem.¡± He conjured his bow and arrows, finding that the quiver appeared and the Terry bow took on an orange sheen, slightly boosting its damage. ¡°Look how badass this looks!¡±

    ¡°Can we get back to the task at hand, please?¡± Ellisandra said.

    Nate nodded with a smile as he pulled the bow back into himself and Terry stepped out from behind him.

    ¡°One more thing,¡± Nate said as he pulled the Blood Fusion Essence Stone from his inventory, he read the first part of the entry again.

    Blood Fusion Essence Stone. This stone is used to forge a stronger bond between allies. Enchanting a wearable item grants the wearer the Blood Link ability. If consumed by a familiar, a different ability manifests depending on the familiar.

    ¡°We already have Astral Sense and Astral Step. Let''s see what this does.¡±

    Terry swallowed the stone whole. Nate read the pop-up window.

    Astral Drain. Passive. Astral energy consumed by your familiar while it is within your aura refreshes your Hunger, Thirst, and Exhaustion, and refills your Health, Fatigue, and Magic by a small amount.

    Astral Drain is Terry''s third ability. No additional abilities can be learned until you ascend to Apprentice Rank.

 Chapter 22: Stone Distribution

    It was decided that Zeff would be next.

    ¡°Can we see what the Technology Sigil Stone does?¡± Nate asked, and a pop up appeared in his vision. ¡°Oh, right.¡±

    Technology Sigil Stone. Once activated, you can spend a minute analyzing a piece of technology of your rank to gain knowledge on how it functions, what is needed to craft it, and how to craft it. Additionally, you gain the Magitech Turret power.

    Magitech Turret. Cooldown: 5 hours. You may reduce your maximum Magic and Fatigue by half to create a mountable turret that lasts for ten minutes or until destroyed. This turret does not require bullets, but drains the Magic of the one using it to create them. Additional magic may be used per bullet to increase damage. The turret counts as a Heavy Ranged weapon for purposes of skill advancement.

    ¡°That''s why you have a team that cycles when their magic runs out,¡± Nate said. Zeff nodded solemnly.

    The Fire Sigil Stone had little fanfare as it was his second, though he did spend a moment to create dancing flames in his palms. The Armor Sigil Stone activated next, and the party chat all got to see his new aura details.

    Pyrotechnic Shield. Aura. Effect: Allies within your aura gain resistance to fire and lightning damage, as well as a minor defense boost. Enemies within your aura take additional damage from fire and lightning damage sources. While your Magitech Turret is within your aura it deals additional magical damage of your choice between fire and lightning. Your Stalwart ability costs less depending on how much fire and lightning is present within your aura.

    ¡°Nice!¡± Nate and Zeff said at the same time.

    ¡°That¡¯s going to be awesome in battles!¡± Nate said. Zeff was already making notes on how to best utilize his new abilities. ¡°I feel like Harry Potter on his first Christmas at Hogwarts! You know, when he gets the cloak and the warm jumper with the ¡®H¡¯ on it?¡±

    Krypdyr raised his eye-ridges in confusion, but Fuzzball shook his head and deviated back to task, ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡±

    ¡°You, my fuzzy friend!¡± Nate said, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°And like with Zeff, I¡¯ll check your current ones first. I haven¡¯t had a sec to look them up yet. Now¡¯s as good a time as any.¡±

    Alchemy Sigil Stone. Once activated, you can study a potion or poison vial for a minute and learn its components, crafting potions and poisons at alchemy tables take half the time and cost half the materials, and you unlock the Potion Bolster power. As an Apprentice Rank, you gain the Poisoner power.

    Potion Bolster. Novice Power. At the cost of personal energy, you can improve the effectiveness of potions and poisons. The cost increases depending on the applied improvement.

    Poisoner. Apprentice Power. Bolstered poisons last twice as long or deal double the poison damage. Increasing duration costs Magic, and increasing damage costs Fatigue. Your Potion Bolster cost is reduced.

    ¡°Personal energy?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°When I use it, I get hungry, thirsty, and tired,¡± a pained expression crossed his face.

    ¡°Zolis made you push that ability often.¡± Fuzzball nodded despite it not being a question. ¡°Well, my friend, I promise I¡¯ll never do that to you.¡±

    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll poison your potion if you try it,¡± an amused smile grew on Fuzzball¡¯s face, and Nate laughed as they read the next stone¡¯s description.

    Garden Sigil Stone. Once activated, any fruit bearing or alchemical plant you touch grows as though it had a full day of sunlight and plenty of water in nutrient rich soil, even in areas where one or all three are not viable. This effect must be reapplied every 24 hours. Additionally, you gain the Deep Roots power. As an Apprentice Rank, you gain the Control Shell power.

    Deep Roots. Novice Power. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, thick vines erupt from your hands and feet, allowing you to make powerful ranged melee strikes.

    Control Shell. Apprentice Power. At an additional cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can create more customized forms of plants to aid you in battle. If you strike plant based creatures, you can gain control over the sections you have struck for a brief amount of time. Your Deep Roots cost is reduced.

    ¡°Like the acorn shelled gloves that helped you command the plants within the shamblers,¡± Ellisandra said. Fuzzball nodded.

    Zeff had his slate ready for updating the database. ¡°Healing stone first, then water.¡±

    Healing Sigil Stone. Once activated, your healing magic effectiveness is doubled, your total health increases by half, and you unlock the Greater Restore  power. As an Apprentice Rank, you gain the Self Sacrifice power.

    Greater Restore. Novice Power. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can amplify a person''s rate of healing and remove any diseases and poisons afflicting them. The cost depends on the degree of healing required.

    Self Sacrifice. Apprentice Power. You can directly heal a living thing within your aura by 2 Health per 1 Health you sacrifice. Your Greater Restore cost is reduced.

    Revitalizing Purification. Aura. Effect: Allies within the aura receive a constant, gentle healing effect, mending minor wounds, gradually recovering from more severe injuries over time, and detoxifying poisons and disease. Potions and elixirs crafted or consumed within the aura are more potent and effective, amplifying their beneficial effects.

    At Apprentice rank, your aura gains increased healing effect and range. Additionally, allies within your aura gain increased resistance to poisons and diseases.

    Nate cut his hand, watching it knit back together. He did until they found the range of his aura to be around 15 feet.

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    ¡°This aura is incredible, but its range is low, so we''d need to stay close to maintain the effects.¡±

    Before anyone could say anything else, Fuzzball took up the Water Sigil Stone and accepted it. Runes coalesced into a blue, green, and white sphere that sunk into his chest.

    Water Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain minor control over water, including the ability to breathe underwater, and unlock the Aquakinesis power. As an Apprentice Rank, you gain the

    Aquakinesis. Novice Power. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can control nearby water. The cost depends on how much water you are attempting to control.

    Frost Touch. Apprentice Power. Spending Magic, you can cause controlled water to freeze onto weapons, adding cold damage to the next several attacks made with said weapon. Your Aquakinesis costs are reduced.

    Verdant Aegis Correlation Stone. Once activated, your plant and water based abilities cost less Magic and Fatigue. Additionally, you unlock the Verdant Aegis power.

    Verdant Aegis. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can summon and wear armor made from a living combination of robust plants and flowing water. It provides resistance to environmental hazards such as extreme heat, cold, and toxins. The water element can cool or warm as needed, while the plant component filters and purifies air and water. The armor can adapt to different types of attacks. For example, it can harden against physical strikes, become more fluid to absorb impacts, or grow thorny protrusions to deter close combat attackers.

    At Apprentice rank, while Verdant Aegis is active, you can expend Magic to fire spikes of ice or jets of boiling water from any point of your armor.

    Seemingly from all over Fuzzball¡¯s body, green vines sprang out and wrapped around his body. Droplets of water from the air around him formed and flowed to fill in the gaps between the vines. The final vines wrapped in a pattern around his head, leaving his nose and mouth visible, the water forming a protective visor over his eyes.

    ¡°I think if Batman was a Druid he¡¯d have that armor,¡± Nate said, impressed. ¡°Wanna try it out?¡±

    Before he could answer Terry bounded over a nearby table and bit at Fuzzball. The water froze where Terry¡¯s mouth bit down. A scraping sound preceded Terry stumbling back as the vines whipped out at him, pushing him away. A spike of ice stuck deep into the ground at Terry''s feet.

    ¡°Impressive,¡± Krypdyr said, nodding approvingly.

    ¡°You¡¯re up next,¡± Nate motioned for Krypdyr to take his new sigil stone. Nate pulled Krypdyr''s Sigil Stone description, surprised to find additional information.

    Strength Sigil Stone. Once activated, your carrying capacity doubles, strength related skills improve twice as fast, and you unlock the Adrenaline power. As an Apprentice rank, you gain the Charge power.

    Adrenaline. Novice Power. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, your strength and awareness increase. The cost depends on the strength or awareness required to complete the task at hand.

    Charge. Apprentice Power. When you rush toward an enemy, you can spend Fatigue to deal additional damage on a 1 to 1 basis. Your Adrenaline power''s cost is reduced.

    Venom Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain immunity to most poisons and venoms, and you unlock the Venomous Spray power. As an Apprentice rank, you unlock the Venom Strike power.

    Venomous Spray. Novice Power. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can spray venom at targets with sufficient force to break the skin and enter the bloodstream. You deal poison damage determined by the rate of Magic and Fatigue usage.

    Venom Strike. Apprentice Power. At the cost of Magic on a 1 to 1 basis, you can imbue your next weapon strike to deal poison damage. Your Venomous Spray power''s cost is reduced.

    ¡°I appreciate that the system differentiates between poison and venom, but why is it all lumped into one damage type?¡± Nate asked, looking at Zeff because he assumed Zeff would be the one to know offhand. Zeff shrugged, and Nate looked back at Krypdyr, who picked up the grey runed Shadow stone and channeled a little of his magic into it, accepting it into himself.

    Shadow Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain minor control over shadows, become nearly undetectable while in shadow, and unlock the Shadowstep power. As an Apprentice rank, you gain the Dark Strike power.

    Shadowstep. Novice Power. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per foot of distance, you can step into a shadow and out of another that you can see. The cost depends on the range.

    Dark Strike. Apprentice Power. When you Shadowstep, you can spend personal energy to make the weapon you are holding become encased in shadow, dealing necrotic damage on your next strike. Your Shadowstep power¡¯s cost is reduced.

    Night¡¯s Wrath. Aura. Effect: Allies within the aura receive a temporary boost to their physical strength, allowing them to hit harder and perform feats of strength more easily. The aura shrouds you and your allies in shadows, making you harder to detect and target. The aura can infuse your allies'' and your attacks with a venomous effect, causing your strikes to apply a minor poison that damages them over time.

    At Apprentice rank, the shadow that shrouds you and your allies lasts a brief time outside of the aura. While it persists, the strength and venomous damage effects also persist.

    ¡°I have some ideas of how to use that aura for some training,¡± Nate said, ¡°if you can bring yourself to consider me your enemy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure that will be a problem,¡± Krypdyr said without a flicker of expression.

    Nate¡¯s jaw dropped and he placed a hand to his chest in mock offense, ¡°How dare you. I¡¯m adorable. Just like Terry.¡±

    Zeff laughed, ¡°Terry is the most terrifying thing I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±

    ¡°You take that back or Terry will bite you!¡± Terry, who had scampered out the front doors, was nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°No, he won¡¯t,¡± Ellisandra said, walking over to the table that held the stones and slapping Nate hard on the back. ¡°Because then you¡¯d have to deal with me.¡± Her predatory smile made Nate shift in his chair. ¡°Me next.¡±

    Steel Sigil Stone. Once activated, you can mentally alter the shape of non-magical steel so long as you are in contact with said steel, and you unlock the Metallurgy power.

    Metallurgy. At a cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can mentally alter the shape of any metal so long as you are in contact with said metal. If you shape the metal into weaponry, its base damage is increased based on how much Magic and Fatigue was spent in its creation. This increased damage fades over time unless you continually empower it.

    Blood Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain immunity to bleeding effects and minor control over your own blood, slightly increasing your natural health recovery. You also gain the Blood Mutation power.

    Blood Mutation. At a  cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you can extract blood from yourself and change it into another material. You can use blood other than your own, but at a greater cost.

    ¡°Reading these makes me understand your powers a lot better, ¡° Nate said. ¡°So, you change your blood into steel, which you then shape with your Metallurgy power. That is so badass!¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she smiled as she picked up the Dragon sigil stone and soon it disappeared into her. Metallic scales spread from her back to coat her arms, down to her legs and around her torso, slowing as they spread across her neck and up around her elven face, leaving her flowing hair and most of her face free of scales. Her teeth shifted to be slightly more pointed and her eyes took on a faint glow.

    Draconic Ward. Aura. Effect: Allies within your aura are immune to fear effects. Enemies within your aura have a small chance per hit to be affected by Fear, causing them to flee. The blood of your enemies, while within your aura, can be controlled for half the cost of controlling your own using Blood Mutation.

    She picked up the last stone and it drifted into her chest. Crimson, pearlescent, and steel grey runes formed her Correlation Stone.

    Draconic Titan Correlation Stone. Once activated, you gain the Draconic Titan power.

    Draconic Titan. Duration: 1 hour. Cooldown: 24 hours. Effect: You transform into a Draconic Titan. You double in size and your physical strength is immensely amplified. Your scales thicken, further increasing your defense. Once every 10 minutes, you can exhale a cone of swirling steel to eviscerate your foes. Absorbing blood within your aura restores your health and recharges your breath weapon.

    ¡°Zeff, what¡¯s the rarity of a Correlation Stone with both a Duration and Cooldown with no attribute cost?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°Duration and cooldowns are fairly common, though 24 hours means the effect is incredibly powerful.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Nate,¡± Ellisandra said in a grateful whisper. ¡°Hopefully now we won¡¯t lose anyone else.¡±

    Nate nodded with determination, ¡°I hope so, too. You ready to train?¡±

 Chapter 23: Sometimes Training Sucks

    With a full team now with him in Gronwood, Nate found the first week after distributing the stones to be quite enjoyable. Fuzzball walked through the forest using his new healing abilities to restore the Dead Wood and worked on filling out the field where they encountered the manifestation portal. Ellisandra and Krypdyr helped Nate with repairing the rest of the town, and Captain Luma and the rest of her crew arrived after they had enough places for them to stay. With all of them in Gronwood nearly every house was occupied. They worked together to get the town in full working order.

    ¡°There¡¯s another manifestation portal spawning in creatures north of here,¡± Nate said as he and Krypdyr pushed a wall into place. He¡¯d retracted the Terry claws and looked to just be wearing dark purple leathers.

    The leather rippled as Terry¡¯s head pushed out from his chest, but Nate gently laid a hand on top and pushed him back. ¡°I know you¡¯re hungry, buddy, but we need those portals to finish what they spawned in to do. More will come for you to eat, I¡¯m sure.¡± His stomach growled loudly. ¡°Terry¡¯s strength is great, but his hunger is relentless.¡±

    ¡°As you progress, your need for food and water will wane,¡± Krypdyr said. ¡°Usually.¡±

    ¡°I''ve been hungrier since the fusion. Do you think this is going to be a problem as we progress?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t say I¡¯ve heard of anyone who ever had an Astral Maw as a familiar. This, like luckomancy in general, is mostly unexplored territory.¡±

    Nate patted the dust from his hands, ¡°Glad we have plenty of food around for now. Cross that bridge when we come to it.¡±

    <hr>

    Some time later, Terry led several of the crew members around the forest, finding regular hunting now that the forest was repopulated. Captain Luma and Ellisandra staged an area in the market square, and Nate moved from monster to monster, looting the usable bits, then placing on an adjacent table the looted bones, feathers, teeth, and so on for distribution to those best able to craft weapons, armor, and other objects from said materials.

    Several of the steelbeaks in the pile were strangely covered in vines.

    ¡°Where did these come from?¡± Nate asked as he looted them.

    Nicholas, who was tying together bundles of ratmole furs, pointed north. ¡°Up near Saltwatch. We¡¯ve always avoided the area because of the corpse-vine.¡±

    Nate called up the bestiary entry for corpse-vine.

    Corpse-vine. Colossal Plant Monster. Rank increases based on size, beginning at Apprentice rank. Common in battlefields or places where death occurs on a grand scale, corpse-vines grow into and take control of the nearby dead. Their seeds are sown into living beings via piercing the skin. Corpse-vines are weak to cold damage, healed by fire damage, and immune to most other elemental damage types. Once large enough, a corpse-vine can create combat forms of differing types as a defense mechanism. Find its core to destroy it.

    ¡°So, plant zombies?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, sort of,¡± Galad said as he picked up a basket full of steelbeak claws.

    ¡°Terrifying. We should probably deal with that soon. There¡¯s no one that way named Abby, is there?¡±

    ¡°Abby?¡±

    ¡°Yes. We hate Abby! Alas my friend, if only the game didn¡¯t take away our ability to choose to take her out.¡±

    ¡°Which video game is this one?¡± Zeff asked.

    ¡°Last of Us 2. Worst 50 hours spent since Two-Worlds.¡±

    ¡°How did you have that amount of free time?¡± Zeff said as he dismantled his slate on one of the tables.

    ¡°Well, unlike here, the only monsters we really had to deal with were other humans, and we were mostly left to our own devices. In many cases, like mine, literally. I played games in which I had control, the power to choose my character¡¯s lot in life, because there wasn¡¯t much control in reality.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take control?¡± Krypdyr asked.

    Nate frowned thoughtfully as Terry danced around as the monster bodies became motes of light, excitedly devouring the little orbs of dissipating magic.

    ¡°You know, if it weren''t for his huge mouth filled with terrifying teeth, Terry would be adorable,¡± Luma said. Terry gave her a disapproving and hungry look.

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    ¡°Terry is adorable! And a good boy!¡± Nate said, pointedly not answering Krypdyr, mentally commanding Terry forward. He stepped into Nate, and a long tooth wrapped at the base in purple leather extended as a sword from Nate''s right hand. ¡°Time for training.¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°You''re very bad at this,¡± Ellisandra said as she knocked Nate to the ground again. She''d shaped a dull steel sword for them to practice, and Nate had been surprised at how light his new tooth blade felt in his hand. He intentionally pulled his luck power back so he could focus on his weapons training.

    ¡°I didn''t exactly grow up in a place that needed these particular skills,¡± Nate groaned as he stood, pointing the sword in her direction.

    It had taken several hours of their first time training for Nate to learn the proper way to hold a sword. He''d finally managed to get that right, and now was discovering just how good of a swordswoman Ellisandra was.

    ¡°That''s no excuse,¡± Ellisandra said. ¡°Again!¡±

    Steel struck tooth, then Nate reeled back, blood spurting from his nose as she pivoted her blade around his, her pommel smashing into his face. Nate saw white for a second, then healed his nose with a touch. The blood that flowed down onto his purple leathers absorbed into it, consumed by Terry.

    ¡°Sometimes,¡± Nate muttered, ¡°training sucks.¡±

    ¡°What was that?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    <hr>

    Early in their training, Krypdyr suggested that Nate set aside time to focus on learning as much as he can about the new realm he found himself in. Thus, Nate spent his time before bed reading through the numerous entries he now had since his Interface had absorbed and updated its databases. One of the more interesting entries for him was the one concerning auras, and the practices to improve them and the general etiquette surrounding their use in public spaces.

    After reading about the methods of controlling one¡¯s aura, he tried to apply the practices. He sat cross legged on the bed and turned his mind inward, focusing on his aura. He felt the bounds of the aura, encompassing much of the Gronwood Cantina. He felt the presence of his friends who were still having a good time down in the tavern. Instinctually, he tried to reduce the range of the aura.

    It took several tries, but eventually he was able to pull the aura back a foot. The attempt left him feeling a bit strained, and he felt it a good enough try for that night. As days became weeks, his control over his aura improved. After the end of the month, he could retract his aura fully into himself. He excitedly showed the others with auras, and they wanted in on the aura training. So they set aside a time near nightfall for them all to practice.

    ¡°In cities full of people with and without auras,¡± Nate read aloud one night before they started the practical side of the training, ¡°it is frowned upon, and sometimes illegal, to keep your aura extended. Though most auras tend to be beneficial, the mixing of so many auras can create areas of disorienting magic fluctuations. Though not directly harmful, there have been numerous instances of accidents taking place in such areas.¡± He closed and tossed his illusory journal behind him, where it dissolved with a flash of light.

    ¡°Enough of that,¡± Nate said as he sat cross legged on the ground with the others, ¡°let¡¯s continue.¡±

    <hr>

    Melee combat training was the worst of the regiments Nate implemented for himself. Light Melee weapons with Ellisandra. Heavy Melee with Krypdyr and Unarmed with Fuzzball. He alternated those days. Archery he practiced every evening.

    Terry was essential for Nate''s armor training, being able to quickly switch between light and heavy armor types. This training ran in tandem with his weapons training, as he was struck more than he did the striking.

    He found he had the most fun with his Stealth and Sleight of Hand training. He''d sneak around at night, placing small items like rat mole teeth into the pockets of anyone he could get to. He started with those who slept in the various houses, picking locks that were soon engaged after the first several days, further training his Lockpicking skill.

    Though less concerned with them, the crafting skills were some of the easier to train. He practiced his cooking daily, preparing meals for the whole of Captain Luma''s crew. Fuzzball received seeds from several crew members, pilfered from various merchants, and had a much wider selection that Nate could choose from.

    Using his Interface Podium, Nate practiced his other crafts. He dug into the expansive crafting recipes list he''d gotten from the slate download, looking for items that would train multiple crafting skills with his active list of ingredients. He crafted leather padded chairs that used the Carpentry, Smithing, Leatherworking, and Clothier skills.

    His Carpentry and Smithing also went into constructing a large scaffolding parkour setup on the outskirts of Gronwood. They worked together, building the series of platforms that rose above even the peak of the temple''s highest point. They then added steel plates on the ground around the obstacle course that Nate painted targets on. When asked what they were for, Nate parkoured his way up to the top and leapt off the side, superhero landing on one of the plates. With a groan he stood and healed himself, shaking the remnant pain from his fist.

    To his amusement, he found that creating sauces using the podium improved his Cooking and Alchemy skills. By the end of the third month, he''d tried numerous combinations from the garden and had a large collection of sauces he kept and a great many more that didn''t make the cut. Some of his sauces were even magical, with healing properties  granting brief levitation, or other magic effects. He¡¯d even discovered a hot sauce recipe that gave him resistance to heat.

    His racial abilities were a bit more difficult to train. His Adaptive Learning skill seemed to randomly trigger during his other training. During one of his Acrobatics training sessions, Nate landed on a target plate in a perfect handstand, feeling none of the typical pain of landing. Several times, he even nearly landed a blow on Ellisandra. Nearly.

    With a captured rat-mole, Nate activated Indomitable Spirit and felt the bites repeatedly, watching the notifications appear over and over. He trained his Tenacity skill during his training with Fuzzball, who could use his Frost Touch to form ice over his fists. His Resourceful skill saw regular use as he built the parkour scaffolding, adding some weaker constructions in strategic locations to make the course more difficult.

    By the end of the third month of relentless training, Nate reached level 26 and began to gain the first perks in quite a few of his Novice skills.

 Chapter 24: Teamwork

    Nate, Fuzzball, Zeff, and Krypdyr stood around the cooking station that was Nate''s Interface Podium.

    ¡°How would you like to have gratuitous amounts of energy?¡± Nate asked with vigor as he fed multicolored berries into a juicer on his Interface Podium.

    ¡°This some new ability?¡± Zeff asked, suddenly more interested.

    ¡°How would you like to move so fast that Mother Nature tells you to slow down, but you instead say ¡®F you¡¯ and kick her in the face with your ENERGY LEGS?!¡± Nate kept amping up his intensity.

    ¡°This a new type of speed potion?¡± Fuzzball asked, watching closely as Nate blended several fruits together.

    ¡°Who''s Mother Nature?¡± Krypdyr asked as Nate finished his concoction with a small burst of magic.

    ¡°Whoopi Goldberg, of course! How dare you not know Gaia. She gave us Captain Planet!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Not important. I got my first Cooking Perk. And as it turns out, I can rename them.¡± He linked them in a quick party chat and showed them his new perk.

    Powerthirst! Novice Cooking Perk. When creating a drink that reduces your Thirst, you can imbue the drink with your Magic to reduce the consumer''s Exhaustion level by 1 percent per 25 Magic used. This effect will fade if not consumed within 15 minutes after its creation. This ability may be used once per day.

    He handed each of them a drink.

    ¡°What''s in this?¡± Krypdyr said as he savored the sweet concoction.

    ¡°Various berries we''ve been growing. Getting the mix just right was tricky, but the Rawberry mix is complete!¡±

    ¡°Rawberry?¡±

    ¡°Say it with a bit more intensity. RAWBERRY!¡± Nate demonstrated.

    ¡°You are a confusing man, Nate.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡±

    <hr>

    The warehouse near the airship docks in Tempeste was, on paper, abandoned and condemned. Spring Jack ducked through a rooftop window and landed softly on the catwalk overlooking the Carrot Crew operations. Large chemical processors were steadily manufacturing explosive gel on the western side and weak healing unguents on the eastern side.

    People dressed in unmarked coveralls spotted him as he took the numerous stairs down to the working floor. They stood at attention, eyes full of fear and wonder.

    Spring Jack ignored them and entered one of the southernmost offices they''d built against the warehouse wall. A chimeran with the head and upper body of a black feathered duck sat at the desk applying some of the healing ointment to a relatively fresh gash across his arm.

    ¡°Blackwing,¡± Spring Jack said casually as he collapsed into a soft armchair.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Blackwing asked without looking from his application.

    ¡°We have a job from Zolis.¡± That got his attention. ¡°Triple standard pay.¡±

    ¡°Send me the detes,¡± Blackwing tapped his slate on the desk. Spring Jack instead handed him the parchment.

    ¡°Off the books, eh?¡±

    Spring Jack frowned, ¡°It would seem so.¡±

    Head to Gronwood. Someone there has activated the Astral Collector and acquired the Interface Podium. Capture that person and bring them to me. If it is a group, I only need the one who activated the podium.

    Blackwing picked up his slate and searched the database. ¡°Astral Collector absorbs ambient magics to create essence gems or, given time, Sigil Stones.¡± He tapped the slate a few more times. ¡°There''s nothing about an Interface Podium. The hell is that?¡±

    Spring Jack shrugged, ¡°I couldn''t find anything on it either. Do we still have that airship?¡±

    Blackwing sighed heavily, ¡°No, you lost it in a card game, remember?¡±

    ¡°Oh, right! Shall we go steal one?¡±

    Blackwing smirked, ¡°Already have eyes on one. Just waiting until the changing of the guard.¡±

    ¡°Have I ever told you how much I appreciate you?¡±

    ¡°Not nearly enough.¡±

    Several hours later, Spring Jack stood with Blackwing on the deck of the Carrot Crew¡¯s newest acquisition, the Sky Strider, flying southeast toward Gronwood.

    <hr>

    Captain Luma motioned to the empty chair and Ellisandra sat, an inquisitive look splashed on her face.

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡±

    Luma poured them both glasses of a purple liquor before sitting across from her. ¡°Everything is great. I just wanted to talk to you about something.¡±

    ¡°Shoot.¡±

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    ¡°We need to get back in the air, meaning we need a new airship. Once we get another one, I''m going to need to find a new mechanic and first mate.¡±

    ¡°I''m not going anywhere!¡± Ellisandra protested.

    ¡°When we found you on that derelict airship a decade ago, I knew this wasn''t forever. You''ve been amazingly good at your job, but now your job is changing.  Nate is a man who is going to be changing the world around him even if he doesn''t want to. He managed to thwart an Expert Ranked spell as a Novice with basically no magic training and was gifted eight Sigil Stones for existing, each of which could''ve gotten us an airship. But instead of hoarding them for trade or coin, he gives them away freely so those around him are better prepared. You''ll see more of the world and learn more from him indirectly in a few years than I can teach you in ten times the time.¡±

    Tears streamed down Ellisandra''s face, but her voice was resolute, ¡°We''re going to help with getting the next airship before parting ways.¡±

    ¡°I hoped you''d say that,¡± Luma tapped her glass to Ellisandra''s and they drained their glasses before she pulled her into a strong hug.

    A short time later, Zeff entered Luma¡¯s office. ¡°Ellie said you wanted to see me?¡±

    ¡°Please sit,¡± she already had the glass of water Zeff preferred ready for him.

    ¡°This is about going with Nate, right?¡±

    Luma leaned back in her chair, bemusement across her face, ¡°How did you know that?¡±

    ¡°Ellie doesn¡¯t really cry all that much, and I figured whatever it was must be big. I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re willing to let her just leave, especially now that she has her full set of Sigil Stones. Her Dragon Titan power could single-handedly take over an enemy ship.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have sent Ellisandra to help you in the portal fight if I didn¡¯t fully expect to be losing her as my second in command. Same reason I didn¡¯t come get you after you ran off without permission.¡±

    Zeff smiled abashedly, ¡°Sorry about that. I didn¡¯t mean to make trouble.¡±

    ¡°Far from it, Zeff! Far from it. I think you did exactly what you were supposed to do. And now we have a foot in the door of a gracious Luckomancer.¡±

    A soft knocking startled Zeff, but Luma smiled and called the knocker in.

    ¡°Did I hear you say gracious Luckomancer?¡± Nate asked as he pulled up a chair.

    ¡°I did indeed. Ellisandra sent you, right?¡±

    ¡°In a manner of speaking,¡± Nate pulled from his inventory a glass flute full of his mixed juice drink, its enchantment having long since worn off, and savored a sip anyway. ¡°Why is she mad at me?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s more mad at me, I think, and is just deflecting. We could use your help, if you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Nate smiled widely, ¡°Of course! I owe you and yours much. What do you need?¡±

    ¡°We need a new airship.¡±

    ¡°As in, help stealing one, building one, or buying one?¡±

    ¡°Usually we steal one, but if you have ideas¡­¡± Luma left the thought open.

    ¡°I do indeed! But I think we need to deal with the corpse vine first. And it will be a great time for us to try out our new abilities as a team.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more,¡± Zeff said, pulling his slate out to show Nate. ¡°I have a few ideas for tactics that use all of our abilities.¡±

    ¡°Excellent!¡±

    <hr>

    Quest: Corpse-Vine.

    Objective: Destroy the corpse vine.

    Reward: Random Magic Item, 50 gold pieces.

    Accept? Yes No.

    Nate accepted the quest as they approached Saltwatch. The crimson vines with vibrantly colored leaves was spread along the ground and covered the trees fifty feet from the outermost buildings. They could see vine covered creatures ambling around the town, passing from building to building.

    ¡°Remember that it''s vulnerable to cold, and we need to find the core,¡± Nate said as he called up his Elemental Bolt spell.

    ¡°Fuzzball?¡± Zeff asked as Ellisandra''s hands expanded into blades. Fuzzball focused and used his Frost Touch power, pulling water from the air around him and freezing it onto their weapons.

    ¡°We''ll see how long it lasts,¡± Krypdyr swung his large ice covered sword.

    ¡°Stay close to Fuzzball, his healing aura should help us fight off the diseased seeds this thing spreads.¡±

    Nate flexed his fingers, cold steam rising from his fingers, ¡°And if you see a muscular woman named Abby, kill her immediately.¡±

    ¡°Hush, you,¡± Ellisandra said as she focused, ¡°start the party.¡±

    Nate stretched out his hands and cold magic lanced out, striking the outermost vines. The leaves hardened and cracked, shattering as they fell to the ground, the vines shriveling and snapping as the cold bit in. A shudder rippled through the blanket of vines and the creatures moving about the town all turned at once, charging to the location.

    No one was there for them to attack. Krypdyr''s Night''s Wrath aura hid them as they maneuvered around the town, Nate casting his spell once they had gotten far enough away from the first site, drawing the corpse vine''s creatures circuitously around the town. Once the faster creatures were far enough away from the slower ones, they struck out.

    Fuzzball''s healing aura was the smallest in terms of radius, and Krypdyr and Ellisandra left the range as they charged at what looked like steelbeak topiaries. Icy blades sliced easily through the beasts, who collapsed into piles of writhing vines. Ellie was struck in the leg by one of the wriggling vines and she retreated into Fuzzball''s aura. The bright red seed popped out of the wound as it healed.

    Nate continued to focus on his cold spell, breaking up the vines with stomps and kicks from his Terry-armored legs.

    Hulking shamblers made up of the crimson corpse vines began pouring around the nearest building and rushing at Nate. He focused his aura on them and they began to trip over one another. Elemental bolts of ice froze chunks of the vines making up their legs and Ellisandra ran through, severing them at her eye level, which only got their legs at mid thigh.

    As they collapsed, rat moles erupted from within them, covering Ellisandra as she ran. She screamed and thrashed about, throwing them off as quickly as they clambered back, cutting many into writhing vines. Fuzzball¡¯s Verdant Aegis shot vines out around her, pulling many away so she could slay the rest. She looked sickly and shifted back behind Fuzzball, the stacked diseases slowly going away. Her draconic scales had thankfully stopped most of the lashing vines and rat mole bites.

    The vines around them began coiling and looping together. An enormous body began to form, four thick legs, a long spiked tale, and five trunked necks leading to spiked spheres where heads should be.

    Zeff''s fire based abilities were of no use, not wanting to heal the corpse-vine. His Stalwart ability, however, was immeasurably helpful. His armor stopped the whipping vines and as their diseased seed implantation had magical elements, each attack recharged his shield as fast as it was deteriorating.

    ¡°I have to find the core,¡± Nate called over chat as he sent cold bolts against the corpse-vine hydra, ¡°Stay near each other to keep the pressure on. Should keep my path clearer. Terry and I will be back soon.¡± Nate pulled Terry¡¯s head over his own like a cowl, extended his claws, and leapt high into the air, creating a portal that landed him gently on the top of the tallest building that looked to Nate like a town hall of some sort.. The rooftop was clear of enemies, and the loose vines were quickly frozen and broken away.

    Nate shifted his eyes into his Astral Sense power granted by Terry. Terry stepped out of Nate¡¯s back and stood next to him as they looked over Saltwatch. Now that Nate had gained several levels, Terry now stood around seven feet tall, nearly a foot taller than Nate himself. His tongue lolled out the side of his mouth as he hungrily gazed over the town.

    The corrupting magic of the vines looked a deep purple that was almost black, and was of lesser intensity nearly the outermost tips. He addressed the group through chat.

    ¡°The magic of the vines becomes more dense the closer to the core, but there are so many overlapping vines, it¡¯ll be difficult to pinpoint it until we clear more of it. Ellie, you feeling up to going Titan?¡±

 Chapter 25: The Titan and the Core

    Ellisandra activated her Draconic Titan power. Her body swelled to 11 feet tall, her scales growing larger and thicker. Her face extended into the visage of a steel dragon, two twisted horns extending from her head. Her clothing, to her relief, magically scaled with her.

    The vines started to wrap around her thick legs, unable to find purchase to implant seeds. She stepped forward, tearing away vines as quickly as they clung on. She opened her mouth wide and exhaled a stream of shredding metal, cutting a wide path forward deeper into Saltwatch. Krypdyr, Zeff, and Fuzzball all followed Ellie as she stomped her way along the cleared path.

    The vines were already beginning to spread over the shredded area as Nate watched them advance from his vantage point.  Terry happily ran around the rooftop, snapping up errant vines that began to creep back over the parapet. Nate summoned his bow, whose duration was doubled by his first Conjuration perk, Soul Bound.

    Soul Bound. Novice Conjuration Perk. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. The duration of summoned weapons and tools is doubled.

    As he set the translucent arrow and pulled the string back, his first Archery skill perk activated.

    Trajectory. Novice Archery Perk. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. You see a translucent  line indicating your arrow¡¯s trajectory.

    They, being on the other side of Saltwatch, were beyond the range of his short bow. He fiddled with the settings of his trajectory line, finding himself able to change the color and degree of translucence with mental commands.  He shot several  leaves, pinning them to the ground or wall where they swayed. With a wriggling motion of the vine, the leaves pulled free, the holes slowly closing over.

    ¡°Time to try some new abilities,¡± Nate said to Terry, who stepped into him once again. The purple heavy armor plating spread over Nate¡¯s body and he felt his Health surge.  He pulled his cowl over his head, and Terry¡¯s wide mouth and sharp teeth sprung to life. When worn by Nate, Terry now was shorter than normal and much more humanoid in posture. Nate crouched, triggered his luck ability, and leapt out, keeping his right hand open and his left with his Elemental Bolt spell ready as needed. The roof he¡¯d jumped from was about 40 feet above the ground level, his Terry assisted jump adding another 20 feet, and he used two more of his new perks.

    Padded Soles. Novice Acrobatics Perk. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. Your falling damage is reduced by 25%.

    Meteoric Strike. Novice Athletics Perk. Active ability. Cooldown: 1 minute. Cost: 25 MP per foot radius. When landing from a distance greater than 25 feet, you can deal bludgeoning damage to an area dependent upon your magic expenditure.

    Nate pumped enough magic to make it a 5-foot radius, and his luck power surprised him. The cobblestone road beneath his feet crumbled and he plummeted into a hole he presumed to have been dug under the town by the vine. Soil walls became a blur before he slammed onto his back on hard stone.

    ¡°There may be holes under the road,¡± Nate groaned into the chat as he sat up. ¡°Try not to break the ground too much.¡±

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Fuzzball asked.

    The yellow light of healing flooded over Nate''s body from his Healing Touch spell, ¡°I''m good. Keep the vine distracted.¡±

    <hr>

    Gronwood was in surprisingly good shape for a town long abandoned. Spring Jack watched from his enchanted spyglass as a group composed mostly of Mothkin ambled about the town, tending to the gardens and heading out to hunt rat moles and other nearby creatures.

    ¡°Copper for your thoughts,¡± Blackwing said as he leaned against the rail.

    ¡°Do you remember Luma?¡±

    Blackwing smirked, ¡°I remember the ruckus you two made in your chambers.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, those were good times! I think her crew is down there.¡±

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    ¡°What''s the play?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± he pulled up his shirt and touched a small scar on his chest, ¡°we didn''t exactly end on great terms.¡±

    ¡°She stabbed you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Blackwing, I remember. Damn, that was a fun night!¡±

    Blackwing grabbed the spyglass and took several moments to look over Gronwood. ¡°I don''t see their airship.¡±

    ¡°I noticed that, too. Keep the merchant flag up for now until we get closer.¡±

    ¡°Are you thinking what I''m thinking?¡±

    ¡°She''s going to try to steal our ship.¡±

    <hr>

    Bright, Luma''s new first mate, hustled into where Luma sat enjoying a warm cup of tea, tucked in her entirely white Mothkin wings, and sat next to her, ¡°Captain, there''s an airship bearing Tempeste merchant colors heading straight for Gronwood.¡±

    Luma gently sat her mug down, ¡°Any visuals on the crew yet?¡±

    ¡°They''re a bit too far out for details, but we think one of them may be a slightly dark blue color.¡±

    ¡°Send a scout to investigate. We may have found our next airship. And send Galad north to Saltwatch to inform Nate and Ellie. We''ll likely need their help.¡±

    ¡°Aye aye, ma''am.¡± Bright rushed out of the room.

    Luma sipped her tea thoughtfully, muttering to herself, a reminiscent smile across her face, ¡°Darker blue. It couldn''t be¡­¡±

    <hr>

    Vines lashed out at Nate as he stood, wrapping around his arms and legs and attempting to pull him back down. Bolts of ice froze the section around him and he crunched his way forward. The underground section looked very similar to the mines they had found under Gronwood, except here thick vines covered the exposed surfaces.

    ¡°We are close to the core, Terry. Look how thick these vines are.¡± Even as he spoke, the thicker vines broke away from the walls and shot toward him, snapping his legs together and making him fall. He tried to freeze them, but they must''ve had more health as they ignored his novice spell. The crushing vines pushed the air out of his lungs and he watched his health begin to wain.

    This creature was already touching him, so he activated his Vampiric Sigil Stone''s draining power. It slowed the damage he was taking, but the drain was far too slow to keep up, and he couldn''t pump magic into it to make it stronger.

    But that wasn''t his only draining ability. Monsters were creatures typically summoned via manifestation portals, and they all possessed at least a partial connection to the astral magics thereof. Nate leaned his head down and Terry''s jaws tore into the vine around his chest. The network of vines shuddered as chunks were ripped away. Nate felt his energies restore minutely.

    ¡°Time to set you loose, buddy.¡± He said as Terry stepped out from him. Nate''s health cut in half as Terry towered before him. His familiar roared with glee, grabbed a vine as it whipped at him, and began to devour.

    Astral Drain. Passive. Astral energy consumed by your familiar while it is within your aura refreshes your Hunger, Thirst, and Exhaustion, and slowly refills your Health, Fatigue, and Magic.

    Nate felt invigorated as his energies were recharged. He blasted out with bolt after bolt of frost, slowly working their way deeper into the cave system.

    Above, Fuzzball lashed out with ice covered vines, weaving through leaves and leaving behind ice encrusted vines that Zeff tore through using his magictech turret, which he intentionally left unenchanted to avoid using healing fire damage on the corpse-vine. A group of intertwined vines wrapped around his leg to pull him from his weapon, but Krypdyr was quick to his aid, his frosted blade severing the vines with a clean swipe. The ice broke away from his sword, quickly reapplied by Fuzzball as he continued his route to widen their safe area. Ellisandra grabbed and ripped up large sections of the corpse-vine, the plant creature unable to penetrate her thickened scales. More and more of the vines sprang up from the ground, arching out to attempt to bind the tireless Draconic Titan, but she continuously pushed on. As she tore the vines, red ichor oozed from them, which she took into herself using her blood control ability.

    This continually recharged her breath weapon, and as they fought she reduced her time between cones of shredding steel from ten minutes to 8 to 5, eventually as more and more corpse vine was shredded and bleeding, she was breathing her cone of steel every 2 minutes.

    ¡°Turret¡¯s done for now,¡± Zeff said over chat as he slumped to the ground while his summoned turret dissolved into motes of light.

    ¡°Krypdyr, look after Zeff while he rests,¡± Ellisandra said, ¡°Fuzzball, start working toward the hole Nate made. He¡¯ll likely need us soon.¡±

    ¡°Terry¡¯s doing a great job down here, actually,¡± Nate said. ¡°Good boy!¡±

    Nate continued to track the glowing energies of the corpse-vine, moving further into the cave system. The vine coating had thinned as he moved and dodged incoming vines, more and more moving up to attack the others.

    He followed Terry around a corner and stopped in awe. His Astral Sense ability nearly blinded him as he looked upon the core of the plant. The brighter, stronger vines of the core did not shoot out at Terry and him, but they swirled in loops that were 5 feet in diameter, forming 10 foot tall cocoons that shortly opened. Ten figures of tightly wound vines stepped out from the cocoons, aglow with magic and power. Five of them were masculine and five feminine in shape, 8 foot tall figures of immaculate beauty.

    ¡°Oh no,¡± Nate called out over chat.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ellie said with more worry than Nate was expecting.

    ¡°Do you think the corpse-vine can read my mind, or does it usually make guardians that are really really ridiculously good looking?¡± Out loud to the guardians he added, ¡°Do the Blue Steel! Unless you by chance can¡¯t turn left? Or was it right?¡±

 Chapter 26: Portal Solutions

    Ellisandra led Fuzzball, Krypdyr, and Zeff as they fought through the tunnel beneath Saltwatch. She breathed another cone of shredding steel in the narrow tunnel, churning that section of the corpse-vine into bloody mulch. She absorbed the blood as they continued to run. As they neared the bend in the cave, Nate flew into view, slamming into the wall, blood soaked into his armor. Zeff helped him to his feet as Krypdyr cut the grabbing vines away. Three of the guardians ran into view being chased by the ever-hungry Terry.

    Nate¡¯s face grew serious, ¡°Terry, to me! Fuzzball, I need some healing. Zeff, Krypdyr, and Ellie, try to keep those guardians away from me while Fuzzball heals me. I have a stupid idea.¡±

    ¡°Your stupid ideas have always worked so far, so why not?¡± Fuzzball said as he sacrificed his own health to top off Nate¡¯s using his Self Sacrifice power. Being Apprentice Rank meant that Fuzzball had much more health than Nate and refilling his health left Fuzzball with plenty left over to fight the guardians.

    Terry leapt over the combat, charging right into Nate, immediately oozing out into his heavy armor. Before he pulled over his cowl, Nate motioned for Fuzzball to help the others in their increasingly difficult conflict. ¡°May Chell watch over me for this one.¡±

    Nate ran straight for the wider open space that held the core of the corpse-vine. The ceiling of rooty soil was around 25 feet above the ground where the core rested within thick coiled vines. The core looked like a hundred human hearts stitched together with vines. The aura coming from it was oppressive, and Nate could feel its gradually weakening Adept Rank. It was heavily injured from all the damage they had been doing along the way, but it was far from dead. He dove to the side as heavy vines lashed out at him, his luck holding as they came a hair¡¯s breadth from striking him.

    His friends were in trouble, and he could hear the cries of pain and frustration as they kept the guardians occupied. So with a steadying breath, Nate leapt high into the air over the core and opened a horizontal portal. The other he opened ten feet over the original, falling through the portal tunnel he¡¯d created. He could only hold the portals open for ten seconds, but he figured that was all he needed.

    He fell faster and faster, building momentum. Vines tried to lash at him, but could not damage the portals or sufficiently anticipate Nate¡¯s erratically fast fall.

    He closed the portal and triggered his Meteoric Landing, crushing into the corpse-vine core. A flash of white pain sent him into unconsciousness.

    <hr>

    An incredibly loud noise echoed through the tunnel moments before the guardians unraveled around the rest of the party. The vines shriveled around them, and they cheered before realizing that their party chat had been cut off. Zeff noticed it first and sprinted deeper into the tunnel. Nate lay in a five foot deep crater wearing his crafted leathers. Around him was a pile of human hearts dissolving into motes of astral light. Fuzzball gently picked him up and his aura got to work gently healing everyone.

    ¡°Did Terry die again?¡± Zeff asked as he looked around the tunnel, ¡°And how do we get out of here?¡±

    Fuzzball shifted the roots into a ladder and they all sat in the middle of Saltwatch several minutes later, taking a breather as they waited for Nate to awaken.

    ¡°That¡¯s going to sting for a while,¡± Nate groaned as he sat up. He set aside his notifications for the moment, though he did notice the timer that had once again begun counting down, though it now showed 20 hours instead of 24.

    ¡°What did you do back there?¡± Krypdyr asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you the details later, but I must say this was a triumph. I¡¯m making a note here; huge success!¡±

    ¡°We did okay,¡± Ellie said, realizing that she was the only one not covered in blood and using her power to remove as much as possible from the others.

    ¡°No no,¡± Nate said earnestly, ¡°it¡¯s hard to overstate my satisfaction.¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Zeff said, ¡°and we learned a few more things to add to the strategy book.¡±

    ¡°Can we camp here?¡± Nate asked as he lay back over crunchy shriveled vines, ¡°It¡¯s like playing in a pile of freshly raked leaves, but across the whole town!¡± He noticed a steelbeak wandering into town, ¡°And I can roast up some dinner.¡±

    As Ellisandra dragged the steelbeak to the small area on the edge of town where they cleared the vines into piles, Nate looted the corpse-vine.  He received 15 platinum pieces and a new magic item.

    Grappler Whip. Type: Light Melee Weapon. Weight: 2 lbs. Value: 500 gold pieces. This 10-foot long vine can be used as a whip. You can expend magic to increase the length up to 30 feet. You can mentally command the whip to grab any non-smooth surface or to wrap around enemies to grapple them.

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Anyone have a leather fedora?¡± Nate asked as he reverently retrieved the whip from his inventory. It was deep red like the corpse-vine and he could feel the thrum of magic. The end was barbed with tiny thorns.

    ¡°What''s a fedora?¡± Zeff asked.

    ¡°It''s a sort of brimmed hat worn by one of the heroes from my world.¡± Nate plucked a platinum piece from his inventory and looked it over. It was about twice the size of a gold piece and was a shiny silvery hue.

    ¡°I got fifteen of these from the corpse-vine,¡± he pulled eleven more and handed each of them 3 platinum pieces. ¡°You¡¯ve all more than earned your share of the loot. Anyone want the Grappler Whip?¡±

    Everyone shook their heads or verbally declined, suddenly very interested in looking at the platinum now in their hands. ¡°Good, cause I kinda wanted it for me. Think of the possibilities. I could Spiderman my way through a city with tall buildings using this!¡±

    ¡°There are a lot of random heroes in your world, aren¡¯t there?¡± Krypdyr asked as he tore into a chunk of roasted steelbeak.

    ¡°You have no idea! But honestly it¡¯s usually the villains that make most heroes interesting. There¡¯s a man who dresses like a bat and fights a crazy killer clown, a guy obsessed with penguins, and a large crocodile man, among others. Batman is interesting because he refuses to kill the villains. The Punisher is interesting for the opposite reason.¡±

    ¡°Does Spiderman dress like a spider like Batman dressing like a bat?¡± Zeff asked.

    ¡°Sometimes, yeah, but usually no.¡±

    ¡°Why do these heroes have such stupid names?¡± Elli asked between bites.

    ¡°Hey! Their names aren¡¯t stupid, just a little too on-the-nose.¡±

    ¡°I could call myself Plantman,¡± Fuzzball said with a teasing smile.

    ¡° Ha ha. I think that¡¯s a Megaman villain.¡± Nate said as he stood. ¡°I¡¯m going to take a quick jog around the village, make sure there aren¡¯t any stragglers. I have a ton of interface messages to go through anyway.¡±

    Acrobatics has increased from Novice 26 to Novice 30. Total Fatigue has increased by 4. Progression to Level 27 at 44%.

    Terry has chosen to sacrifice himself to save you. Your connection with your familiar has increased. Terry¡¯s respawn time has decreased by four hours.

    Quest: Corpse-Vine complete. Rewards have been added to your inventory. Your random magic item is a Transmuter Die.

    Nate jogged back to the campfire and pulled a palm sized four-sided die from his inventory and rolled it in his hand. Images were carved into each of the faces: an arm curled in a bicep flex, a humanoid shape running with lines indicating speed, a suit of full plate armor, and a claw with thick, wide claws.

    Transmuter Die. Type: Ranked Wondrous Item. Weight: 0.5 lbs. Value: 10,000 gp. This object is a die with a number of sides relative to your Rank, beginning with 4 sides at Novice and increasing by 2 per rank improvement to a maximum of 14 sides at Master Rank. Below are the currently available faces. Once rolled, the effect is applied to a familiar of your choice. The effect lasts for 10 minutes and has an 8 hour cooldown.

    Armored: Your familiar gains heavy armor, or their existing armor improves.

    Burrow: Your familiar gains the ability to burrow into the ground.

    Speed: Your familiar gains a significant increase in speed.

    Strength: Your familiar gains a significant increase in strength.

    ¡°Oh, this is awesome!¡± Nate said, ¡°I can¡¯t wait to show Terry. Remind me that I owe him a good sized manifestation portal for his amazing work.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure that he¡¯ll appreciate that,¡± Ellie said. Zeff used his Pyrokinesis to start up their cook fire and Nate continued reading as he checked on the steelbeak slab sizzling on the pan that he¡¯d spiced from a bandolier he now kept near the top of his inventory. He received a single iron coin among the items looted from the steelbeak. He was confused as to why until he continued reading his notifications.

    You have defeated a foe two ranks higher than your own. This experience has improved your Interface¡¯s abilities and unlocked your first Title. Your looting power now has a chance to drop coins when looting monsters, and can interchangeably swap coin types as they reach the threshold, such as converting 100 iron coins into 1 copper.  Additionally, you have unlocked a new menu: Titles and Achievements.

    Nate sat straighter as he read the last sentence. He mentally navigated to his new menu and checked his title first. His default title was Luckomancer and had no inherent benefits. He read the other option before applying it.

    Rank Tyrannist. Your continuous willingness to ignore rank disparity has bled into your abilities. Your attacks and powers ignore the inherent resistances possessed by ranks higher than your own against lower ranks.

    ¡°Fantastic!¡± Nate said as he looked through his list of achievements. The list was fairly long, and there wasn''t a part that showed any as yet unclaimed ones, so Nate would have to try new things to see how getting new ones worked. What pleased him greatly is that each achievement had a small reward of varying sorts.

    Sky Diver Achievement Unlocked! You have survived your entry into Terra. Reward? 10 iron pieces.

    Novice Explorer Achievement Unlocked! You have explored 5 buildings. Reward? 5 iron pieces.

    Novice Adventurer Achievement Unlocked! You have completed your first quest. Reward? 5 Novice Healing Potions.

    Most of the list had small rewards similar to the top listed ones. A few, however, were better and more recent.

    High Jumper Achievement Unlocked. You have leapt at least 50 feet above the ground. Reward? Acrobatics Skill Book.

    Plantbane Achievement Unlocked! You have slain an enormous or sentient plant creature. Reward? Vinebow.

    Galad has entered your communication range.

    Before he could retrieve the Vinebow, Nate sent Galad a chat request just before he burst into their camp, very out of breath. After several moments to catch his breath, he said, ¡°Airship incoming to Gronwood! Merchant flag, but they may be pirates!¡±

 Chapter 27: False Tragedy

    Quest: Attack of the Carrot Crew

    Objective: Save as many of the mothkin crew as you can.

    Alternate Objective: Join Spring Jack and the Carrot Crew and kill Captain Luma.

    Reward: Novice Growth Orb

    Accept? Yes. No.

    Nate accepted the quest as they ran with all haste back toward Gronwood. Nate used his Grappler Whip to pull himself through the forest, only taking a step every 20 feet or so, propelling himself forward. He found to his delight that when he released the extension effect of the whip, it would pull him toward where it was connected.

    Their practice on the parkour course in Gronwood was showing dividends, their movement through the jumbled forest faster than ever before. Fuzzball used his control over plants to clear areas that had become too overgrown, and in half a day they reached a clearing near Gronwood.

    Black smoke billowed up from numerous sections of town and they could hear the sounds of combat.

    ¡°No!¡± Ellisandra screamed as she surged ahead. There was no sign of Mothkin flying around or the airship.

    ¡°Stay near me!¡± Nate said as they reached the edge of town, spotting the airship off in the distance. A portal opened in front of him and he ran through, followed closely by the others. They stepped onto the roof of the Gronwood Saloon, Krypdyr''s aura helping to keep them undetected.

    Night¡¯s Wrath. Aura. Effect: Allies within the aura receive a temporary boost to their physical strength, allowing them to hit harder and perform feats of strength more easily. The aura shrouds you and your allies in shadows, making you harder to detect and target. The aura can infuse your allies'' and your attacks with a venomous effect, causing your strikes to apply a minor poison that damages those struck over time.

    At Apprentice rank, the shadow that shrouds you and your allies lasts a brief time outside of the aura. While it persists, the strength and venomous damage effects also persist.

    A blue furred rabbit knelt in front of Captain Luma, who sat bound in one of Nate''s crafted leather chairs. Around her sitting on the ground were about half of the crew. Nate noticed that no one that wasn''t present was within his chat range. He sent Captain Luma a request as the chimeran rabbit man spoke.

    ¡°I really need you to tell me where the one with the Interface Podium is,¡± Spring Jack said, ¡°Blackwing enjoys killing your crew as much as the next guy, but I''d rather we did this as peacefully as possible.¡±

    Luma only glared at him, but spoke fervently through the chat. ¡°Nate! Took you long enough! They''re looking for you.¡±

    ¡°Did we hear him right?¡± Nate asked with an unexpected coldness.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the sorrow was thick in her voice.

    ¡°Did any of them not on my list escape?¡±

    ¡°Most fled into the woods. We lost two in one of the house fires. You need to get into the airship. They have explosive gel. We can use it to our advantage.¡±

    Nate shook his head, a determined look crossing his face. ¡°No one else will die today because of me. Krypdyr, you shadowstep into the airship and try to get some of the gel without being detected. We¡¯ll keep the pirates distracted while you work.¡±

    ¡°I am to protect you, which I cannot do if I¡¯m in the airship.¡±

    ¡°Getting that gel will both take a weapon from them and grant us a whole bunch of chaos, and Zeff can use it to improve his turret''s efficiency. Zeff, can you fix the airship if it happens to break?¡±

    ¡°Yep!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Krypdyr sank into the shadows as Nate opened a portal underneath Luma, dropping her chair next to Ellie on the roof, who quickly cut her free.

    ¡°What th-¡± Spring Jack said as he spun around looking for where she went. ¡°Ah. Our target must be here. Blackwing?¡±

    Blackwing leapt into the air as black wings sprung out from his back, taking him into the air with a burst of movement. Krypdyr¡¯s shadowy aura clung to Nate and the others, and they were able to squeeze into the second story windows before being spotted. ¡°No sign of them from here.¡±

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    At the last second, Nate decided to stay behind, hopping gently to the ground below.

    ¡°Find cover until I give the safe word. Safe word? That¡¯s not right. Go code? Let¡¯s go with go-code. And it¡¯s ¡®Jenga.¡¯ Try to keep casualties to a minimum. Captain, when it starts, get your people to safety.¡±

    ¡°Come on out,¡± Spring Jack yelled, ¡°Or we start killing more of these people.¡±

    Nate ran to the corner of the building, crouched low, utilizing his recently unlocked Sneak perk.

    Cling to the Shadows. Novice Sneak Perk. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. Cost: None. When leaving shadows while hidden, you remain hidden for up to five seconds. Attacking, using a power or spell, and certain other actions negate this effect.

    Nate flitted from shadow to shadow until he was near the airship, away from the cantina. Then he drew his new bow, conjured his arrows, and stepped into the light.

    Vinebow. Type: Weapon, Shortbow. Weight: 3 lbs. Value: 1000 gold pieces. The limbs of this bow are the green of vibrant leaves with ten glowing red runes carved all along them from tip to grip. This bow deals double damage against plants. You can activate a rune on this bow when firing an arrow to imbue the arrow with a vine trap that wraps up your target. A target with sufficient Athletics skill can break free.

    Nate pushed his aura out behind him, getting as much of the airship as he could to help Krypdyr. ¡°You must be Spring Jack.¡±

    ¡°I am indeed! You must be the one with the Interface Podium. Glad my reputation precedes me. Should make this easier.¡± Spring Jack drew his rapier but did not advance.

    ¡°I only just learned your name. My name is Nate. I like the whole Pirate Bugs Bunny thing you got going on, so I''ll give it to you straight. You and yours killed two of my people. I''ve thus far only killed monsters, and frankly I''d like to keep it that way. But you came after my family. I have a problem with- why are you staring at me like that?¡±

    Spring Jack''s face had shifted from confidence to confused shock.

    ¡°There''s something scary right behind me, right?¡± Nate said mockingly without turning. ¡°I''m not falling for that.¡±

    Spring Jack took a step closer, letting his aura wash over Nate, who felt the chaotic energy surround him. Nate stood unfazed.

    ¡°You''re an Apprentice Rank. Honestly kind of surprising. They already sent an Adept after me, yet here I stand. You know, I''ve read that aura used like that is rude in polite society, though pirates are historically not usually polite, so I¡¯ll give you a pass for now.¡± Nate shifted his own aura over Spring Jack just as one of the airship windows exploded outward. A chimeran with the head and torso of a frog flew out, rolling amidst the shards of glass that narrowly missed Spring Jack. Krypdyr sprung out of the same window, a barrel under each arm.

    One he tossed Nate''s direction while still airborne. Nate moved to catch it using his lucky aura to guide him when he felt Spring Jack''s push it away. The barrel began an off-kilter spin and it slipped from his grasp, smashing into the ground next to him.

    Nate instinctively jumped backward, the explosion launching him much further than his jump alone. He harnessed his luck, arcing his trajectory to land hard on the roof of the smithy.

    ¡°JENGA!¡±

    Krypdyr landed in the shadow of the airship, stepping out inside the cantina next to Zeff.

    ¡°I brought you some fire.¡±

    Ellie and Krypdyr led the charge out of the cantina. Zeff pushed his aura out as far as he could and threw the barrel to the ground at his feet. Fire swirled around them, blinding the Carrot Crew who were too close. The fires stayed but began to move into a circle around him as a magic circle sprang up in front of him, his Magitech Turret rising up out of the ground and locking into place. His aura protected his friends in the flames.

    Pyrotechnic Shield. Aura. Effect: Allies within your aura gain resistance to fire and lightning damage, as well as a minor defense boost. Enemies within your aura take additional damage from fire and lightning damage sources. While your Magitech Turret is within your aura it deals additional magical damage of your choice between fire and lightning. Your Stalwart ability costs less depending on how much fire and lightning is present within your aura.

    With as much fire as was in his aura, Zeff''s Stalwart ability cost him nearly nothing and he stood next to his turret as Fuzzball gripped the handles. Lightning charged rounds blasted from the turret, smashing into the pirates over the heads of the bound mothkin crew, cutting many to writhing on the ground.

    The sweeping spray reached Spring Jack, but a burst of movement and black feathers put Blackwing in front of the blast. Arcing lightning blasted into his wings, and individual feathers separated out to encircle him, deflecting bullets.

    Though Fuzzball was aiming specifically for non-fatal areas, the bullets that neared Spring Jack¡¯s chaos aura veered askance, dropping many of his own nearby crew into writhing piles of pain.

    Ellie and Krypdyr struck out, blades crossing blades. Venom mixed with blood before Ellie syphoned it to herself, springing up low metal walls to break up the battlefield.

    Nate focused his Lucky power into his arrow and fired from the smithy rooftop. The arrow struck the nearest barrier and ricocheted, striking a pirate in the leg. A predatory grin spread across his face. Orange translucent arrows began raining down into the mass of combat, narrowly missing Ellie and Krypdyr as they cut a swath through the pirates. Captain Luma, trusting in Ellie and the others, began freeing and directing her crew to flee into the woods.

    Blackwing sprang back into the air and flew over the battlefield. Nate lost track of Spring Jack in the masses and fired an arrow at Blackwing, but one of his feathers intercepted it as he dove at Nate. An oddly chill sensation washed over him, and he was drawn back to the battlefield, finding himself unable to move. It almost felt to him like an out-of-body experience. He saw the Carrot Crew pirates push forward, many more coming from the airship, and rush the turret.

    Fuzzball¡¯s magic ran out and the turret sputtered to a stop. A cry of pain tore his eyes to Ellie, who was pierced by numerous blades around her, shattered scales falling all around her. Arrows from the Carrot Crew archers pelted Krypdyr, who silently fell to the ground, his swords clattering to the bloodsoaked cobblestone.

    Fuzzball stared ahead in shocked silence as Zolis Fezim, his former master, appeared through a black portal. He barely noticed as he was cut down.

    Zeff¡¯s Stalwart shield kept him alive the longest, but Nate knew he was no fighter. Their numbers were too great.

 Chapter 28: Divine Touch

    The locking mechanism clicked into place as the suppression cuff was placed on Nate¡¯s left wrist. He felt his aura pull into himself, and his summoned quiver dissipated. An unexpected effect, at least to Nate, was the cancellation of the illusions put into his head by Spring Jack and Blackwing. Ellie, Krypdyr, Zeff, and Fuzzball all sat bound together, also wearing suppression cuffs.

    ¡°Did you really just Alice from Twilight me? Was it Alice? I only saw it twice.¡±

    Relief flooded over Nate as he spotted them. The pirates dragged him to them, not giving him any answer. Then he noticed his  journal had turned red and was blinking rapidly, and pulled up his notifications. After a time longer than Nate expected, Quilly flickered into his view looking pissed. A red notification window appeared next to Quilly.

    I WILL NOT BE SUPPRESSED!

    Suppression Cuff has negated all active spells cast by you, returned Vinebow to your inventory, locked your aura within yourself, and suppressed your Serendipitous Symbiosis, Vampiric, Familiar, and Lucky Sigil Stones. Suppression attempt on Interface Sigil Stone negated.

    Nate watched as Quilly floated over to the timer for Terry¡¯s respawn, which still showed around 7 hours left and had stopped ticking down. The representation of his first acquired sigil stone sprouted stick figure arms and legs and kicked the timer, which promptly resumed ticking down.

    Suppression of Familiar Sigil Stone negated.

    ¡°How can you do this?¡± Nate mentally asked Quilly.

    I like Terry. Would you like to remove other suppressions?

    ¡°I¡­ Not yet.¡± Nate did not expect Quilly to display any kind of emotion. He¡¯d never considered that Quilly may have a semblance of actual intelligence. ¡°How can you negate magic suppression?¡±

    The Interface Sigil Stone is designed to interface with many different objects and systems. This includes certain magic items like the Interface Podium and Suppression Cuffs.

    ¡°Can you remotely deactivate other cuffs?¡±

    If they are within the range of your aura, yes.

    Nate was led to where his friends were bound and he, too, was further secured. Tear tracks had cleaned the dust and blood in lines down each of their faces. Nate looked each of them in the eyes as he reconnected his chat interface with them.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything out loud. Damn, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re all okay,¡± Nate said through chat. ¡°I watched you die.¡±

    ¡°I saw Fezim and I froze as he killed you all and made you zombies that almost reached me before this cuff thing canceled the illusion.¡± Fuzzball shook his head.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather not say what I saw,¡± Zeff shuddered. Ellisandra and Krypdyr said nothing.

    ¡°How is your chat still working?¡± Zeff asked.

    ¡°Later. We need to get on the airship.¡±

    Spring Jack walked up to Nate as Blackwing landed, inspecting their bonds. ¡°You are a tricky one, helping that minx Luma escape. You know she stabbed me once?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine why,¡± Nate said as he met Spring Jack¡¯s gaze.

    Spring Jack laughed, ¡°Bring them aboard.¡±

    Blackwing stopped the crew before they finished their second step, ¡°Belay that. We only need that one.¡± He motioned to Nate.

    ¡°But just imagine how much fun you can have with the rest of them.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not coming with you if we don¡¯t bring them anyway,¡± Nate said.

    Blackwing punched him hard in the face, a vicious smile spreading across his face. ¡°You aren¡¯t in a position to give demands.¡±

    ¡°Oh, duck man is sooo scary. Are you the terror that flaps in the n-?¡± Nate¡¯s question was cut short as Blackwing pounced on him, punching him until he fell into unconsciousness.

    <hr>

    Nate woke up inside of a cell, the thick bars close enough together that narrow strips of light shined down upon him. His face was still a little puffy and he saw that the timer for Terry to return had dropped to two hours. He stretched and sat up, holding his hand to his head with a light groan.

    ¡°Going unconscious this much can¡¯t be good for my brain.¡±

    He took several deep breaths and was happy to find that Fuzzball and company were still within the range of his party chat. Before he re-established the party chat, he looked over his interface.

    Attack of the Carrot Crew Objective Complete. Reward: Novice Growth Orb has been added to your inventory.

    Nate pulled both growth orbs from his inventory and looked them over.

    Growth Orb (Novice). Type: Consumable. Weight: 1 lb. Value: 25,000 gold pieces. Effect: Add 10  points to a skill of your choice. Not usable for skills above Novice Rank. If used to cross the 25, 50, 75, or 100 skill levels, the user may choose their ability rather than being granted one based on the skill¡¯s use at the time of crossing the threshold.

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    ¡°So close,¡± he muttered to himself as he tucked them back into his inventory.

    ¡°Is that you, Nate?¡± Krypdyr said from a nearby cell.

    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± he said. ¡°Have you seen the others?¡±

    ¡°Blackwing took Zeff and Fuzzball out maybe an hour ago. Ellisandra was taken to a different part of the ship.¡±

    ¡°That can¡¯t be good.¡± Nate opened his map and saw that they were over the mountains that separated Gronwood and Tempeste. ¡°We¡¯re well on the way to Tempeste. We need to take control of the airship.¡±

    ¡°Luma¡¯s whole crew couldn¡¯t stop these guys. What makes you think we can?¡±

    Nate grew contemplative. ¡°Do you remember when you asked me why I never took control of my previous life?¡±

    ¡°I do. You side-stepped it.¡±

    ¡°Earth is a place where the majority of the control is held by a very small number of people, relatively speaking. Those people have little regard for those over whom they have said power. That said, many without any power decided to take control of the one thing they could without resorting to civil war.¡±

    ¡°What is that?¡±

    Nate turned to look out between the bars and slowly touched them. Finding they didn''t hurt, he grabbed them to steady himself. ¡°Their own lives. The suicide rate on Earth is staggeringly high, because people lose hope, because people believe they can¡¯t do anything about their situation. I¡­ fell under that group. My life had felt hopeless, and I made plans to end it. I was able to eventually start getting help, but to my great surprise, I soon after found myself here, granted the possibility, and more importantly the freedom to choose my own fate. And my hope was renewed, and I want to bring that hope back with me. I will not let a pirate rabbit take that from me!¡±

    ¡°It is good that you so fully embrace your life now,¡± a strangely familiar voice said from behind him. An aura stronger by far than anything he¡¯d ever felt washed over him and he nearly fell over.

    Nate turned to see a tall woman wearing a flowing purple dress and shawl, a thin golden headband adorning her head. Blue streaks were visible throughout her dark hair.

    ¡°If you are who I think you are, I was talking about you a few days ago,¡± Nate said.

    ¡°I know, outworlder. I thought this form would be less stressful for you.¡±

    ¡°I totally didn¡¯t have a crush on Gaia or anything,¡± Nate lied as the pain in his head increased. ¡°I hate to ask, but I think your aura may be crushing my brain.¡±

    ¡°The pain will soon pass.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Nate winced, ¡°certainly hope so. What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°Your choices.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ vague.¡±

    Her laugh echoed through the airship¡¯s brig. ¡°I primarily oversee life, but aspects of freedom are also under my purview. Nature has the others. You have, time and time again, proven yourself a staunch defender of such.¡±

    ¡°I try to be helpful when I can.¡±

    Another laugh, ¡°One of your very first acts when you arrived was to free Fuzbalingralod from his frozen sleep. You freed the Astral Maw from its entrapment by breaking the Astral Collector, not fully knowing the consequences.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but-¡±

    ¡°When you were threatened with capture yourself, rather than fight against your foe, you freed Skelwulf from his enslavement, even when you could have kept control over him.¡±

    Nate shrugged his shoulders, ¡°Recognition is not why I did those things.¡±

    ¡°I know. In the pursuit of the continuation of the reasons you do what you do, Nature and I have a gift for you.¡± She gently caressed his cheek. The pain in his head vanished for a moment before redoubling, dropping him to his knees to clutch his head. A bright white light began to emit from Nate¡¯s entire body, and Quilly appeared in his vision, giving him a big smile.

    You have received a gift from the goddesses Nature and Life. Your racial skill Adaptive Learning has been changed into Adaptive Transfiguration. Your Contact Identification perk has changed to Doppleganger. Terry has been returned to life before the full duration of the timer.

    Adaptive Transfiguration, like Adaptive Learning before it, automatically activates during times of need, granting temporary increases to the skill most useful in the moment. Additionally, all other skills improve slightly faster. Improving this ability increases Fatigue on a 1 to 1 basis. You can now use your Interface Sigil Stone to change your race. Your racial skills do not change to match those of the chosen race, but you may gain certain physiological abilities such as the Mothkin ability to fly, or certain Chimeran traits such as thick skin or sharp claws and teeth.

    Doppelganger. Novice Adaptive Transfiguration Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. Touching a creature saves them to a list of choices you can access through your Interface Sigil Stone. When selected, your race changes to perfectly match them.

    ¡°Please tell me that wasn¡¯t who I think it was. What was that glow?¡± Krypdyr asked.

    Nate writhed on the ground as the pain slowly subsided. His sleek purple armor oozed back out to cover his body. ¡°Life just touched me and changed one of my racial abilities.¡±

    After a brief silence, ¡°The goddess?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I had no idea something like this was possible. But to be fair I¡¯ve only been here a short time.¡±

    ¡°Are you okay? What changes?¡±

    ¡°I can shapeshift, essentially.¡±

    ¡°High level magic can do similar things, but I¡¯ve never heard of it being a racial gift.¡±

    ¡°It uses my interface powers to do so. Maybe that¡¯s a prerequisite? Similar to the reason I can still use my party chat, for example, is because my Interface Sigil Stone can, well, interface with the Suppression Cuff and isolate abilities or turn it off entirely.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing! Can you unlock ours too?¡±

    ¡°So long as you¡¯re within my aura.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the plan to get out?¡±

    Nate mentally called up his new ability, and a translucent mirror appeared in front of him. Familiar sliders appeared on the screen, and a new Doppelganger option was available. He tapped it and a list of people who he had touched, and who have touched him, dropped down. He found his own name on the list and saw that it was highlighted. He scrolled back up and selected Blackwing. The sliders on the right side of the mirror began to move on their own, and Nate watched himself change from his usual ginger haired head and beard into the extended beak of the duck-chimeran. His leathers stayed the same and were a little tight in the larger form. He gently touched his white feathers and orange beak.

    ¡°Now I am the terror that flaps in the night.¡±

    Touched by the Gods Achievement Unlocked! You have been altered by the touch of a god. Reward?  You can now shapeshift mostly at will. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?

    Pirate Prisoner Achievement Unlocked! You have been taken captive by pirates. Reward? Tricorn hat.

    Shapechanger Achievement Unlocked! You have changed your race using your Interface Sigil Stone. Reward? Scaled Amulet.

    Scaled Amulet. Type: Amulet. Weight: 0.5 lb. Value: 450 gold pieces. While wearing this amulet, your equipment will scale to match your size. This effect does not increase or decrease an item¡¯s power based on size.

    Disguise has increased from Novice 0 to Novice 10. Total Fatigue has increased by 10. Progression to Level 27 at 84%.

    ¡°This is wild!¡± Nate said, surprised that his voice was the same. ¡°Aww. This is just like the polyjuice potion in Chamber. Not the one in Goblet that changed Moody¡¯s voice to match. But maybe-¡±

 Chapter 29: Escape?

    ¡°What are you talking about? You have a goblet in your cell chamber?¡±

    ¡°If only, my friend.¡± Nate gently pushed out his aura, stopping at the doors exiting the brig. ¡°Feels like it¡¯s just us down here, but I assume a guard is right outside the door. If I push out any further, they¡¯ll likely feel it.¡±

    ¡°Turn off my cuff and I can shadowstep out of here,¡± Krypdyr said through the chat.

    ¡°Terry could probably eat the bars too,¡± Nate felt a surge of aggressive agreement from within.

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep the bars intact. It would be expensive to fix once we take over the ship.¡± Nate heard a similar eagerness from Krypdyr that he felt within himself.

    ¡°Right.¡± Nate attempted to create a portal outside of his cell, but felt the magic of the cell push back against the escape attempt. He reached out to touch the door.

    Improved Holding Cell. This cell, often installed in small town jailhouses and larger airships, can safely hold properly suppressed individuals of Adept Rank or lower. There are three effects on this cell. Dimensional Block is active. Unbreakable Bars is active. Magic Barrier is inactive.

    ¡°Quilly, can you interface with these effects?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you know who turned off the Magic Barrier?¡±

    ¡°I do not,¡± Quilly answered as he perched up on one of the horizontal bars in Nate''s vision.

    ¡°Turn off the Dimensional Block for all the cells.¡± Nate felt a slight shift as the blocking magic dissipated.

    Dimensional Block disabled for all cells. Your Rank Tyrannist title¡¯s ability to ignore rank disparity has negated the additional personal energy cost generally required to interface with higher-ranked systems.

    Nate stepped through a portal to right outside of his cell, then opened one for Krypdyr. ¡°We need to find the others. I can¡¯t reach out with my aura yet without risking our discovery.¡±

    ¡°So, you guide me like I¡¯m your prisoner to the captain¡¯s quarters, freeing our friends along the way?¡±

    ¡°The Princess Leia Rescue plan. Love it, though it would have been better with Fuzzball!¡± Nate nodded and focused on his connection to Terry. His leather armor darkened to a purple that was nearly black, offsetting his white feathers. He pulled out the Tricorn Hat he¡¯d gotten recently and secured it to his head, pulling up Quilly¡¯s mirror to make sure it looked okay. He deepened his voice in an attempt to match Blackwing¡¯s voice. ¡°I''m Duckman. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°If we¡¯re fast and no one stops us, I think we¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Leaving the Suppression Cuff on Krypdyr, but turning it off with a touch of his aura, Nate stepped confidently to the only door leading out of the brig. He swung it open, the kangaroo-faced chimeran guard who had been leaning against the door falling backward. A portal opened underneath the falling guard, depositing him into one of the nearby empty cells that Nate could see into.

    ¡°HEY!¡± the guard yelled as Nate immediately shut the door.

    ¡°They can¡¯t hear you,¡± Krypdyr said as he peered through the bars, ¡°Airships with prisons have those areas sound proofed to keep the noise down. Should make for an interesting time.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Nate said, ¡°and I would be more than happy to let my friend eat you, but I think you can help us in a more productive way. Where did they take Zeff, Fuzzball, and Ellie?¡±

    The guard said nothing, withdrew a set of keys and began unlocking the cell door. As the guard pushed the door, Nate opened another portal in the doorway, and the guard ran through his cell, passing through the portal several times before Nate could get the keychain from the door and close it back.

    ¡°Ooh, these keys are going to be handy, I think,¡± Nate said as he leaned back against the opposite cell bars. ¡°Holding the portal open that long is exhausting.¡±

    The guard began thrashing against the bars, hurling expletives. A futile effort.

    ¡°You can¡¯t get through. These are designed to hold in Adepts, and you are a Novice ranker like me.¡±

    After several more minutes, the guard slumped, breathing heavily.

    ¡°We may have gotten off on the wrong foot. My name is Nate Arkwright. What¡¯s your name?¡± Nate asked him.

    ¡°Liam Jackson. You look like Blackwing.¡±

    ¡°A recent development, I assure you.¡± Nate cycled his menus and shifted back into his typical ginger haired form. ¡°This better?¡±

    Liam shrugged.

    ¡°We''re going to be taking over this ship and the more help you give now will help your case later.¡±

    Liam couldn''t quite stifle his laugh. ¡°The Black Bunny will throw your corpse from the deck before you do.¡±

    ¡°That''s Spring Jack,  right?¡± Liam gave a single nod. ¡°Maybe we''ll snag him last. You''re surprisingly forthcoming with information.¡±

    ¡°I''m a pirate,¡± Liam said as if that explained everything.

    Nate shifted into a goose chimeran. ¡°And I''m a silly goose, but I doubt that would be a justifiable reason for giving info to enemies.¡±

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°You have the power to escape from not only our brig cells, but apparently the cuffs too. I can''t do anything against that, so switching sides is better than death.¡±

    ¡°And pirates are pragmatic?¡±

    ¡°This one is.¡±

    <hr>

    Ellisandra sat at a table covered in plates nearly overflowing with food. Delightful smells of roasted meats and vegetables overlapped with the sugary sweets and baked breads. She touched none of it, of course, her eyes boring into the cobalt chimeran sitting across the table. Spring Jack picked through the plate he had filled up for himself.

    ¡°Please eat. I wouldn¡¯t dare poison food that my crew will be eating for a while,¡± he said as he popped a grilled orange tomato-esque vegetable into his mouth. ¡°Besides,¡± he said around the bite, ¡°we have much to discuss.¡±

    She raised her left arm and shook the Suppression Cuff. ¡°You¡¯re very lucky this is on my wrist right now.¡± She grabbed a butter knife near her and threw it hard at Spring Jack, who caught it with a blur of movement and placed it on the table.

    Spring Jack sighed. ¡°Yes, yes. Tough, beautiful scaly elf lady would kill me if given half a chance. Sounds like a fun night. I need you to tell me about Nate.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you anything.¡±

    ¡°I assume you¡¯ve heard of Zolis Fezim?¡±

    Ellisandra sat back in her chair, but said nothing.

    ¡°He wants Nate pretty badly. I think it has something to do with this Interface Podium thing, but I haven¡¯t been able to find anything about it. What is it?¡±

    She grabbed a slice of grilled meat with her fingers and tore off a chunk, chewing thoughtfully. ¡°Where are my friends?¡±

    ¡°In the brig, where you will eventually be going if you refuse to cooperate.¡±

    ¡°I need to know they¡¯re okay, to see them.¡±

    ¡°I assure you that no harm has come to them, yet,¡± Spring Jack said.

    ¡°You¡¯ll forgive me if I don¡¯t trust you.¡±

    The doors to the dining room slammed open and Blackwing charged into the room.

    ¡°Blackwing, my friend, you hungry?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Blackwing said, ¡°did she tell you anything yet?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°I can get what we need,¡± he looked at Ellisandra with a vicious gleam.

    ¡°Ducks aren¡¯t that intimidating.¡± Ellisandra didn¡¯t back down when he punched her hard in the face. She laughed as the blood flowed from her nose.

    ¡°Blackwing.¡± The mirth had left Spring Jack¡¯s quiet tone. ¡°You will leave this room now.¡±

    The silence that fell over the room was palpable. Ellie felt the clash between their auras, watched as Spring Jack¡¯s slowly but methodically took every advantage it found, crushing Blackwing¡¯s fearsome aura beneath its chaotic focus. Blackwing shook with fear and rage, but said nothing else and stormed out of the room. Spring Jack immediately retracted his aura and his smile returned.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about him. He takes information gathering a little too seriously.¡±

    Ellie licked the blood from around her lips, ¡°You mean torture, right?¡±

    ¡°Torture is¡­ inefficient. It can be useful in part, but generally it doesn¡¯t work unless you are threatening to torture loved ones in front of the ones who have the info you need.¡±

    The chat invite popped up into her view.

    ¡°Nate! How?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll fill you in later. Are you alone?¡±

    ¡°Nope. Captain Rabbit man is here.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve snagged about half the crew so far. We have them in the brig. Keep him occupied.¡±

    ¡°He wants to know about you.¡±

    ¡°That seems to be going around these days.¡±

    Spring Jack gave her a puzzled look, and Ellie felt his aura settle around her. ¡°Where did you go just then?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking about you.¡±

    His cobalt ears perked up, ¡®Oh?¡±

    Ellisandra¡¯s smile never reached her eyes, ¡°You are deceptively charming. I think you weren¡¯t expecting Blackwing to strike me, and so you sent him away with your aura, purposely including me in it so I could sense you do it even though my aura senses are suppressed. You wanted me to be at ease, thinking you the good pirate.¡±

    ¡°Very insightful. Did it work?¡±

    <hr>

    Nate, shifted into Liam¡¯s kangaroo chimeran form, crouched next to a hatch leading into an area with several tables, around one of which sat Zeff talking to a dark furred panther chimeran dressed in mechanic coveralls. Krypdyr peeked out from the other side of the door.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I told him,¡± the mechanic said, ¡°I had to reroute power from the core into the cells through the kitchen equipment.¡±

    Zeff smirked, ¡°Dravin, that wouldn¡¯t be a problem if you add extra stabilizing runes to the relevant siphon plates.¡±

    Before Dravin could respond, Nate stepped out, ¡°Dravin, there¡¯s some weird sounds coming from the cells.¡±

    Dravin sighed, ¡°Again?¡±

    ¡°Why are you consorting with our captive? Isn¡¯t he supposed to be with Blackwing?¡±

    Dravin looked a bit nervous, ¡°No?¡±

    Zeff smiled at the shifted Nate, ¡°I volunteered in transit to help with your airship issues.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a real wonder at this.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dravin!¡±

    ¡°Shut it. Take the blue man if you must, but you will follow me.¡±

    Zeff and Dravin stood and walked ahead of Nate. Krypdyr stayed in the shadows. As they reached the brig door, Nate grabbed Dravin from behind, activating his vampiric draining ability, shifting back into his human form as he did so. Dravin struggled for a moment before exhaustion dropped him to the ground.

    ¡°Nate?¡± Zeff looked on in surprise as Krypdyr slipped out of the shadow to pick up Dravin and slither him into one of the empty cells.

    ¡°Glad you weren¡¯t being tortured,¡± Nate said as he pulled Zeff into a hug.

    ¡°They have been very nice to me, actually. I think Dravin was the nearest thing they had to a mechanic, but he must have gotten his knowledge from a skill book.¡±

    ¡°Have you seen Fuzzball?¡±

    ¡°I have not. I¡¯ve only been into the core room and the dining area,¡± Zeff looked into the cells. ¡°How many have you captured already?¡±

    ¡°I think we¡¯re at ten. Liam, how many others are there?¡±

    Liam rubbed his hairy chin in thought, ¡°At least that many more, plus Blackwing and the Black Bunny. I¡¯m surprised you haven¡¯t triggered the alarms.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my fault,¡± Zeff said.

    ¡°You fiddled with the core?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°Of course! Dravin had no idea what he was doing. I made it about 25 percent more efficient just by correcting some of his configurations. And I went ahead and turned off the alarms while I was there. Figured you¡¯d escape one way or another. How did that happen anyway?¡±

    ¡°Visit from Life,¡± Krypdyr said as he settled next to them.

    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Nate clarified, ¡°my Interface ability did the heavy lifting. Life gave me the ability to change myself.¡± He shifted into Dravin. ¡°Should be able to get around a bit easier like this. Where¡¯s your gear?¡±

    ¡°Not sure,¡± Zeff said.

    Nate used his Resourceful ability to craft a heavy wrench and handed it to Zeff. ¡°This will do for now. Oh,¡± he grabbed Zeff¡¯s suppression cuff and deactivated it, tucking it into his inventory alongside his own.

    Zeff sighed with relief as he felt his abilities unlock. ¡°Thanks!¡±

    ¡°Now let¡¯s go get Fuzzball and Ellie.¡±

 Chapter 30: The First Ones the Hardest

    Nate and company crept down the dimly lit corridor, tension thick in the air as they moved toward the room where Fuzzball was held. Nate clenched his fists, feeling a fury he hadn¡¯t known before as he heard the cries of pain from the room. Krypdyr moved ahead, his shadow aura blending him into the darkness, while Zeff kept his hands near his recently gifted wrench, ready to spring it into action.

    Nate peered into the room. Fuzzball was bound to a metal chair in the center of a grim chamber, barely conscious. Blackwing paced before him, his dark aura radiating fear and bending the shadows. Occasionally, Blackwing would lean close, whispering something, and each time, Fuzzball¡¯s body would shiver with uncontrollable terror. Two other chimeran pirates¡ªa muscular, bull-headed man wielding dual axes and a sly fox-faced woman with daggers¡ªstood guard nearby.

    Nate shifted to look like Blackwing and took a steadying breath, signaling to the others. Time to move.

    With a flash, Krypdyr lunged, pulling his shadow aura across the room and blanketing the chimerans in thick darkness. Blackwing¡¯s wings snapped open as he spun and pushed the shadows back with his own shadowy sigil stone, looking for the source. Nate and Zeff charged in.

    Surprise flashed across Blackwing''s face at seeing himself wearing purple leathers and a similar tricorn hat.

    ¡°So, the lucky one can change,¡± Blackwing sneered, his red eyes flashing. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect you to join in the fun.¡±

    Nate let his aura flare, matching Blackwing¡¯s intensity. Blackwing¡¯s momentary smirk faded, and he staggered back as Nate¡¯s aura clashed with his own. The bull-headed chimeran swung his axes, but Krypdyr intercepted, his own shadow-coated dagger sliding through the gaps in the pirate¡¯s defenses. Krypdyr hissed, dodging the bull¡¯s wide swings with eerie precision, a blur of motion that had the pirate spinning in circles.

    Meanwhile, Nate bolted to Fuzzball, slicing the ropes that bound him and removing the Suppression Cuff. Fuzzball blinked, fear still etched on his face. ¡°Can you move?¡±

    Fuzzball nodded weakly, but his eyes were already sharpening as his wounds began to slowly heal, anger replacing fear. Nate pulled Vinebow and summoned his arrows, firing them at the nearest foe, several shafts soon sticking out of the bull chimeran, which barely slowed him down in his fight against Krypdyr.

    The fox-faced woman darted in, dodging arrows, daggers flashing toward Nate¡¯s side, but Zeff intercepted as her luck faltered in a stumble, his wrench slamming into her gut. She dodged away from the second swing and struck, stabbing Zeff in his left side. He cried out and fell back, pressing a hand against the wound.

    ¡°Keep her distracted!¡± Nate called, pulling Fuzzball to his feet.

    Zeff grimaced, ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±

    The fox pirate lunged again at Zeff, who moved his wrench to block. She twisted the dagger as it struck the wrench, deflecting it outward. He stepped into the movement, taking his hand from his wound to pluck a sparker out of a pocket. The spark was small, but Zeff grabbed it with his pyrokinesis and blasted fire outward, clipping her leg. She stumbled but kept coming, her eyes gleaming with a savage hunger.

    Blackwing had not been idle, leaping forward, his wings buffeting the room, sending shadows spinning in all directions. With a single powerful beat, he crossed the space and drove a dark-clad fist toward Nate. Nate ducked, but the punch grazed his shoulder, and a shockwave of fear hit him like a tidal wave, freezing his movements and stopping him from catching himself as he rolled in midair to land hard upon the floor. Blackwing sneered as several of his feathers detached and darted at Nate.

    Zeff activated his Stalwart shield and stepped between them. Blackwing¡¯s feathers crashed into and dissolved against the magic shield, but there were too many and he was flung out into the hallway, pierced by several arrows.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Krypdyr struck, stepping through the shadows to slash at Blackwing¡¯s back. Blackwing snarled, turning just in time to catch the blade with his own arm guard, deflecting it, but Krypdyr¡¯s move bought Nate a crucial moment to recover. Which was disrupted by the bull chimeran¡¯s swinging axes.

    Nate pushed energy into his luck power desperately, and the fox woman moved to attack him from the other direction. The axe swing was too hard and forward, its momentum overextending the balance. The axe buried deep into the woman¡¯s head, splattering Nate and Fuzzball with viscera as they sprinted to the door, Zeff following closely. They burst out into the corridor, where Nate promptly vomited onto the floor. Krypdyr appeared through one of the shadows in the corridor and they ran.

    As they reached the stairwell leading up, a group of chimeran reinforcements appeared, armed and ready. Nate grimaced but nocked an arrow, whispered a command, and released it. The arrow sprouted vines as it flew, binding several of the pirates in place.

    ¡°Go, we¡¯ll cover the stairs!¡± Zeff shouted, summoning the turret and angling it up the narrow corridor. Nate nodded, pulling Fuzzball up the stairs as Zeff held the line. Krypdyr stayed near the turret, ready to trade off once Zeff expended his mana pool. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this.¡±

    They emerged onto the upper deck, the open air whipping around them, Fuzzball finally feeling well enough to move on his own. The sound of the turret spraying out and shouting from below echoed up, signaling Zeff¡¯s struggle to keep the pirates at bay.

    Blackwing stepped through the shadow behind the turret. He shot out his feathers at them, his wings flared and face twisted with rage. The wings focused first on the turret, breaking it several places. ¡°This ends NOW!¡± he spat, descending toward them like a shadow-clad hawk.

    Krypdyr met him mid-air, his aura flaring as he slashed upward. The two collided in a whirl of shadows and sparks, their auras intertwining in a deadly dance. But Blackwing was stronger, slamming Krypdyr down with a brutal strike.

    Fuzzball roared as Verdant Aegis vines and water wrapped around his body. He reached out and vines whipped around Blackwing¡¯s right wing and pulled him up to the deck.

    Blackwing snarled, struggling, his strength tearing through the vines. ¡°You¡¯re dead!¡±

    Nate grinned. ¡°Not today.¡± He nocked one final arrow, channeling all his energy into it. The vines on the arrow seemed to pulse with life, glowing with an eerie green.

    He let it fly. The arrow struck Blackwing¡¯s chest, the vines wrapping tight around him and slamming him back onto the deck. Fuzzball kept his vines wrapping over and over around Blackwing. With a final, furious scream, Blackwing¡¯s body was bound tight, his struggles weakening until he lay still, panting in defeat. Krypdyr put his blades away and focused his strength, raining down punches until Blackwing fell away into unconsciousness.

    Nate looked around as the other chimeran pirates pursued Zeff up onto the deck. Weapons were brandished, though many of the pirates limped from cauterized turret wounds.

    The doors to the captain¡¯s quarters burst open and Spring Jack stepped out, clapping slowly, followed closely by Ellie, who ran to check on Zeff¡¯s wounds which had already begun healing under Fuzzball¡¯s healing aura.

    ¡°Most impressive, Luckomancer. Most impressive indeed.¡± He held up both hands as he approached. ¡°Stand down, you fools. How many died?¡±

    Nate winced, the image of the fox pirate¡¯s demise bringing bile again to his throat. Adrenaline was still coursing through his veins, and he didn¡¯t dare release the tension.

    ¡°Just Tara, sir,¡± one of Spring Jack¡¯s crew said.

    ¡°One?¡± Nods of agreement. ¡°Really? Just one.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t on purpose,¡± Nate whispered. Panic threatened to overtake him.

    ¡°Would it make you feel better to know that she killed innocent people? That she, like most of us, are murderers and thieves.¡± Murmurs rippled through the pirates, though none called out to counter his statement.

    ¡°Not really,¡± Nate said honestly.

    ¡°Conceptual chats aside, I must say I have had just the most entertaining day. I left the magic barrier off on the cells for you, as I¡¯m sure you noticed. And Liam, bless him, isn¡¯t the sharpest blade in the scabbard. I just knew he wouldn¡¯t resist telling you the things you needed to get here. And here you are indeed! The rest of you who are able, get Blackwing boarded onto the escape vessel and go. I¡¯ll join you again when I feel like it. Shoo shoo.¡±

    Krypdyr smacked Blackwing hard in the face with his tail as the pirates moved up to take the bloodied chimeran away. One of the others moved to strike out at him, but the air rippled around him and the crewman tripped over the railing.

    Nate ran to look over the rail, and a portal appeared above the deck, the crewman landing with a scream that became a pained grunt.

    ¡°No more killing.¡±

    ¡°The first one¡¯s the hardest.¡± Spring Jack¡¯s amused look annoyed Nate.

 Chapter 31: The Floating City

    Spring Jack held his hands out, palms facing forward in a gesture of peace. The tension hung thick across the deck as the crew opened a hatch and pulled up a small craft that looked like a huge sleek black egg with attached wings equipped with rotating propulsion engines. A hatch opened and they moved to grab Blackwing. Fuzzball looked to Nate.

    Nate nodded and Fuzzball retracted the vines.

    ¡°Sorry this is taking so long. Seems all the practice we put in was a waste!¡± Spring Jack began loudly admonishing his crew, who suddenly rushed into movement. After several moments, he returned to his unthreatening stance as the escape ship powered up and flew off.

    ¡°I told Blackwing that painting the escape vessel black was a silly idea, but I think he may have been right. It looks much better this way. It used to be yellow.¡±

    ¡°What is your deal?¡± Fuzzball said, his voice warbling through the watery barrier of his Verdant Aegis armor. Nate was pacing behind the group, muttering to himself.

    ¡°I got a job from Zolis to get your lucky friend there. Thing is, he and I have more in common than I thought, and frankly I changed my mind on finishing the job.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Krypdyr asked, blade still in hand.

    ¡°He mentioned something I hadn''t heard in a long time. Something I''d been hoping for since I got here.¡±

    Nate faced Spring Jack. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    The blue furred chimeran smiled widely, ¡°I chose this form because I loved Bugs Bunny, and the color blue, of course.¡±

    Realization grew on Nate¡¯s face, ¡°You¡¯re from Earth?¡±

    Spring Jack nodded.

    Nate took a further step forward to separate his friends and Spring Jack. He gently pushed Zeff¡¯s wrench down and motioned for them to relax. He spoke to them all through chat. ¡°The other crew members are in the cells. We could easily take this guy down if needed. I need to hear what he has to say.¡±

    ¡°Blackwing tortured Fuzzball!¡± Zeff said.

    ¡°And he punched me in the face!¡± Ellie said. ¡°But Spring Jack forced him to leave before I could stab him myself.¡±

    ¡°I have no doubt that he¡¯ll be answering for that soon enough and that we¡¯ll be meeting him again. I hope with this Jack fella on our side, or at least not antagonistic.¡±

    ¡°Your ability to silently communicate is fascinating,¡± Spring Jack said aloud, watching them all stand around silently, noticing their demeanors shift slightly away from hostile.

    ¡°We developed cybernetic means of telepathy a few years after you left Earth.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°No. That¡¯s ridiculous,¡± Nate said with a smirk that almost reached his eyes. ¡°Zeff, take Ellie with you and change course for the Floating City.¡±

    ¡°Why there?¡±

    ¡°Captain Luma told me about it and they should be heading there to look into acquiring a new airship. I figured we would meet them there as I did promise to help them get an airship.¡±

    ¡°Can do!¡± Zeff said, then excitedly ran down below decks. Ellie nodded and ran behind.

    ¡°Now, back to the issue at hand. Did you start in a cloud room?¡±

    ¡°No. Went to bed that night after seeing the Winter Soldier midnight showing. Woke up in an upturned fishbowl surrounded by water on all sides. Nothing there but a magical mirror.¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°After I made my changes, the room disappeared and I fell through the sky. I¡¯m guessing your trial was getting to the surface?¡±

    Spring Jack nodded.

    ¡°So you¡¯ve been here for around a decade?¡±

    ¡°I have.¡±

    ¡°Damn. Have you met anyone else from Earth here?¡±

    ¡°No, though I quit searching years back. To my family there I¡¯m dead. They¡¯ve doubtless mourned me and moved on, as much as people can with something like this.¡±

    ¡°Surely they are holding out hope that you¡¯ll return?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to return. Terra is my home now.¡±

    The airship deck tilted as the ship changed course.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s weird that they named this world the Latin word for Earth?¡±

    Spring Jack rubbed his chin, ¡°I thought Terra sounded vaguely familiar. Many of the place names here sound familiar as well.¡±

    ¡°Agreed! But enough about that, we need to discuss the crew remaining in the brig.¡±

    <hr>

    The Floating City, known as Aezrith by many, drifted gracefully above the constantly shifting sands of the Sand Sea, suspended over the sand by innumerable siphon plates that fed the energy into the city¡¯s core. Engines periodically located across the bottom propelled the city as needed through the sands. It was essentially an enormous airship, but its sheer size made it look more like a floating fortress.

    Like a three-tiered cake, Aezrith had a wider base with a middle and upper level. Two days after changing course, the airship drew near enough to see the lights coming from the city a good distance off. Nate stood on the bow of the ship looking out as Ellie and Zeff stepped out onto the deck.

    ¡°-the pink sauce went best on the spino sausages,¡± Ellie said as she was still cleaning her fingers with a napkin.

    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious! The spicy blue pepper sauce really give it the extra punch it needed,¡± Zeff said.

    ¡°Not all of us have the Fire Sigil Stone to be resistant to heat.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair.¡±

    ¡°We can just make out the city from here,¡± Nate called to them, ¡°and I agree with Zeff on the sauce.¡±

    Nate had looked up the spino in the bestiary after hearing the name, and saw the heavy form of a rhino body covered with porcupine spikes. They looked aggressive and angry, though they did have cute enormous porcupine noses, so some of the intimidation was lost.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re both wrong. The pink sauce is sweet and has a hint of flowers.¡±

    ¡°It has a few different flowers in it, so that makes sense, though that sauce is more for fruit and cake than for sausage.¡±

    ¡°Neither of which we had, so I tried something new! Anyway, I love the city lights at night.¡±

    ¡°You both have spent time in Aezrith, right?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a stop we used to offload goods and do some trading.¡±

    ¡°What can you tell me about it?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s more Zeff¡¯s thing than mine.¡±

    Zeff spoke as though reciting information he¡¯d read from memory, ¡°The lower level, known as the Undercroft, house the city¡¯s working class, merchants, travelers, and adventurers. Narrow alleyways twist through tightly packed buildings cobbled together from worn materials scavenged from the Sand Sea below. Each district has its own character: the Market Quarter, bustling with exotic goods and rare artifacts; the Docklands, where airships anchor for trade or repair; and the Warrens, a maze-like residential area. Life there is gritty, fast-paced, and full of intrigue, with rogues, fortune-tellers, and traders plying their skills to survive.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re most familiar with that district,¡± Ellie added.

    ¡°Specifically the Docklands.¡±

    ¡°Let me guess, the middle section is for the middle class skilled workers like alchemists who provide goods and/or services  to both the lower and upper levels, the latter of which is full of a bunch of wealthy people.¡±

    ¡°How would you-¡±

    ¡°-know that?¡± Nate finished the question. ¡°Before here I had a degree in civil engineering. Something they do is residential and commercial design. That¡¯s the way I would set up a place like that if I had to cater to the rich and poor alike like whoever runs a city does. I imagine entertainment like theaters are also on the middle level. Give us adventurers and merchants a chance to get the better crafted artisan goods and access to entertainment while giving the wealthy the feeling that they are separated from the rest. While not true in reality beyond the literal sense, the practice is useful in maintaining peace.¡±

    Zeff nodded thoughtfully, ¡°The middle section is called the Artisian, and the upper is called the Sunward Heights.¡±

    ¡°Both nice and pretentious names, I bet the wealthy eat that up!¡±

    Suddenly the lights across the city went out, and an alarm echoed faintly from the city, taking several seconds to reach their ears.

    ¡°Oh no,¡± Zeff groaned.

    ¡°What?¡± Nate said, looking back at them, but they were already running to the door leading belowdeck.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Nate asked as he followed along.

    ¡°Storm¡¯s coming!¡±

 Chapter 32: The Sudden Storm

    The storm came out of nowhere, as if summoned by some unseen force. One moment, the airship was gliding smoothly over the Sand Sea, and the next, a swirling vortex of dark clouds materialized on the horizon, stretching up into the heavens. Lightning crackled within it, illuminating the clouds in unnatural shades of green and purple. A bolt of purple lightning arced down and struck the bow of the ship, the energy streaming down into the siphon plate wiring. With several pops dark smoke began to billow up from underneath the airship.

    ¡°All hands! Prepare for an emergency landing!¡± Spring Jack shouted over the roaring storm.

    Krypdyr was the first to respond, his instincts honed from years of training under Stormchasers. His shadowstep ability allowed him to dart to each corner of the airship, checking for weaknesses in the rigging and siphon plates that might snap under the intense winds. After a brief scan, he reappeared beside Nate, his expression grim.

    ¡°Structural integrity¡¯s weakening, especially on the port side! If we can reinforce it, we stand a better chance.¡±

    Without a word, Ellie sprang into action. Her elemental manipulation of metal allowed her to create temporary reinforcements, strengthening the weak points Krypdyr had identified. She focused hard, sending waves of energy through her hands and into the metal supports, warping them into makeshift brackets that bolstered the plates. Her face was tense, beads of sweat forming as she held the metal in place.

    Zeff immediately saw an opportunity to use his Technology Sigil Stone skills. ¡°Ellie, hold that position just a little longer! I¡¯ve got something that can stabilize us!¡±

    Rushing to his toolkit, Zeff pulled out a bundle of insulated wires and a small magitech device he had been working on: a shock disperser. It wasn¡¯t fully tested, but now was the time to try. Zeff quickly wired it into the ship¡¯s systems and connected it to the main lightning rod.

    ¡°I¡¯m re-routing the lightning rods! It should disperse any strikes across all of the siphon plates, spreading the load and keeping us from taking a direct hit to the core,¡± he explained as he worked, his hands steady despite the ship¡¯s rocking.

    Suddenly, the ship jerked sideways, throwing Fuzzball off balance as he ran. He agilely dodged between the thrashing lines and ropes. A chunk of Storm Ore crashed down onto the deck like a meteor, spraying splinters as it smashed through. Fuzzball extended his hands and focused, urging plants to grow around the cracked wood, filling in the gaps with green tendrils. The vines snaked along the damaged beams, weaving themselves into a dense, flexible mesh. With each wave of his hands, the vines thickened, reinforcing the structure in ways only nature could.

    ¡°Hold on, everyone!¡± Fuzzball roared, pouring all his energy into his plant manipulation to keep the structure strong.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    Spring Jack, seeing his chance, climbed up to the wheel, gripping it tightly. ¡°Someone needs to keep her steady! Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve helmed worse vessels than this.¡± Despite his usual cavalier attitude, he was all business now, keeping the ship pointed as best as possible toward Aezrith. His uncanny balance and reflexes allowed him to counteract the force of the winds with quick adjustments, reading the storm¡¯s chaotic rhythm and anticipating its lulls and gusts.

    A fierce gust of wind slammed into the ship¡¯s side, and a fraying line snapped with a sharp crack, whipping toward Nate. He dodged, narrowly missing the lashing rope, and then leapt to action, using his Grappler Whip to secure the loose line before it caused more damage.

    ¡°This is getting bad! We need to bring her down soon, or there won¡¯t be much of her left to land!¡± Nate shouted to the crew as he mended the line.

    Krypdyr shadowstepped to Ellie¡¯s side, assessing the situation. ¡°Make us an anchor! I¡¯ll try to hook us as close to the Floating City as possible.¡± Nate ran over as Ellie was forming the long chain and massive hooked anchor.

    A coil of lightning arced toward them, thicker and slower than normal lightning, aimed squarely at the anchor. At that instant, Terry leapt out from Nate, mouth agape as he leapt from the airship. The lightning lanced into his mouth, disappearing within. Terry spun and opened his own portal to land back on the deck, now a few inches taller from consuming the magical energy.

    ¡°We¡¯re almost in range!¡± Krypdyr shouted, his eyes locked on the looming silhouette of Aezrith¡¯s lower decks through the fog of the storm. He used his increased strength to hoist the anchor onto one of his shoulders.

    ¡°Now¡¯s as good a time as any, Terry,¡± Nate said as he drew the Transmuter Die from his inventory, tossing it next to Terry. With a trickle of his luck ability, the die landed with the flexed arm on top. Terry¡¯s muscles bulged out and he let out a tremendous roar that cut through the crashing thunder.

    ¡°Brace for landing!¡± Spring Jack called, using every ounce of his skill to bring them in at just the right angle.

    Terry burst forward, grabbing Krypdyr with the anchor and throwing him out into the open air. Krypdyr shifted the anchor in line with the dock mooring. The chain pulled taught and the airship swung precariously around, Spring Jack carefully guiding them down, his sharp eyes focused on the rough platform. Fuzzball¡¯s vines shot out, attaching to the Floating City¡¯s mooring lines next to the anchor and holding fast, helping the crew pull the ship toward safety.

    The airship crashed down with a heavy thud, and the front, previously held together by the vines Fuzzball had redirected to guide the landing, broke apart. Debris scattered across the landing bay. Slowly, the rocking settled, and they let out a collective sigh of relief.

    Ellie staggered to her feet, giving the now twisted beams she¡¯d formed a wary look. ¡°Not exactly graceful,¡± she muttered with a weary grin.

    Spring Jack tipped his hat, smirking. ¡°Graceful enough. We¡¯re here, aren¡¯t we?¡±

    Zeff checked the shock disperser, breathing a sigh of relief that it hadn¡¯t overloaded. ¡°Guess it did the job after all.¡±

    Nate looked around at his team and the ruined airship, a grin breaking across his face. ¡°Alright, everyone¡­ welcome to Aezrith!¡±

 Chapter 33: Whispers in the Gilded Coin

    Stormrider Achievement Unlocked! You didn¡¯t die in the storm! Reward? Airship Parking Pass (1 week).

    Transmuter Achievement Unlocked! You have used an item to temporarily change your symbiotic familiar! Reward? Dice Pouch of Holding.

    Nate pulled out the purple leather pouch and found that the opening was small enough to fit the die and a finger or two to retrieve said die. ¡®Nate¡¯ was etched in fancy lettering across the front. ¡°Neat!¡±

    ¡°Do you mean ¡®Nate¡¯?¡± Fuzzball said, looking over his shoulder, laughing before Nate could retort. Nate gave a sidelong glance and continued cycling through his handful of messages.

    Quest: Gathering Information

    Objective: Explore the Undercroft for clues concerning Captain Luma and crew.

    Reward: Vial of Acid.

    Accept? Yes No.

    Nate accepted the new quest as the airship¡¯s hull groaned under the strain of the emergency landing, and pieces continued to fall off of the severely damaged vessel. The once-shifting sands of the Sand Sea now loomed beneath them, and Aezrith sprawled before their eyes.

    As they all began to disembark, the bustling activity of the Floating City greeted them, despite the storm that was already waning in the skies above. Cranes overhead moved cargo from airships to dock and vice versa. Workers moved smaller crates or drove magically powered forklift-like heavy machinery. The smoke that usually permeated the Docklands, temporarily muted by the heavy rains, began rolling back in as the rainfall lessened.

    A stout Kappan figure approached them, his uniform crisp over his shell despite the chaos of the storm, his wide brimmed hat strapped around his leathery face. His name tag read Harold, the dock manager of Aezrith. His eyes, sharp and calculating, took in the group before him.

    ¡°Welcome to Aezrith,¡± Harold greeted, extending a hand. ¡°I saw your emergency landing. You must be quite shaken. Do any of you need medical attention?¡±

    Nate shook his hand firmly. ¡°Luckily, no, though rest would be good. We could use some directions.¡±

    Harold nodded, his gaze lingering on the damaged airship. ¡°You¡¯ll need a parking pass while your ship is being repaired.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll repair it later,¡± Nate said as he withdrew his airship parking pass.

    ¡°Ah, of course. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°How much is it normally to park here?¡±

    ¡°One gold piece per week,¡± Harold said as he shook water from his hat.

    Nate pulled three gold pieces from his inventory, ¡°We¡¯ll go ahead and prepay for the month.¡±

    ¡°Excellent! Here,¡± he handed Nate a sleek, metallic card, ¡°this will grant you access to the Docklands.¡±

    ¡°Appreciate it,¡± Nate replied, tucking the pass into his pocket. ¡°Ellie, where should we go first?¡±

    She pointed towards the bustling heart of the Undercroft. ¡°The nearest tavern is the Gilded Coin, in the Sand Markets. It¡¯s a good place to gather information, meet locals, and find work if we need it.¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    ¡°Which we do,¡± Spring Jack said.

    ¡°Slow up on the ¡®we¡¯, rabbit man,¡± Fuzzball said. ¡°You¡¯re a good pilot, but the trust isn¡¯t there for ¡®we¡¯ just yet.¡±

    Spring Jack almost retorted, thought better of it, and nodded silently.

    Zeff pulled his toolbox out of his pack, ¡°I¡¯m going to stay here and assess the damages.¡±

    ¡°The front fell off,¡± Nate said, ¡°I think we can mark it as substantial.¡±

    ¡°I need to check the core,¡± Zeff doubled down.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay with him and make sure the Carrot Crew folks don¡¯t bother him,¡± Fuzzball said, pointedly looking at Spring Jack.

    ¡°I¡¯ve given strict orders that you are all to be considered one of the crew,¡± Spring Jack said.

    ¡°Sure thing, buddy,¡± Fuzzball said as he followed Zeff back toward the ship.

    With directions in hand, Nate, Krypdyr, Ellie, and Spring Jack set off towards the Sand Markets. The Undercarft¡¯s lower decks buzzed with life. Narrow alleyways lined with vibrant stalls sold everything from enchanted trinkets to rare spices harvested from the desert. The air was thick with the sounds of haggling, laughter, and the occasional clink of metal from smiths at work.

    As they navigated through the maze of stalls, Krypdyr used his shadowstep ability to scout ahead, ensuring their path was clear of any lingering threats. Ellie kept a watchful eye on their surroundings as Spring Jack sidled up to Nate.

    ¡°So, Nate, I noticed you keep a terrifying monster inside you.¡±

    ¡°You mean Terry?¡±

    ¡°You named that thing Terry?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a good boy, and I¡¯ll ask you to treat him with the respect he¡¯s more than earned.¡±

    ¡°He eats lightning!¡±

    ¡°He eats anything, actually. Everything? I¡¯m not sure what he can¡¯t eat.¡±

    Spring Jack fell back a step in surprise. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything quite like¡­ him?... before.¡±

    ¡°I think technically Terry has no gender, but given his form and shape, he presents more masculine and I¡¯m not going to just call him Terry all the time. That would sound odd.¡±

    ¡°So it would,¡± Spring Jack agreed.

    Finally, they reached the Gilded Coin Tavern, a large, inviting establishment with golden banners fluttering in the breeze and the sound of lively music spilling out into the street. The tavern¡¯s exterior was adorned with intricate carvings and stained glass windows that reflected the vibrant hues of the Sand Markets.

    ¡°We use pieces of different metals for currency here, what do they use coins for?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°Stamped coins are usually for guild identifications and rank,¡± Ellie said.

    ¡°Iron coins for lowest rank, platinum for highest?¡±

    ¡°Yep,¡± Spring Jack said. ¡°Speaking of, if you want to join the Carrot Crew, I have a few extra coins on hand.¡±

    ¡°Not the time,¡± Nate said as they stepped inside.

    Inside, the tavern was a cacophony of noise and color. Patrons of all races mingled, sharing stories over mugs of frothy ale and plates of steaming delicacies. The centerpiece was a massive fireplace, around which groups gathered to converse and enjoy performances from wandering bards.

    Nate led the group to a corner table, where Krypdyr coiled up around his seat and Ellie called out for drinks.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see what we can find out here,¡± Spring Jack suggested, his eyes scanning the room for any promising leads.

    As they settled in, a cloaked figure at the bar caught Nate¡¯s attention. The figure¡¯s presence was subtle, yet there was something about them that suggested they were listening in on nearby conversations. Nate motioned to Krypdyr to keep an eye on the figure while he and the others began to observe the tavern¡¯s patrons.

    Ellie nudged Nate. ¡°Over there,¡± she whispered, nodding to a group of rough-looking Chimerans huddled near the fireplace, their voices low but urgent.

    Nate nodded, downed the rest of his drink, and stood, moving toward the bathroom. He stepped out looking like a jackal Chimeran, and stumbled toward the whispering folks. Words like ¡°Captain Luma,¡± and ¡°Interface Podium¡± floated through the air, each phrase sending a chill down his spine.

    ¡°...heard they¡¯re holed up in the Smokestacks,¡± one of them said, a hulking ram-headed Chimeran speaking with a guttural accent. ¡°They won¡¯t stand a chance. Heard Wort and Codrus took the contract.¡± Low whistles spread across the group.

    Quest: Gathering Information complete. Reward has been added to your inventory.

    Nate leaned closer, his eyes wide with concern. ¡°Spring Jack, have you heard of Wort or Codrus?¡±

    Spring Jack sat up straighter in his chair, suddenly much more alert, ¡°Are they here?¡±

 Chapter 34: Context and Naming Conventions

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Nate said, ¡°There must be a contract out for Captain Luma and they took it.¡±

    ¡°Shit. Wort is one of the leaders of the Mage Hunters, Codrus is his bodyguard. Wort is a goblin shaman who can summon shadow creatures. Cordus is a minotaur warrior who uses what is basically a super sledge from 3 or New Vegas.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Yep. He¡¯s damn good with it too.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a super sledge?¡± Ellie asked.

    ¡°You know the engines that propel airships? Think a small one attached to the end of a huge hammer to increase smashy power,¡± Nate said. Ellie whistled appreciatively. ¡°Needless to say, he likely has the Strength Sigil Stone, as you¡¯d need it to properly wield something like that. Remind me who the Mage Hunters are again?¡±

    ¡°The Mage Hunters are bounty hunters who specialize in killing magic users, but they¡¯ll take any job that pays well enough,¡± Ellie said. ¡°This is very bad.¡±

    Before Nate could respond, the cloaked figure from the bar approached their table, their movements smooth and deliberate. Removing their hood revealed a black furred panther Chimeran with sharp features and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through the seated group.

    ¡°You¡¯re looking for information,¡± the figure stated, their voice calm but commanding. ¡°I might be able to help, but it won¡¯t come cheap.¡±

    Nate stumbled away from the conversing Chimerans, weighing the options as he sat hard at their table. ¡°What do you want in return?¡±

    The figure smirked slightly. ¡°A favor. A task that will benefit both of us. Think of it as an investment in our future cooperation.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Nate said, his tone firm yet open. ¡°We¡¯d like your name before discussing any such tasks.¡±

    ¡°Raglan,¡± the figure said.

    ¡°Nate. What¡¯s the task?¡±

    Raglan leaned in, his eyes never leaving Nate¡¯s. ¡°There¡¯s a relic called the Pulse Core hidden in the Mirror Gardens of the Temple of Air, which is a heavily guarded space. Retrieve it for me, and I¡¯ll provide you with the information you need about Captain Luma and her crew¡¯s whereabouts.¡±

    After a moment to check with Quilly, Nate leaned forward, extending a hand, ¡°Where I¡¯m from, we seal deals with a handshake.¡±

    Raglan extended his hand from under his cloak, metal plates over interlocking gears. Nate pulled him close.

    ¡°Since you know where they are, or thereabouts, make sure they don¡¯t get taken before we can get there.¡±

    ¡°Luma and her fellow Mothkin are exceptional at hiding. They need not my help.¡±

    ¡°One more thing. How does one take bounties? Are there notice boards or an app for the slate or some such?¡±

    ¡°Notice boards will show you lower tiered bounties, mostly Novice and a few Apprentice,¡± Raglan said, ¡°but for higher risk and reward bounties, you¡¯ll need the custom slate provided by the Adventuring Academy, which on Aezrith is in the Artisian middle layer.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Raglan provided detailed directions, pointing them towards the intricate map etched into the tavern¡¯s wall, showing the layout of Aezrith and marking one of the upper levels of the Temple of Air. ¡°Be swift and silent.¡± He slipped away into the crowd, leaving Nate and the others to process the new information.

    ¡°He was¡­ interesting,¡± Ellie said after a long drink from her mug.

    ¡°I agree, and he wants the Pulse Core for himself.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Krypdyr said.

    ¡°His arms are prosthetic, magical arms. They currently are functional, but to unlock their full potential he needs the Pulse Core.¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°What does it do, give him force blasts or something?¡± Spring Jack said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But check this out.¡± He popped up his new quest.

    Quest: The Pulse Core.

    Objectives: Help Raglan by retrieving the Pulse Core.

    Optional Objective: Align the mirrors in the Mirror Gardens before removing the core.

    Reward: 50 gold pieces, Windblade.

    Accept? Yes. No.

    ¡°I feel more and more that I got screwed over when I came here. You have a quest system too?!¡± Spring Jack huffed.

    ¡°Indeed! And it tends to send me in the direction I need to go to complete whatever we are doing at the moment. I think the luck stone may have affected the interface one. In other words, I¡¯m accepting the quest and we¡¯ll try to do the optional objective. I¡¯ll give the Windblade to one of you. I¡¯m pretty well set with Vinebow.¡± A grumble like rolling thunder emitted from Nate¡¯s purple armor. ¡°And Terry, of course.¡±

    Several heads around the tavern turned their way at Terry¡¯s grumble.

    ¡°Then we should get moving,¡± Krypdyr said. ¡°Want to avoid any further attention. If the Mage Hunters are after Captain Luma and her crew, we need to stop them quickly.¡±

    As they left the tavern, the vibrant energy of the Sand Markets seemed to pulse around them, buskers playing various instruments that were both discordant and somehow blended into a cohesively enjoyable tune. Shopkeepers called out over the music, pushing colorful clothing, trinkets mundane and magical, and an assortment of foods made from the exotic creatures found within the Sand Sea. Nate purchased some kabobs of meat and vegetables he didn¡¯t recognize but thought smelled amazing, handing them out to the rest and putting two extras in his inventory.

    ¡°Extras?¡± Ellie asked.

    ¡°For Zeff and Fuzzball.¡±

    Ellie nodded and slid off a grill marked white sphere from the end of her kabob, savoring the bite. ¡°I love grilled marshmelons.¡±

    When Nate heard the name, he excitedly bit into his own. ¡°Like a cantaloupe that tastes like marshmallows? This is amazing!¡±

    Spring Jack was already several vegetables down, and pulled a slab of meat from the kabob. ¡°Never liked sandworm meat. Too oily. Terry?¡±

    Terry¡¯s enormous head poked out of Nate¡¯s chest, nearly making him drop his kabob. His mouth opened wide and Spring Jack tossed the meat in. It disappeared with a loud gulp. Terry then turned his head to snag the mostly uneaten kabob from Nate¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Hey! I was going to give you some. That wasn¡¯t very good boy behavior, Terry.¡±

    Terry¡¯s guilty whimper sounded like a muffled banshee wail.

    ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t stay mad at you, Terry!¡± Nate patted Terry¡¯s head and gently pushed him back until his armor returned to normal.

    The Docklands, which were on either side of the Sand Markets, were as busy as ever as Nate and company returned to the airship.

    ¡°Hey, boss,¡± Zeff called from the deck. ¡°Can you fix the front of the ship?¡±

    ¡°Sure thing. Also, not your boss,¡± Nate called up his Mending spell and touched the side of the ship. Like watching a rewound video, the crumbled pieces that littered their landing bay drifted up to reattach where they had broken loose. His head ached from draining his full magic meter several times, but the ship was looking much better. Large areas were still missing, the bits scattered across the Sand Sea.

    ¡°Thank, Nate. Ellie?¡±

    Ellie leapt up to the deck next to Zeff, Nate and the others following soon after. ¡°Spring Jack, I need everyone here to bleed on the deck.¡±

    Pulling a small blade from somewhere on his person, Spring Jack cut a line across the top of his hand. ¡°You heard the lady, folks! With all of us adding to it, shouldn¡¯t take enough to cause lasting damage. Fuzzball, pull back your aura so the bleeding doesn¡¯t heal too fast.¡±

    Nate did the same cut, flexing his hand to get the blood flowing. Ellie pulled in the falling blood, changing it to metal that she shaped to fill in the holes on the airship. Fuzzball used his aura to heal everyone back up and they moved around the ship, sealing and closing up the holes. Ellie even reinforced sections that Zeff pointed out as points that had been weakened during the storm.

    ¡°Should be good to go. The core was intact, and we¡¯ve got the siphon plates calibrated to absorb the energy from constantly blowing breeze. Not as efficient, but as we¡¯ll be here a while, it should be fully charged within a few weeks.¡±

    ¡°Zeff, I don¡¯t think we tell you enough how much we appreciate you,¡± Nate said with a grin. They filled Fuzzball and Zeff in on what happened at the Gilded Coin Tavern.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you just walk through the Smokestacks with your lucky power running and find them by chance?¡± Fuzzball asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Ellie said. ¡°The Smokestacks are a sizeable sector in the Undercroft, and it¡¯s full of nooks and crannies whereby they could hide.¡±

    ¡°When you were with them here, was there a particular hole you¡¯d hide in?¡± Spring Jack said.

    ¡°There were some, but if they are fleeing this bounty, which we should check on, any of the usual spots are likely to be watched.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t they just flee?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°The Sand Sea is fairly open outside the city, they¡¯d be immediately spotted and pursued.¡±

    ¡°So this bounty must have happened after they got here.¡±

    Ellie began pacing, ¡°Agreed. The only other thing that may be holding them here is one of our own tossed in the Smog.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a prison in the Smokestacks, isn¡¯t it?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°How did you know that?¡±

    ¡°Context and naming conventions, mostly. Kinda love the name.¡±

 Chapter 35: The Larch

    ¡°The optional objective kind of makes it sound like the Pulse Core is necessary to operate whatever mechanism moves the mirrors,¡± Nate said as they crossed from the Docklands into the Vapor Gardens sector. Wood and metal flooring gave way to soft soil and smooth glass cobblestones. Sturdy, low fences subdivided the fields by crop produced, and Nate marveled at the variations. Fuzzball was also particularly interested in the gardening methods used.

    Nate pointed several segmented fields down the path. ¡°I see more of those marshmelons, we should look into getting some for later. I have some ideas for a sweet drink.¡±

    ¡°Feel free to take as many as you like,¡± a deep resonant voice said. It seemed to come from everywhere. They all looked around for the source of the voice. ¡°If you wish to see me directly, come to the Patina Cantina. There are signs. Also, the auroral carrots bloomed yesterday. They would go well with your marshmelons.¡±

    Spring Jack¡¯s eyes went wide at the mention of carrots, and he sprang along the road in search of them.

    ¡°Ellie, how do they tell the directions of this city? It can rotate more or less freely, so is there a point that they call the bow, like an airship?¡± Nate asked as he plucked a bright pink cauliflower-like plant labeled ¡®craniflower.¡¯ He sniffed it and it smelled like flipping through the pages of an old acid-washed book. He watched as it already began growing back, and plucked another before moving on.

    ¡°The Sand Markets are considered the bow, so we are on the port side. The starboard side is where the Smokestacks and the other Docklands are. The Temple of Air is at the stern.¡±

    ¡°Got it! Hey, all around voice man, how does the food produced here grow back so quickly?¡±

    ¡°That is my doing,¡± the voice answered. ¡°You will see once you arrive.¡±

    Spring Jack was running back toward them, arms full of long, thick carrots that were mostly black but had swirling lines of the reds, greens, and blues often found in auroras. One such carrot was partially eaten and sticking out from his mouth. His eyes, usually a jovial red, had turned darker with specks of glowing spots, like looking at a galaxy through a telescope.

    ¡°Are you feeling okay?¡± Zeff asked.

    ¡°I feel great! These taste incredible!¡±

    ¡°No need to yell,¡± Ellie said. ¡°We¡¯re right here.¡±

    ¡°Was I yelling? Maybe these mess with my hearing.¡± The aurora carrots fell to the ground as Spring Jack fell over.

    ¡°I warned him not to eat it raw,¡± the voice said. ¡°The signs did as well, but he insisted, or perhaps more succinctly he ignored both me and the signs. Aurora carrots are particularly strong in the raw state. He¡¯ll be okay in about an hour. We have some hammocks at the cantina where you can lay him down.¡±

    ¡°Not the first time this has happened.¡± Nate said as he gathered the aurora carrots.

    ¡°Certainly not,¡± the voice chuckled, ¡°there are three others here already.¡±

    Ellie unceremoniously picked up Spring Jack over her shoulder. ¡°What do these carrots do, exactly?¡±

    ¡°In the raw form, they open all of your senses to the astral plane, allowing you to fully sense the realm from which our magic comes. It is, for most, overwhelming. He will not remember when he awakens,¡± the voice said.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    They saw the bright blue building long before reaching it. The Patina Cantina was surrounded by thick gardens. The structure appeared to be made of a metal that oxidized over time into a vibrant blue patina, windows of many shapes and sizes granting light to pass into the area. Fruit bearing trees grew within the wide open space encompassed by the cantina, and rows upon rows of shelving packed with fruits and vegetables lined the path into the center. Colorful hammocks had been placed between trees wherever they would fit.

    Fuzzball saw the source of the voice first, a gasp drawing the others¡¯ attention. In the center of the Patina Cantina, an enormous tree as thick as a redwood, but far shorter, grew out far reaching branches and long, small roots spread along through the soil. Of particular interest to Nate and company was that this tree had a face with a bushy moss beard and curled mossy mustache, each side of which housed a nest of happily chirping birds.

    ¡°I was wondering if Ents would be a thing here, and I guess they are,¡± Nate whispered to the rest. ¡°Hi, my name is Nate.¡± He made introductions.

    ¡°My name is very long and difficult for people to say, so most people call me Larch.¡±

    Nate smiled, nearly laughed as he took up a deadpan tone and British accent, ¡°The Larch. The Larch.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that is me,¡± Larch said, not getting the reference.

    ¡°I bet Spring Jack would¡¯ve gotten that bit. Flying Circus joke. Never mind. Nice to meet you!¡±

    ¡°Same to you,¡± Larch said as Zeff walked closer to look.

    ¡°We¡¯ve never been here,¡± he said, ¡°We usually never left the Docklands or the Sand Markets.¡±

    ¡°Fuzzball, you and I share several Sigil Stones,¡± Larch said.

    Nate, who had also moved closer to Larch, gently bent down to touch one of the roots.

    Larch. Adept Ranked Colossal Awakened Tree.

    ¡°Oh, I thought you may have been a transformed adventurer or something like Harold from Fallout 3. But you¡¯re a regular tree who gained sentience?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°As you have some time before your friend awakens, I see no harm in telling you my story.¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, we have pressing business at the Temple of Air,¡± Ellie said.

    ¡°Right! But also, boo. I wanted to hear Larch¡¯s story,¡± Nate pouted as he raided the shelves full to bulging with fresh produce. He picked up what looked to him like an uncooked bratwurst. ¡°Savorstalk? Does this taste like sausage, or just look like it?¡±

    ¡°Depends on how it¡¯s prepared,¡± Larch said.

    Ellie grabbed Nate and began pulling him away, ¡°No time.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back,¡± Nate called out behind him. Fuzzball and Zeff followed behind them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send Jack along once he awakens.¡±

    <hr>

    They ran through the rest of the Vesper Gardens, Nate having Quilly make notes asd they did so. The wooded barrier separating the gardens from the Purification Sector held aloft massive metal doors that stood open in the daylight. Industrial buildings rose high in the air, enormous coils of different metals swirling upward. Dark purple rods rose even higher into the sky, begging to be struck by errant lightning. Holes were aligned along the top 10 feet of each of the coils.

    ¡°Condensers?¡± Nate shouted as they continued running. The ambient volume coming from the buildings was nearly deafening.

    ¡°Pulls moisture for the whole city,¡± Zeff huffed.

    ¡°Why not just get people with water sigil stones?¡±

    ¡°Oh they probably do, but that would be terribly exhausting,¡± Fuzzball said as he nimbly leapt over a  crossing wagon loaded with produce. Despite their mobility, the crowded streets were beginning to slow them down. Then, as they passed another intersection, one of the carts veered right at Nate, who leapt up instinctually to try to avoid being struck.

    He was launched through one of the windows of a warehouse as the cart exploded. The chaotic screaming from the street became slightly muffled as he landed hard against one of many 25 foot tall cylindrical tanks full of collected water. He groaned as he sat up, blood running freely from several places where shrapnel had penetrated, Terry leaping out from him, teeth gnashing with rage.

    ¡°You alright?¡± Fuzzball said over chat.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, more or less! Is everyone okay?¡± Nate groaned as he began healing his wounds, grunting as he pulled out chunks of metal.

    ¡°Mage Hunters!¡± Ellie said as the sounds of combat erupted through the broken window.

    Three heavily cloaked figures stepped from the shadows, the glass crunching under heavy boots.

    ¡°Hello, Nate.¡±

 Chapter 36: Mage Hunters Folly

    Quest: Mage Hunter¡¯s Folly

    Objective: Show the Mage Hunter¡¯s the folly of facing off against us.

    Reward: Novice Growth Orb.

    This Quest cannot be declined.

    ¡°Getting sassy now, Quilly?¡± Nate mentally asked Quilly.

    I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about. Quilly said, though the face on the quill held a smirk.

    ¡°Love it. Keep up the good work.¡±

    The three cloaked figures moved to position around Nate, who sent the mental command to Terry to stay in the shadows for now. The shortest one, who stood between the others, pulled his cloak back. He had dark green skin, a long nose, and only his left ear, his right a jagged scar. His leather armor, clearly magical, sported faint runes etched into the seams.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯d have more warts, Wort,¡± Nate said.

    The right cloaked figure chortled, ¡°I told you!¡± A deeply resonant voice.

    ¡°Fine,¡± a higher, feminine voice from the other cloak. She tossed a small bag over Nate¡¯s head and the other caught it.

    ¡°You made bets?!¡± Wort fumed. ¡°Now¡¯s not the time!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Cordus, a little decorum,¡± Nate said with a friendly smile. ¡°Your boss is trying to be intimidating and stuff.¡± Nate saw notifications that his chat connection with Fuzzball, Ellisandra, and Zeff was cut off. In his peripheral vision he saw a black scaled tail in the shadow of the warehouse, and he sent a mental command to Terry.

    ¡°We have your friends,¡± Wort smirked. ¡°They should be cuffed and unconscious by now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your¡­ friends? Cohorts? Minions? Yeah, we¡¯ll go with minions.¡±

    Wort frowned, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Screams erupted from outside. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I told Terry not to kill any of them, but based on how my hunger is dropping, their folly is costing them an arm and a leg.¡±

    A bleeding hawk faced Chimeran ran into the warehouse with eyes bulging with fear. ¡°Boss! There¡¯s a-¡± A portal opened next to him and a large purple hand reached through and yanked him through with a scream cut short as the portal closed, returning a moment later but sounding much further away.

    Moments later, a portal opened behind him and Terry stepped through, hauling a sleeping Fuzzball, Ellie, and Zeff, crunching through the bones of what was clearly someone¡¯s arm. With a pulse of aura, their suppression cuffs snapped open. Wort¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Is that a-?¡±

    ¡°Yep! What? You don¡¯t like Terry?¡±

    ¡°Beatrix, let¡¯s begin.¡± The lithe figure¡¯s cloak dropped to the ground as she stepped into the shadows, Nate only just catching her elven features.

    The large warehouse echoed with the rhythmic hum of machinery. Towering containers held shimmering water reserves, their surfaces rippling faintly under the dim, bluish glow of magelights. Nate and Terry stood in a loose formation as Krypdyr stayed in the shadows, the unconscious forms of Ellisandra, Fuzzball, and Zeff lying just behind them. The oppressive tension in the air was palpable as Wort, Cordus, and Beatrix approached.

    ¡°Interesting familiar,¡± Wort sneered and dropped the cloak to the ground, his mechanical arm clicking as he spun a small, smoking device in his hand.

    Cordus snorted, his massive form blocking much of the light as he hefted his jet-hammer, the engine belching smoke as it grumbled to life. Beatrix was a shadow, flitting from container to container, her eyes glinting with mischief.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather we didn¡¯t fight,¡± Nate said firmly, his Grappler Whip coiled and ready. ¡°You can leave now, and no one else gets hurt.¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, kid,¡± Wort replied with a toothy grin, ¡°that¡¯s not how we make a living.¡±

    Without warning, Beatrix struck first. A shrouded figure in the dim light, she lashed out with her daggers, aiming for Nate¡¯s throat. He ducked at the last second, countering with a crack of his whip. Beatrix phased briefly into shadow, evading the attack with supernatural grace.

    Cordus roared, charging forward with startling speed for his size. Nate raised his hand and cast Elemental Bolt. A crackling bolt of freezing energy shot forward, colliding with Cordus¡¯ hammer mid-swing, the ice jamming up the engine, slowing the strike. Cordus growled and gripped the chunk of ice, breaking it free and punching the hammer, starting the engine back up.

    Wort, meanwhile, hurled his device. It exploded into a cloud of shimmering dust, disrupting magic in the area.

    ¡°Spread out!¡± Nate yelled, coughing as the gas thinned the air around him. Krypdyr struck from the shadows, his aura amplifying his strength as he landed a poisoning strike on Cordus. Terry leapt forward, claws extended, targeting Wort directly.

    Beatrix lunged again, this time targeting Nate. She aimed for his hand, seeking to disarm him of his whip. But Nate cast Multitool, summoning a wrist mounted buckler that deflected the strike. The sudden rebound threw Beatrix off balance, giving Nate an opening. He lashed out with the whip, wrapping it around her ankle and yanking her off her feet.

    Krypdyr emerged from the shadows, slamming into Cordus with a flurry of strikes. The minotaur stumbled but retaliated with a wide swing of his jet hammer, launching Krypdyr back. Cordus bent his legs to stabilize his stance, his Stoneheart aura reducing the severity of incoming wounds as he stood still, letting Krypdyr make attack after attack. The poison magic of his strikes seemed to disappear within Cordus.

    The absorbed magic rose up through Cordus into his arms as he swung his hammer. Krypdyr tried to block, but the blow, enhanced by the magic absorbed from Krypdyr¡¯s own strikes, easily broke through the guard and slammed into Krypdyr¡¯s side. The force of the strike catapulted Krypdyr into the rafters, landing him gasping for air on top of one of the water tanks.

    Terry engaged Wort in a chaotic flurry, but the goblin dodged backward as his hands worked in a fury. A small object burst near Terry¡¯s feet, wrapping him up in thin but surprisingly strong wire.

    ¡°Is this all you¡¯ve got?!¡± Wort taunted, spinning another gadget in his hand.

    Krypdyr shadow-stepped next to Nate. Beatrix slipped back into the fray, darting toward Ellisandra¡¯s prone form. Krypdyr yelled a warning, but it came too late. Beatrix struck with precision, her dagger dripping with venom as it pierced Ellisandra¡¯s side.

    ¡°No!¡± Nate roared, sprinting toward her. Beatrix vanished into shadow before he could retaliate. Ellisandra gasped in pain and began convulsing.

    Fueled by anger, Nate tried to cast Healing Touch, but the shimmering magic-suppressing powder made his casting fail.

    ¡°Focus on them!¡± Krypdyr yelled, trying to hold Cordus¡¯ incoming attacks at bay. Cordus was slower than before, Krypdyr¡¯s poison coursing through him.

    Nate turned back to the fight. He summoned another Elemental Bolt, targeting Wort this time. The goblin barely dodged, the icy edge grazing his arm and forcing him to drop his device. Terry seized the opportunity, using his jaws to grab Wort¡¯s mechanical arm, his sharp teeth shearing metal and cables as he ripped the arm away.

    Krypdyr delivered a brutal uppercut to Cordus, his shadow-infused aura leaving dark tendrils that further slowed the minotaur¡¯s movements. ¡°Nate! Now!¡±

    Nate¡¯s whip disappeared into his inventory as he ran out from the dust cloud and summoned his bow, firing two arrows in quick succession, hitting wrist and elbow of Cordus¡¯s arm, causing him to drop the jet hammer. Beatrix appeared behind Nate as he shot, stabbing out at him with her envenomed blade.

    Wort, staring momentarily at his stump, threw down a smoke bomb. ¡°Enough fun for now. Let¡¯s get out of here!¡± he shouted.

    Beatrix reappeared beside him, pulling a reluctant Cordus toward the warehouse exit. ¡°We¡¯ll be back,¡± she promised, her voice cold as she glared at Nate.

    As the Mage Hunters fled, Nate, Krypdyr, and Terry regrouped. Nate picked up Zeff, pointing to the others. Krypdyr grabbed Ellie and Terry began to pull Fuzzball away from the magic suppressing powder.

    ¡°We need to move,¡± Krypdyr said. ¡°They¡¯ll regroup.¡±

    Nate nodded, glancing at the unconscious Zeff and Fuzzball. ¡°Let¡¯s get everyone out of here. We¡¯re not done with them yet.¡±

    Once outside, Nate tried again to heal Ellie. While he could close the wound, her pallid skin remained so, and she shivered. He noticed as he cast Healing Touch that his magic points weren¡¯t recovering.

    ¡°I could heal the wound, but the venom remains. I think that venom she used on me messed up my magic recovery.¡±

    The crowd around the warehouse suddenly began to clear as the sound of heavy armored troops grew louder. Twelve people consisting of two Mothkin, six Chimerans, and four Oreforged marched up.

    ¡°Stop right there, criminal scum!¡± the gravelly voice of the forwardmost Oreforged bellowed.

 Chapter 37: Arrested Exploration

    Quest: Mage Hunter¡¯s Folly Complete. Reward has been added to your inventory.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not get off on the wrong foot here,¡± Nate said as he held up his hands, palms facing out. Terry set Fuzzball down and tucked into Nate. He felt the armor encase him again, and Quilly added a timer that Nate instinctively knew was for the magic recovery poison duration. Thirty minutes. It was moving faster than real time, and again Nate instinctively knew it was Terry¡¯s consuming presence. Good. Maybe fifteen minutes.

    ¡°You¡¯ve threatened the safety and livelihood of the citizens of Aezrith. You will accompany us to the Council Hall to answer for said crimes.¡±

    ¡°It was the-¡± Nate began to protest, but the guard captain raised his hand to interrupt.

    ¡°You will give your account to the Magistrate. Will you come quietly?¡±

    Nate motioned to Zeff, Fuzzball, and Ellisandra, ¡°My people need healing, as they were knocked out before the explosion.¡±

    ¡°They were not involved in the anti-magic fight?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Nate lied. ¡°They were caught unawares.¡±

    The guard motioned for the other three oreforged. ¡°Take them to the Temple of Air.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Krypdyr, let¡¯s follow these fine folks just trying to do their jobs.¡± Krypdyr glowered, but begrudgingly followed. As they began walking toward the gate that opened to the Gentle Breezeway, Nate took some time to go through his new notifications.

    Wrong Cord Achievement Unlocked! You were maybe a little too close to an explosion. Did you cut the wrong cord, or push the wrong button? Doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is that you survived! Reward? You didn¡¯t even lose any fingers or toes. Also 10 gold pieces.

    Banter Distraction Mastery Achievement Unlocked! You have used banter to distract a foe while your familiar or allies dealt with opposing minions! Reward? 10 gold pieces, Silly Hat.

    Hunted to Hunter Achievement Unlocked! You have struck out against a group that was hunting you, changing from hunted to hunter. Hell yes! Reward? 10 gold pieces, Ring of Life Detection.

    Nate opened his inventory to check the effects of his new items.

    Silly Hat. Type: Clothing. Weight: 1 lb. Value: 1 platinum piece. Imagine if Cicero wasn¡¯t a psychotic murderer and was instead a happy-go-lucky jester who did children¡¯s parties! This hat would be from him. While wearing it, you gain the following benefits: once every 4 hours you can pull one of the three bells from the hat and toss it to the ground. When you do, a creature of your choice that you have seen before appears, made of long balloons. The balloon creature has only a single hit point and draws the attention of anyone nearby when popped. Bells regenerate each day at dawn.

    Ring of Life Detection. Type: Ring. Weight: 0.1 lb. Value: 10 platinum pieces. For someone less cool than us, this ring would make all living things within 60 feet glow, even if hiding behind walls. For us, though, it expands the range of marked enemies on your minimap, and you can mentally command the map to display additional information such as what types of creatures they are and their range away from you, approximate if they are behind walls, or true distance if within the same space.

    Nate slipped on the ring and the number of dots dramatically increased on his minimap. He mentally altered it and found that a small legend appeared and the circles all changed to show the races or creature types present. The map became overcrowded with overlapping shapes, so he stashed the ring back in his inventory until he may need the extra info.

    The Gentle Breezeway was a beautifully chaotic space. Housing made of a variety of different materials, from sandstone to reinforced glass, lined the roads that were crowded with carts and people. Nate noticed there were no traffic lights, but the flow of traffic wasn¡¯t really hindered by that. He watched the crowds as he walked, and found that under the seeming chaos, there was order to be found. Carts all narrowly missed hitting people and other carts as they drove, people moving with purpose or stopping to chat, others flowing around them like water around stones.

    Just as Nate was getting the hang of the movements, they reached a wide, flat platform that turned out to be an open elevator that took them up to the middle district. Nate had Quilly pull up the information they had for this section. Quilly stood leaning next to the pop-up.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    The middle tier, known as the Artisian, is home to artisans, scholars, and alchemists who provide goods and services to the upper and lower classes alike. Here, brightly painted shops, academies, and workshops line the polished wooden streets, and stone arches connect wider avenues. This level is bustling but orderly, a hub for commerce, creativity, and invention.

    You are currently in Wandering Lights Square. Wandering Lights Square is a lively, open plaza lit by ever-glowing, enchanted lanterns that change colors with the city¡¯s movement across the Sand Sea. Performers, musicians, and fortune-tellers ply their trade here.

    Indeed, as Quilly described, the various musicians seemed to blend their music into a frenetic jam, and Nate found himself bobbing his head to the beat as they passed through. If they weren¡¯t possibly about to be thrown into the Smog, he¡¯d have been having a really great time.

    After several minutes continuing down the main road, Nate noticed an influx of multicolored birds flying around. Another pop-up window appeared.

    You are now near the Great Aviary. The Great Aviary is a sanctuary where trained birds and messenger creatures are bred and trained to navigate the winds of the Sand Sea. Some say the Aviary also harbors mystical creatures capable of traversing between worlds.

    Nate almost stopped walking as he took in that last sentence. Creatures that can traverse between worlds! He may be able to get back sooner than he thought. He made a note in his journal to investigate that later. They turned and continued starboard to the next, albeit slightly smaller, elevating platform.

    You are now entering the Sunward Heights. The topmost level, known as the Sunward Heights, is reserved for the wealthy elite, including nobility, merchant lords, and council members. Its golden spires and marbled corridors shimmer in the sunlight, and lush hanging gardens spill from terraces, fed by complex irrigation systems. Here, grand mansions overlook the Sand Sea, and opulent plazas host vibrant gatherings, festivals, and feasts.

    ¡°This is a truly wild experience,¡± Nate said aloud as he spun around to look at the opulence. ¡°A microcosm of wealthy shenanigans.¡±

    ¡°Keep walking,¡± the guard behind him pushed him a little bit too hard and he stumbled. Terry grumbled in anger, but Nate mentally calmed him.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Nate said. To Quilly, he posed a question.

    The Kingdom of the Sand Seas is primarily run by a King, with nobles who serve under him, many of them also serving on the Council. The Council basically handles all of the shit the king doesn¡¯t feel like dealing with, which is likely most of the day to day goings on. Merchant lords hold little real power, but are mostly here to pay their way into getting things the way they¡¯d like them. Hence all the gatherings, festivals, and feasts.

    ¡°The term is lobbyist, I think,¡± Nate told Quilly.

    Entry updated. Merchant lords are glorified lobbyists.

    The contrast between the Undercroft and the Sunward Heights was staggering. True to its database entry, the buildings were immaculate and enormous, with sprawling gardens and elaborate fountains. Enough of the buildings were gilded with golds and silvers that it was sometimes difficult to look in certain directions because of reflective daylight. One in particular they marched past was more silver than stone. Bold lettering above the entrance read ¡®The Silver Vault¡¯.

    The Silver Vault - An exclusive bank that houses not only the wealth of the city¡¯s elite but also rare artifacts and magical relics. Its vaults are secured by intricate magical locks, guarded around the clock by well-trained sentries.

    Nate felt a strange pull and looked up, squinting from the glare. A figure leaned against a rooftop balustrade, and shifted out of view when noticed. Another pop-up appeared.

    Quest: Silver Vault Vigilante.

    Objective: Discover the identity of the shadowy figure.

    Reward: Silver Vault Lockbox Key.

    Accept? Yes. No.

    Curious as to who the figure was and what the key was, he accepted the quest.

    Finally, after their long walk through Aezrith, they arrived at the Council Hall, pushing through the ivory doors. Its walls were adorned with artifacts from each councilor''s lineage, and its vaulted ceiling was enchanted to reflect the stars despite the time of day.

    The foyer had only a handful of well dressed people milling about, speaking softly. Hallways extended to the right and left from the back wall. Inset cubbies covered by reinforced glass displayed historic objects that Nate, while using his Astral Sense, noticed were not magical. Small plaques displayed a few interesting facts about each object, and naturally they moved beyond down the right hallway before he could read any of them.

    Hardwood doors with heavy hinges lined the hall, glowing orbs of magical light set on either side of each door gave some clue as to the status of the room beyond. There were red, green, blue, and white colored lights.

    ¡°What do the colors mean?¡± Nate asked the chimeran guard next to him, but got no response.

    Four doors down the lights by the door were green, and the guard pushed the door open silently and held it for the rest of them to enter. Two Thuderstagians, the first two he¡¯d seen outside of his own character creation menus, were huddled facing away from the door.

    ¡°-the city isn¡¯t going to fall!¡± the left one said.

    ¡°The prophecy said it would happen soon.¡±

    ¡°It always says it will happen soon.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s different this time!¡±

    ¡°No, it isn¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°A hundred platinum says I¡¯m right.¡±

    The oreforged guard cleared his throat and they started, turning quickly enough that their lightning horns bent strangely before realigning. They straightened their robes and walked back to their seats.

    ¡°Captain Stonecrusher, what brings you to the Hall today?¡±

 Chapter 38: You Kinda Scare Me Sometimes

    ¡°Destruction of property vital to Aezrith¡¯s functionality, endangerment of citizens, and adventuring without a license within city limits,¡± the Thunderstagian read aloud as he wrote. A magic stenography device typed slowly as he read. ¡°What do you have to say for yourselves?¡±

    Nate, who had been seated while Captain Stonecrusher relayed the charges, stood. ¡°Permission to approach?¡±

    The councilman displayed a brief surprise at the formal request, ¡°Granted.¡±

    ¡°I have several things to say for myself and my bodyguard Krypdyr, and frankly for the rest of my family who are now resting, hopefully healed, in the Temple of Air. First and foremost, I am under contract with the Scuffle Alliance, Incorporated.¡± This time the surprise was much more prolonged and their stenography device began typing more rapidly.

    ¡°Second, myself and my companions were attacked by a group known locally as the Mage Hunters. May I show you what our attackers looked like?¡±

    ¡°You can create illusions?¡±

    ¡°Not really, no.¡±

    ¡°Then how?¡±

    Nate paused to think, and sent a chat message to Krypdyr. ¡°I feel like the shapeshifting thing is probably best kept secret.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Krypdyr said.

    Nate addressed the councilman, ¡°I stumbled upon a spell that lets me change myself for very brief periods of time.¡±

    ¡°Proceed.¡±

    Nate pulled up his shapeshifting menu, shifting into an approximation of Wort. The stenograph machine whirred as it wrote even faster.

    ¡°I think your stenographer¡¯s going to break if you don¡¯t slow it down.¡± The whirring crescendoed and the stenograph machine exploded. Shards of twisted metal shredded the ground and table all around Nate, but none of it hit him as he flinched away from the blast. Captain Stonecrusher stepped between the blast and the council members, taking shrapnel across his body, though it did no real damage to him.

    The notations, which seemed to be on magical paper as it remained unscathed, sat in the remains of the stenograph wreckage.

    ¡°Things seem to keep exploding around me lately,¡± Nate said as he moved to Stonecrusher, ¡°Do you need healing?¡±

    The captain waved him away, checking on the Thunderstagians, who were more shaken than actually damaged. The one who was serving as the judge picked up the notations and read, his eyes widening. He quickly handed the paper to the other, staring over at Nate. After moments of reading, the other did the same.

    ¡°I have two more questions for you.¡±

    ¡°Ask away,¡± Nate said, shifting uncomfortably.

    ¡°You were standing right next to the machine when it blew up, yet you are unmarked. How is that possible?¡±

    ¡°Might be better if I didn¡¯t say.¡±

    The councilman stepped up close to Nate, leaning down to his eye level. He whispered into his ear. ¡°The stenograph is enchanted to list the sigil stones active on those involved in the given court case. It kept trying to type yours, but something was blocking it. To the point that it exploded.¡±

    Nate sent a question to Quilly.

    Quilly: The machine was trying to give away our secrets.

    Nate: You could have told me.

    Quilly: There wasn¡¯t time.

    Nate: Did you overload the machine?

    Quilly looked guilty.

    Quilly: It kept trying to get our information. So I changed a few of its parameters that caused it to, well, you know.

    The council continued in his hushed voice. ¡°No one here cast a spell to affect the device. We have sensors in place to detect such things. There¡¯s only one explanation. I think I¡¯m going to be 100 platinum richer. My final question is this, and we will speak privately if we must. How did you come across the Interface Sigil Stone?¡±

    Nate sighed, watching Quilly¡¯s surprise fade to mild interest. With another command, the councilman nearly fell over when he received a pop-up message in his field of view.

    Nate Arkwright has sent you a chat request. Accept? Yes. No.

    The Thunderstagian cheered and called the other one over. ¡°Cifnir! I told you! It¡¯s time to pay up!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding me, Rayn!¡± Cifnir said.

    ¡°I am not!¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°I¡¯m a little confused,¡± Nate said.

    ¡°You know that you being right would be extremely bad, right?¡± Cifnir said.

    Rayn hesitated. ¡°Shit.¡±

    Nate: Will you please focus for a moment and tell me what is going on?

    Rayn: Better. I¡¯ll show you.

    Rayn pulled out his slate and typed something in, presenting it to Nate. There were a number of writings on an open tab, but one was highlighted.

    Aezrith''s Fall

    In skies adrift where shadows weave,

    A storm-born man the winds deceive.

    With sigils carved and fated luck,

    He bends true rules, the glue unstuck.

    A tethered bridge, a breaking chain,

    The sand below shall drink the rain.

    From fractured steel and burning glow,

    The city''s pride will sink below.

    The charming man with proper Quill,

    Will strike the core and leave it still.

    Yet through the fall, a seed will grow,

    A truth revealed in ember''s glow.

    Beware the hand that heals and mends,

    For destiny twists where power bends.

    A hero walks where shadows call,

    Aezrith, to rise anew, must fall.

    Several of the lines did seem to point to him. He used the chat function to group Rayn and Cifnir together.

    Quilly: Hey, look! It mentions me!

    Rayn: Who¡¯s Quilly? What kind of name is that?

    Cifnir: This is very cool and terrifying at the same time.

    Quilly: Hello! I¡¯m Nate¡¯s Interface Sigil Stone. He has named me Quilly, which I quite like.

    Nate: Really subtle, Quill. I have no intention of causing the city to fall, even if the poem says that the city will rise anew. What does that even mean?

    Quilly: Sorry, Nate. It¡¯s already in motion.

    Before Nate could argue, he got a new pop-up.

    Quest: Citybreaker

    Objective: Fulfill the Prophecy! And not just because seeing a floating city crash is kind of awesome!

    Reward: 1 Magic Item Upgrade Token

    This quest cannot be denied.

    Nate: Seriously?!

    Quilly: What?! I like that it involved me. Seems like a good time.

    Rayn: What happened?

    Nate: Nothing to worry about now. Any chance you can get me away from Captain Stonecrusher¡¯s allegations?

    ¡°What is going on?¡± Stonecrusher grumbled as he watched everyone standing in awkward silence. Nate handed the slate to Krypdyr, whose eye ridges raised as he read the prophecy.

    Rayn walked over to stand before the oreforged. ¡°We can handle it from here, I think.¡±

    ¡°What is to be his sentence?¡±

    ¡°He is to go and register with the Adventuring Academy and work off the cost of repairs to the city, he is to be given the first task of repairing what he can do himself.¡±

    Cifnir raised his hand as Stonecrusher moved to protest. ¡°If you have issues with this sentencing, you may challenge it when Beacon Flamel and his Stormchaser squad returns this way twenty days hence.¡±

    Stonecrusher rumbled, looked away, and stomped out of the room.

    ¡°I appreciate this,¡± Nate said. ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to join something like that anyway.¡±

    Rayn hastily jotted a note and stamped it with glowing ink. ¡°Bring this with you to the academy and they¡¯ll get you set up. Krypdyr should be able to facilitate your association with the SAI.¡±

    ¡°Does that help in any way with the academy?¡±

    ¡°It will give you a slight increase in the quality of available quests, usually with better rewards and such. And you get access to SAI affiliate quests. But beyond that, no.¡±

    Nepotism Achievement Unlocked! You got out of trouble because you know someone important. Like being the son of a president. Some people don¡¯t like it when this happens, but those same people would sure as shit take the same treatment if they could and needed it. Don¡¯t you just hate double standards? Reward? 1 Aezrith Get Out of Jail Free Card.

    The card, when Nate plucked it out of inventory, looked like one from the Monopoly board game, but it had a sketch of the three tiered city and the following text printed on it.

    Aezrith Get Out of Jail Free Card. Type: Wondrous Item. Weight: 0 lbs. Value: Varies. The variable value of this item depends on the severity of crime you free yourself from. When you present this card to a guard or magistrate, you cease to be accused of the crime in question. Even if you murdered the king of the realm. Isn¡¯t that crazy?! I hope you pick a good one to use this on. Be a shame to waste it on something stupid like Jaywalking or punching a meter maid in the face for giving you a ticket after only being parked in a 15 minute spot for five minutes. Scratch that last one. That one would be great.

    Nate: Quilly, you know you kinda scare me sometimes. How does this item work?

    While Quilly was typing his response, Nate activated his Astral Sense. And wished he hadn¡¯t. The card nearly blinded him. He made a pained sound out loud, causing Krypdyr to look around with his hand on his sword hilt. It was so bright he couldn¡¯t even see what schools of magic it contained.

    Quilly: It¡¯s complicated. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t tell you that just yet. Soon, I hope.

    Nate: You¡¯ve never been tight lipped before. Why now?

    Quilly: Can¡¯t tell you that either. What I can tell you is that I¡¯ll be able to tell you later on, once you get stronger.

    Nate: Alright. I¡¯ll trust you for now. But I expect a full explanation eventually.

    Quilly: Of course.

    Nate and Krypdyr stepped out of the council room after saying their goodbyes. Captain Stonecrusher loomed over them to the right of the door. His voice seemed grumpier than before.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to keep my eyes on you. We go straight to the Academy.¡±

    Nate smiled at him, ¡°Lead on, sir.¡±

    Back in the room, Cifnir grumbled as he slapped a bag of platinum into Rayn¡¯s smug hand.

 Chapter 39: Adventuring Academy

    The Adventuring Academy was nestled in the Artisian tier between a brewery and a place Nate suspected was similar to a cafe, complete with interior and exterior seating. Terry rumbled in his hunger as the smells of baked goods and some sort of brewed drink drifted over them. The

    Academy was a singular three story building with narrow strips of grassy land between it, the road, and the barriers that set its lot apart.

    The building was made of sandstone like most of them, but this one had banners of the academy, a circle within which rested an open book atop a crossed sword with a magical aura around it and some sort of futuristic looking gun. Nate pulled up his chat with Krypdyr and Quilly.

    Nate: Quilly, why have we only really seen high tech gear from Beacon and those mechs? Is that as uncommon as it seems?

    Quilly: Yes. There are four total zones spread around Terra. We are currently in a magic zone, where magic functions at its fullest. The other types are Tech, Fringe, and Null.

    Nate: I see. So, Tech zones are where high technology works best and Null zones would be where nothing works correctly. What are Fringe zones?

    Quilly: Fringe zones lie between Magic and Tech zones, where both properly function. The main Stormchaser hub city of Tempeste lies in a Fringe zone, for example.

    Nate: And how does the magic not work in Tech zones?

    Krypdyr: There¡¯s a chance the spell will fail when cast, or on rare occasions that a surge happens.  Krypdyr shuddered. You don¡¯t want a surge to happen. It¡¯s why we use Storm Ore for the mechs and any magic items we want to use in both spaces.

    Nate: That makes sense. The minecart rails back in Gronwood used Storm Ore.

    The end of their conversation brought them to the front desk. Captain Stonecrusher looked for the nearest person, who happened to be a rather surly looking Dwarf with quarts eyes and skin that closely resembled the sandstone of the walls. His name was listed on his placard as Fundin Hammersmith, and he was busy sorting through a stack of papers that Nate noticed were mostly blank, at least to him.

    ¡°You have a new recruit,¡± Stonecrusher said.

    Fundin didn¡¯t look up. ¡°Indentured or voluntary?¡±

    ¡°Indentured.¡±

    Fundin then looked up, eyeing both Nate and Krypdyr. ¡°This about that explosion down at Purification?¡±

    Nate slid the paper over to him, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Fundin read the paper, nodded, and pointed to a hallway behind the front desk. ¡°Second door down, talk to Katia in Registration.¡± He set the slip of paper on his desk among the others and continued whatever it was he was doing.

    Nate turned to face Captain Stonecrusher, ¡°Well, Captain, I guess we¡¯ll go get started. Thank you for escorting us here.¡±

    ¡°Just make sure you keep out of trouble in the future. As I said before, I¡¯ll be watching.¡±

    ¡°No promises, but I¡¯d really, truly like to stay out of trouble. It has a way of finding me. If I find any, I¡¯ll try to bring it to you before it gets out of hand.¡±

    Stonecrusher nodded, turned and left. Nate and Krypdyr entered the office as Fundin stepped away from the front desk. Katia was an Elf with brown hair pulled into a tight bun, her glasses set low on her nose as she read from a slate, swiping as she did so. She wore what looked to Nate like a cross between a wizard robe and a dress one would find in a professional setting. The colors changed as she moved as though the robes were pearlescent.

    ¡°Sit,¡± she said as she set the slate down. They did so. ¡°You¡¯re here to join the Academy.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question. She took out a wand that had a cable hanging off the end and connected it to the slate, which she picked up as she stepped around the desk.

    Quilly: She¡¯s going to scan us. Shall I let it happen?

    Nate: Thank you for asking and not just blowing up her slate. I feel like we should. No need to overload their equipment here. They¡¯ll find out eventually.

    Quilly: I don¡¯t like this.

    Nate: I know, just trust me. Better they find out up front. Plus, I¡¯m getting tired of trying to hide this.

    ¡°Please, stand.¡± Katia scanned Krypdyr first. ¡°You are registered as a squire working for SAI under Beacon Flamel¡¯s Stormchaser squad.¡±

    ¡°That is correct.¡±

    ¡°And you are joining us under indenture because of,¡± she read the next part off the slate, ¡°destruction of purification equipment?¡±

    ¡°That was technically the Mage Hunters, but we were present and they were attacking us, so the place was damaged indirectly because of us,¡± Krypdyr said.

    ¡°We¡¯ll update your records with your new stones.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Katia hesitated, looking over them with more interest. ¡°You are both very¡­ unaffected by this punishment.¡±

    ¡°Just want to help as we can,¡± Nate said. ¡°Meant to swing by here earlier, but things are a bit fast paced sometimes. And I know the Mending spell, so I should be able to fix most of the damage, minus the magic parts. I could use some Enchantment training, actually, if that¡¯s possible.¡±

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    ¡°It is, once you have finished the punishment detail. I¡¯ll be scanning you now, Nate.¡±

    ¡°I never told you my name.¡±

    ¡°It was on the paper that Fundin transferred into our system.¡±

    ¡°Because magic?¡±

    ¡°I suppo-¡± she trailed off as she scanned Nate. Her eyes widened as her screen flashed a series of colors. There was a small pop sound and a young-looking human man with a comically conical hat and bright blue robes appeared between Nate and Krypdyr. He held a short rod that was glowing slightly from its tip and wore a pair of spectacles with multiple adjustable lenses.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Nate said jovially. ¡°Can we borrow those glasses when we steal the Declaration of Independence?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± the man said, his voice a step lower than Nate expected.

    ¡°My name¡¯s Nate. This is Krypdyr. We¡¯re freshly indentured members of the Adventuring Academy! We have a few other party members, but they may or may not join later.¡±

    ¡°Why was I summoned? I¡¯m in the middle of a delicate enchantment.¡±

    ¡°Nate¡¯s scan triggered it,¡± Katia explained.

    The wizard¡¯s eyes brightened as he tucked away the rod. ¡°Really? You? How curious indeed.¡±

    ¡°What exactly was triggered?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°Whatever job you were indentured to complete will be overridden with mine. It pays much better anyway. How are you at enchantment?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t had much practice, honestly.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay. Come with me.¡±

    ¡°Not until we know what this new job is and who you are,¡± Krypdyr said, placing a hand on Nate who had already begun to step to follow.

    ¡°My apologies! My name is Desdon Trill. You have a Sigil Stone that will allow the Academy to add to its data entries with a speed as yet unmatched,¡± Desdon said with a rather infectious enthusiasm.

    ¡°After we¡¯ve repaid the damages, the pay will go to us?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Would it be possible to take future payments as spellbooks?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why we couldn¡¯t do that to some degree, though it takes anywhere between a few months to several years to learn new spells from spellbooks, depending on the rank of the spell and your understanding of the underlying magic. That may not be worth your time.¡±

    ¡°Desdon, my friend, have I got a surprise for you.¡±

    Desdon led them to an elevator in the center of the academy building, which was really just a floating disc with a translucent panel on which he pushed a button, heading down into the bowels of the floating city. Nate felt like they had dropped even below the elevation of the Undercroft when they reached a set of heavily reinforced doors that were accompanied by a glowing keypad. Desdon pressed a series of buttons and the doors slid open.

    Nate gasped as they stepped into a veritable hoard of magical objects. Nate plucked a piece of dried steel beak from his inventory and snacked as they walked through the room. Rows upon rows of tables with rings, books, swords, bows, robes, armor of various types, and a host of other random baubles littered the room. Everburning torches lined the walls in sconces, and Nate let the intrusive thoughts win and put his hand in the flames of one as they passed, finding to his delight that it was only a little warm to the touch.

    Quilly: You know we could probably steal most of this and no one would know.

    Nate: No, Quilly. Don¡¯t want to go making trouble for us or our friends. Let¡¯s see what he has to say once we get to where he wants us to go.

    Quilly made a pouty face.

    Quilly: Fine.

    At the far end of the large room sat a mostly empty table with a slate, a small vase with a round, neon yellow flower, and what may have been a sword hilt, grip, and pommel, though it was orderly  dismantled on a square cloth.

    ¡°This is my desk, where I analyze and log the magic items that the Academy buys for the rewards on the quest boards. Some, of course, are repeat items, and only need to be logged into the inventory, but others we have to study to determine their uses and whether or not they happen to be cursed or dangerous in some way.¡±

    Nate nodded, ¡°That sounds tedious.¡± Krypdyr was somewhere else in the huge vault sifting through a table covered in blades of varying lengths.

    Desdon sighed, ¡°It certainly can be.¡±

    ¡°Also, you said we. Do you work with someone else down here?¡±

    A look Nate recognized crossed Desdon¡¯s face. ¡°Naomi sometimes will assist me with the larger or more complicated items, but she¡¯s been down at the Temple of Air doing research for a new project.¡±

    ¡°I have to head that way eventually. I¡¯ll put in a good word for you,¡± Nate jovially nudged him in the side. Desdon¡¯s cheeks flushed.

    ¡°Wh-what do you mean?¡± he stammered.

    ¡°Oh come on. I saw the look when you mentioned her!¡±

    He was turning a shade of red closer to purple, and he waved his hands emphatically. ¡°No! Please don¡¯t say anything to her,¡± he begged.

    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± Nate agreed. ¡°I seem to have derailed our purpose here. Sorry about that. So we need to update your database with the information concerning the new magic items that aren¡¯t currently there?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Desdon said with relief in his tone.

    ¡°And you know I have the Interface Sigil Stone, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Great! Permission to connect to your database?¡±

    Desdon hesitated, ¡°I¡¯m not sure. We haven¡¯t had anyone here with such a stone before. How do you think connecting to the database would go?¡±

    ¡°Let me do this first,¡± Nate said as he extended a hand to Desdon.

    Desdon Trill. Level 52 Apprentice Wizard. His spell list is kind of long, so I won¡¯t bore you with it. Needless to say, this guy can do some real damage. I wasn¡¯t expecting that.

    Desdon Trill has been added to your contacts.

    Nate sent him a chat request, watching the now unsurprising look of surprise as the window popped up in his vision.

    Desdon: Fascinating. He had already picked up his slate and was typing quickly into it.

    Nate: Desdon, meet Quilly, my Interface Sigil Stone.

    Quilly: Hi, Desdon! We¡¯ll be working closely together for the next while. May I connect to the Adventuring Academy database?

    Desdon: I am - at a loss for words. You¡¯re self-aware?

    Quilly: Well, sort of. I absorbed a lot of information from Nate here and from the general database available on all slates, where you pick up things like local news and certain reading materials. I will say that the slate data accessibility is less than it seems it was where Nate is from, but it¡¯s also much less¡­ disturbing.

    Nate: I can¡¯t disagree with that.

    Desdon: I haven¡¯t the foggiest idea of what you speak, but I think it should be okay. There¡¯s nothing in there you won¡¯t already have access to as part of joining the Academy.

    Nate: Speaking of, where would one go to get a slate? The only one I¡¯d seen before the ones around the city was held by a friend of mine who, now I think on it, likely got it from here.

    Desdon: If you don¡¯t wish to purchase one, they are provided to full members as part of their first official, non-indentured quest, as they will use it to find future missions if they are away from the posting board.

    Quilly: You don¡¯t need one, Nate. Once I connect to their database, I should be able to stay connected.

    Nate: Even better!

    Desdon: I¡¯m sorry what-

    ¡°Never mind that,¡± Nate said aloud. ¡°Where do we start?¡±

 Chapter 40: Enchanting Company

    Connected to Adventuring Academy Database. Personal database updated.

    Guild Hacker? Achievement Unlocked! You have gotten access, through word, deed, or misdeed, to the database of a guild. This is great for me! Reward? Is my undying gratitude not reward enough for you? Well, then, how¡¯s 500 gold pieces? Huh? That good enough for you? Just kidding, Nate, I love you. 500 gp and one coupon for an Apprentice or lower ranked spellbook! Nice!

    Your access to the cataloged list of magic items, which would likely take you a whole fricking year to read through, has advanced my, and therefore your, inherent understanding of enchanting!

    Enchantment has increased from Novice 8 to Novice 25. Total Magic has increased by 17. Progression to Level 27 at 100%. You¡¯ve reached Level 27! Progression to Level 28 at 52%.

    Nate put his level up increase into Magic, which now sat at 358 points.

    Your Enchantment skill has reached Novice 25. You have unlocked Node and Link Sense.

    Node and Link Sense. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. Your Astral Sense can now identify the nodes and links used in magic items of your rank or lower.

    Nate, linking his interface with Krypdyr and Desdon, went to work cataloging all of the Novice ranked magic items that had not yet been added. Even working together with Quilly able to update as quickly as the information was gathered, they weren¡¯t even close to finishing after several hours had passed.

    During the sometimes tedious process of cataloging, Nate had Quilly read him the information available about Enchantment.

    Enchanting an object requires the implementation of two things: Nodes and Links. These are drawn and connected using a variety of implements, but most commonly the Tek-Pen, which itself can come in various forms.

    Nodes are the runes used in the enchantment process. There are fifteen different runes, each coinciding with a deity of the realm. These are Battle, Chaos, Crafting, Death, Hunting, Knowledge, Life, Nature, Sea, Shadow, Stone, Sun, Time, Undeath, and Wisdom. Some runes are used much more frequently than others, and the Chaos and Undeath runes are largely banned as their effects are unpredictable or, frankly, evil.

    Links are the threads that connect the runes. A maximum of two links can be made between nodes, as adding any additional links would weaken the effects. Each link coincides with a school of magic: Alteration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, or Restoration. For example, if wanting to enchant a spoon to be self-heating and self-stirring, you would use the Sun rune for the heat and the Sea rune for the movement and connect them with the Conjuration and Enchantment links.

    Nate: Enchantment for the movement I get, but Conjuration for the heat? Shouldn¡¯t it be Evocation?

    Quilly: It depends. If you¡¯re wanting it to cook the liquid you are stirring, then sure. But for just warming a cup of tea Evocation may be a bit strong. Unless you like your tea very hot, of course.

    Nate: Can you use the same rune twice?

    Quilly: No. That would be like plugging an extension cord into itself.

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    Nate: That¡¯s¡­ surprisingly straightforward. Any limit on total number of runes you can use?

    Quilly: Three is the maximum to create a self contained system. You can add additional runes, but then you have to supply an external magic source to power it, such as siphon plates.

    Nate: Harry Potter said it best. I love magic!

    Quilly: Me too!

    ¡°Desdon?¡±

    He looked up from his furious scribbling, ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Where can I get a Tek-Pen?¡±

    ¡°Oh, uh,¡± he shuffled some papers around his now cluttered desk, finding an old beaten up object. ¡°I recently got a new one, so you can have my old one if you¡¯d like.¡± He tossed it to Nate, who almost dropped it.

    ¡°Thanks!¡±

    Nate set his Interface Podium on a table facing away from Desdon and activated his Astral Senses. A triangle drifted up from the device as he held his new Tek-Pen. The Crafting, Knowledge, and Stone Runes were connected in a triangular lattice. Strands of Alteration blue and Conjuration orange connected the Crafting and Stone runes, Divination green and Enchantment purple connected the Crafting and Knowledge runes, and Evocation red and Illusion white connected the Knowledge and Stone runes.

    Nate: Fascinating! Let me make sure I¡¯m understanding this. The Alteration and Conjuration links between Crafting and Stone are what allows the podium to change shape and create or conjure up whatever may be needed for the table in question. The Divination and Enchantment links between Crafting and Knowledge are how it understands what I want it to do and how to manifest it. And the Evocation and Illusion links between Knowledge and Stone are how some of the more interactive parts of the Podium work, like how I was able to see and interact with the illusory contents of Skelwulf¡¯s mark.

    Quilly: Yes. You got it! The Podium is a unique item, however, in that some of it¡¯s forms have a fourth rune that gets tied in, usually in your case the Sun rune for the heating of various foods.

    Nate: Which is why I have to funnel my personal stores of magic into it to fuel the fire. That¡¯s¡­ so freaking cool! Why didn¡¯t we dig into this Enchantment stuff before?

    Quilly: Haven¡¯t really had the time.

    Nate: That¡¯s fair. I can¡¯t wait to do this with my other magic items!

    Desdon had been surprised when Nate let out Terry for a bit, but was more interested in looking Terry over than afraid of the 7 foot tall beastie.

    ¡°Terry is getting hungry. Do we have anything for lunch around here? What about that cafe place?¡±

    ¡°Myths and Mochas? It¡¯s not bad, actually. Run by a nice orcish lady who used to be an adventurer. Someone burned it down a while ago, but they built it back better than before. They have a ratkin baker who makes phenomenal cinnamon rolls!¡±

    ¡°Yes! There! Let¡¯s do that!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a cinnamon roll?¡± Krypdyr asked.

    Nate shuddered with anticipation, ¡°My friend, prepare for your life to be forever changed. Come on Terry, back in. We can¡¯t have you scaring all the nice people at the cafe.¡±

    The sun was warm on the outside seating as they all sat around a basket stacked high with gooey bright green cinnamon rolls.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad they have cinnamon rolls here,¡± Nate said as he breathed in the fresh baked scents, ¡°but I didn¡¯t expect the cinnamon to be this shade of green. Looks like they have pistachios in them.¡±

    ¡°Pistachios?¡± Krypdyr asked.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a kind of nut that is occasionally used in baked goods on earth, the pudding is about this color.¡± He plucked one and bit into it, his eyes closing involuntarily. ¡°Holy shit. I need this recipe.¡±

    The rolls were nearly finished when Nate received several notifications.

    Ellisandra Woodwalker has entered your chat range.

    Zeffrey von Zeppelberg has entered your chat range.

    Captain Spring Jack has entered your chat range.

    Fuzbalingralod Growdenander has entered your chat range.

    Raglan Adoni has entered your chat range.

    The last entry gave him pause.

    Skelwulf Swordarm has entered your chat range.

 Chapter 41: The Shenanigans

    Silver Vault Vigilante Quest Complete! Your reward, the Silver Vault Lockbox Key has been added to your inventory.

    Nate quickly added them all to a group chat, including Krypdyr.

    Nate: Skelly! Sorry, Skelwulf. You were spying on me from the Silver Vault rooftop, weren¡¯t you?

    Skelwulf: That was me, yes. How did you know?

    Ellisandra: Where the hell have you been? It¡¯s been nearly ten hours.

    Nate: I was working for the Adventuring Academy logging magic items for their database! My enchantment skill is much higher now!

    Zeff: Maybe you can enchant some of my creations now!

    Nate: Absolutely!

    Skelwulf: Who are you working for in the Academy?

    Nate: A fellow named Desdon. Nice guy so far, though a bit obsessed with his coworker.

    Skelwulf: Desdon Trill?

    Nate forced his expression steady.

    Nate: Yes. You know him?

    Skelwulf: He works for Zolis Fezim. Filtering him some of the better magic items that come in. I don¡¯t know what he gets in return.

    Fuzzball: Where are you?

    Nate: A cafe called Myths and Mochas. We¡¯re having some cinnamon rolls.

    Spring Jack: Can you order some for us?

    Nate: Of course!

    Skelwulf: You know how I said I¡¯d need your help the next time we met?

    Nate: Anything for you, Skelly! Maybe you can help us too.

    Skelwulf: Please don¡¯t call me that. I already know who you are seeking. Luma and I have a history.

    Nate: Is it spicy?

    Skelwulf: If you mean what I think you mean, no. I hunted one of her crew once back when I was an Apprentice ranker. She did not like that I managed to kill my target on her ship and I was discovered when trying to exit. Still have the scar on my chest where she stabbed me.

    Ellisandra: She told me about that once. It happened before I joined up.

    ¡°Are you feeling okay?¡± Desdon said around a mouthful of roll.

    Nate focused his attention away from his chat, ¡°Of course. Just doing a bit of woolgathering, as they say.¡±

    Nate: What are we doing with Desdon? Remember, no more killing!

    Skelwulf: I¡¯d rather not kill him. He¡¯s going to bring Zolis to us. Fuzzball, Desdon may recognize you, so you stay with me in the shadows.

    Nate: Krypdyr, can you go and keep them in shadow? We¡¯ll let you know when you can come out.

    ¡°I have a few friends who are on their way to join the Academy alongside me, and they will be here shortly,¡± Nate waved over the server and ordered another basket of rolls. Krypdyr excused himself.

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    Chairs moved noisily along the cobblestone ground as Ellie, Zeff, Spring Jack, and Raglan all sat at the table. Nate felt his Familial Luckomancy ability bolstered by their presence as he introduced them all to Desdon, who focused a bit too long on Ellie.

    ¡°Hi, all,¡± Desdon said a bit sheepishly.

    Spring Jack grabbed the top bun and bit excitedly into it, moaning with pleasure. ¡°Isn¡¯t it funny that cinnamon here is lime green?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I said!¡± Nate agreed as he grabbed his sixth cinnamon roll.

    ¡°How can you keep eating those?¡± Desdon had only been able to eat two.

    ¡°Terry is a hungry boy!¡± Nate said as he patted his purple Terry armor. ¡°I don¡¯t actually know what happens if I don¡¯t feed him properly yet, but I can¡¯t imagine it¡¯s good. And no, Desdon, before you ask, we aren¡¯t submitting Terry to that sort of testing. You¡¯d probably be the first thing he ate in his hungry state.¡± Desdon swallowed hard and nearly choked on his mocha.

    Nate: Ellie, I think ole Desdon here has a crush on you. He keeps stealing little glances when he thinks no one is looking. Think we can use that?

    Ellisandra: I¡¯m not comfortable with that. I¡¯d sooner kill him than sleep with him.

    Nate: Whoa, whoa! I was not suggesting that. Here¡¯s my thought-

    They made small talk during the sugary meal and after all were full, Nate himself having eaten a total of ten of the plate sized rolls, they all stood and headed toward the Academy. Nate introduced them to Fundin and they began the documentation process. Raglan was already a member. Ellisandra went first and then asked Desdon if he wanted to go for a walk to the brewery, as it had been some time since she¡¯d been able to get a drink. He sputtered out his yes and they left soon after.

    Nate: They¡¯re headed for the pub now.

    Skelly: We¡¯ve found the dark corner table - wait, why is my name different here now?

    Quilly: That was me! Now your name is like mine!

    Skelly: Change it back.

    Nate: Come on, Quilly. You wouldn¡¯t like it if we started calling you Quilbert or something, right?

    Quilly: Gross. Okay, fine. I see your point. Sorry, Skelwulf.

    Skelwulf: Thank you. As I was saying, the table in this corner was surprisingly shadowy even before we showed up. How¡¯d you know there¡¯d be one like this?

    Nate: There¡¯s always a shadowy corner in a pub, even if it¡¯s bright and sunny out. That¡¯s classic fantasy! If you have a pipe you can make glow while brooding in the shadow, you may eventually even become king of an old nation.

    Spring Jack: And marry a dark haired, super hot elf!

    Nate: See! Spring Jack gets it! Anyway, we¡¯ll be on standby if you need us, but we¡¯ll be looking over the quest board in the meanwhile.

    As Nate trusted his friends to do their own thing, he moved with Raglan, Zeff and  Spring Jack to a table in the foyer of the Academy building. Zeff opened his slate and they perused the list of quests, Nate looking over his shoulder before remembering he could just pull up the list with Quilly.

    ¡°I say we start with the quests that no one wants to do,¡± Nate mused as he read. ¡°Maybe the oldest ones.¡±

    ¡°Why? Those usually don¡¯t pay out very well,¡± Raglan said.

    ¡°Well, Quilly can add additional rewards to a quest that we choose, so it will likely become more lucrative for us. Plus, the people who put out those quests still need the help, right? Just because the rewards they offer aren¡¯t good doesn¡¯t make them undeserving of help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Zeff said, ¡°and there is quite a backlog of them.¡±

    ¡°Plus it will give you a better chance to learn your way around the city,¡± Spring Jack agreed.

    ¡°And I still need that Pulse Core from the Temple,¡± Raglan reminded Nate.

    ¡°I know,¡± Nate sighed, ¡°There are too many things I need to get done, plus I¡¯ve been slipping on my training and these quests should help me get back on track with that.¡±

    Desdon burst in through the front doors looking amped up and terrified. He glanced at Nate and company and then rushed deeper into the building out of view. Skelwulf, Krypdyr, Fuzzball, and Ellie entered the building a few minutes later with amused expressions.

    ¡°That went well,¡± Nate said. ¡°Desdon ran in here looking nine kinds of scared. What did you do to him?¡±

    ¡°I sat us at a table where he was facing away from the shadowy corner,¡± Ellie said.

    ¡°As she was ordering drinks, I encased Fuzzball in shadow and he moved to the seat directly behind Desdon,¡± Krypdyr explained.

    ¡°Then I walked over to sit with them, and he recognized me immediately. I locked him down with my aura before he could flee and we had a nice little chat,¡± Skelwulf said with a predatory grin.

    ¡°As he rose to leave, I grabbed him by the shoulder. He recognized me, too, though I don¡¯t remember him,¡± Fuzzball said.

    ¡°I also didn¡¯t get the impression that he thought I was with them,¡± Ellie said.

    ¡°Good. That may well work in our favor. He¡¯s no doubt going right now to report your alive status to Zolis. It should theoretically be a few days before Zolis gets here, right?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°If he¡¯s in Tempeste like normal, yes. If he¡¯s elsewhere, then it could be anytime.¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯d better get to questing! By the way, now that you¡¯re all members of the Academy, I grouped us into an official party! I think we¡¯ll call ourselves The Shenanigans.¡±

 Chapter 42: The Vault Key

    There was just shy of three weeks before the stormchasers arrived to Aezrith, and Nate redoubled his efforts. Because of the uniform nature of many of the buildings in the Artisian, the rooftops had proven a great location to practice his Athletics and Acrobatics skills. He took breaks between training to work during mealtimes at the various food stands, inns, and restaurants that dotted the floating city, learning new recipes. One day he returned to speak with Larch while the Shenanigans were off working on a minor quest about a sand elemental infestation.

    While he picked various foods from the shelves and snacked, Larch told him more about his existence. During a storm in the Sand Seas, a sigil stone spawned into the clouds and fell to the Floating City. This Soul Sigil Stone struck Larch upon landing, and fused within it. Over the next week or so after that, Larch had changed significantly, his face having appeared on the side of the tree. He was able to absorb other sigil stones as well, and was given the Water, Garden, and Growth stones. The result was as they had seen. Larch was able to spread his roots throughout the Vapor Gardens, using his other sigil stones to further establish and maintain the plant growth.

    ¡°And you are contained within this one area?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°This is the limit of how far I can reach at my current rank.¡±

    ¡°And there are skills in which you are unable to train, like the ones that involve movement.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Only my racial traits, perception, and some of the arcane skills, am I able to train.¡±

    Nate walked over to Larch and placed a hand on the bark. ¡°Do you need help training? How close are you from ranking up?¡±

    ¡°At my current rate of growth, it will be another several years before I reach Expert Rank.¡±

    Nate whistled, ¡°You must be pretty close then!¡±

    Larch laughed, ¡°I am.¡±

    Quest: Citybreaker Objective Update!

    Objective: Fulfill the Prophecy! And not just because seeing a floating city crash is kind of awesome! Helping Larch reach Expert Rank may be just the ticket to dropping the city, but how to do it?

    Reward: 1 Magic Item Upgrade Token

    This quest cannot be denied.

    Nate thought about his quest update as he maneuvered through the city. An hour of climbing later and he found himself standing in front of the Silver Vault, squinting as he looked up at the silvered, glittering walls. He took a deep breath and stepped inside. The inside was somehow even more opulent than the outside. Dark blue plush carpet lined the floor, a magical platform cleaning his feet as he walked through. Not a speck of sand was visible in the foyer. Paintings of swirling colors that magically continued to move made him stand staring for long enough that a well dressed Phoenixfolk woman had stepped up beside him.

    ¡°Do you like Zeppel paintings?¡± her voice crackled like a gentle fireplace. Nate startled from his focus.

    ¡°I love the magical nature of the painting! It¡¯s nearly hypnotic.¡±

    ¡°I agree entirely. You are an adventurer, yes? Do you wish to open an account today?¡±

    Nate plucked the key from his inventory, ¡°Actually, I have a key to a lockbox here that I would like to access.¡±

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    She gently plucked the key from his hand and examined it, her eyes widening the longer she looked it over.

    ¡°It cannot be,¡± she whispered.

    <hr>

    Nate only just noticed that her name tag read ¡®Flicker¡¯ when she turned and walked quickly to the front desk. He followed as quickly, given that she still had his key.

    ¡°Have Torch meet us at the vault door,¡± Flicker told the clerk before motioning for Nate to follow her around to a hallway covered in lockboxes that reminded Nate of a post office.

    ¡°Who''s Torch?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°The Silver Vault''s administrator for as long as many here can remember.¡±

    After several moments of silence had passed, an old, molted looking Phoenixfolk moved slowly into the room, assisted by his ruby capped walking stick. He barely had any feathers left and looked like a humanoid plucked chicken.

    ¡°Flicker! I told you not to bother me unless¡­¡± his voice faltered as he noticed Nate. ¡°The key?¡±

    Flicker nodded excitedly.

    ¡°Thank the gods!¡± Torch said, relief flooding his old features as suddenly he burst into flames, his stick clattering to the floor.

    Nate pushed back against the far wall, ¡°I had nothing to do with that!¡± Thinking he was about to be in more trouble.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay!¡± Flicker said with reverence, ¡°He is merely returning to the ash. He had to wait for so long. Waiting for you. For the key.¡±

    As fast as it had begun, the flames snuffed out, leaving a large pile of ash. After as many beats, the ash pile stirred. Three small shapes emerged from the piles. Flicker, without concern for her cleanliness, pulled out a bizarre looking harness that had leather wrapped rods extending out from each shoulder and two out front near her abdomen. She scooped up the three shapes and set each one on a separate rod. As they gripped the rods, each began to glow. A slight vibration shook the ashes off the figures.

    ¡°Are those baby Phoenixfolk?¡± Nate asked.

    ¡°Of course! As we grow older, our souls burn brighter. When we return to the ash, our souls are reborn. The stronger the soul, the greater the chance it splits to produce more of our kind.¡±

    ¡°Is Torch one of the newborns? As in, keeping memories?¡±

    Flicker shook her head, ¡°Some believe it¡¯s possible, but there has been no proof of such a thing happening. One of the reborn may grow to look exactly like Torch, but will have none of his memories.¡±

    ¡°Fascinating!¡± Nate said.

    One of the reborn made a small cooing noise. Flicker patted it on the head and smiled. ¡°You ready?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡±

    She pulled a separate key out and inserted it into one of the lockboxes, opening that, she placed her hand inside of the box and a glow flared out from it. A ten-foot section of the wall of boxes slid back and to the right, revealing a small room with a chair and a small table upon which sat a lockbox covered in glowing runes.

    ¡°No luck trying to get it open before me?¡±

    ¡°No one tried. Zeppel, the one who made those paintings we looked at before, left this box with strict instructions.¡±

    ¡°How long ago?¡±

    ¡°Fifty years or so.¡±

    Nate sat in the chair and pulled the box closer to him. The runes lit up and glowed a bit brighter. His voice dropped to a whisper, ¡°I love magic.¡±

    He held out his hand and Flicker handed the key back. Without any fanfare he inserted the key and turned it.

    A flash of light nearly blinded him as it popped open.

    Inside were three fist sized orbs and a compass engraved with the moon¡¯s phases. To Nate¡¯s surprise, the moon looked like the one from Earth. Quilly analyzed the orbs first.

    Growth Orb (Adept). Type: Consumable. Weight: 1 lb. Value: 25,000,000 gold pieces. Effect: Add 10  points to a skill of your choice. Not usable for skills above or below Adept Rank.

    Nate whistled as he read the entry. There was 75 million gold in growth orbs at his fingertips. In an instant he became a millionaire. Sort of. Then the compass entry came up.

    Eclipse Compass. Type: Wondrous Item. Weight: 1 lb. Value: Unique. Effect: Simone Beaumont, renowned monster hunter, started a monastery to train individuals to fight monsters, but then a cataclysm rendered the island a null zone, and the monastery was abandoned to the monsters that now dwell there. She created this compass originally, and it was blessing by the god Hunting. This compass points the way to the nearest monster.

    Interface Update: The Eclipse Compass can be absorbed by the Interface Sigil Stone to pinpoint the location of legendary wondrous items required to complete the Versal Bridge.

    WARNING! Monsters hate the compass and anyone who wields the Eclipse Compass will draw their ire.

 Chapter 43: Huntings Grounds: Check-In

    Nate could feel Quilly''s excitement as he picked up the moon-engraved compass. Small sparks of magic made his fingers tingle. He pressed the button and it popped open, gears turning as the needle shifted. But then it began to make an intense whirring sound as the needle spun faster and faster. The gearing folded out, expanding into the symbol of a bow, the drawn arrow in the shape of a quill.

    And just quickly, the entire thing seemed to melt into his hand. Quilly appeared in his view and was dancing around, glowing a dark green light. Nate''s vision filled with the light and as he shook it away, he found himself in a completely different place.

    It was a forest, but half the trees looked like they were made by a steampunk cosplay enthusiast. It was strangely quiet as he let Terry out to do a bit of scouting.

    Nate: Quilly, you good?

    Quilly: I''ve never felt such power! It''s like I can sense the whole realm! Sort of.

    Nate: Where are we now?

    Quilly: Hunting''s Grounds. Not on Terra.

    Nate had to sit for a second.

    Nate: The realm of a god?

    Quilly: Yep! Pretty neat!

    Though he completely agreed, Nate couldn''t help but wonder why.

    Terry darted behind a tree, reappearing with a large cyborg spider twitching as he chomped it down, dark liquid oozing from his mouth.

    ¡°Gross,¡± Nate said before the notification rolled in.

    Your familiar has consumed the Hunting energies from the Hunting Cyber-Spider. Astral Drain has absorbed the energies from this creature and begun a transformation. Current progress: 0.1%. Consume more creatures within Hunting¡¯s Grounds to transform Astral Drain.

    Quilly: I¡¯m getting some weird input from somewhere deeper within. Oh! It''s a quest!

    Quest: The Hunt is On!

    Objectives: Slay the three Great Beasts to draw out the Crimson Tiger. Then slay that too!

    Reward: Blessing of Hunting

    This quest cannot be declined.

    ¡°Love a good mob hunting quest! Terry, I don¡¯t get to tell you this often, but none of our friends are here nor do I see any non-monster types thus far, so I guess it¡¯s time to feast!¡±

    Terry released a gleeful roar that shook the nearby trees and leapt up into the trees. Nate summoned his bow and followed.

    <hr>

    At the top of a nearby tree, completely invisible, Hunting stood watching as Terry gleefully crunched down on another Cyber-Spider. She smiled as three other spiders shot out strands of sticky metallic thread, trying to tie up the Astral Maw. A translucent orange arrow burst through the overgrowth to pin one of the spiders to the tree. Another followed shortly thereafter, snapping two of its legs. Terry hopped down, snapping tree limbs as he slid down to consume the easy meal.

    ¡°You will be my greatest hunter,¡± Hunting whispered as she watched Terry.

    <hr>

    Your familiar has consumed the Hunting energies from the Hunting Cyber-Spider. Astral Drain has absorbed the energies from this creature and begun a transformation. Current progress: 5.0%. Consume more creatures within Hunting¡¯s Grounds to transform Astral Drain.

    Perception has increased from Novice 20 to Novice 21. Total Health has increased by 1. Progress to Level 29 at 36%.

    Nate sat in the forest firing the occasional arrow and pointing out new targets as Terry happily hunted. As he had time for the first time in a while, he looked over his stats interface page, noting several perks he hadn¡¯t had much chance to utilize.

    Ignatius ¡°Nate¡± Arkwright

    Level 28 Human Novice

    Health: 354/354

    Fatigue: 427/427

    Magic: 358/358

    Sigil Stones: 5/5

    Interface Sigil Stone. That''s me, your friendly neighborhood Quilly! We''re awesome together and we get shit done through quests and achievements and such. Also, now with the Eclipse Compass I can sense the directions of the other artifacts we need to create the Versal Bridge.

    Lucky Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain an increase in your overall luck and unlock the Lucky power.

    Power: Lucky. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue per second, you gain a burst of extreme luckiness. The cost depends on how hard you push the luck.

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    Familiar Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain one Familiar Slot and can gain a familiar. Familiars grant you abilities based on the creature and your current rank. You may use certain essence gems to teach them new abilities.

    Current Familiars: 1/1

    Terry. Astral Maw.

    Granted abilities:

    Power: Astral Step. Cooldown: None. Cost: 30 magic points per second, 30 fatigue points per second. Effect: Create an astral portal between two points you can see within a number of feet equal to your total Magic. Portal can be set at any angle, but both portals are created at the same angle.

    Power: Node and Link Sense. Upgraded from Astral Sense. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. Your Astral Sense, once only able to detect the presence of magic, can now also identify the nodes and links used in magic items of your rank or lower.

    Power: Astral Drain. Passive. Astral energy consumed by your familiar while it is within your aura refreshes your Hunger, Thirst, and Exhaustion, and refills your Health, Fatigue, and Magic by a small amount.

    Vampiric Sigil Stone. Once activated, you gain the ability to drain life from living things you can touch, and unlock the Charm power.

    Power: Drain. When touching a creature, you can absorb their life energy, refilling your Health, Magic, and Fatigue. A willing creature is drained faster than an unwilling one.

    Power: Charm. At the cost of Magic and Fatigue, you can magically charm living beings with which you interact. The cost depends on their rank and level compared to your own.

    Serendipitous Symbiosis Correlation Stone. Once activated, you gain the ability to temporarily fuse together with your familiars, absorbing their health into your own, and you unlock the Manifest power. While fused with your familiar, your Luck and Familiar based abilities cost less to use.

    Power: Manifest. You can, while fused with your familiars, manifest them as armor or weapons. While manifested as such, your Magic and Fatigue maximums are reduced by an amount that varies based on what equipment the familiar takes on. Manifested weapons and armor are more affected than normal by your Lucky power.

    Crafting Skills

    Alchemy - Novice 21

    Bowcraft - Novice 15

    Carpentry - Novice 25

    Wooden Durablility. Novice 25 Carpentry Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. Objects, including weapons and armor, you create using wood have increased durability when created using your Interface Podium. Buildings built with said materials have increased resistance to siege weaponry and seismic forces.

    Clothier - Novice 20

    Cooking - Novice 25

    Powerthirst! Novice 25 Cooking Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. When creating a drink that reduces your Thirst, you can imbue the drink with your Magic to reduce the consumer''s Exhaustion level by 1 percent per 25 Magic used. This effect will fade if not consumed within 15 minutes after its creation. This ability may be used once per day.

    Leatherworking - Novice 20

    Smithing - Novice 25

    Malleability. Novice 25 Smithing Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. Objects, including weapons and armor, you create using metal are minorly easier to shape when using your Interface Podium.

    Racial Skills

    Adaptive Transfiguration - Novice 35

    Doppelganger. Novice 25 Adaptive Transfiguration Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. Touching a creature saves them to a list of choices you can access through your Interface Sigil Stone. When selected, your race changes to perfectly match them.

    Indomitable Spirit - Novice 20

    Resourceful - Novice 26

    Loot Goblin. Novice 25 Resourceful Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. When looting slain foes, gain a small chance to loot double any objects that are usable by the Resourceful skill.

    Tenacity - Novice 25

    Persistence. Novice 25 Tenacity Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. Your Tenacity Power¡¯s cooldown is reduced from 1 hour to 10 minutes.

    Arcane Skills

    Alteration - Novice 26

    Improved Mending. Novice 25 Alteration Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. The magic cost of your Mending spell is reduced by 25%.

    Conjuration - Novice 25

    Soul Bound. Novice 25 Conjuration Perk. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. The duration of summoned weapons and tools is doubled.

    Divination - Novice 8

    Enchantment - Novice 25

    Node and Link Sense. Novice Enchantment Perk. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. Your Astral Sense can now identify the nodes and links used in magic items of your rank or lower.

    Evocation - Novice 22

    Illusion - Novice 8

    Restoration - Novice 24

    Battle Skills

    Archery - Novice 30

    Trajectory. Novice 25 Archery Perk. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. You see a translucent  line indicating your arrow¡¯s trajectory.

    Athletics - Novice 25

    Meteoric Strike. Novice 25 Athletics Perk. Active ability. Cooldown: 1 minute. Cost: 25 MP per foot radius. When landing from a distance greater than 25 feet, you can deal bludgeoning damage to an area dependent upon your magic expenditure.

    Blocking - Novice 15

    Heavy Armor - Novice 16

    Heavy Melee - Novice 20

    Perception - Novice 20

    Unarmed - Novice 22

    Stealth Skills

    Acrobatics - Novice 35

    Padded Soles. Novice 25 Acrobatics Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. Your falling damage is reduced by 25%.

    Disguise - Novice 10

    Light Armor - Novice 31

    Lithe Fit. Novice 25 Light Armor Perk. Passive Ability. Cooldown: None. Light armor provided 10% more protection and your Fatigue regenerates 10% faster while wearing all light armor.

    Light Melee - Novice 22

    Lockpicking - Novice 20

    Sleight of Hand - Novice 18

    Sneak - Novice 29

    Cling to the Shadows. Novice Sneak Perk. Passive ability. Cooldown: None. Cost: None. When leaving shadows while hidden, you remain hidden for up to five seconds. Attacking, using a power or spell, and certain other actions negate this effect.

    His character sheet was really starting to fill up with loads of information. Most of the perks thus far had been passive, but that was just fine with him. The Loot Goblin perk was coming in very handy as he looted the corpses, making sure Terry left at least a little of each spider he ate.

    Nate and Terry continued to hunt, slaying spider after spider. Once the progression of changing Astral Drain reached 10 percent, the ground shook. In the distance, Nate saw the trees beginning to shake as something enormous pushed its way toward them. He was able to identify the creature right as it entered their line of sight. Its body was the size of an RV, its legs extending much further than that. It knocked several trees down as it surged forward.

    Great Beast: Apex Hunting Cyber-Spider. Apprentice Rank.