by A Uscila
“None.Shall.PASS!” - A new, yet old participant in the play called life. An interruption, yet an awaited one. Fires engulfed his smoldering skeleton form as arms were flung about - spreading gusts of fiery doom towards the two greedy figures. Intent to burn them like all those before. To turn them into another pair of decorations that were littered all over the floor. Not the most pleasant end. Normally one would run. One would try and save himself or herself. Bob was feeling sentimental though. Or just overly confident. All that new gear, magnanimously given by Wail himself. If this was not the moment to prove his ultimate worth. To repay his kindness. To simply show off his greatness. Then when was?
With an overdone roar, Bob charged at the new foe - sword readied to rip him to shreds. A reckless charge. Considering how much Wail just invested in him, he could only swear in frustration and join in. A loss of that magnitude would force him to cry in a dark corner for weeks.
“Shit!” - Through clenched teeth he swore, joining the fray quickly enough. Not a hint of hesitation present. Firstly - Wail activated Soul Link, hoping that the blows wouldn’t be strong enough to end both of their lives instantly. If Bob had the gall to charge off like that - he’d better hold on for at least some time. That was just wishful thinking of course, running through Wail’s mind as he started his resurrection spell. It would take a few seconds. Enough for the action to start. And did it.
Fire erupted towards Bob - who seemingly forgot how to dodge, charging straight through it. Like a madman - his mind stuck on only one function. To attack and slay this foe. A foe that chased them deep into the dungeon. That caused both Wail and Bob a great deal of trouble.
Without him though - the two would not have ended up together. They wouldn’t have ended up with these new abilities, new gear and this fortune. Quite a dilemma if one stops and thinks for a second. Good thing they didn’t practice that approach too often.
You have received shared 265 fire magic based damage.
You have received shared 31 fire magic based damage.
Some of Bob’s items have lost a fraction of their durability due to intense heat.
Wail flinched as a scorching sensation enveloped his face. He didn’t stop casting the summoning spell though - satisfied that the fight didn’t end there and then. His timely efforts did not go to waste it seems. A new gash appeared on his palm as bodies around him slowly rose up. By the looks of it - a number of disfigured goblins and one human - the emblem on his ruined gear burned off. Obviously - that was one of the soldiers that attacked Wails party. How ironic. Descended down to hunt his party, yet ended up serving Wail instead. A smirk. He was enjoying the newfound skills.
As the group of newly made cannon fodder rushed towards their common foe - Wail started to cast Soul syphon. Sure, it wouldn’t serve much when used against just one target. Every little bit helped though. That and Wail couldn’t really do anything else to help. Not like fireball would do any good against an enemy whose natural element was fire itself.
You have received 341 shared fire magic based damage.
You have received 27 shared fire magic based damage.
Some of Bob’s items have lost a fraction of their durability due to intense heat.
Bob was getting in trouble already. Though it didn’t seem like the companion was planning on running. With burning facial hair he closed in on the fiery humanoid and did an awkward, yet quick side-slash. Which seemed to be quite effective. Roars filled the hall, as the foe screamed in pain - orange liquids spilling out of the freshly made scar. There was hope after all - it could be wounded and it felt pain. This made Wail smile. If it feels pain. It can be beaten. It can be broken. Amazing how a creature of little more than fire and bone could bleed, though.
With a fiery claw, the foe swiped at Bob - trying to rip his face off by the looks of it. Luckily, the bandit seemed to be fast enough to dodge by a hair’s breadth - stepping back just a bit. Trying to get into a more favorable position. Which turned out to be a mistake. With both arms raised towards Bob, the humanoid was about to release a devastating wave of fire towards this nuisance. Puffs of billowing flame already gathering in front of the appendages. He probably would have succeeded, but Wail’s summoned band of fodder stepped-in to help just in time. They weren’t too smart about it either - simply slamming into their target with their whole body weight. With broken weapons or simply weaponless - the group managed to knock it down to the ground and started a heartfelt pummeling session. During which, black smoke materialized around the gathering - seeping through the summoned minions and settling on the foe. Settling on its’ skeletal form, darkening the flames ever so slightly.
Wail’s resurrected soldier seemed to be a step above the rest during all this - keeping a safe distance. Slashing with precision - as much as a broken arm could apply.
After two whole blows, the resurrected guard quickly stepped back. A peculiar action that caught Bob’s attention. Though he did not copy it. Which turned out to be yet another mistake. From where the fight was taking - a large explosion took place. Fire and burned rock, dust and goblin remains flew to all sides - as the attacking force was obliterated in mere seconds.
You have received 496 shared fire based damage.
You have received 15 shared fire based damage.
Some of Bob’s items have lost a fraction of their durability due to intense heat.
Wail flinched once again - that hurt quite a bit. It seems that Bob’s bodily hair was still on fire as well. He decided to keep a mental note on that. Force Bob to shave from now on. Currently though - more important matters demanded his attention.
“So much for superiority in numbers” - He mumbled, while running off to a location with more carcasses lying about. They didn’t seem to help much. Yet, they did at least do a meager amount of damage - and Wail was not about to stand around and do nothing. Everything else seemed to depend on Bob. Him and the remains of the Onnion soldier. Or to be more precise - the memories that its’ muscles still carried. Seeing the proper timing and reactions to the various actions of the formidable foe – the former soldier might not have been killed instantly. Yet, during all this time-monopolizing action, Wail still found time to sigh. Deep down he didn’t have much hope and the thought of abandoning all that fortune and Bob himself - did not lift his mood at all. All that’s left - is to hope and try to avoid such a dreadful outcome.
Sparkle’s, as Wail decided to name this new foe, did not waste time after the explosive outburst. Just as Bob fell to the ground a few meters away - it charged to finish him off. Seems like Sparkle’s was completely unaffected by the darkening of its’ flames. By the fact that its’ life-force was being sucked away bit by bit. Seemingly - the sword wounds had a better effect - enraging this fellow enough to focus on the perpetrators.
Behind Sparkles, the last remaining undead scurried after, readying the broken down husk of a sword to strike. A splendid choice by the looks of it - since Bob did manage to get up in time, block an incoming blow with his sword and even counter-attack.
As the humanoid backed up a step after the fierce and seemingly unexpected struggle - a sword struck its’ back. Just in time. Another roar, a sudden turning motion - with an incoming strike from Sparkle’s backhand. Yet all it hit was air, since the undead dodged just in time, once again. Another strike to the back - this time carried out by Bob. Seems like the relentless counter-offensive was starting to have an effect as a large gash opened up from the strike.
Or so it seemed. Suddenly the undead took a few steps back - and Bob managed to catch on quickly enough - thus followed suit. Sadly - a little too late, as another explosion hit him flat in the face. All it did was knock Bob off his feet though - since he did manage to get far enough too assure that only minimal damage was inflicted.
He quickly got up stared at another group of charred goblins rushing at Sparkle’s. With his insightful undead companion not too far behind. It was time for the final offensive and Bob did not seem bent on staying out o
f it as he rushed in after everyone else.
Sparks filled the air as the skeletal abomination flailed its’ burning arms about - scorching and ripping resurrected goblins apart. Using such heated activities as an opportunity, the undead soldier managed to slip right under the abomination’s guard, an accurate stab connecting with the foe’s abdomen. A sudden and an effective strike - as Sparkle’s ended up stunned for a fraction of a second. Dazed by unexpected development. Not long enough for the perpetrator to rip out the sword though - as the undead was flung away as soon as Sparkle’s regained its’ senses. Another twist, another turn and with the last of its’ failing strength – Sparkle’s decided to release another wave of fire. Arms stretched to the sides - in preparation to blow away all who got in the way. Mostly the goblins who scurried around like insects. Quite an annoying bunch.
Yet before any of it could take place – Bob ended it all in quite the dramatic manner.
Like a jutting spike, the tip of a dark blade erupted from Sparkle’s chest in a shower of fire and orange liquids – the sudden invasion putting an end to all attempts of offense. Twitching, limbs dangling at the side, the fiery abomination was lifted into the air, as Bob groaned with clenched teeth behind. Arms straining, muscles bulging, the bandit really gave it his all. A barely distinguishable red shimmer covered the blade – one that was not there before and if Wail was correct, it could have been the effects of a skill. A preposterous thought. After all – there was no way that simple goon had such powerful skills under his belt. Skills that were not used up to this point. Absurd.
A quick glance at the shape of the subjected outlaw - steel plates melted together from the intense heat they were suffering under. That set of armor was definitely ready to be replaced. Since the treasure pile had a bunch of such items - that would prove much of an issue.
Finally, after a few more groans and twitches, all the action ceased, as Sparkle’s lost all his strength - falling to its’ knees, arms harmlessly dangling at the sides. Fires slowly giving out, burning out together with what remained of the battered body. Bit by bit – Sparkle’s crumbled to ash, sharing one last pearl of wisdom before completely disappearing.
“You…may…pass...”
Congratulations! You have vanquished the Guardian of what should be forgotten.
+35 Fame.
You have absorbed a part of his soul which gives the following bonuses(only available on worlds’ first):
+10 to all stats.
+2 to mana and health regeneration.
Chapter 18
A modest, yet decent looking establishment - an inn. Numerous tables littered around its’ entrance - right next to the sidewalk. Almost every single table covered with umbrellas - to block the annoying rays of sunlight that came from high up in the sky. Mid-day - and the place was quite crowded. Most of the tables taken by numerous groups of individuals. Except one. A three person table - occupied by one single individual who stood out quite a bit. Or sat out to be precise. A loner. Who else, but Luke.
These days lacking a social circle was unusual to say the least - people found acquaintances quite easily with the help of Alternative Reality - hanging out with them either in-side or outside of it. Thus people who enjoyed both realities alone were rare. Quite shunned and looked down upon as well. Stepping stones and a means for others to enhance their self-esteem.
A long-sleeve shirt, worn blue jeans and sneakers. Sparse, dark brown hair covered his scalp – unwashed and un-kept. A gruesome thing to look upon, sitting like a king - the whole table all to himself. What a prick.
Yet he seemed to be completely oblivious to the raised brows or angry, self-righteous stares. Or simply pretended - casting his gaze upon the empty streets, the non-existent traffic. A cup of tea locked between his overly lean fingers – forgotten, its' content long cold.
In this day and age - cars were banned. Except for electricity driven ones. Of course, those were quite over-priced and in short demand - since the streets themselves were refurbished to accompany public transport. Yes. Public transport reigned supreme - only certain roads within the city itself open for cars to pass through. Rail cars, electric buses and various other transportation traversed the streets now. Mostly completely automatic - reducing the job capacity quite a bit. Raising the level of unemployment and creating a wide range of social problems.
All of which happened due to the fact that humanity over-abused nature. Pollution was at a critical level and the ozone began to thin out at an amazing pace. Cases of various forms of cancer exploded in magnitude and the government was forced to take drastic measures. Cars and any form of gas and diesel driven transportation was banned, factories either closed-down or refurbished. All over the world governments began to take over - to force change on those that did not agree with the new policy. A number of wars broke out that almost brought the world to a nuclear apocalypse - which was eventually evaded by a hair’s breadth. Pro-environment parties finally won and established their own rules, ridding the world of air-pollution. Yet the problems were far from over. Unemployment and social disorder was at an all times high around the world. Economies were crumbling - the very foundation of humanity’s world was about to implode. Governments were almost overthrown - until Alternative Reality. That’s right. Once AR & Co came into the fold - bit by bit, the world settled down. Numerous jobs were created all around the globe - creating a demand that regenerated its' crumbling economy. Social disorder slowly sizzled out.
Alternative Reality proved to be such an addicting and realistic experience - that most of the population, including older people, spent their time there. They relived their lives differently, tried out new experiences, met new people and did various other things that they just couldn't in real life. Couldn’t afford. Didn’t have the physique or just did not have the time for. Alternative Reality did extend the time there by 4 times. As in - you could spend the whole day in reality, yet enjoy four times as much in Alternative Reality Itself. Getting used to the difference in time-flow proved a challenge for many, of course, which created a series of problems on its’ own. Many cases of extreme disorientation were documented. But it never got out of hand, nor did it receive extensive media coverage. Thus, before everything could blow up - it suddenly settled down and over the years people simply adapted. They forgot.
Now? Social services maintained a huge job capacity – a means to contend with the needs of the masses, who were completely hooked to entertainment. Addicts of Alternative Reality. It grew its’ roots into life itself - forcing everything to change due to its’ effect on everyone. On everything. AR & Co. A company responsible for the creation of Alternative Reality and all related gadgets. As years went by, the company expanded, created daughter companies - some of which were supported by the government. All of which supplied the desperate needs of the consumers - the consumers of Alternative Reality.
It didn't take long for special first aid detachments to be created across the planet. A 24/7 working staff, responsible for the well-being of the people hooked on its' products.
People who received the Alternative Reality capsule and decided to join its’ virtual world had to sign a certain contract. A contract that stripped them of a major part of their private lives. Basically - they had to agree to the fact that the capsule itself monitored their health and sent the data to certain databases. Databases that were observed by the special first aid stations. If any of the observed vitals were cause for worry - the stations had the right to send their specialists to the consumer - addressing the problem as they see fit. They even had the right to break in and forcefully disconnect the user from the virtual reality platform if the need arose.
Only a miniscule part of the world that actually saw the terms of use - disagreed and refused to sign though. Most of which were part of the anti-Alternative Reality movement. Revolutionaries, rebellious teens and various unsettled individuals.
Idealists propagating real life and real experiences over feigned ones were part of the lar
gest movement. One that fought a losing battle. Its’ members were people who considered the whole thing a huge conspiracy and were recruiting everyone to join their movement. To fight “the man”. To “break out of the machine” and such. They stated that AR & Co was heavily funded by the government - all for the sake of controlling the masses, to exploit them more easily.
All kinds of stuff went on these days. Yet all the people that were currently munching down on food in haste - just to get back to whatever they were are up to? Belonged to the masses. To those that “succumbed to the conspiracy”. Those that were leisurely traversing the streets? A rare sight. They were the rest. An interesting social division.
Of course, Luke could not deny that some of the conspiracy crap might hold a drop of truth. Alternative Reality was a force too powerful not to take advantage of. There was no way someone wasn’t using it for their own personal gain. Profit would pop in as the most basic gain from all of this. Yet – the price for the equipment to log into the virtual reality world in addition to the monthly subscription fee just wasn’t that big. Barely over four hundred euros for the capsule, plus a 10% monthly payment – part of which was for the possibility to keep playing and part of it to pay the staff that monitored your vitals. Yes, you needed to actually pay people so they would infringe on your privacy. Absurd.
