Coast on Fire

by Tao Wong

  “Capital L and A? Or just old time professionals?” I say, curious.

  “Mostly. A few took up other Classes but have gone back to their original professions, but most of those have dual-Classed,” Kyle explains. “Getting that first Level took a while, but at least they don’t have to discard their combat Classes. Some are just doing the job without the Class.”

  I grunt in acknowledgement. I wouldn’t want to discard my combat Class to become a Lawyer either. In this world, being able to kick ass makes a lot of difference. As things settle down, more and more knowledge about the System keeps cropping up. The fact that it’s not only possible but relatively easy to dual-Class is something those in Kelowna learned early on and disseminated to the other settlements. Not that I’m intending to change my Class.

  “Did they buy the Skill to divvy up their experience?” Ali asks and, at the puzzled glances all around, rolls his eyes. “There’s a Class Skill called… ummm…”

  “PORTION CONTROL.”

  “Right, Portion… wait, that’s not what it’s called,” Ali says, glaring at the notification window created by Kim, my AI. Sniggers abound at the Spirit’s grumpy response. “Anyway, it’s a Skill similar to Lana’s, except you can only use it on yourself. You can portion out part or all of your experience to a specific Class rather than having an even split. Makes it possible to Level both, unlike a complete changeover.”

  “I still think that keeping your first Class is a much better idea,” Lana says, shaking her head. “Especially if it’s a combat Class. Hard enough Leveling one Class, but having to switchover midway? That’s insane, especially with the increased experience gain requirements.”

  “Not everyone wants to be a fighter, my dear,” Kyle says with a smile. “In fact, most of us are happy that things are settling down. It’s why we want your boy to grant the Adventurer’s Guild’s request as soon as possible. Once they’re established, we can seriously work on getting our fields back.”

  “And you’re happy with the fact that so many of your fields have been bought by others?” I say with a frown.

  “Happy isn’t the right word. Maybe resigned? It’s better than having the land become a spawning ground. And you might have noticed we lost a lot more people than most. Most of the original landowners are either absent or dead, and what we have is a large number of Galactic aliens and temporary workers,” Kyle says with a shrug and a small smile. “The few who are around… well, let’s just say some people have upgraded their places.”

  I snort but take his word for it. Not my place to handle the day-to-day operations. It’s why I hired the older gentleman. In fact… “Have you looked at gene editing?”

  “Looked at it,” Kyle says evasively.

  “Kyle…?”

  “Look, young man, when you’ve reached the age I have, well, adding a few extra years isn’t as attractive as you might think. All my friends are dead. Most of my family is too.” At our wince, he adds, “Long before this. My wife succumbed to cancer a few years ago, and we never had kids. My brother died from a stroke a week before the change. This new world, it’s interesting. I want to help, but I’m tired. At a certain point… well, it’d be nice to have a rest.”

  I grunt and drop the topic unhappily. Maybe I’ll bug him later, but for now, I leave it. I find it hard to believe that any man who’s managed to survive an entire year plus in this post-System world is the kind to roll over and die because he’s “tired.” Now it’s just a matter of making Kyle see that too.

  “Anyway, we were talking about that Adventurer’s Guild. We’ve got four applications, each with their own people in town already…” Kyle says, changing the topic.

  I stay silent, listening to Kyle and his opinions. It is, after all, why I came. The Settlement Screen might give me numbers and facts, but the in-person reports gives me context.

  Exhausted, I collapse onto my couch, grateful that the System continued to keep my Whitehorse residence in good shape. Early summer in Whitehorse means that at eight o’clock at night, the sun was still shining brightly, bringing the bright greens and blues to life. The transition from somewhat setting sun in Kelowna to bright light in Whitehorse had been slightly disorienting the first time I’ddone it, but this time around, it seemed natural. The only pity is that Lana decided to stay in Kamloops with her pets to spend more time with Mikito. Making multiple jumps to get home is annoying, but it seems to affect others more than me.

  Silence. Blessed silence. Which is interrupted by a knocking on my door. I frown, then frown even more when I see who it is on my minimap. Resolutely, I ignore the knocking.

  “John, I know you’re in there. Roxley’s voice is authoritative and commanding. Not because he’s trying to order me around but because that’s just the way he is. Even so, I have to admit, that voice does things to me that wouldn’t be polite to mention in company.

  Lord Graxan Roxley. Duke of the Yukon. The Duchess of the Pourquoi States’s errand boy on Earth. A tall, dark drink of muscle, nobility, and charisma. Someone I flirted with for a time—before the son of a bitch betrayed me and the city of Whitehorse by joining the Duchess. For all that, I can’t help but be slightly interested in seeing him again…

  “I’m coming in. Don’t shoot.”

  I growl softly, deciding that I won’t shoot him or even deign to stand. Instead, I put my elbow and arm over my eyes and stay flopped on my couch. It’s only when an uncomfortable amount of time has passed that I move my hand away to see Roxley leaning against the doorjamb, staring at me with a look that dries my throat.

  Down, boy. I’ve got a girlfriend.

  Even if she’s hinted that she’s not entirely opposed to…

  Down, boy.

  Down.

  I clear my throat and subtly shift my position by sitting up. Damn pretty dark elf. “What are you doing here?”

  Roxley smirks before he straightens up, his face falling into a more serious expression. “As Her Grace’s representative on Earth, I am here to greet the Redeemer of the Dead upon his entrance to her city and inquire about his intentions.”

  “I’m here to sleep,” I state tersely. “Do you know how hard it is to not be bothered when I’m in my cities? Everyone wants a word with me. All. The. Damn. Time. I’ve got people literally walking into my house, demanding to talk to me about their latest pet project. Droids for recycling plastic, refurbishment of the kids’ playgrounds, a grant for Galactic languages, and on and on.”

  “I keep telling boy-o if he shoots the first few, they’ll stop bothering him,” Ali says, waving hi to Roxley.

  “Ali. I believe someone is awaiting you…?” Roxley says leadingly, getting a big grin from the Spirit who flickers then disappears. If I’m not wrong, the damn Spirit has gone to visit Roxley’s AI to gossip once more. I’m still a little perturbed by what goes on on the backend between the two, but interrogating Ali has offered little answers.

  Damn traitor. Then again, Ali has never seen my problem with Roxley and his actions.

  “Ah. And you have no intentions of expanding your territory?” Roxley continues once we’re alone.

  “Not up north, no,” I say, eyes narrowing. “And you?”

  “The Duchess has stated that she has no intentions of expanding beyond your Watson Lake. Our intentions involve the north and the resource fields and zones therein,” Roxley says, waving. “Our main point of focus is expanding the Towns of Whitehorse, Anchorage, and Fairbanks to Cities, thus increasing their respective zones of control.”

  “I see…” My eyes narrow as I try to decide how much I believe him. In the end, I decide to do so, mostly because I understand how much work Roxley has ahead of him. It makes no sense for the Duchess to take control of a bunch of lower Level zones when she hasn’t completely controlled the areas she already “owns.” Higher Level zones provide higher Level goods, which mean more money—never mind the Level-tourism revenue she stands to earn.

  “On a personal basis, I am surprised to see you back
. Are you not concerned about the Weapon Master?” Roxley says with a raised eyebrow.

  “That’s why I sent Ali through first.” I grin then shrug. “I’m done running. I’ve gotten a few Levels since we last danced. And anyway, way I understand it, he’s gone for now. I doubt he’ll be back so soon.”

  “Risky.” Roxley sighs, giving up on admonishing me. “And is that all the reason for returning? Nothing personal?” At my flat stare, Roxley sighs again. “Well then, as Her Grace’s representative, I do extend my offer of aid in any matters of administration.”

  “Why?”

  Pain and regret at my brusque attitude flicker across his face before he resumes a neutral expression. “Your presence south of our holdings is considered a benefit to Her Grace. You are much less likely to be combative than the Sect or any other, hmmm, foreign interests that may appear. As such, the stronger your government, the greater the benefit.”

  “Great…” I drawl as I assess the sincerity of his, and her, offer. “And what does this offer amount to? Credits? Technology? Maybe some Skill orbs?”

  “None of the above, I fear,” Roxley says. “While we do wish to aid you, the aid must be proportional. Advice, at this time, is the best we can offer.”

  “Advice,” I say, sarcasm dripping from my voice. “Right, I’ll make sure to ask for it. Now, I was here to sleep…”

  “John…”

  But I’ve already slumped back on the couch, arm thrown over my face in a copy of the same pose from before. Except this one radiates anger.

  “Ms. Olmstead is doing well with treatment. I expect she will on her feet within the next few days.”

  Sensing that I won’t say anything, Roxley sighs, after which I hear the stomp of his feet leaving the house. I grunt in mild happiness, glad to be left alone and for the news he imparted.

  Here to help. Har! Advice my ass.

  It’s much later, when I’ve finished stewing, that I manage to actually calm down enough to do what I had Portalled all the way north for. Since I’m currently limited to 1,000 KM per jump, I actually had to cast it thrice—once to Kamloops, then again into the middle of nowhere before arriving. I did kind of feel bad that I didn’t spend more time in Kamloops visiting Lana and Mikito, but needs must. At the thought of the little Japanese Samurai, I made myself a promise to visit with her. Losing her apprentice, then Mel, in short order has resulted in Mikito withdrawing once again. While she isn’t suicidal, she has grown quieter and more subdued. It’s why Lana left the puppies behind with her—their furry presence is a good healing aid. Anna, on the other hand, is just getting lazy, preferring to sleep than go gallivanting with us on our errands.

  Too many damn things to do and not enough time. I’ve been so busy, I haven’t even dealt with the numerous notifications I received from the knockdown, drag-out fight with the Sect. Including that most important of ones—my Level Up. With a mental command, my Status Screen populated.

  Status Screen

  Name

  John Lee

  Class

  Erethran Honor Guard

  Race

  Human (Male)

  Level

  43

  Titles

  Monster’s Bane, Redeemer of the Dead, Duelist

  Health

  1970

  Stamina

  1970

  Mana

  1510

  Mana Regeneration

  111 / minute

  Attributes

  Strength

  106

  Agility

  187

  Constitution

  197

  Perception

  61

  Intelligence

  151

  Willpower

  151

  Charisma

  16

  Luck

  32

  Class Skills

  Mana Imbue

  2

  Blade Strike

  2

  Thousand Steps

  1

  Altered Space

  2

  Two are One

  1

  The Body’s Resolve

  3

  Greater Detection

  1

  A Thousand blades

  1

  Soul Shield

  2

  Blink Step

  2

  Portal

  3

  Instantaneous Inventory*

  1

  Cleave*

  2

  Frenzy*

  1

  Elemental Strike*

  1 (Ice)

  Shrunken Footsteps*

  1

  Tech Link*

  2

  Combat Spells

  Improved Minor Healing (II)

  Greater Regeneration

  Greater Healing

  Mana Drip

  Improved Mana Dart (IV)

  Enhanced Lightning Strike

  Fireball

  Polar Zone

  Freezing Blade

  Being part of such an insane battle did wonders for my experience. Killing the Sect Enforcer pretty much by myself pushed me most of the way to Level 40. After that, the numerous small fry and the Blood Warrior I dealt with pushed me two-thirds of the way through Level 41. Ending the Master Level Psychic was enough to push me to Level 42 and netted me my third Title, as well bonus experience for the kill.

  Title Gained

  For winning in a battle against a Combat Classer two Class Advancements above yours, you have earned the title Duelist. Others will fear your prowess from now on. Increased reputation in certain circles. +10% chance effect of social Skills in appropriate situations. +5% increase in damage against those with higher Class Advancements

  I whistled slightly, noting the Title’s effects. Damn, but that’s nice. Of course, I cheated. For one thing, that Psychic was a Level 1 Master Class. For another thing, he was only one Advancement Level higher than mine, though technically the System still reads me as a Basic Class since I’m still in my first tier. It’s why my Monster’s Bane Title is still so effective. I cheat.

  After that, I learned another little secret of being the owner of a Settlement. Any battle conducted during a declared war actually nets the owners of those Settlements a small experience gain for the entire battle. Of course, since it’s based off everyone killed, it was more than sufficient to push me up to Level 43, which is where I’m seated right now. It almost makes up for the fact that I currently have an “On-going War” declaration on the settlements, limiting some of the things I can purchase.

  All those sudden experience gains means that I have nine free attributes and two free Class Skill points. Now that I don’t need Portal as desperately, I actually have a chance to consider what to do with these Class Skill points. Though first, I want to look at what I can do to shore up my attributes.

  Charisma continues to be my “dump” stat, as per Jason’s terminology. Though considering how I was—reluctantly—drawn into the world of politics, I might want to up it a little. Not that I have the Skills for it, but… yeah. Then we have my mainstays—my combat stats. I still felt as though my ability to perceive what the hell was going on lagged behind what I am doing, especially when I am moving at the maximum speeds that my body can handle. It isn’t a huge difference, but it is there. There is something to be said about putting more points into Perception, especially since Agility and Strength goes up by themselves anyway. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that the next few points will alter it in the way I need it to, rather than widening my hearing range or something less useful.

  My Constitution is the bedrock of my survival, though more than once, I’ve noticed a distinct lack of Mana during my fights. Even with the ridiculous amount of regeneration I receive, once we start getting involved in these long, drawn-out battles, I verealize exactly how hampered I can be by my Mana. It doesn’t help that so many of my Spells were Mana hogs.

  I’ll admit, Luck is tempting as well. Even if
I’m notadventuring as much, the bonus in loot drops is always nice, if harder to quantify. And having someone, something, with its finger on the scale seems like a nice idea. The gods know that I’ve seen enough of how fate can take a crap on you.

  In the end, I discard Luck, Agility, and Strength. I’d increased Agility and Strength the last time around and Luck had a slight bump a few Levels back. With it being so nebulous, I can’t justify using my points on it all the time. Better to go for something more tangible.

  While Willpower upped my on-going Mana regeneration, I am leaning toward increasing Intelligence since it gives me a higher starting point. A single point of Intelligence is worth 10 Mana, which doesn’t seem much but is worth 1/10th of a Blink Step. Which is probably one of my most used Skills.

  Constitution still continues to be a no-brainer. After all, I am pretty much the “Tank” of the group, which meant I get shot. A lot. On top of that, while I hate to “waste” points on Charisma, it is clear that I am going to be in social situations a lot more often. Still, I refuse to dedicate a full Level’s worth to it, so Perception is getting at least a point. If Jason were here, he’d probably bitch me out about deviating from my build or being a generalist, but thus far, it’s worked.

  Having made my decision, I dump three points into Intelligence and Constitution, two into Charisma, and one in Perception, wiping out my free attributes. The next Level, I might put another point into Luck and Perception then rotate over to Charisma if I see some benefit in my interactions with others.