[Tamara: Be careful. She hits like a bear. If your shield goes low, retreat. So Sol and Jare will tank.]
[Jare: I'll get the two wizard's attention and tank their fireballs. Sol can get Jenny.]
Tamara recalled Myst just before the battle began. He immediately oriented himself towards the enemy group and jumped 20 feet. Amazingly, he disappeared into the shadows sometime before or after he landed.
The party mages buffed Myst up with Shield, while Tamara gave herself an extra powerful Shield before hiding in the shadows.
Jare smashed the enemy group using Whirlwind. His ability to gain extra hate massively increased their anger at him. Next, he used his single target !@#$% on Jenny. The orc wizards were artificial, so they were subject to taunting and hate tables, while Jenny was a flesh and blood creature. She could choose to ignore taunts, but she doesn't have to. They sent death glares at him, and they couldn't wait to smack him. To top it off, Jare shouted, "Jenny, it's not too late to join us. We had good times didn't we?"
She shouted back, "Wounds are Red, Bruises are Blue, you're outta the loop, and you'll never get my Boops!"
Azdel shouted out, "Don't listen to her, she probably has some sort of rhyming skill to distract us! We don't want her boops!"
Jare gained 1 level in Divine Jester and now it is 2
Myst's next leap set him up right next to Jenny and made his attack. He appeared out of the shadows and chomped down on Jenny's neck and his claws raked her through the gaps in her armor. Jenny ripped him off and slashed him for over 1000 damage, but his manashield absorbed the damage. Myst's double backstab was incredibly lucky and hit her for 8x critical strikes both times. Each strike hit her for 2100 raw damage, but adjusted to 1480 damage after her armor absorbed damage. Those two hits pushed her hitpoints into the negative. Her neck was gushing out blood. She tried to say something pithy, but what was left of her throat was too damaged to make out sounds.
While Myst was setting up his kill strike, the party mages moved forward to spread out the group, making it harder for enemy Fireballs to hit multiple people. As Jenny and her minions moved forward, Myst struck Jenny down. "Mistress!" Shouted the orcs. Her minions were powerless to stop the overwhelming damage to Jenny. Jenny's form vanished from sight with a little puff from the displaced air as the Adventurer's Guild buff activated and pulled her away from the fight. Turning back to the group, the orcs raged. "Foul creatures! You attacked the Mistress before she was ready! Kneel down and die in apology!"
[Tamara: Did you stop her from dodging Myst's attacks? She would have dodged the attacks during the Hopetown attack!]
[Bob89: Yes. I did detect gravity waves, so I set up counter waves using the Defence Orbs. It appears that we were either successful or extremely lucky or Jare's weird attack did something! But I'll put my money on the counter working. At level 100, she should have some sort of skill to dodge massive killer hits.]
Tamara said, "Did she have a surprise for us?"
"The Great Jenny could shout to the heavens and an army would appear! You were lucky. Kneel and obey, and we will give you mercy!"
Jare smirked at Tamara. "Jenny wasn't ready Tamara. Think she needs a do over?"
Tamara shook her head. "Nah. We got her fair and square. I think she may have been trying to summon that army, but Myst had ripped out her throat. Let's finish this and go home!"
The mages from each side traded spells against each other, while Myst and Tamara moved into melee range. With the focus fire, one mage was downed. Jare got there next with his Rush ability. His Heavy Strike and Double Strike combo smashed into the remaining mage. Not long after, the last mage succumbed to the fight.
Tamara took a moment to check her logs.
Tamara has defeated a level 100 being and has earned 557 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 891 experience was earned!
Tamara has defeated a level 70 being and has earned 129 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 206 experience was earned!
Tamara has defeated a level 70 being and has earned 129 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 206 experience was earned!
Auth has defeated a level 100 being and has earned 696 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 1113 experience was earned!
Auth has defeated a level 70 being and has earned 161 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 258 experience was earned!
Auth has defeated a level 70 being and has earned 161 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 258 experience was earned!
Sol has defeated a level 100 being and has earned 583 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 932 experience was earned!
Sol has defeated a level 70 being and has earned 135 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 216 experience was earned!
Sol has defeated a level 70 being and has earned 135 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 216 experience was earned!
Jare has defeated a level 100 being and has earned 716 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 1145 experience was earned!
Jare has defeated a level 70 being and has earned 166 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 265 experience was earned!
Jare has defeated a level 70 being and has earned 166 raw experience! After bonuses applied, 265 experience was earned!
Ding! Jare has gained a level. Welcome to level 36!
Tamara gained 1 level in Sneak and now it is 32
Tamara gained 1 level in Sword and now it is 63
Secret Quest Completed!:Defeat the Dungeon Master
You have defeated the dungeon master for the Dungeon Prison! Do you wish to become the Dungeon Master?
Reward:5000 experience.
Failure: This quest can’t be failed.
Tamara has earned 5000 raw experience! After bonuses are applied, 8000 was earned!
Ding! Tamara has gained a level. Welcome to level 46!
Auth has earned 5000 raw experience! After bonuses are applied, 8000 was earned!
Ding! Auth has gained a level. Welcome to level 38!
Sol has earned 5000 raw experience! After bonuses are applied, 8000 was earned!
Ding! Sol has gained a level. Welcome to level 44!
Jare has earned 5000 raw experience! After bonuses are applied, 8000 was earned!
Ding! Jare has gained a level. Welcome to level 37!
Azdel has earned 5000 raw experience! After bonuses are applied, 8000 was earned!
Tamara read the quest prompt in shock. She knew that Jenny was the Dungeon Master, but she didn't realize that by defeating her, she'd be eligible to take over the dungeon.
[Tamara: Guys. Did anyone else get the Defeat the Dungeon Master quest?]
[Azdel: I did]
[Jare: I did]
[Auth: Looks like we all got the quest. Who's going to become the dungeon master?]
[Azdel: Just click yes. Everyone who clicks yes, has a vote to decide the final dungeon master.]
***
A man greeted them as they approached the base. Similar to Hopetown, it had marble columns, brass double doors with a terminal to the side, and similar Greek inspired architecture. The man was ancient, with a beard that reached his feet and actually pooled into a pile. He wore a formal black and white suit, like a butler.
Nodding his head as they got closer. "I can see that I am finally in the presence of the One." He stared misty eyed directly at Tamara. "My duty is to tell you the Prophecy, and a small amount of guidance before I pass on. I've been waiting here for millennia." He stopped a moment to gather himself before continuing. "Forgive me. I was overcome for a moment. It brings me great joy to finally complete my mission after all these centuries. My body has been threatening to give out, despite being held together by trillions of nanobots." Shaking his head, he said, "Ah, but you are here to hear my words." He brought his hand up, palm first, to forestall any interruptions. "You were brought here by prophecy. Forces beyond your imagination guided you down this path. Now listen carefully, these words of prophecy may hold the key to the salvation of humanity, or its complete demise."
Gathering himself up, his chest puffed out, he tilted his head back and began to recite in a clear and deep voice.
"One Arises in the Dark
One Conquers the Ancient Ark
Dwarf will Bow
Elf will Vow
Human will Endow
Forge the Old
And temper the Fold
Everything is connected to the One
Or there will be None"
"That is the complete riddle. The world isn't as you believe it to be. It is far older. The tapestry of life is interwoven in the universe. Everything is connected. The planets, the stars, and even the smallest of bacteria. We are all connected. In the grand scheme of things, we all play a small role, but you, Tamara, play a larger role than most."
The old man sighed after he told his tale, he sat down and slumped against the wall. "Come. Ask your questions. My task has been completed, and my nanobots are shutting down, as will my body soon after."
Tamara nodded vigorously. "Do you know Jenny? I believe she spoke of you. The man who guided her and the reason she is the master of this place."
The old man smiled, then sighed. "Yes. I believe I know Jenny. She wandered out of the base and couldn't get back into the research base. She was severely traumatized by the events leading up to the Cataclysm." He broke off as a fit of coughing took him. "She was truly broken, shattered into a million pieces. From what I could tell, she had been an extremely ill patient. The ancients didn't have the power to heal her, so they froze her in time using technology. At some point, the device used to store her had accidentally released her, throwing her into this new world of magic and technology. She became disoriented and confused. I can only speculate that it had been many, many years since she had been conscious." Another wave of coughing interrupted his story. After it resolved, he said, "Ask another question. Inside, much of her story should be stored in the memory banks. I, on the other hand, am fading quickly."
"How do you know that I'm the one? And what makes me special?"
"Ahh. The famous question every hero asks. 'Why me?' Well, it turns out that you are special. I can see it with my eyes, how bright you glow with potential. Anyone with a high perception could see how the world shifts slightly by your very presence. All your action and reaction shifts the world. Individually, they are small, perhaps even inconsequential, but add them up, and you will change everything. There is no mistake. You are the One!" Gasping, he said, "Remember that everything is connected!"
His last words were spoken with fiery conviction, and he lit up like a flame, but then the toll of age and failing nanobots stole the rest of his energy. He started wheezing, and his skin turned blue as his body failed him dramatically. They rushed forward to aid the man, but it was too late. His eyes closed for the last time, and then he was gone. Literally. Before their eyes, the man slowly vanished from left to right like a slow refresh rate on a graphical device.
After spending a moment of silence for the man, they climbed the stairs to the double doors
Chapter 18
Jare was the first to the panel. Having spent months in Hopetown, he was now comfortable with its systems, this new base felt like coming home to him and the other Hopetown residents. He began typing potential passwords, trying to crack the door. After several attempts, he just shook his head and turned to Auth. "You give it a try, genius!"
Auth took position at the terminal and tried several more half-hearted attempts to penetrate the defenses, eventually giving up after a few minutes. He looked over to Tamara, then said, "After you." Jare and he exchanged a glance.
Tamara accessed the panel just as before. As she began typing into the keyboard, the screen flickered and distorted. After several minutes, the terminal spat out, "Access Granted." The door was audibly unlocked as the solid steel locking mechanism retracted. Bob89 could have opened it much quicker, but they didn't have a pressing need to hurry, so he put on a show for the team, highlighting Tamara's cracking skills. She took a step back and exclaimed, "Wow! Lucky us!". She glanced at her team, noting their disbelieving eyes. "What? Something wrong?"
Auth turned to Jare and crowed, "You owe me 15 credits!"
Jare chuckled. "Betting against Tamara was a bad idea."
Tamara glanced at both boys. "You bet that I wouldn't open the door?"
"I'd never bet against you, Tamara," Auth exclaimed. "Never!" He flushed, then looked guilty as he said, "On that note. I have something to get off my chest."
Jare nodded as if saying, "Good timing." Obviously, the boys had been discussing something important and potentially embarrassing.
"I didn't really get the chance to tell you before you were kidnapped." Shifting his feet, he continued. "You mean a great deal to me, and I realized just how much when you were gone. I've never missed anyone as much as you."
Jare nodded in agreement. "It's true. He practically never slept. Practicing in the VR room instead of sleeping."
Tamara tensed. She had been hoping that Auth had feelings for her, but she didn't think he'd confess right here, in front of the door to the new base! She didn't even know what to say. Should she say yes? Or try and play hard to get? Jare had been telling her how much Auth had sacrificed and worked to organize the rescue party -- all while training and keeping Hopetown functioning! Despite all the confusion, she found herself grinning like a madwoman. He deserved encouragement. "I missed you too! I'm always here for you." She wiped her madwoman grin and shifted it to a welcoming and encouraging smile.
Auth, however, saw her expression and glanced at Jare in confusion. Shaking it off, he decided she was confused about something and he'd better get it out fast. "When I was in La Grange organizing mercenaries, my family informed me that they were certain that you were the focus of a prophecy that doomed you. They wanted me to get close to you and claim your stuff after you failed." The last part of his words blurred together in a squeaky voice as he tried to get it out. "Having heard the prophecy, I can kinda understand. Humans, Elves, and Dwarves working together. Crazy."
Tamara was stunned and stood there looking very confused. Coming to herself, she walked up and hugged Auth. "I'm sorry that happened, and I'm glad you told me." Looking into Auth's eyes, she said, "Believe me. If I fail, then you are welcome to divvy up my stuff with Jare and my family. I have no problems with that. But don't count me out, until I'm out."
Auth in turn, look stunned. This woman was amazing! Stuttering, he replied, "As I said, I wouldn't bet against you!"
Nodding, she replied. "I believe you. Now, let's loot this place!" She was both relieved and disappointed.
Everyone made their way forward through the rigged hallways, while Bob89 closed the front door behind them, even as he opened the doors in front of them. As expected the hallways were lined with explosives powerful enough to collapse the entrance. Once they were through, they needed to disarm those traps. When the orcs realized that they got through, none of them had illusions that the orcs would be willing to let them go in peace. Most likely they would trigger the traps on purpose to kill them off. Or another alternative. They could trigger the traps themselves in a controlled manner to fool the orcs into believing they had perished. For instance, if they collapsed several floors of the dungeon, magic or no magic, it would take months or years of digging to get to the base. Mostly because they had to travel through an airless dungeon to get there.
Exiting the trapped hallways, they discovered a map, much like the one in Research1. This base had a different variation of buildings, but it kept the three wing design. This base had two wings devoted to medical treatment, an entire wing devoted to long term medical care. The last wing was another military wing. They quickly located the City Hall from the map, then traveled there directly.
This base has slightly less damage, perhaps they will discover more. The City Hall building was made from the same blueprint as the one in Research1. The only real difference was in the decoration, office furniture, and their occupant's preferences. Jare led the w
ay to the nerve center of the base, hoping to snag an officer position.
Finding the requisite chair, he announced, "Ha, I'm going to be the officer for this base!" He looked around for any objections, but no one objected. He sat down, and they all waited.
After ten minutes, he looked over to Tamara and asked, "Did it take this long last time?"
She shook her head. "It was instant. The moment I sat down, Research1 assigned me a rank."
Bored, he looked to Auth and said, "Fine. You try it."
Auth shrugged, then took the offered seat. They waited another ten minutes with no signs of AI emerging. "Maybe the base AI was broken." He got up, bowed from the waist while directing Tamara to the chair with his hands. Your chair, Madame."
"Why, yes! That does look like my chair! Please, butler, I need some cookies." She replied as she took the offered chair.
Auth smiled widely, then said, "You're in luck, I have some freshly baked cookies!" He reached into his dimensional bag and pulled out a cookie for Tamara.
A voice calmly intoned, "Emergency Change of Command Succession Protocol Activated. Hierarchical list has been purged. New list activated. Tamara Owlkins added."
Auth said, "Hmm. So it only activates for you."
"Control of facilities has been granted to Tamara Owlkins. Tamara Owlkins is promoted to Director of the Facility. Please enter your command."
Tamara shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know why this is happening." She looked at her companions for ideas, but only found smug smiles. "What?"
Jare said, "A bunch of Hopetowners and I, including Auth, had a debate about if Research 1 would have elevated anyone to Director. Auth and I were firmly in the Tamara camp, but some of the townspeople were ambivalent." He smiled confidently, then said, "Now, we know!"
Escape From Litchfield Page 29
