by Cosimo Yap
It wasn’t very hard. Each set of power armor practically put itself on, Alan just needed to place a piece around the body part it would fit on—each arm, leg, his body, and his head—and the armor would attach itself. He repeated this motion for a good hour until his muscles began to ache. Additionally, on account of Alan’s low strength the power armor needed to use energy to support its own weight. It wasn’t weightless like Alan had originally believed—instead, Eve had been manipulating the systems so it felt that way.
Alan knew that the high-tech Revenant power armor was equipped with many technological advances. Only, he’d never had to deal with the settings before—again, that had all been left up to Eve. This time, however, Lambda walked him through all the basic functions and commands.
Turn shields off. Turn shields on. Turn temperature down. Turn temperature up. Turn air filtering off. Gag a bit at the smell of the Undercity. Quickly turn air filtering on. Turn weight assistance off. Scream as hundreds of pounds of metal nearly crush your body. Frantically turn weight assistance on. Yell at Lambda for not providing any warning. And so it went.
Power armor, Alan had to admit, was a genius technological advance. It was capable of adapting to a thousand problems Alan had never even thought of. Space and foreign biomes were nothing in front of power armor—it was an adept tool of war useful in nearly any scenario.
Once he ran through the basic checklist of commands a message appeared:
Finally demonstrating the basic functions of power armor, you gained a new ability Power Armor Instruction (Basic)!
+1 Intelligence
That’s not much of a stat boost, Alan thought.
Diminishing returns. It’s a very basic ability that doesn’t take much effort to get, and your intelligence is already relatively high, Lambda sent. There are other factors as well that determine how often and when you gain stat points, but it boils down to ‘stop dying.’ There’s a reason I’m telling you to slow down and train.
Okay, let’s continue, Alan sent.
You’re going to need to get Phantom’s help with taking power armor apart and putting it back together, but we’ll make do with what we have, Lambda sent. Let’s start with the Scout Power Armor.
Alan turned on the basic invisibility field. He then turned it off. That part was easy. What came next was hard. Alan began to understand why Eve had to devote a large part of her processing power to maintaining the advanced stealth mode—there were simply too many variables to keep up with.
First, the entire electromagnetic spectrum in the area that Alan was standing in had to be replicated perfectly. To be successful, Eve had hacked together a way for the armor to access the electromagnetic spectrum using Alan’s bionic eye implants. The scan wasn’t at the level of a full scan, thus requiring computational energy to activate, but still provided enough information to reveal a snapshot of the surrounding space. As his bionic eye implant sent out constant pings that had to be read and copied, it was like playing a game of Marco Polo, except the call-and-response happened hundreds of times a second and there were multiple levels of reality you had to keep track of.
Next, the various mechanical waves had to be propagated correctly. Alan knew things like sound waves had to travel through a medium, but pretending to be that medium was complicated. Different types of waves had unique movement patterns whose direction of energy had to be calculated, and even with the power armor’s instruments and Lambda’s help with the physics calculations, the work was cumbersome.
Then, while all this was going on, the power armor’s own energy shields had to be kept up and disguised as noise or empty space. Alan didn’t even try to figure out how that worked—he just trusted in the advanced technology and followed Lambda’s instructions. The power armor was like a black box: inputs went in, and then outputs came out. What happened in-between Alan had no idea, but that wasn’t his concern.
Of course, if all that wasn’t complicated enough, most of these calculations had to be done in anticipation of the future, for all these waves traveled at a speed which would be impossible to copy in real time.
There should be some way to automate all this. That’s what the basic invisibility mode does, it just detects all incoming light and copies it, Alan sent.
Maybe, but it would require the armor to have additional scanners and computational power, which would make it the size of a small tank, Lambda sent. Besides, light is easy, with a nice constant speed.
Alan then repeated this process, but with his other set of power armor, the Spectral Power Armor. This was slightly easier to use, as Alan only needed to worry about electromagnetic waves. The armor had to be set to block the correct wavelength before it hit Alan, but with most electromagnetic waves moving at approximately the speed of light the only way this was possible was if Alan calculated the correct wavelength before a weapon was fired. Though electromagnetic waves would be slowed traveling through matter like air, it wouldn’t be noticeable to Alan.
What followed was a lesson on the wavelength of lasers, plasma, and similar energy-based attacks. Eventually, for simplicity, Lambda decided to just color code incoming attacks, tying energy-based attacks to colors Alan was familiar with. Lambda used the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Red, having a long wavelength, would signal lower-energy attacks, while progressing along the colors of the rainbow would signify higher-energy attacks, violet being the most powerful.
Alan’s power armor instruction ability rose to intermediate and he gained five points each in intelligence, strength, agility, and endurance.
That should be enough for now, since reaching advanced will take a while, Lambda sent. Let’s move onto the Revenant training program after the next break.
***
Meanwhile in Cyberspace, Eve had Alan memorize entire volumes on the weaknesses of various species, items, and vehicles. It seemed oddly racist, or speciest, to take a look at a hologram of an alien and then evaluate its weakness. At least, that’s what Alan thought. Eve didn’t care. More often than not the weakness of a living being turned out to be their head or reproductive parts. Go figure.
Technology turned out to be a bit more complicated, but usually it boiled down to ‘go for the power source or brains’ of the device. Disrupting the flow of energy tended to disable most items. Certain popular laser weapons and power armor had design flaws or backdoors, but this tended to involve only older models, as the newest versions had patched these obvious defects.
Instead of going into calculations or thought processes, Eve provided brief summaries. Shoot here, ask questions later. If someone looked like this, shoot them here or here. If they wore armor that looked like this, shoot the shields with this type of ammo or in this place.
Vehicles were more complicated, but Eve taught Alan how to identify and navigate to the engine rooms and command centers of several of the more popular starships, including the rank A capital ship that helmed the United World Government’s space fleet.
Once he exited his own Cyberspace bubble, also known as the Citadel, a message appeared:
Learning the basic weaknesses of many players, items, and starships, you gained a new ability Detect Weakness (Basic)!
+3 Perception!
Alan deactivated divided mind, then let everything he had learned from Eve and Lambda settle. While each divided mind was aware of the other, when the ability was active Alan had two distinct thought processes running at once. Alan was apprehensive about letting the ability run for too long—what if his mind somehow diverged? There was also the worrying thought that he was killing off one of his ‘minds’ each time he activated and deactivated the ability, but the transition from two to one was seamless enough that it did seem like a true merging rather than one mind consuming the other.
Well, whatever was happening when the ability was used didn’t matter now. Alan had more training to do. He reactivated divided mind and got back to work.
Chapter 12
Time
passed. Slowly at first, but before Alan knew it a month had gone by. Alan managed to reach intermediate in the Revenant training ability with Lambda, gaining a number of stat points in strength, agility, stamina, and intelligence along the way. However, despite the constant training, Alan was still unable to reach the advanced level of mastery in power armor instruction and energy efficiency. There was still a marked difference when using the Scout Power Armor after Alan learned how to use it. Eve no longer had to devote quite so much attention to keeping advanced stealth mode active—Alan could pull some of his own weight.
Eve also continued to impart a plethora of knowledge, testing Alan periodically to make sure he remembered older lessons. Despite the biological advances and the implant in his mind, Alan did not have a perfect memory and occasionally had to re-learn facts or lessons he hadn’t paid enough attention to.
Meanwhile in Cyberspace Alan’s research finished, allowing him to construct a new set of units:
Elite Scout, Rank C Program. Produced at Training Grounds.
Advanced stealth scouting program.
Cost: 300 Energy.
Upkeep: 60 Energy.
Attack: 125 damage/sec. (Ranged)
Defense: 20 armor.
Shields: 200 energy.
Health: 200 hp.
Movement: 4.
Special Abilities: Basic Invisibility
The elite scouts turned out to be exceedingly useful, befitting their rank C status. Not only were they capable of killing marine units with a single shot from longer ranges, but their damage was more efficient energy-wise than even the sword guards. The fact that they were capable of invisibility made it pointless for Alan to even use elite marines anymore—the only problem was his computational energy pool of 750.
Alan repeatedly ran into problems due to the limited energy pool, effectively kept at 650 as divided mind required 100 energy to stay active. Alan’s other active abilities required computational energy as well. Hypercognition, cybernetic vision, and hypertranslation were all a drain on this valuable resource. A number of combat tests became a careful min/max balancing act pushing his capabilities both in-game and in Cyberspace.
Despite making solid advances, which included gaining four levels, Alan was getting tired of training. Twice, Alan asked to be updated on the Abyss Labyrinth quest, and twice he was told he was being kept in the dark for operational security. The android Specialist told Alan to stay safe and keep an eye on the Abyss Labyrinth entrance, so that was what he did. After an initial swell of players due to the announcement that a control point had been captured within, the number entering the dungeon dwindled. Too many people were dying without any major reward.
There was still the occasional thrill seeker or risk taker that made the trip, but even the guards seemed to be growing tired of their jobs. The gang members took longer breaks and began harassing passerby instead. Members of the Royals had approached the shop many times, but always received a notification that seemed to satisfy their interest. Alan was kept in the same small building, cut off from the rest of the world.
Then, one day, Alan woke to two messages:
Missing Systems Complete:
Power has been restored. Visit the Warden to receive your rewards.
Prison Break Failed:
The Abyss Labyrinth’s power has been restored. The prisoners will likely never see the light of day. Reputation with the Abyss Labyrinth’s prisoners is now Hated.
Alan wanted to charge into the Abyss Labyrinth to receive his rewards, but the Specialist commanded him to return to the Black Rose guild headquarters first. Used to being ordered around by now, Alan obeyed.
***
As soon as Alan arrived back at the Black Rose guild base he was brought below ground to the Council’s chamber. All of the guild’s officers were present, in addition to another player Alan hadn’t expected to see again so soon. S stood, facing all of the officers. Alan knew S was a servant for the game’s Empire faction and should be a relatively new player, but that was about it.
Phantom sent Alan a message telling him to be quiet and stand behind him. Alan followed the orders, taking a rigid stance with his hands by his sides, facing S.
“The Council has gathered here today to put the finishing touches on Operation Restore Light, and to discuss our ongoing relationship with the Empire,” Elissandra said. “Let the meeting begin.”
“Yes, let it, I’ve been waiting long enough already,” S said. “The Empire has held up our end of the bargain and restored the Abyss Labyrinth’s first-level energy production facilities with the schematics provided by the Black Rose guild. A current production rate of three void crystals a year is estimated. Once the Empire’s initial investment of energy and crystals is recouped the Empire will provide the Black Rose guild with one void crystal a year. You still do not wish to take a lump sum?”
“We do not,” Elissandra said. Everyone on the Council except for Mason seemed to agree with the sentiment.
“Then once Alan has turned in his quest and handed over the Empire’s portion of the spoils we should be done,” S said. “Our Machine Lords have reported varying rewards, generally in marks and experience, but also access to lower levels of the Abyss Labyrinth. The Empire has not set its sights on delving any deeper into the labyrinth, and I would highly advise against it if one does not want to lose their mind. We had to terminate one servant already, as she began hearing voices.”
“Good advice,” Void said. “One who stands on the shoulders of giants should always be fearful of looking down.”
“For god’s sake, enough with the cryptic sayings,” Elissandra said. “We need to focus on the task at hand. Alan will return to the Abyss Labyrinth under the supervision of Mason and Void once more, accompanied by S. Alan will receive 10% of the quest rewards, 40% will go to the guild, distributed based on contribution, and the final half will go to the Empire. Any objections?”
“10%? I was promised 20%,” Alan said.
“You are receiving 20% of what the Black Rose guild will earn. The scope of work and deal with the Empire cut into all our profits,” Elissandra said. “We aren’t even charging you the normal rate for levels gained—you can thank Phantom and Void for that.”
Charge me for levels gained? Alan thought.
Standard leveling fees, Eve sent. Basically, they would take an amount proportional to experience gained out of your cut of the quest rewards, as levels are technically part of the quest rewards, but the guild doesn’t get experience.
Hmph, we’re improving the guild by being in it, Lambda sent.
“Speaking of the scope of work,” S said, “did I mention the Machine Lord we lost? We experienced much difficulty keeping control of the Abyss Labyrinth and—”
“The price was agreed upon. You will get no more, no less,” Enigma said. “Or are you going back on your word?”
“No, just airing a few grievances,” S said. “You can’t say it wasn’t worth a try.”
“Speaking of grievances, the Black Rose guild is not without loss as well,” Elissandra said. “We may have pissed off a Revenant faction by using the Empire’s corps of engineers to complete the repairs.”
“You have my condolences,” S said. “We should go ahead and finish this quest.”
“Are there any other questions?” Elissandra asked. No one said anything. “Very well, go and turn in the quest, Alan.”
***
Alan thought there should be more fanfare accompanying the completion of a high-ranked quest: cheering crowds, a display of fireworks. Something. Instead, he was being led onward by a bunch of gruff people and aliens in power armor.
The journey back into the Abyss Labyrinth was uneventful. Even though the power was supposed to be back on, the place didn’t look much different. There were a few more active defenses and fewer wandering mobs, but that was about it.
It wasn’t until the party reached the first hub area that Alan noticed a sizable change. A strong machine presence reached
out and connected to Alan’s mind.
Greetings, Traveler, the Warden sent. You have successfully restored power to the Abyss Labyrinth. It’s nice being able to think again. Before I hand out your rewards I wish to deliver a warning. It has been determined by the Authorities that this instance is ready for the next phase.
“Oh shit, that isn’t fucking good,” Void said aloud. Everyone turned to him. “We’re all fucked. Fucked. God damn every damn god and every person who thought completing this quest was a good idea.”
What is happening? Eve sent.
Nothing good, like Void said, Lambda sent. And we still have no idea how he’s hearing our communications.
Do not worry, Traveler, the Warden sent. Your actions did not upset the balance; the coming Extinction Event has already been set in motion.
“Wait, an Extinction Event is about to begin? That’s what the Empire and the Alliance have been up to? You fools have doomed us all. I agreed to siphon off a sliver of power, not make a massive move that would alert the Authorities,” Void said.
“I seemed to have missed a conversation,” S said.
“You? Me? We’re mortal,” Void said. He turned and jabbed a finger at S. “We die. We live. We win. We lose. The Three are literal gods, and you think you can fight them?”
“I’m not at liberty to discuss the Empire’s current or future plans,” S said.
Ah, well, I guess the worst-case scenario is another few millennia stuck in the Academy again, Lambda sent.
Can you please explain what’s going on? Alan asked.
Wait til you reach level 1000, Lambda sent.
I can help with that, the Warden sent.
A series of messages appeared before Alan:
Congratulations, you have completed a gamma-ranked quest, Missing Systems. The soulsteel knife lost by the Player Alan will be returned. The Warden has granted the Player Alan access to the lower levels of the Abyss Labyrinth (max party of five).
