by Tao Wong
(Fly birdie, fly! - Ali) This spell allows the user to defy gravity, using controlled bursts of Mana to combat gravity and allow the user to fly in even the most challenging of situations. The improved version of this spell allows flight even in zero gravity situations and a higher level of maneuverability. Cooldown: 1 minute
Cost: 250 Mana + 100 Mana per minute
I also picked up two mobility spells, though I’m not sure if I’ll ever have use of them. While Haste as a spell is useful, it’s also costly in terms of Mana. And my own speed is significant already. Still, on the off-chance I fight another speedster, being able to keep up would be useful. And Improved Flight, well… it’s flight. While I’m not one of those people who dreamed about flying, there’s still some appeal there. At the very least, I can repeat what I did with the Field Boss without having someone Portal me in.
Overall, much of what I purchased patches holes in my defense and gives me a wider range of options—mostly when I’m not in combat. In combat, having a few extra spells that specifically suit the monsters I’m fighting is theoretically useful. Yet I know from experience that I’ll probably end up relying on a few tried-and-true Skills and spells. As a more famous Lee once said, don’t fear the man who has practiced a thousand kicks; fear the man who has practiced a single kick a thousand times.
My thoughts are broken by a knock on the door. At my invitation, Foxy walks in and lays out my more mundane purchases. I admit, I jump at the new clothing, almost chomping at the bit to get changed. I hadn’t realized how much I missed new, undamaged clothing till Kim mentioned it. Even if I had stored a bunch of extra stuff in my Altered Space just because I could, I’d long ago used up all my supplies on the damn planet I’d been exiled to.
Once all my purchases are laid out on the ever-expanding table, Foxy bows to me slightly, smiling. “Is there anything else?”
“No. I’ll probably return once I’m done here. Pleasure seeing you again,” I say.
Foxy returns my farewells. I watch the alien walk out, mentally chuckling at the thought that I’ve yet to get his name. Then again, he’s never offered it.
Clothing first. I take the simple expedience of sending my clothing into my inventory. A simple use of Cleanse gets me clean again, then I get dressed. The armored jumpsuit goes on first, a skintight covering that provides ballistic and energy protection without hindering my movement. This particular suit alters with a subtle thought, shifting its simple grey coloring to a more sleek black with silver highlights. I take a moment to pull up its stats.
Ares Platinum Class Tier II Armored Jumpsuit
Ares’s signature Platinum Class line of armored daily wear combines the company’s latest technological advancement in nanotech fiber design and the pinnacle work of an Advanced Craftsman’s Skill to provide unrivalled protection for the discerning Adventurer.
Effect: +218 Defense, +14% Resistance to Kinetic and Energy Attacks. +19% Resistance against Temperature changes. Self-Cleanse, Self-Mend, Autofit Enchantments also included.
Cost: 89,399 Credits
I’ll admit, I’m slightly amused that Ali translated the term to jumpsuit. But otherwise, it’s worth every Credit I paid. The additional defense and additional comfort is particularly important, though the increased resistances are a nice addition. Sadly, they don’t stack with my own innate resistances, so they’re less useful. Even then, I store the second jumpsuit in my inventory, just in case this one gets destroyed.
On top of the jumpsuit, I slide on the armored jacket that looks like a slightly less bulky version of a motorcycle jacket. While not as expensive, due to its bulk, it adds nearly as much defense. The nano-enhanced retractable helmet comes next, bringing a smile of relief. I’ve missed having easy access to the visual, auditory, and olfactory tech the helmet provides. I adjust my neural link immediately, connecting with the helmet and feeling the light click as data feeds into my mind directly. I reach deeper, touching my Tech Link Skill, and remove my connection to Sabre. The action feels like tearing off a foot-long scab in my mind. Another thought has the Tech Link attach itself to my helmet, making my connection even clearer.
Once that’s done, I dump the additional clothing, including some cheaper, less apocalypse ready formal clothing, into my inventory and go over the other purchases. A beam rifle and pistol start out the arsenal clustered before me. On top of that is more projectile weaponry, including a modified assault rifle with a grenade launcher attachment, the necessary ammunition in various color-coded magazines, and a smaller pistol of the same type. All of the above are higher-end, Gold Class Tier II weaponry of course, which makes them System-registered and somewhat more powerful than a mass-manufactured weapon of the same sort.
Once I’ve belted on the beam pistol and placed the remainder long-range weaponry away, I pick up the pair of high-end steel knives. I didn’t bother buying anything too expensive here, knowing I’ll get my enchanted weaponry back. That, and if I ever really need to cut anything, my soulbound sword is on hand. I don’t even have to ever worry about it breaking, which is all kinds of useful. The number of times it shattered on that planet… with a gesture, the sword appears in my hand, lightly resting in my palm as I analyze it again.
Tier II Sword (Soulbound Personal Weapon of an Erethran Paladin)
Base Damage: 307
Durability: N/A (Personal Weapon)
Special Abilities: +20 Mana Damage, Blade Strike
That’s a really nice bump up in base damage, probably from the fact that I increased my Class Level. Still Tier II though, which is annoying, but I guess that’s fair enough. I dismiss the sword and focus on the other tools I bought.
First up, the batches of grenades and mines. Most are cheap, though I’ve picked up a few higher-Tiered and crafted explosives. These are, for the most part, useful for adding confusion and uncertainty to battles but little else. I’m hesitant to invest too greatly in this area—as consumables, they’re expensive to purchase if used in large quantities. And the kinds of monsters I’m going to fight are unlikely to find most of these explosives that distracting. So while the pile is huge, relatively speaking, they’re cheap.
Once that’s done, it’s just the usual series of tools like tents, bedrolls, rope, lights, and potions. Lots and lots of Mana and Healing potions. Most of it gets stored in my Altered Space, a part of me wondering if I should increase its size again. But really, what are the chances I’ll be abandoned on a planet again?
“Yes?” Foxy says, walking in.
“Nothing…” I cough, moving my hand from the piece of wood I was knocking on.
“Of course.” Foxy’s eyes show the slightest twinkle of amusement.
I watch the door close before I open my Status Screen, curious to review my data one last time.
Status Screen
Name
John Lee
Class
Erethran Paladin
Race
Human (Male)
Level
15
Titles
Monster’s Bane, Redeemer of the Dead, Duelist, Explorer
Health
3070
Stamina
3070
Mana
2710
Mana Regeneration
225 (+5) / minute
Attributes
Strength
180
Agility
275
Constitution
307
Perception
127
Intelligence
275
Willpower
300
Charisma
78
Luck
48
Class Skills
Mana Imbue
3*
Blade Strike*
3
Thousand Steps
1
Altered Space
2
Two are One
1
The Body’s Resolve
3
Greater Detection
1
A Thousand Blades*
3
Soul Shield
2
Blink Step
2
Portal*
5
Army of One
2
Sanctum
2
Instantaneous Inventory*
1
Cleave*
2
Frenzy*
1
Elemental Strike*
1 (Ice)
Shrunken Footsteps*
1
Tech Link*
2
Penetration
1
Aura of Chivalry
1
Eyes of Insight
1
Analyze*
2
Harden*
2
Quantum Lock*
3
Elastic Skin*
3
Combat Spells
Improved Minor Healing (IV)
Greater Regeneration (II)
Greater Healing (II)
Mana Drip (II)
Improved Mana Missile (IV)
Enhanced Lightning Strike (III)
Firestorm
Polar Zone
Freezing Blade
Improved Inferno Strike (II)
Mud Walls
Ice Blast
Icestorm
Improved Invisibility
Improved Mana Cage
Improved Flight
Haste
Huge. I consider how to trim it down, what to adjust in terms of the points. I still have thirty-two free attributes, but right now, I’m not entirely sure where they’d go. Or what I need. I need more time in this Level, fighting against those who can challenge me, before I can tell.
With that thought, I select the exit option and feel the world fade away as I’m thrown back into “normal” reality.
***
“WELCOME BACK. ABOUT LORD ROXLEY’S REQUEST…”
The notification from Kim is the first thing I notice when I port back from the Shop, making me snarl slightly. “Are you upgraded?”
“YES.”
“Then get to work with Ali. I’ll want a report when you’re done,” I say, then decide I’ve been avoiding answering the damn AI and Roxley long enough. “Tell him I’ll visit him soon.”
“SOON?”
“Soon. This evening,” I say.
“INFORMED.”
I growl, stomping away. I make it halfway out of the office before Lana catches me, a slight smile on her face.
“Problem?” Lana says.
“Nothing major.” I draw a deep breath. Fine. Maybe I’m a little annoyed at being pushed to talk to a man I haven’t seen in ages. And whose motives I’ve never really felt I understood.
“Good. Because I’ve got one for you,” Lana says and falls into step with me. I frown at the redhead, a sign that she seems to take as an indication that it’s time to continue. “Word has started to get out that you’re back.”
“Didn’t think I was trying to hide it.”
“No, but some issues we’ve managed to delay have bubbled up. Like your ownership of these settlements,” Lana says.
“Oh?” I tilt my head and stop us from walking further, leaving us hanging in the middle of the brownstone, glass-filled hallway. Thankfully, this floor is mostly empty. “Who and what do they want to change it to?”
Lana looks mildly uncomfortable before she answers my question. “Well, there are a few groups. Some lead by the older Vancouver council, and other established groups. We’ve mostly been having them argue about how to solve ownership to head them off, but with your return, they’re more focused on removing you from power.”
“And…?”
“And putting me in as an interim replacement.” When Lana notes I’m not even angry, she raises an eyebrow. “John?”
“It’s fine. Actually somewhat expected,” I say, smiling slightly. “I was surprised you left me in charge for so long and didn’t just remove me.”
“The fact that you were alive was a useful deterrent,” Lana says. “Your reputation, your Titles, made a lot of things easier. And so long as the Cores weren’t freed, we knew you were alive. I knew.”
I notice the slight hitch in her voice and swear internally. A part of me hates the fact that this happened, that what we started was abruptly shattered. Perhaps if we’d had more time… what is, is. Sometimes though, you can’t help but ask what if?
“So you, eh?” Do I trust Lana? If you’d asked me four years ago, I’d have undoubtedly said yes. Now… now I have to think about it. But the fact stands that I’ve left her in charge of the settlements, a job she’s done without complaint. Her personality, her knowledge, and frankly, the fact that she doesn’t mind working with people makes her a better choice than me. But… “Let me think about it.”
Truth is, I’m not sure why I’m holding on to the settlements now. It’s not as if she can’t hold them herself. She has a ton of powerful helpers, people she can rely on. Perhaps it’s the hoarder in me, the skinflint who would rather eat instant noodles than go out for dinner, but giving away something of mine is hard.
“Of course.” Lana places a hand on my arm, looking at me seriously. “I wasn’t asking for the settlements. I just wanted you to know.”
“I know.” I sigh. “It’s…”
“You’re looking ahead to the vote. And what happens at the Galactic Council,” Lana says, drawing her own conclusions. In truth, I told her that years ago. Now, I’m not so sure. She bites her lower lip, hesitating until I raise an eyebrow. “Why do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“This. All this,” Lana says, gesturing all around. “You’re barely on Earth for ten minutes before you’re throwing yourself at a Field Boss and clearing a dungeon. Then the moment you’re done, you’re in here, working through the past four years of history, trying to work out how to wrangle a seat onto the Galactic Council. What drives you?”
“This…” I look away for a moment, taking in the passersby outside. Going in and out of the library-cum-center of governance for the city, moving to the other office buildings as they undertake their lives. It’s so busy, such a far cry from before. “There’s a concept in Taoism called wu wei. It translates—badly—as action-non-action. It’s about doing, without thinking, because it’s the right thing to do.”
“Like charging an army?” Lana says, and out of the corner of my eyes, I catch her lips quirking up slightly.
“If it’s the right thing to do at the time, yes,” I say, refusing to turn away from the window. I’m not sure how to explain it without sounding like a fool.
We have so little choice in our lives. We have no choice when we’re born. Where. To whom. We don't get to choose so many of the unexpected joys or tragedies that fall upon us, the pain inflicted or the love gifted. Fate’s will or Lady Luck’s kiss showers upon our heads with equal impartiality. That makes the choices we have, the few and the daily, all the more important. To stand or kneel, to fight or feel. To believe in something, no matter how foolish, how naive and mistaken.
“Doing this? It feels right,” I say. “It’s no worse a decision than any others. Or better. It’s just mine.”
Lana stares at me for a time, brows drawn downward as she studies my form. I turn toward her eventually.
The redhead shakes her head. “I don’t envy you that. What you’re doing, it’s not a fight I’d choose.”
I blink, surprised at the confession. “You never mentioned that before.”
“It wasn’t important back then. But, John, we’re not all willing to throw ourselves at dragons. Some of us, we’re content to take on the ogres. To give those who come after us the tools to fight the dragons.”
I chuckle at the metaphor that could only happen in this time. “Fair enough. Dragon killing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be anyway.”
“Dragon…” L
ana’s eyes narrow, but I refuse to expound on it. In the end, she switches topics. “I’ve got to go. I have to catch up with Katherine. Kelowna’s asking about adding a third Guild building again. And Kamloops wants you to swing by their Armory. There’s a young lady who wants to see you…” Lana says teasingly.
I roll my eyes at her tone and her attempt to lighten the atmosphere. “I’ve got another meeting tonight. And there’s a city dungeon with my name on it.” I roll my shoulders and raise a hand, pulling on my Mana to form a Portal. “Got to test out some new Skills.”
“Have fun!” Lana calls as I step through that oval of darkness and I’m tossed into nothingness.
Chapter 7
Exiting the Portal steps away from the edge of the City Dungeon, I’m greeted by a new sight—a grey concrete wall. I frown, tilting my head as I note it’s right on the edge of where the dungeon starts.
“Kim, I’m looking at a giant wall here,” I mutter softly.
“IT WAS BUILT AFTER THE DEATHS OF A NUMBER OF UNDER-LEVELED TEENAGERS ENTERED WITHOUT PROPER PREPARATION.”
Right. I rub my chin, shrugging, and jump over the ten-foot wall to land inside the dungeon. Immediately, I get a notification. The first part of the notification is the same as before I left, though the Level of the dungeon has grown again. The addendum, on the other hand, is new.
You have entered the University of British Columbia City Dungeon
This dungeon is designated for Levels 10-80. Please check with the local Dungeon Keeper and their attendants for map of zone Levels and further information.
Addendum: All visitors should report to the Dungeon Keeper or an attendant. Failure to do so will result in censure, including loss of dungeon privileges and Credit fines—UBC DK
