Kreo watched as Djin walked out the gate with Silima and the other two. He had actually been watching Djin since Hanazure challenged him to the duel and promptly got stomped. He chuckled with amusement at seeing her fly from the snow pile when Djin's fireball hit her.

"Looks like he's setting out. If I'm going to keep up then I need to get to work. A handful of quests, a few levels, and a couple hundred corpses should be my goal."

Not wanting to waste anytime, Kreo went to the Guild Hall to look for some work to do and possibly group up with others. It could be a problem if the wrong people learned his Khayn's Acolyte class but he'd just have to take the risk. The board popped up when he approached it and he started to look through the sporadic requests that typically were one-off quests and rarely went further. Deliveries, monster culling, merchant escorts... the typical drudgery you would expect to see.

"Nothing particularly amazing but I suppose I am still in the greener parts of the game. Damn, if only I could have gone along with Djin. Khayn's Acolyte sounded like such a deal at the time, didn't think it would bite us in the ass so quickly."

Kreo reviewed the skills he got as a result of the class change.

(Passive) Khayn's Prejudice - Lv. MAX

Deal 10% bonus damage of a random type whenever attacking any target not affiliated with Khayn.

Deal 20% less damage when attacking any target affiliated with Khayn.

More damage was always good. Being a random type wasn't great but it let him get around enemies that may be physical immune.

Khayn's Bitterness- Lv. 1

Place a debuff on a target that causes Khayn's Prejudice to always use the most effective damage type against them.

Increases the effect of Khayn's Prejudice to 20% bonus damage whenever attacking any target not affiliated with Khayn.

Cooldown: 1 hour

The long cooldown period wasn't great but it would be very effective for use against bosses... Wait...

Kreo thought about what most effective damage type might mean, he would need to get more information though. There is an NPC in the Guild Hall that he could use for exactly this type of question though. He approached the elder and asked his question.

"What can be considered critical damage?" Kreo asked hopefully.

The elder pondered for a moment before answering.

"Ah, I see your signature skill refers to critical damage as well! Any damage that is extra effective against an enemy is considered critical damage, but you might also occasionally inflict a critical strike on an enemy if you are skilled and lucky enough. Does that answer your question?"

Kreo thought about it but asked further. "Could you give an example of when damage might be extra effective?"

"Sure sure, if for example you were fighting undead monsters and used holy magic on them. If they were dried zombies and you used fire effects or if you used bludgeoning weapons against skeletons. Sometimes it won't always be clear what an enemies weakness is but most enemies do have one."

Kreo smiled and gave thanks to the Elder. He had heard exactly what he wanted to hear.

"Perfect... that means that my signature skill is going to be very very effective! At full health, all the critical damage I do should be doubled and if I am at full health it will even over heal me... starting fights with a healing potion or spell would also give me a nice buffer amount to work with. Djin was right, this skill is very potent."

Kreo was very pleased with himself at this moment. Not knowing that Khayn had a small deal of influence in designing his signature skill... It's just a small way demi-gods take care of their servants in the background.

"Now to level... even though my class changed, I don't think anyone will notice it. I can just tell people I'm a fighter for now. If they question it too much I'll have to brush it off but it should be fine for a bit."

With that, Kreo was determined. He looked around the Guild Hall again and found a group looking for more players to quest with. They welcomed him to their cause and they set out into the world determined to gain levels and loot.

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Djin returned to his pod after 4 hours and logged into Endless. He was surprised to see his timer already elapsed but then thought about it...

"1 minute of prayer takes 5 minutes off the timer... but 1 minute in real life is 4 minutes in game... wait... that means I could've logged in after just an hour?!"

Djin facepalmed after realizing he had failed to take into account the games time dilation effect. Thought to be fair, Silima hadn't mentioned it to him either...

Logging in, he opted to respawn at the field camp when given the choice. He opened his eyes to see canvas and a wooden pole. Sitting up, he could see it was dark outside, he leaned over to stand up when his hand felt a lump. A squishy lump.

He looked down and saw Silima laying down next to him, his hand resting on her chest, and an icy glare on her face.

"So you thought you'd take advantage of the dark and feel me up? Is that it!?"

Djin pulled his hand away and stammered an apology. "Silima, sorry, I didn't know you were there! I just respawned and was getting up!"

She laughed at his embarrassment, knowing it was an accident.

"Aww Djin, I'm just messing with ya. We might not have known each other that long but I at least hope that if you were taking advantage it wouldn't be to practice CPR."

Djin's blush started fading as he heard her let him off the hook for feeling her chest. Looking to change the topic he asked "Where is Leon and Hanazure? Were you all waiting for me? I didn't take into consideration the time dilation when thinking of Irel praying, I should've revived... 20 hours earlier than this.

Silima thought about that for a moment and realized the same. "Oh doy... I completely forgot about that. So let's see... one hour of prayer in the real world would remove... ugh this math is hard."

"It'd be... umm." Djin paused and remembered what Kreo said. "Yeah, it's hard. I can't tell." He continued.

"Hang on, I think I almost have it... so 1 minute of prayer out of game is 4 minutes of prayer in game. So if you're waiting 24 hours and every minute she prays you lose 20 minutes off your timer in the real world..." Silima did some more math in the air in front of her. "That means that time is passing 21 times faster... so 24 hours would pass in... just under 70 minutes? Is that right?" She asked Djin for confirmation.

Djin nodded. "Sounds much more accurate. Were you all waiting for me?"

Silima shook her head. "No, Leon and Hanazure logged off for a bit, they'll be back by noon. It's just you and me until they get back on."

Djin checked his menus. "That gives us about 6 hours alone. Damn, I didn't get experience from the battle. Still level 10." He felt Silima pat his back.

"There there, you might still be level 10 but I gained a level. Hanazure and Leon got a decent chunk as well, loot was poor though."

"So what level are you now?" he asked.

"14, one more level until I can get a mod for my sig!" she said gleefully.

Djin sighed in exasperation. "Is it too late to add one more term to me joining the guild? Can everyone stop calling signature skills 'sigs'?"

Silima chuckled at that. "Leon feels the same way as you. If the guild master can't stop it, what do you think you can do?"

Djin made a mental note to look into a game-wide geas spell later. "Oh right, I need to check my skills real quick." then he quickly pulled up the Sealed Mind of the Archmage skill.

Ultimate Skill - Sealed Mind of the Archmage

You hold knowledge of all magic within your mind. However you have had your mind sealed by the Demi-god Khayn. He will allow you to regain your knowledge if you earn his favor.

If you are unsure of how to earn Khayn's favor, you may communicate to him at any of his shrines or churches.

Favor: 2

Please select your choice from the following screen.

Djin thought to himself, 'Damn... it hasn't been a week yet so I can't move my 1 yet. I could've gotten 21 favor, unless Khayn would see that and object. For now let's just get another new magic and I'll keep the other favor in case I haven't earned more by the time the cooldown is up.'

He selected another 1 Favor Magic box at random, hoping his luck wouldn't betray him.

1 Favor Magic 3 Favor Magic 5 Favor Magic 10 Favor Magic 100 Favor Magic ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? Magic Runes ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? Mage Limbs ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????

Mage Limbs? What is tha...

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Thank you for your selection. The following magic has been unsealed:

Passive Acquired - Mage Limbs Lv. MAX

You are a master of the mana inside of your body. You are able to extend it out from any part of you and use it as an extra limb.

The amount of force the limb is using and the distance from your body both increase the mana cost.

Maximum additional limbs - 8

A wealth of knowledge sprung into Djin's mind. He felt his mastery over mana immediately change and his understanding of how mana circulates in his body reached a new level. He pooled the mana to his right shoulder and willed it out of his body and into form. A translucent, nearly invisible arm sprung from his shoulder, Djin could feel it and move it as though it was his own arm. He reached over with it and tapped Silima on the shoulder.

"AH, BUG! DJIN HELP!" she squealed. Djin pulled the mage hand away.

"Sorry Silima, could you see it?" he asked.

"See what? The bug? Did you get it? Where did it go?!" Silima looked around in a frenzy.

It seems only Djin could make out the silhouette of the mage limb, he'd have to keep this to himself.

"No I don't see any bug, it must've fled when you started tossing about. You're fine Silima." He tried to calm her down. "How about we get up and practice some? I can try to help you learn how to use your mana a bit more and maybe in doing so we can unlock a skill for you."

That got her excited, the two of them quickly got up and went outside. A few pawns were acting out guard patrols and two were in the guard tower looking over the plains. The two of them walked towards the edge of the encampment, while Djin pushed a small glob of mana out of his self and formed it into an eye. He flew into the sky about 100 feet before he felt a strain to maintain the connection. Closing left eye, his vision changed to that of the mage eye as he scanned the area.

Further west he could see the beginnings of a valley with rocky crevices, to the north was hills leading to a larger mountain. The south had a river in the distance and more flatland. Back east the way they came he could barely see the light of Freemont. He dispelled the eye and decided to ask Silima "Where is the nearest ocean? I was hoping to experience a coastal town and sailing while in the game."

She pulled up her map and checked "The closest way would be northeast towards Bandit's Bay, but the nearest coastal town would be north past the mountain. There is a harbor where larger ships dock and trade goods. I've heard that Steeton is further still from there but I haven't made it past this mountain yet. Our guild was contracted by the baron of Episnot to clear the hills and tunnel of monsters so they could re-open the path through."

"A baron? What's his name? Where does he live?" Djin asked her.

Silima scratched her head "I know he's in Bruge right now but I think it's supposed to be temporary. I never got his name though. Leon would know since he had to meet with him to take on the quest."

Djin nodded in understanding. "Right, well no big deal. It sounds like the guild is already keen on carving a path to a coastal town anyway."

"Why do you want to go to the sea anyway?"

Djin looked at her, then away to the north. He answered her plainly "It's a man's calling to contend with something greater than him. The sea is mighty indeed but to sail upon it and wrestle with it's choppy waves when it's unpleasant... that's a man's romance." he told her, leaving out the part about Marland's quest.

Silima rolled her eyes at that. "Gah, you men are ridiculous. It's just water."

Djin scoffed at her casual take. "I would've thought that someone who plays a massive game like Endless would have at least some interest in the thrill of adventure. Why do you even play if not for the challenge Silima?"

"Money. Do you know how much you can make by selling rare items in this game? The black market for Endless gear is already in the millions and this game has only been out for a week. I'm going to be rich as soon as I can get some loot worth selling."

Djin tsked at that. "And you called me a walking money pit. It's going to be sometime before the guild has loot to spare for you to cash in on."

Silima winced. "I know, but it's an investment ya know? By this time next month, I will definitely have made at least some cash."

The two of them had reached a spot just outside of camp. Djin turned to her "I'm not one to disparage someone else's goals. If you're in this to get rich then go for it. I hope that you find there is more to this game than just that though. Now, what do you know about mana? How does it feel inside you?"

Silima thought about it before answering. "At first, when I began playing, it felt like a small puddle in the middle of my body. But when I put a point into intelligence at level 3, it changed. It warmed up and felt larger. When I cast a skill that costs mana, I feel it being lapped up to be used, then it slowly seeps back in from everywhere else."

Djin nodded, it was an appropriate description but feeling how his mana flowed in his body, it was severely lacking. "What is your intelligence at now?" he asked.

"Seven, I've been putting most of my points into agility, then endurance and strength. Is that going to mess this up? I don't regret it, I'm much faster than I could have ever imagined!"

Djin shook his head. "I don't think it will mess anything up, but right now your mana is being used just passively. We need to teach you how to control it so you can better shape it and use it."

He reached out his hands to her. "First, take my hands." Silima obliged. "Now I'm going to pour my mana into you gently, I want you to feel how it flows and how your body reacts to it."

Djin urged his mana out of his hand and to flow towards her. However, her spirit rejected it instinctually. "Feel that Silima? Your body is fighting me but you can control it. Focus on the where it's tense and coax your spirit into relaxing."

She focused on her hands and wrists. It felt like her spirit was tied up like a knot near her wrists. An incredibly foreign sensation, she imagined the knot coming undone and the mana flowing like a river.

Djin could feel her efforts but it was lacking, despite how hard she wanted it a part of her was still hesitating. Djin used his Mage Limb to create two more hands and used them to clasp her hands in his.

"Focus Silima, chant if it helps. 'I allow this mana to flow.' we need to begin teaching you how to control these paths."

Silima started muttering his chant as Djin increased the push of his mana. Too much and it could hurt her, but not enough and her instinctive rejection wouldn't allow them to proceed. They continued for a few minutes before Silima broke away.

"It's not working Djin! I can feel the push coming from you but I can't figure out how to let it in. It's like you're trying to push your hand through my chest, my skin won't just let it happen!"

Djin considered this, but he still had another idea. "There may be another way, but you need to trust me. Do you trust me?"

She nodded to him and he continued. "Okay, I'm going to put my hands on your waist, it's closer to where you feel your mana pooling right? Instead of pushing my mana into you, I'm going to coax your mana to come to me."

Djin stood close to her and put his hands on each side of her waist. Silima awkwardly looked away from his face being so close to hers.

"Now you're going to feel a bit funny here but I promise it won't hurt you. Just focus on what you feel and try to remember it."

Djin made his mana hungry in his hands, it began to suck at the heat in the air and in turn quickly chilled Silima. She started to pull back but he held onto her firmly. "I know it's uncomfortable but I need to coax your mana into action. Bear with it!"

Silima squirmed in discomfort, Djin's hands getting colder and colder, surely he was going to give her frostbite! Djin focused his vision and saw into Silima's core, her mana was reacting but poorly. It seemed there was still a mental block at work. He could only keep this up a few more seconds before the cold would get too harsh. Djin reached out with his mage hand towards her hair. "Silima?" he asked.

"Y-y-yes Djin?" she answered.

Djin tickled her ear with his mage hand. "There's a bug at your ear." Silima's eyes instantly went wide and her guard broke. The mana at her core exploded out in force towards his hands and he let go. Silima began swatting at her ear and hair, scratching to get rid of the non-existent insect.

"GET IT OUT! GET IT OUT!" she cried. Djin walked up to her and plucked near her ear, feigning to catch the pest.

"I got it Silima, don't worry. Also, I think we may have finally broken down the wall around your mana. Do you feel any different?" he asked.

Silima stopped her freak out and realized that she did feel very different. The puddle of mana was gone but she could feel it all around her body now instead. "Djin, it feels so weird! It's like I peed myself inside my body!"

Djin grimaced at her description. "Please never describe it like that again. You should be able to command your mana to flow much more easily now. The vessel that was holding it in reserve has shattered."

She practiced willing it to flow around her body, her head, to her hands, to her chest, then to her feet. She pushed all of the mana down to her feet, then crouched down herself.

Djin realized what she was about to do "Silima, WAIT DON'T JU-."

But it was too late, Silima pushed her legs down, her mana down, and launched her body into the air. She felt the wind ripping at her face and a status window popped up in front of her face.

Skill Acquired - Mighty Leap Lv. 1

Jump much higher than normal!

The height of your jump is decided by your agility and mana used.

A skill! She got a skill! She looked down to tell Djin! "Djin, I got a skill! I got a-" wait... wasn't she ridiculously high up?

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Djin saw Silima leave the ground with an earth rumbling force. He saw her reach at least 200 feet into the air and the golden halo effect surround her.

"Well she got a skill, now how the hell do I keep her from dying."

Djin started calculating where she was going to land and started running. He was already preparing a rune word to use.

He slammed his hand on the ground where he thought she was falling towards.

Wide, Dirt, Absorb, Force

He really hoped he'd have more time to think of proper rune word structure the next time he cast one. Just as the magic activated, Silima crashed down to the ground, screaming for help.

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"DJIN! HELP! I'M FALLING!" she screamed, not caring to realize the words never reached him. She was seconds away from hitting the ground when she saw a flash of magic happen in front of her.

She hit the ground hard and the ground gave way like a thick goo. She felt it slowly start to spring back up as her momentum dissipated. Then the rune ended and the ground turned back to solid. Djin rushed over to her "Silima, are you okay?"

Still a bit shocked, Silima managed to answer him "Djin! I... I got a skill!"