Determined to add everything he could to his arsenal before sleeping, Alex scanned over the remaining items V.V. had suggested. He had one X-Grade token, two A-Grade tokens, two B-Grade tokens and three C-Grade tokens left. There were four C-Grade skills V.V. had recommended so he’d have to pass on one of them, but he could get the rest. Not passing out after acquiring a single skill was the biggest issue. Looking over the different options, he decided to go with a single C-Grade skill and then work his way up to the higher ones.
Token Store: T3 Skills: Magic
C-Grade Token: Advanced Mana Shield
Token Store: T3 Skills: Psychic
C-Grade Token: Advanced Remote Viewing
B-Grade Token: Greater Telekinesis
Token Store: T3 Skills: Combat
C-Grade Token: Advanced Melee (Tanzanine)
C-Grade Token: Advanced Swordsmanship (Tanzanine)
Token Store: T3 Spells: Movement
B-Grade Token: Greater Return
A-Grade Token: Superior Warp
Choosing Advanced Mana Shield, Alex laid back against his dirt mound and tried to prepare himself. He was right to prepare himself as pain clawed its way through his brain. Emerald planted itself on the top of Alex’s head as if adhered to him. The little Orb did manage to mitigate some of the pain and Alex didn’t pass out. After the worst of it had passed, he blinked tears from his eyes and looked back to the list. Advanced Remote Viewing was next on the list, but he had a decision to make. He could pass it over for Advanced Melee (Tanzanine) or take it and miss out on the fighting skill. Not wanting to bother V.V. with every little question, he’d stopped himself from asking her a few things already, but this one felt worth asking.
“V.V, I’m choosing between Advanced Remote Viewing and Advanced Melee (Tanzanine). Thoughts?” Alex asked, still attempting to blink away his blurry vision from the massive skill induced headache.
“Advanced Remote Viewing is a convenient skill, but you have other abilities that can compensate for not having it. Advanced Melee (Tanzanine) is a foundational skill for all Tanzanine combative skills. If you don’t take it and learn the Advanced Swordsmanship (Tanzanine), it won’t be as effective.” V.V. said, sparing a moment from her own preparations to look at Alex while she explained her reasoning.
“Ok, that sounds like a good enough reason to me.” Alex said, and rested his head back, once again. He waited for a few minutes to allow the remnants of the previous headache enough time to fade. Once the pain was just an echo of itself, he claimed his new skill. The pain was more intense than the first but shorter. Alex didn’t know it was shorter as his brain was on fire and his body felt like someone was breaking his bones. The little Orbs whirred around him, doing what they could to alleviate their master’s pain as he struggled not to scream.
The pain came and went while Alex remained conscious but exhausted. It wasn’t time to sleep though, unfortunately. He waited a few minutes and acquired the next skill. The process repeated as pain shot through him. Recovery took a bit longer, but he pressed onto the next skill which was B-Grade. Alex looked at the skill for a long while before finally resolving himself to what he knew would be even worse pain. The procurement of Greater Telekinesis was surprisingly instant and painless. Alex waited, but no pain came for him. If anything, he felt a little better after he’d taken in the new skill and was both shocked and relieved. He didn’t understand why some skills were so incredibly painful while others didn’t harm him at all. Looking at the next skill, Greater Return, Alex hoped it would be just as kind as the last had been.
It was kinder to him than the other painful skills, but he still had to contend with a moderately painful headache for a few minutes. That’s all it took to acquire the last B-Grade skill on his list, no snapped limbs, bloody eyes or multiple hour comas. Empty of both C and B-Grade tokens, Alex looked to the last skill V.V. had recommended. After obtaining Superior Warp, his remaining A and X-Grade tokens would be used on either a weapon or companion, he just needed to stay conscious for that to happen. Alex braced himself for what he knew was going to be a wild and painful ride. Digging his hands into the dirt floor, he selected the skill and purchased it.
Another decently powerful headache followed but it was nothing compared to some of the C-Grade skills full body attacks he’d endured. He wanted to dive into why some skills were so incredibly painful and others did almost nothing to him. A day where nothing crazy happened would have to arrive for that to even be a possibility though. Confused but grateful for being spared something far worse, he pushed away thoughts of exploring why things happened and focused on the next steps he needed to take. After a few more minutes of relaxing his tired mind, he opened the companion panels for both Tokens and Credits.
(Credit) Companions:
Movement
Defense
Offense
Restoration
Stealth
Discovery
Household
Culinary
Builders
Teachers
Governors
Evolving
(Token) Companions:
Movement
Defense
Offense
Restoration
Stealth
Discovery
Household
Culinary
Builders
Teachers
Governors
Evolving
“Right, Credits can’t purchase certain companions…” Alex said under his breath, looking over the categories.
“There are certain categories that cannot be unlocked until certain conditions have been met. Usually that’s based on User Level but there are some categories or sub-categories that need special Achievements or Titles to unlock. The fact that you can see the category shows that it can be obtained by some means. At level ten you’ll unlock certain categories in the Credit Store that you don’t have access to now.” V.V. said as she’d heard Alex’s statement.
“Ok. Well at least I know they won’t always be blocked off.” Alex said as he chose the Evolving category from the Token list.
(Token) Evolving Companions:
X-Grade:
V-N9000
Fluff2.0
Liquid V200
UpgradeV
9M
He could no longer see the Y-Grade options as he didn’t possess the corresponding token. Trying to get information on the companions was no different than the first time he’d tried unfortunately. If he was going to choose one, he’d be going in blind. Before making a very permanent choice, he decided once again that maybe V.V. should have some input.
“V.V, do you think I should use my last X-Grade Token on an Evolving Companion?” Alex asked.
“Most companions aren’t very strong right after you summon them. Any companion you purchase may be more of a liability in the fight tomorrow. If you’re set on getting one though, Evolving is the way to go in the long run. In the short run, a Governor, Teacher or Builder may be stronger options. I wouldn’t waste the X-Grade Token on Teacher or Builder though.”
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“What do you recommend right here and now. I’m tired, my brain wants to sleep but I don’t feel comfortable going to battle tomorrow leaving potential help on the table.”
“Buy the X-Grade Evolving Companion then. It may surprise us and be useful in the fight but remember that it can die. I’d truly save the A-Grade for a Governor for after the battle and then buy a Builder or two for your Settlement. As for helping in the fight, a long-range companion may be helpful, but a long-range spell may be just as useful if your Mana can keep up with the demanding output. You’ve not had any extremely Mana draining moments yet, but you will once you’ve started using your abilities more frequently.”
“Oh, what about a Ray-gun or something.” Alex asked, looking to the System, expecting something to appear and to his shock, something did.
(Token) Weapons: Ranged: Energy
X-Grade:
Atomic Splitter
Felix’s Last Breath
True Aim 2000E
Micro-Energy X-S
Limit Breacher E99
Rory K.’s Blasta Masta
(Token) Weapons: Ranged: Energy: Ammunition
X-Grade:
AS3c – x100
FLB’s – x1000L
TA2E – x10
Micro EXS – x100
LBe99 – x1
Rory’s BM’s – x10
Alex’s face lit up and immediately fell. Two windows had popped up at his prompt, one for the weapons and another for the ammo. So sci-fi weapons existed but were so expensive that you had to use a currency only available through sheer luck.
“I can’t believe laser beam rifles exist, but you can only get them with Tokens…” Alex said despondently.
“No, you just haven’t unlocked the ability to purchase them through the Credit Store yet.” V.V. corrected him, holding back her sigh. She’d just explained that certain categories won’t unlock until he’s stronger and he’d immediately forgotten. He was tired and worried about the coming fight though, so V.V. didn’t tease him.
“So, any ranged weapon I buy will need ammo and the ammo doesn’t just come free. What about regular guns?” Alex waited only a moment before a new list with weapons he recognized. He was surprised to see categories that he recognized show up but even more confused by the three he didn’t.
(Credit) Weapons: Ranged: Kinetic
Pistols
Shotguns
Sniper Rifles
Dargon Nails
Revolvers
Submachine Guns
Machine Guns
Bone Vectors
Rifles
Assault Rifles
Carbines
Living Arms
“Dargon Nails?... Bone Vectors?... Living Arms?... And these are the only things available as well. I guess it would be too convenient to just blow the boss monsters brains out with a regular gun?” Alex asked, both confused and a little annoyed.
“All three of those are types of kinetic weapons used by civilizations that should have been at a similar state of development as your world. The Dargon Nails were weapons similar to your guns that launched various types of, you guessed it, nails. I believe there are only three types of the kinetic version that were made after the System arrived on their world since they moved onto more powerful weapons before more types were needed. Bone Vectors are devices that attach to an organic lifeform’s body and use that body’s own bones as projectiles. I wouldn’t recommend it for your use unless you have a special bone regeneration ability you haven’t told me about. Living Arms are somewhat like Bone Vectors in that they attach to an organic body, but they don’t fire bones. You’d slot in different materials to be converted into what essentially amount to bullets. A wide variety of combinations can be made to apply moderate kinetic damage to targets. The downside is that it constantly feeds off the lifeforce of whatever it’s attached to and isn’t easy to take off.” V.V. spoke quickly, knowledge pouring from her.
“…Wow. So no to all three?” Alex said, bewildered by the amount of information V.V. had provided.
“The Dargon Nails would be the most useful but mostly against smaller enemies, I’m afraid. No to Bone Vectors and while Living Arms are more powerful than Dargon Nails usually, you’ll have to buy a variety of materials to test different ammunitions. There’s also the issue of it slowly eating you but if you’re ok with that, then go for it. With Emerald and Sapphire healing you, it may not be an issue for a while.” V.V. said with no hint of being for or against any particular option.
“That sounds like a no…” Alex said and instead of dwelling on trying to find more long ranged weapons, bows for instance, he didn’t know how to use one but maybe if he practiced… he wrenched his mind back from another rabbit hole and tried to think of what other options were available to him. He could buy some long-ranged spells, but he wasn’t sure if he’d have enough Mana to operate them.
The System was more than vague about how much Health, Mana and Stamina he had. Regardless of whether he could use a spell over and over, it didn’t change the fact that he needed at least one spell or ability he could use alone. Focusing on the more complex idea of needing to see spells, skills or abilities that he could currently both use and purchase, he waited. After almost ten seconds he figured the System wasn’t at the point of being able to decipher so many questions at once. Right as the tenth second came, so did the System panel.
Suitable ranged attack powers for User: Alexander Ingram
Shadow Orb: Spell (Token: A-Grade or Credits: 76341)
Blazing Orb: Spell (Token A-Grade or Credits: 72880)
Frosted Orb: Spell (Token A-Grade or Credits: 79115)
Flame Lance: Spell (Token B-Grade or Credits: 45022)
Frost Lance: Spell (Token B-Grade or Credits: 45923)
Fireball: Spell (Token C-Grade or Credits: 22919)
Iceball: Spell (Token C-Grade or Credits: 20994)
Return Blade: Rune (Token A-Grade)
Gravity Storm: Ability (Token X-Grade)
Gravity Pulse: Ability (Token X-Grade)
Alex’s mouth fell open at the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Sure, it was only a floating blue box with a list of very expensive powers on it, but the System had understood him! He compiled a list of different needs in his mind and willed the System to answer him and it did! If he’d had the energy, he’d have leapt into the air out of excitement. After wrestling his ecstatic emotions down, he thought about Shadow Orb’s information. Waiting expectantly, the smile that had climbed onto his face started to droop and a few seconds later a frown replaced it.
SIGH
“Again, with the no info bullshit… Why does it do this? The System has to know what the skills and spells it sells do, right?” Alex asked V.V. with a hefty amount of frustration in his voice.
“I believe it may be due to a Merchant Block. Merchant organizations throughout the cosmos sell information on items, skills, abilities, you name it. The System changes to the will of the masses as I’ve talked about before. There are large organizations that exist that use enormous wealth and loopholes to change small portions of the System. It’s only maintained for short periods of time before the vast majority of sentient lifeforms naturally revert these temporary changes.” V.V. said after turning to look at Alex when his voice had become agitated.
“Oh… I hate them…” Alex said, less aggressively but fully serious.
“Many people do, they have their uses though. You’ll want to trade with a Merchant eventually. The System Store has many things but unless you’re using Tokens, truly special purchases either cost far too many Credits or aren’t in the Credit Store at all.” V.V. said.
“Well, I’m not looking forward to it… Do you know what these Spells, Abilities and Rune do?” Alex asked as he turned the panel towards V.V.
“It’s good that you’re understanding the System better. The Orbs, Lances and Balls are condensed energy of those elements and should fly in the direction you point them, but each form does different things. The Orbs can be cast and kept aloft before you choose a target. Lances will imbed themselves if able and not dissipate from the target for a while. Fireball and Iceball should be like you’d imagine, fire and ice fly wherever you point and things either catch fire or freeze. Return Blade can be carved into most bladed weapons to return to your hand after you drop or throw the blade. I’m not sure on cooldown times for it though and I wouldn’t classify it as an attack power necessarily but it’s interesting that the System did. I wouldn’t recommend Gravity Storm or Pulse. Storm essentially increases and decreases the gravity in an area around a target rapidly. Pulse does something similar, but it moves in a wave away from the User towards whatever your target is. They can both be extremely devastating attacks but are very taxing to use. The devastation includes any friendly targets as well of course.” V.V. explained while Alex marveled at her ability to speak without breathing. A huge flow of words with very minimal pausing was a very odd thing to get used to, especially when it was coming from a living being.
Alex had a few choices to make before he could hopefully close his eyes for a few hours. He’d pretty much decided that the X-Grade Token was going to another Evolving Companion, but he wasn’t sure about the A-Grade Token. V.V. had suggested that he save it for a Governor after they’d defeated the final boss, but his anxiety was warring with that sound advice. What if this coming battle was lost due to a single attack that a Defensive Companion could have stopped and helped turn the tides… Or maybe a dozen such companions wouldn’t be enough anyway, and he’d still be dying a gruesome death in the morning. Alex’s mind attempted to run away again but he dug his lengthy nails into his skin and focused.
“V.V. would you recommend several Defensive and Offensive companions bought with Credits or a few Spells instead. Maybe a mix of both?” Alex asked, second guessing himself again.
“It really depends on the companion to be honest; most will be weak when they first appear as I’ve said, and I don’t know much about most of them. Since you won’t be able to use many at once, I wouldn’t buy too many spells unless you’re looking to counter certain defenses the boss may have.” V.V. said as she poured a thick pink concoction into a vial that appeared to contain plain water, a small poof flowed into the air as the two substances made contact and V.V. funneled the fumes into a third container. Alex watched her for a moment, forgetting about the life-or-death decisions he needed to make. He let his mind wander for a while before taking in what V.V. said. If the boss somehow was immune to any of the elements that he purchased, then his spells would be worthless. Before he could spiral into more what-ifs, he opened up the Credit Companion list for Defensive and Offensive Companions at Tier three.
(Credit) Defensive Companions:
User has access to Tier 3 Credit Categories.
Tier 3:
Anglar – 38912
Boldir – 44800
Muntan – 52822
(Credit) Offensive Companions:
User has access to Tier 3 Credit Categories.
Tier 3:
Swyzer – 66810
Zipsum – 72339
Rayzor – 82712
“Three of each… Crap… I need to do some math.” Alex said, hoping that V.V. would turn around and offer to be his living calculator, but she didn’t even pretend to notice him. After scratching in the dirt for a few minutes he worked out that he could either buy the two most expensive companions and one of the Orb Spells or two Orb Spells and one companion. He thought about one of the less expensive companions, but he couldn’t bring himself to risk it. If Rayzor was much stronger than Swyzer he’d be kicking himself in the afterlife if the more expensive one could have saved him. He was all too familiar with going into doom-spirals, so he bit his lip and went for it. Muntan was the first of the new companions to join him and it climbed right out of the dirt pile to his left. It was a small boulder with three even smaller rocks for each of its two arms and four legs. The appendages floated freely from the main body as if suspended by wobbly magnets. It had no face to speak of but still looked cute to Alex’s eyes.
“Gross.” V.V. said as she’d turned around to see the newest member of their party.