Chapter 28 – Well, That Happened

I once again came to the floor. The goblins were kind enough to fetch a pillow from somewhere and put it under me. As I sat up, I realized that was all they did.

“Do not move too quickly. That many stats all at once takes a moment to adjust to.” Hal’ex said as she sat next to me on the ground, her special undead chair creature nearby.

“How long was I out?” I asked.

“About a span or what I believe huemons call an hour. Your body was twitching violently for a while there, so we feared to do more than give you a pillow for your head.”

“No wonder my whole body feels sore and wait a minute...” I started to say as I realized I ripped my shirt to shreds.

“Damn! Another shirt gone!” I lamented.

“Yes, you seem to have grown a few inches as well as increased muscle density. You are lucky your trousers are made of some kind of stretching substance, otherwise the females of my clan would be even more aggressive in their pursuits.” Hal’ex explained.

“Yea they are called sweatpants with an elastic band. I figured it was a safe bet as most of my other clothes don’t really fit me anymore. I appreciate you keeping the vultures at bay.” I commented.

“A very apt description, my boy. I can see why my grandson likes you so much. Don’t let him fool you, he feels like he has a new life filled with possibilities.” Hal’ex replied.

“I’m rather fond of the guy too. Again, thank you for watching over me.” I stated.

“I am a Dark Shaman, that means I still can heal even if I use curses and other magics to inflict suffering on my enemies. I was one of the best healers in the camp, so it made sense for me to examine you. There are some anomalies I cannot quite understand but you seem fine.” Hal’ex further explained.

“Well, I appreciate that even more. I’m not ready to share all my secrets, so I ask that we leave it there for now., to be discussed at some later date.” I answered.

“Done. You are not the first person to keep closely guarded secrets, in fact, that is common among the Dark.” Hal’ex agreed.

“I’m not aligned with the Dark!” I protested.

Hal’ex raised her hand. “I never said you were. It is clear in how you treat my grandson and Jek’jon that you are different. I merely was stating the fact that our people are rarely treated with kindness or respect. Usually, we are told what to do and when. Not knowing those in power’s secrets is commonplace for us.”

Sighing, I nodded. “That is good to know about your people. I do plan to lead differently, but some secrets must be kept.”

“Of course, your Dark Eminence.” Hal’ex bowed her head.

Grumbling at my new title, I decided to check the notifications that awaited me.

Congratulations! You are awarded enough experience points to reach the next level!

Level Up! Congratulations! You are now level 12! You have +26 stat points to distribute.

Congratulations! You have once again singlehandedly defeated a Contested Portal within the first re-integration of your world. Two in the first week is an exceptionally rare achievement! Available rewards have increased the bonus from your World’s Champion title.

Please choose three from the following rewards:

· Magic Weapon

· Combat Skill to Adept rank

· Utility spell

· Offensive spell

· One random monster core

‘Well, that is pretty much the same. So, now what do I choose this time?’ As my thoughts went back to last time, I was given this choice.

I started from the bottom of the options and worked my way to the top. Last time the random core was one of the best choices he ever made, granting him multiple boons. The problem was the time. It took roughly a day to absorb the core, and that was far faster than expected according to his conversation with Gr’ex afterwards. In other words, if I didn’t have a giant battle looming over my head, this option would be a no brainer, this time however I may have to pass on this option.

Moving to the next option, an offensive spell could really be handy in a battle. There were still risks, it was completely random. If the spell had a long cast time, it may not be as useful as I’d like it to be. Still a contender.

Next was a Utility spell. This one is almost a must. Utility meant versatility. Now sure, it could be a niche situation, but I knew myself. It would be impossible for me to pass up on this one.

That led me to think about the last combat skill I received. I was beyond lucky to get Weapons Mastery at Master rank. That instant knowledge download nearly killed me, or at least that is what it felt like, but is has been the most versatile and useful survival skill I had. Even if I did not get something as wide a range as Weapons Mastery, this was another one I couldn’t pass up, especially with an upcoming battle.

That left me the last option, a magic weapon. I would’ve dismissed this one instantly, if not for the fact the notification said the rewards would be upgraded. An upgraded weapon could make all the difference in the upcoming fight.

Choices, choices, choices. Life is all about the choices we make and what we do with the results. I had picked two of my options already, that left me to decide between magic weapon, offensive spell, or random monster core.

I wanted the core, but I couldn’t be out of commission for the next day or so, that left that option sadly out. That left me with a weapon or spell. Who was I kidding, if I wanted to be a mage I was going to require as many spells as possible.

Selections made; I excitedly awaited the results. It did not take long for three new notifications to pop up in my view.

Congratulations! You have gained the combat skill: Unarmed Combat Mastery. This skill has been upgraded to Master rank.

Combat skill: Unarmed Combat Mastery

Description: only true masters of combat know that the true weapon in battle is yourself. This combat skill can only be granted after learning and mastering multiple hand-to-hand and martial art techniques.

A new notification immediately popped up.

Congratulations! You have mastered two combat skills that have high synergy granting you the additional combination combat skill: Makeshift Weaponry. This skill mastery rank is based on the average between the two skills. Rank imparted: Master.

Stolen story; please report.

Combat Skill: Makeshift Weaponry

Description: Those rare individuals who can master martial arts and weapons mastery allows one to see everything and anything around them as a weapon.

“Oh yea!” I said in excitement as images of Keanu Reeves using a pencil to kill someone or using a spoon as a weapon.

Oh, the ideas started to flood my mind. Then more ways to adjust my body, the names of the combat techniques. On and on, more information poured into my mind. I recognized the signs all too late. I was just able to get the words out to Hal’ex. “I did it again. Going to need a few...”

Pain and the worst splitting headache hit me. It felt like millions of pins the size of jack hammers were slamming into my skull. Each hit was a new move or form. On it went, for what felt like days but was most likely only a few hours. Then I blacked out, again!

As I awoke, it was pitch black out, the only light the stars in the sky and torches throughout camp. I held my head as I sat up.

A panting Hal’ex spoke to my side. “C-Careful... mantle.”

That was when I realized in my mental overload, I stopped my tight control over my Dark Mantle, and it had flooded the entire camp. Hal’ex and many others were on their hands and knees, panting in a weird mix of fear and... hunger or joy? I couldn’t quite figure out the last part of the expression. As my headache started to subside, I reined in my ability, and I saw everyone’s breathing calm down.

Hal’ex leaned against her undead chair creature for support. “Thank you, your Dark Eminence. I do not know what happened to you but when you released your power it hit us all in waves. As we have pledged our fealty, the effects hit us differently than the first time. The horrific terror is still there but now there is a feeling that could be very intoxicating. The more I embraced my oath the terror lessened and was replaced with a level of empowerment I could not imagine possible for a goblin such as myself. I fear my people will want to be around you even more now.”

“That is good to know. My mind was overloaded with two new combat skills. It was a lot of information and I lost control for a time. How long was I out?” I replied.

“I would say several spans, or hours I believe the term is. It was difficult to be stuck like that for such an extended period of time. Knowing my people and what I just went through, many will be fanatics from this point forward.” Hal’ex answered.

“Well, that just happened. Fanatics are not something I wanted. I’ll be leaning on you to help with this Hal’ex.” I stated.

I decided to review the remaining notifications. This time my Utility Spell selection had multiple prompts.

Congratulations! Your granted utility spell has been randomly selected from types of magic you have high affinity with. Please wait while Magic time is chosen...

Magic type chosen: Time! Please wait while the spell tier is determined...

The random utility Time magic spell has been upgraded to the maximum possible value due to the way you obtained this spell. You have learned the new utility spell: Time Armor. This spell is a tier 10 spell.

Spell: Time Armor (Tier 10)

Description: Surround you and your allies within the area with a layer of Time Armor. Time Armor will negate one unfavorable event that would cripple or kill the target it surrounds by negating the moment between the layer of armor and target. Once the event is prevented the Time Armor disperses. Due to the nature and power level of this spell, only magic equivalent to 10th tier or above can dispel this effect. Please Note: Duration lasts until used or 24 hours passes. Casting cost varies by number of people selected.

“Okay that has got to be the coolest utility spell I’ve ever heard of system! This will save so many lives, most likely even my own!” I said as a mental thank you to my system and whoever gave me access to it.

‘Hmmm. I can’t exactly let people know I have Time magic and I doubt any other level 12 has access to 10th tier magic. The spell description did say the cost was variable based on targets I wonder if I can figure out the scaling.’ I thought just before I decided to test the new spell.

Focusing on the spell in my mind, I selected myself first and the spell took half my entire mana pool. Trying to select Hal’ex took the other half. ‘So much for trying to protect my entire army. I guess that is why it’s 10th tier. The mana required to cast the spell is absorbent. The fact that it lasted a day means I could probably cast it twice and my mana could recharge enough to still have mana for the fight.’

At that point the worry about people finding out about my Time magic seemed a moot point. If I could only cast the spell on two people in a reasonable time period, it would be a no brainer on who I would choose. I would cast the spell on myself, and when I saw Laraaq, I would make sure he had a cast of Time Armor.

Was I being selfish, absolutely. Did I care at the moment, not at all. I came back to make sure my best friend and others were saved. If this spell could save his life you bet, I was using it on him. Sure, I didn’t want to die either and I used the old airplane rule to go by as it was a very important one.

The rule goes like this: In an emergency, air masks drop from the ceiling. Parents are told as part of the safety procedure to put your mask on first. Most parents are appalled at such a notion, until they are told, if you pass out from lack of oxygen there is no way you can ensure your child gets a mask or keeps a mask on. In short, you can’t help others if you don’t first see to your own safety.

Knowing that I had a limited mana pool currently and also knowing I would need my magic for the upcoming battle meant I had to be realistic and not be some bleeding heart. Bleeding hearts ended up bleeding all over the place until they ended up dead and usually also got others killed along the way. Nope, not my style. I was here to save the lives I could and that required me to make the tough choices and live with the consequences. Some would die because of this choice and so would have to live with that fact.

My mind resolute, I turned my attention to the final prompt.

Congratulations! You have learned the 6th tier offensive spell: Chain Lightning!

Spell: Chain Lightning (Tier 6)

Description: Shoot lightning at a target. The lightning can then arc to hit up to four additional targets. Distance and affinity determine the caster’s level of control in directing the lightning arc’s path.

I mean don’t get me wrong, a 6th tier lightning spell that can hit multiple targets is awesome. It’s just after getting the 10th tier Time Armor, in comparison it just felt lack luster. Shame on me for not appreciating the fact that I got a powerful offensive spell.

Just as I was about to dismiss the spell description, a new notification popped into my view.

Congratulations! The additional bonus from completing two Contested Portals solo within the first week of reintegration has been applied to your Chain Lightning spell. This spell has been upgraded to Dark Chain Lightning!

Dark Chain Lightning (Tier 9)

Description: This is a celestial spell and requires multiple affinities to be learned. Dark Lightning is one of the most dangerous cosmic phenomena in terrestrial form. This type of lightning contains cosmic gamma rays that arc out and travel. This changes the color from a bright light to a vibrant black that seems to spread darkness as it streaks out. Dark and Death magics are also applied to strike both body and soul in the attack. The number of targets increased based on mana expenditure. Please Note: Mana cost varies based on distance, affinities, and number of targets.

I immediately said thank you to whomever was watching over me and my system for applying that last little push. Now this was an offensive spell! I knew of dark lightning being an actual thing in nature, to have additional magics applied to harness that power and amplify its effects, made this even sweeter. The mana cost was once again rather high, so I’d once again have to be selective about when and how I used it.

Shooting lightning like that could be an effective intimidation tactic if used correctly. I wasn’t opposed to such approaches if it could act as a deterrent and save lives. The real concern was how many of my abilities were dark in nature, not all, my Time Armor and regular Lightning spell were great examples of non-Dark related, but the rest had a certain feel. ‘Fight fire with fire’ was the saying. I would just have to be careful of the path I was walking.

Enough of those melancholy thoughts. I returned my focus outward.

“Hal’ex, are your clan and the others ready to make a long roundabout journey to the compound?” I asked as I stood up.

“Yes, your Dark Eminence. We have been preparing for the last several hours in anticipation you would want us to head out once you are ready. Jek’jon has already seen to his own patrols. They will be a buffer between our people and the Bone Marrow patrols accidentally stumbling upon us.”

“Excellent! I appreciate competence and those that think ahead. That means far less for me to do. He, he, he, he!” I chuckled.

“We are used to it. If you don’t think to anticipate your leaders’ needs, a lowly goblin can suffer for it.” Hal’ex commented.

I shook my head. “That is not my way. Sure, incompetence must be addressed and rooted out, but I am no tyrant, I appreciate those that make the effort to understand and anticipate things. I want people who think for themselves, not mindless robots.”

Hal’ex smiled. “I do not know what a row-bot is, but I get the gist of your statement. You will find out clans far more cleaver than some of the other larger clans who can afford to tolerate more incompetence.”

As I dusted myself off, Hal’ex handed me a dark tunic with a color mix of muted greens and blacks. “Here. Our tailors did a rough sizing and made this from some flexible spider silk. It should stretch and provide decent protection. We can discuss the enchantments for it once we get settled in. I just thought it would be best for you to not walk around bare chested all night.”

I took the tunic and noticed some of the goblin females staring at me. I quickly put it on and felt at least a bit better. I was still getting looks periodically but they seemed less intense. “Thank you Hal’ex. Let’s get our people moving. I’d like to get you settled into the compound before sunrise.”