Laraaq was about 200 kilometers into his journey to reunite with his best friend. He was cautious as he drove but did take some time leaving their suburban city. The quest text implied a timer and that one or both would become overrun at some unspecified point in time.
Knowing he was on the move and his buddy was most likely holed up at the cabin turned compound, dollars to donuts Laraaq was convinced his buddy would need his help. With that said, his drive to level up was not something he could ignore. He had taken his time leaving the suburban city because he made a point to roll down his window and set each undead zombie a blaze. It was like shooting fish in a barrel.
Now that Laraaq was finally out of town he looked at his gains. Working with his System settings he was able to get his kill notifications to aggregate into one summary prompt after combat.
Congratulations! You have killed 78 Undead Zombies ranging from level 4 to level 6. You have gained +11,700 experience.
Level Up! Congratulations! You are now level 5! You have +40 stat points to distribute.
“Not too bad, if I do say so myself.”
Eh
“Of course, you would say that System. I could’ve stayed much longer but I didn’t trust that more were going to show up. Let’s consider the fact that I never had to get out of the truck and not even one made it to me before they succumbed to the fire damage.” Laraaq defended his current progress.
For Laraaq’s perspective he was level 5, well on his way to level 6 and every single one was accomplished form the comfort of the driver’s seat. He even got to try out his Minor Fireball spell which had a good amount of knock back effect from the combination of force and fire damage creating a mini explosion. That got him thinking.
“Hey System. Are all Tier 2 spells that much more powerful than Tier 1’s? What are the other tiers like? What can you tell me?”
Calm down young grasshopper
Query Accepted
Each Tier is exponentially more powerful than the prior tier. The difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 is minimal in comparison to the other tiers. As you go up in tier rank the spell form becomes more and more complex, typically requiring greater understanding of the concepts and nature of the magic you are working with.
“Okay, so when can I learn a Tier 3 spell?”
Impatient, aren’t we?
You must first gain a class before you can gain any higher Tiered spells beyond Tier 2. There are rare cases due to high affinity and other factors but those are so minimal, you should not concern yourself.
“How many Tiers are there? Could you at least give me some kind of summary of of the different spell Tiers?”
Say ‘please’
“Screw you!”
Only after several drinks. Scratch that, with your mug, it will take a whole case. In fact, I advise you to put more points into Charisma to help your future prospects.
“Ha, ha, very funny. That was a good one. Now can we get back to my questions?”
Sometimes you are no fun.
“System!”
Alright, alright. Very well
Query Accepted
Spell Tier Summary:
——Spell Tiers———
Level 0 - Simple Magic/Copper
Tier 1 - Weak/Iron
Tier 2 - Minor/Silver
Tier 3 - Gifted/Gold
Tier 4 - Enhanced/Platinum
Tier 5 - Potent/Mithril
Tier 6 - Superior/Orichalcum
Tier 7 - Powerful/Epic/Adamantite
Tier 8 - Mythical
Tier 9 - Legendary
Tier 10 - Grand Scale Magic
Tier 11 - Pinnacle Grade Magic
Tier 12 - Supreme God Tier
Tier 13 - Ultimate God Tier
Most do not consider Tier 0 an actual tier and acquaint it to simple parlor tricks, hence the zero value. True magic starts at Tier 1 and goes all the way to Tier 13. Tier 1 through Tier 7 is considered the Material realm, which is why some use metals to depict the level of power contained within that range. Tier 8 and Tier 9 are considered the Transcendent realm, some spells within Tier 7 could also be considered in this realm. Tier 10 and Tier 11 are considered the Ascension or Theosis realm. It is here that the magic itself is likely divine or deific levels of power. Those that possess such ability to cast such spells are those that are gods or who could fight them. Tier 12 and Tier 13 are typically called the God realm or tier but that is an underrepresentation of the power levels such tiers can unleash.
“Thank you for the summary and explanation System.” Laraaq had learned early on to show appreciation to his system, or it seemed to get testier and for lack of a better term it would mess with him far more. At some point he was going to have to start dishing it back but not until he felt more comfortable in his abilities.
Laraaq was glad he got out of town before it got dark, but he also knew he was going to have to find a place to hunker down, distribute his stat points and get some sleep. With that in mind, he found a small airport after a few hours of driving.
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The airport looked to be a private one. It had two runways, two hangers, and what looked like an office building. One hanger was a good size and by Laraaq’s estimation could probably fit three or four small planes or helicopters. The second hanger was much smaller, maybe big enough for two small planes max. Pulling up to the smaller hanger, he parked the pickup with the headlights facing the hanger door. The door was held in place by a heavy-duty deadbolt lock that was threaded through a hole between two sides of metal, one connected to the door, the other to the frame of the hanger.
With a quick mental command Laraaq summoned a fire arrow but he condensed the fire, bringing it close to his hands as he increased the intensity of the heat. He was rewarded twice. The first reward was the lock melting away. The second was a notification.
Congratulations! You have discovered an existing Tier 2 spell: Heat Metal.
Heat Metal (Tier 2)
Description: Focus your fire to bring about intense heat. Then pour that heat into a metal causing it to burn white hot and melt. Anyone in contact with the Metal will take severe fire damage and be burned. Time required to cast the spell varies based on type and size of Metal object and amount of mana expended.
“Sweet!” Laraaq said as he pushed the hanger door open enough to let the glow from the headlights illuminate the hanger.
What Laraaq saw was a small biplane, some shelving, equipment, a backroom, and a desk. More importantly, there was enough space to easily fit the pickup inside and close the hanger back up, which is exactly why he had come here in the first place. Opening the hanger more, he decided to back up the truck into the hanger.
Not wanting to waste time, Laraaq began inspecting the hanger and the backroom. Much to his relief he didn’t find anything but plane parts, grease, and dust. Inspection complete, Laraaq went to close the hanger door and that is when he heard the growling.
Four deformed coyotes stepped into the area illuminated by the headlights which were now facing outward towards the road. A quick inspection of the wolves told Laraaq what he needed to know.
Mutated Desert Coyote
Level 7
Description: Desert coyotes are scavengers and pack hunters. These desert coyotes have been mutated from exposure to intense mana fluctuations in the area. Mutated monsters tend to be more aggressive and bloodthirsty. These mutated desert coyotes have gained enhanced strength, speed, and constitution. In addition, their sense of smell has been increased so that once they have the scent of their prey, they can track them for hundreds of kilometers.
Mutated Desert Coyote
Level 8...
Mutated Desert Coyote
Level 7...
Mutated Desert Coyote
Level 8...
“Well, that means I can’t leave a single one of you alive.”
Two of the mutated desert coyotes rushed forward, only to be thrown back by two consecutive explosions from Laraaq double casting Minor Fireball. Though he was successful, the accomplishment gave him one hell of a headache.
The other two darted to the sides. It was clear to Laraaq they planned to hit him from two directions. Meanwhile the other two coyotes were slowly getting to their feet.
Not wanting to contend with more enemies than he had to, Laraaq double cast two Weak Flame Arrows, each one hitting one of the injured monsters. His headache intensified.
Laraaq gritted his teeth in frustration and anger. “Errrr! You bastards are really beginning to piss me off!”
Both uninjured monsters leapt at him, one on his right side, the other on his left. Once again Laraaq tried to double cast Minor Fireball. The pain was getting so bad he dropped to one knee and almost lost his concentration on the spell forms. He doubled down on his will, working through the pain and refusing to fail.
“I’m not getting taken out by some overgrown puppies!” Laraaq roared just as both spells completed, and each fireball hit one of the coyotes right in their open maws, both throwing them back away from him. One hit with such force that it ripped the head right off the body. The other had a busted jaw and the entire body was on fire.
Laraaq quickly turned to the first two coyotes to assess their threat levels. One was clearly dead as the fur was on fire and the final coyote tried to run. Unluckily for the beast, its front paw was burned so bad it couldn’t put weight on it, dramatically reducing its speed.
A couple Weak Fire Arrows later and that coyote too was a smoldering flame. The area smelt like cooked meat.
Perfect time to roast some marshmallows.
“Better yet, s’mores.” Laraaq said as he grabbed the ingredients from one of his backpacks and proceeded to make s’mores as the coyotes slowly burned to ashes.
“You know System, it’s the little things that make life worth living.”
Correct
“Hey System, are these coyotes’ edible?” Laraaq asked.
Query Accepted
Yes, your body should be able to ingest the cooked meat. You should always first check if the creature has a core before worrying about any other parts. These coyotes were very low leveled but as they are mutated by errant mana it is possible for them to possess a core, even if it is a small one.
“Core? Please explain.”
Query Accepted
Cores are a key component in growth. If you consume magic cores, it can help you in the formation or evolution of your own core. Think of it as your main battery in powering your magic.
“But I’m casting magic now. Does that mean I have a core already?”
No
“Please elaborate.”
Fine
Query Accepted
Cores are required if you want to cast any magic higher than Tier 3. It is recommended you already have a core when attempting to use Tier 3 but it is technically not required. A core helps you gather and strengthen your magic. If you combine that with a Gathering Spiral...
“Gathering Spiral?”
Getting there. Do not be so impatient.
A gathering spiral is a mental and metaphysical construct used to help gather and funnel mana into your core so it can grow stronger and denser.
As you move on to more complex spell forms you will find the need for greater mental control and visualization.
If those monsters have cores, they should be made up mostly of unaligned mana or small amounts of certain magic types. Normally you never want to attempt to absorb magic cores that contain magic types you do not have within your own core or have no affinity for. As you do not have a core of your own you can attempt to absorb the small amounts of mana within.
“Alright. Where do I find the monster’s core?”
Query Accepted
Most cores are found in their chest near the heart. The other common locations are in the head somewhere near the brain. As each creature has a unique physiology it can vary greatly, but those areas seem to be the most common locations.
“Well let me see if they have any.”
After about 30 minutes of cutting open the burnt remains of the four corpses he found three tiny cores, all smaller than a marble. Both level 8’s and one level 7 held a tiny magic core.
“Not that is done, what about the meat?”
You should be able to eat it. The trace mana you will find in their meat will help you recover quicker and recharge your mana faster. Please Note: This is only possible because they are low level and you have not formed a core.
Inspect one of the magic cores.
Laraaq took the System’s advice and inspected one of the tiny cores he had.
Mutated Desert Coyote Magic Core
Description: Tiny magical core formed from a mutated desert coyote. This core contains small amounts of earth magic and unaligned magic.
The other two cores said the exact same thing.
Laraaq decided to ask his question. “Each says it has small amounts of earth magic. If I absorb the core, will I be able to learn earth magic.”
Query Accepted
You have some existing affinity to earth magic so you can absorb the magic. As you do not have a core of your own you cannot gain any spells, skills, or abilities from those coyote cores. Please Note: As tiny as those cores are the chance is minuscule, they contain any spell, skills, or abilities.
“How do I absorb a core?”
Query Accepted
It is recommended you eat some of the coyotes cooked meat to help with the process. Due to their size and power level, swallow the core after you have consumed some of the coyote flesh. It is recommended you meditate on try to feel the magic flowing through you.
Laraaq took out his butcher’s knife and began to cut strips of meat from the coyotes. Once that was completed, he salted and stored the meat in one of his portable coolers. After closing the hanger door, Laraaq ate some coyote meat and swallowed one of the magic cores.
Tonight, he would attempt to meditate until he fell asleep. In the morning, he would spend his stat points and plan out a few things. Tomorrow, he decided to make a run to Lowe’s and Home Depot down the way. If he was lucky enough, he would find a good trailer he could use to load up as many supplies as would fit. If they decided to stay put at the compound, they were going to need everything he could gather.