Chapter 273

A Little Push, and A Few Quick Stabs to the Back

(Mallory)

“Now you are sure this will work?” Mallory asked, a note of concern in her voice, even though she began to turn around and face the as yet still motionless monsters that were currently frozen in time as their bodies were being purged by the magical rain that Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight had somehow created.

“Yes, at least ninety-percent certain,” Cass replied.

“Ninety?” Mallory hissed back, suddenly wondering if this was actually worth it, especially given the way Cass, was avoiding telling exactly what she would be doing to help this process.

“Ah, you are right. This mainly depends on the student, as such I’d give it a high sixty percent chance of happening.” Cass corrected.

“Sixty?”

“A high Sixty, high,” Cass clarified, raising her tiny childlike hand to just above her head for emphasis on the height of the range in the sixties.

“Also are you sure this will be on me? I mean, correct me if I am wrong, but how could you really know how to train this?” Mallory asked, her voice getting close, but then not wanting to speak the words of what she was trying so hard to accomplish. A topic that she was somehow certain that the concept would shatter like glass, if she all but admitted the childish inclination to learn the still unknown sacred art. An art spoken about in all her stories surrounding Qi cultivators.

By now it was known to almost everyone of her unhealthy infatuation with cultivators, but she had tried to hide certain milestones and goals away from the others.

Yet, the more she thought about it, the more this one fact was too good to pass up.

“Look, which one of us has the Doctorate in Qi manipulation?” Cass replied.

“It’s only a Master’s degree, and its for Mixed-Martial Mana, not Qi.” Mallory shot back.

“Oh, now you undersell my Doctorates,” Cass shot back, “besides it sounds like you are coming up with excuses on why your rating should be lower than sixty percent.”

“Wait, I thought it was high sixties a moment ago?”

“That was before you started doubting your teacher. Once you start doubting the process, then yeah we are all going to have to work that much harder to get back to where you were.” Cass replied.

Hearing her, Mallory almost wanted to complain. She wanted to fire back, but the truth was, she was frightened.

“All right, I trust you.” Mallory said.

As she did, she felt a huge weight lift off her chest, as she took in a deep calming breath. With that breath, for the first time all night, Mallory felt like she finally would accomplish this goal.

“Good now turn around and face the enemy. I’m going to do somethings to help increase your anger. It will be your job to direct that anger in a controlled manner at the enemy.” Cass said, her words suddenly causing a slight burning sensation to ignite at the top of Mallory’s ears.

“Wait? You are going to make me angry?”

“I mean, as hard as it is to believe, I will make you a bit miffed. From there it will be your job to harness that anger and direct it towards the enemy.” Cass said.

During this time Mallory turned back to face her friend, but then a glint from the glistening platinum crown she was wearing refracted just enough to draw Mallory’s attention.

Seeing the crown, Mallory realized what it was, a prop given to underaged regressors who were nearing the end of their time being considered underage.

“You sure I can’t accomplish the worldwide quest that we were all given? That way I could get the permanent bonus?” Mallory asked.

“You mean the area wide quest, pin the hand on the minor. No, you cannot partake in that exploitive quest. That or if you do, it will be harder to achieve your goal with a hand that was slowly melting away from poison.” Cass said, her tone suddenly serious, though her voice’s range made it so it was still cute, but definitely scarry in context.

“Okay, fine, just a thought.” Mallory said, then turned away.

As she did turn away, she still brought up the quest prompt to see the details of the most lucrative birthday quest Mallory had ever seen.

Area Wide Quest (Timed): Spank the Birthday Girl: There is someone who is celebrating their fifteenth birthday, find them by the glittering crown on their head, and proceed to give them fifteen spankings. Current Status (0 / 15). Bonus: for one to grow on (0 / 16). Rewards: Experience, (15/17) Free Attribute Points, variable.

Yes, the quest offered free Attribute points for every swipe on the Pixie and two Attribute points for landing a sixteenth swat, but it was clear that this would be a deal breaker for the Pixie.

Also of note, there was a slight hitch in that not only did original Cass have the crown, but all of her Simulacrums also had the same crown, implying that spanking them would also lead to a similar reward.

To Mallory’s defense, she was not the only one who had these thoughts as both Penelope and Jhonny who were in attendance, both received the same quest, but were also quickly dissuaded by threats of use of acid to burn away any connecting body parts or appendages from her personage. Then making sure said wounds would be hermetically sealed and unable to be healed by other Healers until after the day was over.

While no one had heard of a time sealing wound spell, no one from the trio wished to test the Pixie’s honesty when it came to this regard.

“Fine, what exactly is the process one last time?” Mallory said, her body suddenly showing the worry of the moment as her muscles seemed to tense and flare up almost imperceptibly, with hundreds of micro strains that would only be visible to someone like Cass.

“You go forward, start killing as is your passion. I reach into my bag of teaching supplies and pull out the correct teaching aide and apply as needed.” Cass said in her overly cryptic way that caused a number of the hairs on the back of Mallory’s head to rise up.

“And it will work in under an hour?” Mallory asked, realizing that the time for personal projects like this was quickly drawing to a close, as the wedding was now hours away. Meaning, she would need to be in place almost immediately.

“I don’t get paid extra for overtime,” Cass replied.

Chuckle.

With that Mallory just laughed at the Pixie who was on the clock all day everyday thanks to her sleeping familiar. That and her four Simulacrum were also all contributing in some way towards her overall goals, meaning if Dr. Spiritlight wasn’t salaried, the guild would quickly go bankrupt trying to pay her the wages she earned.

“Fair enough,” Mallory said, hoping to avoid any conversations about pay and the possibility of switching from a Salary to an hourly wage, or worse, a wage based on productivity. As Mallory realized that in most guilds World First notifications would be rewarded in the billions, as they would be revenue generating events.

Yet, Cass did them so often that they almost seemed trivial by comparison.

Then releasing her breath again, Mallory chose to accept her friend’s help and trust in her teaching methods.

While the girl was odd in her approach to teaching, it was nearly impossible to refute her capabilities. Every one of the mages that have gone through her curriculum have noted a minimum of 200% improved capabilities. This was measured independently based on Skill, that is the ability to cast complex spells. The time it took to cast the complex spells, and most importantly adaptability, that is the ability to change a spell or switch between spells as needed.

In a mock battle, one that was used to test out the Dr. Spiritlight trained mages who were designated for support from non-trained mages who were all of much higher levels. The capabilities of the Dr. Spiritlight trained mages always exceeded the higher-level mages.

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Of note was the way a few of the more advanced students were able to disrupt the casting of higher-level mages, or in some cases take control over the more powerful spell being cast by the higher-level mages.

The results of the combat training completely changed the status for the different platoons that had been assigned to protect different sections of the capital in the case of an all out war.

Before it was assumed that the higher-level mages would be the leaders, but it was clear that capability wise they were far inferior to the much more capable trained mages.

Now, even the higher-level mages like Arch Air Mage Belton, were begging to be considered for the next wave of students to be accepted to SVC.

Coming here had been a huge wake-up call for the old mage, first he lost his duel to Dr. Spiritlight. Then after a few months, Adaranna and a few other mages proved that he wasn’t as all powerful as he thought.

Mallory even remembered the conversation they had, when he all but begged to be allowed admission to the next class of students.

“It’s one thing to be beaten up by a prodigy. For you can always know that one person is bigger, stronger, and faster than you. That is fine. The true wake-up call comes when that prodigy then trains others in the same manner, and then those others produce the same results. That is when you realize it wasn’t just a fluke, but your entire understanding of magic was fundamentally flawed.” Belton said, his words oddly reflective from the man who was normally too arrogant to be in the same room with, as his ego would often be enough to force everyone else out of the same space.

After seeing that change within Arch Air Mage Belton, and a few others that were loyal followers of Belton, that is when Mallory knew her military layout had to change.

When she proposed that the Spiritlight trained mages be put in charge of the magical elements of the forces a few old heads argued. But that is when Belton and the others quickly showed their sincerity for learning under the great mage.

Once the issues of the military units being taken over, along with one warrior with a Qi core being set up as a squad leader for the front-line forces, Mallory could relax.

It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t ideal. Ultimately there were approximately twenty groups of trained soldiers ready to deploy out at a moment’s notice. Each containing two Spiritlight trained mages, and one Spiritlight trained cultivator.

The only group that was not put directly into a combat unit were the Enchanters, as those were to draw back to the protective bunkers and help facilitate equipment as needed.

Fortunately, Penelope being an Enchanter, meant her bunker that she would fall back to was Dr. Spiritlight herself. Also, Jhonny was the twenty-first cultivator, accepted thanks primarily to the fact that Dr. Spiritlight herself wanted him to join. That meant his platoon was with Dr. Spiritlight.

Making Dr. Spiritlight the unofficial twenty-first squad leader of soldiers that could be directed to enter combat.

For a moment she thought about letting Cass train like the other soldiers, but then realized with the enemy able to watch her movements and reactions, it was easier to let her go off as needed, when she felt inspired.

Right now, Mallory knew that her best friend Dr. Spiritlight was exceptionally inspired, as she had a maniacal grin plastered to her face this entire time. While Mallory knew that she would learn the ability she had come out here to learn thanks to her friend’s help. Mallory still couldn’t erase the growing dread of knowing just how painful this next experience would be.

Still, she trusted Cass.

As much as that thought alone frightened her, she knew that if Cass said something was possible and that she could get you to do it, if you listened to her, you would. The mages and cultivators were testament to that.

“Okay, I’m going, just don’t tell me when you will start.” Mallory said, realizing that she needed this, a final trump card that was needed just before the dawn of battle. A final trump card that could be used to ensure her city and most importantly her soldiers were safe.

Slink, slice, slash.

Once again, Mallory began her ruthless slaughter of the cursed creatures of these lands. As she sliced through the monsters that had been held still the longest, Mallory almost felt sorry for them. As it was clear that if given enough time, they might all be cured of the Blight.

Mallory didn’t know how long these creatures would all need to stay out here, particularly as they all seemed to be infected with the second stage of the Blight, but it was clear that they were getting healthier.

Mallory could slowly see patches of living flesh appearing. This was of course only after hours of cleansing rain, and something that was impossible to complete in a day, but Mallory did have to wonder if such a feat was possible? She made a note to ask Cass, but then quickly dismissed that thought, as she didn’t want to put more on that girl’s plate than was already there.

“What are those?” Penelope asked, her voice sounding somewhat muffled under the constant hail of rain that was washing over Mallory.

Still, she heard the conversation.

“Oh these, are gold and silver acupuncture sticks,” Cass replied.

Taking a quick look back, Mallory saw the way Cass displayed the sticks in her hands to both Penelope and Jhonny.

“They are so tiny, can they actually do anything?” Penelope asked.

“Oh, these will be more than enough,” Cass said, “well they might be if our fearless leader doesn’t keep getting distracted.”

With that Mallory turned forward and continued to strike at the creatures. By now the rain was starting to let up, no doubt a sign that Cass was about to make her move. The moving creatures, even at a much more subdued pace than their normal rate of movement made it so Mallory had to at least focus on the massively over leveled monsters. Monsters who could likely rip her to shreds if allowed to go at full speed.

Flash.

There was a sudden appearance behind her, Mallory’s heightened senses picking up the splashing sounds of a new body seeming to appear right behind her.

Frightened, Mallory turned back to the spot of the sound, only to find that Cass had Teleported to be right behind her. Seeing Cass being so close, caused Mallory to pause, her scythe raised to strike, but she had enough presence of mind to halt her swing right at its apex.

“What are you…” was all Mallory had time to say, before a flurry of hundreds of tiny objects rose up from Cass’s outstretched hand, then rose into the air, and immediately shot forward.

Thump, thump, thump.

The act, the unexpected attack of being pierced like an emergency cactus plant substitute was so sudden that Mallory realized it was a pre-planned attack. That the moment the Pixie made her jump, she was already in the process of Telekinetically grabbing the hundreds of tiny acupuncture needles. Needles that were so small that they were less than the width of a strand of hair.

Mallory could see the way even the kinetic force of the needles surging through the air caused the strands to wobble slightly. Even the act of turning, which they all turned, and moved to seemingly strike at specific areas on her body.

Then to her horror, the act didn’t stop with just the landing of the needles.

For the needles then all began to push their way into and through her skin. As they entered, Mallory could feel the needles glancing at specific parts of her body, and turning. Twisting their way in, the needles all began to burn just under her skin.

Pain.

For the first time in a long time, Mallory could safely say she felt pain.

Her body was on fire.

Not just her body, but her entire soul felt like it was ablaze. It was clear that the pixie was doing something to her spiritually as well.

“What did you do?” Mallory finally asked, betrayal clearly evident in her tone.

“Your nodes were under developed, and barring us staying out here for months while you cultivate enough Qi energy to break both your core and meridians wide enough to do what you are trying to accomplish, I just broke you core and meridians in a controlled way.” Cass said, before promptly disappearing from sight.

Poof.

Once again, Cass appeared in between Penelope and Jhonny.

All while, Mallory tried to breathe without pain, while using one of her hands to pat and scratch at the entry points. Trying to see if she could knock any part of those burning sticks from her body.

“What just happened?” Jhonny asked.

“Remember all that training I make you do, when you asked if there were shortcuts you could take to get the power easier,” Cass began.

“Yeah, you said, if I really wanted to do it, you would show me. But then you assured me I would not like the process,” Jhonny said, as if somehow recalling that exact moment.

“Well, this is the process of skipping the foundational steps and going straight to power.” Cass replied.

Splash.

For a moment a pulse of pain was too intense, as Mallory felt her own body collapse from the sudden and unending pain she was currently in.

“I didn’t ask for this,” Mallory hissed out, pain evident.

“Yeah, you did, now focus that pain, that betrayal at the enemy over there so we can all go home. I for one am tired of being rained on, anyone else?” Cass asked, turning to both Jhonny and Penelope.

For their parts both Jhonny and Penelope were both soaked through, but wisely chose not to comment about the state of being tired.

Anger.

At that moment, Mallory felt rage flare up inside her. She was humiliated, in pain, and all Cass was doing was basically mocking her, after all she had done. In this moment, Mallory felt defenseless, this the was the first time in decades where she felt she could be cut down by an enemy. This wasn’t the effect of a disease slowly killing her from the inside out, this was worse. This was her entire body being poisoned and broken by the crazy mage who…

Mallory felt her rage fueled thoughts race on, but before they could continue, Cass spoke up at that exact moment.

“Good, now that you are properly motivated, turn your attention towards the real enemy, so we can go.” Cass said, pointing to the creature who was slowly making its way forward.

Rage fueled strike.

Mallory felt rage flare up, and while she was ticked at what was happening, desperation took over causing her to lash out wildly. The strike was wild, and uncontrolled, but it was effective enough to work.

Then before she could truly recover or forget the next monster moved to swipe at her. Once again, Mallory drew upon the rage, the only thing that let her focus beyond the pain that was wracking her body.

In her mind, she saw the notification of her achieving a milestone for her core, but then quickly dismissed the prompt.

Perfect Stage II Qi Core: You have managed to create the Perfect Stage II Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity II, Body Improvement II, Movement II, Qi Core Size II, Qi Circulation II.

Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower.

Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%).

Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%).

Qi Core Size: The size of your initial Qi core is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience.

Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster.

Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your core listed.

With the notification of her successfully entering the second stage of a perfect core creation, Mallory mentally understood the mad professors efforts.

Mallory was weak, too weak to do everything that she wanted to do. So in order to jump start the process, Dr. Spiritlight broke her core, and forced her to progress faster.

This was good, as it meant that the pain was worthwhile. The improved core alone was worth the pain, but seeing the efforts so far, Mallory realized that the next step, her ultimate goal was still in place as the Pixie didn’t tell her to stop. Instead the pixie encouraged her to continue the only way a pixie could for this task.

“You call that a strike? I’ve seen better strikes from the Screen Writer’s guild, and no one noticed them for months.” Cass shot out.

Shaking her head, Mallory could only laugh at the terrible trash talking attempt, but she understood what the point of this all was now. With that, she could only nod her head and continue.

Slink, slice, slash.

Pain.

More needles pierced her body at times, all coming from the back. The pain caused anger to flare up momentarily, but then Mallory soon learned to direct that in the correct direction.

Then finally Mallory got the two notifications she had been waiting for. It came when she was pushed to the brink of exhaustion and nearly unable to move, but still anther monster came.

Seeing the monster, all Mallory could do was focus her mind and every last fleck of energy she had at the beast.

Then to her surprise, the beast first paused, and dared to lock gazes with Mallory. At which point there was a clear contest of wills. Then finally, Mallory let out a primal scream of rage.

“DIE already!” She shouted.

Then just like that, blood began to pour from the beast’s eyes and ears, as it quivered for a moment, before falling lifelessly to the ground.

That’s when she received her message that she had been waiting for, for so long.

Perfect Stage III Qi Core: You have managed to create the Perfect Stage III Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity III, Body Improvement III, Movement III, Qi Core Size III, Qi Circulation III…

Which was soon followed by the ultimate notification.

World First Notification: Be Warned, for Mallory Valhalla is the first to unlock Killing Intent! Marking the dawn of the Warrior Cultivators.

Then before Mallory could do anything else, she felt her body tense up, as the last of her energy left her body, causing her to collapse to the ground in a near lifeless husk.

With that Cass came over and scooped up the near lifeless leader before any more monsters could get to her.

Poof.

Poof.

There were a series of quick movements, then finally they were out of the rain, which was a relief.

“You were right,” Mallory finally said, remembering the warning Cass had made about learning this very art.

“Of course I was, but just so we are clear, what was I right about this time?” Cass asked.

Chuckle.

Hearing her friend, Mallory could only laugh weakly, as even now her completely drained body was barely starting to recover from the combat marathon she had forced herself to endure.

“That attack really is an energy hog,” Mallory stated.

“See,” was all Cass said, before darkness caught up with Mallory, her mind and body were pushed beyond their limits.