Alex stood on the walls circling the Outpost and looked out over the massed Kyrn.
“Why don't they just attack?”
New Ben pointed to a group of larger rats and grimaced.
“Their leaders.”
Alex opened his mouth to respond then turned to his party member.
“That's it? Just ‘their leaders'?”
“The Kyrn Dominion think they're better than everyone, especially humans. To prove that their leaders are giving you the time to gather your army so they can crush you completely.”
“But… I've beaten them every time we've fought.”
“No, you've excised the weakness from their ranks.”
Alex shook his head then looked off into the distance and swiped at the air in front of himself.
“Vance's Spine Variants are about to arrive.”
“Are you sure about these… creatures?”
“I'm honestly shocked that you haven't come up against them.”
“You're shocked that I haven't had to deal with… how did you describe them? ‘Large echidna-like creatures that like killing’?”
Alex shrugged and laughed softly.
“It's an accurate description. Though, there are multiple Variants. I'm really keen to see the Infernospines.”
“That's just because they fight like you.”
“Before the Integration people had sandwiches named after them. Now? Now we get bio-engineered echidna-like killing machines modelled off our powers. What a time to be alive.”
“There is something wrong with you.”
Alex just shrugged, clapped his friend on the shoulder then stabilised him after nearly knocking him off the wall.
“Shit. Sorry New Ben.”
New Ben coughed, spat out some blood and gave Alex a bit of side-eye
“It's fine. You really need to get your Strength under control.”
“Or, you could increase your Constitution.”
New Ben sighed.
“Professor Ladere?”
“Yes, New Ben.”
“How are we going with recruitment?”
There was a pause.
“Professor?”
“Yes Till?”
“You didn't feel like answering New Ben?”
“I was choosing between two applicants. I decided that was more important in that particular moment. Sorry. New Ben, I've invited as many as we can afford.”
Alex pulled up his Party Interface and whistled through his teeth.
“I don't know if I should be impressed or worried.”
“I'll accept both.”
“33 B-Grade Adventurers. that's a very specific number.”
“War Quests allow for Raid style engagements. A Raid like this, while at War, allows for 40 Adventurers in one group. With the Credits from Vance we have enough to pay 60 Adventurers, that wouldn't leave any left for a Kill Bonus and we would've had to run two Raid groups…,” the professor trailed off while watching the rats thrn seemed to shake herself. “I decided on one Raid group in total which includes all of them,” the professor waved at the Adventurers that were arriving via Portal Device within the walled Outpost, “and the four from the Coricancha,” she indicated the Incan group that were also standing on the wall a respectful distance away, “then the two of you and the Captain.”
Alex looked down at the Adventurers with a look of shock.
“40?”
“I know that sounds like a lot, but we need to prepare. Professor, can I shift around the groups?”
The professor waved a hand and New Ben nodded at her. Alex watched his HUD as groups shuffled and were moved around until New Ben was done.
“You moved yourself out of my party?”
“For a fight like this? Of course. I'm leading a group of Assassin's. My Guild Members and two others. We'll go after leaders and high value targets.”
“You put me with the Incans?”
“Seemed logical. I'm guessing you're the only one here that can understand them?”
Alex shrugged and the professor nodded.
“Then that makes sense, plus, the carnage your group will be capable of… Manko is the highest Level here, and you're a monster.”
“The other groups?”
“Four standard groups, each with one tank, one healer and three damage dealers all of different persuasions. Then a party of group healers and lastly a party led by the Captain.”
“Does he have a healer?”
“Yes.”
Alex nodded then watched as the Raid group noticed the party changes and Adventurers moved around and greeted the people they'd fight and potentially die beside over the course of the battle. With a barely perceptible nod and swipe Alex turned to New Ben and smiled.
“Look after yourself mate.”
“Don't get killed.”
The two gave each other a quick hug and New Ben phased into shadows and disappeared.
“Till, are you ok?”
“I was getting used to worrying about you, now I'm worrying about you, New Ben and even the Captain. It was easier when it was just me.”
“Easier? Maybe. But not better. You need people Till.”
“I just can't-”
“I know. You can't lose anyone. You know what will ensure you don't have to?”
“No?”
“Raticide.”
“Raticide!”
Alex watched as 3 Portal Devices opened and creatures emerged in the midst of the Kryn army.
“Infernospines in the… I'll call it the middle, and Flayers on the sides.”
“Vance suggested that it would do the most damage. Also, the Flayers hate the Infernos. Some genetic aberration he hasn't been able to remove. So…”
“So the Flayers want to get through all those rats to get to their real target.”
“Yes.”
The two watched with interest and a little shock.
“I can tell which Variant is more effective.”
The screams and hisses of the Dominion troops reached Alex on the wall and even the Adventurers behind it, causing some to fidget as they waited. As he watched the Spines gave almost as good as they got, but the numbers arrayed against them were just too great. With little to no ceremony the Kyrn brought down the last few Spines and turned their attention to the wall, thousands of eyes locking onto Alex white he stood.
With a heavy sigh he sent a message to the Raid group and pulled his axe out and let the large blade rest on the top of the wall.
“You'll stay with us, professor?”
“I was planning to watch from here…”
Alex turned to look at her, making sure to hold eye contact until she looked away.
“Fine.”
“Thank you. Send out some Pulses and we'll get started.”
Manko and the rest of his party appeared at his side.
“Aled Till, you're ready?”
“As ready… yes. Buffs?”
The four Incans looked at each other and then nodded.
Manko has Buffed you with Charge of the Elements
Charge of the Elements - Your melee attacks and offensive Abilities gain a surging electrical charge, causing enemies to suffer from the shocking impact of lightning with each strike. Multiple consecutive attacks will greatly enhance any Adventurers in the area who look to Apu Illapu
Manko has Buffed you with Harbinger
Harbinger - Every kill charges you with Inner Storm until you are enveloped in a swirling vortex of thunderous energy, drawing upon the power of Apu Illapu your attack speed is greatly increased for 7 seconds, culminating in a flash of lightning that will stun all enemies in a frontal cone for 2 seconds
Harbinger cannot activate more than twice in five minutes
Manka has Buffed you with Purity of Unu
Purity of Unu - Healing energy resonates as a gentle melody reminiscent of water flowing through the air, bathing allies in the rejuvenating essence of Unu
Healing time is reduced by 20% and minor ailments are dispelled as the healing energy of Mama Qucha flows through each ally, restoring their health and vitality
Guided by the benevolent influence of Mama Qucha, every uninjured Adventurer becomes a beacon, increasing solace and renewal to those in greater need
Mayta has Buffed you with Solar Fortitude
Warning - This Buff will cycle between party members
Solar Fortitude - A brilliant golden light envelopes nearby allies in a warm aura imbued with the strength of Inti. Constitution is bolstered, and resolve is fortified, granting increased resilience and endurance in the face of adversity to those within the aura, the Buffed party member is not enhanced
This Ability cycles between all party members within 40 feet of each other
Pachacuti has Buffed you with Inti's Gaze
Inti's Gaze - After taking over 30% damage the Adventurer becomes engulfed in a blazing aura of golden flames for 1 minute, radiating with the scorching fury of Inti. Each subsequent strike unleashes waves of searing heat upon nearby enemies reducing their fire resistance
This Ability has no cool-down
The Ability stacks with other elemental damage-enhancing Abilities
Alex shook slightly as the Buffs stacked up and he bared his teeth. Flames coursed over his body and his eyes lit from within. His party members stepped back and watched on warily as the flames overwhelmed New Ben’s Shrouding Potion and his previously hidden Flames of Creation surged forth causing his Bracers to shine with barely contained power. All four took another step back, bowed their heads and murmured.
“Prime Chosen.”
“Let’s break them.”
Manko stepped forward and called forth his Inner Storm. Lightning surged over his body and storm clouds coalesced into dark leather armour with ornate metalwork.
The professor lifted off the wall and released pulses of energy until Alex’s Map was flooded with overlapping red dots.
“Thank you, professor. Are you ready?’
“I’m with you, Ti-”
A glittering spear of energy tore through the professor’s ethereal form before Alex could react.
“Professor?”
“Till. Don’t-”
The professor reached out for Alex, a profound look of sorrow on her face before she shattered into glittering motes of light which fell to the wall and settled at Alex’s feet.
“Professor?”
“Alex, we’ll sort it out.”
Alex looked at the ground in shock, then he started to shake.
“Fuck! Alex. It’ll be ok, we’ll sort it. Don’t… Alex?”
Alex vaulted off the walls as a System message popped up.
The God Maledor has been stripped of his divinity
Maledor, the former God of the Onix Trono has been censured and returned to his domain
Divinity is a gift of the System, know your place, petty revenge on Adventurers is beneath you
Take this as a warning to all
Reparation from the Onix Trono to the Coricancha for the assault on one of their Allillanchu is required
Rofant, Chosen of [Sanctioned] has been erased
A tortured scream tore across the battlefield before it was snuffed out abruptly.
Alex landed in a group of Kyrn, both knees buckling from the height of the jump, Creation Flames surged over his body then the damage caught up and a blazing aura of golden flames burst from his body. Scorched Kyrn bodies dropped around him, either from taking extreme flame damage or from crippling axe strikes imbued with Volcanic Essence. Their bodies either melted or were consumed by Smouldering Embers. Harbinger activated and Alex leapt forwards, burning and cleaving apart any Kyrn that stood before him.
With a ground shattering explosion and a blinding flash of light Manko entered the battle. After seeing Alex launch himself into the fray, the powerful Incan took to the sky like lightning returning to the heavens. Manko emerged from a combination of torn apart Kyrn bodies and the shattered ground before nodding to Alex. With that he moved in the direction of the largest collection of rats looking more like a bolt of lighting than a human fighter.
A wash of pale light flowed over the battlefield as the rest of the Incans arrived, restoring Alex’s health and invigorating him. Slowing his advance he watched as the massed Adventurers tore into the underwhelming Kyrn offensive line, cutting them down. Shaking his head he stood, leaning on his axe while looked back at the wall to see the motes of light that had been the professor falling from where they had initially come to a rest after the aggressive methods Alex and his party used to join thr battle. Tears ran freely down his face and the flames on his body flickered and dimmed until he looked towards a group of Kyrn that were directing their lessers. Gripping the axe shaft until his knuckles turned white he breathed heavily, feeling the rage building up.
You have succumbed to Rage
Rage
The Warrior enters an uncontrollable beserker state that can't be exited until at least one resource is exhausted
All damage is increased by 30%
Warning: The Rage Status is uncontrollable, after it occurs once the afflicted is more likely to suffer it again during moments of intense emotion
Smiling Alex threw his axe then stepped into flames, appearing just behind the largest rat he could see. He then caught his axe as it tore horizontally through his target's body and before it could react, he swung down, quartering the Kyrn. Smouldering Embers spred from him, alerting every other rat to his presence deep within the massed rat army.
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
“My turn.”
The advancing rats hesitated as Alex stared at them, the madness coming off the Fire Warrior was a tangible thing. They didn’t react until he called on every Ability he had then attacked.
Manka watched while rhythmically sending different healing Abilities out, either directly at specific Adventurers or in a radiating wave away from herself. She shuddered as Alex swung his axe into the ground generating a large storm of fire, then threw the weapon in what seemed to be a random direction before screaming at a large Kyrn and tearing it in half. Taking a couple of frantic steps back as Alex smashed two more rats together several times before throwing their deformed bodies away.
“Mama Qucha, Añaykupaqchu, wataykita kuyuchispay. Kanpi sasatamantamun.”
Alex was too far gone to notice it, but his HUD translated Manka’s words.
“Mama Qucha, Protect me, allow your waters to flow where they are most needed.”
Pachacuti, The Radiant surged into the group of rats crowding around Alex and shattered the ground at their feet until he was strong-armed away by the enraged Warrior. Alex then pointed at the Incan man then pointed away.
“Allillanchu?”
Pachacuti’s voice was more confused than worried and Manka watched as Alex clenched his fists, causing the flames on his body to flare up.
“Allillanchu Till?”
Alex clenched his right fist tighter then held it out like he was grasping for something.
“Ñan Q'uchuy!”
Pachacuti turned when he heard a fellow Incan telling him to move, followed by the name only Manka used for him. The Chosen of Inti seemed to absorb all the light around his body then disappeared seconds before the Allillanchu’s axe passed through where he had been standing. Manka breathed a sigh of relief then turned to Alex. For the first time in over two decades she felt real fear. As they stared at each other nebulous clouds of shadow flowed over the Fire Warrior's body and his mantle lit with the fire of Uku Pacha (the Underworld).
“Supay?”
Alex shook his head several times then stamped his foot causing flames to roar up around him, then he stepped and Manka lost sight of the man who was meant to be leading their group.
“Mama Qucha, Añaykupaqchu, wataykita kuyuchispay. Kanpi sasatamantamun.”
The healer shook herself and returned her attention to the battle raging around her. Her HUD was bathed in turquoise and silver, and she could feel her Inner Unu restoring itself after every heal chained or pulsed out from her body. Her heartbeat returned to normal as she held a small, dainty hand out and her brother flashed past, the electrical charge contained within his body merged with the Unu in hers releasing an electrical pulse that stunned every nearby rat and supercharged Manko’s health, allowing him to recklessly re-enter the fray.
Alex appeared in a ring of fire and breathed heavily. The Rage was like a blanket of hate that had been strapped to him then coated with a virulent poison which clawed at his brain.
“Professor… please.”
The System entity, Professor Ladere, is unavailable
Alex screamed and fell to his knees, letting his head hang down as tears again ran down his face, turning to steam before they could fall into the fire.
“Alex?”
“I'm done.”
“Done?”
“She's gone. New Ben, she's go-”
“I know mate. If you give up you'll never know if we can get her back.”
Alex's face, coated in ash, blood and other Kyrn juices lifted till the two Adventures locked eyes.
“Back?”
“I don't know if it's possible. But it won't be if you let yourself die. The only way to get her back is to fight and win.”
“Back…”
“Alex, you need to kill every Kyrn.”
“Raticide?”
Alex looked off to the side like he was waiting for something, or someone, then his shoulders slumped and he whispered it again.
“Raticide.”
“Alex, we're losing. We need you.” The Alchemist steeled himself, squared his shoulders and took a breath before continuing. “Alex, the professor needs you.”
Alex nodded slowly, used his axe to stand then nodded again.
“Then I'll fight. If I can't get her back…”
New Ben started to speak, grimaced and looked at the odd sky, blinked rapidly to get himself under control and cleared his throat.
“I know Alex.” The two friends looked at each other again, allowing Alex's unspoken promise to hang around their necks. “I know.”
“One last battle?”
“Or one of many more.”
“Either way, a lot of Kyrn need to burn.”
“You also need to work with your party.”
Alex felt the Rage receding slightly, it was still there, waiting for his resources to drain away, slowly consuming him from within.
“Ñuqapi.”
The translation, ‘On me’, flashed up in Alex's HUD.
New Ben disappeared into the shadows as Manko appeared, stepping from the end of a fork of lightning, as he dropped a small gem. The gem fractured and released a torrent of water from which Manka appeared. Pachacuti and Mayta appeared from a flash of light and the four Incan Adventurers looked on expectantly as the Buffs they cast refreshed.
“Kill them all.”
Manko smiled and disappeared into the sky causing storm clouds to gather. Mayta and Pachacuti gripped each other's hands then with another flash of light transformed into something far larger.
Avatar of Inti, Solar Warform
Manka began singing, weaving hand gestures and her words into intricate Abilities. Reaching out Alex touched her shoulder and she flinched before relaxing.
“Viracocha…”
Tears began streaming down the healer's face even as her gestures became more and more intricate. Alex squeezed Manka's shoulder softly then moved away, already feeling the layered healing Abilities settle over his body.
“Professor. I'm getting you back.”
The System entity, Professor Ladere, is unavailable
Alex erupted into flames and tore through the remaining Kyrn. Eventually he paused, standing at the edge of the huge battle, blood flowed freely from wounds over most of his body and he was missing his left arm.
“That fight didn't go to plan prof…”
Hanging his head again he took a deep breath and released it shakily. Looking back at the fight he watched as Kyrn bodies froze then shattered or burnt away to ash in the combination of Smouldering Embers, residual Flames, electricity, cooling lava and fire based Abilities employed by himself or the multitude of other Adventurers. Then with one last look down at the ragged wound that had been a perfectly good arm he grunted and dove back in as lightning tore past accomplished by a vicious laugh.
Hours later Alex staggered forward as a body exploded behind him.
Alex Till lands Killing Blow on Runolx, Dominion Prince (Level 109)
The Battle has ended
The Clark County Resistance is Victorious
Rewards will be made available at the Faction Outpost
“Rewa-”
Alex passed out in a soup of his own blood and Kyrn pieces.
----------------------------------------
“Alex?”
“Professor?”
“No. Sorry Alex, she’s still gone.” Alex rolled away from New Ben then froze when his friend reached out and gripped his shoulder. “Alex, you’ve been unconscious since the battle finished, you have things to do, then we can work out what happened to Professor Ladere.”
“New Ben… I can’t. I used everything to get through that fight. I have nothing left. Nothing.”
Alex jerked back after taking two slaps to the face then sat up while blinking quickly.
“Oh good, you’re up.”
“What was that for?”
“Because this isn’t the right time to be a little bitch. Surely you got enought experience from that battle to get to level 100, where you’ll hit a wall. You need to Upgrade your Class and then we’ll know if Professor Ladere returns. Also, you need to pay the survivors.”
“Some survived?”
New Ben reached out and offered a hang to pull Alex to his feet.
“Most did, well a lot. But we suffered some serious losses. Your party is fine.”
Alex looked around himself, taking in the still smoking distruction then looked down and frowned.
“My arm?”
He lifted his arm and moved it in front of his face, marvelling at the restored limb then looked at New Ben.
“I’d be a pretty awful Alchemist if I didn’t have a limb recovery potion. Also, that… Manka? The Incan healer, she did something which helped your recovery, and with all of the survivors.”
“How long…-”
“You’ve been unconscious for just over a day.”
“Where is everyone?”
New Ben laughed awkwardly then indicated the closest dead Kyrn.
“Loot that.” Alex did as he was told and New Ben continued. “I lied. I had Raid Assistant privileges so when the battle was done I paid everyone, added a little extra and opened up the Raid Loot… or, a portion of it. Your Captain and the four Incans are the only Adventurers left. The Incan’s have taken up residence and are staying to support your Kryn culling.”
“The Captain?”
New Ben shrugged and looked out over the still smoldering ground that was covered in bodies.
“No idea. He’s close to level 100. I think he’s waiting for you.”
Alex watched as un-applied experience scrolled down his HUD
“The experience isn’t being added.”
“You’ve reached level 100 then. This was probably the worst way to do it. As 100 is a milestone, experience gained will apply up till the level up, any extra… this is actually a hotly debated topic. Some say it reverts to the System, others say it powers Class Upgrades.”
“Either way this is going to suck isn’t it.”
You have reached level 100
Upgrade to C-Grade
Yes/No
Class Upgrade Token Detected
Upgrade to B-Grade
Yes/No
“Yes it is. The Upgrade to B-Grade is… memorable. You need to loot that one.”
Alex looked in the direction that New Ben was pointing as saw a pile of bits.
“What is…?”
“That’s Runolx, the leader of this army and one of two Dominion War Leaders. He’s basically their you.”
“That doesn’t look like it helped him much.”
“No. You don’t remember?”
“I have flashes of the battle, did I attack Pachacuti?”
“Yes. Well, sort of. He's still alive, so not really.”
“Shit.”
“Not your best moment. Other than that?”
Alex gripped the sides of his head and groaned.
“A lot of lightning.”
“Manko.”
“I remember the end, something about rewards.”
“That was when you killed Runolx.”
“Right. That makes sense.”
Alex kicked the assorted pieces of Kyrn.
Loot Received:
Runolx’ Hatchet of Calamitous Ruination - B-Grade Weapon
Ability Token - B-Grade
Attribute Token - B-Grade
“Calamitous Ruination? That’s a little over the top. What happens now?
“We head back to the Command Center and you Upgrade. Trigger the C-Grade Upgrade now, that shouldn’t be too bad. Hopefully you start to remember more, otherwise it'll be a pretty boring battle for you.”
Alex looked at New Ben and raised his eyebrows as New Ben laughed.
“Not as bad as the Upgrade to B-Grade.”
You have reached level 100
Upgrade to C-Grade
Yes/No
Alex selected yes and the two friends headed back towards the wall.
“Surely that wasn’t it? We just finished a massive battle.”
“That isn’t even close to it. But the rest needs to be done back at the Command Center and doing it at B-Grade will be more beneficial. For both of us.”
Alex fell to his knees and felt like his spine was breaking in multiple places. Then his arms. Then his legs.
“It isn’t that bad. Alex, stop being dramatic.”
Alex looked up and made eye contact with New Ben and pushed on his Inner Fire causing his eyes to fill with fire.
“Fine, be dramatic. You're in… doesn’t matter.”
----------------------------------------
Congratulations Adventurer
You have reached C-Grade
Strength +20
Inner Fire +20
Alex shook himself, and realised he was on his hands and knees in the middle of a large Kyrn that had been split open and left to rot.
“What a place to fall.”
“I thought about moving you, but…”
“It was funnier to leave me, elbow and knee deep in a huge rotting rat.”
New Ben laughed then reached down to give Alex a hand up. Looking up Alex pulled one hand free with a meaty suction sound causing New Ben to take a few steps back with a shake of his head. Alex stood up, accidentally pulling the Kyrn body up with him. Looking down he shook his left arm until it slid off and fell to the ground leaving Alex and New Ben just looking at the jiggling mess of flesh.
“That was…”
“Disgusting.”
With a cough, New Ben turned and moved away from the stinking body and Alex hurried to catch up.
Name: Alex Till
Race: Human (Earth 0)
Class: Fire Warrior [C-Grade]
Titles: Planetary Forerunner 100, Multiverse Forerunner, Multiverse Dungeon Diver, Multiverse Elite, Initiation Perfectionist, Initiation Conqueror, Varkarakos' Bane, Supay's Chosen, Auqui (Prince) of Uku Pacha, Twice Chosen Herald of the Coricancha
Faction: Clark County Resistance (Vice-Leader, Ambassador)
Sponsors: (2 of 3) Bio-Evolutionary Laboratories, Teacher of the Worlds Society
Core Pantheon: Coricancha
Deity: Hidden, Supay
Level: 100
Strength: 656
Inner Fire: 444
Constitution: 284
Agility: 125
“Done.”
“You survived it.”
“Wait, you’re surprised?”
“No...”
“New Ben?”
“Some people struggle with Class Upgrades.”
“They struggle?”
“Or they die.”
“You could’ve mentioned that.”
New Ben just shrugged and flashed a quick smile over his shoulder before speeding up.
“I got a new title as well, Initiation Conqueror.”
New Ben flinched.
“When we Portal back to your Earth…”
“Everything goes to shit.”
“The Initiation will be complete, anything can visit your Earth. Level 100 beasts can spawn anywhere outside safe zones, high level Adventurers can visit.”
“The longer I stay here-”
“The better.”
They continued on in silence, heading through the gate into the walled Outpost until Alex's rumination was cut short.
“The Outpost looks different.”
“It levelled up. What did you expect, you were under siege and fought a massive battle in the shadow of your Outpost… well, your city. The walls are taller, there are fortifications on either side of each gate and along the walls.” New Ben stopped and pointed at multiple large towers. “You can now employ trades people in addition to defenders and set a City Guard. There are bound to be other benefits but that was all I could see while closing out the Raid.”
Alex nodded then started walking again until he froze and hunched up. He was surrounded, Kyrn closed in, screeching and hissing as he fought back. He was driven to one knee and a searing pain tore through his left arm and he felt claws, fangs and blades tear into him as his vision started to tunnel.
“Alex?”
Shaking himself Alex looked up to see New Ben looking down at him.
“What happened?”
“I was going to as you the same thing. A of a sudden you started screaming and dropped to a knee.”
“I was…” Alex looked around then clutched at his recently regrown arm, noticing for the first time that his Bracer was still in place. “I don't know. I thought…”
Ben helped Alex to his feet while watching his friend warily. Alex’s movements were jerky and the Fire Warrior jumped at every sound as the two continued to the Command Center. Without the professor around his friend was rapidly becoming untethered. Shuddering Ben remembered what Alex had said he'd do if the professor couldn't be recovered. With a sigh he sped up, regularly looking over his shoulder at the newly minted level 100 powerhouse shambling along in his wake. For an unstoppable force of fury Alex was doing a great impression of a scared child.
----------------------------------------
Alex and New Ben entered the Command Center instantly cutting off three conversations. The Captain was speaking with a large hunched figure shrouded in a hooded cloak, Mama Qucha was speaking with Manka and the other Incans were talking amongst themselves. Multiple sets of eyes turned to stare at Alex who visibly flinched.
“This isn't good.”
Mama Qucha's words reached Ben and he nodded but before he could speak a commanding voice tore through large building.
“Leave. I want everyone out of here in ten seconds, except Alex. I have words for you.”
Alex seemed to come to attention.
“Yes Captain.”
The others, including two Deities filed from the building.
“So, it's happened again, Alex?”
“Sir?”
“Don't sir me. You know full well what I mean.”
Alex hung his head and nodded.
With a sigh the Captain waved a hand causing his Grecian armour to disappear, leaving him in a Clark County Fire Department tracksuit.
“Alex, you… we can't go through one of these episodes again. You know it, I know it. Hell, our Earth will know it as soon as you go back. So, talk to me.”
“She's gone, Captain.”
“I'm not on the floor.”
A slight smile cracked Alex's lips but he ruthlessly shoved the moment of levity away as he looked up.
“The professor's gone.”
“Has she? That Ben, the shifty bloke who likes shadows, said we don't know that for sure. Reaching level 100, two Class Upgrades, the reparations that the… Onix Trono will need to make. Not to mention the professor's special status, something to do with somewhere called the Abyss and that Goddess I just kicked out? She isn't an Adventurer, why would she conform to rules we have to follow?”
Alex's mouth dropped open and colour seemed to return to his face.
“Do you think-”
“Don't do that. It's not what I think, it's what you think.”
Alex shook himself.
“Thanks, Captain.”
“You're going to get your shit together? If you don't, I know Deities, I'll get one to slap you around a little.”
Alex looked up and could see by the Captain's face that he was joking and his Faction Leader was still far more worried than he was letting on. He could feel the walls closing in, closing his eyes he could see Kyrn closing in. Breathing rapidly he pushed the memory away and sat down.
“I'm trying.”
The Captain frowned as he looked at his Second then nodded slowly.
“Then I'll need a debrief on this city, the battle and your plans to reclaim this Earth for humanity, Lieutenant.”
Alex's shoulders relaxed when the Captain used his old Fire Service rank and muscle memory took over and he launched into a full debrief on everything up to the beginning of the battle.