"So, what happens now?"
"Archaeology."
"It'll be good to get my hands dirty," Alex slapped his hands together, they made a wet noise, then didn't want to be pulled apart.
"Till, your hands have been filthy since the Initiation. Look at the state of you. Now, you received a quest for this site, right?"
"Yes, but I don't know-?"
"How do you perform archaeology within the System?"
"Yes. Also, with you involved it's different. You've scanned this site and you know where everything is, so you and the System have removed the search component."
"This is true. Do you want me to return all your tools and not say anything?"
"No, it's fine. Just tell me what to do."
"This site contains three items the System deems to hold Historical Significance, that term is rather loose. The significance could mean it's a mundane item, but it was used by an important person, or that it was culturally significant. Or, in rare instances, it could be an item from a civilization that was already in the System, so it could be gear or an item you can use."
"Gear?"
"A new axe."
"I would like a new axe. The old one is inside a variant back there." Alex indicated the last fight area from his recent massacre. "Something I can use?"
"You learned a Skill while fighting before, going off your display it is called Primal Fury, based on the historical data I have access to, that's rare. Typically Adventurers would learn Skills and Abilities by Levelling their Class or finding items, like Skill Books or weapons, that allow an Adventurer to learn a new Skill."
"So I could find a book and it could teach me to block?"
"Theoretically, though I would surmise that a Tome would provide a Skill that was slightly more sophisticated than blocking."
"For an Archaeology Companion, you know a lot about the System. Not that I'm complaining, it helps a lot."
"I don't know much about the System, but the historical data I have on other System civilisations contains writings discovered by other archaeologists that have detailed accounts of how Adventurers from those civilisations dealt with the changes they were going through."
"That's a useful loophole."
"Indeed. Now, before we get started there is a deep stream just to the north, right behind it is the first zone you need to investigate. I suggest a bath followed by artefact recovery."
"Am I that bad? Alex asked, looking down at himself with a grimace.
"Till, I can't smell, but I think I can smell you. Plus, you're bound to attract sharks with that much blood on you."
"Sharks…" Alex spun to look at the floating book, "we're thousands of miles from any salt water."
"Yes."
Chuckling to himself Alex stored the Heavy Hatchet in his inventory and jogged towards the stream. Oddly being caked in the remains of his enemies wasn't as disgusting as he expected it to be. Every drop of blood and detritus was proof of the trials he'd overcome over the last 20 levels. Though he had to admit, he wasn't smelling fresh. Arriving at the fast-running stream he could see that the professor was right, it was deep. Removing his clothing he dove in, revelling in the feeling of the cold water rushing by his body."
"Hand," said the Professor.
Alex's right hand shot out under the water and a bar of abrasive soap appeared.
"This would be very uncomfortable if you were the real professor."
"Agreed. Don't forget your clothing."
Twenty minutes later Alex emerged from the stream, draped his stream-laundered jeans, socks and underwear over a conveniently large sun-warmed flat rock and hung his boots from the branches of one of the small trees scattered along the banks of the stream.
"Towel?"
"I'll be fine thanks, professor. It's hot, the sun's up and I have work to do. I'll dry and there is no one around. Plus I can wash when I'm done then get dressed."
"The first zone is over here."
The professor moved down the bank and stopped at a large rise.
"Any ideas on what I'm looking for?"
"My information lists this as either a storehouse… or a bank."
"So I'm looking for magic wool or an abacus?"
"It's possible."
"I was really hoping for an axe," said Alex with a groan, "well, let's get started."
Extending a hand the first tool he'd need appeared.
----------------------------------------
"This really isn't what I expected. At all."
Alex was sitting on the ground, this time he was covered foot to toe in dirt, dust and mud.
"I'll admit, the term Historically Significant had me expecting something more… significant."
"Are we sure these are what I was looking for?"
"Check your Profession Screen."
Archaeology Screen
Archaeology - Unique Profession
Current Grade - B
Current Level - 3
Current Enhancements - HistoriAI Companion
Current Dig Sites
Earth 0 | Incan Settlement - 78% Historical Significance
Dig Sites In Range of Adventurer
4
Filtered by Historical Significance
1 - Earth 0 | Ancient Burial Site: 32%
2 - Earth 0 | Ancient Battle Site: 14%
3 - Earth 12 | Battle Site: 11%
4 - Earth 41 - Worship Clearing - 7%
Current Dig Site
Completion- 95%
All Artefacts Recovered
On Use Function Discoved - Return to Settlement Centre to Use
"On Use Function Discovered?"
"Interesting, these items must create something."
Looking down Alex tilted his head to the side.
Archaeology Item
Platinum Ingot
Unranked - Quest Item
Archaeology Item
Silver Ingot
Unranked - Quest Item
Archaeology item
Rhodium Ingot
Unranked - Quest Item
"I honestly have no idea."
"Get cleaned up and we'll head to the Settlement Centre and see what happens."
"Sounds like a plan. Makes you wonder if any pre-System discoveries needed the System to work properly," replied Alex, throwing the items into his inventory and jogging back to where he'd left his clothes to dry before jumping back in the stream.
"I should've known I was wrong about where I thought the Settlement was."
"I was hoping you'd realise."
"Freshwater. The only source was a day away from where I was digging."
"Guess you learned something in my classes after all. Towel?"
“Who are you, the water police? I’m staying in for a while.”
“Guess you aren't as interested as I thought to find out what the items do.”
Grumbling Alex emerged from the water.
“Towel.”
It appeared in his hand and before long Alex was dried, dressed and heading in the direction his HUD suggested.
“Isn’t Rhodium expensive and rare?”
“I believe so.”
“But this unknown Incan Settlement has an ingot of the stuff.”
“Yes.”
“How?”
Alex received no response to his question while just fueled his curiosity.
“Here, Till. Stop.”
“This is the centre of the settlement?”
“According to the info I have and your HUD seems to agree with me.”
“Wait, you can see my HUD?”
“When you’re on an Archaeology quest. Seems logical.”
“Makes sense. Now let’s see what happens.”
Alex removed the ingots from his Inventory and placed them on the ground. A large key fell out with them.
“What’s that?”
Multiverse Dungeon Key
Unranked - Special Item
Special Ability: Unlocks the Multiverse Tier of an Earth 0 Dungeon
“Interesting. You didn’t remove that did you, Till?”
“No, it just fell out. Multiverse tier…?”
“I think it was pulled from your inventory by the ingots. According to all the information I have, a ‘Multiverse Tier’ merges a dungeon with some of its Multiverse versions, increasing its difficulty. Can you do anything with the ingots?”
Current Dig Site
Completion- 95%
All Artefacts Recovered
On Use Function Discoved - Return to Settlement Centre to Use
Use
Yes/No
“Yes.”
Initiating
Current Dig Site
Completion - 100%
All Artefacts Recovered
Merging Complete
Dungeon Activation Token
Unranked - Special Item
Special Ability: Opens the Earth 0 Incan Settlement Dungeon
Would you like to merge the Dungeon Activation Token with Multiverse Dungeon Key?
Yes/No
“Yes.”
Initiating
Initiating
Merge Complete
Multiverse Dungeon Activation Token
B-Rank - Special Item
Special Ability: Opens the Multiverse Incan Settlement Dungeon
Recommended Level: 25+
Alex looked down at the new item, the ingots had originally turned into three segmented metal balls made up of the different metals. It had looked expensive and fragile. After being merged with the Multiverse Dungeon Key it had been encased in glass and the metal balls slowly rotated independently of each other like invisible hands were moving them.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“That’s different.”
“What isn’t different since the Initiation, Till?”
“Point taken. Shall we activate it?”
“Did you see the recommended level?”
“It's only five levels…”
“You only have the Heavy Hatchet.”
“You’ve made two really good points…”
“You’re still going aren’t you.”
“Never even considered putting the Token back in my inventory. What do you know about dungeons?”
"Just that they are condensed locations of difficult opponents. There are also accounts of Epic enemies in the records I have access to. Typically there are progressively difficult enemies culminating in a Champion or Boss. After this fight the Dungeon completes and the Adventurers are granted rewards based on their performance."
"Interesting."
"Still committed?"
"Haven't questioned my decisions yet."
Bonus Quest - Earth 0 | Incan Settlement Archaeology Site
Find all of Historical Significance at the Site
Quest Complete
Quest Rewards
200 C-Grade Credits
50 B-Grade Credits
Bonus Quest Unlocked - Survive the Dungeon
Bonus Quest Unlocked - Survive the Multiverse Dungeon
"That got a little heavy. At least it's win or lose, no grey area."
"That's a comfort to us all, Till."
"No point moping. Let's do this."
Alex lifted the Multiverse Dungeon Activation Token up to his eye level.
"So, any idea how to-"
Activating Multiverse Dungeon Activation Token
Token Active
Please Enter The Dungeon
5
4
3
Alex looked around frantically and saw what looked like a heat haze, without thinking about it he walked through the haze and into…
"An arena? Really?"
"What did you expect, Till?"
"No idea really, but I hoped for some interesting progression, maybe a story of some kind. Save the dragon, kill the evil princess."
"Save the… aren't you meant to save the princess and kill the dragon?"
"Why would I kill the dragon?"
"Because it's evil."
"Why?"
"I can't have this conversation. Why would you kill the princess?"
"Because she's evil."
"Why is the Princess evil?"
"Because I'm the hero in this story, so there has to be an evil princess and a good one who has been persecuted her whole life. Kill the evil princess, save the dragon, and help the good princess recover her father's Throne."
"That's… actually plausible. I'm hoping that's what happens."
"No, it's an arena, I'll just be fighting bad guys over and over till I have to fight some extra large bad guy. Hopefully, I get an axe."
Challenger, are you ready?
"Me? Yes."
Fight
"Straight into it, no drawn-out evil monologue? Better than making me wait."
A large gate started to open opposite Alex and three creatures emerged.
Savage Lancerspine - (Level 26) x3 - This Porcupine has evolved to walk on its hind legs, as the name suggests it's savage. Sharp claws allow it to engage in melee while long boney spines can be fired with impressive accuracy. These spines regenerate. Damage inflicted with fang, claw or spine inflicts Rend, causing damage over time and slowing victims. Susceptible to crushing damage.
"Level 26…"
"I told you-"
"This is going to be fun."
"Fun?"
"Before the System I worked, I loved my job but that was all I did. During the fire at that last dig, I thought I was going to die. I was pinned by that rubble and it was burning and there was nothing I could do. I was terrified and thought I was going to die but I didn't accept it. Something inside me refused to give in. I fought my way out from within the fire. After that I needed to join the department or my fear would consume me. There was always something holding me back. Getting my Masters. My fear of fire. Hiding that fear. Now, all I need to do is fight and get stronger. Win or lose, live or die, I'm going to have fun."
Alex dodged as a long Spine rocketed at his face. It was quickly followed by several more. The Lancers realised he was too fast so they split, one approached while the other two spread apart forcing him to watch three different attackers simultaneously. Pulling the Heavy Hatchet from his inventory he ducked and rose quickly, expecting his speed to throw the Lancer off. In a startling combination of prescience and combat prowess, it fired a spine, caught it and used the long spiny appendage as a short staff, easily deflecting Alex's attacks.
"That was impressive, mate. Annoying but impressive."
Alex ducked as two long spines narrowly avoided taking up residence in his eye sockets. Instead of letting it get to him, Alex sped up. The Lancerspine's slowed enemies with successful attacks so it stood to reason that they weren't the quickest in the Spine Variant Family. Ducking and Weaving to avoid melee and ranged attacks stretched him to the limit and there was a kind of stalemate until the gate lifted to allow five additional Lancers into the arena.
"Now that is just playing favourites. Enough! Primal Fury!"
Alex surged with power, his eyes glowed red and his lips pulled back to reveal his teeth giving him a fearsome visage.
"Just die."
The increase in strength and Agility was just what he needed. Alex battered away the claw wielding the defensive spine and hammered the Hatchet into the Lancer's head. After seven blows the skull cracked like an egg, instead of letting the Lancer fall to the ground he hoisted the twitching creature and used it as a shield as he ran toward the Lancer on the left. Making the most of his prodigious strength he threw the dying Lancer at its mate to the right and engaged the second one, dropping to one knee as another two spines whistled over his head, then spinning to cleave the small bladed weapon into the Lancers right hip causing it to stagger and lean back allowing Alex to deliver a blow to the inside of its thigh.
The rush of blood proved that Spine variants also had arteries in vital areas. The creature squealed and clamped a clawed paw down on the wound, Alex reversed the Hatchet and rammed it home into another chin and throat. Pulling the Hatchet free tore the creature's lower jaw away from its body. Looking over at the remaining six Lancers revealed that the death throes of his first kill had subsided. Flipping the Hatchet in his hand he looked down at it.
C-Grade Heavy Hatchet (One-Piece Tool Steel)
Weapon Stats:
Damage: High (to Spine Variants)
Attack Speed: Fast
Durability: 93%
Weight: Medium
Bonus: Inflicts both Crushing and Slicing Damage.
Kills - 4
Alex charged, swinging the Hatchet at every exposed part of a Lancer he could reach while dodging every spine that shot towards him or was swung in his direction.
Skill Upgraded: Primal Fury: After being drenched in the blood of their foes a Warrior can enter a state of enhanced ferocity, increasing Strength by 10, Agility by 10 but reducing Constitution by 20.
Experience gained is increased by 10%
Becomes
Primal Fury II: After being drenched in the blood of their foes a Warrior can enter a state of enhanced ferocity, increasing Strength by 15, Agility by 15 but reducing Constitution by 25.
The aggression of attacks generates heat to rival the Warriors Ferocity, gradually causing a ring of fire to build around the Warrior, burning enemies and slowing their movement speed. This AoE effect adds Smouldering Embers.
Ability: Smouldering Embers: Reduces resistance to fire damage and increases damage taken by all attacks. The more enemies caught in this AoE increases the expansion of the ring of fire. If over 5 enemies are caught in this ring, chains of fire lock the enemies together slowly pulling them closer to the Warrior. Damage over time increased incrementally the longer an enemy stays in the ring while consistently sustaining damage from the Warrior.
"That'll help," said Alex, already feeling a pleasant warmth through his boots. Looking up at the sound of a metallic clanking he saw eight more Lancers entering the arena. "That won't! Shit."
Primal Fury II Active
Smouldering Embers Active
Strength: 91*
Constitution: 21*
Agility: 40*
With the strength and speed of his Hatchet swings increasing, Alex pushed himself to commit even more terrifying acts of carnage, lopping claws off Lancers, cleaving through jaws and ruining knee joints with crippling blows. He watched as ethereal chains of fire wrapped around the legs of the closest Lancer, restricting its movement, and then they uncoiled to bind every Lancer around him, slowly dragging them closer. With a feral grin that dripped with Lancer blood, he continued but it was like taking a Hatchet to a sturdy oak, the weapon just wasn't large enough to fell a Lancer with one or even three blows. Each strike did a lot of damage, maiming an enemy past the point of recovery but they kept fighting, often missing an arm or claw and dragging a useless leg. Surrounded by 14 Lancers, all with grievous wounds, wasn't good odds, even with his increased stats.
"This Isn't going well, is it, professor?"
"No, Till, it isn't. Do you have a plan?"
"My plan was to kill them, but their level is a little too high with so many and with this weapon."
"Yes, the Heavy Hatchet isn't the right weapon for multiple higher-level enemies. Your old axe would be great."
"That's really helpful," replied Alex, ducking under two Spines before diving past three chained Lancers, pulling them after him.
"These chains are a blessing and a curse. I can't level up until I'm out of combat and that isn't going to happen till these pricks die."
"Back at your tent you managed to impale variants on their brethren, what if you were to employ some of these Lancers similarly?"
"Interesting, the chains would help with that. Good looking out professor."
Alex ducked a spine, reached out and grabbed a Lancer by the wrist and pulled it closer, the chains pulled another in behind. Then he kicked out, his boot hammered into a chest already cleaved through in areas by his Hatchet. His kick took the Lancer by surprise, caving in it's rib cage and propelling it into the Lancer behind. The unlucky variant froze as over twenty spines drove into its pelvis, chest and face, freezing it in place. Alex lept after the beleaguered pair, swinging his Hatchet into the exposed chest cavity of the Lancer he'd kicked, destroying its heart. The dead Lancer slumped forward dragging its frozen mate down. Tearing his Hatchet free in an eruption of heart's blood, he slammed it down on the back of the frozen Lancer's head, killing it instantly. The chains constricting them sparked and pulled back to Alex's other enemies, instantly pulling them closer.
"Then there were twelve."
A Lancer missing a claw struck out with the other and Alex dodged and grabbed the flailing limb, tugging it down and pulling the creature off balance it landed face-first on the burning arena floor. Alex kicked out, knocking it senseless and spinning to combat whoever came at him next.
With eleven enemies still in the fight, all of them severely injured they attacked with more cohesion, the chains slowing them enough so Alex escaped injury. Two variants struck out, leading with claws that held spines, Alex ducked and dragged the senseless Lancer at his feet closer, causing both variants to miss with their strikes but impale their paws and forearms on the spines from their fallen ally. They howled as their movement was further restricted and Alex took full advantage, slamming his Hatchet into both skulls and rapidly ejecting their brains into the fire.
"Nine and a half left."
Alex jumped, landing on the head of the closest creature that was still standing, then leaping further to land on the edge of his ring of fire, spreading it further. The nine creatures spun slowly to follow, unintentionally dragging their unconscious ally onto its side so its spines faced Alex. Alex's move pulled them all towards him leaving a trail of blood, including the senseless variant that was burning on the ground. It slammed into the back of three Lancers, impaling them with spines and breaking several against them. Alex struck out with his left fist, rocketing it into the leftmost Lancer, slamming it into its fellows before following up with three wicked strikes into three different eye sockets. Dropping the three Lancers into the fire at their feet.
"Six injured Lancers and one well-cooked."
"Don't count them too-"
The professor was interrupted by the clanking of the large gate.
"No, no, no, no," muttered Alex, narrowly dodging six spines.
Instead of a group of Lancers, a single spine variant appeared. This one was different, it appeared to be armoured and wielded a large heavy weapon.
Ravenous Chitinspine - (Level 32) - This Porcupine has evolved to walk on its hind legs and has developed a ravenous hunger, often feasting on its victims both during and after the battle, restoring health and even regenerating limbs. Sharp claws have evolved into short-clawed articulated paws. The spines typically found on Spine Variants have evolved into articulated plates of chitinous armour. Susceptible to slicing damage.
"Susceptible to slicing damage? The System is taking the piss."
"Presumably you'd need to remove the armour, the flesh underneath is likely to be weak."
"Remove the armour, she says… That'll be easy."
"I'll remind you that I thought this was a bad idea."
"Not the time professor, not the time!"
The Chitinspine stood in front of the large gate and watched Alex. Its weapon was slung over one armoured shoulder and Alex could see small gaps in the plates as it moved. Gaps he should be able to get his fingers into.
"I'm getting sick of these Lancers. One stamp will sort the charred bastard, these others will need some finesse…"
Alex threw his Hatchet into the air and the Professor took it into her inventory. He tore some spines from the back of the charred bastard at his feet.
C-Grade Savage Lancerspine Spine
Weapon Stats:
Damage: High
Attack Speed: Fast
Durability: 71%
Weight: Light
Searing Strike: Unleashes a scorching blow, inflicting additional fire damage over time to the target.
"Searing Strike! Haven't seen it for a while."
Alex threw spines at two of the creatures assaulting him, taking them both by surprise. Spine pierced them in both eyes. The force of each throw lifted the creatures off their feet and carried them backwards, they died before the chains could drag them back. Before they landed Alex was moving, collecting more spines on his way. The fight wasn't going to be fair, Alex's HUD showed that the Smouldering Embers debuff had reached the point that even with healing there was no way the Lancers would survive the encounter.
They were slowed by the chains and the extensive injuries they'd sustained, the Smouldering Embers debuff meant that every injury was now even more debilitating, they were also taking damage from the flames and that damage was increasing steadily. Alex struck, driving spines into the throats of three of the remaining Lancers, leaving them to collapse into the fire at their feet. The last Lancer turned and presented its back and fired off every spine it had left. Alex dove into the fire and reappeared in front of the Lancer and slammed his remaining two spines through the creature's chest, ending its fight.
"What the hell was that? Did I teleport?"
"It would appear so…"
"Awesome! Now, that wanker. Bloody hell, I forgot this bloke."
Alex walked back to the blackened Lancer and stamped down hard on its skull, crushing it and ending the creature's pain.
Still, the Chitinspine watched.
"We aren't in combat yet…"
"Access your notifications and level up!"
Level Up
Experience gain increased by 30% due to Multiverse Dungeon Zone
Experience gain increased by 10% due to level disparity
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
"So many?"
"The experience modifiers are helpful."
Name: Alex Till
Race: Human (Earth 0)
Class: Fire Warrior
Title: Planetary Frontrunner 100, Multiverse Forerunner
Level: 27
Attributes:
Strength: 97
Constitution: 60
Agility: 39
Intelligence: 33
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 11
Available Stat Points - 21
Alex pushed 13 points into Strength and 8 into Constitution.
Strength: 110
Constitution: 68
Available Stat Points - 0
"That'll help. Now, what was that new Skill?"
Skill Learned: Ember Walk: Like ash cast into the wind, the Warrior learns to move through flames unharmed, using them as a means of quick transportation or as a defence mechanism.
"That's… basically a superpower. I can teleport in flames? Holy shit!"
"What makes this more of a superpower than your other abilities or your attributes? The average human has 5 Strength, you now have 110. By your logic, you're already superhuman."
"True, but a flame teleport? I'm sure there are a lot of people on Earth… 0 that have good attributes, but how many can teleport in flames? That's the good stuff."
"You're an odd man Till."
"If I'd had this ability-"
"Don't go there, Till. You can't change the past."
"But I would've been able to save-"
"No."
Alex looked over at his companion and nodded, then back at the Ravenous Chitinspine.
"This guy looks intense, his eating ability is gross but powerful."
"Eating ability? Oh, how he can feast on his victims during and after a battle. An archaeologist on Earth 371 recently discovered a settlement that had contended with something similar. The writings they discovered talked about how the settlement had doomed itself by sending its most powerful Adventurers to challenge it first. The creature partially or completely consumed those Adventurers and absorbed some, or all, of their Attributes, Skills or Abilities meaning the settlement fell to their own power."
"That… that got really dark professor."
"I'm an Archaeology Companion, I can only give you facts about archaeology, though you seem to insist otherwise. But you're right, that didn't happen. The Settlement is fine, no one died and everyone had pizza."
"Man, I'd kill for some pizza right now."
"That Spine Variant might have some…"
"He does look like the type to hide pizza."
Primal Fury fades
Smouldering Embers fades
Alex walked forwards, maintaining eye contact with the new spine variant.
"He's a lot taller than the others."
"Definitely bigger. That War Hammer is very impressive as well."
"Yea, there is some extreme weapon envy happening right now. It looks like it's made of stone. I like that for some reason."
The Chitinspine lifted the War Hammer off his shoulder and held it across his body, gently tapping the shaft against his left hand. The black material it was made of seemed porous and pitted.
"Hiding pizza and taunting me with that colossal weapon. That's it, I've decided, I have to kill him."
"You just decided that?"
"Yip."
"Till, I don't know how to tell you this, but you're very odd. You were odd when you were studying but somehow you're even more so now."