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Axis Shift
Chapter 8

Chapter 8

"Damn it Professor! You had to ask?"

"Don't blame this on me. You pulled the creatures from two Quests together to, and I quote, 'kill these rat bastards faster', how's that going?"

"I didn't expect a Boss Rat to… what did you call it?"

"Spawn in."

"Yea, I didn't expect this wanker… Kyrn Lesser King Ragdan to spawn into the middle of two quests."

Kyrn Rat (Level 43) x28

Kyrn Rat (Level 40) x18

Kyrn Rat (Level 46) x51

Kyrn Rat; Kyrn Lesser King Ragdan (Level 50 Elite)

Kyrn Royalty Buff Active: Ability: Kyrn Royal Guard: Nearby Kyrn Rats have increased Strength, Agility and Constitution. Damage done to Royal Kyrn is spread evenly over the Royal Guard

"That Buff is unnecessarily strong!"

"Might be time to, Flame On."

"What was that?"

"A movie… comic quote."

"From?"

"The Fantastic Four, Johnny Storm says it when he turns into fire… it seemed appropriate."

"How long have you been holding onto that one."

"Since the Dungeon."

Alex shook his head and removed the Volcanic Axe from his inventory. The fire within the axe head lighting up a twilight gloom surrounding him.

"They should be bunched up enough now… Primal Fury, Blazing Fury, Flame Manipulation!"

Alex's eyes smouldered as he swung his axe in an overhead arc and slammed the blade into the ground. The resulting firestorm tore at his clothes like a strong wind but tore into the rats like fiery claws.

Attributes:

Strength: 412*

Constitution: 95*

Inner Fire: 192*

Agility: 70*

Alex laughed maniacally as Smouldering Embers activated, setting the ground around him ablaze. Suddenly ethereal chains made of fire emerged from the ground and wrapped around Lesser King Ragdan then extended to the 97 other rats, pulling them in closer.

Alex launched himself into the air, savagely kicked the king into the middle of the group then using steps of fire conjured from the blaze at their feet using Flame Manipulation and ran to the middle of the group of rats.

"Now?"

"Now."

"Flame Whirlwind!"

The screams and cries of the rats and Alex's laughter echoed off nearby cliffs as the rats died in droves. Finally, only the King was left and Alex stood before the broken shell of a Lesser Monarch.

"Die."

Alex conjured spikes of fire using Flame Manipulation and impaled the creature with ten of them.

Alex Till lands Killing Blows on:

Kyrn Rat (Level 43) x28

Kyrn Rat (Level 40) x18

Kyrn Rat (Level 46) x51

Kyrn Rat; Kyrn Lesser King Ragdan (Level 50 Elite)

9217 experience gained.

Loot received:

3281 B-Grade Credits.

Hunting Quest

Kyrn Rats have spilt through a Multiverse Tear from Earth 39, eradicate these pests before they reproduce

100%

Quest Completed

Quest Rewards

5700 C-Grade Credits

7350 Experience

Hunting Quest

Kyrn Rats have spilt through a Multiverse Tear from Earth 39, eradicate these pests before they reproduce

100%

Quest Completed

Quest Rewards

5700 C-Grade Credits

7350 Experience

Elite Foe Quest

Kyrn Rats have spilt through a Multiverse Tear from Earth 39, in an attempt to eradicate all life from Earth 0 Lesser Kings and Sub-Monarchs have been sent to lead their forces.

Slay Kyrn Lesser King Ragdan

1/1

Quest Completed

Quest Rewards

9240 C-Grade Credits

11350 Experience

Lesser King Crown

Bonus Quest: Collect 11 Lesser King Crowns, 17 Sub-Monarch Circlets and 3 High King Crowns

1/11

0/17

0/3

Rewards: Earth 39 Portal Device

Further rewards depending on completion

Bonus Quest: Eradicate the Kyrn Rat scourge

Kill Emperor Thyredan

Level Up

Level Up

Level Up

Level Up

Name: Alex Till

Race: Human (Earth 0)

Class: Fire Warrior*

Titles: Planetary Forerunner 100, Multiverse Forerunner, Multiverse Dungeon Diver, Multiverse Elite

Level: 45

Attributes:

Strength: 203

Constitution: 128

Inner Fire: 104

Agility: 55

Wisdom: 22

Charisma: 21

Available Stat Points - 12

Alex Pushed the twelve points from his level up into Strength.

Strength: 215

Available Stat Points - 0

"I thought the Elite would be harder."

"Till, you have an Ability that doubles your Strength, Attack Speed and Inner Fire, arguably your most important stats. With Primal Fury II and Blazing Fury active your Strength is… 460."

"That's high, I think. Is that high?"

"I've been going through records and for recently Initiated worlds it's on the high side. Not the highest recorded by some civilisations, but close to it. Your Class requires two high Attributes, if you'd gone with a single Attribute Class then that would be higher. There are hints to a harder Levelling situation after level 50 though."

"That makes sense, four levels from-"

"Four levels from killing a level 50 Elite, 97 rats, all over level 40, and, competing 3 System quests. All at the same time. You know from talking with Vance that being solo increases your experience gained."

"I do, I just… keep expecting the other shoe to drop."

"What do you mean?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I think… I keep expecting the System to change something on me."

"More than geography and your whole life?"

"True. True."

----------------------------------------

Entered - Fire Attunement Zone

Attunement - 0%

"This one is Level 40?"

"Yes. I'm thinking I'll lose consciousness before it's done."

"Is that the plan?"

"It's nice that you think I have a plan. Most of what I've done since climbing out of my initial dig site was to make the plan up in the moment."

"I never would've guessed."

"You're too kind, professor."

"Clothes off."

"That request, from you, will always be unusual."

"Don't be such a prude. I'm a flying book with memories."

"It's OK, have my clothes."

"Thank you."

Alex walked out into the lava, wincing as the heat seared his flesh.

"I feel like these Attunement Zones are a little easy. It's just unbearable pain for a while then my fire resistance increases. Followed by Experience and maybe a level.'

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Fire Resistance Increased To 25

Attunement 17%

Alex sank into the lava and tried to think of anything except the pain.

"You aren't wrong, but there are limited ways to level your resistances. Plus, these Attunement Zones are more than likely created because of your class. The System seems to place Class specific zones in areas where Adventurers are Levelling until they reach level 50. Once you hit 50 you'll find it harder. But it's better to increase your Fire resistance now it'll be far harder later and when your Skills and Abilities reach a certain level you could injure yourself."

Fire Resistance Increased To 29

Attunement 67%

Alex opened his eyes to darkness, the lava hadn't been burnt away but he had pulled all the heat from it, leaving himself encased in Volcanic rock.

"Till?"

"I'm OK professor. That was different. You absorbed all of the heat, all of the fire."

Inner Fire Increased To 110

Fire Resistance Increased To 31

Fire Resistance Changed To

Fire Resistance II

Attunement 100%

Alex stood up, the rock around him breaking to release his body.

"That was boring, these Attunement Zones were interesting to begin with, now it's just sitting in an excruciating bath until the pain stops."

Fire Attunement Zone - C-Grade (Level 40) Complete

Inner Fire Increased by 12

Constitution Increased by 7

Experience Gained - 8537

Attributes:

Strength: 215

Constitution: 135

Inner Fire: 122

Agility: 55

Wisdom: 22

Charisma: 21

Available Stat Points - 0

"What now Till?"

"Elites."

"Will you do the level 50 Attunement Zone?"

Till sighed and re-equipped his clothes before pulling up his Map.

"Yes. As you say, it's better to get those stats now."

"Based on the records I have access to, initial Attribute gains are pivotal for high-level progression. At a certain level, Attributes are no longer given for Levelling up. They come from other sources, something not detailed in these records."

"Makes sense, the Attribute Points for Levelling was very generous. Anyway, there are three Elites within range, a couple of hunting quests and the Level 50 Attunement Zone is on the outskirts of Vegas. Looks like we'll be hitting all of those again. The Elites are close together… do you think… maybe?"

"Wouldn't hurt to try, Till."

Alex broke into a run, quickly speeding up till the land sped by. He slammed into a group of Kyrn Rats, killing several due to his speed. Striking out, he tore the creatures apart with ease. Smouldering Embers activated and bodies were cast down into the fire. He tore through the rats with ease, not needing his axe. Seventeen bodies burnt behind him as he continued, most reduced to several parts. No rats survived.

Hunting Quest

Kyrn Rats have spilt through a Multiverse Tear from Earth 39, eradicate these pests before they reproduce

100%

Quest Completed

Quest Rewards

5900 C-Grade Credits

7850 Experience

Alex Till lands Killing Blows on:

Kyrn Rat (Level 51) x17

Loot received:

4781 B-Grade Credits

"I'm not getting any enjoyment from this, there is no challenge."

"It looks like you've out-levelled the area."

"So even if I didn't want to, I'd need to return to Vegas. That's convenient."

"Maybe the Elites will give you the challenges you need."

Alex said nothing, with the credits in his Inventory he carried on.

----------------------------------------

Multiverse Foe Quest

Multiverse Criminal Jadon Fernandes has terrorised various Earths while evading capture. End his tyranny by any means necessary

"This is interesting. Another human?"

"If this Jadon Fernandes has committed crimes on multiple Earths it is likely he has a Multiverse transfer or portal Ability. Which means he's powerful, or that he's versatile, getting that kind of Ability early is risky."

"So we could be fighting a strong criminal or a versatile criminal?"

"Yes. Or a strong, versatile criminal."

"That's a worse option."

"Agreed."

Alex slowed down to a jog, scanning from side to side before he fell to the ground with a scream.

A small man appeared from behind a tree holding an intricate bow in one hand.

"Don't move, friend."

Alex swore but rolled onto his back so he could look at his left leg. An arrow protruded from it which had snapped when he fell.

"That's enough Mr Till, don't move again."

"Or you'll shoot me? Again."

"You catch on quick."

"My leg is a good clue. How do you know my name?"

"Are you an idiot? No, that isn't fair, well, maybe it is, I Scanned you."

"Scanning! I always forget."

"Is this a newly Initiated world?"

"A few days-"

"Till, five days have passed," said the Professor quietly.

"Really? I hadn't noticed."

"You don't need to eat and sleep anymore so you've just been soldiering on."

"Oh yea, eating. I hadn't even thought about it. I haven't drunk water either. Crazy."

"Hello? Who are you talking to?"

Alex craned his head around trying to get a look at Jadon Fernandes but the criminal had placed himself in a good position to avoid being Scanned.

"What do you want?"

"To get back through to my Earth. I was tricked and-"

"You weren’t tricked."

"What do you-"

"You're on the run."

"How do you…? The System. It finally put a quest out for Adventurers to hunt me?"

"Multiverse Foe Quest, so I guess?"

"A Multiverse Foe… that's insulting. That's just one grade higher than an Elite Quest."

"I'll be honest, that's what I thought it was."

"Guess I need to kill some Earth 0 low-level idiots."

Alex twisted around so he was sitting against a tree and looked at the criminal.

Name: Jadon Fernandes

Race: Human (Earth 44)

Class: Fallen Ranger

Title: Wanted Terrorist*

Level: 63

"Fallen Ranger?"

"Turns out that if you kill a certain number of people the System adds 'Fallen' to your Class."

"Interesting. Something to keep in mind. I actually thought your level would be higher."

"I've been busy and my world was only Initiated six months ago."

"You were wrong professor. There was a fourth option. Weak, low levelled idiot from Earth 44."

"Not the time Till."

"I don't know who you're talking to, but you're level 45, I'm nearly 20 levels higher than you, and you're injured."

"The arrow?" Alex held up the bloody arrowhead then threw it to the ground. "I'll admit, you took me by surprise, but the scream was more for show… and, if I'm being honest, fright."

"That shot should've broken your leg…"

Alex got to his feet slowly and looked at the Fallen Ranger who took a step back.

"Your eyes… they're on fire.".

"You know, you're the first person I've spoken to for a while, I actually hoped they were."

Alex pulled his axe out of his inventory mid-swing, as the head impacted the ground a Firestorm burst to life around him, quickly setting fire to the tree he had been sitting against. Without skipping a beat Alex threw the axe at the tree Jadon had appeared from. The Heavy weapon slammed into the wood and toppled it, the heat from the axe set the tree ablaze.

"You missed."

"Ember Walk," whispered Alex as he stepped forward, the fire at his feet claiming him. He emerged beside the Volcanic Axe, quickly hefting its warmth and looking the criminal in the eyes.

"Did I? Primal Fury, Blazing Fury."

Strength: 460*

Constitution: 110*

Inner Fire: 244*

Agility: 70*

Jadon screamed as the axe slammed into his left arm, severing it just below the shoulder. Alex swung again but Jadon managed to get his bow in the way, the bow slammed into his side and propelled him into a tree, slamming through it.

"I thought that would go right through him."

"He's a far higher level and he might be a Constitution and Agility build."

"That makes sense."

"Good, that was my only guess."

"You're a menace with that axe, Mr Till," said Jadon.

"I'm quite fond of it."

"You made a mistake though."

"Till, his arm is back."

"His arm…?"

"Elixirs are expensive but some of them are worth every credit."

"Elixirs?"

Jadon threw a small vial on the ground and Alex scanned it.

Rejuvenation Elixir (Level 60)

Fully restore all health

Heal any injury, including missing limbs

Cool Down: 24 hours (Earth 0 Day)

"Interesting," Alex muttered. "24 hour cool down."

"Good as new."

"Flame Manipulation."

Jadon raised his bow and pulled back. It worked but both men could tell that the bow was severely damaged.

Jadon threw down multiple small wicker dolls.

"Replication Shot."

Alex tried to dive off to the side but the forest green arrow slammed into his left shoulder, as the barbed arrow penetrated the dolls instantly grew into nine wicker creatures that came at Alex with murderous intent.

"Perfect. Smouldering Embers."

As the wicker creatures were attacking him, chains were generated which connected all of the creatures and Jadon, slowly dragging the criminal in towards Alex. Checking his HUD revealed that Primal Fury and Blazing Fury had 13 seconds left. The Ranger let loose several rapid-fire shots that Alex was able to block with targeted fire manipulations.

"Ember Walk," Alex stepped into the fire and appeared between the wicker creatures and Jadon, "Flame Whirlwind."

Alex tore into Jadon, quickly overwhelming the criminal's Constitution, destroying the damaged bow and taking him apart. Alex stopped spinning as his Abilities all faded. Jadon's blood was little more than ash that was blown away by the wind. Reaching down he ran a finger through the most intact piece of the smouldering body.

Critical Hit: Searing Strike. Alex Till lands Killing Blow on Jadon Fernandes (Level 63).

26327 experience gained.

Multiverse Foe Quest

Multiverse Criminal Jadon Fernandes has terrorised various Earths while evading capture. End his tyranny by any means necessary

Tyranny Ended

Quest Completed

Quest Rewards

240 A-Grade Credits

48350 Experience

Earth 44 Transfer Token

Bonus Quest: Return Jadon Fernandes' body to the authorities on Earth 44

Body Returned 0/1

Level Up

Level Up

Level Up

Level Up

Name: Alex Till

Race: Human (Earth 0)

Class: Fire Warrior*

Titles: Planetary Forerunner 100, Multiverse Forerunner, Multiverse Dungeon Diver, Multiverse Elite

Level: 45

Attributes:

Strength: 227

Constitution: 143

Inner Fire: 130

Agility: 55

Wisdom: 22

Charisma: 21

Available Stat Points - 12

Alex pushed two points into Constitution and ten into Agility.

Constitution: 145

Agility: 65

Available Stat Points - 0

“That went well.”

“Till, you need to be more careful!”

Alex shrugged and looked around at the smouldering terrain.

“You know, I hadn’t realised it until now, my fear of fire is gone.”

“Till, if it wasn’t your Class choice would’ve been one of the most idiotic choices in the history of the Multiverse.”

“I joined the Fire Brigade with a crippling fear of fire.”

“True, but you did that to fight your fear.”

“Yip. Oddly, the only times I’ve felt in control since… since Maddy and Ben died, have been at work, surrounded by fire.”

“You were always odd, Till.”

Skills:

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.

Flame Whirlwind: Spin rapidly, creating a whirlwind of fire that damages all nearby enemies over time. Increased damage to enemies afflicted by Smouldering Embers

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

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

Abilities:

Smouldering Embers: Reduces enemy resistance to fire damage and increases enemy 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 increases incrementally the longer an enemy stays in the ring while consistently sustaining damage from the Warrior.

Blazing Fury: Channel your Inner Fire, doubling your attack speed, Strength, Inner Fire and fire damage output. Every attack creates a Flame Elemental which burns enemies within range for 30 seconds, extended to one minute within Smouldering Embers

Flame Manipulation: Manipulate and control fire, shape it into various forms for offensive and defensive purposes, more powerful if Smouldering Embers is active

35,590 C | 9,026 B | 440 A | 0 S