"Till, forgetting something?"
"Nope…"
Alex reached out and touched Jadon's lifeless body.
Loot received:
10 S-Grade Credits
100 A-Grade Credits
421 B-Grade Credits
7065 C-Grade Credits
Weapon Enhancement: Chains of Woe
Rejuvenation Elixir x4
Taking the item from his inventory Alex watched as a black chain coiled around his wrist and up his left arm.
"That's interesting."
Weapon Enhancement: Chains of Woe
Add Chains specific to your Class to a melee weapon. Chains can channel Abilities and Spells. Chains can be remotely activated for weapon retrieval
"Oh! I like that. I like that a lot."
Alex withdrew his axe and the chain around his left arm extended and wrapped around the shaft of the axe. Then the links started to glow red with extreme heat.
Fuse Weapon Enhancement: Chains of Woe With Volcanic Axe
Yes/No
WARNING
Once this action has been done it cannot be reversed.
"Yes."
Fusing
Fusion Complete
Volcanic Axe
B-Grade War Axe
Weapon Stats:
Damage: High
Attack Speed: Medium
Durability: 100%
Weight: Heavy
Bonus: Durability penalty reduced by 50%
Inflicts Slicing Damage
Every Strike Inflicts Searing Strike
Creates a Firestorm from Ground Pound Attacks
100 Kills fully restore durability
Changed To
Volcanic Axe
B-Grade War Axe
Weapon Stats:
Damage: High
Attack Speed: Medium
Durability: 87%
Weight: Heavy
Bonus: Durability penalty reduced by 50%
Inflicts Slicing Damage
Every Strike Inflicts Searing Strike
Creates a Firestorm from Ground Pound Attacks
100 Kills fully restore durability
Chains of Fire extend from the axe allowing for:
Ensnaring of enemies
Channelling of fire
Weapon recall
When in use the chains connect to the Warrior's off hand.
"What an absolute beast of an axe!"
"We really should get going Till."
"Agreed, just one last thing."
Alex crouched down and lifted the body of Jadon Fernandes, securing the criminal in his Inventory.
"Now we can go."
"The Elites?"
"There are two close by and I'd like to try out these chains."
----------------------------------------
"Till, a dig site just popped up."
Alex slowed his run and checked over his HUD then Map.
"Odd, it's right between those two… three Elites. Where did that other one come from?"
"I don't know, but we have another problem."
Alex slowed to a walk and quickly checked his surroundings. Part of him expected another Multiverse Criminal to burst out from behind a tree.
"What's the problem, Professor?"
"Zoom in on the dig site."
Alex did so and swore.
"That's where it came from."
Group Hunting Quest
A Royal Guard Detachment from Earth 39 has appeared on Earth 0 through a rear in the Multiverse.
Kill the invaders by any means necessary.
Slay Kyrn High King Raklar 0/1
Slay Kyrn Sub-Monarch Slarp 0/1
Slay Kyrn Royal Guard Members 0/46
This Hunting Quest has been enhanced due to the proximity of Two Elite Foe Quests
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 Ruhdar (0/1)
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 Rebfon (0/1)
"That's a lot of rats. This might be too much. Three, maybe four Elites, 46 enhanced rats and however many standard rats that will be enhanced when we start fighting. Bloody hell."
"Stop complaining."
"What, it's a lot."
"Till, you haven't stopped smiling since you looked at your Map."
"That's… that's fair."
Bonus Archaeology Quest Unlocked
Quest - Earth 0 | Incan Archaeology Site
Find all of Historical Significance at the Site
This quest is only accessible for 2 Earth 0 hours due to the proximity of an Adventurer/Archaeologist who has cleared a Historically Significant Incan site in the local area
This location is the site where an Incan Scouting party initially made camp after being forced to divert down an unknown river while evading a highly aggressive and unknown military force
Site Accessible: 1:59:58
1:59:57
1:59:56
"A Camp Site? The same Incan Scouting Party?"
"I don't have exact information, but it seems likely. The number of Incan sites in the area is exceptionally limited. The information you gather here could be invaluable in understanding what happened to them."
"Agree. Two hours and a shitload of rats."
"What will you do?"
"Kill them."
"Oh, just like that?"
"God no, I imagine it'll be a brutal fight and there is a high probability that I'll die. But it'll be a fun fight."
"You worry me, Till."
Alex shrugged and then attempted to stretch out his arms and legs.
"What are you doing?"
"Limbering up."
"Stop. You look like a crazy person."
Alex just looked at his AI.
"You weren't this critical when you were… when you weren't… back then."
"I was your teacher, I had to be encouraging. Now… now I can just be honest."
Alex started walking towards the dig site, the arrow in his HUD helpfully keeping him on track.
"That makes sense. I had to train some rookies and staying positive and encouraging all the time was exhausting."
Alex reached a clearing that dropped down to what had been the Colorado River before the Initiation and watched as the group of rats stood looking down at the river.
Kyrn High King Raklar (Level 61 Elite)
Kyrn Sub-Monarch Slarp (Level 55 Elite)
Kyrn Lesser King Ruhdar (Level 53 Elite)
Kyrn Lesser King Rebfon (Level 56 Elite)
Kyrn Royal Guard (Level 48) x46
"Well… four Elites. Do you think I could knock one into the river?"
"During the fight, or to start it?"
"To start it."
"There was that scene in 300 where Gerard Butler kicks the Persian gentleman into the well and yells, This is Sparta!"
Alex turned to look at the Tome.
"Honestly, how does that help in this situation."
"It doesn't. Do you think Gerard Butler is still alive? Could we group up with him?"
Alex opened his mouth to reply by had no idea what to say, so just shook his head.
With a sigh, he stepped out of the trees and into the clearing. Walking forwards he withdrew his axe and looked down, a chain of fire wrapped itself around his left forearm while strips of flaming leather wrapped around the axe's hilt. Bouncing the axe in his right hand he started running, leaving twin divets in the ground behind him. Extending the axe to his right he swung and released, letting fly. The axe sped towards the group cutting three of the guards in half before slamming into Ruhdar's back, slicing into the creature's spine.
Rakhar turned and saw his fellow Kyrn Royal falling to the ground and reached out to grab the axe's hilt.
"Nope."
Alex clenched his left fist and the Volcanic Axe flew back to him.
"Oh, I like that."
Ruhdar lay twitching on the ground beside three Kyrn Rats that had been cleaved horizontally through their chests. The hair on their bodies was on fire so Alex slammed the axe into the ground creating a Firestorm before stepping through into the group of Kyrn.
"Primal Fury, Blazing Fury."
With a smile, he felt his Attributes and Attach Speed jump up dramatically and breathed out as Smouldering Embers ignited the ground around him and pulled the creatures closer with ethereal chains. Ducking under a guard's claws he scanned the rats again.
Kyrn High King Raklar (Level 61 Elite)
Kyrn Sub-Monarch Slarp (Level 55 Elite)
Kyrn Lesser King Rebfon (Level 56 Elite)
Kyrn Royal Guard (Level 48) x43
Kyrn Royalty Buff Active: Ability: Kyrn Royal Guard: Nearby Kyrn Rats have increased Strength, Agility and Constitution. Damage done to Royal Kyrn's is spread evenly over the Royal Guard
Alex stepped back and the Guard advanced, trampling their fallen comrades. The remaining Kyrn Royals stood back, allowing the Guards to assault Alex.
"Flame Whirlwind, Flame Manipulation!"
Alex spun, and the damage from Smouldering Embers increased in damage while also increasing the damage his flame-based Abilities did.
Looking up Alex watched as Sub-Monarch Slarp extended a clawed paw and growled something in a different language. With a strange moment of disconnect, Alex realised he had been able to understand Vance and Fernandes without any issue.
"Rat language?"
"System magic language, and probably a Kyrn Rat dialect."
Then Alex rocketed back towards the treeline as a dark force slammed into his chest and ate through his last t-shirt and, more importantly, the skin on his chest.
"Holy shit, what was that?"
"Based on the dark robes, the use of magic and absolutely no other clues… magic."
"Magic? Thanks professor."
"Always happy to help, Till. Especially when you have questions completely unrelated to Archaeology."
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
"No need to get stroppy."
Alex struggled to his feet, gently dabbed at his chest and winced. Looking up he saw that the Guard had formed a shield wall in front of the Royals.
"This could be harder than I expected."
"Could be, he says. Could be…"
To add insult to injury the sky opened and started to bucket down with rain for the first time since the Initiation began and Alex smiled, then laughed with an almost manic look in his eye.
"No, please Till."
"I set fire to the rain, and I threw us into the flames."
The flames of Smouldering Embers seemed to burn hotter, the flames coming higher and their damage magnifier increasing. It drove the rats into a fury as they fell at his feet, fuelling the flames and his bloodlust.
"it fell, something died. 'Cause I knew that that was the last time. The last time."
As the last guard fell Alex turned his flaming gaze on the three remaining Elites and pointed to each with his flaming axe, his voice coming forth like an executioner’s final verdict.
"Let it burn. Let it burn. Let it burn."
Clenching his left fist he sent flaming chains to wrap around Slarp's throat as the magical Kyrn lifted a claw and opened its sharply fanged maw. With a tugging motion, Alex dragged the floundering Rat towards him before the other Royals could react. With a swing of his axe, Slarp's head also added fuel to the flames.
"Magic users have lower Constitution."
"Oh, you've stopped Channelling Adelle?"
"You know I've wanted it to rain, just so I could set fire to it."
"I'm sure Adelle would be proud. Now, to your question, yes and no. Typically magic users don't need to prioritise Constitution as Intellect and Wisdom are more important for them. However, for that reason a lot of magic users prioritise it."
"Makes sense."
Kyrn High King Raklar (Level 61 Elite)
Kyrn Lesser King Rebfon (Level 56 Elite)
"Then there were two."
"The High King seems uncommonly large."
"Professor!"
"I don't mean… Till! Well, it isn't my fault it isn't wearing pants."
"True. Bit of a statement."
"It is a bold choice…"
"Especially in all this rain."
Raklar and Alex made eye contact and the High King took a step back, Rebfon launched itself into the fire. Landing it spun into action, two small but wicked blades appearing in its clawed paws. With a snarl it's speed greatly increased, scoring multiple small cuts on Alex's chest and arms. Then with a malicious barking utterance, the blades glowed with evil scarlet and sickly green tones.
"That's a problem."
"Based on his fighting style, the blades and what I think is a magical poison, I'd postulate that Rebfon is a Rogue of some magical variety."
"How does that help me?"
"It doesn't, well, you can expect high Agility and quick strikes."
"The number of wounds I already have are proof of that."
"True enough. Dodge."
Alex ducked into the flames quickly, taking a moment.
"Ember Walk."
Alex disappeared then reappeared behind Rebfon, already cleaving diagonally with his axe. The Rat flipped out of the way but not before he threw one of his daggers with a quick underhand motion. With a cough, Alex doubled over as the small blade entered just below his ribcage. Before he could do more the rat made a tugging gesture and the dagger was roughly withdrawn from his body and returned to its master's paw.
Alex dropped to one knee and coughed up blood while looking down. There was a small puncture just below his ribs, a small trickle of blood was running from it.
"Could be wor-"
Alex trailed off as the wound felt like it was burning and freezing, and then his skin went green, followed by a bright red "Poisoned" Debuff appearing on his HUD.
"That's bad."
Alex coughed and blood speckled his lips.
"That's really bad. Elixir?"
"You might need it when you fight the High King. Can you beat them with… that?"
Alex ran a finger over the wound and nearly fell face-first in his own fire. With a shout, he swung the axe into the ground creating a Firestorm then used the axe to stand. Baring his teeth he spat blood and a little poison into the fire.
"Probably not, but I'm going to try."
"Channel some more power from Adelle."
"I… bloody hell… dunno. I think… jesus, this hurts… Shakira has more fight in her. Or Pink? Do either of them have fire songs?"
"No more singing, channel the power of Pink, silently."
"Rude. I was stabbed by a rat."
"Refresh your buffs and kill him… it, then."
Alex sighed and ran a hand through his hair then lurched into action.
Rebfon met his axe with the poisoned blades and Alex flinched. Alex pushed and Rebfon's arms buckled under the strain. The Rogue spat in Alex's face but the rat spittle evaporated on contact and Alex grinned then pushed harder. Redfon's arms and legs started to buckle and shake and Alex laughed before reaching out with his left hand.
"Chain of Woe."
The chain of fire wrapped around Redfon's neck and Alex clenched his fist while pushing with his right arm. The axe came in contact with Rebfon's chest and the bristley hairs were set on fire. Still, the Rogue fought, his neck and chest were burning and he growled in Kyrn. Out of the corner of his eye, Alex saw Raklar move in his direction. With a scream that combined his pain and effort, Alex drove the Volcanic Axe deep into Rebfon's chest just as it's eyes popped due to the chain-induced asphyxiation and the intense heat coming from the axe and chains.
“Rough…”.
Shaking the body off his axe, Alex turned to face his last enemy and fell to his knees coughing up blood.
Kyrn High King Raklar (Level 61 Elite)
Shaking it's head Raklar reached into a pouch at it's waist and rummaged around, doubling over as it really got an arm right up in the pouch. With a triumphant grin, the arm was removed and in it’s pa,w Alex could see a small vial that contained a purple liquid.
Kyrn Poison Antidote (Level 50)
Restore 50% health
Remove all instances of Kyrn Poison
Cool Down: 24 hours (Earth 0 Day)
Raklar tossed the vial to Alex then pulled a short sword and shield from its pouch. Shrugging Alex swallowed the Antidote and felt it burn through his body, eradicating the poison and restoring health. Looking back at Raklar, Alex made sure to Scan the large rat's weapons.
Malevolence, Cursed Short Sword of Nefaria
A-Grade Short Sword
(Nefarian Set of Cruelty 2/2)
A sword blessed by the Chankan Goddess
Weapon Stats:
Damage: Very High (Slashing)
Attack Speed: Fast
Weight: Light
+20 Agility
+20 Intellect
Each successful strike increases enemies rate of bleeding, reduces their Strength, Constitution and Agility
Suffering, Cursed Shield of Nefaria
A-Grade Shield
(Nefarian Set of Cruelty 2/2)
A shield blessed by the Chankan Goddess
Weapon Stats:
Damage: Medium (Slam)
Attack Speed: Medium
Weight: Heavy
+40 Constitution
+20 Strength
Deflects weapon strikes into the ground
Channels blood to Nefaria's dark realm of torture and sorrow
Nefarian Set of Cruelty
Set Bonus:
Nefaria, Goddess of Cruelty, Suffering and Malevolence has blessed these weapons alongside her husband, Zorvathul, the ancient Chankan God of Fear, Nightmares and Terror.
Damage - Medium (Slam)
Speed - Medium
Weight - Heavy
+30 Agility
+20 Attack Speed
+20 Intellect
+30 to all Resistances
Strikes inflict Nightmare and Terror
Nightmare: Enemies are forced to endure waking nightmares involving their dismemberment and what they fear most in the Multiverse
Terror: After being struck, victims will periodically freeze, completely consumed by visions of the 'Vampires of the Andes', consuming their blood and the blood of their fallen allies and loved ones
"Set bonuses…"
Raklar stared down at Alex and the two locked eyes.
"Why?" Alex asked, holding up the vial.
Raklar tilted his Rat head to the side then spoke.
"Gooood. Fiiighttt. Betterrrrr. Fiiighttt."
The words sounded painful and judging by the contortions of Raklar's mouth the creature wasn't used to English, or whatever the System called the language.
Nodding Alex stood and faced the High King.
"To a good fight."
Looking down at the conflagration caused by Smouldering Embers, Raklar reached once more into his pouch and after a quick rummage around emerged with a necklace.
Amulet of Resistance
B-Grade Amulet
Forged by the Followers of Morgrath, the Chankan deity of Despair, Manipulation, and Corruption
+30 to all Resistances
+10 Constitution
All damage increased by 10%
"Now that's just playing dirty."
The fire damage being sustained by the Kyrn High King visibly reduced and the creature knocked his weapons together.
"Yes, yes."
"Alex… it's level and those items-"
"I know, this is going to suck."
"Can you win?"
"Nope," replied Alex, a large grin splitting his face. "But I can cheat,"
Checking his HUD revealed that all of his buffs had expired.
"Better fight…" he muttered. "Primal Fury, Blazing Fury, Flame Manipulation!"
Alex felt all of his stats increase, then remembered that Constitution took a big hit. Sighing he realised a different strategy would be needed for big fights.
Then Raklar advanced, keeping his body behind what Alex now realised was a shield with a puma design. Bouncing his axe in his right hand, he flexed his left causing the chains to appear and the straps on the axes hilt to ignite.
"Ember Walk," he whispered into the gloom caused by the pouring rain.
Alex struck from the right, intentionally swinging at Raklar's sword arm, the High King pivoted, taking the axe on the blade, diverting the heavy weapon to the fiery ground while swinging around with his shield, attempting to catch Alex unaware. Alex rocked back, a Firestorm spinning up at his feet and clenched his left fist causing chains to wrap around Raklar's shield arm and then around the High King's chest, restricting its movement until it broke the chains and slashed at Alex's throat with its short sword.
"Ember Walk."
Alex reappeared out of range of the High King and the two locked eyes over the burning terrain. Raklar nodded slightly before advancing with his shield in front. The rain continued to fall around the combatants, steaming when it came in contact with Alex and his axe and clinging to Raklar's matted fur. Alex swung diagonally, cleaving against Raklar's left, forcing the rat to pivot to protect that side, and then Alex dropped the axe. The professor secured the weapon in its Inventory. Extending a hand the axe appeared again and he swung at the now unprotected side of Raklar's body. The large rat screamed as the molten blade slammed into it, cutting through skin, muscle and bone. Raklar's shield arm fell into the fire. As the two combatants watched the arm char, Raklar thrust out with Malevolence, both the blade and intention. Alex swung the hilt of his flaming axe into the sword's path, diverting it slightly, but the blade penetrated his side.
"That's deep…"
Alex coughed, blood coating his lips and chin.
Malevolence slid out of his body, dragging against his ribs and causing more damage. Alex dropped to one knee, looking up at the High King as blood rushed from the hole in his side.
"That'll leave… a mark. Jesus, that hurts."
"Till, your stats. You can't take many more hits with your Constitution already reduced."
Alex nodded and pushed himself up with his left hand. Once on his feet he gingerly ran his fingers over the fresh wound, wincing the whole time.
"Good strike."
Raklar nodded and twisted slightly to present the bleeding stump its shield arm had been reduced to.
"For both of us it seems. Again?"
Raklar nodded and lifted its sword into a guard position.
Alex grinned, revealing bloody teeth and clutched his axe tighter, the burning leather straps seemingly increasing in temperature.
The combatants met again, Raklar struck first, sweeping at Alex's legs. The Volcanic Axe was swung down to block, stopping the blade cold. Alex swung the axe in a circle, knocking it to the side before dropping the hilt and clutching it just below the head and driving forwards to ram the blade directly into the rat's chest. Raklar's eyes went wide and it lunged backwards, Alex clenched his left fist and the chain wrapped around Raklar's legs tipping the rat over backwards. Alex landed on the High King's chest, his weight driving the axe head deep into the rat.
"Bad choice not wearing pants," the professor whispered.
"In this instance, chest armour would've been more helpful. Though the same could be said about me."
Raklar coughed up blood as Alex rolled off it, taking the axe with him. Looking down Alex nodded at the High King before clutching his flaming axe tightly and swinging down, removing it's head in two swings.
"Two?"
"I'm not happy about it either."'
"He was dead after the first swing…"
"At that point I was committed to removing his head."
Alex stepped back and felt his buffs drop off, then pulled an Elixir from his Inventory and downed it straight away. As the liquid drained down his throat he fell to his knees in pain.
Killing Blows
Kyrn High King Raklar (Level 61 Elite) - Searing Strike
21,000 Experience
Kyrn Sub-Monarch Slarp (Level 55 Elite) - Searing Strike
16,500 Experience
Kyrn Lesser King Rebfon (Level 56 Elite) - Searing Strike
12,000 Experience
Kyrn Lesser King Ruhdar (Level 53 Elite) - Searing Strike (ranged)
12,000 Experience
Kyrn Royal Guard (Level 48) x43 - Searing Strike(s)
30,100 Experience
Loot received:
40 S-Grade Credits
230 A-Grade Credits
870 B-Grade Credits
9055 C-Grade Credits
Malevolence, Cursed Short Sword of Nefaria
Suffering, Cursed Shield of Nefaria
Kyrn Poison Antidote x10
Group Hunting Quest
A Royal Guard Detachment from Earth 39 has appeared on Earth 0 through a tear in the Multiverse.
Kill the invaders by any means necessary.
Slay Kyrn High King Raklar 1/1
Slay Kyrn Sub-Monarch Slarp 1/1
Slay Kyrn Royal Guard Members 46/46
This Hunting Quest was enhanced due to the proximity of Two Elite Foe Quests
Quest Completed
Quest Rewards
11240 C-Grade Credits
740 B-grade Credits
26350 Experience
1 High King Crown
1 Sub-Monarch Circlet
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 Ruhdar (1/1)
Quest Completed
Quest Rewards
9740 C-Grade Credits
210 B-grade Credits
13350 Experience
1 Lesser King Crown
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 Rebfon (1/1)
Quest Completed
Quest Rewards
9740 C-Grade Credits
210 B-grade Credits
13350 Experience
1 Lesser King Crown
Bonus Quest: Collect 11 Lesser King Crowns, 17 Sub-Monarch Circlets and 3 High King Crowns
3/11
1/17
1/3
Rewards: Earth 39 Portal Device
Further rewards depending on completion
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
Bonus Quest Complete - Complete the Initiation
Quest Rewards
Experience Gained - 7170
Title Earned - Initiation Perfectionist
Increase two Attributes, one by 10, one by 5
Sponsorship Request Token
Skill/Ability Tome
Attention Adventurers of Earth 0
The Initiation has concluded
Adventurer Jager has achieved Level 50
All experience gains for Adventurers under Level 50 increased by 50%
Earth 0 has entered the Multiverse
Earth 0 is now fully integrated into the System
Earth 0 is a viable commodity - Bidding is now possible
Multiverse Trade and Tourism - Activated
Access to Earth 0 via System Approved Portal - Activated
Level 50 Sponsorship - Activated
MAY THE BEST ADVENTURER WIN
"Whaaaaat?"
"I didn't mention that the Initiation ended when someone reached Level 50?"
"No… you failed to mention that small bit of information. What about the other things?"
"Being a viable commodity, Trade and Tourism, and Sponsorship?"
"Yes professor, those things."
"Nope. No idea about any of them."
"Thanks…"
Name: Alex Till
Race: Human (Earth 0)
Class: Fire Warrior
Titles: Planetary Forerunner 100, Multiverse Forerunner, Multiverse Dungeon Diver, Multiverse Elite, Initiation Perfectionist
Level: 50
Attributes:
Strength: 242
Constitution: 155
Inner Fire: 140
Agility: 65
Wisdom: 22
Charisma: 21
Available Stat Points - 15*
Alex reviewed his Attributes and pushed 15 into Inner Fire, and then the 10 and 5 points from his new title were pushed into Agility and Strength respectively.
Attributes:
Strength: 247
Constitution: 155
Inner Fire: 155
Agility: 75
Available Stat Points - 0
"Why do I think it's just the beginning?"