Richard stared at Eric for long moments. “What can you tell us?”

Eric smiled, knowing exactly what was being asked of him. “It’s another one of those juicy secrets our humanoid ‘friends’ would prefer to keep to themselves that will make all the fucking difference in the months and years ahead as their chosen ascend to crazy levels in power, and we, the natives, who should be earning experience points a full ten-fold faster than them, will be left ever further behind.” He held their gazes, savoring their looks of awe.

“We earn ten times the experience those champion assholes do?” Steve said, more than a bit awed. “No wonder they seem stuck at such low levels. I just thought they were all lazy fucks!”

“They are,” Eric said with a toothy smile. “Which is why they’ll be even more pissed when I tell you that every first clear… at least every first clear in my experience… earns you character points over and above whatever you earn going up in levels. Which, when you think about it, is even better than a class level on its own since each level requires more potency to achieve. But if you, say, earn 12 points clearing an Orange tier dungeon… that’s two or so levels that you’re always ‘up’ everyone else… even if you’re still leveling up at the speed your base level implies.”

Yuki’s eyes widened, sharing a disbelieving glance with Emily. “No fucking way!”

Eric grinned. “Yes, fucking way. Most definitely absolutely yes. Now, you don’t get to choose where the points go. Or at least I don’t. It seems to flow to the stats you used the most to survive. Now as to the exact number of points people will get with a first clear… or whether or not it’s divided between survivors… I have no idea.”

Eric reached out to clap Richard’s shoulder, looking at their de-facto leader, who could so easily pass for a young Captain North America, in the eye with a smile. “But I’d like nothing more than to formally join your party, so we can see if that boon is, in fact, transferable to all of us, and if we can all earn the same sweet, sweet set of twelve points.”

Jack’s expression was one of awed wonder. “Fuck, are you serious?” He shook his head, chuckling softly, blinking back a bitter tear. “I’m taking your advice, you know. I got the option. I’m holding off on level fifty until I get a chance to check out your magical Tier 2 ascension pod and see if I can get some other class besides this five-point class that’s leaving me so far behind my friends that I have to train my ass off, focusing on the one thing I’m good at, not to feel like a worthless lump of shit.”

Yuki’s gaze softened. She stroked Jack’s cheek. “You’re the farthest thing from shit. Even if your humor does sort of suck. The way you threw those javelins… Jeez, Jack. You’re practically up there with Eric for kill count! You did so much more in the last few fights than I did that I can barely look at myself in my nonexistent mirror.

He smirked. “Thanks, Yuki. God knows I try. Point is, I would give almost anything to be able to blossom into something more. So much more than I am right now. If I can truly get a decent class… and assuming I actually have nodes to spare, and I’m not just a ‘three hit wonder,’ then I’ll be doing my damnedest to be the strongest, most flexible DPS and tank class that I can. But shit! If we can actually grab a handful of points with every first clear… that would just be such an incredible boon! Even 10 points would be two of my levels. Clear enough dungeons, and we’ll all be walking with the elites, no matter how few points we get per level!”

Eric grinned. “That is the plan, my friends. But take it from me. You want to evolve into the class that pays the best long term dividends. Because you know this is just the start, right?”

He frowned at their confused looks.

“Fuck. Seriously? No one ever told you?”

Steve frowned. “Told us what exactly?”

“That this is just the beginning! The first fucking step! The whole point of White tier ascension, which goes up to level 100 is to form as strong a foundation as possible for Ascension into Bronze. And, if you’re truly something special, Silver. And to put it in perspective… A Bronze would be a champion badass able to take out hundreds of basic Classers. As they get more and more powerful, they become movers and shakers within whatever nation they’re a part of.”

He gazed at his speechless companions for long moments. “And Silver-tier players? They’re the ones who conquer entire worlds.”

Jack whistled. “Seriously? Are you fucking serious? All I was ever told was that Bronze is a fool’s dream and I should just focus on throwing my pilums as hard as I could.” He then froze, giving an embarrassed chuckle. “But considering the source… maybe that was absolutely shitty advice.”

Eric smirked. “Even Orcs know their class. Learning to master javelin throwing and gaining ever greater proficiency with your class overall is never bad advice. But now that you realize that you’re capable of so much more, and being native-born, earning a 10-fold boon over invaders who themselves ascend 10x faster here than elsewhere in the galaxy… so yeah.” Eric held their gazes for long moment, letting the silence build, his eyes boring into each and every one of his fellow adventurers. “The bottom line, everyone, is that it’s you and I that were destined to ascend to greatness alongside Earth’s own ascension. Not these invading alien fucks.”

Richard sighed, shaking his head. “Just like European settlers stealing the wealth of the original natives.”

Yuki nodded. “Or my own ancestors absorbing or eliminating so many of the tribes that claimed the islands of my parent’s birth long before their own ancestors did. I think it’s the nature of all sentient humanoids to plunder whatever resources they can, however they can. Ethics, morality, our ivory tower ideals we can aspire to when our culture is stable and secure is all great in theory. But it doesn’t mean shit in times like these, when so much power is up for grabs.”

“Exactly.” Eric said, clenching his fist. “The worlds resources are ripe for plunder, and the only ones who should be feasting upon its fruit is US! So let’s work together and see if we can’t just survive this dungeon, but profit beyond our wildest dreams!”

Much to Eric’s surprise, his words actually earned a ragged cheer.

Except, of course, for Ron.

“Can you believe this guy? He talks such shit. Does he really think that we forgot that he’s one of these invaders?”

Those words instantly silenced their enthusiasm, everyone now giving Eric pained looks.

Eric smirked. “Sorry to break it to you, Ron. But I’m just as much of a New Yorker as anyone else here.”

Yuki’s eyes widened. “Seriously? You weren’t born in some Elven palace somewhere?”

Eric smirked, shaking his head. “I was actually born in the same hospital as Emily and Richard were.”

Jack whistled while his friends chuckled. “Damn, it is a small world, isn’t it?”

“Because your mother planned this, from the very beginning,” Ron said, crossing his arms and glaring his contempt, no less than it was before, no matter what promise he had made to Emily.

Eric sighed, shrugging his shoulders. “Honestly? Yeah. Probably. But that’s not my problem, Ron. I was just a baby pushed out after eleven months gestation. It’s not like I had any control over anything in my life but drinking my fill of mother’s milk and shitting my diapers.”

Emily grinned at that. “I’ll bet you were an adorable baby.”

Eric smirked. “I have it on good authority that my sister was the angel and I was the winy monster.”

Yuki frowned. “Don’t you mean nine month’s gestation?”

“Actually, no. Eleven. Because even if we can crossbreed because on some level were all a part of the same hominin family, and no, I have no idea why or how exactly that all worked out, but there are still major differences between our tribes.”

Jack whistled, shaking his head. “Wow. That’s something else.” He then furrowed his brow. “But how do you know you were born in the same hospital as Rich and Emily?”

Eric blinked, realizing he was an idiot, before grinning when the obvious solution hit him.

Social Perception Check successful!

“Let’s just say my family’s not the only one who made too many tabloids, and maybe I was selected for a certain private academy where it paid to know who was who, because life was all about making connections, once upon a time.”

Much to his relief, Rich didn’t look offended at all. “So your mom had you do your research before attending Julian Academy? Smart. But, um, forgive me, Eric. I don’t seem to recall your face there?”

Stolen novel; please report.

Eric laughed, flashing a shameless smile. “Oh yeah. That’s because academically I was a complete fuckup, never mind my Scholarship score today. I completely failed the entrance exams to the point that not even Mother Dearest’s money could help.”

Yuki whistled. “Yeah. Julian Academy is no joke. But, shit, you really were a screw-up back in your streamer days, weren’t you? Decent raider, though.”

Eric grinned. “Thanks, I tried. Even if the numbers were totally thanks to borrowed family fame and I only streamed a couple times a month, it was still fun. Mostly, I just went HEMA hardcore, smacking shit with military sabers and bayonets, training my ass off for a movie that never quite happened.”

“Sure, during daylight hours,” Yuki said with a cough, earning a couple smirks from those in the know, and odd looks from everyone else.

“Well, regardless, if he was spending his days learning how to fight with historical weapons and shit… he couldn’t have been better prepared for what was coming, shitty grades aside,” Jack said. Right before his smile faded. “You’re mother knew.”

The corridor chilled with their mood, everyone now giving him cold, almost accusatory looks.

Eric denied nothing, ignoring the painful lurch in his chest as he slowly dipped his head.

“That’s my conclusion too. And I can’t tell you how furious it made me, to find out that I hadn’t been training for a movie role for two long ball-busting years, but rather training for the fucking end of the world. It left me sick to my stomach. I can’t tell you how much I hate feeling like I’m just a piece on someone’s gameboard. That I thought I had control and autonomy over my life, only to find out I was being led on marionette strings the whole time.

Eric shook his head with a bitter sigh. “But you know what? Fuck it. None of that matters. All my mother’s schemes, all the conniving of our enemies, none of that fucking matters. Because at least now I know the score. At least now I can fight! Now, I aim to get so strong that no one can ever manipulate me again. And I invite you all to join me in striving for that strength! For in a world where strength is everything...”

“Only the strong can truly be free,” Yuki whispered.

Eric grinned. “Got it in one, Yuki.” He knew he was taking a risk, holding out his hand, like he had seen them do once before.

He ignored Ron’s snort, merely locking eyes with Jack who immediately grinned.

“Fuck yeah. Eric Orcbane, welcome to the team!” Jack said, clasping his hand over Eric’s.

Then Yuki’s hand went over both of theres, followed by a softly blushing Emily, then Richard.

Richard turned to Ron, giving him his trademark smile. “We’re stronger fighting as one, Ron. And politics aside, Eric’s more than proven his worth.” He looked pointedly at the massive minotaur titan Eric had yet to claim.

Ron’s glare turned to a tired snort. “Fine. He’s his momma’s patsy. And yeah, he can fight. So long as he doesn’t fuck us over… yeah. We’ll party with him and see if there’s any truth to this first clear bullshit, or not.

You have been offered a Formal Part Invite! Party Invites allow you to share experience points and a mental map of all party member locations. You will also have a basic sense of your fellow party member’s strengths and weaknesses. Note. This is a Light-Touch invite. No compulsions or auras radiated by any party member will effect any others. You enjoy bonus saving throws against impairment or damage, should you be caught by attacks unleashed by your party members. All orders given by Party Leader Richard will be obeyed on a voluntary basis only. Party Formation lasts until all surviving members have left the dungeon.

Do you wish to join Silver Griffins’ Party?

Eric gazed at his new acquaintances for long moments, seeing the hope and expectation in so many gazes slowly turning to looks of hurt disappointment when Eric froze. Suddenly feeling terrified that he was at risk of being trapped and compelled by unseen variables that would then clench just as tightly around his neck as a certain mithril collar.

But if he didn’t do this… he would never know what it was like to be a part of a true party. Never know if he could share the boons of a first clear. Worse, they would suddenly be at odds, competing for the same prize.

And nothing would please their enemies more than the discord they would sow as a result of their own malicious torments.

Fuck that.

Eric ignored the roaring of his own heart, mentally pressing accept just as he sensed Richard’s sigh.

Congratulations! You are now a Silver Griffins Party Member!

All Classer experience will be shared evenly between all players!

(Cultivator experience progression will be calculated separately. Skill experience progression will be calculated on an individual basis.)

You now sense the location and temperament of all party members!

Do you wish to see combined interface?

You have chosen yes!

Silver Griffins Party

Party Stats

St / Vi / Fin / Qui / Per / Mana / Qi Pool / Soul Reserves

Jack 60/60/60/60/40/ 10/10/10

Emily 20/40/30/60/40/ 1080/ - /10

Richard 90/100/40/60/40/ 210 / - / 9

Steve 20/50/30/60/40/ 900/- / 37

Ron 70/90/40/60/40/ - / - / 8

Yuki 50/56/70/100/70/ 350/ 14 / 10

Eric 268/281/204/360/195/ 1992 / 2904 / 99

Eric sensed the stunned looks he was being given, wincing in apology. “I’m sorry it took me so long to accept. It’s just… well, after what happened this morning, it’s really hard for me to completely trust anyone, or anything, and not fear that some massive collar of pain is going to strike me from some unseen angle and leave me screaming in agony.”

Eric flashed a sheepish smile. “Silly, I know. The party offer made it clear that we still kept our autonomy, and we even get to enjoy save bonuses, should we step into each other’s AOE.”

Eric winced, because the accusing stares hadn’t abated, only grown more intense.

Jack was shaking his head in utter disbelief. “You absolute fucking fuck! What the hell, Eric?”

Eric blinked. “What?”

Emily glared so intently that Eric felt his cheeks blushed. “How? Just tell me how, Eric Silver!”

“How What?”

“Your stats!” Yuki hissed. “You’re absolutely, utterly, completely fucking broken!”

Steven nodded. “If you add up the point total, he’s worth four or five of us in every single stat.”

Yuki crossed her arms and nodded. “In fact, this fucker is just forty points from matching our combined Quickness total of four hundred! What the hell! And I busted my ass, putting a hundred points into that fucker! And what the hell is this Qi Pool and Soul Reserve bullshit? How come it’s only populating on my character sheet right now, when we...”

Her features paled. “Shit. My character sheet just revealed two hidden stats!” She turned to the others, receiving sods and head shakes.

“I only see one,” Emily said. “Soul Reserves?”

Steve grinned. “Actually that’s always shown on my stat. It’s part of what allows me to use my Black Book. It’s basically our blood essence, or life force. It takes rest and a good meal to replenish, or just an hour of sleep, since our Vitalities all hit twenty. But unlike our mana pool, there’s no hidden multipliers. We only have the points we put in.”

Emily frowned. “Somehow that sounds more serious. What happens if you overdraw? Do you get a massive headache and a stamina penalty?”

Steve gave a pained smile, pulling his silver lock of hair. “I think you already know the answer to that, Emily. This is the part of my art that scares you so much. If we completely drain our Soul Reserves, we draw on life force instead.”

The party froze, gazing solemnly Steve’s way.

“Don’t worry!” He assured. “I’m not playing the fool again. My Obsidian Flame evolution just cut all costs in half, and I dumped all my points into boosting my Soul Reserves last level.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure I ever want to mess with that stat, especially since mine’s starting at ten,” Yuki said.

“Probably a good idea,” Steve said with a sad smile.

“So, who here got a Qi Pool notification?” she asked, receiving a nod from Jack and a congratulatory smile from Eric, who immediately clasped both their shoulders.

“Congratulations, you two. That’s awesome to hear.”

“But my powers don’t draw on any sort of Qi Pool,” Jack noted. “How will it help?”

Eric just grinned, looking Yuki’s way, her eyes widening with awe as her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Eric!”

“Yuki!”

She chuckled ruefully. “You overpowered asshole! Does this mean what I think it does?”

Eric grinned. “That depends. What do you think it means?”

“That me and Jack have the ability to become cultivators?”

Eric gazed at Yuki for long moments, before dipping his head. “Yes, Yuki. That’s exactly what it means.”

“No fucking way,” Jack whispered. “I can become a cultivator? Just like in all the xianxia novels I used to love reading?”

“And let’s not forget the cool Super Punch anime we all know and love,” Eric said, kissing his own flaming fists. “And why the hell couldn’t they make that third season before the world fucking ended? Bullshit, right there.”

But his new friends weren’t laughing. Instead, they were gazing at him with breathless anticipation.

“Eric?”

“Yes, Yuki?”

She fell to her knees. “will you teach this unworthy student?”