An Opportunity
Janus lifted the runescribe, reading the words etched into its flat, metal face. Janus Alamy, it read, A unique opportunity has presented itself. Dario Wall approached our campus asking for information on students with unique skills or classes. As you have opted into combat training, we have recommended you as one such candidate. After your regular classes today, you will be meeting with Dario in the commons.
He was worried that signing up for combat training had been a mistake. His second was starting soon, and would mark the beginning of his combat training course. His dread was building up each day.
The underground was filled with every manner of dangerous creature, and the thought of doing battle in some distant, dark cave was less exciting than it had been at the start of the year. The message on his runescibe had come unexpectedly, however. It changed things.
He set the runescribe back onto the table and barely resisted pumping his fist in the air. This was it. Dario Wall was a name nearly everyone in the stations knew. He had dreams of defending the stations since he was a child. Dario was his best chance to fulfill those dreams and live to tell the tale. But only if he could prove that his skill was worth it.
He grabbed his pack, patted the wrinkles out of his clothes, and left home.
The rail station was buzzing with morning activity. The station itself was enormous, with vaulted ceilings reaching higher than anywhere else in Crow Station — almost all the way to the rocky dome above. Softly glowing runes were inscribed on posts evenly spaced throughout the area. They would brighten as the morning progressed.
Several rail lines dominated the center of the rail station. Some sub-trains were already pulling in while others pulled away.
These rail lines were like arteries, ferrying people from station to station. Janus glanced back at the extravagant entrance, the words “Crow Station” were emblazoned on a massive, bronze plaque above. He made his way through the crowds and waited to cross one of the rail lines. A system of bridges could lower or raise depending on the rail station schedule so that people could make their way across the tracks and reach the other side. The sub-train to Bear Station would be arriving soon and Janus wouldn't miss it for the world.
Only a few minutes after Janus reached the appropriate rail line, the sub-train pulled up. It was a great chain of interlocking passenger cars. Runes covered the surface of each car from top to bottom. The doors on the cars slowly opened, and a small crowd made their way out of the sub-train.
A soft buzzing noise notified Janus that it was time to board, and he made his way into one of the sub-train cars, finding a seat near the door.
The intercom crackled with static before it flared to life. “Departing to Bear Station, ETA 15 minutes.”
Janus fidgeted in his seat. He sat between a sharply dressed businessman and a mother trying her best to corral a pair of toddlers. His brown, shoulder-length hair continued to drift in front of his similarly brown eyes. Lamenting his decision to leave his hair ties at home, he yawned, covering his mouth with one of his hands.
Just another day on the sub-train, he thought, well, maybe not just any day. His excitement to meet Dario Wall was overshadowing the usual boredom of his daily commute. He peered out of the window behind his seat. Small, bright lights were inlaid on the wall outside the sub-train car. They zipped by in one streaming line of white. His father had argued with him about the decision to travel so far for classes, but Janus knew that Crow Station was basically a backwater. Besides, the trip wasn't that long.
Dad is just paranoid.
He was lost in thought when a man bracing himself on the railings overhead stumbled and bumped into his leg. Unfortunately, Janus wasn’t the only one he disturbed.
“Watch yourself, eh? Keep those clumsy feet planted!” A burly man in a leather jacket with a shaved head shouted at the unfortunate soul.
Janus identified the bald man in the jacket.
[Strongarm - Level 24]
Baldy is Level 24, this is going to be an issue.
Baldy continued, “Aye look at me mate, say somethin’! Apologize!”
The man who had lost his balance was flustered. “I’m sorry, it’s just hard to keep my balance. I’ve never left Crow Station. I’m not used to these sub-trains,” he blurted out in a hurry.
Baldy looked unimpressed. “You’re gonna disrespect me, eh? I’m a Jack,” he said. With that statement, his fist started to glow a pale gold before he continued, "You gonna disrespect the Jacks?"
“No, no! Please! It was just an accident, a misunderst—” The flustered man was cut off before he could finish. Baldy's fist connected with his midsection as he lost his balance and fell to the floor.
Baldy looked around the train, pausing for a moment on Janus. “That’s what any of you’ll get if you disrespect the Jacks.” He tilted his head and spit on the man he grounded.
Those standing and sitting nearby barely paid attention. The Jacks weren't exactly a menace, but they certainly weren't a boon to society. Gangs were uncommon in the stations, as far as Janus knew, but Crow Station seemed to be an exception. But there never seemed to be any major problems and the gangs mostly stuck to feuding with each other. Security barely ever had to step in so the station governor seemed to tolerate them.
The Jacks… lovely folks. Baldy's level is pretty high for Crow Station, though.
Janus took his queue from the people around him and kept his head down to avoid the confrontation, drifting into another daydream.
His latest reverie was broken when the intercom blared through the sub-train again. “Mana interference detected on the rail ahead, speed reduced. Bear Station ETA 30 minutes.”
Interference? They can’t mean— A sharp grinding noise rang out through the sub-train car and Janus felt a sudden lurch. The sub-train had halted. People were beginning to panic, and he heard a shout from further back in the passenger carriage. Mana interference meant something must be manipulating the ambient mana up ahead.
Janus had read about these occurrences in class, but it was always a far away thing. Not something that could ever affect him.
Once again the intercom started. “Mana interference obstruction ahead. Assistance en route. Do not panic.”
Sure, yeah, don’t panic. Sounds good.
Janus panicked.
Mana interference was always a bad thing and typically indicated the creation of a new dungeon. Even if it wasn't a dungeon; anything powerful enough for the sub-train scanners to pick up could not be good news.
We’re too far out. If it’s a dungeon, everyone here could die. Janus eyed the burly man from the Jacks. His fists were up, and he was looking around nervously. I should stick with Baldy.
As Janus was moving closer to Baldy the sub-train lurched forward violently and the distinct sound of tearing metal reached his ears. He looked toward the noise and saw a hole being ripped in the side of the carriage. A squat, three-legged creature — with the body of a single large eyeball — was slowly pulling its way inside. Janus quickly identified it.
[Rail Balor - Level 34]
The sub-train was slowly inching forward now, but it didn’t feel like the smooth, magically powered propulsion Janus was used to. It was almost as if something was pulling the train, yanking on it.
Suddenly, a notification appeared in Janus’ mind.
[You have entered the Rath Rohen dungeon]
The balor began to advance from the front of the sub-train car. Those who were near the front were pushing past each other to move farther back.
The surge of people pushing to get away from the balor reached Janus. Those unfortunate enough to be left behind suddenly seized up, blood leaking from their mouths and eyes. Janus could see the balor glow a deep crimson.
What is it doing?
The balor's eye opened along the middle, splitting the pupil horizontally, and revealing a long row of razor sharp teeth. It leapt forward, latching onto one of its paralyzed victims. The people nearby screamed and attempted to push their way through the crazed crowd with renewed vigor.
It was only then that Janus realized that most of the crowd had already made it behind him. He didn’t remain out of bravery, but because his body wasn’t responding. He was paralyzed in fear. Against a level 34 enemy there was almost no chance. He knew that some people in the carriage might be near the balor's level, but surely none of them had combat skills.
I’m only level 6! This is insanity!
Baldy was still standing near Janus and seemed to make up his mind. He squared up and approached the balor. “You wanna fight? You wanna go?” His fist began to glow like before. The concentration of energy seemed to get the balor’s attention. It released its victim and faced the new threat.
This guy is a moron.
Janus looked around at the other passengers and asked, “Is anybody else here high enough level to help?” Some passengers avoided his gaze while others were too panicked to even register that he’d said anything.
Baldy had reached the balor by now, his fist crashing out. A silvery barrier erupted between him and the creature, deflecting his strike away. Baldy grunted and jumped back, cradling his fist. There was a small trickle of blood flowing from his nose.
Janus quickly looked through his status, racking his mind for anything he could do to help.
Status Name Janus Alamy Class None Level 6 Guild None Life 188 Max Life 188 Mana 204 Max Mana 204 Stamina 192 Max Stam 192 Stat Total Base Class Skill Item Strength 6 6 0 0 0 Endurance 7 6 0 1 0 Dexterity 6 6 0 0 0 Intelligence 11 6 0 5 0 Wisdom 11 6 0 5 0 Skill Level Bonus Mathematics 6 1 Int / 5 Lvl Writing 8 1 Wis / 5 Lvl Sprinting 7 1 End / 5 Lvl Mana Manipulation 4 1 Int + 1 Wis / Lvl Empty --- --- Locked --- --- Locked --- --- Locked --- --- Locked --- --- Locked --- ---
What did I expect? I don’t even have a class yet.
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Janus readied himself, lifting his pack as he got up from his seat. Baldy was still struggling against the balor at the end of the carriage. Janus could see the mana in the air pool around the gangster's fist once more.
Maybe I can push even more mana into his attacks using mana manipulation.
It was a gamble. [Mana Manipulation] was so rare that Janus couldn't even find references to it at the library. None of his professors had even known about the skill. It was likely the reason that Dario Wall showed interest in him to begin with. The ability to directly manipulate mana was basically unheard of. Most people utilized mana by casting a spell or using an ability, but Janus could sense it and even move it around.
He would have to be careful given what happened to the others that got within the balor’s range. After all, Janus was not eager to bleed out of his eye sockets.
He could feel the ambient mana all around them, a little more dense and chaotic than usual, likely because of the newly formed dungeon. He could see the concentration of mana around Baldy's fist accumulate before each strike. Before Baldy’s next attack, Janus tried to push as much mana from around himself into the strike as he could.
It’s not enough. This isn’t doing anything.
The balor opened its mouth and latched on to Baldy’s leg. It didn’t look like the creature was going to lose this fight.
Frantically, Janus called to the crowd, “Use your mana! Use any skill! I can use it to strengthen his attacks.” He gestured to Baldy, who was still engaged with the balor.
This time some people in the sub-train car came to life and Janus could see mana flare up as people used their skills. He pulled as much mana as he could from their abilities and redirected it to Baldy. Moving their mana around was like sucking mud through a straw, but anything helped.
The next strike on the balor resounded outward with a bright flash of light and the creature dislodged itself from Baldy’s leg.
“Keep it up! We need more mana!” shouted Janus.
Baldy struck again and spoke through clenched teeth, “You think you can get the best of me, you freak?”
Janus could see burn marks on Baldy’s arms. With each strike, the additional mana was flaring out. It was helping to damage the balor, but Baldy had to deal with the backlash.
He can’t take the extra mana. It’s slowly destroying his arm from the inside.
Janus knew he was hurting their savior, but he had to keep pushing mana into each attack. Baldy was barely having an effect on the monster before Janus had started empowering his attacks.
[New skill obtained: Strength Enhancement]
Cost: 20 Mana
Cooldown: 5 Seconds
Description: You have learned to use ambient mana to increase the power of physical attacks, either for yourself or for an ally. For the next 10 seconds, the first physical attack your target makes will deal [30%] increased physical damage.
Bonus Stats: 1 Int per level, 1 Str per level
The notification momentarily stunned Janus. He had only earned a handful of skills his entire life. Usually, the process took much more time and effort.
Hopefully, this will be enough to make a real difference. I guess Professor Carter wasn’t lying when he said life or death combat was the best way to gain and level skills.
Janus activated his new [Strength Enhancement] ability, targeting Baldy who was still struggling against the balor. The spell left him feeling lightheaded.
I've never actually used a spell before. It's more taxing than I thought it would be.
A subdued, blue light mingled with the pale gold energy on Baldy’s fist as it came down upon the balor once more. This time a small, blue shockwave erupted from his fist, and the balor staggered back. Baldy did not relent and started laying about the balor with both his fists, some of the strikes not even enhanced by magic.
Janus was using [Strength Enhancement] as often as he could, but his mana was starting to get dangerously low. He could already feel the effects of mana exhaustion: a strain in his chest, shortness of breath, and a fatigue down to his bones.
He felt like he was about to fall over when another notification appeared in his mind.
[Your party has defeated a dangerous enemy: Rail Balor]
[You have gained a level]
[Your Strength Enhancement skill has gained 2 levels]
[Your Mana Manipulation skill has gained 3 levels]
[You may learn new skill: Bravery]
Requirement: You must unlearn an existing skill to free up a skill slot.
The notification stunned him. He'd never made so much progress in so little time. Unfortunately, he didn't have enough skill slots to use his new ability. Deliberating for a moment, Janus made his decision. He pictured his status in his mind and willed for the [Mathematics] skill to be removed. It vanished a few moments later. He could always get it back later. Doing thousands of math problems would be easier than fighting for his life.
[New skill obtained: Bravery]
Cost: None
Cooldown: Always Active
Description: You have stood against a fearsome creature with a much higher level than your own. You approach dangerous situations more calmly.
Bonus Stats: 5 Wis per level
Well it’s more useful right now than being able to solve equations a bit faster. Maybe I should have ditched writing instead…
Janus shook off the thought and looked around. People were cowering near the front of the carriage and Baldy was slowly inching his way towards the crowd.
Baldy called out, “I need a healer! That freak nearly tore my leg off.”
A lady with red hair and a crisp suit jacket made her way out of the crowd, “Move! Out of my way! I have [Lesser Healing].”
She brushed past the shocked crowd, nearly tripping over a man sobbing on the ground.
She reached Baldy and held her hand out, which began to emit a soft green light. “I’m Layla, how much health do you have left? There could be more of those things outside.”
Baldy looked toward her and grunted, “I’m Fao. Thanks for the heal. I’m at about half HP. If there’s more of 'em, that just means more skill levels for me.”
Janus didn't think the man could take on another one of those balor's at this rate. He took the chance to identify him once more.
[Strongarm - Level 26]
A two level gain? I guess he was in the most danger.
Janus made his way towards Layla. Fao was working himself into one of the carriages seats with a gasp of pain.
The healer looked on with concern and said, “I’m already running low on mana. What’s your life at?”
“About 80 percent. I should be good if another one comes through. I don’t know about two of the bastards though.” Fao looked toward Janus. “You were the one that was pumpin’ my attacks. That’s some good work, kid.” Fao let out a string of coughs before he could continue. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Janus. Honestly I wasn't even sure if what I was doing would work…” Janus said and stole a quick glance at the hole in the sub-train car, worried that more creatures would slip inside.
“Yeah, well thanks for the assist. I don't know what spell you were using, but it burned my arm to shit. We’re lucky there was a healer in this car.” Fao tucked his chin down with a pensive expression on his face, “You want a job kid? Could use an enhancer in the Jacks.”
Janus was about to reply as the sub-train car lurched again, this time to the left.
That shouldn’t be possible. The Sub-train is in a tube, there's barely half a foot of clearance on either side.
A loud screeching noise echoed out, and a blue glow suffused the interior of the sub-train car. As suddenly as the movement began, it stopped.
A magically enhanced voice rang out, “We’ve got survivors here, Gerrick! Start reversing the sub-train. I can hold this section up. We’re headed back to Crow Station. Cover the front, Noel. Make sure none of those balors make it to the sub-train.”
Fao gingerly got to his feet, nearly falling as the sub-train started to slowly move backwards.
“Looks like the cavalry's here,” he said.
One of the sub-train side doors began to glow, slowly increasing in intensity. It slid open, and a tall man covered head to toe in intricate, runed plate armor stepped through. His face was completely covered by a savage-looking helmet. He swept his head side to side, noting the dead balor. “You guys had a rough one, just count your stars that you weren’t in one of the carriages further up.”
Janus tried to identify the armored man.
[Identity Obscured]
It was strange, but not unheard of for someone to have identity obscuring enchantments. Janus assumed the man worked with station security.
Janus moved to the back of the sub-train car with the bulk of the people and sat down in the aisle.
I’m going to be feeling this mana exhaustion for a few days. Guess I’ll need to send a message to my professors explaining why I wasn’t in class today. Janus looked around at the destroyed rail car. I guess they’ll hear about it one way or another.
He could see Fao in a conversation with the armored man as he emphatically pointed at the slain balor and flexed his muscles. Layla was leaning back in a seat with her palm covering her eyes.
Looks like I wasn’t the only one to get hit by mana exhaustion.
Janus fell back into a seat of his own, finally letting himself relax.