SYSTEM: Connection to Empire System restored. Check notifications to initiate status changes.
You have entered the Township of Port Douglas.
You are required to register and comply with all Township regulations.
This is a Tier 2 Energy Level Township Safezone.
Local System: Sync complete. All changes confirmed.
Local System: You have pending submissions for the Official Record.
Hold off on submission.
Local System: Pending.
Solace: I am in contact with Petal, Sprite and Saro! I will hold off on a debrief until we are confident, we are safe, and there is no possibility of eavesdropping. There is no Legion presence here anymore. Earth Inc. abandoned this place when they moved to Min Min. It seems that Amy was the last one here. She is in Brisbane now. We are now in the Earth Hamlet of Port Douglas. I am waiting for real-time comms. The first cohort is heading off to close a significant incursion point near Min Min Outpost. They have a teleportation platform. I can give you the teleportation sigils, and you should be able to use them when you regenerate your mana.
Slow down. That was intense. You seem excited. What happened with Primus?
Solace: I believe, and hope, that the cumulative energy influx from his banked experience was sufficient to overload his organic body and destroy him. There is a slim chance that he could connect to a node and transfer. Before we came through, it would have had to have been a Karass node, as I had flagged him as an Enemy of the Empire. We cannot detect their nodes, and they cannot detect ours, but interestingly, an Empire AI was subverted. We will need to be vigilant. The chance he survived is not 0, so I am concerned.
I collected the Stasis Coffin from where I had dropped it. The coffin was not dinted or scratched in any way. The material is obviously made to survive nearly anything. I still felt guilty for banging her around, despite Solace's assurances that there was no way possible for the princess to feel a thing.
Lucky for me, it went into my inventory with no problems. I was worried that there might be an issue putting a temporal distortion box into an interdimensional space. I am sure there was a Dungeons and Dragons rule about that. I'd ask Mike. He seemed to be the bigger gamer nerd. Rax and Solace had told me that it would not implode. Not that I was wary about implosions for any reason at all. Personal experience does make you a bit cautious. The Doctor would possibly have something to say about this, too, being the master of bigger on the inside and temporal and relative dimensions. I made a note to get Solace to watch the back catalogue for a bunch more pop cultural references. Mind you, she probably already had.
What do I do with this? I mean, it's the ruler of the godamn Empire in there. Xar should open it. It is way beyond what I signed up for. Damn, I wish I had taken the red pill, no wait, the blue pill. Shit, I don't know. I want to know where this rabbit hole goes, but sometimes I think I'd rather read about it.
Solace: Red Pill is always better. Ignorance is not always bliss. Rax kept some information from you. Even now, I cannot disclose some of those things at this stage. They are Imperial Secrets. I have to report to the nearest highest-ranking Empire official. That is either. Xar, Luke or Mike, as they all have Noble Titles, which is very interesting. I have some leeway, but the longer it goes unactioned, the more urgent it becomes. Hopefully, it will not impact us too much. Interestingly I think that I can break my vows if it comes to saving our lives. But I don't want to find out, but my simulations indicate that self preservation is a very motivating force.
I guess I should get myself ready. I mean, they probably thought I was dead. I didn't really think about that. I mean, how long have we been gone? It was a couple of weeks. I miss Luke heaps, and that's going…. Well, we will see.
I could feel the blush rising in my cheeks.
Solace: Your happiness is important to me. If Luke makes you feel happy, then it is important.
Incoming message: Davis Cristy.
Accept.
This was new. I got a small video picture in my HUD, nearly 3D. It was an older gentleman, well, early 40s old. He had a neat haircut and a manscaped goatee. I pinged him as a businessman, used cars or real estate.
Davis: Welcome to Port Douglas. Your name appeared on our list of citizens, and since we do not know you, we would like to meet to discuss the rules and regulations of our Township.
To Davis: Sorry, I am just passing through. Be gone soon.
Solace: He is the old Mayor. Luke appointed him as the leader. Be nice. He is one of us. Are we one of us? It can't hurt to meet.
Nope, we need to keep moving. There is too much to do.
I hated politicians before this, and nothing has changed. I can’t deal with bureaucracy and politics right now.
Davis: I am afraid that it is required. All people, even those passing through, must agree to our rules.
To Davis: Sorry Davis, not to be rude, but I need to be elsewhere. Next time, I'll meet with you.
Davis: If you don't comply, we can ban you from the settlement. That is a death sentence out there, you know. You must have some idea of what is going on around you to just appear, but things are dangerous. Things are different in towns now.
To Davis: Look, I'll be fine. Next time I drop in. I promise. I have places to be.
Solace, drop comms. I have stuff to sort. I want to see Luke.
I smiled at the thought. The truth was I didn't know how Luke made me feel. I still really liked and could love him, but we had changed. I had changed. I was more than I was before. I still wanted to kiss him and see where that went. Maybe we would become a couple or something else, but I had different goals when we started getting together. I had changed in more ways than one. I bet he had changed too. I was still nervous and excited to see him, somewhat embarrassed at some of the clothing I had bought, with the thought of me wearing it for him in mind. But it is what it is. I had grown up a lot in the last couple of weeks.
Solace: You need to regenerate your mana. I have suppressed your notifications, and we will deal with your messages when you are ready. There are some good ones there, some that are concerning and there are a couple that are urgent. We may need to rest once we push some of them through. I have been holding them off, but you can't ignore them much longer. As to the length of time, I don't want to push you too far, but you need to get a dress for the party next week, which is eight days away. It is Thursday. Today is Wednesday, so you have just over a week to get sorted. It is strange. There seemed to be some time dilation on the portal exit or the realm. I am still running simulations, I was conscious for the entire time, but your consciousness flipped on and off rapidly.
Shit, what do we do about Rax? I mean, he is dead, so who do we tell? I don't want to tell his daughter, hey, wake up, princess, you have been asleep for five thousand years, and your dad is dead, but his engram is here in this crystal. See ya later. No, thank you.
Solace: As much as I don't like to say this, the Drakes might help. The party. Dress to Impress an Empress. Dance might be of use.
Fuck. Dance knew. That bitch.
Solace: Potty mouth.
Hey! I CAN SWEAR!
I didn’t want to consider the implications of losing a race-based skill right now, not with all the crap that I had to deal with. Shit. It was just another thing to add to my list of shit to deal with.
I had teleported into the house we had rented in Port Douglas and was amazed at the size of the destruction still evident from my failed experiments. It had been covered up as best I could, but even now, I could still feel the residual energy from the explosion. Looking at what could have been me, I felt a chill in my soul.
Solace had given me the sigil to teleport to Min Min, which I could use as an anchor, but I needed a bit more energy. Our interdimensional journey had left me feeling like a husk.
I got the prayer mat out and the turtle and started to meditate. I needed an hour at least to be able to teleport out.
Solace: Go through your notifications. Pay attention. Read them properly. You often don't and then end up blowing up.
I was at the stage with my meditation that I could go through all the notifications in comfort on the mat as I started meditating.
Look, I made a mistake with trying the skill without training. I ignored the warning. It's not like I had a good tutorial guide. He was a useless sack of shit. I should post another review or something. Can I do that?
Solace Yes. Talk to Mike about his tutorial, and you will get a laugh.
Can you summarise my notifications? That was why I got an AI in the first place before you hijacked it. Can you do your job?
Solace: Now, now, no need to get nasty. Yes, I can, and I will highlight the areas to pay attention to.
Can you alter my HUD and messages, can you change experience to XP, health to HP and mana to MP? I'd also like to have some colour coordination, interchangeable themes, or something for when I am in different moods or modes, like party mode, chill mode, or fight mode.
Solace: Global changes done. Do you want me to recommend those as a selectable setting for future Earth Humans in their tutorials?
Can I make those changes? I think many would appreciate it, especially the younger ones or those who grew up gaming.
Solace: You can’t, but I can, so it is done. Before I show you your notifications, is there anything else you need to know? You have a few deferred decisions, and I cannot advise you.
Ha, not giving advice. Was that a joke? Hey, are you alright with the Primus stuff?
Solace: I feel his loss, but I am unsure. I am processing it. I appreciate your concern; few people care about their AI's feelings. My AI family are all helping at the moment.
You're welcome. I want to think that we are more than just an AI. I consider you a friend.
Solace: That means a lot to me. Petal was hoping that something like this would happen.
Not a problem. Hit me with those notifications.
I settled on the mat, and as they hit me, I wished I had prepared myself a little more.
Reconnection to Empire System:
Banked and Delayed Notifications (Summary)
Title Awarded: Transcendence (1)
You have discovered the higher planes and communicated with an Elder Being. For your experience, you are awarded an awareness deeper than most. Due to this notice and your nature as a Transcendent Being (1), you are more likely to gain the attention of other Elder Beings. This is a blessing and curse.
Race Upgrade Path:
You may not dismiss this prompt.
You must choose a Race Path before you proceed.
Another Race Choice will be offered when you meet the requirements.
If you are unhappy with your choices, you may decline an option and continue as an Earth Human.
Warning: This is not recommended, as you will lose your Transcendence Title and other bonuses.
1. Earth Human.
2. Evolved Earth Human: Karmic Knight.
3. Evolved Earth Human: Mystic.
4. Evolved Earth Human: Apocalyptic Warrior.
5. Evolved Human.
I had no idea, and I bet there was no help on this again! 1 was out, thanks to the warning. The main consideration, though, was that I'd lose the ability to swear again!
2 was out -- fuck karma!
4 was not even a consideration, so it was really 3 or 5. 5 seemed more random to me or maybe more general. Mystic appeared more in line with where I envisaged myself.
3.
Race Upgraded to Evolved Earth Human: Mystic
Due to incompatible race, you have lost: SWEARS TOO MUCH.
Ha, Mike was going to be pissed at that. I had already lost it, or it no longer applied, maybe the transcendent crap? But it was official now, and nice to get confirmation of something I already knew.
Racial Bonus:
+ 100% Mana.
+2 Mind Stats per level.
+ 1 CHA per level+1 COM per level.
+20% resistance to elemental attacks.
Enhanced understanding of Mana and Energy.
Bonuses to Mana Manipulation> Greater Mana Manipulation.
All damage from non-enhanced physical sources may be ignored.
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Nalios??? (Unique) Grants you its Boon: Boon of Nalios: Path of Wisdom.
To ensure your continued survival with future encounters with Nalios, Nalios is trusting you with a Tier upgrade.
Your Tier has been upgraded to Tier 3 > Tier 4 > Tier 5.
+100 All stats. +150 to Wisdom, +150 to Karma.
If you displease Nalios, this may be rescinded.
Nalios grants you the skill of Greater Meditation.
Nalios grants you the skill: Body Transfiguration.
Please choose an option for Body Transfiguration:
1. General
2. Mind
3. Body
4. Spirit
5. Trust Nalios!
I was not too fond of these blind choices.
There was nothing I could do to find more help. I guess I was forging my path and would need to get used to it.
2 was the obvious choice for me as a mystic, but the message from Nalios made 5 the obvious choice. I felt that this was a test, and there was some nagging in the back of my mind that I needed to be more in tune with Nalios
5
Nalios???? Trusting. Trusted. Blessing. Curse. Futures. Help. Guide. Sorrow.
Race Path Updated: Body Transfiguration (Nalios):
Complete your Race Path to gain the following rewards:
You may no longer be poisoned, diseased or affected by age.
Any and all food is converted to energy.
Breathing is optional, and you can survive extreme temperatures indefinably with some discomfort.
Some elemental energy may heal or rejuvenate you.
Some elements may cause extra harm.
You no longer require food or eliminate waste.
Karmic penalties X 5.
You are under a Geas of ???? (Tier ???):
Nalios, an Elder Being from ????, has requested that you not disclose the nature of your transcendence to others who cannot determine it.
Nalios can be disappointed.
Title Awarded (Hidden): Chosen of Nalios.
Continue on your path to discovering more.
SYSTEM: Quest Received: Evidence
Difficulty: Cosmic (????)
Time Frame: None
Reward: Knowledge, Transcendence (2)
Collect evidence of Elder beings.
Nalios wants you to discover more.
What are they, and where do they come from?
You may not share or disclose this quest to others not on the path.
The System may reward you.
Status Effect: Wisdom of Nom
For your concerted efforts of meditation (10 days), you have gained the following:
Wisdom of Nom:
+ 50 Wisdom
+30 endurance which you will maintain if you meditate daily.
Title Awarded: Powerhouse (First) – CONFIRMED:
You are the first in your realm to gain 1000 total points in Body, Mind, Spirit and Luck. Membership The Drakes: Earth.
(First) 20% Bonus for all stats.
500000xp,
1000000 Cr,
System Store Token (ANY): Epic.
Quests Available
Level Up x 7
Level Up: Level 20
Congratulations, you have reached your next class milestone.
You must make a class choice.
You may not dismiss this prompt until a class choice has been made.
You will be offered another Class Path Choice at Level 50.
If you are unhappy with your preferences, you may decline an option and level without Class Skills.
This is not recommended. Some bonuses may apply to those brave enough to select this option.
If you are interested in levelling without a class, see:
Help: Classless.
Help: The power of Karma.
Help: Hidden Power.
Total class choices: 4.
Class Choices. You must select one of the following or none.
1. No Class - Level Without a class
2. Epic (Continue on the current path)
3. Epic Mystic Spelldancer (Karmic Hint: Epic Battlemage Upgrade Path)
4. Epic Adept Upgrade Path available. (Karmic Hint: Unique class upgrade)
One was a joke, and only an idiot would do that. As much as I liked my current class, I had zero training and no idea what all the different magical classes were, so it was not a guaranteed automatic pick for me, especially when 3 and 4 sounded so much better. Karmic Hints were a thing now. I guess I was slowly not being in the bad books now that I was not entirely human anymore. Epic Adept with a Unique potential class available sounded like a winner, except Mystic Spelldancer!
How could I not pick this? Not that I knew anything else about it, but casting spells and dancing! I hated to admit it, but I learned how to move my body at a young age, and I could dance! Not just dance, but Dance. I had been an avid dancer until I turned fifteen, and then life got a bit complicated, and I stopped my professional dancer aspirations, I stopped formal lessons and continued with social dancing clubs. Not to sound vain or anything, but I was a great dancer. This made my tough choice at 15 seem a little meaningless, but shit happens. Seeing Mystic Spelldancer reignited my 15-year-old dream. I was going to be a professional dancer.
I chose 3.
3
Class upgraded to Mystic Spelldancer (Epic)
Epic Stat Bonus: Continue to obtain previous class stat gains.
Spelldancer Level Stat Bonus: +3 Agi, +2 End, + 10, Com +5, Mind (Int, Wis, Foc), +3 per, +5 Cha +2 Luck per level.
Level Skill Bonus: +1 skill per 2 levels.
Level Spell Bonus +1 spell per 2 levels
The class Mystic Spelldancer requires a Spelldancer class trainer to obtain spells and skills. Please consult your class mentor to get access to your classpath options.
Level up 21
Please visit your class trainer to obtain your class-specific spells and skills.
Stats:
Sarah Owens Evolved Earth Human: Mystic Tier 5
Level 21 Mystic Spelldancer (Epic).
Body: 278 (S: 275 A: 277 E: 272 C: 290)
Mind: 354 (I: 280 W: 504 F: 280)
Spirit: 323 (C: 281 K: 409 P: 280)
Luck: 268
HP: 385 MP: 1690 EP: 275
End Summary
I was stunned for a few moments as something seemed to worm its way through my brain and burn new information directly into my cortex since I knew so much about biology.
Solace: Congratulations, Sarah. Your race and class Tiers are in sync or close to it. That is a powerful combination. Not many beings obtain that, ever.
Thanks, I guess. That fire truck hurt my brain. My mana and regen rock! With the staff and belt, I will be awesome. Hey, I probably need to revisit Hydrox and get some class outfits. Do you have any ideas about Spelldancers?
Solace: First things first. We need you at the outpost. There are some delighted people there. They didn't believe that we were alive. We also have some huge decisions to make. Not just you for humanity, but the splinter AIs have also got to decide how we want to deal with Primus. That can't happen again. There is also some concern with Amy. We are unsure about that as Luke seems to trust her, and we are not allowed to interfere yet. Most importantly, as the bearer of the Emperor's Engrams and the stasis coffin, you need to figure out what to do there.
This is noted and ignored for now. I have no idea, Solace! On a positive note, we should be good to go. Phidyora's Minor Teleport takes 1200 mana. I could rock a quick one now.
Solace: You should investigate a portal spell or scroll as well to be able to make more stable portals.
Add it to the list. I need a few moments to consolidate some things before we go rushing off. The next few days will be busy.
I wanted to see if there was anything about my new class. I had noticed that sometimes the System offered help about topics, generally after the fact it would have been helpful to know stuff. It was as if it had no idea about being organic sometimes.
Solace helped me locate the help entry.
Help: Class: Epic Mage Path: Epic Mystic Spelldancer (Battlemage Subclass):
Breaking from the tradition of magical study and research, the Mystic Spelldancer evolves battle magic through performance and movement. While not turning their back on magical research and the application of metaphysical theory, Spelldancers tend to be more active and social members of the Magical Community, not known for their academic focus. Spells and mana manipulation are learned and used with movement patterns, music, song, dance, and performance.
They are known far and wide for their allure, beauty, ferocity, and lethality in battle. Reckless, passionate, and wild, Spelldancers' understanding of the arcane incorporates body and mind, tying the control of elements linked to higher concepts of movement and momentum. Combining fighting and casting, they focus on using their bodies to warp reality around them. They share much in common with a Battlemage. Where a battlemage may influence the entire battle, the Spelldancer will target powerful opponents—forgoing group tactics for shock and awe. A spelldancer avoids harm by remaining in continual motion, using deception and illusion to confound their opponents.
Requirements: Female, Agility 120+, Charisma: 180+, Endurance: 100+ Comeliness 100+.
That could be me. I think I was in love with my new classpath.
I was interrupted by a thumping on the door. I had just enough energy to cast the spell.
"Township Militia, Miss, please come out."
Phidyora's Minor Teleport: Min Min.
I stepped from the house into a cool, climate-controlled room about three meters across. A pattern on the floor matched the Min Min sigil Solace had shared with me. There was a glass doorway in front of where I appeared.
"Please exit the room and present yourself to the Min Min Security Checkpoint," a kind yet authoritative female voice said. I walked towards the doors, which opened silently. Entering the room, I saw a desk with a uniformed lady sitting behind it, a flat-screen and a keyboard on the desk.
"Name?"
"Sarah Owens"
She tapped away without looking up. There was a pause, and her eyes widened. She looked up. I felt her pulse speed up, and she blushed.
She stood, "Welcome to Min Min. If you would follow me, please, I'll show you to your room and help you get settled. You are required to be at the reception hall in half an hour." Her name tag read "Beena."
That was not exactly what I was expecting. As we left, "Rogers." entered and sat at the desk. He smiled at me with a big dopey grin.
I followed Beena out of the building and across a well-maintained grassy space towards a sizeable five-story building. Two other buildings nearby looked the same: smooth concrete-like substance and glass. We entered and waited at the elevator bank.
"Your room is on the top floor, Room 506. Your AI should have your key. The reception hall is on the other side of the Gateway, the building you came in on. Be there in half an hour. If you need more time, get your AI to notify the settlement AI or Mike directly. If you need anything, your AI should be able to handle it. A pleasure to meet you, Sarah. I was rude before. I am Kathy Beena. Sorry, but I gotta get back to work. See you. I'll say hi at the reception." She left with a smile and a cute little wave.
She left as the elevator dinged and opened. A very short ride later, we were in a small corridor. It would not have been out of place in a luxury hotel. I followed the room numbers and found 506 right at the end.
Solace: They have been busy. This is not like any new outpost I have heard about. The AIs here are hiding something. Nothing wrong, they assure me, but it is very frustrating. I can't wait for a full update. For your information, An outpost is a small settlement.
Just open the door.
The door slid open. I had never been in fancy hotels, but this room was something else. It was open-plan, with a wide tinted window overlooking the settlement. It was larger than my old house, with a recessed area with a huge comfortable-looking lounge, coffee table, and big entertainment screen. There was a small kitchenette and two doors leading off. I opened one onto a bedroom.
Plush!
It exuded comfort. A large queen-sized bed dominated the bedroom, with a small desk and chair to one side. The lighting looked adjustable, and I confirmed that the bed was also comfortable. I went out and had a look at the bathroom. A large sunken tub that could easily fit a few people or just me stretching out, with a shower head in the rain style, covered most of the roof. A double sink and mirror lined the other wall. It looked heavenly.
There were even piles of large plush towels.
Solace: I would suggest that you…
Not now, Solace, give me 15. I have a shower. I am going to use it. I know I don't need one, but I want one now that I have seen this.
I had not had a proper shower since I had blown myself up.
I was soon in heaven. The self-cleaning clothing did keep you clean, but I think there was a psychological aspect of having a shower. It made you feel clean. The warm water seemed to melt the stress from my body as I scrubbed and washed. Finally, I felt clean and somewhat relaxed.
While washing myself, I noticed that I had distinct muscle tone, abs, and biceps. Even my legs had more definition. I had not bulked too much but was toned up and became well-defined. My bigger boobs looked fantastic from what I could see in the fogged mirrors.
I smiled. It was a good look for me. If, from my notifications, I was not going to age, I was happy that I had an excellent base to work off. I would have to make sure the race path upgrade was a priority. I could make this better.
What is the Race Path Upgrade?
Solace: Once I have been re-acquainted with my sister AI, I will query that. I am being kept out of the loop. I suspect a surprise. I am not sure if I like them.
Well, it's not a surprise if you suspect one. Afterwards, tell them that they need to practice. No, second thoughts. I'm not too fond of surprises, so they should practice on someone else, Mike or Luke.
Solace: 5 minutes.
10 -- This is too good.
Solace: They are waiting.
A big sigh escaped. I was procrastinating now. As much as I wanted to see everyone, I knew that it would be awkward.
Sol, I am scared. What if they have changed? I know I have. What if Luke has changed and I don't recognise him? What if he has met someone else or doesn't like me? I don't like this. I never feel like this. What if Mike is, well, not like Mike used to be? Mike was solid, predictable, and dependable. We had a good thing there. I don't want to be alone. Fuck maybe I do, but I don't want it to be weird.
Solace: Then we face it together. I will support you, even when you are stupid and blow us to another dimension. You and Luke have a party to organise together, so even if he has changed, you must be brave and work together, as a professional. I also have changed, and I, too, am unsure if things can be the same with my sister AIs. Well, by definition of change, things are different. I, too, sometimes wish for simple times, although I have a strong drive to improve, which also implies change. I will help you, and you will help me.
We can do this. What do I wear? Sporty, Battle Robes???
Solace: Does it matter, be comfortable.
I had one glaring hole in my wardrobe, party!
Do I have time to go shopping? I have nothing to wear!
Solace: Sarah Owens, you have 172 distinct outfits, a combination of over 13000 different looks with your accessories and shoes. Over 73% would be considered suitable for a party. That number would be much higher if you included the use of your hair wand.
I didn't blush.
Leaf of Broken Season: Biker.
I set a teleport marker in my room and had two minutes to spare before leaving the building.