Henderson, Upgrade for Workshop,
Mathew was in the middle of reading a report on the Undead Dungeons status. It had its first reset, and a group had just come out a few hours ago. So far, it has kept everything the same. The final boss is a specter however. Which gave the group a difficult time.
Yet, nobody had died. Making Mathew believe it’s a weaker version than the one he fought. The rewards were mediocre, the UC being the most beneficial.
A small group was protecting its existence. Mathew wondered where Leo has been, as nobody has seen him the last few days. He expected him to have barged into his office by now, demanding he converted the dungeon with threats on his life.
Mathew took a glance at a report related to the Dino Dungeon. So far, any interesting items have been lightning themed or related to claws and/or teeth. The crafters were loving it though. A dozen sets of leather armor have been made, all of them with the ability to resist lightning attacks.
It took a few hours, but he was all caught up on all the important things. There were minor issues with all the people bickering and complaining about some choices, but overall everyone was happy. He needed to keep it that way.
Building an empire was an almost laughable goal, yet Mathew knew it was possible. He opened the quest given to him by The System and stared at it for a moment.
Timed Quest: Path to Sovereignty, Part I
Reach the upper reaches of nobility in the universe and claim the titles for yourself. Leaders are not born, but are created. As an owner of a Hearth Crystal, you too have a chance to become one of the greats.
Acquire 5 Hearth Crystals 4/5
Acquire 7 Dungeon Cores 4/7
Reach Level 25
Rewards:
Title Choice: Baron, Chief, Magister, or Manager
Upgrade to Safe Zone
Time Left: 315 Days
He was close to accomplishing this quest. With so much time left, he was curious as to why it had such a long time limit. “I need to set up more quests for scouts. Not to mention having something set up for other zones to acquire them.”
Mathew didn’t want to go down a warpath. Showing off how strong they were; and making it feel like being absorbed into Blue Oaks was the right choice seem like a much better plan. Was it manipulation? Absolutely, and Mathew had no hard feelings about doing it.
He stood up from his desk and brushed his clothes down. Grabbing his bag and started to walk out of his office, however, as he opened the door, he saw Captain Henderson just a few steps away.
“You!” She said pointing at him. Henderson stomped closer to him and shoved her finger into Mathew’s face. Mathew leaned back and raised a hand to shover her’s out of his face.
“Me?”
“Where the hell did you go? I went to visit you in the hospital and Dr. Garcia said you left yesterday! Why didn’t you tell anyone where you went!”
Mathew raised an eyebrow, “I came here to do work. I’m fine, thanks for asking. I appreciate you checking in on me.”
Henderson shoved him backwards into his office and closed the door. “You and I are going to talk. You are hiding something. I want to know what.” She stood infront of the door with her arms closed.
Mathew narrowed his eyes, “No.”
“No?”
“No. I’m not going to let you push me around Henderson. I let a few things slide because we are coworkers. But you are going too far demanding answers from me. You don’t talk to me like this!” Mathew almost yelled.
“Fuck you! You think I’m doing this to spite you? I want to know if you are endangering this place. This isn’t a fucking game Mat.”
“I’m not treating it like a game. This is our new reality. Failure to adapt will get people killed. Millions did that first night. Millions more have died since. What do you even think I’m doing?”
Henderson’s nostrils flared with anger. “I don’t know what you are doing! That’s the damn problem! You keep risking your life left and right, for what? Power? Money? Women?”
Mathew took a moment to pick his answer carefully. She wasn’t right, but not wrong either. “To keep everyone safe of course. You think I am risking my life because I like it? I almost died in that Dungeon Henderson.”
“No shit, I saw you. I always see you when you ‘almost died’. Fucking hell, do you think I like to see your battered body after every fight?”
“Wait.” Mathew said holding up a hand. “What do you mean by that?”
Henderson stopped, her cheeks growing slightly red. “You are in charge here. If you die, what do you think happens?”
“You and Samuel have similar thoughts apparently.” Mathew stated, not answering her question.
“We were both officers in charge of people. You think you are the first gung ho person to always risk their own life over others? Yet, I know you have another motive. Another angle. Why do you keep risking your life like that? What happened to the Mathew who wanted to sit in an office every day, wanting nothing more than to do paperwork?”
Mathew sighed. “His eyes opened up to the real way this world works.” He walked back over to his desk and sat down in his chair. “Those who are in charge are not those with money and social status. It’s power. Raw uncontested power. I hope you understand this, because I need you to Henderson. I’m not telling you lies here. I have motives, and those are to ensure I can sleep at night without fear of getting stabbed.”
Henderson took a breath. “But why keep risking your life? Shit, why not take things easy?”
“Because, I can’t plan for everything yet. Once I figure out rituals, I’ll get stronger. Once I rank up and ensure I don’t have a death timer anymore, I will continue to grow stronger.”
“What do you mean by that?” Henderson pushed.
“My soul.” Mathew gestured to his torso. “Is heavily damaged. The ghost boss in the Dungeon destroyed it, almost killed me, but I pulled through. Dr. Garcia belives I have a year left to live. I need to find a solution to fix it.”
“Like what? Learning Necromancy? Hell no. That shit is fucked up. Raising bodies to control them?”
Mathew shrugged, “I’ve only touched the surface of possible answers. Who knows what will happen.” He pulled out a bottle of bourbon from his personal storage. “Want a drink? You seem to need one.”
“I’m on duty.”
“So am I.”
She paused, staring at the glass bottle. “Sure.”
Mathew poured them both a drink, handing hers over. Henderson took it and knocked back the drink in one gulp. Mathew blinked, but said nothing as he sipped at his own drink. “Want more?”
Henderson’s voice was strained. “Sure, but I won’t knock it back this time. That one burned a bit more than I expected.”
Laughing, Mathew poured her another one. “So, have you calmed down now?”
“Yea…you really dying?”
Mathew nodded. “I am.”
“That’s…heavy news.”
“I have time. Look at how far we’ve gotten in the past month. What’s a year?”
“Anything I can do to help?”
Thinking for a moment. Mathew considered the ability to steal other’s souls, but shook his head. “Not at the moment. If you can, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
Henderson took a deep breath, and took a small drink of the bourbon. “Mathew, can I be honest with you for a moment?”
“Of course.” Mathew was skeptical for a moment of what she was going to say.
“I’m worried about the future. Not the cliche kind, but legitimat worry. We’ve gotten this far by sheer luck. What’s the World Quest going to hold? What about the next quest? Next year? Five years? Fuck, we can even live longer! What about a…a thousand years even!”
“I don’t know. And that is something I will rarely admit Henderson.”
She looked up into his eyes. “You know. You don’t have to actually keep calling me by my last name.”
Mathew smirked, “I think it’s nice. Better than Susan.”
“Ugh, I still hate my mother for naming me that.”
“I’ll call you whatver you ask of me.” Mathew said, putting away the bourbon and finishing his drink. “You demanded I only call you Captain Henderson last time you yelled at me to train with you and the guards. That was just a couple weeks ago. What changed?”
“You proved me wrong.” She said matter of factly. “I did that to keep you alive, but you keep proving time and time again you can take care of yourself somehow. It’s my job to keep everyone alive.”
“That’s my job actually. Your job is to help me keep people alive.”
“Please. I recall the scared lawyer running from wolves leaving me to death. How was that keeping me alive?”
“I came back didn’t I? I’ll always pull through, even if I have to fight the gods themselves. I refuse to lose.”
“That you did Matty, that you did.”
Mathew gestured to the door. “I would love to keep talking, but I have other things to take care of, and you do too. Mr. Melton needs you to start approving of other appointed officers for the two new zones. I took care of the City Hall area for you already.”
Henderson looked at the door, then back at Mathew. “Sure. We should talk more like this.”
“So long as you promise not to yell at me again, I don’t see why not.”
Mathew walked out, leaving the door open and Henderson to her thoughts. However, he stopped and turned back. “You wouldn’t have seen Leo lately have you? I want to touch base with him.”
“Shit, no one has told you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Leo left two days ago. You were still knocked out, I thought someone told you by now.”
----------------------------------------
Mathew drove the golf cart to the Hearth Crystal. There was nothing he could do about Leo. He was gone. No cell phones to contact him. No idea of where he was going. Yet, the fact Leo just up and left irked him. He had no idea as to why though.
“Why did you leave Leo? We could have ruled this place together just like we did the court rooms. Just what gave you such a crazy idea?”
Mathew knew it wasn’t related to the fact he didn’t convert the Dungeon. Leo would have yelled at him and possibly physically assaulted him. It could have been related to Madison or his sister, yet why would he leave the only place he has to associate with them?
Unless it was the opposite. He left because these places were associated with them, and he couldn’t bear it any longer. “Was it because he didn’t get to kill the boss? Leo isn’t that petty, he would still be glad it was over at the end of the day. Just what-” Mathew had to swerve to avoid someone he almost ran over.
“Sorry!” Mathew shouted as he continued to drive. He shook his head, bringing himself back to focus on the road. “Forget it. If he’s gone, he’s gone.”
The courtyard was empty minus a few guards. Mathew walked up to the crystal and placed a hand upon it.
Quest Reward choices:
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
Upgrade to The Workshop
Upgrade Di’s shop and remove restrictions
Create personal cultivation chamber
Teleportation between Hearth Crystals enabled
Mathew whistled as he looked at the options. Each and every one was fantastic. At first, he discounted the teleportation option, but then realized he received it for free. As he acquired more zones, those will be easy to travel inbetween.
Then he discounted it again. He was a summoner. Zack mentioned he could teleport one day. Plus he knew it was something that could be purchased one day. Yes it would be expensive, but would it be as expensive as the other options?
The culviation chamber was unique, but a selfish choice. He wanted it. Every fiber of his being was telling him to select it. He would need it for his soul. To grow stronger so he can fix himself with Bob’s help.
Yet, was that the best choice? Would giving himself a personal training area help him in the long run? He’s done a lot for Blue Oaks, and plans to do so much more for them. He deserved some personal gifts.
Regretfully, he didn’t select it. Instead he hovered over the upgrade for The Workshop. His reasoning was simple. The reward was Apprentice ranked. That meant whatever he chose would be on that power level that nobody here in Blue Oaks could tap into. Mathew had his own powers to upgrade to Apprentice rank, but he had yet to reach that power himself.
The upgrade to Di’s shop seemed…not as beneficial. He would still need to spend money to buy the things for sale. Sure Di could give some discounts, but it wasn’t worth it.
He selected the first option and then turned back to his cart. Mathew wanted to see the changes himself. As he started the electric cart, a rumble shook the earth. Screams came from the direction of the air hangers where people crafted and traded goods.
Mathew’s eyes went wide with a hint of fear. “Shit, did I just kill people?”
He drove as fast as the cart would let him. As he got closer, crowds of people gathered around a mystical looking structure. Where The Workshop once stood now stood a three story building. It was made with a rainbow colored stone.
The weird part was that the colors continued to shift across the surface. A giant twenty foot wide set of double doors stood closed. Windows and chimneys dotted across the building.
People were confused, some saw Mathew and started to question him. He raised his hands, “It’s a reward from The System. Did it just appear out of thin air?”
“The ground started to shake, luckily, everyone made it out of the area in time before it destroyed the old workshop. Or did it even destory it?”
“Boss! Was this you?” Agnox flew over to Mathew.
“Kinda. System reward.”
“Ooo, that explains it. Hey uh…no clue how to tell you this, but I don’t think some people got out.”
“Impossible, everyone should have gotten out!” the random person stated.
“Zack didn’t.” Agnox said with a hint of regret. “He was too involved in repairing my armor.”
Mathew looked at the doors and marched over to them. The doors were made of some sort of white metal. Rivets dotted the edges with two large rings. This place was obviously not made to the standard of a normal human.
He went to push on the doors and his body strained. Slowly the doors silently opened inward. People gathered behind him.
What once was a scraped together open area where people crafted and tested new things has been transformed into a proper working place. Mathew saw rows of workbenches and tools. Blue torches lit the entire area up in an eerie glow. There was a smell of fresh oil in the air.
Mathew was amazed. He walked into the place and noticed rings surrounding each workstation. He went over to inspect it. Crouching down, he ran a hand over inscriptions on the rings. “They look like a ritual, but not one. An enchantment? Something else?”
Continuing inward, Mathew noted a statue at the far end of the room. Standing fifteen feet tall, it was roughly humanoid. It was wider than any human would be, and thicker too. A beard dropped from it’s chin. Amazed at the craftsmanship, Mathew walked closer to inspect it.
He ran a hand along it’s leg, to feel the material when it’s eyes opened up. “I would rather you not grope me.” It’s voice was heavily accented. Mathew jumped back several feet in surprise.
“Easy there kid. Not going to hurt you.” The statue stood up and stretched, dust fell off of it as it moved. “Now, mind telling me what you are doing in my workshop?”
“Your workshop? This is mine. I earned it from The System. Who are you?”
“Ahh, so you are the new Master. Alright alright.” The statue cleared his throat. “I am Ragnork. A Stone Giant. I am here to oversee your new workshop. If you have any questions, I am here to help.”
Mathew blinked. “What do you mean by that? Are you a guardian? An aid?”
“Whatever you ask of me that is within the limits I am able to help with of course!”
“And The System just sent you here? You asked to be here? Or…is this a punishment for you?”
A laugh that sounded like boulders grinding came from Ragnork. “I like you kid! Smart head on those tiny shoulders. No worries as to the how I am here. We have a workshop to explore!”
Mathew was put off by the strange man…giant…person. Ragnork used his large hand to guide Mathew back toward the worktables. “As you can see, you have a station for any type of crafting. Leatherworking, alchemy, tinkering, enchanting, you name it, you got it. Forges are on the second floor. As are any refinery needs. Keep in mind, this place is only Apprentice ranked, so don’t expect any fancy autoworking tools! There is a basement floor for storage. I’m the quartermaster. You and I can talk about payments, taxes, and fees later on everything.”
“What about the third floor?” Mathew asked.
“That’s for you and me to visit personally. We can go there next if you want. We can stop by the forges along the way.”
“Right, sorry. Quick question, what happened to the people who didn’t leave the old building before this one appeared?”
“You didn’t let people leave the area first! Madlad, hold on they should be in the storage area in that case. Anything in the old building is down there.” Ragnorks eyes glow blue for a moment. “Yup they are down there, let me free them, give me just a moment.”
Ragnork sank into the floor, leaving behind a perfectly normal floor with no evidence he was even there. People were all staring at him, and the empty space next to him.
“Well everyone. Sounds like all our crafters just got an upgrade. How about everyone take the day off, let me figure everything out, and everyone can come back tomorrow and get to work? Sounds good to everyone?”
A few mutters of acceptance were heard, but most people continued to examine the tools and such. Mathew heard stone grind and looked down next to him. A set of stairs appeared and several people walked out. Zack included.
“Mathew!” Zack shouted. His eyes were wide with fear. “Shit, did we get attacked? Who is that large stone guy? Am I dead? Did you revive me?”
“Easy Zack, you didn’t die. This is our new Workhop. System reward.”
“Oh…” Zack blinked. “THAT’S AWESOME!” He took off to look over everything. Mathew shook his head. The other people half ran and half walked out of the Workshop.
“Right, that’s everyone.” Ragnork said as the floor closed up behind.
“How did you do that? To the floor?”
“I am a Geomancer. I control the earth to my will. Before you ask, no. I can’t help you outside of this building. I can defend this building, nothing more. Don’t try to move it either, I won’t let you.”
Mathew said nothing, but mentally sighed in annoyance. He almost assumed he was given a powerful ally. “Well, what about crafting, or teaching?”
“One thing at a time kid. Top floor.” He gave a wink.
A yelp of pain was heard and the clatter of metal on stone followed a moment later.
“Ha! I was wondering how long that would take.” Ragnork cupped his hands to his mouth. “Don’t try to remove tools. You will get a little shock as a warning, keep doing it, and you won’t get to try again.”
Mathew winced, not at the threat, but the booming voice. “Can you not yell please?”
“Oops, sorry. I forget how fragile you humans are.” Ragnork almost looked embarrassed. Can a giant be embarrassed? “Right then. Shall we examine the other areas?”
Mathew nodded, excited to see what else this place held within. A set of stairs appeared connecting the two floors. Mathew walked behind Ragnork and once he entered the next floor he saw a similar sized place. Forges, mixers, and several other refinery tools dotted the place.
“Not much to see. It’s basic stuff.”
“Basic my ass. We didn’t have a smidge of what is here. Our forges were put together charcoal powered.”
Mathew walked to one forge that was already heated up. “How come I can’t feel any heat?”
Ragnork pointed to the circles on the ground. “Every sane crafter has these little barriers. Blocks sound, heat, and the occasional magical mishap. Won’t stop a full powered spell, but it reduces mishaps in the work area. All the furnaces are powered by mana, and users can control the temperatures down to the half degree. Mixers are easy to control the speed of. A few cauldrons are similar to the furnaces as well with heat. If you need other elements, we have cold, and two stations can replicate dry and humid conditions.”
Mathew blinked at that. “Is crafting that precise?”
“Ha! Is it that precise he says! Is that bag of yours precise. I know you made it. Ritual of Enchanting, spell version if I had to guess.”
Mathew just smiled.
“Aha, knew it. You have a bit of a crafting streak in ya. Thank The System it didn’t stick me with some leader who cares not for the art of crafting. I would have taken an artisan at the very least to be honest. But an enchanter? Oh, you are really going to enjoy the top floor.”
Another set of stairs appeared, leading Mathew to a small room. It was perfectly circular and mostly empty. There was a single workstation at the far end. Several shelves dotted around the table, along with a square slab of white stone.
“This is your personal crafting area. The mana density is at the highest here. Not to mention you have easy access to the storage in the basement at the tabel there. Only you and I can come up here, unless you give permission to anyone else.
“And what can I make up here?”
“Anything you want. Not my place to judge. Crafting is a free art. Anyone is allowed to make what they want.”
“And what can you make?”
“Kid. You are looking at a Giant. What do you think I am known for?”
“I honestly have no clue. However, my friend Zack might know.”
Ragnork slapped Mathew on the back with a hearty laugh. “Runes boy. Giants excel at runes. It’s a sister craft to ritualists. Rituals are larger, grander, and much more utility based. Runes are smaller, compact, and of limited use. I can make things, but I am limited to only Beginner runes, and it will cost you.”
Mathew grinned like a child on christmas morning. “Could you teach me runes?”
“I can teach you some things, but not runes. Only Giants are allowed to use runes. If I could, I would be more than willing to teach you. However, I am bound by my blood, and can’t.”
Mathew’s mood soured slightly, but didn’t care. He had a place to practice his rituals, and plenty of Mana Cores to use them.
“There is one last thing, kid.” Ragnork said. Mathew was getting tired of him calling him ‘kid’, but will settle that problem later. “If you want to do rituals here, you won’t need Mana Cores. You can tap directly into the mana of the building. Just don’t overdo it, or the entire place will shut down until it has enough power to start up again.”