[Would you like to tune Resonance to this sword?]
[Yes] [No]
Renner did not hesitate, he immediately pressed yes. According to the earlier system message, this should make [Resonance] better. He didn’t notice anything different happen, but he did feel something. Similar to the switch feeling when he turns the resonance contra circuit on. Although, it felt less like a switch and more like a moving mass.
Like something was morphing or shifting, and then it finally settled. Once it did he quickly tapped his fingers together on his open hand, and immediately the sword started to vibrate. It was quite subtle at the hilt, but at the pointy end of the sword, you could see it slightly shaking. As it vibrated, the sword gave off a low intimidating thrumming noise around it.
Renner looked at his sword and decided to give it a try. He swung it in a large horizontal sweeping motion, and as he swung it an arc of distortion formed, flying off in the direction of his cut. It wasn’t the large spread-out version of his skill, but a focused slice of [Resonance].
Renner almost jumped up and down in joy, “Hell yeah! Finally, a real weapon that I can use!”
He kept on swinging it and watched as the arcs still glanced off the landscape. Sure, they still didn’t do much, but wherever they landed a small plume of dirt would be kicked up. Which was light years ahead of the small pebbles that got flown around from the waves previously.
Renner glanced down at his weapon, and then quickly glanced back up at the horizon in front of him. If that’s what class fives are like then I think I have a good chance of making it out of this. He exhaled and he dropped his arm with the sword down to his side. No, I have to.
*********Baltimore, USA; Earth************
Renner’s father fidgeted with his car keys in his hands as he tapped his feet repeatedly on the floor. His eyes darted between the TV and the floor. He had no idea what to do, he had been sitting like this for hours waiting for any sort of answer.
In the afternoon, he called the school multiple times looking for his son, then he called the police. Strangely enough, the police couldn’t help him. Not because of him being to quick to jump to conclusions, but they said it was due to availability. He was so unbelievably angry he spiked his home phone to the floor. Now, as he sat glancing between the TV and the floor as if it would change the headline on the news, he started to understand why.
[THOUSANDS OF TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS MISSING ACROSS THE WORLD]
One of the news reporters spoke, “Reports have been coming in across the country and the world of children going missing. Most of the reports are truly inexplicable. Children disappearing from their rooms, one mother said she simply blinked and her child was gone. We are waiting for the government to address this…”
Mark stared at the headline as the reporter's voice started to sound like nothing and a ringing persisted in his ears. His heart was racing, but he was sitting down in a chair.
He looked over at the pile of clothes he was folding before he realized Renner wasn’t coming home.
He reached out and grabbed the shirt he folded earlier--and held it to his chest.
————Training Planet: Tulkith————
Renner approached the next marker. It didn’t take long for this next Charred to come into view over the barren landscape. Its tall form loomed over everything else in the flatlands, it was vaguely humanoid—only its form kept shifting into different shapes and sizes.
[CHARRED Analysis]
[Water Energy Construct: 100%]
[Traits: Regenerates form in proximity of corrupted water source. Will maintain form away from water source, but can be safely destroyed.]
Renner stared up at the towering form it was currently in. It had long and wide legs, two of them, and a thin torso with equally long arms. On its arms, it sported short stubby fingers that seemed to have no use--especially in its water form. It turned around, at least that's what he assumed, as its limbs didn't move but its whole form shifted about its current position. Renner stood his ground and gripped his sword tightly, it's only water surely it can't hurt me that bad.
It started to drift towards Renner, not even caring to move its cosmetic legs. As it drifted closer, Renner quickly realized just how large it was and just how badly it was going to hurt if he got hit by it. He started to quickly backpedal, and his fabricated bravery quickly vanished as he started to run. He hoisted up his sword as he ran, preparing to launch an attack. He held the sword and tried his back to swing towards the mass of water behind him. Visible distortions ran from his sword and raced toward the water construct-- and did absolutely nothing. Its surface seemed to ripple and cleave slightly before quickly shifting back into position.
Renner tried to push his legs harder, further experimenting with his new max speed. I just need to draw it away from wherever it was, then it'll be easier to kill right?
Eventually, Renner gained enough distance to fully turn around and attack. He had traveled quite far from where he first spotted the construct, so he tried to attack in again by swinging toward its center of mass. Once it collided the water separated and rippled out from the attack, and the cut took much longer to fully disappear. Renner looked around, he was still in the wide open flats with nowhere to run. Without any options left, he decided to stand his ground and wait for the construct, as it approached Renner kept swinging at it. Its form was slowly deteriorating as it came closer to him and it kept taking hits.
The construct finally slowed down and closed the distance between them, it raised its large arm and brought down towards Renner with a tremendous force. Renner quickly flung himself to the side just barely landing on his feet. He heard the water hit the ground behind him with a large boom.
I am beyond screwed if this guy hits me.
Renner quickly composed himself again and sent another slash, this one causing more damage. Maybe it’s my proximity?
Gripping his sword, Renner felt water spray on him as he dodged another swing from the construct. He quickly repositioned himself and swung again, only this time his sword made contact with the water. For the brief moment of contact, all the water around the sword quickly sluiced away and fell to the ground—unanimated.
Yes! I just need to stab it!
Renner inched closer, but as he did he never noticed the large water hand swinging toward him—until it was right next to his body. The hand rammed into Renner with the force of what felt like a car, making him move over slightly before his torso and head were engulfed in water. Renner thrashed both in pain and panic, quickly realizing he wasn’t going to be let free.
Using what remaining strength he had, Renner still held onto his sword and lifted his arm that was still out of water. Once it was poised correctly he thrusted it forward into the body of the water construct. As soon as it connected the water quickly started to undulate. Renner himself felt and heard the powerful waves propagating through the water. Starting with the sword, all of the water in the construct started to fall to the ground. Eventually, Renner was able to breathe again, and the water construct was just another lifeless pool of water on the ground.
Renner was laid flat out across the ground gasping for air. He slowly lifted himself up to his feet his arms dangling at his sides, and his sword still in his grip. For the first time since he came to this planet, Renner genuinely smiled.
I actually feel like… I can do this.
He shouted out to seemingly no one “I did it I managed to take one down by myself!”
Right after Renner stopped speaking a system window appeared.
[Charred with unstable forms are susceptible to Resonance or other contra skills that disturb their structure.]
”Oh.. but I still did it by myself so I’ll take this as a win.” Renner mumbled back.
He thought about the rewards from the charred he killed earlier and a system window quickly appeared, it was similar to the one he saw before.
[Primordial Energy has been fully absorbed]
[Progress towards next PEP: 11%]
Damn. I really thought I would get more than that.
He lifted up his hand and swiped the screen away and another one showed up.
[Current Assignments]
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
[Command Directives]
* [BASIC TRAINING: Navigate the current planet and kill 5 lingering CHARRED(information on charred available through search feature). After completion, you will be sent to your station.] - 2/5 CHARRED ELIMINATED
* [System Familiarization: Navigate and interact with all system menus and features. (Status, Objective, Map, Skills, Search, Comms *underlined items completed.)] - COMPLETE
[Self-issued Objectives]
* None
Renner didn’t sit on his victory for long, he had already pulled up the map to locate the next Charred. He marked it on his map and set out again but with renewed confidence.
His journey there was the same as all the others. Running and strolling across the red gravel flats until he came across another abomination.
The system gave another somewhat useful analysis of this Charred. It was a strange animal that stood in its hind legs, and wide feet. It had a body similar to a kangaroo but it had no fur and had long claws.
Renner took a more straightforward approach to this one. He started swinging his sword at it to gauge his skill's effect. It seemed to slightly affect its speed and coordination when it was hit in the head. That was more than enough for Renner to capitalize on with his enhanced agility.
His first attempt at directly attacking was less than desired. He completely missed and the momentum almost made him fall over. That would be an embarrassing way to die. After regaining his composure he went for another swing toward the Charred’s head. It stumbled back from his attack, disoriented. Once it stumbled Renner took the opportunity and stabbed forward. He managed to land the hit on its shoulder. Immediately after the sword inserted itself into the Charred it started to spasm like it was being electrocuted.
After a few seconds, it seemed to stop and regain consciousness. Once it saw the sword it snarled and swung its claws at Renner. He jumped backward, just barely missing the claws by mere millimeters.
Renner did notice that the Charred was noticeably slowing down. He went in for another swing, this one having a much more substantial effect as the Charred fell backward. Without wasting any time Renner ran up and finished off the Charred with one final stab.
He bent over and placed his hands on his knees and took a few deep breaths. Once he caught his breath he looked back to his map to look for more Charred. It seemed like there were two rank-fives close to one another. Of course, the only other low-ranking charred was much further away.
He wanted out so bad as well, and the last two charred were sitting close together. Depending on the type he was either really screwed or it could be a cakewalk. It was a gamble, but his impatience made him want to take it. After some not so careful deliberation Renner clicked on the mark and set the route to the two Charred.
With a shrug of the shoulders and some unwarranted optimism, Renner set out to his final destination on this Planet.
He started to pick up his speed again, he was really starting to get used to the agility enhancement. Plus it made him feel like he was floating over the landscape as he flew forward towards the last destination.
***********
Surprisingly this area had a land feature other than flat ground and gravel. It was a collection of large rocks jutting out of the landscape. Forming a sort of outlook of the surrounding area.
As he approached, he spotted one figure that was low to the ground. Immediately a system window appeared.
[CHARRED Analysis]
[TWO CHARRED]
[Rank 5]
[Perapoil: 70%]
[Poison Dart Frog: 30%]
[WARNING Upper Rank 5]
[Perapoil: 55%]
[Poison Dart Frog: 25%]
[Other: 20%]
[Traits: Amphibian creature, low to ground, no physical attack, extremely poisonous to touch, Upper Rank 5 may have contra abilities.]
Renner clenched his sword once he saw the window, he knew it would be hard but these two were basically his worst nightmare. He needs to get in close to do any real damage, but if he does he could get poisoned.
Out of everything I could’ve gotten I think I got the worst, and I really don’t want to see what contra a Charred has. I’m so screwed.
Renner started to turn around but it looked like the creature had already spotted him since there was no real place to hide. He also realized after he started to run that he wasn’t fast enough for this Charred. Its low profile let it glide across the ground, it had 6 legs and a long body. Its feet looked like normal frog feet and it had an almost all-black body and bright blue neon pads on its feet. Of course, it had the typical charred look with energy leaking through cracks on its skin.
Renner continued to run for his life but, the terrifying frog was gaining on him. He tried his best to go faster but it had no use. As he glanced back Renner noticed something strange rocks and gravel were being kicked up into the air next to the demon frog. However, there was absolutely nothing there, and the rhythm of the rocks flying up was similar to the frog’s footsteps too.
Wait there are supposed to be two right?
Don’t tell me the other one is invisible. Please don’t-
A system window appeared to interrupt his thoughts.
[CHARRED CONTRA WARNING]
[Upper Rank 5: Substantial evidence for cloaking contra ability.]
[Charred at a higher rank than the user is using contra abilities, retreating from the battle is advised.]
Renner started to push so hard with his legs that he was afraid he might tear his muscles. He made a haphazard swing behind him hoping to gain some distance. It seemed like the normal demon frog stopped for a couple of seconds. Only the invisible force kicking up rocks barely seemed to slow down at all.
Renner whipped his head back around and focused on running while trying to think of a plan. The only thing he could think of was trying to kill the weaker one first and figuring out later how to kill the other. However, his plan had one flaw, it was how he was going to separate them both. He decided to swing his sword back around and take another look, the visible frog was noticeably far behind the invisible one.
In a split second Renner decided to do something risky. He completely stopped and waited for the frog abomination to get closer until he could jump. Using everything he had, he propelled himself over the invisible force seemingly flying across the gravel. Surprisingly he made it to the other side completely unscathed. After landing he quickly started running toward the visible frog and swung his sword multiple times at it.
The Charred stumbled back slightly as it continued to be hit by the resonance blades. It seemed somewhat dazed as it looked around aimlessly. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Renner rushed forward as fast as he could and stabbed forward with his sword.
His sword easily slid into the amphibian's skin and caused it to twitch as if it was hit by a Taser. He slid his sword back out and the system confirmed his kill with a notification window.
[Primordial energy has been absorbed]
Renner didn’t wait around long though, he quickly started to run again to avoid the invisible force getting closer to him.
Renner kept glancing backward trying to gauge how fast it was going. From what he gathered it seemed to be moving a lot faster than him, decreasing the distance between them once again. He knew he was never going to outrun it, especially since he started to feel himself getting slower as his stamina started to fizzle out. Once again, Renner decided to try to jump over Charred and gain some distance.
Only this time the Charred had recognized what he was about to do. As he flew through the air an invisible force stopped him completely and threw him backward, he flailed through the air helplessly before he impacted back with the ground. The force behind the impact knocked the air out of his lungs, and he felt something crack in his left arm as well. Small pieces of gravel dug themselves into his skin as he tumbled. He let out a pained scream as he lay on the ground, he felt completely helpless as the small footprints in the gravel got closer. He didn't want to get up, he wanted to lay there and clutch his arm but he knew that would mean death.
He was dazed, but still conscious, and was extremely grateful for how far the thing had hit him. Using that precious time, he clutched his sword tightly in his right hand and dragged himself onto his feet. In what seemed like a fraction of a second the Charred managed to close most of the distance between them, and now he had to do something or he would die. It could counter his dodges around it, and he wasn't fast enough to outrun it; he could only hope to use his contra skill. Only, it lacked the power to do any real damage against the abnormally strong rank five.
There has to be something...
Invisible footsteps grew closer.
Come on! Something new. Find something damn it!
Then he remembered something, he had no idea what it would do, and it was reckless but he had no other choice.
So he dropped his sword.
He felt the strange feeling again as the circuit disconnected. That. He brought up his hands and pinched his fingers together, and he awaited that feeling once again. There it was like an invisible switch being turned on as the waves spilled out of his hands. So without any other knowledge, he did his best to pull on that invisible switch. Immediately a strain started to build as he pulled on this strange connection, and at the same time, the resonance waves stopped spilling out of his hands. The distortions built around his hand like some sort of glove. Renner felt the strain build into an uncomfortable feeling he had never felt before; at the same time, the rippling form around his hands wavered and shook angrily as if it were possessed.
Renner looked forward at the invisible force running toward him. He waited for what felt like an eternity while the uncomfortable feeling built into outright pain. He continued pulling with everything he had until the creature was upon him. Then he let go.
The unstable form around his hand exploded into a torrent of resonance waves flying forward from his palm. One loud boom echoed out across the landscape as the waves shot forward and collided with whatever was in front of them. Renner first noticed the gravel ahead of him flying outwards in a wave, then he also noticed a shimmer in the air. Soon after, whatever cloaking ability the Charred had unraveled, revealing a similar-looking creature to the one Renner had just killed.
The frog demon seemed completely out of it as it stumbled around trying to look for Renner. Of course, Renner took that opportunity to rush the creature; he quickly reached down and grabbed his sword before running to the Charred. He stretched his one good arm up and swung his sword down, but even in its stupor the Charred deflected the attack. However, his sword still connected with the creature, but only to one of its many legs. It made a shrill cry from the attack and started to gain better control of its body, but Renner wasn't done. He stabbed forward again, aiming for the same leg he just struck, and luckily it didn't seem to have the mental acuity to deflect a stab while in pain.
His blade slid easily into its flesh where his skill was able to do a lot more damage. The waves reflected around inside of the Charred's body and left it even more dazed. Renner retook his chance and stabbed towards its neck; however, the blade connected and managed to finally finish off the strange amalgamation.
Renner collapsed on the ground in joy and relief, and not long after the system notification started to roll in.
[Primordial energy has been absorbed]
[Progress towards next PEP: 81%]
[COMMAND DIRECTIVE COMPLETE]
[5/5 CHARRED Slain]
Renner started to smile while he was on the ground.
[Starting transportation to the planet: SARION]
[Now transferring to official duty station.]
Renner barely had time to react before the air started to smell like burnt toast once again.