Whatever. I assume I'd find answers once I used it. I closed the tab and opened up my Skills window, a little nervous after reading the contents of my new Achievement.
[Flooded Kingdom 1240/1240]
[Slow: 5% | Slow Duration: 100000 seconds | Duration: 100000 seconds | Cooldown: 1x (24 hours)]
[Description: Allows user to flood area with chilling water, enabling the user to shift form into liquid and traverse anywhere the flood reaches. All defined enemies are slowed within the flood.]
Oh nice. A semi-normal and useful skill. And my Magic stat gave it a day's worth of active duration, a nice trade-off from the day cooldown. All my other Skills had updated and refreshed, though I lamented the fact that my Death Match would now take even longer to return. Actually, when I thought about it, as long as I continued to level up, I didn't think it would ever come back up.
Coming to terms with the fact that I'd probably never use it again, I moved on to the final reward, grabbing the Item Box and opening it.
[Generating Item based on performance....]
[You have obtained 'Ring of Echoed Whispers'.]
Oh? That sounded interesting. I fingered the silver ring, finding it cold to the touch.
[Name: Ring of Echoed Whispers]
[Traits: Bound]
[Description: Allows the user to summon a specter of the last opponent that slayed them. Specter's stats based on peak of opponent, remaining until defeated. Can only be used once per day.]
[Last Opponent: Awakened Herald Sea Serpent God, Levius.]
[!!!]
What the fuck?! This was an amazing item. Not only could I summon the specter of the last opponent that killed me, but it had its stats at its peak power?
[Wait, but I thought you killed yourself :o]
"Maybe it doesn't count suicide," I murmured, putting the ring on. I was filled with a strange sense of power, as if the knowledge that I could summon my last opponent and use them against others was enough to make me feel invincible. It was a strange and intoxicating feeling. "Wait, my duplicate died to him. Think the ring was counting that?"
[It would explain why the floor boss' the last opponent.]
I smiled softly to myself. Besides dying, the confusing conversation with the questionable NPC Lucinda, and my strange Achievement, the rewards gave me the feeling of satisfaction that I usually craved for in video games. Honestly, I was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong with me for enjoying this new world.
----------------------------------------
True to her words, as soon as I stepped out of the shop, I turned around, finding a new building filled with Players bustling inside. There were no signs that Lucinda or her store had existed, further making me question just who exactly she was.
With more Players now filling the grand town-themed Safe Zone, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of belonging. The air was thick with excitement and anticipation, as if everyone was eagerly ready to continue climbing the tower. Beyond, I saw the castle, already decorated with guild banners waving in the wind.
I took my time to get there, mulling over the new Achievement I obtained. The fact that I'd be able to get a 'practice round' for a level or dungeon in Last Stand was almost like cheating. The downside was I'd have to give up half of my Risk points for that, but I was certain if I cleared the practice round, I'd get it all back and then some. It was a little off-putting how personalized the descriptions were for it, but at this point, I wasn't going to let that affect me.
Hell, Levius seemed to remember me, and we had only encountered each other in the virtual copy. It wasn't a far-fetched guess to think that whoever or whatever the system was knew of me as well.
Finally, I reached the gates of the castle, nodding to the IP personnel before heading in. Within the interior of the castle, I saw that Players representing guilds were calling out to other unregistered Players from their recruitment booths, trying to get them to join. The room had been decorated with streamers, banners, and other decorations in the guild colors.
Up ahead, near the rather simplistic golden throne, a green portal hummed quietly, guarded by more IP personnel. There were a few groups of Players chattering amongst themselves, probably making preparations before heading into the 31st floor. I spotted Celine talking to Gigi off to the side.
"Hey guys," I said, walking up to them. Celine glanced at me and nodded emotionlessly as Gigi gave me a warm smile.
"Hey, Luquier. Your sister's somewhere around here," the Technomancer replied.
"I don't care about that," I cringed. "Just wondering what you two are talking about."
"Oh, we were–"
"What the appropriate attire would be for the induction tomorrow," Celine interrupted Gigi. "It's important that we look the part."
"Like I said before, just don't look sloppy," Gigi said weakly. "I'm not sure why you're so fixated on the small details, Celine."
"Because we want to make a good impression," Celine replied curtly. "Right, Immortal?"
"Er, sure," I replied, glancing down at my clothes. I was still wearing my usual attire: jeans, a shirt, and sneakers. With the addition of my blue cloak and silver ring, it was comfortable, but it didn't exactly scream 'fashion icon'. "I'll... try to find something nicer, I guess."
Celine's eyes narrowed as she appraised my ensemble. "Something that isn't casual wear would be a start."
"Why don't you help him with that?" Gigi smiled at us. Noo, I wanted you to do that.
"I suppose," Celine nodded in agreement. "Do you have any other non-casual wear within your closet?"
Before I could reply or suggest that Gigi help me out instead, I sensed a presence rushing towards me.
"Hey, Lu! I need to talk to you!"
My blood ran cold at the sound of my sister's voice. Even as I turned around, I saw Aurora had joined our group, smiling excitedly as a red-haired man caught up to her.
"Jeez... Aurora... I've never seen you so energetic before..." the man next to my sister wheezed.
"Well, that's because this is my little bro, Luquier!" she exclaimed, gesturing to me. "He's a Player too, and we recently reunited. He doesn't have a guild, so I was thinking he could join ours!"
"Wait, what?" I sputtered. "I don't want to join your guild, Aurora."
Aurora frowned. "Honor our bet, Lu. And why not?" She crossed her arms, staring at me with a hint of disappointment. Did she really think we were okay after one boss fight?
"Because, I want to see what other options there are," I countered, watching the man beside her finally catch his breath. "And you literally abandoned me when I was 15."
Aurora clenched her jaw. I could tell she was thinking long and hard, but I wasn't sure what about. The tension suddenly thickened, and Gigi's hands glowed with a golden light. Celine and the man watched nervously.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
'What will it take for you to forgive me?" Aurora quietly asked.
I could feel myself heating up with rage. I couldn't believe that she just asked that, as if it was as simple as her doing what I wanted would suddenly make the pain of the last few years disappear.
"I don't know," I finally gritted out. "But a good start would be an explanation. One day we were sitting down in front of that old tv playing games and the next day, you were gone. Mom and Dad wouldn't tell me why, but they got worse because of it. I was scared to come home, scared to even leave. And you never came back. You never reached out. When our parents finally passed away, it was just me at their funeral."
Aurora couldn't look me in the eyes, clenching her jaw tighter. I waited, growing more impatient by the minute to hear her response. Finally, she raised her head.
"Let's duel, Lu."
Aurora's words hung in the air, and for a moment, I couldn't believe what I'd just heard. A duel? Was she serious? I glanced at everyone else, then back at Aurora. She met my gaze unflinchingly.
"We'll duel in a deafened zone, so that the others can't hear, but they can watch," Aurora continued. "I know you can't hold back whenever you see me, and I know our beef is making the others uncomfortable."
Shame began to creep over me, mingling with my anger. She was right. I knew that my hostility toward my sister was making things uncomfortable for everyone else. And a duel... maybe that was the only way to really settle things between us. We'd never been much of a talking family, anyway.
"That's fine by me," I muttered. "When I win, you'll come clean. And revoke the bet we made before."
Aurora smiled thinly, a glint of pride and competitiveness flickering in her eyes. "When you win? I saw your stats just now, little bro. They're impressive, but numbers aren't everything."
I narrowed my eyes. "Just remember the terms. When I win, you tell me what I want to know."
"Fine. When I win, you'll continue to honor the bet." Aurora swiped the air in front of her.
"That's it?" I asked, momentarily surprised by the lack of weight in her terms. "You don't want anything else?"
"I just want my little brother back." Aurora's voice was barely audible as a blue message screen popped up in front of me.
[System alert: Player Aurora Vaunt has challenged you to a duel. Accept?]
[Yes | No]
I pushed down the guilt and sadness that came out of nowhere at my sister's words, pressing the yes option. The castle we were in shifted, gradually fading away as it was replaced by a virtual recreation of the room.
[Player... are you sure about this?]
"I never learned how to express my feelings through words," I mumbled at Sephera's message. "Sorta runs in the family."
[System alert: Replication of immediate area will prevent noise from escaping. Participating duelists will appear as holographic images to other Players. All damage, Skills, and abilities will be simulated as per the condition of the Safe Zone.]
The dueling zone was complete; the castle had been replicated in a blueish, grid-like design, reminding me of a blueprint. Everyone else had disappeared, leaving me and Aurora facing off against each other.
[System alert: Duel will conclude once a duelist's Health runs out, upon forfeit from either party, or by mutual conceding.]
"This time, I'm not holding back, Luquier." Aurora raised a hand, pulling her giant broadsword out. "You want to know what it's like to fight against someone who actually cares about you? Someone who remembers what it was like to grow up with you? To be your older sister?"
"I do," I scowled, equipping my Soultaker. "In return, you'll know what it's like to fight against someone who can't stand you, who wants you to suffer for what you've done."
"What the hell did I just get brought into?" the sword mumbled, trembling in my hands.
There was no countdown, no hesitation. As soon as we were ready, the both of us instinctively launched at each other.
[System alert: 'Untouchable.' triggered. +1479]
There was no countdown, no hesitation. As soon as we were ready, the both of us instinctively launched at each other. Our swords clashed in mid-swing, and I felt some of my strength suddenly leave me.
[System alert: A portion of your stats has been stolen.]
[Health: 57040 | Strength: 35525]
[Speed: 35505 | Magic: 35000]
I smiled wryly. Even after Aurora stole 25% of my stats, I was far superior than her. I only needed to swing a little harder with my Soultaker, and the duel was mine.
"Hey, Lu," Aurora suddenly said, her smile devoid of warmth. "What Skill did you get from the 30th floor boss?"
"Huh?" I blinked, caught off-guard by her question and her calmness.
"Can't be better than the one I got, or else you'd have used it already, right?" Aurora's body glowed with a green aura. I didn't have time to process what she was doing as the light filled the entire castle room.
[System alert: Your stats have been halved.]
Oh fuck. Shit, she had Levius's halving Skill?! All I got was a utility flood, so this seemed a little unfair.
Aurora batted me back during my surprise, but I regained my footing as I landed. I watched her carefully, the both of us slowly circling each other. Besides my Health, I still had the upper hand in every other stat, but there was no telling what else my sister had up her sleeve.
Her Title ability and halving Skill were unavoidable; I came to terms with the fact that there was nothing I could've done. That just meant I had to avoid her other Skills, whatever they may be. I knew she had a green force field that absorbed attacks, but would eventually crumble under too much damage. Beyond that, I had to be wary.
"So, you wanted to see what Skill I got, then?" I dryly replied, casting Flooded Kingdom. Immediately, a few inches of chilling water rose up from the ground. An inconvenience before, I found that the water didn't hinder my movements at all.
"Still lacking, little bro," Aurora said, a cruel grin on her face. "I'm disappointed."
My sister always had a knack for getting on my nerves, and this time was no different. I shot forward, launching a series of rapid slashes with my Soultaker. Incredibly, Aurora was able to keep up, albeit barely. With a rough 3000 difference in Speed points, I'd have thought I had the upper hand, but it seemed like Aurora's experience allowed her to keep up. Damn, so this was what they meant by numbers weren't everything.
I weaved in a couple of Death's Shadows and Reaps, trying to pressure Aurora. As expected, her green barrier absorbed my Skills, though I could tell she was beginning to tire. My sister was strong, but I had the advantage of being able to use my Speed and Magic stats to maintain a relentless assault. The fight had only lasted a few minutes, but it felt like hours. Every time one of us landed a blow, it was like the world itself shuddered.
There was no talking, no breathing, only the dull thuds of metal on metal and the occasional spellcast. My body ached from the exertion, my muscles burning with each movement. But I pushed forward, each strike a desperate attempt to end this. The battle felt like a dance, each of us trying to outmaneuver the other, but it was Aurora who had the advantage. Her skill with a blade was unmatched, and her defenses were impenetrable.
Even as I exploited Flooded Kingdom's water form shifting, my sister adapted quickly, able to read my movements within a couple of instances. I had to admit, she was good. Damn good. But, I was better.
With a deep breath, I managed to knock Aurora away, immediately casting Duplicate. A clone of myself flashed into existence with a blue light, and wordlessly, the both of us renewed our assault on Aurora. A ghost of a smile briefly appeared on her face, and I had a bad feeling in my gut.
Just as my clone was about to land a clean hit to end the match, a green pillar of light erupted from underneath him, causing him to vanish in a puff of green smoke. He didn't even get a chance to scream. Aurora's smile widened as she faced me alone once more.
[Health: 114080 | Strength: 71050]
[Speed: 67460 | Magic: 70000]
[!!! What just happened?!]
No yeah, what the fuck?! I stared incredulously at her. Aurora chuckled humorlessly.
"Courtesy of my Avarice, it's a Skill called Total Devour. Allows me to absorb a single Skill from a monster or Player," my sister explained with a smirk. "I've been saving it for just such an occasion. Looks like it paid off."
****
[Updating…]
[Name: Luquier Vaunt | Level: 1240]
[Title: Reckless Immortal (A)]
[Health: 150000 (56250) | Strength: 100000 (37500)]
[Speed: 100000 (38055) | Magic: 100000 (37500)]
[Risk: 40000 (20000) | Stat Points: 0]
[Experience: 8%]
[Skills]
[Divinity (Passive)]
[Holy Element 1240/1240]
[Death’s Shadow 1240/1240]
[Reap 1240/1240]
[Final Gambit 1240/1240]
[Death Match 629/1240]
[Grim Mantle (Passive)]
[Duplicate (1x) 1240/1240]
[Tough Skin (Passive)]
[Flooded Kingdom (1x) 1240/1240]
[Achievements]
[Even Death Can't Stop Me!]
[Pick On Someone Your Own Strength.]
[Untouchable.]
[New Beginnings.]
[Bullying the Weak!]
[Overwhelming Strength!]
[At Long Last, Victory!]
[Items]
[Silver Serpent]
[Soultaker (1122076)]
[Warp Cube (x1)]
[Grudge of the Fallen core (x1)]
[Cloak of the Guide]
[Ring of Echoed Whispers]