Alex was sat on his office chair, swivelling around as he decided on his next course of action. Studying and researching for nearly an entire day had tired him, and he felt the need to relax.
‘It’ll just be for an hour or two.’
Finally convincing himself, he set his mind on playing a video game. His mind scoured constant options before settling on one.
‘Myths of Lutum. I’ll play that today.’
It was a popular MOBA, and he enjoyed it, though it had been quite a while since his previous session.
‘But before I start, I should check if Aquilo is free.’
Any game was better with your friends after all.
Thus, the monotonous ringing of his call filled the spare room. As moments passed, and his friend deigned to reply, Alex relented and hung up. Aquilo was probably busy with something. Shrugging, he turned to look at his screen as it flickered on, the light in his room simultaneously dimming.
The game took an agonisingly long time to load, the light from the monitor shining its light on Alex’s face. It was in part due to his computer’s specifications, but also due to the dwindling player count. But he was eventually in a match, joined by four teammates. His eyes scanned over the countless character picks, each with a grandiose title.
“Voltaris, Champion of the Storm. Umbrael, The Dawnbringer. Feranos, The Beast King.” Alex slowly read out each name to himself.
They were each based on the elemental gods, though the accuracy of their portrayal would leave much to be desired. Still, it might be best left that way, it was a game after all. The primary focus should be enjoyment.
His team noticed his slow speed, thus filling the chat with insults and half-hearted advice.
“Great. A noob.” Someone typed, followed by a series of eye-roll emojis.
Ignoring the jabs, Alex kept browsing the selections. Feeling more adventurous today, he finally decided on a pick.
‘Bhumathos, Pillar of the Earth. That will be a fun pick.’ The boy grinned as he selected the tanky champion.
It earned a chorus of grumbles in the chat.
“Seriously? He has no mobility!”
But Alex was oblivious to the remarks, there was no need to overthink. This wasn’t science class. He had heard about Bhumathos’ ultimate, Quake and wanted to give it a try.
The match finally started after his choice was confirmed. It was a typical five vs five, on the most famous map The Light’s Sanctuary. It consisted of three lanes with both teams having some defensive towers on their side, leading to their base.
That was the main objective, take out your opponent’s base. To do so, you would have to kill the monsters that appeared in the wastelands between lanes and gain experience points. With enough of it, your tier would increase allowing exponentially greater abilities.
Once your team had the required power before your enemies, that would be the ideal time to strike. There were many neutral objectives too that would give temporary boosts, but that wouldn’t be Alex’s focus today.
“Hey Bhumathos, take the top lane!”
That was a typical strategy, having your most tanky member control the top of the map. Alex executed it without question, heading in that direction. His rust showing, the early moments were rough.
While he tried to position himself and level up, he executed Earth Stomp, dealing AoE damage to nearby monsters. However, an opposing champion swept in the last second and took out most of the monsters with his own ability.
Alex was understandably frustrated, having expended an ability and getting no experience to show for it.
In another moment, he used Rock Wall to try to block off an enemy, but he missed by mere inches. Instead, he blockaded his own teammate, who was here as support. That led to both their deaths.
“Nice wall, newbie!” A sarcastic message popped up in the chat before a barrage of insults about what Alex did.
The others didn’t take long to let loose their own frustrations at how the game was going.
“Are you serious?” One teammate typed, followed by a facepalm emoji.
“Get it together, Bhuma!”
“Should’ve picked a god you know how to play.”
The boy quietly tsked to himself in the dark.
‘Playing like this is the world finals. Should I deafen them?’
He took a moment to consider, before shaking his head. That would all but guarantee their defeat. They needed to maintain communication. He wasn’t hugely invested in the match, but that didn’t mean he would concede without trying.
He bit his lips, trying to focus again. As the midgame approached, he’d finally started to get into the swing of things, using Earth Stomp to clear out small monsters and rapidly accruing experience. That resulted in his tiers going up.
All the players also started to steadily congregate towards the centre, where a massive battle was soon to ensue.
“Remember, to time your abilities properly. With certain ones like Rock Wall, if you aren’t certain it’s going to land, then don’t use it.” A member of his team gave useful advice for once.
Taking it all in, Alex nodded as he mentally prepared himself. This fight could be the game changer. Finally, minutes later, there was a tense massive faceoff near the enemy’s tower. A teammate had managed to beat an opposing champion, Psycharis, The Hive Mind to a corner.
But with their usage of an unblockable stun ability, Psycharis managed to just sneakily avoid the final blow, now attempting to escape. Unluckily for him, Alex had been watching, prepared to use Rock Wall.
His teammate also broke out his stun lock, chasing the enemy.
‘That quick? Should I block now, I might miss and stop his pursuit instead.’
But gritting his teeth, Alex carefully aimed and used it anyway. Just in time too, for had he hesitated for a moment later, Psycharis might have escaped. Meanwhile, the opponent, already half celebrating their getaway, was suddenly surprised as a massive wall barred his route.
Before they could reroute, Alex’s teammate had finished them off.
“Nice wall!” The message was sincere this time, and Alex felt a minor surge in pride.
Now a person up, they continued to build up on the momentum. His teammates fully utilised the opportunity, cutting through the enemy champion’s defences, and systematically taking them down one by one. Consequently, the enemy’s tower lay in ruins not long after.
“Great! Push towards their base now!”
With the most experienced player’s words, everyone moved towards the opposite end of the map, keen to not allow them a moment of recovery. Alas, it wouldn’t be that easy. Now back to full health, even if down some experience, the opposite team put up a great fight.
A back and forth ensued, each side holding an advantage in different parts of the map. But surely and steadily, Alex’s team eked out an advantage. In the late game, they were finally upon the gates of the enemy’s base.
“Shit, I just discovered some of their forces are outside and about to defeat an elder boss!” The scout, being the last to arrive, gave a grave message.
‘If they manage to do that, their entire team will receive a massive boost for a few minutes.’ Recalling his previous knowledge, the boy realised the severity of the matter. ‘Not to mention, they can pincer us from behind. And with their towers to provide extra support…’
It could lead to an immediate defeat, and with the bonus as a trump card, a wider loss. They had to finish it here. Their team clashed again with three opponents in a final decisive battle. Apart from Alex, no one on his side had control abilities.
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Taking advantage of that shortcoming, the enemies were more than content to skirt around the attacks, dodging and delaying as much as they could. Their characters were well suited for agility too.
Annoyance grew unbridled in Alex’s teammates, but it only served to harm their attack.
“Stand still losers!” A particularly frustrated person wrote, despite in no doubt being aware the opponents couldn’t see it.
But Alex kept his gaze straight, waiting for his moment. All he needed was for them to get close to each other…
‘Not now. Stand still. Still. Now!’
Seeing an opening, he activated Rock Wall, the intended target subconsciously wearing towards his teammates. He immediately followed up with Quake causing a large area to tremble, stunning all enemies within the range.
The ability was very situational and had a long cooldown, but if played correctly, the results were unmatched. Like today, the three champions stuck in a trance.
Alex’s teammates swarmed; a barrage of abilities being thrown. Within seconds, the enemy was taken down and notifications of kills appeared. With no time to lose, they attacked the main base before their opponents respawned there.
The ground beneath the floor changed its tone, changing to a more reddish hue. It was a sign of the elder boss’ death, but that didn’t deter Alex at all. Instead, he spammed all his remaining abilities as fast as he could.
Finally, as the light from the respawning platform started to glow, the base exploded in a flash of colours. Alex’s chat was filled with the cheers of his teammates.
“GG, Bhumathos!” Someone typed, and Alex grinned, savouring his first taste of victory of the night.
Sending his final message, the boy quit the lobby, now leaning against his chair.
‘That’s why I don’t play Myths of Lutum often.’
He chuckled, the players were just as toxic as ever. It could even be said that he got lucky with this group, others were far more prone to insulting. As he got up from his seat, a banner flashed, advertising the VR version of the game.
That was where the majority of players had migrated, but the expense of a headset was too great to justify buying it. Alex shook his head as he crossed out the banner.
Focusing on more important endeavours, he first had to somehow get his siblings to sleep without him, and then maybe play another match. He grinned, thinking about the long night ahead. It was a well-needed break.
***
Quin stepped into the private lounge, instantly greeted by the quiet luxury that defined the upper echelons of the city’s elite. The room exuded a refined, almost regal atmosphere. It was befitting of the single figure who occupied its centre, their back facing him.
The sound of Quin’s boots, echoing against the dark, polished wooden floor, filled the place. He passed the panelled walls, which had been expertly inlaid with strands of shimmering crystal filaments.
They provided the sole source of light here, casting the room in a soft otherworldly glow. Hearing the footsteps, the seated person stood up, turning around to face the encroaching Quin.
For most people in Inops, seeing the figure’s face would lead to an involuntary gasp, but Quin didn’t even so much as to flinch. He carefully observed the person, admiration clear in his eyes. The figure had a palpable air of authority around him.
His broad shoulders and powerful frame were both out of the ordinary, covered in a tight suit that barely fit. It gave him a presence that couldn’t be ignored. But it was his facial features that stood out the most. Specifically, the leonine traits, a thick golden mane framing a face that was both fierce and dignified.
It was streaked with strands of silver, speaking of his experience. His nose was broad, and his jaws were sharp. He was indeed a lion beastman. Quin had observed all that within a fraction of a second, his arm already reaching out in greetings.
“Leandros von Aches. It really is an honour to finally meet you.” His tone was of someone who had met their idol.
“You exaggerate me, Quin Irsay.” Leandros grinned as a deep voice emanated from his mouth.
‘He carries himself in a way that belies his strength.’ Quin thought appraisingly.
The beastman’s firm hands, covered in a thin layer of wheat-coloured fur, gripped that of Quin’s. As they shook hands, Quin couldn’t help but feel that his fingers were getting crushed.
“Surely you jest. I have heard many a marvellous tales about your endeavours.” Chuckling nervously, he rapidly withdrew his arm.
“As have I of you. The greatest genius that Inops has seen in the one hundred years.” His words showed the great respect the senior held.
“I think that title has been thrown into jeopardy with some of our recent talents.” Quin waved away the praise, a modest smile on his lips. “I shall end the pleasantries here, I’m sure you would prefer as such too.”
Leandros had a reputation for being direct, thus Quin had no desire to continue the unproductive talk beyond the opening.
“Of course. Please seat yourself first.” The beastman’s arms gestured towards the many plush seats.
Each was arranged with quiet meticulousness and spoke of the comfort that they possessed. Quin didn’t hesitate to sit down on one, opposite Leandros. Between them was a long, low table made of black glass.
It floated in midair, sustained by some carefully hidden crystal. A holographic map had already been prepared, showing the city’s outlines and its outskirts.
The walls suddenly glowed, intricate bright motifs weaving through them, as the room’s furnishings caught the light. It was a not-so-subtle sign of enchantments at play, just beneath the walls’ surfaces.
This was not a conversation whose content could be allowed to leak. The whole place had clearly been built for influential figures having such talks, and every detail whispered of discretion and control.
For a few moments, the two sat, waiting patiently as they considered how to start. Quin was the first to break the silence.
“I would like to tell you the higherups really appreciate having you in Inops.” He began. “In regards to the situation, I had discussed it with them just this morning. I assume you already know a bit about the matter?”
“Not much, I’m afraid. I know that some trouble has been brewing, that is all.” Leandros said, leaning forward.
His eyes, deep and discerning, glinted like shards of amber as he stared at Quin.
“That is right. Our city has been facing… unusual sightings recently.” The younger man’s gaze hardened, a flicker of worry in his otherwise calm demeanour. “There has been a spike of reports. Of monsters close to the city’s outskirts. Particularly near Arbor.”
His hands started to flick about as the map zoomed into the location he was referencing.
Leandros observed the hologram, his face filled with intensity.
“And this is unusual here?” His prominent brows were raised as he asked.
“Yes, the last time it happened… It led to a beast tide.” Quin’s tone was grave.
The beastman nodded in understanding. This was indeed a cause for great concern.
“Monsters rarely stray so close to cities without a reason. It suggests something pushing them away… or drawing them in if it's strong enough.” Leandros said thoughtfully.
“Exactly, we think there is a high tiered monster closing in on our vicinity. And with the recent catastrophe in Nori, the higherups are understandably jumpy.”
The beastman shifted slightly, the dark fabric of his clothes rippling.
“And they want us to find the source?”
“And eliminate it if necessary.” Quin revealed the proposition, pushing his glasses up.
Leandros stayed silent for a while, before nodding.
“I am fine with that. Continue.” He straightforwardly spoke.
Quin sighed; his tension momentarily loosened. The next few minutes were spent hashing out the finer details of the plan. There was not much time to be wasted, and the intent was to set off soon.
After the conversation was settled, Quin watched as Leandros left the room. He couldn’t help but feel a flicker of awe, knowing he had been in the presence of a living legend. He was not from here, but his reputation superseded his physical location.
‘He is a paradox indeed.’
The beastman had both raw, primal power and refined mannerisms demanded by the sophisticated realm of high society. Quin, for one, was grateful to have such an ally by his side.