The next few weeks seemed to fly by as Ethan fell into a routine, determined to make the most of every single day he had. He woke up at first light, and began with mobility training. He would race to the edge of the moving city, then practice a combination of jumps and wall runs, trying to reach the distant caves he’d seen without needing to use rifts.
He would follow that by training in combat with Tomo. The small demon had apparently been trained by his former master in techniques from both Earth and Nexum. So far there had been some specific instructions on using the weapons of [Many Faced Blade], but Ethan was such an amateur that the demon focused more on movement, balance, and stances. Tomo repeatedly insisted that a solid foundation was the most important thing to master, and that bad habits could last a lifetime–often a short lifetime.
The physical training turned out to be most addictive. Not only did Ethan tire more slowly, but his ability to regenerate, combined with his Dawn rank metabolism meant that his body recovered far faster. He found that he could exercise himself nearly into a coma, only to be fresh for a second round in the evening as long as he was eating enough.
It was the end of the second week of training when Revan reached the first Dawn rank milestone, and Ethan experienced his first true infusion of power. Body of the Guardian improved along with the Familiar, and he felt magic explode through him. Up until that point he’d reveled in the easy growth of his muscles, but this felt different, as if the power inside him was adding extra energy into each action. He broke three glasses that day.
From the end of training until nightfall, he was dedicated to one thing: Hunting. Each day he would go to the Guild Hall, gathering a few low-level notices which didn’t require much travel. He earned few points toward the competition, and often fought the same types of monsters over and over again, but each time was an opportunity to approach the battles in a different way.
One of the knights would accompany him on each excursion, of course, though it was never Valanor. After a week he asked Glenn where the man was. “First Shield Valanor requested a short leave,” the curly haired knight had replied. “He can technically still be called in, but he’s taking some time to himself for now.”
Ethan figured he understood. The knight had clearly lost most of what had driven him in this world, largely because of Ethan’s actions. But it felt strange. The knight was challenging, but he was also the first person Ethan had met when he arrived, and one of the few who knew the truth of those origins.
Still, there were other people in Corvale he was getting to know. He visited Selina at least a few times a week, depending on how long his Hunts went. She was as good as her word, helping to master the basics of how Rune Magic worked. Ethan had also taken to spending more time with Kenji, in the Rune Shop.
The man had a different perspective, as someone who crafted rune stones. He’d also filled in a gap in Ethan’s understanding, in terms of the human ‘boon’. The Church had implied it was effectively an understanding of science and technology, which seemed to make some kind of sense, based on the differences between their two worlds. Evidently it was more than that.
Humans on this world had a unique effect when Bonding specific types of monsters. Kenji had mentioned it when they’d first met–that his Familiar Calces had evolved into some kind of Techwork Affinity. Apparently that was only possible with a human Bonded, and allowed for advanced crafting techniques. Kenji had assured Ethan that he hadn’t seen a fragment of what Techwork could accomplish.
It was exciting to learn, though Ethan was always held back by a poor understanding of what questions he could really ask. Thankfully he’d found some amusingly simple shortcuts. Corvale had a tourist center. It was run by a friendly woman named Barbra, who answered every question he asked as if he were the dumbest foreigner alive.
To a local it might have been cloying, but to a man secretly from another world, it was a treasure trove of knowledge. Just a few conversations in and he had a much richer understanding of how the world worked, and was getting more confident in speaking to other, less forgiving people. Those sorts tended to loiter around the Hunter’s Guild, but were an invaluable source of wisdom Ethan couldn’t ignore.
Each day, when he stopped by to chat with Charlie and take note of the scores, he’d try to speak to at least one other Hunter. Most were happy enough when he was buying the drinks, and each provided one insight or another. Whether it was filling the gaps in Tomo’s knowledge, or providing useful advice on Hunting, Ethan took it all in.
Finally, he closed each day by communing with his Familiars. It was still just as invigorating as his first experience. Getting to explore the minds and natures of the creatures he was Bonded to, seeing through their eyes and feeling their urges and instincts was remarkable. He found himself looking forward to the experience, and felt it paying off as his companions felt closer to him every day. Less alien and unknowable.
Tomo was the exception, as he staunchly refused to allow Ethan to even try to commune with him. “You are not ready. I am not of this world, and my desires are not so simple. Our Bond already progresses more quickly than the others, and we can communicate freely. We will take the next step when you are ready.”
Ethan had been a bit suspicious of the demon then, as he readied to commune with Revan once again in his small room. “What are you so worried about? Is it the violence, the bloodthirsty demon urges? I thought you overcame those.”
“You would be exposed to those urges regardless, as communing gives insights into my true nature. The process will not care that I suppress it. But no, that is not my primary concern. It is the…other drive which you are not ready for.”
“The Throne again? You still won’t elaborate, but it’s worrisome enough to risk compromising my training? What’s the worst that could happen?”
Tomo had been silent for a long moment before answering in a low voice. “You might be compelled to find the first rift to Potentia.” Ethan hadn’t known how to react to such a frightening claim, but he’d chosen to trust the demon, as the risk was too great not to. Besides, Tomo had earned it.
Through it all, Ethan’s focus had remained constant. He liked having a specific goal to work toward, and he looked at the wall of Notices and notes every day. Pick your target, aim, and let nothing in the world stop you from hitting it, Dean’s voice whispered. That had literally been about a hunting rifle, but it applied to life just as easily.
Ever since he’d Bonded his Familiars and begun to truly feel their presence and will inside him, Ethan had heard his brother’s voice less and less. It was both a comfort and a loss, being something he’d known he should have moved past years ago. He was actually older now than Dean had been when he died, and sometimes it felt strangely like listening to a younger brother’s advice, rather than his eldest.
Still, he liked to believe that Dean would be proud of how Ethan had adapted to this, the most insane of circumstances.
As the third week of his training passed, Ethan found himself walking horizontally along the Eastern wall, feeling the strain, but finding it acceptable. Rather than begin his normal mobility routine, he instead pulled up his status on the Mad System.
----------------------------------------
Ethan Bishop
Class: Assassin
Rank: Dawn (Dusk Rank: 4%)
Familiars:
* Devee: (Dawn Rank 1: 13%)
* Revan: (Dawn Rank 1: 67%)
* Onitomo: (Dawn Rank 2: 12%)
Attributes:
* Mind of the Devourer: Dawn Rank 1
* Body of the Guardian : Dawn Rank 1
* Soul of the Mystic : Dawn Rank 2
Abilities:
Dimension: (2/4)
* Rift (Dawn Rank 2: 25%)
* Dimensional Mantle (Dawn Rank 0: 46%)
Flare: (2/4)
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
* Volatile Infusion (Dawn Rank 2: 71%)
* Internal Combustion ( Dawn Rank 1: 84%)
Mystic: (2/4)
* Trick of the Light (Dawn Rank 3: 2%)
* Many-Faced Blade (Dawn Rank 1: 93%)
Ruin: (2/4)
* Knife in the Dark (Dawn Rank 1: 22%)
* Fleeting Shadow (Dawn Rank 0: 34%)
* Gain 3 more abilities to unlock!
* Gain 6 more abilities to unlock!
----------------------------------------
Ethan smiled at his progress. Ranking up his abilities hadn’t changed their natures at all, but he could feel the power of them grow. The explosions of [Volatile Infusion] were the clearest example, now bursting into fiery destruction easily three times as large as they’d started.
His Familiars ranking up had been something else entirely. Not only could Ethan feel their connection more strongly, but the mana tied to each Affinity grew considerably. This also meant his companions could risk using their own powers more freely, as they drew from the same source. Ethan was counting on them more and more in combat, especially now that Revan frequently breathed fire, and Deevee sent small bullet-like blasts of dimensional energy.
Tomo’s improvements were more subtle, and tended to be tied to the Astral, but he would occasionally deign to draw his own little katana, to deadly effect. Equally important were the associated benefits for Ethan, who’s mind, body, and spirit were tied to his Familiars growth. He could feel the changes, the power growing inside him, and his confidence growing with it.
“I think I’m ready,” he said, closing the interface.
“It will be a challenge, but I agree,” Tomo said, appearing at this side, also horizontal. “You will need your powers, but also solid tactics. Do not go into this fight without a plan.”
Ethan nodded. “I need to see the stone pillars for that, but I think today’s the day. God I hope it’s Glenn today and not Maggie, this will take a few days.”
***
Maggie rode her oxsteed just close enough to watch over Ethan, but also just far enough back that they couldn’t speak. “I miss Glenn,” he said to Tomo, who appeared to be perched on the mount’s wide horns.
“Knight Maggie performs her duty well,” the demon responded.
Ethan sighed. “Yeah she’s a delight. You two should have a talking-in-monotone competition tonight over dinner.” The Familiar remained silent, quietly enjoying the passing scenery as he usually did. They were in fairly open country, green in every direction, along with steep, rolling hills. Obviously being able to experience the world again was long-overdue for the little demon.
It was their second day on the road, and Ethan had been pleasantly surprised to find that the route to the Stone Pillars required passing through Shawarma Village. Apparently a wide river prevented approach from the West, which added time, but was quite welcome. Ethan had visited with the few people he’d met, and made sure they were aware of Cara Fletcher’s renewed health.
It had been a pleasant diversion, but now that they were approaching their destination he found himself focused on the hunt ahead. Ethan pulled up the bestiary for the dozenth time.
----------------------------------------
Terrorvermis (Earth Worm, Rare)
Contrary to their nature as worms and Earth Affinity, terrorvermis prefer to make their homes high above the ground. They can often be found in mountains, and other high-elevation rocky areas, and grow to over 500lbs. Their hide is thick, and blends easily into earthy environments. Their most common abilities include wrapping their long bodies around their prey, and firing stone projectiles from their mouths.
----------------------------------------
Ethan dismissed the system, and peered into the distance, a hand shielding his eyes from the sun. He could just barely make out the shapes of tall pillars of stone, rising high into the sky. “Almost time,” he said aloud, spinning a dagger across his fingers eagerly.
***
The view from the top of the Stone Pillars was stunning. Despite the distance, he could just barely make out the shape of Corvale, slowly moving in its endless circuit. The ring of protective mountains was also visible in nearly every direction, though they were only a vague impression to the North.
Clinging to the side of a narrow tower of stone, Ethan breathed in the air and atmosphere, enjoying the familiar experience of the climb. This skill had ranked up as well, and though it merely reduced the mana cost, he was grateful for it as he looked down at the several hundred foot drop onto rocks. He turned his gaze to the countless other pillars around him.
It was certainly an oddity as promised, the stone formations being remarkably tall, and many quite slim. Some were just gray and brown rock, but quite a number had sparse vegetation growing on them as well. The one he was hanging onto was roughly the size of a thick tree trunk, but others were closer to a sapling. Yet more were a fair amount larger, but none so big as to actually appear stable.
Ethan had tested that stability a few times during his climb, even succeeding in destroying one by using [Volatile Infusion] on a protruding rock. Deevee was already out and flying around just in case, but he’d found that many of the pillars were close enough to jump to, especially with [Guardian’s Bound].
Some were fairly isolated, however, and a plan was forming in Ethan’s mind. Satisfied, he began the lengthy process of seeking out a terrorvermis. He soared from pillar to pillar, sometimes landing on top of the shorter ones, but usually catching the sides. His hands would have been destroyed by the process back on Earth, but thankfully his Dawn rank body was untroubled.
Tomo suggested he shift his vision into the Astral for the hunt, and Ethan did so, though it made the climbing and jumping more difficult. Everything seemed a bit blurry, and the pillars even seemed to shift and blow in the strong wind. It was a powerful tool for Hunting however, as he could see living creatures more easily.
The first thing he noticed was how many normal birds were around. It was easy to forget about more traditional animals here, as they had far more predators in this world, and most were much better at hiding. He could see their tiny little spirits, however, most nesting within small cracks in the rock.
Finally he found what he was looking for, as one of the larger pillars had an unusual glow. Stopping a safe distance away, Ethan switched back to his normal vision, impressed by how difficult it was to see the creature, even knowing where it was. It had coiled itself around the tall spike of rock, and held perfectly still, its long segmented body looking very much like more stone. Ethan narrowed his eyes, remembering that the picture of the worm was in black and red, and mentally added ‘camouflage’ to its list of abilities.
He spent a moment examining the battlefield, considering exactly how best to fight on what amounted to a field of stalagmites. Finally he accepted that he was as prepared as he’d ever be, and sent Deevee above his target. He appeared through a rift a moment later, high enough not to have alerted the worm.
In an instant he had channeled Mystic, and disappeared using [Trick of the light]. He was in free fall, a single conjured wakizashi gripped in both hands, point-downward. He kept his eyes on the strange, rock-like flesh as he soared toward it, tensing his muscles for the impact.
As the large pillar loomed up before him, he struck with all his weight and strength, [Knife in the Dark] multiplying the damage considerably. His blade dug deep into the rock-like flesh, the flame-like black power of Ruin exploding inside the worm. In a heartbeat it gave up all pretense of camouflage, uncoiling rapidly.
Ethan let himself drop, fingers and feet catching the stone pillar beneath the creature as it roared and flailed. He’d left his first blade embedded in the monster’s hide, and conjured another as he ran in a spiral back up toward his target. The pillar had a circumference comparable to a small car, which meant he could go all the way around it without being seen by the terrorvermis.
Unfortunately when he made it back to the creature, the large head was pointed toward him. Its face turned out to be less worm-like than its body, having pincers as long as Ethan’s forearm, and numerous eyes. It was almost insect-like as it lunged at him, the long sinuous body circling the pillar with ease.
Ethan was a bit surprised, and quickly channeled Dimension to activate [Dimensional Mantle]. Immediately small rifts began flowing over his body, and the creature’s attacks passed harmlessly through him. Ethan counterattacked, slashing desperately at the worm’s face, but the monster moved rapidly, and it was challenging to strike while keeping his balance on the stone pillar.
He managed to do a few shallow cuts, but they didn’t accomplish much, especially without being able to use [Internal Combustion]. As his mana was rapidly drained, Ethan had to acknowledge that a frontal assault was useless. Taking a few quick steps back and channeling Flare, he hurled two daggers at the creature, then jumped to a nearby pillar.
The daggers exploded, [Volatile Infusion] doing its job, but the worm was only scorched. He’d hoped to get lucky, either damaging one of its eyes, or even getting the dagger inside the terrorvermis’ throat, but luck didn’t appear to be on his side. He turned, tossing another dagger, but the worm was already mid jump.
Ethan simply dropped, unable to dodge in time, and the snake-like body–easily twelve feet long–wrapped around the stone where he’d just been. He caught himself a few feet down, then infused another large rock before jumping once again. That pillar had been much smaller than the first, and collapsed from the explosion.
Catching himself, Ethan turned back to the disturbing sight of the worm practically flying toward. This time the beast was too close, and the thick, heavy body crashed into him, pinning him against the pillar as it coiled around it over and over. Ethan could feel his body being squeezed against sharp rocks, and struggled to breath.
Instinctively he channeled, and Deevee appeared, angrily firing its tiny attack against the huge worm as it moved away, making itself an anchor. Rift! He thought desperately, but nothing happened. Rift! He willed again. If he’d had enough breath to scream the word, he would have, but the ability simply wasn’t working.
Tomo’s specter appeared in a flash. “It’s using an ability!” the demon said in a desperate hiss. “You can’t use escape powers while it’s wrapped around you!” Ethan barely understood the words through the pain. His right arm had been extended away from him when the creature attacked, and it was wedged beneath the tightening length of the worm and angled rock.
Ethan heard the snap as his ulna and radius broke in half simultaneously, and he screamed silently, his lungs empty. The terrorvermis squeezed tighter.