When the [System] was created the first of the [Ancient Planar Gates] were only just opening. Without the unification of the Sapient races and the time countless [Dungeons] bought with the lives of thousands of [Dungeon Monsters] and the destruction of dozens of [Dungeon Cores] surely we would not be here today. The first five years after the collapse of The Age of Mithril were spent creating new magitech inventions such as The Ambient Mana Field(AMF) detectors. Created by the first [Artificer] the AMF detector was designed to find and follow the waves of ambient mana released by [Planar Gates] and [Corrupted Dungeons]. This Invention led to the closing of seven of the original thirteen [Ancient Planar Gates]. - Quote taken from professor Garret Coppergage on the study of the Great Calamity. 349 AGC.
----------------------------------------
Notification list
[Might Of The Manaborne] Limit Has been Reached!
Congratulations!
[Might Of The Manaborne] has reached (lvl.2)
Sufficient skill Shown in dexterity
+2 bonus to dexterity attribute granted
Continue training to improve your stats!
Sufficient skill shown in intelligence
+1 bonus to Intelligence attribute granted
Continue training to improve your stats!
Sufficient skill shown in strength
+1 bonus to strength attribute granted
Continue training to improve your stats!
Revelation Achieved!
Skill [Rallying Call] Granted to Johnathan.
Continue pushing your mind and body to improve or create new abilities!
Conditions Met!
Trait [Mana-Tempered Metal] Granted to Johnathan.
Continue pushing your mind and body to improve or create new abilities!
Sufficient skill shown in strength
+2 bonus to strength attribute granted
Continue training to improve your stats!
Warning!
Hp at 9/45
Recommendation
seek medical attention!
Revelation Achieved!
Skill [Powered Strike] Granted to Johnathan.
Continue pushing your mind and body to improve or create new abilities!
[Mana Sight] deactivated!
5Mp Refunded.
[Might Of The Manaborne] deactivated!
Debuff [Exhaustion] gained!
Time Remaining: 7:59:21
Sufficient skill shown in intelligence
+2 bonus to Intelligence attribute granted
Continue training to improve your stats!
Revelation Achieved!
Skill [Siphon Mana] Granted to Johnathan.
Continue pushing your mind and body to improve or create new abilities!
Revelation Achieved!
Spell [Radiant Aura] Granted to Johnathan.
Continue pushing your mind and body to improve or create new abilities!
Warning!
Due to overuse of your mana channels you have gained..
Debuff [Mana Burn].
Time Remaining: 7:59:49
"Okay I regret doing that." I say to myself, feeling both of the debuffs. Exhaustion feels like how it sounds, while Mana burn is a pins and needles sensation mixed with a burning pain. 'I got to admit, those were some serious gains though.' Starting the system search once more I begin with the debuffs I got.
[Exhaustion]
This debuff doubles the Sp drain from any physically intensive task. Sleep, Rest, or meditation can shorten the time remaining on this debuff.
Warning!
If no Sp remains, it will instead drain Hp at a rate of 1Hp per minute of physical activity.
Time Remaining: 7:57:38
'Shit, it looks like I won't be able to move much without help.' I feel like I deserved this for not coming up with a better plan. My self deprecation is cut short by another notification.
Sufficient skill shown in wisdom
+1 bonus to wisdom attribute granted
Continue training to improve your stats!
'Well fuck you too, System' I reflexively respond. Not wanting any more interruptions I look to [Mana Burn]. The kobold things around me start with the clean up of the viscera and blood, while the few that are still injured are tending to their wounds without magical healing.
[Mana Burn]
This debuff makes channeling your mana twice as hard, and draining your Mp pool twice as fast.
Warning!
if no Mp remains, it will instead drain Hp at a rate of 1Hp per spell attempt.
Time Remaining: 7:58:06
'Hey System, why can't I just rest off [Mana Burn] like [Exhaustion]?' I think, hoping the System will answer.
Query Detected.
Due to the overflow and use of mana through your mana channels, you will need extensive rest that cannot be shortened at all. Think of it like this, you are walking through an ocean of blood and to end the monsters attacking you, quickly you decide to start pouring the blood surrounding you into the system of veins in your body not caring that your veins can't keep up under that pressure. For short term power you have subjected yourself to the pain of the aftermath. Just a heads up, for the next 8 or so hours anytime you try to subsist off of mana like your race requires to live, you are going to be renewing that burning pain you feel with a vengeance. I would say good luck, but you are simply stupid for doing that and deserve that pain.
'that's... fair. though the analogy could use work.' I say dumbfounded by the personal answer.
Just remember this for the future,
Do stupid things and you win stupid prizes.
And yes, I'm terrible with making analogies.
Moving on from the thoughts that the System has a personality, I Look at my [System Interface] to see what has changed.
Johnathan Jones
Race: Class: Rank: Level: XP: [Manaborne Armor] [Artificer] Beginner 1 3 365/500
Titles: The Unyielding(+5 bonus to Int, Wis per Rank)
Stat Pool: Current: Maximum: Health: 12 63 Mana: 2 245 Stamina: 23 180
Stat Array Score Modifier Strength: 12 5 Dexterity: 6 2 Constitution: 10(14) 5(7) Intelligence: 7 3 Wisdom: 8 4 Charisma: 3 1
4 free attribute points to spend.
Traits: Skills: Spells:
[First Of Your Kind], [Mana Sight], [Mana-Tempered Metal], [Planar Dungeon Boss], [Passage of Memories], [System Interface], [Unyielding Mind], [Unbreakable Soul Link]
[Artificer's Intuition], [Enforced Duel], [Mana Manipulation], [Powered Strike], [Rallying Call], [Siphon Mana] [Mending Touch], [Might Of The Manaborne(lvl.2)], [Radiant Aura]
'So I earn free attribute points on top of being able to train? System, isn't that a bit overpowered?' I ask hoping for the reply.
Mortal Entities need every advantage they can get when fighting against a near endless Outer Planar Army. Plus you can only train stats up to 5 times per level, meaning as of right now you can train your stats to 30 for each stat(Not counting the free attribute points from having a [Class]. OH
Query Detected.
'do you really need to keep up that computer act?'
Query Detected.
Technically no, but it is required of me by [REDACTED BY _____]
No more Queries for now please.
'Well that was a bit ominous.' uh next is [Mana-Tempered Metal]. At this time the kobolds have started dragging out a cauldron with a stereotypical shaman kobold, the shaman chanting an incantation probably to bless the water within. The Imp gore piled in the nearest corner to the cauldron. Wait are they going to make an Imp stew? NOPE! Diving further into [System Interface] I only focus on that batting away the curious thoughts of what imps would taste like.
[Mana-Tempered Metal]
Ability Type: [Passive]/[Active]
[Passive] Buff
+4 Bonus to constitution
+50% Bonus to Internal [Mana Manipulation]
[Active] Buff
you are able to channel your mana to strengthen the material of your armor and if supplied enough mana, you can change the material your armor is made from so long as you have the knowledge of the material in question.
'Handy for taking hits and manipulating my inner mana. I am gonna enjoy this trait very much...' The room is no longer filled with the smell of blood and starts to smell like someone is making some good foo- NOT GONNA FINISH THAT THOUGHT! 'Wait... can I even eat?'
Query Detected.
Sense you live off of mana no you don't NEED to eat, but you still have all your senses and can absorb some mana from food. You would still need to clean the inside of your armor as mana drained food mummifies and can leave your insides coated with dust. Before you ask, yes water counts as an imperfect form of liquid mana thus you can drain the mana within and leave the impurities.
No. More. Questions. Today.
'Okay okay, I can wait with any further questions.' I take the time to think as I continue enjoying the smell of cooking food, man I miss actual cooking.
[Powered Strike]
Ability type: [Active]
Requirements: 30Sp/30Mp
Using your physical or magical prowess you empower one strike you make of your choice, and it will be carried by the enhanced power through a full and natural arc, doubling any damage done.
'Nice.' I think as the kobolds start helping the wounded sit up as it seems the shaman has deemed the Imp stew safe to eat, my curiosity starting to overwhelm my mind as a kobold wearing a poorly made stitch-work apron walks into the large entrance room pulling a wooden cart carrying bowls and a Ladle place not so neatly on the top of the pile of bowls. I carefully move to the nearby pillar to lean my back against. A small line starts to form as the aproned kobold start ladling scoops of the stew into bowls and handing it to the first kobold in line. I need to remind myself that these are not only nameless kobolds but people I fought with. The first kobold takes the bowls of stew to two of the injured and returns to the line. I notice that Vyth is the next in line as I look to [Rallying Call].
[Rallying Call]
Ability type: [Channel]
Requirements: 15Sp per minute of ability channeled
Bellowing a Inspiring war cry, allies within a 10m radius will gain a 20% bonus to attributes and stat pools for as long as you channel the ability.
Not surprised by the ability, I view past the box to see Vyth walking over with two bowls on one arm as the other hangs limp at his side. Looks like the injuries he took didn't fully heal.
"B-boss John, I bring s-spoils of battle!" Vyth says in a enthused manner seemingly unbothered by his arm.
"I'll take what I can get" I reply, the curiosity of what imp meat taste like fueling the acceptance of the bowl. "Please just call me john. That fight took too much out of me, Thankfully it went according to plan." Grabbing the bowl with my sluggish arms, I open the faceplate of my helmet and start pouring the stew inside in small increments. I enjoy the taste of the tough reptile-like flesh, the fire mana contained within gives it a spicy quality that peppers can't match while the water mana rounds the spice and flavor out. Vyth all the while stares in shocked awe at the lack of somebody inside the armor and watches the stew turn to dust as it falls deeper into the empty armor. Letting out a bold laugh trying my best to keep my pain out of it, I begin to speak.
"I didn't have the time to tell you earlier my brother-in-arms, I'm the armor itself not any entity wearing the armor." My laugh dies down as I continue drinking the stew. Vyth snaps out of his stupor as he sits down next to me.
"C-could have warned me when you were about to s-start eating bo-John." Vyth corrects himself. He starts the similar process as me of eating the stew.
"You and your kin did well to not let any of those imps escape, I look forward to working together." I say after downing the rest of the stew, Taking off my helmet and resting it on the pommel of the greatsword leaning against the pillar behind me. I take a minute to just enjoy this moment that seems the opposite to my time alone in the now unreachable world. Now all I need is a good bath in hot water to wash all this dust, blood, and viscera off. Some of the Nearby kobolds gawk at my headless form before returning to their own conversations and food.
"I a-agree, you d-did well too. C-could you help me with my arm p-please?" I now realize why he wasn't using both his arms. With a simple "Sure." I move to place Vyth's arm back in its socket, With a grunt of pain he bites into the bowl he is drinking from leaving several markings of the sharp teeth kobolds got. I got an idea I can try later, first I need to find out what the rest of my new abilities do.
[Siphon Mana]
Ability type: [Active]
Requirements: 10Sp
Spending stamina, you are able to siphon mana at rate of 1Mp per 3 seconds from the ambient mana and you are able to choose what mana you siphon.
'Huh, looks useful.' Looking at the last ability I gained and [Might Of The Manaborne] which leveled up, I won't bother to look at the last two as the [Exhaustion] finally forces itself back into my mind after the good meal. After putting my helmet back on, I close my helmet's faceplate, turning to Vyth just as he finishes his bowl of Imp stew .
"Mind helping me back to the main hall, I pushed myself too far in that fight." I ask starting to get to my feet while using the near broken stone greatsword as a cane.
"Sure thing, let me return our bowls to Zixl." He responds bringing the two bowls to the kobold wearing the apron. While he does so I check my stat pools.
Stat Pool: Current: Maximum: Health: 17 63 Mana: 12 245 Stamina: 28 180
'Passive regen plus whatever I got from the stew, good enough for the trip back' I think as I realize something 'Hey [Dungeon], what's your name? Cause I don't wanna keep saying [Dungeon] or you in any conversation we might have.'
'I agree with that, I have been putting some thought into it and I think I got the perfect name. At least better than just gem boss that the Wyrmkin call me. I think the word Lexicon would suffice as a name.' Hm Lexicon, isn't that something about knowledge... whatever.
'Would you mind if I call you Lex?'
'I don't mind at all! Is there something you need Guardian?'
'First, just call me John. Second can you make me a chair or seat of some kind in the main hall, I need rest after that fight and I would rather not stand.'
'I have the perfect idea for that, there will be a seat in the main hall when you get there and I'll start working on a room for you!'
'Thanks Lex.' I think just as Vyth returns to help me. ten-ish minutes of walking and taking breaks get me back to my boss room, the main hall. There to greet me is the same room with more furniture, benches, tables and various seats litter the center of the Hall somewhat lined up. Metal silverware and cooking utensils populate the tops of every table in the room and on the other side of the room, where I believe I first spawned is a stone throne fit for a king as decorative carvings line almost every inch of the seat, mainly composed of depictions of different weapons and bones.
"Well there is no doubting it now, I'm a [Dungeon Boss]. Thanks Vyth for the assistance." My voice echoes into what I'll call the Banquet Hall from now on.
"O-of course, John. You think gem b-boss would mind if Wyrmkin ate in here from now on?" Vyth asks, amazed by how much this room has changed.
'Tell Vyth yes, that's why I named it the {Banquet Hall} after all.' I guess great minds think alike. 'Sure thing Lex.'
"Gem boss calls themselves Lex and they named this room {Banquet Hall} for that very purpose." The pure excitement on Vyth's reptilian face causes another bout of laughter from me.
"I thank Boss Lex and friend John. I-I go tell others now!" Vyth responds running off towards the others.
'I may think you got more work to do.'
'Plenty most likely, though making a new dedicated room for the Wyrmkin to live in will be top priority! Oh uh, Hope you don't mind a delay on your room.' Letting another chuckle escape from my helmet I say.
'I don't mind Lex, when I wake up later I'll feed ya some ideas to improve the dungeon.' The joy that emanates in the halls of the dungeon are near infectious as I feel the area to my left start to flood with mana at the same time the wall hollows into a doorway to a quickly growing room. Stumbling over to my Throne I carefully set myself into the seat, leaning the greatsword on the outside of the armrest. As things start coming in and out of the room I zone out as I let rest take most of my consciousness. While still aware of my surroundings I cut off my vision and just relax. A notification dings in the back of my mind kicking me from my rest.
Revelation Achieved!
Skill [Siphon Mana] Updated to [Mana Meditation].
Continue pushing your mind and body to improve or create new abilities!
Displaying Changes.
[Mana Meditation]
Ability type: [Active]/[Channel]
[Active] Requirements: 10Sp
Spending stamina, you are able to siphon mana at a rate of 1Mp per 3 seconds from the ambient mana and you are able to choose what mana you siphon.
[Channel] Requirements: [Resting]
While resting you are able to channel your mana to circulate through your body speeding up natural regeneration, keeping awareness of your surroundings in the process. This effectively triples your natural regen and can slowly train the attribute wisdom.
Well that's handy. Focusing on resting, I start channeling [Mana Meditation] while using [Mana Sight] to keep an eye on things while I rest. Though the feeling of burning is renewed across my armor, I manage to maintain the two abilities. Hours seem to pass as I watch the {Banquet Room} be filled with a raging river of earth mana for it to slowly return to a neutral mana only to be directed down the hall behind me, most likely to Lex. The rest of my awareness floods back to me as I get the notification I was waiting for.
Debuff [Mana Burn] has expired!
'Finally! Alright Lex I got enough rest, did anything happen while I was resting?' I ask over the psychic link.
'Other than the completion of the {Wyrmkin Hovel} and the process of moving the Wyrmkin there, not a thing. The [Planar Rift] hasn't reopened yet, but I got a few of the more experienced Wyrmkin guarding the room'
'What's the difference between a [Planar Rift] and [Planar Gate] if you don't mind me asking?'
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
'The age of the [Planar Gate], in order from youngest to oldest the order is [Planar Rift], [Lesser Planar Gate], [Greater Planar Gate], and [Ancient Planar Gate]. At least this is how the [System] classifies them, though I'm not sure about the Humanoid Races as none has visited me during the 7 months of life I can remember.'
'Not one person? That's odd.' Hey System, why hasn't anyone found or delved Lex's Dungeon?
Query Detected.
Technically it has not been a day yet but I will answer. Lex and by extension all of the [Dungeon Monsters] they created are on the edge of the [Corrupted Lands]. Before you ask, the [Corrupted Lands] are where most of the undestroyed [Ancient Planar Gates] reside. So you are likely behind enemy lines and dealing with the beginning of the [Dungeon Corruption] via the [Planar Rift] you temporarily sealed.
'Shit! Lex, the system just dropped some knowledge on me and it says we're likely in the lands where [Planar Gates] originate!' I say panicked as I look through the rest of my [System Interface].
'what can we even do about it?'
[Might Of The Manaborne(lvl.2)]
Ability type: [Channel]
Requirements: 15Mp per minute of use
Channeling your mana from your mana core you can enhance your capabilities by 50%.
After [Channeling] is ended you gain [Exhaustion] debuff.
[Radiant Aura]
Ability type: [Active]
Requirements: 15Mp
Channeling your mana, you will it to heal every creature in a 5m radius, 7Hp to each.
'nothing unless we find a way to push the [Corruption] back, first thing on the objective is sealing any [Planar Rifts] that form in here. We'll worry about the rest later.' After composing myself, I move to the left side of the {Banquet Hall} ducking under the small doorway made for the kobolds.
"How goes settling down in this Hovel?" I ask the guard posted on the other side of the doorway.
"Many of kin have place to sleep now, thanks are in order to you and boss Lex for place to sleep." The Kobold says, doing an informal salute of sorts.
"what's your name? I'll need to talk to the shaman or any leader of your people about where the Imps came from." I ask looking over each of my stats to see what I should assign points to.
"Gerurt, I'll let Boss Vyth and Shaman Mirik know you need to talk 'bout battle plans" Gerurt says hobbling down the cobblestone towards the largest building in this cavern. Thinking of how we could seal a [Planar Rift] I meander my way towards the building, somewhat surprised the Vyth is the leader of the Wyrmkin. I muse to myself that he probably got lucky from that battle with the Imps. Reaching the building I wait a few moments for Gerurt to return from the inside.
"Boss Vyth says come in, he wanted to talk with you anyways." Gerurt says passing through the cloth hanged from the doorway.
"Thanks, Gerurt." I respond taking off my helmet and walking to the noticeably larger but still small doorway. Looking around the room it is littered with empty bookshelves and a large table with a parchment placed atop it. The shaman from yesterday accompanying Vyth at the table, the shaman using a piece of charcoal to crudely draw on the parchment.
"So Vyth, how'd you become leader of the wyrmkin while I was resting?" I start with the most immediate question first deciding to put 3 points in intelligence and 1 point in dexterity.
Stat Array Score Modifier Strength: 12 6 Dexterity: 6 (7) 3 (3) Constitution: 10 (14) 5 (7) Intelligence: 7 (10) 3 (5) Wisdom: 8 4 Charisma: 3 1
Interesting to see how the System calculates that sort of thing. Vyth starts to speaks finally noticing I'm here, To try an earlier idea I pour a few Mp into my eyes to see how strong Vyth is.
Revelation Achieved!
Spell [Identify] granted to Johnathan.
Continue pushing your mind and body to improve or create new abilities!
Displaying Spell.
[Identify]
Ability type: [Active]
Requirements: 1Mp
Pouring a point of mana into your race's equivalent to eyes, you can learn details about the things you cast this spell on.
Vyth The Stalwart
Race: Age: Class: Rank: Level: [Lesser Highborne Wyrmkin] 1 [Guardian] Beginner 1 2
Stat Pool: Current: Maximum: Hp: 168 168 Mp: U/C U/C Sp: 180 180
Stat Array Score Modifier Strength: 8 4 Dexterity: 3 1 Constitution: 17 8 Intelligence: 4 2 Wisdom: 6 3 Charisma: 9 4
That is more info than I thought I would get.
"How was your rest, brother John?" Vyth questions looking up to me from the table.
"Better than I thought Vyth, Thanks for asking. Anyways on to business, first how many did we lose?" my voice heavy and serious as I ask.
"7 Wyrmkin lost their l-lives in that battle and 4 left with permanent injuries, T-though the injuries and deaths would have been higher without your help. My people's losses will soon be replaced with the new generation soon to hatch." Vyth speaks, Acknowledging my question "But first before we continue, must I point out how different I've become?"
"I noticed when I entered, friend I simply prioritized the Imp problem first." I say looking over Vyth once more, the differences notable. He seems to have grown by a full foot and his wiry appearance has noticeably muscled up, a scar covers a portion of his torso and his stature is complete with two horns protruding from the top of his head.
"I have been blessed by the S-System with something called [Guardian] and What the System calls [System Description]." Vyth says, I notice the his stuttering has improved with this evolution of his. "Many of the Wyrmkin that survived the b-battle share this [System Description], would you p-perhaps have anything like this?"
"Yes, I do have something like [System Description] but we need to stay on the topic of the [Planar Rift] and how to seal it." I remind Vyth, Ideas of various things cross my mind but I store them away for later.
"Of course, The main problem is weapons for wyrmkin. Seeing the effectiveness of your..." I assume Vyth doesn't know the names of weaponry so I speak to help him.
"It is a greatsword, until we can close the [Planar Rift] I think supplying are forces with weapons and training would be the best option."
"I agree with that i-idea, Where do we start first?" Vyth agrees, a thought crosses my mind and I give it a shot.
"Hey Vyth, I got an idea that will help both of us! Mind if I try this idea on you?" I say hoping for his agreement.
"S-sure, What are you going t-to do?" Vyth responds with a question of his own.
"I can gift you a [Mana Core] since I'm a [Dungeon Boss]. This will help with communication between the two of us and most certainly will help you" I say. Holding out my free hand I gesture for him to take it as I will some of my mana to channel through my arm, He grabs my hand with his good arm as I will the Mana to form him a [Mana Core].
Notification List
Intent Detected!
Transferring 10 mp to create [Mana Core] In [Dungeon Monster] Vyth The Stalwart.
Process Complete!
Stat Pool: Current: Maximum: Mp: 9 315
[Planar Dungeon Boss] Limit Has been Reached!
Congratulations!
[Planar Dungeon Boss] has reached (lvl.2)
Displaying Changes.
[Planar Dungeon Boss(lvl.2)]
Ability type: [Passive] / [Active]
[Passive] Requirements: None
[Dungeon Monsters] will follow your orders as you are the Last Guardian of the Dungeon. [Monsters] Imbued with a [Mana Core] have a Psychic Link with the entity that Gifted them a [Mana Core] and they are able to enter environments with low ambient mana.
+ Expansion of mana pool to double normal value
+Limit of linked [Dungeon Monsters]: 3
[Active] Requirements: 10Mp
Using your Mana you are able to Gift [Dungeon Monsters] a [Mana Core].
No New Notifications....
'Hey Vyth, Can you hear me?' I send over the forming psychic link, Vyth's eyes widen with surprise as it seems to work.
'Brother John, why can I hear you in my head instead of from your armor?'
"It Works!" I yell surprised that that worked so quickly, Shaman Mirik looking confused by my statement.
"So it seems that I have something called Mana points and I can hear you in my head sometimes." Vyth states with his confusion also evident.
"Having this ability to communicate to each other will be useful in the future, Like for example if Mirik happened to be an enemy we could have an entire conversation on a battleplan without alerting Mirik to our intent or location." I state matter of fact like, Mirik looks taken aback by my hypothetical situation. "It's only a example of how we can use this ability." Mirik seems to understand that it was merely a hypothetical then states after the few moments of deafening silence.
"Well obviously I'm not an enemy to the Great Dungeon, but I agree that the ability will be useful." She says stating the obvious.
"Anyways, I do have some experience with making things and with help from the system I may have our weapon problem solved soon. I'll likely need someone to test the weapons as I don't have a good measure of my strength yet." I add, moving on from the conversation. "I'll start on going out to collect materials for the various projects I have an idea for, while also grabbing things that Lex could recreate. Send me a psychic message if the portal starts acting up."
"Alright J-John, I'll work on thinking up how to train my kin." Vyth announces as he pulls out several parchments and a stick of charcoal from a chest that sits under the table. "I'll d-draw up somethings that Wyrmkin will need for training and I'll let you know when drawings are complete."
Leaving the room I walk back to the [Banquet Hall] and collect my greatsword from my throne. The chips across the stone blade evident and hard to miss. Getting an idea I begin to control my inner mana and start to push it from my hands into the weapon. Using [Mana Sight] I watch the mana density of the sword steadily progress as the neutral mana is converted into earth mana.
'Hey Lex could you form a large square of cloth for me, I'll be going out of the dungeon to gather somethings for myself and for you to copy down if possible' Starting the process of trying to use the mana within the blade to reform it, I look to my mana to see how much I have.
Stat Pool: Current: Maximum: Mp: 10 315
'It will take a while but sure. Getting more stuff to make and rework sounds great!' Lex says, likely excited to the prospect of making new things.
Using the mana within the sword I begin the process of strengthening and repairing it, the weapon soon looks to be better than the original and the blade twice as sharp. Information floods into my mind on ways it improve the greatsword and its material. Taking hold of this info, Small specks of the same crystal found on the ceiling of the Library can be spotted littering the surface of the blade as well as a small well of mana within. Getting a feeling that I should name the sword I take a chance to try.
"I name you The Celestial Mageblade." I say Infusing all but 1 of my mp with the sword. After a few moments of silence the blade's inner mana starts to circulate around the channels with will the mana crystals start to change to various colors and the stone itself transforming into a pure black obsidian with shades of purples, blues, and oranges mixed into the blade. Finally a large cut mana crystal attuned to light mana grows into the pommel, Finishing the night sky look of the weapon. Looking at the finished product I use [Identify] to see if the spell works on it.
The Celestial Mageblade,
Mana-infused Obsidian Greatsword
Created by Incorporated Enchantments Rarity Weight
The Lexicon Planar Dungeon,
Johnathan The Unyielding
Mana Repairing, Mana Reinforcement,
Mana Sharpening, Greater Mana Well
[Very Rare]
5kg
Stat Pools: Current Maximum Durability: 100% 100% Mp: 20 20
"Wow, That was better than I thought it would turn out." I say testing the weight and strength of the weapon. The only thing I would need now is a backpack. Setting the Mageblade to lean on my throne I sit and start to meditate only focusing on the mana swirling around me, my sight is drawn to the weapon at my side the mana channels within calling to me. After an hour I check on my Mp to see where it is at.
Stat Pool: Current: Maximum: Mp: 169 315
Exiting [Mana Meditation] I see that the cloth I asked for is complete, the cloth itself formed into a improvised backpack of sorts.
'Thanks for making the backpack for me, I was thinking of making it but you saved me the trouble.'
'Well you said you were going out for a supply run, so I thought that this would be more useful than a sheet of cloth!' Lex says, proud of their handy work.
'Well it will definitely help!' I respond, putting on the backpack and picking up the sword. Heading to the entrance I pass by multiple groups of kobolds patrolling in the various rooms and hallways. Making to the entrance room, I take one last look at the Dungeon, Readying myself for the outside of a new world. Yelling over to the two guarding Kobolds I say.
"Alright I'm heading out, you two stay safe and take no chances if the [Planar Rift] starts acting up." With that, I turn and walk through the entrance. The Kobolds behind me giving verbal conformation they heard me. Almost like stepping through a portal I find myself in a nearly burned down forest, everything but the trees to the east having been burned to ash. Heading east I begin collecting various things while keeping an inner map of the area.
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??? POV.
"By Th' Six Virtuous Gods, how far is this bloody [Corrupted Dungeon]! wev' ben' walking for 3 days now into corrupted territory too. If it wasn' for tha' damned AMF Tower we'd not be out here in thes' cursed lands." Adrik says, he's starting to get on my nerves. Can't he be quiet for the gods sake, He could possibly be bringing unwanted attention to our merry little group.
"For the last time, Adrik. [Corrupted Dungeons] this close to town and the border to the [Corrupted Lands] are dangerous. If the dungeon can't fight off the infestation of a new [Planar rift] the town'll be swamped by whatever creatures come out of that portal. Our job is to scout out the area and report how far along the [Dungeon Corruption] is if it is safe enough to check." Rowena responds, at least the [Sorcerer] can keep track of what we're doing out here. May the gods give me strength, I might actually try to kill Adrik if he complains one more time. My hearing picks up the crack of a large branch in the distance, my Adventurer training kicks in as I hold my right fist up stopping the group of 5 in their tracks. Moments pass followed by the sound of another twig snapping under somethings weight. Holding up my pointer finger, I indicate one creature within my skill [Keen Hearing]'s range. I follow that hand gesture by pointing south-west, towards wear I heard the noise.
"Erevan, what do you think it is?" Mesdrash whispers below his quiet breathing, asking me the question. Turning around and slowly walking back to the group trying my best to be as quiet as possible I respond whispering.
"I'm unsure, I heard something step on a twig or branch in the distance though my [Danger Sense] is going haywire like we're walking into a [Planar Rift]." Looking to the resident [Artificer] I begin to ask her in a quiet tone. "Is your short-range AMF detector picking anything up? We have got to be getting close."
"yes it is, the [Corrupted Dungeon] is probably a kilometer away south of here based on the readings I'm picking up." Olivia answers, double checking everyone's [artefacts] to see if they are working correctly. Triple checking in the case of the health-bar artefact so that the healers know how injured people are while fighting. Another snap echoes through the forest as a ear splitting roar can be heard, followed by the quick and repeated thumping of something sprinting full speed toward us.
"We got incoming from south-west, It's sounds pissed and charging towards us." I shout, taking a arrow from the quiver at my side and notching it onto my longbow. Casting [Archer's Identify] on the glimpse of the creature I see deep into the forest, I take in as much info from the spell as possible to warn my allies what is charging us.
Greater Elemental Gorilla
Class: Rank: Level: [None] Expert 47
Stat Pool: Current: Maximum: Hp: 95 95 Mp: 8 8 Sp: 200 200
Stat Array Score Modifier Strength: 43 21 Dexterity: 27 13 Constitution: 39 19 Intelligence: 1 0 Wisdom: 9 4 Charisma: 8 4
"It's a Greater Elemental Gorilla, weakness seems to be its intelligence. Adrik, Don't get hit if you don't wanna die." I yell to the rest firing my first arrow, it sails through the air and pins itself into the left shoulder of the gorilla, winning a reaction from the creature as it bellows out a pain soaked roar. Adrik charges forward like always as he pulls out his War axe and swings it downward, attempting to embed the axe's head into the skull of the gorilla. It merely bounces off the gorilla with the sound of ringing metal in the air. Mesdrash chants beastkin words while pulling a handful of seeds from a pouch on the front of his belt. After the chanting ends the lizard beastkin throws the handful at the feet of the creature, casting [Entangling Thorns] as the seeds immediately sprouts into thorny vines that quickly grow to wrap the gorilla up in the piercing mess. Minor cuts are left starting to rapidly cover the thing as it struggles with all its might to free itself. Loosing another arrow, its aim is true as it flies into one of the four eyes the gorilla has. Olivia starts to prepare their mana-lock pistol with a special ammunition while the cleric Tarak begins a healing incantation in case someone gets hurt. The Gorilla frees its right arm from the mass of vines as it roars with anger and sends the now glowing arm into the recovering Adrik and sends him flying to a tree 17 meters away. From here I can see the Dwarf cough up a mouthful of blood and is attempting to remove the collapsed breastplate that likely crushed his lungs. Swearing to myself I release another arrow from the bow as the gorilla catches it.
"Shit, everyone back up. Tarak get to Adrik now hes got internal bleeding!" I shout orders as I prepare [Supersonic Shot]. Tarak continues his incantation as he reaches the now panic stricken Adrik as the man finally opens the collapsed breastplate to reveal a bloodied shirt, A small pool of blood grows around Adrik as he starts to cough and gasp for air. Olivia finishes reloading her mana-lock pistol and fires it at the trapped gorilla. The obsidian ball cutting into the giant creature's chest as blood start to pour from the new hole. Mesdrash snaps his quarterstaff in half hitting the gorilla in the side of the head. I fire the empowered arrow as it breaks the sound barrier to embed itself right between the eyes of the monster. It is still moving but it surely can't be conscious after a shot like that. Looking over to Tarak and Adrik, the dwarf is barely clinging to life as the pool of blood continues to grow under him. The health-bar artefact indicating he is at 1/10 of his health and still dropping despite the healing incantation being preformed on him. Rowena still frozen by fear to do anything, just looking at the gorilla wide eyed.
I walk over to Tarak and ask him. "You think this loud dumbass will recover?"
Spitting a glob of blood Adrik responds pale as ash while barely grunting out a laugh "You cannae get rid of me tha' easily, woodhugger. I'll jus' walk this off if ya don' mind Tark."
Tarak looks to Adrik in an almost pissed manner, responding with. "I do fucken mind Adrik, even with healing you're close to deaths halls! Sit still or I'll send you to the grave then bring you back myself." Laughing at the talk I announce to the rest of the group.
"right then, looks like our resident mountain-lover will survive those injuries with how jovial he is while bleeding to death. Lets end that Cursed gorilla before it tries to kill anyone else." Pulling my dagger from the sheathe attached to my left boot I maneuver myself through the thorny vines to get at the throat of the gorilla. Slicing its throat, a wet gurgle can be heard from the thing as more blood spurts out of the now opened neck. As I carefully untangle myself from the vines, we hear another roar approach the group.
"WATCH OUT!" I scream as Rowena still calming down from the sudden attack is blindsided by a slightly larger Greater Elemental Gorilla that charged from the forest. All I can do is helplessly watch as Rowena is sent flying like Adrik but this time being able to watch her health-bar artefact nearly bottom out from the one attack. Still untangling myself the monster goes for Olivia next, Slamming its fist down onto her and practically flattening her. Olivia still has some health left as her artefact still has a sliver of red left. Mesdrash picks a seed from another pouch as I notch another arrow onto my now drawn bow.
"Hey Ugly, why don't you look your four disgusting eyes over here!" I scream with every ounce of rage I have, loosing the arrow aimed for the top left eye. With a thwack the arrow slams into the skull of the monster as it similarly bellows out a pained challenge towards me. Mesdrash finishes his spell [Summon Vine Golem] as the vines form around him into a humanoid form larger than the gorilla. Mesdrash Charges the gorilla sending a left hook through its lower jaw, severing the jaw from the upper skull and sending the monster to the forest floor. The encase Lizard beastkin then proceeds to start an onslaught of punches directly to the head and over the minute of this fight turns the second gorilla's skull into a wet paste that stains the dirt and grass red. Tarak moves from Adrik to Olivia and begins another healing incantation. Unsure of where Rowena's body ended pass I search for her with no luck finding her.
"What were two level 47 creatures doing out here, This forest shouldn't be nearly as dangerous as this." I say, frustrated at the poor luck we experienced and likely a member loss.
"I'm Unsure myself Everan, but we need to report this encounter to the guild. If this happens to be another [Planar Monster Wave] then many will die until we can get a raid together to properly end the problem." Mesdrash responds, the vines encasing him rapidly withering.
"Aye Mes, but I despise leaving Rowena's body her' to rot. We should at leas' find her before 'eading back." Adrik interjects, getting up from where he was bleeding out a minute ago.
"Unfortunately I spent all my mana healing Olivia and our resident dumbass, I think Donia isn't coming back from that hit." Tarak says getting up from the unconscious Olivia with a solemn look on his weathered features.
"If we don't wan't to end up like Rowena we need to head back, I Apologize to everyone but we need to prioritize the living in this case and return to town." I Say putting an end to the conversation, Hopefully Rowena is the only one to die today.