Chapter 35 Evolution
Kate drove as fast as she dared, the undead goblins long gone from the rear mirrors. Pine trees rushed past, the shadows cast onto the ash covered road far longer than on their drive to Grenndorf. The third song had come and gone when Kate turned off the music. She was no longer gripping the wheel like her life depended on it, the loaded truck rattling as they sped back towards their castle.
No other car was on the road, the same as it had been since this thing had started. She was glad for the rivers and strangely for the tree creatures she had seen putting out fires, knowing that if it had progressed this far, the road may not have been usable at all.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, not taking her eyes off the road.
Grey didn’t respond.
She glanced over, seeing him focused and biting his lip.
“You’re obsessing over the status. Focus on the road. If we crash, you’ll have to react fast,” she said.
“I… yes,” he said, wincing slightly after he had spoken.
They drove the rest of the way in silence, Kate thinking on everything they had seen in the small village. All that death. Falstadt. Plumes of smoke, fires, and destruction. It tasted like ash. As if she had failed them. She knew it made no sense. What could she alone have done? And yet she felt her stomach twist.
Kate focused on her breathing. She was glad to see the outlines of Keilberg castle between the lines of trees. Glad she wasn’t alone in all of this. Knocking on the rear window, she got Ethan’s attention and rolled down the window on the driver’s side. “Be ready, in case the corpses have risen,” she said, grabbing the radio from her pack. “Kate here, we’re approaching with the truck. There in two minutes. Grey needs medical attention. Monsters can turn undead, be careful around any corpses.”
She kept driving, quiet seconds passing as if they were minutes. She activated Mindless Ferocity just in case, her breathing slowing as she looked at the underbrush, the car now driving in a crawl. A gust of wind howled against the window.
A static crack resounded. “We’re ready at the gate. Everything is clear,” Jon’s voice came through the radio.
Kate didn’t relax quite yet, driving the car over the gravel as she glanced to the side, finding the orcs where they had left them. She watched the gates open and drove inside, glad they had at least pulled the ogre corpse out into the forest.
Melusine opened the passenger seat as soon as the truck had come to a halt.
“Status?” she asked.
“I was an idiot,” Grey murmured.
“Wound on his right thigh, from a Wyvern talon,” Kate said. “Pressure bandage, no meds.”
“A… and I got… a support Class, plus some stats,” Grey said to the woman, Melusine already searching through the bag beside her, hands glowing with magic as she moved aside his hands and katana.
Kate turned off the car and stepped outside, her hammer in hand.
“What happened? Are you alright?” Jon asked as he rushed her way, Allison, Eloise, and Celeste coming to join them.
“We’re more than fine!” Ethan said from atop the loading area. He opened a bag and took out a rifle, aiming it towards the sky like some eighties action hero, only that his bloodied and ripped jacket coupled with his messy red hair made him look like some teen who really shouldn’t be holding a rifle. Which was exactly what he was, though perhaps not a teen anymore technically.
“Put that down,” Kate said.
His grin dropped as he lowered the weapon instantly. “Yes, ma’am. Sorry, ma’am.”
“Dead monsters and people are rising as undead, far stronger and faster than they were before. Any corpse could be dangerous, we don’t know how it works yet,” she quickly explained. “We didn’t manage to get any food, but we got to the pharmacy and the police station. Falstadt.” She paused and shook her head lightly. “Ethan, my battle axe.”
Jon listened with wide eyes, nodding in the end. “The… corpses outside.”
She heard Ethan rummage around before he pulled out the medieval piece of equipment.
Kate smiled. She knew the expression didn’t reach her eyes. “Yes. That’s what I need the battle axe for.”
“Shouldn’t we burn them?” Ethan asked.
She paused. “Someone could see the smoke.”
“There was smoke rising from a lot of places,” Ethan said. “Do you really think it would be an issue?”
“Removing limbs and heads could create something worse than a normal undead,” Grey said from within the car.
“Don’t strain yourself,” came Melusine’s voice, gentle but firm.
“Suppose he could be right. Yeah, burn them,” Kate said.
“I can do that,” Ethan said.
“And after, you check in with Melusine,” she said, rubbing her brow.
“Yes, boss,” he said, jumping down from the truck before he made his way towards the guard tower.
“Shiny stuff,” Allison said, looking into the loading area. “Anything for me?”
Kate smiled. “Yeah. There’s a lot of stuff. Rifles, pistols, and ammo too.” She gave a look to Jon.
“We won’t touch anything until Logan is awake, and better,” he said. “Is it safe to move the bags down into the armory cellar?”
“I think so. Let me do that, actually,” she said.
“We’re here together. You three risked your life out there, let us handle this at least,” Jon said.
Kate smiled as she grabbed the first two bags, adding two more, then another two. “It’s not about work distribution and risks, it’s about Strength. The one with a capital s.”
Jon nodded, looking at the six full bags she lifted without so much as a grunt. “Understandable. Eloise, can you go prepare some food and coffee? Celeste, you go back and play. The things they got back are dangerous.”
“I know what a rifle is, dad,” the little girl said with her arms crossed, her tongue out.
“You know rifles in movies,” Allison said. “The real thing is a little different.”
“Don’t tell me you know about guns as well,” Jon said, looking at the woman as Kate started towards the armory.
“Not really. Some research for a few cosplays but I’ve never actually fired one,” Allison said. “Not that I don’t want to.”
Kate tuned them out, glad she could focus on putting away loot after fighting and fleeing a bunch of undead monsters. Roided up chunks of unthinking flesh.
The ground floor of the armory had a few more things in it than before. Chairs and a small table, a toolbox, and cleaning supplies. Plus most of the prepared backpacks.
She set down the bags and opened the hatch to the cellar, climbing down the wooden mash of ladder and steps. What she found was a surprisingly spacious storage room about four meters wide and seven long. Wooden shelves lined the walls and an old table stood at the center. The food they had gotten from Keilberg was neatly sorted and put away on the shelves. As were much of the clothes and medical supplies, some of them with Melusine or already in the backpacks. Still, only a small part of the room was taken. She set down the bags and got the rest, the monotonous task allowing her to finally skim through the notifications that remained in the corner of her vision.
‘ding’ ‘Requirements met for Class Evolution [Berserker] becomes [Scion of Wrath]’
Fear the Wrathful. You have slain ten or more creatures while using the Furious Dance skill. You have chosen to fight and kill those who have wronged you. You have used your rage to fight through pain and injury. You have used shouts and growls to intimidate your enemies. You have endured poison and injury, fighting on despite your state.
The Scion of Wrath is entirely consumed by their rage. Hordes shall tremble in your sight, monstrosities beyond your understanding left in fear of your presence. Your voice will become a weapon, a warning, those who would oppose you, will die. Your mental fortitude will leave you unshaken, unbroken, until your promise to the world is fulfilled. Rage, Scion! Rage until the end of days!
Unique stat: Perseverance
Would you like to evolve your Class [Berserker] into [Scion of Wrath]?
‘ding’ ‘Requirements met for Class Evolution [Berserker] becomes [Child of Chaos]’
The world burns at your will. You have slain ten or more creatures while using the Furious Dance skill. You have fought an enemy while surrounded by flames. You have walked through and survived a large scale fire. You have slain a formidable foe despite heavy injuries and an option to escape.
Wielding fire, the Child of Chaos seeks the destruction of their foes. Until nothing remains but ash. Your weapons are wreathed in flames, burning those who would stand in your way. Resisting the flames yourself, you will remain the last one standing, amidst the scorched remains of your enemies. Embrace chaos, and become one with the flames.
Unique stat: Brutality
Would you like to evolve your Class [Berserker] into [Child of Chaos]?
‘ding’ ‘Requirements met for Class Evolution [Berserker] becomes [Omen of Vengeance]’
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The path to retribution. You have chosen to hunt and kill those who have wronged you. You have pursued and killed your fleeing enemies with no remorse. You have slain ten or more creatures while covered in blood. You have absorbed life force from ten or more creatures you have slain, fighting on despite heavy injuries. You have chosen to carry forth the retribution denied to the dead.
The Omen of Vengeance aims not to right wrongs, but to bring to conclusion the fate of their enemies. Those you kill, will mend your wounds and fuel your power. Your blood shall boil, each strike you deal to your foes infused with its most primal magic. That which flows through all living beings. Blood and vengeance, at your side. Hunt and kill, for the living, and the dead.
Unique stat: Vigor
Would you like to evolve your Class [Berserker] into [Omen of Vengeance]?
‘ding’ ‘Requirements met for Class Evolution [Berserker] becomes [Bone Dread]’
Terror, to all. You have broken the bones of your enemies. You have fought with your bones broken. You have slain ten or more creatures with a blunt and heavy weapon. You have struck fear into your enemies. You have killed even fleeing foes in your rage.
Those who come across your path will find only terror in their minds. The splitting cracks of breaking bone an accomplice and a herald to your coming. The very frame upon which your living flesh is resting, shall become a weapon against your enemies. Kill all in your way!
Unique stat: Brutality
Would you like to evolve your Class [Berserker] into [Bone Dread]?
Kate finished reading while she leaned against the table in the storage cellar, her task done. So I have to choose one? Or could I just level Berserker further? Evolution kind of implies that they’re gonna get better.
She decided to talk to the others about it, climbing back out of the dimly lit room before she shut the hatch. The heavy wood plank fell into place with a loud thud. She remembered the promise of coffee and started making her way towards the apartment. Looking towards the gate, she saw smoke rising from beyond, the frame of Ethan visible up top, fire lighting up every few seconds.
Nobody remained at the car, Kate reaching Bert’s home before she entered. It was cool inside, whatever heat had been left within was gone now, the only source of warmth the people themselves. She crossed her arms and rubbed her shoulders. “When are we checking that stove?”
“We’d have to burn furniture,” Jon said. “Finding or chopping wood seemed too dangerous. It’s not a priority. We have blankets.”
“It will be sooner than you think,” Kate said, smiling when Eloise handed her a hot mug of coffee. “I can go chop down some trees.”
“You say that like it’s easy,” Allison said, the woman covered in three blankets, wearing a hat, and holding what looked like a hot chocolate. With cream. And sprinkles.
Kate raised a brow at that but didn’t comment. They did have to use up the perishables, now that they didn’t have electricity anymore. She moved over and leaned against the counter, taking a sip of the hot liquid before she sighed. That was a fucking afternoon.
“Grenndorf, whenever you’re ready,” Jon said, his books open on the table.
“I’d rather get that stove working. Having no heat sucks,” Kate said. “I’ll go test my strength and medieval equipment against some trees later.”
She drank from her coffee, closing her eyes for a moment before she started telling the others of what happened. Everyone but Logan and Ethan present. She mentioned her echo location, the corpses they had found, Falstadt, the pharmacy, police station, the undead. The gear they had recovered, and the fighting. Her skill upgrading to the second tier, and the evolution options that popped up when she had reached level fifteen.
“The Classes change as well,” Grey murmured, a slight smile on his face. “Based on achievements. And there are options. Do you mind reading them all to us?”
Jon wrote down everything, sections about the monsters they had encountered, about the locations themselves, and everything they had learned about their magic and the rules that governed it.
“So far it seems consistent between us,” Grey said. “Which is good. It means while some may discover new things, the others can learn from it, mimic it, or even copy some things entirely.”
“I also leveled up,” Melusine said. “I was taking care of Logan. Two stat points, the same as when Kate or you level up.”
“So fighting isn’t the only way to advance,” Grey said, his grin wide now. Then he winced, touching his leg.
“Don’t touch it,” Melusine scolded.
“It’s i… itchy,” he complained in a murmur.
“It’ll get better in time,” Melusine said. “Itching is good.”
Kate drank the last of her now lukewarm coffee. “So which one should I take?”
“What are your thoughts on it?” Jon said. “You’re the one who has to live with it.”
She looked into the mug. “The fire one is right out. As is the bone one. Sounds like some kind of monster. Which leaves Scion and Omen, the former seemingly just a continuation of my Berserker Class. But Blood magic?”
“You’ll likely be able to absorb even more from the monsters,” Grey said. “And we would learn a lot about how evolutions and magical incorporation works. Same as a new stat. Plus there’s no mention of Mindless Ferocity or constant rage, which means you might not get lost in b… battle as easily.”
“I’m aware of it, Grey, you don’t have to sugarcoat it. I mean if nobody has a good argument against it, I’ll choose this one,” she said.
“Blood is gross,” Allison said.
It’s actually quite pretty. Fascinating too, Kate thought. The most primal magic. She didn’t hate it. I just hope I don’t turn into a vampire. The sun is way too nice to give it up for power.
But there was no mention of day and night. If she could lessen the influence her Berserker Class had on her mind, she would take it.
“We should go outside,” Grey said.
“Why?” Allison asked.
“Well… if it’s blood magic. Who knows? She might explode in a gory mess of blood,” he suggested, then blushed slightly.
Allison grinned. “Oh you would know, hmm?”
“Leave him alone, he nearly died today,” Kate said, putting down her mug before she walked outside. “We don’t know anything about evolutions. He’s right.”
Excited steps followed her, even Jon a little more chipper than usual. She smiled when she heard Bert’s grumbling and the groan when he got up to join everyone.
“What’s happening?” Ethan asked from atop the wall.
“Evolution!” Eloise shouted back.
“Evolution?” he asked.
“Evolution!” Eloise shouted again.
“You’re getting way too excited,” Kate murmured as she made some distance to the waiting group. “At least don’t stand in a half circle, I feel like a circus animal.”
They obliged.
So, Omen of Vengeance.
‘ding’ ‘Class change: [Berserker] becomes [Omen of Vengeance]’
Support Class slot acquired: +1
Support Class requirements: Omen of Vengeance lvl 30
Kate felt her body heat up. She looked down and saw the veins on her forearms pronounced against her skin. She could hear her heartbeat. Faster. Louder. It echoed in her head. She took rasping breaths, going down to one knee as distorted voices called out to her.
‘ding’ ‘Skills changed by [Omen of Vengeance]’
Active: Furious Dance – lvl 19
Give in to your coldest fury and become one with the blood and pain of battle. You strike harder, increasing your damage with melee weapons by 14.5%, using 14.5% more stamina for each attack. Your senses are focused on battle alone, making you into the very embodiment of bloodlust until all of your enemies are slain. Each creature you kill while Furious Dance is active returns 7.25% of your damage dealt as stamina.
[Furious Dance] becomes [Blood Frenzy]
Active: Blood Frenzy – lvl 19
Give in to your rage and become one with the blood and pain of battle. You strike harder, increasing your damage with melee weapons by up to 14.5%, sacrificing up to 10 points of health for each attack. Your senses are focused on battle alone. Each creature you kill while Blood Frenzy is active returns 7.25% of your damage dealt as health.
Active: Reckless Charge – lvl 16
You rush forward with a sudden burst of speed. Choose a distance between 1 and 7 meters, each use requiring 20% of your total stamina. None shall flee the field of battle.
[Reckless Charge] becomes [Vengeful Charge]
Active: Vengeful Charge – lvl 16
You rush forward with a sudden burst of speed. Choose a distance between 1 and 7 meters, each use requiring 10% of your total stamina. The cooldown of Vengeful Charge is reset upon killing an enemy. None shall flee the field of battle.
Active: Hunting Leap – lvl 5
Power surges through your legs, propelling you upwards. Charge your muscles for 15% of your total stamina and jump up to 3.25m high. Not cliffs nor walls shall stand between you and your prey.
[Hunting Leap] becomes [Reaper Jump]
Active: Reaper Jump – lvl 5
Power surges through your legs and body, propelling you upwards. Charge your muscles for 12.5% of your total stamina and jump up to 3.25m high. Blood magic surges, granting you a medium resistance to physical damage for the duration of the spell. Not cliffs nor walls shall stand between you and your prey.
Active: Shattering Step – lvl 6
Use your strength and 20% of your stamina to slam the ground with a shattering force, disorienting or causing everyone around you to stumble. You may vary the power exuded.
[Shattering Step] becomes [Blood Rupture]
Active: Blood Rupture – lvl 6
Use your strength and up to 15% of your total health to slam the ground with a shattering force, creating a wave of blood magic in a 2.6 meter radius around you.
Passive: Toll for the Living – lvl 18
Your anger knows no bounds. When you slay an enemy, you absorb 6.5% of their total health. Find and kill them, all.
[Toll for the Living] becomes [Blood for the Living]
Passive: Blood for the Living – lvl 18
Your anger knows no bounds. When you slay an enemy, you absorb 6.5% of their total health and stamina. Find and kill them, all.
Passive: Courage of the Unarmored – lvl 18
Your body is a tool for war, forged in battle. While you are not wearing armor made of metal or above 25% of your body weight, your skin, muscles, and bones are 14% more resilient to both physical and magical damage.
[Courage of the Unarmored] becomes [Fury of the Unarmored]
Passive: Fury of the Unarmored – lvl 18
Your body is a tool for war, forged in battle. While you are not wearing armor made of metal or above 25% of your body weight, your skin, muscles, and bones are 14% more resilient to both physical and magical damage. Magic surges when your blood is spilled, burning those who would strike you down.
Passive: Intimidating Presence – lvl 6
Your enemies will know your wrath. You have bathed in the blood of those who stood in your way. Beings will instinctively be wary of your presence, should you will it so.
[Intimidating Presence] becomes [Terrifying Presence]
Passive: Terrifying Presence – lvl 6
Your enemies will know your wrath. You have bathed in the blood of those who stood in your way. Beings will instinctively be wary of your presence, should you will it so. The effects of Terrifying Presence are highly increased if you are partially covered in blood.
Kate felt something warm. Her eyes were closed, her heart beating. Steady now. Strong. Hands held her, the breaths and quick voices now audible to her. A wet cloth was pressed against her brow. She took in a deep breath and opened her eyes.
Kate Lindgren
Unspent stat points: 0
Class: Omen of Vengeance – lvl 15
- Active: Mindless Ferocity – 2nd lvl 1
- Active: Blood Frenzy – lvl 19
- Active: Vengeful Charge – lvl 16
- Active: Reaper Jump – lvl 5
- Active: Blood Rupture – lvl 6
- Passive: Blood for the Living – lvl 18
- Passive: Fury of the Unarmored – lvl 18
- Passive: Two Handed Weapon Fighting – lvl 18
- Passive: Unrelenting Carnage – lvl 7
- Passive: Terrifying Presence – lvl 6
Support class: Silent Striker – lvl 9
- Active: Frightening Growl – lvl 6
- Active: Bewildering Wave – lvl 4
- Active:
- Passive: Heightened Hearing – lvl 12
- Passive: Echo Location – lvl 3
- Passive: Hushed Presence – lvl 1
Support class: Locked
Status:
Vitality: 27
Endurance: 17
Perseverance: 15
Strength: 17
Dexterity: 8
Intelligence: 7
Wisdom: 10
Serenity: 9
Equipment:
Torso: -
Legs: -
Trinket: -
Food: -