“So, that’s how you lost your finger?” Vivienne asked Kaleb as she healed some light burn marks on Roy.
Kaleb shook his head as he looked down at his missing ring finger. “Naw, that first explosion burned off Roy’s eyebrows.”
“How was I supposed to know we had left some of the faux New Metal out?” Roy said, rubbing the space where his eyebrows used to be.
“The FIRST explosion?!”
“HA!”
Vivienne asked incredulously while Farrah laughed from her newly minted Command Center. After returning from her shopping trip, Farrah had quickly set about getting the room up and running. Kaleb and the others had just finished Two Gun’s revolver, so she immediately demanded more drones. Apparently, she wanted a minimum of five.
Kaleb put Daivor and Roy on that while he continued experimenting with their small collection of alien New Metal. They had documented at least 4 different types. Each with their own properties and explosive qualities. It was the latter of which that had cost him his finger. But the system assured him it would grow back. Kaleb was happy Daivor and Roy hadn’t been too close to that particular blast.
“Some mats we are working with are a little… exciting.” Kaleb said, shrugging his shoulder.
Vivienne just gave him a withering look as she finished healing Roy. Daivor gave his own bark of a laugh from his position on the workbench. He was finishing up Two Gun’s second pistol. Once Two Gun returned and turned over his second gun, Kaleb went to work upgrading it. They now sat side by side as Daivor completed the magical welding of the Ifrit bone barrel onto the second gun. They weren’t very pleasing aesthetically, having bodies that didn’t match the barrels, but Two Gun didn’t seem to care.
Two Gun and his wife, Claire, had returned with various workout equipment. They had quickly set a lot up and were now both going through some light workouts. Claire was lifting a comically proportioned dumbbell in each hand as Two Gun was doing some incline sit-ups on a bench they had purchased. Kaleb just smiled, happy that they had successfully got two new rooms set up.
“So how did things go with the Ainsley family?” Kaleb asked, turning his attention back to Vivienne.
Vivienne, Abby, and Mass had returned shortly after the ‘finger incident.’ Mass had gone to talk with D34d-I for a short while before he logged out. Abby had gone downstairs before reappearing with Jar-lock in tow. The pair had said they were heading back out to buy Abby a car, of all things. Vivienne had stayed when she saw the state Roy was in.
“Not too bad. Although I don’t think they were expecting us to introduce ourselves.” Vivienne said, taking a sit at a nearby table.
“Varlin introduced us, then we went out back to check out the anthill. Some of their sorcerers had used magic to shape a larger entrance. Abby says it now looks like an old dungeon entrance from one of those fantasy games and I kind of agree with her. While we were there, we saw several groups of unaffiliated supers go in.”
“They are just letting people walk in?” Kaleb asked.
Vivienne shrugged and pulled a sandwich from out of the air. “Yeah,” she said, taking a bite. “they weren’t too worried about who went in. But anyone who came out was asked if they had anything they would like to sell to the House of Ainsley.”
Kaleb nodded. Understanding. “Ahh, so they are trying to milk the ants for as much profit as possible.”
“That’s what Varlin and Abby guessed.” Vivienne said, finishing her sandwich. “Well, I’m going down to Jar’s library and getting in some reading. Stop blowing other people up!”
“What about me? It’s okay to blow myself up?” Kaleb asked, but the Wizard just smirked.
“Done, boss.” Daivor said from the workbench.
“Looks like Two Gun’s upgrade is done. I’m going to get started on some of my own upgrades. Maybe even build some more stuff to sell.” Kaleb said, shaking his head. “Never thought most of my time in-game would be spent building stuff.”
“Regrets?” Vivienne asked.
Kaleb smiled. “Not really. I’m still having fun.”
With that, Vivienne gave a short ‘goodbye’ to everyone present and headed downstairs. Kaleb moved to his workbench, flexing his remaining fingers. Daivor moved away and Kaleb looked down at the black and white revolvers. They got the wiring squared away in the grip and around the cylinder. So, without the eerie blue glow that suffused the pair of guns, you could barely tell the difference.
“Hey! Two Gun!” Kaleb shouted, picking up the pair of guns and walking them over to the old cowboy.
Daivor and Roy followed, the latter of which was still forlornly rubbing his missing eyebrows. Once Kaleb crossed some invisible threshold, his vision was obscured by a notification screen.
Notice
You have entered a Gym
Stamina Regeneration Increased: 35%
Endurance Skill Gain Increase: 5%
Kaleb just grinned as Two Gun pulled himself from the workout bench and smiled greedily at his new guns. The cowboy’s eyes looked a little confused until he seemed to notice the gun’s odd blue glow. He gingerly took the weapons from Kaleb and made a beeline for the outside. Daivor and Roy moved to follow, but Kaleb just shook his head.
“Y'all let me know how it goes. I have to get started on my own upgrades now.” Kaleb said, moving back to his workshop. “Oh, and if everything checks out, we also need to finish up Farrah’s drones, then get to building more weapons and armor. Hopefully, with the three days we have, we can get the entire team outfitted.”
“YES!”
A girlish cheer drew Kaleb’s attention back toward the workout room, where Claire was doing some strange celebratory dance. Catching Kaleb’s eye, the 7-foot woman stopped and blushed.
“Sorry. I could just really do with an armor upgrade if you can swing it.” Claire said, adding quickly. “I know you’re real busy and everyone keeps asking you for more and more things, but…”
Kaleb stopped her with a raised hand. “I get it. It’s no problem. I’ll put it on the list.”
Claire gave him a grateful nod as Kaleb entered his Mechanic’s Room and did something he hadn’t in a long while. He opened his Stats page.
Name: Professor Pack Rat
Health:147/147 (152) (-5 due to missing finger)
Stamina: 167/167
Mana: 110/110
Defense: 41 (Shield (12) + Shield Mastery (7) +Armor (15) +DIY Armorer (2) + Lab Coat (3) +DIY Armorer (2))
Research Points: 105 (The Pit: 5/day, Mechanic's Room: 5/day)
Gadget Slots: 1/4 (3 Arms + 1 Head)
Skills
Genetics – Beginner Lvl 4
Mechanical engineering – Beginner Lvl 3
Gadget Mastery – Beginner Lvl 4
Shield Mastery – Intermediate Lvl 1
Regen – Beginner Lvl 4
Dodge – Beginner Lvl 1
Toughness – Beginner Lvl 2
Endurance – Beginner Lvl 2
DIY Armorer – Beginner Lvl 2
Electrician – Beginner Lvl 2
Metalworking – Beginner Lvl 3
Robotics – Beginner Lvl 3
Microbiology- Beginner Lvl 1
Chemistry – Beginner Lvl 3
Weaponsmithing – Beginner Lvl 3
Hand-To-Hand Combat–Beginner Lvl 2
Sneak–Beginner Lvl 2
Conditioning – Beginner Lvl 3
Swordsmanship – Beginner Lvl 3
Magical Creature Knowledge – Beginner Lvl 1
Sewing – Beginner Lvl 1
Knife Fighting – Beginner Lvl 1
In-Fighter – Beginner Lvl 1
Abilities
Special Diet
Limb Regeneration
Robotic Limb
“Whew. Over a week in game and my skills still mostly at Beginner.” Kaleb thought. “Although, they have done a bit of Yo-Yo-ing due to combining skills.”
Kaleb shook his head as he looked over his stats. Genetics still sat there, unused and annoying him. But really, what could he do? He still needed the proper equipment and sure they had a decent amount of funds now. But would the group just let him run out and buy several pieces of very expensive and very specialized equipment on the off chance he found something? Probably not. Best to let that lie for now.
Health, Stamina, and Mana all looked fine. Although he was sure his Mana was far below where it could be. His Defense had seen him through a lot so far. But with his new Intermediate Shield Mastery bonus being almost as big as the defense his shield provided probably meant his shield was due for an upgrade. He scanned down his Status Page looking over his Research points.
“105 Research Points?” Kaleb wondered, surprised.
Kaleb knew that every time he built a gadget he was using RP, but he was not really keeping track of how much he had. Not to mention a few of his weapons had just been repair jobs. Probably not spending much in the way of Research Points. That he was still gaining points from his home lab was a welcome surprise, but he imagined once he didn’t pay the housing cost that would go away.
“Might be worth it to just keep paying for the house.”
Finally Kaleb’s eyes fell to Gadget Slots. If he remembered right, he had 11 total Gadget Slots. One for each limb and then six for his head; eyes, ears, mouth and head. He also had one extra in his robot arm that housed Shocky, his shield. He had used RP to unlock the head slot for his communication Headband, but that was now useless and he left it at his old house.
“So, starting with three. Two arms and the extra for the robot limb. Then I unlocked the fourth.” Kaleb sighed. “I really need to get around to building more gadgets. One out of four slots being used? Some Inventor I am.”
Giving his skills a quick glance, Kaleb swiped over to his equipment tab and looked over his weapons.
Sun Gun
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Damage: 0 – 35
Stun chance: 55%
Upgrades: 0/1
Durability:10/35
Shots: 35/35
Grade: D
Description: A low grade energy weapon powered by the sun. It has two settings kill or stun. It recharges in thirty minutes while in direct sunlight. Takes hours while not in the sun. Can not charge in total darkness. Not as powerful as most other energy weapons, but if it’s in daylight, you’ll never be without a weapon. Unless you lose it.
Modified Cybar Mark I Pistol
Damage: 25 Burning Damage
Shots till vent: 9
Vent speed: 17 seconds
Upgrades: 0/2
Durability: 30/90
Grade: D
Description: A modified Cybar Mark I Pistol. Repaired to a workable state with an Elentian power crystal. It packs a more powerful punch, but vent speed is slower and the shot count is lower. It may not look fancy, but it’s an impressive repair job.
Magic Gun
Damage: Variable
Upgrades: 0/1
Durability: 85/110
Spell Upgrade: 1 Tier
Grade C-
Description: A magical revolver made from Ifrit bone and powered by magical jellyfish sludge. The gun can fire and upgrade the spell of any magic user who channels their Mana through the central Focus. Sturdy and well-made, it can be a powerful tool.
Shocky 2.0
Defense: 12 +7 (Shield Mastery)
Electric Damage: 20
Electric Shot Damage: 35
Durability: 20/85
Chance to Stun: 15%
Failure rate: 10%
Research Point cost: 10
Upgrades: 2/2
A buckler modified to deliver an electric shock which can stun or fire a burst of electrical energy. Built upon the remains of the first Shocky.
Spike Launcher
Damage: 30
Pierce: 20%
Slot: Left arm. Embedded.
Durability: 115/155 (Arm: 100, Launcher: 55)
Ammo: 8
Ammo type: Railroad Spikes
Research point cost: 20
Upgrades: 0/3
Description: A pneumatic spike launcher installed in a robot limb. Spikes are launched from the underside of the arm and with enough force to pierce some armor. While large and clunky, it is a decent backup weapon.
“Oh man. All my shit is damn near broken.” Kaleb grimaced, looking at his equipment’s durability.
He was definitely overdue for an upgrade. He had been getting by with luck and his friends, but he didn’t think the Magical forest they were about to head into would pull any punches. His Magic Gun was doing okay, but that was more because he rarely used the thing. He thought briefly about passing the gun on to Jar-lock, but he liked the versatility it gave him. Besides, the big man had already denied it once.
He was about to scroll over to his armor when a flashing red icon caught his eye toward the bottom of the page. Apparently, he had another weapon, and it was broken. He raised an eyebrow as he tapped the red icon.
Heel Spikes (Broken)
Damage: 10 (35)
Pierce: 10% (40%)
Slots: Left and Right Foot (Warning! Slots Locked. Damage severely reduced)
Durability: 0/35 (broken)
Research Point cost: 10
Upgrades: 0
Description: Spikes built into a pair of boots. Unconventional but resourceful. Just don’t stick them into anything you don’t want to get real friendly with real quick.
“Whoa.” Kaleb thought, looking down at his feet. “I forgot I even had those. Didn’t I use those against the Rick Demon-thing? Apparently, they even counted as a gadget. Well, at least I know the penalty for using a gadget in a locked slot.”
Kaleb quickly removed his boots and set them on the workbench. The metal frame he had built to house the spikes were pitted and broken. It looked like one spike had fallen out at one point. The boots themselves weren’t in very good shape either, for that matter. Kaleb contemplated repairing the boots, but shook his head. He had originally built them because he was tired of being thrown around. He figured being stabbed into the floor was better than the humiliation of being tossed. But really, he mostly used them to stab people. Which proved awkward and not really effective.
Kaleb disassembled the entire apparatus from the boot. As he did, he thought about unlocking the gadget slots in his legs. He could probably come up with all sorts of gadgets that he could use if he attached them to various boots. Rocket boots or Hover Skates for a few, or maybe he could heavily reinforce the things and kick people in the shins.
Kaleb grinned as he finished up and put his boots back on. Going back to his menu, he looked at what unlocking a few Gadget Slots would cost.
Cost to Unlock Left Leg Slot: 20RP (+10 RP for every slot after the first)
“So, 50 RP for both legs.” Kaleb grimaced as he thought about it. “If I do it now, I will have to build something for them. No sense buying it just to leave them unused. Better upgrade my arsenal first before I buy any extras.”
Kaleb looked over at his weapons again. Making quick notes on what he wanted to change. As well as making a mental note that Shocky had been upgraded all the way. Which meant if he wanted a better shield, he would need to build a new one.
“Shocky 3.0 here we come.”
Finally, Kaleb pulled up his armor tab and gave everything a quick run through.
DIY Body Armor
Defense: +15 +2 (DIY Armorer)
Upgrades: 0/3
Durability: 3/95
Pieces: 6/6
Grade: D
Description: Lightweight aluminum armor with a Kevlar lining. Light with good flexibility. This armor is good for when you want to keep on your feet. Now with leg protection. Good Job!
DIY Lab Coat
Defense: +3 +2 (DIY Armorer)
Upgrades: 1/1
Durability: 24/24
Grade: D
Description: Bright white and shining, this is lab coat has been crafted with increased carrying capacity and Kevlar lining. It is coated in self repairing plastics and stainless cloth giving it its bright shine. For the scientist who doesn’t care who sees them coming.
“Man, and I thought my weapons had taken a beating.” Kaleb grimaced again. “At least the self-repairing lab coat has held up.”
Kaleb took off his armor just as Two Gun and the others walked back inside. The trio all had wide grins on their faces as they made a beeline for Kaleb. He ran his fingers over the various indents and claw marks on his old armor as he thought up new armor ideas. He briefly remembered stealing the K-tech armor from the junk site’s guard. But before he could start digging through the various boxes in the room, he heard Two Gun hoot loudly.
“WHOO-WEEE, son. Now that was some very fine work.”
Kaleb grinned at the old cowboy. “Glad you like them.”
Two Gun frowned. “Like them? Shit, these will keep me in business for a good while. I fucking LOVE them.”
He quickly drew both guns and began twirling them around. Their blue glow fanning through the air. Both Daivor and Roy took several steps away for fear the man would drop the things. Kaleb just smiled as Two Gun expounded on how much of an improvement his new guns were over his old ones. Both Daivor and Roy moved over to the workbench and moved Kaleb’s various bits of equipment around.
“... and the recoil? Practically nonexistent. It’s amazing.” Two Gun said, finally holstering his guns.
Kaleb waved his hands, trying to calm the old man down. “Okay. Okay! I get it. I’m happy you’re happy. But I have even more work to do. I want to get myself outfitted, then maybe give everyone else an armor upgrade. Then I have to build some weapons for my friends in Under-town.”
Two Gun panted, coming down from his excitement and grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, son. I’m just happy with the new guns. But you’re right, there are games to play and fun to be had.”
“What were you thinking, love?” Claire called over, letting her dumbbell drop to the hangar floor.
Two Gun shrugged. “Just the two of us. A night on the town. Getting into trouble.”
Claire chuckled. “Oh, you romantic.”
*Quack*
“I hate to interrupt, but I might have something for you two.”
D34d-I said. He had apparently come out of the office at some point and was walking around the walls of Kaleb’s Mechanics Room.
*Quack*
“I have the paperwork completed so we can apply for a new contract in this area. We just need to get it submitted.”
Kaleb rubbed his hands together. “This will allow us to take care of the gangs in the area?”
D34d-I nodded.
*Quack*
“Technically, it’s only for the gang elements in the area. So it will probably be a temporary contract. Once we eliminate the various gangs, we will need to re-apply.”
Two Gun’s face looked like he tasted something sour. “Oh great. Paperwork.”
Claire reached over and rubbed her husband’s shoulders. “Come on, love. Once we are done with that, we can get to our Super Hero Date Night.”
“I hate paperwork.” Two Gun said sullenly.
Claire nodded, turning her husband toward the hangar doors. “I know dear. But think about it. Once we are done, we can take down some gang members AND get paid for it.”
“We already would’ve gotten paid.”
“More money is more money.” Claire said as the pair walked out of the hangar.
Kaleb sighed as he watched the pair leave, then turned back to their erstwhile duck accountant.
“Anything else right now?”
D34d-I shook his head
*Quack*
“No. Nothing that can’t wait. Which is good because I need to log out for a while.”
Kaleb just nodded and turned toward his workshop. “That’s good. Well, I’ll be in my lab if anybody needs me. Hint: Don’t need me.”
D34d-I just went back to his office as Kaleb joined his two friends near the workbench. The pair were going over Kaleb’s equipment, discussing what could and could not be repaired. Kaleb sighed as he looked over at everything. It was going to take a lot of work, but by the end, he should have some decent upgrades. Kaleb took up his armor and moved over to his homemade furnace, contemplating what he could make next.
“It’s going to be a busy three days.”