First chapter of the week. I wonder if I'll be able to get out 3 chapters this week? Probably not, but I can try. This one is pretty short, too. Hopefully next one will be longer. Anyway, enjoy.
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It had taken about twenty-five minutes to find Mark and then come back to the station. It wasn’t that long, so the others were fine with waiting for a bit.
“I’m back, guys.” Kyte said.
“Oh, welcome back. You look like you’re in a good mood.” Akina said.
“Hahaha, yep. I just made a small break through, that’s all.”
“Really? How?”
“Ah, I just got a small enlightenment about the black light. Sometimes just going out and observing can be a great help.”
“Well, congratulations on that. Now, the train arrives in an hour, so we still have time. Also, since Kyte and I are both S rankers, one of is going to have to board a different train. There’s this one, East Station, and South Station. Which one do you want, Kyte?”
“I’ll take South Station. If there’s already an S ranker there, I’ll go to Lakewood Station. Ultimately I might have to wait for the next batch of trains. I guess...I’ll see you guys in the Core?”
“Yea, I guess so…”
Kyte looked at the group. They had been together for only a few months but it felt like much longer than that. At first, Kyte didn’t want to be in a group or with other people in general. Now, however, his thinking changed. Over the course of these months, especially in the ranking tournament, he realized that there is always someone stronger. Having people on your side that are equally as strong is the best way to ensure your survival, aside from increasing your own strength.
Also, it’s never good to just provoke random people. However, as time goes on, Kyte cares less and less about that. If he allows himself to fear others then how will he ever rise above them? He will also not hesitate to protect his allies, especially the people actually close to him. After being alone for two whole years, and feeling completely lost, he finally found people who wanted to be with him. Or, at least wanted to be his ally. This naturally created an unnoticed sense of companionship between him and the others. Which may bring about impulsive actions, which Kyte sort of fears…
Despite this, Kyte knows that he has to be decisive with his actions. You have to finish whatever you start. Kyte doesn’t know what that may bring, but confidence is definitely key.
After saying their goodbyes, and after Kyte gave Rose a kiss, Kyte rose up into the air and flew off to South Station. He of course eradicated the monsters he came across. He also found several other Gifted the closer to the station he got. He noticed that the ones fighting the monsters were at most an A rank and they usually formed groups. It wouldn’t be a good idea to go out alone unless you had sufficient strength. Besides, if Mark was able to be surrounded, others would too.
It took about ten minutes of continuous flying to reach South Station. Once there, Kyte asked around if there was an S ranker assigned there. Fortunately, there wasn’t. Either that or the Gifted there didn’t know, since they obviously wouldn’t be given the details to an S ranker’s whereabouts.
Kyte remained in the air as he waited. As the sun’s rays bore down on him, the Gifted on the ground were watching him with fascination. Kyte was wearing what he usually wears: a black hoodie, jeans, and black shoes. However, just that didn’t give the Gifted any fascination. It was the fact that Kyte was an S ranker. They also had never seen anyone fly before, so seeing Kyte just float there like he was standing on solid ground as sunlight hit him was quite an amazing sight. Besides, the aura Kyte naturally gave off put a bit of pressure on the weaker Gifted. Kyte could retract it, but he was too lazy so he just relaxed in the air.
At that moment, Kyte received a message on his phone. It detailed the station he was assigned to, which was South Station.
Convenient.
Although he can’t stay in the air forever, Kyte can still hover for a long period of time. Even more so now since he broke through into the mid seventh stage.
After about thirty minutes, Kyte called back all the Gifted. He used his voice which was projected out quite far. He shielded the Gifted below him just in case but he still saw them flinch a bit when he used his voice. Within ten minutes, all the Gifted had arrived back at the station. He saw their surprised expressions when they looked at him in the air, but he was already used to it. He floated down a little bit so he wouldn’t have to speak so loudly when he asked:
“Do any of you know the route this train takes?”
They murmured amongst themselves for a bit before one spoke out:
“Here’s the map for the multiple routes, sir.”
Seeing the map in the Gifted’s hand, Kyte used Internal energy to move it to his own hand. Looking over the map, Kyte memorized the whole thing. He realized that the route the train is going through has a more dense number of suspected Guardians. Because of this, Kyte realized why he was chosen for this particular station. Most likely, this station is assigned to at least Silver S rankers or higher. Though Kyte is officially only a Bronze S ranker, his real power is beyond that.
Besides, it’s not like Kyte has nothing to use to defeat Guardians. Sure, Heavy Air was destroyed but its usefulness was limited. Kyte would’ve needed a new weapon after reaching the seventh stage anyway. Kyte did want a new weapon, but he just didn’t have the time to learn forging. It would take months before he would be able to create a suitable weapon for himself. By that time, who knows what would have happened.
A bit more than ten minutes later, the train arrived. It looked just like the one from the underground district, thought this one wasn’t as clean. The doors opened and the Gifted that were waiting began to file inside. Kyte was keeping a continuous watch over the entire area, making sure there were no surprise attacks. Which was easier for Kyte, considering he had Spirit energy which could spread out and detect any movement.
Kyte landed on the top of the train and sat down. A few minutes later the train began to move. The air resistance wouldn’t hinder Kyte as he relaxed because he used Internal energy to block it. Plus, it wasn’t hard to keep himself steady if he tried.
It would take at least a day to reach the Core while the train is going full speed, which is about four hundred miles per hour. However, there could always be mishaps along the way. Kyte can go several days without sleep or the other necessities, though it would definitely be uncomfortable. Besides, he can kind of pass the time by meditating or by analyzing formations.
Either way, it would take a while until they reached the Core.
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(First Person POV)
My head hurts so fucking much. I can barely remember what happened. Every time I barely move my head, it bursts with pain. This is worse than my worst hangover. I hope my natural healing kicks in, otherwise I’m gonna kill myself if this continues. I keep saying that but it’s not like I’m gonna do it...again. It wasn’t a fun feeling.
Anywho, I laid there for like, an hour before the migraine was a little alleviated. You know, just enough so I could move around on my...bed? Why am I on a bed? Wasn’t I on a pile of rubble?
Oh, right. That one dude was there. Guess he isn’t THAT much of an asshole. I wish he would’ve given me his name though. It would help if I’m asking around for him, rather than asking around for a Branch 4 Sector something-something. Sector 31, that’s what it was. How confusing. Would be better if it was just like Group so-and-so. Shit gets too confusing if you add so many different names.
Right, so as I looked around, I first noticed a few blue screens in-front of me. I was expecting them to be there, mostly because, well...I was kinda preoccupied fighting monster zombies so I couldn’t get a good look at them. I was expecting some disappointing stuff, and I was right.
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Level decreased by 6.
All stats decreased by 40%Time Remaining: 163 H
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Ability Unlocked[tr]Primeval Energy (Level: 1) (0%)
Skill level of using Primeval Energy
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ProfileSkillsInventoryAbilitiesName:MarkLevel:34Class:NoneRace:Unique ApisStrength:34Dexterity:25Endurance:23Intellect:9
Well, it could’ve been worse I guess. Actually, this is still pretty bad. I lost six levels! It took me forever to get those six levels!...Ok, well it only took me a few hours, but still! And my stats have been decreased for a few days. Terrific. There’s no way I’m making it to Lakewood Forest like this. If my hypothesis is true, then there are definitely animal monsters in the forest. That would not be fun. Animals like bears and stuff were naturally stronger than humans, so who knows what they turned into.
I guess the only real option I have is to go to East Station. I wonder how long it’s been since I was out. Probably a whole day, who knows. The Gamer ability is kinda weird with recovery so I really don’t know. I’ll wait a few more hours till my migraine alleviates some more until I head out. It’s no fun fighting monsters with a headache.
I laid back and closed my eyes, slipping into a small nap. I woke up however long later and oh my goodness did it feel good to finally not feel pain in my head. Like I said, the Gamer ability’s recovery rate is weird. I don’t know how to describe it.
Anyway, I looked to my left and discovered a table right next to my bed. Turns out there were a few items on it. Oooooh hoo hoo hoo! This is exciting! My first real items! Though there isn’t a weapon or armor unfortunately…
I examined the items and I was a bit surprised to discover that these items were better than I imagined.
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Aleric PillSixth Stage Healing Pill
Instant HP Recovery: +50%
HP Regeneration: +40%
Blood Mercury PIllSixth Stage Defensive Pill
Creates a barrier around the user.
Able to block up to late Seventh Stage.
Breaks one second after impact.
Signal Sphere (Single Use)Crush to send signal.
White Thunder RingSixth Stage Offensive Ring
When Primeval Energy is inserted into the ring, the user will be able to control lightning.
Offensive Power of lightning: 130% of Strength
Ring of Brutality (Single Use)Sixth Stage Offensive Ring
Sacrifice your sanity temporarily.
User temporarily gains: +50% Strength, +50% Dexterity, +50% Endurance, Loss of Sanity
Aftereffects: -20% Strength, -20% Dexterity, -20% Endurance for 12 hours.
Hmm...well, looks like a small good harvest. I can’t really compare these items to items that I could get from these monsters or the ones that I could make myself. I guess I’ll...just have to equip these two rings now…
Mwahaha! Yeaa!!! I can feel tha’ powa’!!!...Sort of. Well, it’s not like I was expecting some God-tier equipment or something. I was kinda hoping for something like a sword…
Anyway! I’m much safer now that I have these items. That’s better than not having anything to protect myself. I’m not sure if these pills can significantly help me since my recovery ability is...weird. Haha, I’m not complaining though!
Oh well. It’s time to set out for East station. Hopefully I can get a ride to...the Core? What a weird name.