"Inari." I ducked as a bird creature swooped down at me before shooting it twice in the stomach. I turned back around and stabbed at a cloner, glaive in one hand, gun in the other. Above me Venus and Mars were trying their best to take down the aerial entities, but they had to dodge too much to be consistent.
"Inari!" I took a few shots at the flying entities before dodging to the side as an entity that looked like a bear clawed at the space where I just was. It had a giant dislocated jaw with rows of teeth lining it. I pushed mana into my palm and blasted a beam of fire at it, melting half its face off before it could even react.
"LIARA!" Celeste yelled at me, and I growled looking around for the rest of the entities.
"What?!"
"Calm down! You've basically cleared out most of this floor already, and if you don't heal yourself now you're going to get an infection!" I dismissed her as I scanned the area for more plague, but after a moment I realized she was right, and all that was left was the corpses of the already dead entities.
I looked down at myself, realizing I was covered in wounds, and collapsed onto my back. I stared up at the ceiling as I began casting a healing spell on myself.
33 Entities Killed, New Total: 1143 + Tier 1 Gem
"Liara, talk to me. Are you okay?"
"I don't want to talk right now. We need to get moving after I'm done with this."
"I can't in good conscious let you continue until you talk to me. Liara, you did everything you could." She said, and I simply continued staring at the ceiling.
"...can you contact the shelter?"
"I can. Do you want me to?" I nodded, and after a second I heard the usual ringing noise. Eventually, someone responded.
"Hello, this is the chief of security of the Misan Entertainment Center, can I ask who this is?"
"This is Inari, the guardian who just escorted civilians over." I heard the man gasp over the phone and shout something to someone in the background.
"My apologies, I'm very glad to hear from you. We expected to see you after the civilians arrived, but I'm glad to hear you're okay."
"Sure. The guards who came in at the end, what happened to them?" There was a moment of silence before he came back over the line.
"I'm sorry, you did everything you could. I was watching the cameras, she was hit directly in the heart. No guardian could have brought her back at that point. The other guard is fine and there were no other casualties."
"...what was her name? I never asked." I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"It was Naomi."
"Give me her families contact information. Once this invasion is finished, I'll inform them of what happened myself."
"If I may, she was working here to help pay off some debt her family owed. Her father used to gamble here often, she told me about it. Should I inform them of the transfer of debt, or will you?" He said, and I wished he was in front of me so he could see the disgusted look I wanted to give him.
"Clear the debt. Take it up with your boss, the owner, whoever, they aren't giving this place a single cent after today."
"A, cent? Ma'am, the debt was over twenty thousand credits, I can't just get it forgiven."
"Celeste, how much is that in dollars?"
"There is no exchange rate between the two, but in buying power it would be about fifteen thousand dollars."
"Listen, I'll talk to whoever I need to once this is all over, but that debt is being cleared, tell them a guardian ordered it." I said, standing up from the floor.
"I'm sorry but it's just not-"
"I will have my contractor hack into the bank account of whatever corporate entity owns this building, and if I see so much as one credit get transferred from her family to it, I will personally burn this building to the ground with the CEO of the company in it."
There was another moment of silence before I heard him walk away from the phone, yelling to someone in the background to get his boss in the room.
"Um, of course miss Inari, I'll get right on that. Am I okay to forward you to anyone who needs to discuss this matter?"
"You are. Now get everyone ready to leave, when I arrive back at the shelter we'll head out. Over and out." I hung up the phone, sighing.
"I'm not going to get in trouble for saying all of that right?"
"You're a guardian, you have almost complete immunity to any law. Even if you actually did burn the building down, as long as you disputed the charge you could most likely avoid punishment. I must say however, that was quite a shock to hear."
"Well, what can I say, I'm not a fan of exploitation. Just because I'm not marching around yelling death to capitalism doesn't mean I'll let some bullshit like that stand."
"Well, I'm sure Naomi's family will be happy." She said, and I began heading for the shelter sighing. The first floor was clearly smaller than the rest, mainly focused on the entrance, so I assumed the shelter would be around there.
"Yeah, I hope they will. God, I can't believe I never asked her name. She risked her life for those people."
"Thinking about this isn't going to help. Just stay calm and get ready. I found the shelter, but there's a rather large issue." In the corner of my vision a screen popped up showing the camera feed. Sitting directly outside the shelter, banging on the door, was an almost twelve-foot-tall gorilla like creature. It had spikes running up and down its whole body, and it was clearly powerful despite the fact it wasn't even denting the door.
"Yeah, I'm guessing the drones aren't gonna cut it here. I'm sure I can buy something better, I have a ton of points. Also, what the hell is a gem?"
"Those are required to certain higher tier catalogues and tomes. It encourages guardians to specialize in their builds so there are a variety of skill sets in any given invasion."
"Huh, alright then. Would I need a gem for the next tier up of fire magic? Or what about explosions?"
"Actually, those are both labeled under the broad category of Heat magic, so you would be able to get both in one tome. The next specific tome would need a gem however." I looked through the available tomes, switching the display to only show combat relevant ones. I doubted I would need cooking spells any time soon after all.
Nothing stuck out to me more than that, and I couldn't rely on my shoddy weapon skills enough to buy a higher tier of that yet, so I decided the heat magic tome was the best option.
Apprentice Heat Magic Tome Unlocked for 150 Points and 1 Tier 1 Gem, New Total: 993
I took a look through the tome and quickly realized there was a reason these things required gems. Some of these spells sounded absurdly dangerous. I briefly looked at something called Firestorm before realizing it was more aoe, and eventually saw one that piqued my interest.
Imbue Weapon: Heat Generation
This spell allows the user to envelop their weapon in flame or cause an explosion at any spot on the weapon. Higher tiers of this spell will require weapons with suitable material for imbuing for full efficiency.
"Well, if I was better with weapons this sounds like it would be really useful."
"Are you sure there aren't any weapons you would be more comfortable with?"
"No, this glaive is probably the closest I'll get. I do know how to use some certain weapons like a staff, but adding a blade to the end really throws off the weight." I took a moment to look at different weapons before buying anything, not seeing anything I was happy with. As I looked, I checked the modifications for my glaive again and saw something interesting.
Dual Wield Modifier
Only purchasable after Retractable Blade Modifier is purchased. Allows weapon to split in the middle, letting user dual wield each half. Also allows for adjusting length of weapon so they can be easily held.
"Huh, that actually gives me an idea. Is there a catalogue for weapon crafting and things like that?"
"There are, what would you require?"
"I'd need a chain that's durable and can be adjusted length wise, and some strong adhesive." I said, and after a moment I saw Celeste purchase two catalogues and the items I had requested. I then purchased the modifier along with them.
Basic Repair Catalogue Tier Amethyst Unlocked for 30 Points, New Total: 963
Magic Utilities Catalogue Tier Amethyst Unlocked for 50 Points, New Total: 913
Ever Moving Chain and Weapon Grade Adhesive Purchased for 45 Points, New Total: 868
Dual Wield Modifier Purchased for 50 Points, New Total: 818
"If you push some mana into the chain, it will extend and shrink at will, and it can go up to three hundred feet at a time." I nodded and got to work. I pressed the new button that had appeared on my glaive and it preceded to split into two pieces, each with their own blade.
I had hoped the inside of the glaive was hollow so the blades could slide back in, and thankfully I was right. I put adhesive on either side of the chain and stuck them onto the interior of each half glaive. I waited a minute for it to dry as I admired my work. I wasn’t exactly a blacksmith but I had done a decent enough job.
"Can I ask what the purpose of this was?"
"How about I show you instead?" I said, grabbing the two ends that were now connected by chain. I hit the button on each to retract the blades to make sure I wouldn't get hurt and shrunk the chain down to a smaller size. I then held one end above my shoulder and began spinning it, passing it back and forth between my hands while making sure to keep the momentum between them going as I snapped out with them, the air cracking before I brought them back to me.
"Did you just turn that glaive into nunchucks?"
"Yep, I have a lot of experience with them actually, mostly because they look cool. Let me try something." I sent the blade back out on one end and grabbed the other while extending the chain a bit, before spinning it like before. I swung out again from above, and watched as the blade sailed through the air before slicing down exactly where I was aiming for.
"Wow, you do seem to be much better at that then I thought you would be. You know, there's actually a rather high tier weapon that's similar to this, two higher quality swords connected by a chain. You seem to have created a cheaper but weaker version of it."
"Well remind me when I can buy that weapon, because this is great! Now I just need to get better at mana enhancement." I reconnected the two ends and saw the extended chain fall out of the end without the blade. That could also be useful. I put away the glaive and went back to the tome, before I decided to buy a couple spells to start.
Flame Pillar Purchased for 75 Points, New Total: 743
Imbue Weapon: Heat Generation Purchased for 100 Points, New Total: 643
After I finished my little upgrade shopping spree, I took a moment to look over everything I had acquired up until this point.
GUARDIAN INFORMATION Name: Liara Inoue Guardian Persona: Inari
Point Total: 643
View Purchase History
Sign: Event Horizon
Sign Abilities: Adjust Density
Class: Unavailable (Amethyst Rank)
View Class Details
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Spells: Minor Explosion, Minor Flame, Minor Recover, Diagnose, Minor Cleanse, Flame Pillar, Imbue Weapon Tomes: Starter Spell Tome, Basic Medical Tome, Apprentice Heat Magic Tome Catalogues: Magic Utilities, Basic Repair, Weapons and Ammunition, Battle Clothing, Basic Cybernetics, Basic Robotics Cybernetics Installed: Fast Twitch Muscle Enhancer x2, Guardian Communicator, Nano Transmitter Condition: Stable
Well, it was certainly more than I had a few hours ago. Whether it would be enough, we would have to see. The shelter was by the entrance like I thought, and as I walked into the room trying to make as little noise as possible, I saw the giant entity banging on the door. I was considering how I should approach killing it, when I looked down at the chain on my glaive. I considered something for a moment before deciding I should try it.
I looked around for any vantage point, noticing a statue of some kind of boat sitting in the middle of the room. I lowered my density and hopped up on the bow of the ship. Oddly fitting for what I was about to do. I held my glaive by the midsection and extended the chain by a decent amount.
I pushed a small amount of mana into my hand to cast the fire enchantment spell and locked the rest of the mana in my arm for strength. As I let the spell go, I was surprised to feel an incredible surge of heat as a plume of fire began moving around the weapon. I aimed the weapon towards the entity and increased my density, before throwing the weapon like a harpoon towards the creature.
The glaive rocketed towards it, propelled by the fire to be nearly as fast as a bullet, and I grabbed the chain as it flew away and extended it so I could keep a hold on the weapon. Unfortunately, I wasn't exactly an Olympic javelin thrower, and the attack that was meant for its head flew into its midsection as it blew a gaping hole in its stomach, big enough I could walk through it.
The creature let out a horrible screech and turned around to face me. I went to pull the weapon back and attack from there, when something I wasn't expecting made things much harder. The gorilla entity grabbed my glaive as it flew back towards me, and I slowly looked down at the chain I was still holding.
"Well, shit." I said, trying to let go as fast as I could, but it managed to yank the weapon back before I let go with my left hand, and I found myself flying through the air. This thing was apparently absurdly strong, and I quickly recognized that if I didn't lower my density, I would find myself hitting the ground at speed similar to a sports car while weighing somewhere around eight hundred pounds.
I decreased my density, which led to me staying neutral in the air as opposed to falling. This did bring up a new problem, as I was hurtling towards a giant spiked gorilla that was about to swat me out of the air like a fly.
I quickly pushed some mana into my hands and cast the other spell I had purchased, Flame Pillar. It was similar to the other fire spell I had, but I could choose where the fire manifests as opposed to it shooting directly from my hands. Come to think of it, could I make spells come out of my feet? Worries for a less deadly time. I focused on the spot the monster was standing on and let the spell fly as a jet of blue flame appeared out of thin air underneath it.
The entity jumped to the side as it caught fire and began attempting to pat itself down, so I took the opportunity to increase my weight a little bit and slide onto the ground. I stumbled a bit and almost fell. but managed to skid to a stop rather close to the gorilla, which was now finished putting out the fire and was instead charging towards me.
I quickly switched the glaive to its chain form and whipped a strike out while imbuing it with fire. It sliced through the entities arm as it attempted to launch itself towards me, causing it to tumble across the ground.
I lowered my density and jumped above it, casting one more fire pillar in its path. It wasn't able to stop itself in time before it hit the fire, and it was engulfed in flames as it tried to crawl away with its one remaining useful arm. I walked over and pulled out my SMG, putting it out of its misery.
Entity Killed, New Total: 693
I stared at the burning corpse of the creature for a moment before walking over to the shelter.
"You know, I think I like lighting things on fire a little too much. But hey, at least I have a weapon I’m good at using now.”
"When it comes to entities, there is no such thing as too much fire. Although, I would watch out around civilians." I nodded and put my hand on the sensor, and quickly the door opened up. I walked in and noticed I could already hear a commotion from deeper in the shelter. Clearly my arrival had caused something to happen. I carefully walked through the hall to the main area, and when I arrived, I saw a group of people standing waiting for me.
I noticed the beds were all taken by older citizens, and the main group was made of only the strongest looking people in the room. Notably I also couldn't see any guards, and the group clearly had weapons on them. I put my hands up as I walked forward.
"Hey there, name's Inari, I just took care of the big guy outside." I said, and a male Maneel walked forward, presumably the leader of the group. He had paler skin with oddly vibrant blue hair, but his stature was rather imposing. He was almost as tall as me, and clearly physically fit. I really needed to check how tall I was.
"While I am glad to hear it, we don't need any more assistance. We're already working on calling the military over here for an escort out of here."
"That's good, but I kind of already got the other two shelters ready to go, and I'm able to contact them directly, so it would be in everyone's best interest if you just waited." She said, and the man looked at her, frustration apparent in his expression.
"As I've said, we are fine. Please leave, and nothing else will happen."
"Listen, if this is about the whole revolting thing, I get it, you guys were panicked. Unless you killed someone, I can probably get you out of any repercussions-" She was interrupted as the main raised a pistol up and pointed it at her.
"I'm going to ask one more time for you to leave. After that, I'll be forced to use this."
"Alright, let's calm down. Besides, a bullet isn't going to do much to a guardian." As I said this, I quickly asked Celeste in my head if that was true.
"You would probably be able to take a few shots before they began piercing your skin, but even then, those shots would likely break bones and cause internal bleeding." Okay, new strategy, don't get shot. As I was figuring out how to get out of this situation, one of the other men in the group walked beside the leader.
"Ian, man, this is getting absurd. She said she can get us off the hook, let's just trust her!" The leader, presumably Ian, wheeled around to face his friend.
"Shut up! We're in too deep at this point!"
"This isn't worth it anymore-" Before he could finish, Ian took the pistol and moved it from me to the other man, and quickly everyone began drawing their weapons. I realized this was quickly spiraling out of control.
"ALRIGHT! Everyone, put your god damn weapons down!" Thankfully, while I was a cute fox girl, I was also somewhere close to seven feet tall and had a decently imposing voice if I needed to, so most everyone was intimidated and quickly dropped their guns, aside from Ian and the other man, who were still locked in a standoff. Everyone backed away from them while I talked to Celeste in my head as quick as I could before things got worse.
"Celeste, this is getting ridiculous. I have an idea, but I need some help with it." I quickly described what I would need, and after Celeste confirmed it was possible, I got a notification showing everything had gone right.
Ability Created: Gravity Manipulation
This ability allows the user to control gravity, affecting its force and direction down to an incredibly precise level. This lets the user pick up and throw objects and people, slow enemy's movements, and much more.
I obtained some basic knowledge on using the ability and looked back up at the two men who were yelling at each other.
"Okay, that's it. You two are going to drop your weapons, now! After that, Ian, you are going to apologize for threatening this man!" I said, and Ian scoffed as he turned to look at me. Before he could say anything, the two suddenly felt their weapons drop to the ground with a thud as I pulled them out of their hands remotely. Surprised, Ian dived for his, but saw it slide across the room over to me along with the other pistol, as I put my foot down on one.
"Ian, apologize."
"Fuck you! I'm not going to apologize to this asshole!"
"Wrong answer." I said, and I held my hand out towards Ian. He slammed into the ground, feeling bones crack, not from the fall but the pressure mounting on his back. He quickly tried to stand up, but as he did, he suddenly felt himself crashing back down to the ground. He struggled as he tried to rise again and again, but he felt the force getting stronger and stronger as he did.
"I'm sorry, I'm fucking sorry, just stop this!" I dropped my hand down and the force pulling him subsided, and I took the time to pull all the other weapons I could behind me. Ian tried to scramble away but was stopped by a few of the other people.
"Good. Now, someone is going to explain to me what the hell happened here, and maybe then I'll keep you guys from facing legal trouble." Everyone in the room was clearly terrified at this point, and the other man walked up to me.
"Um, thank you? What the hell did you do to him?"
"It's a guardian thing, don't worry about it. Now talk. And someone go tie up that guy." The people who had stopped Ian began restraining him and I lifted all the weapons over to me and put them into my inventory for the time being.
"Well, there's typically a reward associated with a civilian helping other civilians get to safety in an invasion. Me and my friend Ian were just hanging out here when everything happened, and once we got into the shelter, he convinced us we could make a lot of money if we escorted everyone by ourselves. So, we sort of knocked out all the guards and took their weapons. That big thing outside stopped us right before we were going to leave."
"Okay, here's what's going to happen. I'll go and get all the guards back into shape and give them their weapons back, and all of you will stay here while I take care of some final business. Then, once I finish everything, we will leave, and we won't discuss this with the police. If anyone says anything, Ian was the only one who tried to do anything. To make sure you all act properly, I'll be leaving behind this." I said, taking out Mars and letting him hover in midair. If anything happened, he would send a ping to Celeste immediately.
A few dissenting voices started yelling at me but were quickly silenced as Mars took his gun out of his chassis. Of course, they didn't know that he wouldn't actually fire it unless I said so, but I wasn't about to tell them that anytime soon. I walked over to where I knew the computer room was, and quickly found a few other people in the room standing watch over about twelve tied up guards.
"Where the hell did you guys even get this much rope? You know what, never mind, I don't care." The remaining armed civilians who weren't in the loop quickly raised their weapons, but as they did, they felt the guns fly out of their hands towards me, and as soon as they reached me they flew directly into my inventory with a visual as though they had fallen into a pool of liquid and vanished.
The rebels raised their hands, and I pointed outside to the main room. They ran out as fast as they could, and I used my ability to begin untying half the guards while directly untying the other half. Turns out, having what is essentially better telekinesis was absurdly useful.
As I took the cloth blocking their mouths, the guards immediately began yelling in outrage over what had happened to them, and what I assumed was a commanding guard due to the badge on his chest walked up to me.
"Ma'am, I am so sorry you had to deal with this. We will handle everything from here." He said, and I raised my hand.
"It's fine. I am a little confused on how those guys got you all, but we don't have time for that. Only the one in charge is getting punished, the rest were just idiots. If you don't like, I can do one of two things. Either I can tell your boss not to fire you, or I can say nothing. Which would you prefer?" The guards swiftly changed their opinions on the people who had attacked them, and I smiled as I looked towards the one in charge.
"Unless you have anyone in immediate medical distress, get everyone ready to go. Once I purchase a few things, I'm leaving."
"Sounds good. Where are you heading next?"
"I've got one last thing to take care of before we leave." I said, taking a look at the cameras, seeing the first floor was suddenly much emptier than it was earlier. It was time to make good on my promise from earlier.