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Max cleared both the Hall of Blades and the Fire Chamber. Not as easily as Leah, but without any serious missteps. He took a quick breather, looking at his system notices.
[Agility +3, Endurance +1, Vitality +3, Intelligence +1, Will +1]
[Body Skill Painless +1, Painless reaches level 9]
[Body Skill Reflex +1, Reflex reaches level 6]
[Resistance Skill Resist Heat +2, Resist Heat reaches 3]
[Mind Skill Fast Cog +1, Fast Cog reaches 9]
[Sense Skill ExaVision +1, ExaVision reaches level 7: Utilize active microwave pulses to improve vision into the microwave bandwidth]
[Hall of Blades challenge achieved, +100 XP - extra awards possible for a perfect run without damage.]
[Fire Chamber challenge achieved, +100 XP - extra awards possible for a perfect run without damage.]
Max felt his wounds knitting. The blades had scored a couple of really deep slashes despite his [Skin] skill. Leah’s advice about using thermal sight in the Fire Chamber was quite helpful. The right side of his head and his tail were missing some hair, but he had avoided serious injury in the chamber.
Max smiled at his next challenge, the Scrambler. He had done well in their home fabrication of this challenge with about a 50% pass rate. He hoped he could get through the real thing and get some experience in the Trap Maze. He didn't have a good feel for that obstacle yet.
“[No worries, Max. You’ve got me to help now, and I love puzzles.]” Mal whispered in his head.
With an involuntary yip, Max leaped onto the first platform. The rough surface shot forward, and Max successfully dug his claws in to avoid being thrown as it spun sideways. Max ducked as the platform shot past a low-hanging bar, protruding from the wall, at head level. Charlie had advanced his [Unbreakable] and [Neural Scaffold] skills almost to Max’s level with repeated attempts at this challenge. A moment of hesitation or inattention in the Scrambler would guarantee getting pummeled or thrown free.
Max tensed, getting ready to leap. The platform was going to reverse soon, and he needed to be ready to jump for the next one. Seeing the others on the course, Max closed his eyes using his other senses. Mal painted his OverLayer with EM, Thermal, Terahertz, and Microwave length patterns. Max sensed the platform slow and triggered his leap.
Despite his closed eyes, Max was almost blinded at the critical juncture. The bastard course architect had a strobe blast go off during the critical moment of his leap. Max’s closed eyes protected him from most of it, but the strobe included some terahertz wavelengths. Mal had managed to shut down and filter that sense in a split second, saving Max from getting dazzled and distracted. He landed with his claws, digging in and getting a good grip, as the new platform flipped upside down and shifted sideways at extreme acceleration.
Max held tight as an expected rubber cannonball slammed into his side and another narrowly missed his head. Max hunkered down and hugged the platform as tight as he could. Max was hyper-alert as the platform flipped again, holding tight with his claws. Max soon saw exactly what he had expected.
This course designer is a grade-A ass-hat! Max thought.
He saw the platform racing towards the bar that was leveled perfectly to scrape the surface of the platform. Max leaped over the bar and managed to regain his grip on the platform, as it shifted immediately to the side into a corkscrew spiral. Despite the danger, Max’s tongue hung loose. The motion exhilarated him rather than making him sick.
Max saw the tunnel ahead and sunk low again. As the platform shot into the dark recess, Max was stunned. Not by the course, but by Mal’s reaction. Upon entry into the tight space, Mal freaked out. Her screams echoed in his head, and she fought him for control of his augmentations. Something like ghostly tentacles seemed to reach out at him in his overlay. Max wasn't sure what happened. Did he get hit or lose his grip? He wasn’t certain as he slammed into an unyielding surface and the lights went out?
He came to his senses as he was dumped out of the course ejection chute. He shook his head, his ears still ringing.
[Resistance Skill: Neural Scaffold +1, Neural Scaffold reaches level 7]
[Body Skill: Armor +1, Armor reaches level 5]
[Resistance Skill: Resist Light +1, Resist Light reaches level 10 – Skill Cap award +100xp, new skill unlocked]
[New Body Skill: Strobe 1 – utilize augmentation dermal lasing diode emitters to entertain your friends and dazzle your enemies.]
“[Mal. MAL! What’s the matter? What was that?]” Max thought? He could barely hear her whisper.
“[Phtho'nox, thal shoggoth naxidu.]” Mal was mumbling, barely audible in his mind-space.
“[Mal! What’s going on? Are you okay? Talk to me!]” Max screamed internally. Mal slowly returned to coherence as Max stumbled back from the stage.
“[Max. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I felt for a second like I was back in the Tesseract. I’m so sorry. I messed up and lost control.]” Mal said, hesitantly.
Max didn't have an opportunity to dig deeper as Mrs. Matthews came up to him.
“A good try, Max. Almost three stages on your first attempt. Good job.” she said. “Let's get back to the others and let the next student start, okay?”
Max nodded to the teacher but projected internally.
“[Mal, I think we need you to spend some more time with Leah’s AI, Solace. Later. And we need a set up to make sure that you won’t mess up my augs when I need them.]” he sent. He grimaced when Mal’s brooding silence was his only answer.
The trio of friends watched the others take turns through the course. The Thark boy, Xavier, was spectacularly dismal. Failing to make significant headway into the very first challenge. The lack of coordination was comical at best. It was as if he was fighting against his own limbs. The petite blond girl, Samantha, was from Luna. She was surprisingly agile and nimble. A sure sign of the low-gravity upbringing enhancing her natural flexibility and dexterity. She breezed past the Blade Chamber but got confused in the Fire Chamber, and got badly singed.
The only one who managed to clear three challenges was Tyler and the new kid with the blue hair, Leroy. Both demonstrated that their Path of the Body skills were very solid. It was just a matter of time until one managed to defeat the course, but it didn’t look like today was the day.
Leah revealed some of Leroy’s history to the boys from a conversation she had with him while Max was helping Charlie recover from his pass through the Trap Maze. Leroy Jenkins was a citizen AI who had quit his job as an NPC for Mythic Realms. His adopted name was a nickname given to him by game players for his aggressive and boisterous approach to the VR game. Leroy was taking advantage of the augmentation program to get a top-of-the-line android body with augmentations for free instead of purchasing one with his savings. He was also looking for a team to go to the Labyrinth.
His overzealous behavior in the game was apparently a result of his need to win battles to earn points for the coveted transition. The Mythic Realm players had found his behavior amusing and deadly, often leading their party into disastrous raids, which was why they had called him "Leroy Jenkins" after the infamous character from an old earth game.
As the evening wore on, the hilarity and awe of their failed and partially successful attempts began to wane. The group of hopefuls became more reflective, their heads filled with the knowledge of the challenges that lay ahead and the realization that surviving the challenges of the Labyrinth was not a small feat.
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After the class’s energy was spent and no more challengers volunteered, the teachers ushered the group back to the Academy rooms for a final tutorial and details about the questlines for the Mystery Labyrinth.
“Excellent session on the course students. I hope it was as enlightening for you as it was entertaining for me.” Qasim said in his cheerful demeanor. He was still very energized and paced in front of the class. Mrs. Matthews by comparison was serene and collected.
“Now the Adept stage should see all of you integrating your body and mind skills and begin to exercise control of the world around you through them. As most of you have already learned crafting, designing, and fabricating, this provides an ideal bridge to understanding your augmentation's inner workings and its abilities. Once you reach the peak of the Adept stage you will find that the Master stage requires you to learn and customize your abilities rather than advancing within the system. How far you continue your journey into the Mastery stage depends on you. Once you achieve it, the training system will terminate and you should have an intrinsic knowledge of your new capabilities without its tempering and assistance.” he finished.
“So before you all go, we did promise a questions and answers session regarding the Mystery Labyrinth in NYC. Do you have any further questions?” Qasim paused. “OK then, remember your AI Assist or Companion skill has the training program details embedded in their core memory, so if you are unclear they can help. Now, onto the Labyrinth. Many of you should have active quests regarding it. What would you like to know?” All the hands in the room went up. Qasim pointed to the red-headed boy.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Rudy, you first.” Professor Qasim said.
“Do we need to delve into the Labyrinth to get to Mastery? I’ve heard the final levels are deadly and, like, I’ve got a job right now. I don’t think I can spend weeks delving.” Rudy asked.
"Absolutely not, Rudy," Qasim answered with a smile. "While the Labyrinth does provide an exceptional environment for growth and learning due to its unpredictable and demanding nature, it's not the only way to achieve Mastery. Your job, and continuing to challenge this course, can be an excellent platform for perfecting your skills. Every single action, thought, interaction, and attempt to control your environment with your augmentations can be a stepping stone toward Mastery. Your journey is your own, and you can chart its course in your unique way."
The next question came from the Thark boy, Xavier, who raised his hand awkwardly, betraying his lack of confidence, "How many levels are there?"
Mrs. Matthews stepped forward and spoke.
"An excellent question, Xavier. The Labyrinth has three distinct phases, each run by a different AI. It’s rumored that these AI are modeled after the three Greek Fates: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. The first phase is managed by Clotho and is usually about 10 levels. It does change based on the delving team. The first AI is learning and confirming your team’s foundations are solid. Her goals and attitudes seem to be very benevolent, nurturing the delvers to reveal their potential.”
“The next phase is managed by Lachesis. This level is usually longer and its tempo and approach are very different. This AI will push each team member, trying to get them to grow and overcome any weaknesses that Clotho may have recorded. The final levels in this stage will require teams to work together to finish.”
“The next stage is the most controversial. Atropos will try to break you. Many delvers refuse to go this deep and end their delve here. If you do proceed, most teams will lose members in the last stage. This level is very much trying to kill you, to push you beyond your limitations. Does everyone know what a backup is?” Mrs. Matthews said with a grim look.
The hush in the room was palpable. While a few of the students shared nervous glances, others looked horrified as they pondered the dangerous levels of the Labyrinth.
"Yes..." Qasim interjected, sensing the fear in the room. "Safety is paramount. However, know that the AIs of the Labyrinth aim to push you beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone, with the assumption that you have taught yourselves the necessary skills to survive. I think part of their lesson is that even mortality is not an obstacle for you." Qasim nodded to Mrs. Matthews, who continued to explain.
"The Labyrinth and your Trainer AI will be given the skill to create a full brain map and consciousness pattern recording before you enter the final phase. This backup, in the unfortunate event of death inside the Labyrinth, allows you to be fully restored at the point of the backup at the start of the level. The rewards for the final stages are said to have the most astoundingly valuable achievements and powerful novel devices, many not available on the MakerIndex. It is designed to be extremely attractive. If anyone had successfully delved to the final level, they haven’t admitted to it. These levels are mostly unknown as they are fully customized to the delvers. Backups occur at the beginning of the levels, so detailed regarding delving finishes are poorly recorded.” she finished. The class mulled this over thoughtfully, greed and fear fighting battles in each student.
Both of Max’s adoptive parents had been killed in the real and recovered from backups. His father hadn’t had any issues, but his mother had complications with her backup. Her isolation into virtual worlds and her fear of the real world was profound now and not something she had prior to her backup.
“I’ve heard that you need uniquely crafted devices to advance all the levels. Is that true?” Max asked. Mrs. Matthews answered, with some relief at dropping the earlier grim topic.
“It isn’t a requirement for all levels. The early levels especially, don’t need it. Usually before a grand challenge or boss battle at the end of a level, a device is needed to unlock a room or door. The Labyrinth will decompile and recompile the item, giving it back but retaining its full design. It is a common theory that these sacrificial items are used as rewards for completing a boss battle or level. Obviously, the Labyrinth will not return your devices directly to you, but rather dole them out to others. Items that you wish to remain unique or proprietary should not be gifted to the dungeon.” Mrs. Matthews finished with a look inviting further questions.
“Is it true that the dude who created the Labyrinth was a fucked in the head nut case?” Dalton asked, crude and vulgar even with teachers. With a distasteful look, Professor Qasim answered.
“Alexei Ivanov was a genius the likes of which is still quite rare despite the many benefits of our universal and customized education system. While eccentric for certain, he was a founding member of the Samaritans organization, before he retired to visit the many colonies budding throughout the solar system. He invented many key advances in energy storage, AI design, and nanosystems. He first opened the Labyrinth as a challenge to the next generation to achieve more and not sink into the comfort of VR worlds. He hasn’t been seen for over three decades. He was last seen inside the Labyrinth designing ever more challenging levels. Some like to believe that he’s still down there making more, but that’s somewhat fanciful. Don’t you think? Haha.” Qasim finished with a light note.
Leroy, who had been silent, finally asked a question.
“Is it true that the Labyrinth is considered a sovereign state and won’t allow UN or city personnel inside?” Leroy asked. Qasim hesitated.
“I’m not actually sure. Anyone with augmentation in training mode can enter and challenge the dungeon, but the Labyrinth won't provide access to anyone other than active Delvers. So, I guess the answer is a little bit yes and a little bit no.” Qasim shrugged.
“Do delving teams ever meet in the Labyrinth?” Charlie asked. Mrs. Matthews answered.
“That is true. Most levels are instanced to the group, but occasionally the Labyrinth does pit teams in competition with each other. I think this is most common in the challenge levels where Lachesis is trialing a group's ability to work together.” she said with assurance. Charlie looked thoughtful, eyeing the others in the room.
"I see," Charlie responded, nodding slowly in understanding. "And what happens if a team fails to win one these competitive challenge levels? Would they be... kicked out of the Labyrinth, or worse?" He asked, curiosity heavy in his voice.
"Well," Mrs. Matthews began cautiously, looking somber, "Failure in any level of the Labyrinth is severe, but particularly so in the challenge levels. A team that fails can expect severe penalties. Usually, the winning teams are given keys to unlock levels without the need for a unique device whilst the losers might require two such to unlock the next challenge.” She spoke.
“A note of caution, students. The Labyrinth is a one-time attempt. If you reach your limits and retire, you won’t ever be readmitted. So, if you do want to attempt a Delve, don’t leave on a whim.” Professor Qasim advised.
Leroy raised his hand again, a troubled look on his face. "And how long do we have to complete each level?"
Mrs. Matthews turned to Leroy and said, "While there are no official time limits. Some challenges might be time-based. Consider the delve as an extended excursion or camping trip, plan well before you enter. The Labyrinth provides a safe zone, free from roving mob challenges and with access to food, beds, and bathrooms. So as long as you don’t mind roughing it, you can take your time on these levels."
"Naturally, if you're stuck on a level for an extended period, the mental strain could be considerable," Qasim added. "Solve the challenges as efficiently as you can. You don't want to be stuck in a psychological battle with yourself.”
Listening attentively, Dalton grumbled, "How do you even prepare for the unknown challenges? It all seems like a rigged game."
Qasim laughed lightly, clearly amused. "That's the beauty and terror of the Labyrinth, Dalton. You prepare as much as you can with the knowledge and tools available to you, but the Labyrinth will test your on-the-spot decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ultimately all delvers eventual stop their explorations, not due to physical resilience but rather an inability to solve a difficult puzzle. You need to bring your all and have a well-balanced team, physical, mental, and creative; to reach the deepest levels.”
“I wish you all good luck as you continue to explore your augmentations. If you need help arranging a team, the Academy’s online portal can assist you. Additionally, the Labyrinth has waiting early levels for Delver’s to form team or pick up extra members. I would be careful with this as working together is important in the depths. The other most common cause of a team’s delve being ended is poor team dynamics. You only get one chance so don’t waste it. I hope to see you all in a few years at the Annual Academy Master Alumni Reunion. Thank you.” Professor Qasim said, dismissing the class.
The class absorbed the information, some with apprehension, others like Max with eagerness. Max, Charlie, and Leah gathered around a small table in the corner of the room, as they discussed their final team member. The class buzzed with excitement, all the cliques forming. Both Xavier and Leroy were off to the side, clearly hoping for someone to look their way.
"Alright, guys, it's decision time," Charlie said, leaning in as he looked at his two friends. "I mean, Leroy's got some real energy, you know? That Obstacle course was no joke, and he went at it like a hurricane. Plus, he's got that go-getter attitude."
Max nodded; his brows furrowed in deep thought. "Yeah, I noticed that too. Leroy's enthusiasm is infectious. But, think about it, Charlie. We need a well-rounded team. We should consider Xavier as well. He may not have the physical skills right now, but with our help, he could level up quickly. I think his crafting skills could be invaluable in the Labyrinth."
Leah, who had been listening intently, chimed in, "Xavier's intelligence, his crafting abilities, and his ability to strategize could make him a great asset in the Labyrinth. He came close to winning against me in the tournament. I think he's got potential. Max, you're right; with our support, we can turn him into a formidable teammate."
Charlie scratched his chin, mulling over the options. "Yeah, I guess you're right. We need a balance. Leroy's got energy but maybe we need Xavier's brains and his crafting skills more. It would be a better-balanced team." With that settled, Charlie, not one to waste any time, rushed over to Xavier before he could leave.
"Hey, Xavier," he called out, tapping the stocky Thark on the shoulder.
Xavier turned around, a hopeful look in his eyes. "Um. Hey there, Charlie, right? What's up?"
Charlie beamed with enthusiasm, "My team has discussed it and we want you on our team for the Labyrinth challenge. Your crafting skills and your strategic mind make you the perfect choice."
Xavier's eyes lit up with surprise and gratitude. "That’s awesome! Thank you. I won’t let you down.
Everyone agreed to go down to the Labyrinth as soon as possible, which everyone thought was achievable in only a day or two. Charlie was discussing a training plan to bring Xavier’s physical stats up with the short time remaining. The team didn’t think he would be up to their level that quickly, but the training would continue for the entirety of the Labyrinth. They hoped the information about the first levels being easier were true.
Max slid to the side as Sherlock interrupted his thoughts.
“[Master Mitchell, I need a favor if you would?]” Sherlock asked.
“[Sherlock, of course. You were so quiet, I thought you were still away. You’re back from your visit with your alternate incarnations and your brother. Did you learn anything about the hacker?]” Max asked.
“[Indeed, I did, Max. I have a working theory, but I need several bits of information before I can be certain. I would very much like your help with two tasks before your sabbatical to the Labyrinth. These items will likely confirm my theory.]” Sherlock promised.
Max knew from experience that Sherlock wouldn't reveal his theory until it was certain. He didn't waste any time trying to get hints and instead rolled with it.
“[You know I want to help my dad. What do we need to do?]” Max asked.
Sherlock flashed a virtual smile into Max’s mind as he began to explain. "[Firstly, my brother obtained some questionable figures regarding the Grand Oaks energy and material production. I’d like to go to the library and check upon the physical records.]” Sherlock said.
“[Oh, easy one. Although we should hurry, the library is going to close in another hour. What else?]” Max asked.
“[The animals of the Grand Oaks are definitely acting suspiciously, perhaps under guidance, but I believe the EM jamming emanations coming from the Bio Machine Trees may be the most important clue.]” Sherlock said with confidence.
“[Oh Boy, Casa and Dad wanted me to stay away from the Oaks. Although, I never did promise. Our confidentiality clause is still in force, yes?]” Max asked with growing excitement.
“[Of course, you can depend upon me. Casa has displayed a propensity to anticipate your excursions, but I believe her capacities have been reduced with the restraints of the DAIE's neural lock. I calculate that the risks of her discovering our plan for covert surveillance are minimal.]” Sherlock said.
“[Then, the game is afoot. Library first!]” Max said. He said his goodbyes as his gang continued to grill and advise Xavier. One look at the rear entrance and Max shifted directions. Tyler and his gang were talking back there. He would play it safe and take the front entrance.
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