Chapter 8: The Hunt
- Finally, it's almost time – said Neriehem, getting up from the ground. After that he also shook the shoulder of a girl lying beside him. - Come on, wake up sis. It's almost time.
- Mhmmm... five minutes... - she mumbled, about to roll over to another side. However Neriehem didn't let her, as he picked her up.
- All right, now either you wake up or I drop you to the ground.
- It's not like you would do something like this to your little...
Bang!
Viricide immediately jumped up after she hit the ground with her head.
- Ouch! That hurt, you know! - she said, giving him angry look. - I had no idea you were so heartless. Now I know why girls always distanced themselves from you.
- It's about time – said Neriehem, ignoring his sister's words. - Better get ready for some action.
- Yeah, yeah... You know, when you focus on something you suddenly become so serious and all. Learn to chill out, will you? - said Viricide, stretching her body.
In Rising, you actually felt stiff if you slept on a hard gound. It was hard to believe that this level of realism was possible, as it transcended the level of technology. However N.O.V.A. Corporation managed to do it, creating ultimate game. Or ultimate world, as they called it themselves.
A few minutes passed as Neriehem glanced at the clock tower. There he could see that there was still time. He turned to Viricide.
- Right, before we start the battle, I have something to ask you?
- Bring it on – said Viricide cheerfully, making an OK sign with her hand.
- How do you use your skills?
- By saying their name... isn't that obvious?
- Actually I have discovered that there's another way. Although difficult to master, once you get it down you will be able to use every skill you have learned much faster. You can just focus on the effect the skill is supposed to have, and if you do it hard enough, you won't need to speak out it's name. That's how I managed to use my Crimson Blitz when I dodged your bullets at the arena.
- Isn't that cheating? - asked suprised Viricide. - I mean, how come it's possible? Is the VRG reading our minds?
- That's not out of the question.
- Waaaah, scary! What if they make some changes to our brains while we play?
- Impossible... Actually I have researched some info about VRGs and found out that they have performed numerous tests on it out of fear that such a thing would be possible. There was nothing wrong with the mashine.
- All right, I feel much better knowing this – said Viricide with a smile. - Oh, do you want to know how I dealt so much damage to you with only grazing your head?
- Sure.
- I used a skill called Mana Infusion. Thanks to that, I can increase the damage dealt with weapons I infuse with my mana. At first I could only put in a small amount of it, however with training I managed to do it using 100% of it! Now, I infused those two bullets with my whole mana I had at the time and fired them. If they went in a little deeper you would be downed instantly! Tee hee~
At that statement Neriehem could only blink a few times, blessing his reflexes.
- Oh right, how do you do it? I mean, infuse your mana into things?
- You want to learn it? Aren't you strong enough?
- Now I am, but that may come in handy later.
- Ahh... all right. Let's start from the basics. You know what mana is, right?
- Some kind of energy within you?
- You can say so. It's the energy your body takes in from area around you. Under normal circumstances it's taken in from the air, as it's absorbed while breathing. Then there's eating and drinking, and if you master mana controll, you can suck mana from terrain around you! Isn't it awesome?
- All right, but you changed the subject now.
- Arrgh... all right. I'll cut it short so that an air-head like you can understand then.
- Who said I'm an air-head?
- Now it's you changing the subject – Viricide pointed out.
- …
- Okay, now then, that energy is stored within your body. You can store more as you increase your intelligence stat. Or, from what I've read, there are also other ways however in the book I went trough there was nothing about it, just that it's possible.
- Get to the point, will you?
- I was just reaching it! All right, to infuse the weapon with mana first you need to find the mana bank in your body. After that it's easy, you just take the amount you need and put it into whatever you're holding.
- Can I transfer it into specific body parts?
- I believe it's possible – said Viricide while tilting her head – but I didn't try it yet. Now, that sounds nice. I'll try it.
After that Viricide closed her eyes and made a serious expression. Neriehem didn't see any change, until suddenly ground exploded and he started to cough from the dust.
- Cough, cough, cough. Hey sis, you okay? - he shouted.
- Cough, cough, not exacly, but I'm alive if that's what you, cough, mean.
Finally the dust cloud fell and they could stop coughing.
- What did you do?
- Well I tried sending mana to my legs and after that jump. I almost made it, but then mana left my body as if it was air sucked by the void. And then the ground exploded...
- ...All right.
Then the bell from the clock tower started to sing it's sad melody. It noticed everyone of the nighttime.
The very same moment around them appeared seven pitch-black spots. They grew bigger and bigger in size, until they reached about 2 meters in diameter.
From inside came out demons, numbering a total of 10. It seemed that some portals brought more then one.
Immediately the siblits heard screams of dread, as the players out in the streets saw the demons that appeared.
When Viricide looked at the monsters around her, she felt disgust. There was no trace of fear in her. That was because she was with her brother, the fear effect was cancelled out by his willpower.
- Ding! - she has received a new message. But she paid no heed to it, as she lifted her handguns and started firing at the demons around her.
She fired bullets with 100% of her mana infused inside each one of them. That was only possible because of the preparations before actual battle.
Right now she fired singe bullets at each of the demons surrounding her. Every hit was right on the head. Seeing that she smiled. She didn't have the title of Headhuntress for nothing.
Neriehem only watched her as she quickly dealt with surrounding demons. Actually, he was certain that she would deal with them. He knew how strong she was, and instead focused on finding the mana bank inside his body. He knew his intelligence stat was minimal, so he didn't imagine having something grand. However he couldn't find it no matter where he looked. Finally he frowned as he concentrated even more, forgetting to be mindful of his surroundings.
Because of that he received suprise hit to the head from Viricide.
- Hey, stop dozing off. Or are you so tired that you decided to sleep while standing? - she asked teasingly, tilting her head to the side as she looked at him with her hands placed on her hips.
- Not really, I just had something on my mind...
- What's that? Maybe I can help, you know.
- It's that I couldn't find my mana bank.
- Hey it's not so easy as to do that immediately, you know. Just spend some time after we hunt down those friggin' clows spawning around in the night – she said, turning around and going ahead.
- Yeah, you're right. We've got a city to clean, don't we? - said Neriehem joining her, while he equipped his katana.
* * *
Five hours passed since beginning of the night. The duo moved trought the hordes of enemies liek they weren't there. Their movements weren't something extraordinary. However observant person would notice that both of them had weights on their arms and legs. As if that on it's own wasn't very impressive feat, the duo was moving with terrifying precision.
Well, that could be certainly said about the man. However female accompanying him wasn't too far behind. After a while one would be able to notice that she gradually got better and better. And that from time to time she would stop attacking only to materialise some strange rods and put them to weights, only to resume moments later.
The man has made breaks from fighting from time to time as well. However instead of adding weight to the bands on his limbs, he started to quickly pick up some things from the ground lying next to dead bodies. Actually he was using his skill for that, which made him leave a crimson trail behind his every movement... They were such a strange pair.
But despite all that their teamwork was flawless. The man and woman covered each other's backs, constantly looking out for each other and making sure they didn't get separated too far.
It was a sight to behold.
If only there was anybody who would dare to watch them.
* * *
- Hey, Ner, I have ran out of the lead bars. What to do? - asked Viricide as she was scoring yet another headshot on the enemy closing in at the man's back.
- Shut up and focus on the battle – he replied, dashing and cutting something behind her. He left bloody trail behind himself in the air.
- But tell me. How can I get stronger if I have reached the limit? - she continued, shooting two monsters on the opposite sides of her. More headshots to the count.
- After we're done with those guys tonight, I was going to order another set of those weights. Oh right, can you remind me later to check on which metal is the heaviest one accessible in here? I'm going to make weights from that later on – answered Neriehem casually, cutting through three demons with one swing.
The two continued their casual talk, making their way towards the park. They set it as their destination, as there they wouldn't be disturbed by the people the moment morning came.
They considered it as even harder to deal with than a sea of demons.
* * *
- Wheeew, finally! I never thought that I would be so happy to see the light of a new day – said Viricide and smiled, as she covered her eyes with her hand. However soon she noticed that it was drenched in demons' blood. After noticing that she started looking around at herself. - Eeeeew, gross. I'm all in this whole demon stuff. It's gross!
- Don't worry, the sun will clean out all of it. - Said Neriehem, laying down at the clearing.
- Are you sure about it?
- Yeah... I have hunted those demons last night, didn't I?
- Right, I forgot – she said and laid down beside him.
After a while the sunrays touched them and they felt pleasant warmth as they bathed in it. Also, their clothes were purified of anything with demonic origin stuck on them.
- All right, I'm going to sleep for a few hours.
- Here, on the ground?
- Yeah, after that let's lot out for a while.
- Okay – said Viricide, changing her position. She put her head on Neriehem's chest as they both fell asleep.
* * *
Meanwhile the city was in low spirits.
Even though they saw bodies of dead demons again, everybody was down. Because it meant that the horror still continued.
Some of them called out to whatever God they believed in, praying that he or she would grant Savior the power to complete the task of saving the city.
They were desperate, now that they glimpsed hope.
* * *
Finally the siblings woke up. As they were stretching around, they received many funny looks from surrounding people. Everybody thought they were a couple and found them naughty for sleeping out in the open. They all imagine that they spent the night doing something else together.
Something very naughty...
Finally the pair logged out and onlookers immediately resumed whatever they were doing.
While they were logged out, both of them took care of their necessities and looked up some info on the metals accessible in Rising. After that they sorted it in order from heavies to lightest:
- Gravity Stone
- Dark Ore
- Prometheum
- Adamanite
- Aredrite
- Altarus
- Gold
- Silver
- Lead
- Iron
- Steel
- Oureclase
- Mithril
- All right. Now that we've got the list down, time to head back to the game – said Sebastian, getting up from the chair.
Clare only nodded at that and closed her laptop. They both went to their rooms and started up VRG.
After logging on to the game, the park was already empty. As Neriehem checked the hour, he saw that it was going to be night soon.
- Oh man, another tiring night – complained Viricide as she checked the hour as well.
- Nothing we can do about it. But don't let this kind of thing wear you down.
- What do you mean? It's just sooo boring.
- Yeah, I know. But think of it as an investment. If you work hard now, later on will be a breeze to you!
- Very uplifting... thanks, now you sound like some teacher.
- But that's important to keep in mind!
- But not pleasant to hear, you know – she said and gave him a hit to the side.
- Hey, that actually hurt, you know. What's your strength now?
- I'll tell you only if you show me your stats.
- Then you show me yours.
- Deal. But you first!
- Ahh, when will you grow up... - said Neriehem while focusing on sharing his status window with his sister.
Status WindowName:NeriehemAlignment:NeutralLevel:---Class:NoneRace:AsyrianGender:MaleTitlesCrimson BlitzFame:0Infamy:0-Health:100% / 100%Health Regen:0.6% / SecMana:100% / 100%Mana Regen:1% / SecStamina:100% / 100%Stamina Regen:1% / Sec-Strenght:716Agility:872Vitality:394Perseverance374Intelligence:10Wisdom:10Leadership:34Willpower199-Attack:61%Defense:78%Physical ResistancesSlashing:16%Piercing:14%Crushing:6%Elemental ResistancesFire:50%Water:-50%Wind:0%Earth:0%Light:0%Darkness:15%As Asyrian you have:
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
- increased starting strength, agility and stamina at the cost of losing Luck stat;
- increased rate of gaining increase to existing statistics;
- increased slashing and piercing resistance trought the natural scales on your body;
- increased fire resistance at the cost of having lower water resistance.
By training you can nullify the effect of negative water resistance. Once water resistance reaches at least neutral level this message will dissapear.
- Wow that's some good stuff you have there! - shouted suprised Viricide.
- Well, I did train a lot after all... - said Neriehem as he scratched the back of his head. - Anyway, now it's your turn.
- Okie~ - she said and focused a bit. Actually right now she was still learning how to use skills nonverbally, so she took every occasion she could. Before long her windows popped before Neriehem.
[tr][td100]Status Window
Name:ViricideAlignmentNeutralLevel:---Class:NoneRace:Dark ElfGender:FemaleTitle:NoneFame:0Infamy:0-Health:100%/100%Health Regen:0.5% / SecMana:100%/100%Mana Regen:1,4% / SecStamina:100%/100%Stamina Regen:1.5% / Sec-Strength:267Agility:715Vitality:148Focus337Intelligence:86Wisdom:74Luck:10Confidence84-Attack:100%Defence:100%Physical Resistances:Slashing:20%Piercing:20%Crushing:10%Elemental Resistances:Fire:5%Water:5%Wind:5%Earth:5%Light:5%Darkness:20%As a Dark Elf you have:
- increased hearing sensitivity and range;
- additional rate of gaining increase to magic-related stats;
- additional rate of increasing agility stat;
- lower rate of increasing strength stat;
- naturally increase to elemental resistances by 5%;
- additional starting stats in intelligence and wisdom at the cost of losing leadership stat.
- Wow, what's the deal with this Confidence stat?
- You know, I got it after dealing with those demons yesterday. It said something about increasing my self-esteem while being with someone who I can trust and rely on, as well as when I do certain deeds. However the second part wasn't precised.
- And so you got it because you dealth with those demons?
- Only because you were there, you know. I believed that if I was in danger you would definitely rescue me. And so I didn't fear them at all!
- I see... so it looks like my Willpower stat can affect others. It's good to know that!
- Yeah. Oh, looks like our entertainment showed up at last.
- Aren't you a little too eager for a fight?
- Not at all. I want to make a new headshot record.
- ...and how high is it so far?
- Just 3492. Trust me, I counted – said Viricide stunning Neriehem for a second. As he came back to his senses She has already cleared most of surrounding demons.
- Hurry up, will ya? Or there will be nothing left!
- 'I sweat that she's one hell of a witch now...' - thought Neriehem as he jumped into the fray. They cleared the area up in seconds. After that they stopped.
- What's wrong, aren't you going to go on?
- It's going to be yet another boring night like this. And I've had enough after the first one! Sooo... I've got an idea!
- ...what is it?
- Let's make it a competition between us! We're going to split up and roam through the city. I'll take the right and you the left. We're going to meet up at the clock tower by the morning. How's that?
- Fine. But the loser has to pay for the repairs for a week!
- Then prepare your wallet.
- Not in a million years.
After that they smiled, clasped high-five and dashed in opposite directions. Of course they kept the weights on.
* * *
- 12'526, 12'529, 12'530. Any more? - asked Neriehem, looking around. At the same moment sun lit the square he was in.
- How many did you get? I bet I've beaten you with my 9'253!
- Haha, I told you. Not in a million years. 12'530 here.
- You cheated! There's no way in hell that you'd kill such a ridiculous number of them. You must have made it up!
- And I tell you that I've really killed them all.
- Awww... all right, you win. But be prepared to lose next time!
- Don't count on it Viri – replied Neriehem with a smirk.
At the same moment they realised that something's wrong. They were surrounded from all sides. As the siblings got ready to fight, a man in white clothes made his way to the front of the crowd. After he saw them, he fell on his knees and started to sing praises about them:
- Ohh, the Savior finally showed himself to us. And not only that! He had brought yet another of the God-sent warriors to protect us from the demonic forces of night! Let us...
Neriehem was stunned. He looked around in confusion, as did Viricide. Those people who suddenly showed up called them their saviors and actually one by one started to fall on their knees and worship them! Neriehem had enough of it. He whispered to the Viricide:
- Hey, let's run away from here. I'm going to use my Crimson Blitz to make escape, hold on tight.
- Got it – she replied and held him tight as he picked her up.
Next moment they were running at a frightening speed. Viricide seeing that held even tighter, however soon enough she relaxed and started laughing at the wind blowing in her face. She closed her eyes and smiled with pleasure.
- You know, you should give me this kind of a ride more often. And just so you know, the girls are going to love it!
- Thanks for advice, somehow I concluded that after looking at you just now.
- W-what?! Hey, I changed my mind. Better let me down!
- Sure. There you go – said Neriehem with a mischievous smile on his face.
Viricide was sent flying. She looked around at the scenery, as she passed over buildings. The people below her were watching her fly with their eyes wide open. She felt like a queen of the world.
That is, until the ground started to accelerate, seemingly impatient for their reunion.
- Noooooooo! - she screamed.
The EndPrevious ChapterNext Chapter
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Yay, finished another chapter!
I can only say that it's half-way through the City of Beginners Arc.
Feel free to share your thoughts about the possible story outcome!
I might use some of the ideas later on when I will run out of the ones of my own. :;^^: