After he reviewed the notification, his eyes focused on Jenthores once again. The leader sat on his wooden chair and stared at Blake silently.

I should really Analyze him.

Blake assumed that mana was the only energy type the avian held. He was used to fighting the monstrous, barely sentient creatures such as the Ursa or Manders. However, the leader was intelligent, capable of choosing multiple classes.

He used the skill on the captive leader.

Stoltar Level 1

Mana

Physical Power - Low

Physical Stamina - Low

Physical Resistance - Low

Magic Power - High

Magic Stamina - High

Magic Resistance - Average

Good, he’s not a threat.

As a mana user, the avian’s hand movements would reveal any intent to attack, long before it could finish the spell form. Even if he got a spell off, the ability would likely be resisted. Jenthores was also not a physical threat to him. It was unlikely an attack by the leader could do more than bruise him, even if he was taken unaware. As long as Blake did not fall asleep, this was a safe location to evolve his spell.

How should I evolve it, though?

Unlike skills, spells could be altered in almost any manner. He would not be limited to a preset path of growth. Instead, the process was almost free-form.

Blake was not exactly sure what the limitations were, but the process was relatively straight forward. When he chose to evolve the spell, he would focus on the change or changes he wanted to make. Then, the Architect would determine the cost of the change.

However, he could not just double the spell’s effect for double the cost. For whatever reason, the Architect only allowed relatively small changes.

Probably just to screw with us.

Blake dismissed the errant thought and considered the possible evolutions to Spatial Step.

Well, obviously I could make the spell teleport me further, but that’s not really that useful.

He wanted to focus on evolutions that would aid him against Manders two levels above him, as he intended to upgrade his ‘Elite Solo Warrior’ achievement. While twenty feet did not seem like much, in their tunnels, it was adequate.

I have plenty of aether, so making it cheaper is pointless. Maybe I should reduce the cooldown.

Blake had never evolved an aether spell in his past life. However, his friends had shared the results of their spell evolutions with him. That knowledge, combined with his own experience working with chi, told him that at most, he could expect a ten percent reduction. As Spatial Step required sixty seconds between casts, that evolution would likely reduce that time to fifty-four.

I guess it’ll have to do. For now.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw partially concealed movement from the seated avian. Blake glanced up and saw that the leader’s hands weaved through the air, as he attempted to cast a spell.

Oh, no you don’t.

Blake briefly considered aiming the rifle and pulling the trigger. However, he was unsure of their anatomy and not certain he could hit the avian in a non-lethal area. Leg and arm shots were far more difficult to pull off than people expected, and he was out of practice.

Instead, he dropped his rifle, unsheathed his sword, and activated Spatial Step. Blake teleported across the room, directly beside the seated avian. Unfortunately, he was faced in the wrong direction.

With a growl of frustration, he pivoted counter-clockwise with his sword raised. Their eyes met, and Blake saw the sense of satisfaction they contained.

Either he’s about to finish the spell, or he wants to die.

Blake did not care which, and lashed out with his sword. His blade cleaved through a thin, feathered arm, and severed its hand. Simultaneously, a blue flash erupted from the bloody stump, but fizzled out before it could fully form.

Loud squawks echoed across the room as Jenthores cradled his stump. The avian’s eyes were wild with panic as he searched for something to stop the bleeding. Simultaneously, the door burst open, and a guard rushed in.

Almost lazily, Blake said, “You may want to get a healer before he bleeds out.”

The guard froze as her eyes darted back and forth between Blake and the head of her flock. The Head frantically gestured with his good hand toward the door. Finally, reason triumphed. She turned and fled in search of a healer.

Blake examined the leader’s severed limb.

“Huh, I expected your bones to be hollow. No wonder you can’t fly.” When the loud squawks were dampened into low moans, Blake said conversationally, “You know Jenthy, I have to thank you for trying to attack me. You gave me a great idea for my spell evolution.”

The avian looked at him in disbelief, yet Blake continued.

“See, I was going to shorten the cooldown on the spell. Useful, sure, but not exactly game changing. Now, though, I realized how annoying it is to face the wrong way after I teleport. Let’s see if I can change it, so I can come out of the Spatial Step facing any direction I wish. Your people better hurry, you don't look so good.”

While the avian leader continued to bleed, Blake navigated through his interface and chose to evolve his Spatial Step ability. Fifty mega-nano immediately disappeared, leaving him with only forty to spare. Blake focused intently on his intended transformation, and grinned when a message appeared before his eyes.

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Spatial Step has successfully evolved.

Multiple notifications appeared, but he dismissed them and quickly checked the level two spells' description.

Guided Spatial Step - Consume a moderate amount of aetheric energy to shift your position by twenty feet. The targeted destination must be in visual range. You may adjust your body so it faces any direction upon arrival. Once cast, Spatial Shift may not be used again for ninety seconds.

Blake winced internally at the fifty percent increased cooldown. He had hoped it would increase the energy required, not the time between casts.

Oh well, time to test it out.

Blake ignored the mortally injured leader and focused on the wall opposite him. As he activated Spatial Step, he visualized the direction he wished to face once he appeared. The short range teleport activated, and he appeared on the opposite side of the hollowed out tree.

This time, however, he faced the open room rather than the wall.

Yes!

The evolution would allow him to teleport behind his enemies and strike them immediately. There would be no need to reorient himself and allow a monster time to react. It was fully worth the cool down penalty.

Actually, if I can change which way my body faces, can I change the position of my arm as well?

He checked the cooldown of Spatial Step, eighty seconds remained. As Blake impatiently waited to test out his new theory, the double doors burst inward and a group of people hurried inside.

Two guards immediately located Blake and warily approached him, while the rest of the avians rushed to their fallen leader. The healer kneeled before the injured Head, and expertly inspected the wound. A moment later, the medic reached into their satchel and retrieved bandages and a bottle of liquid, which they poured over the seeping stump. The leader grunted but remained still for the treatment.

While he observed their healer’s response, one of the two guards found the courage for words. “The Architect’s decree may prevent us from killing you, but it said nothing about taking your own hand in justice.”

Blake rolled his eyes.

“Your Head attacked me first. I think ‘justice’ is already served,” Blake replied drolly. “Besides, the only reason he’s even alive is because of mercy. I could have easily killed him at any point.”

The talkative guard ignored him and said, “We will detain you until Head Jenthores gives us our orders.”

“Of course you will…” Blake sighed.

Okay, time to prove they can’t hurt me.

A moment later, Spatial Step finished its cooldown period. Blake immediately visualized where and how he wanted to exit from the teleportation and activate the spell. A split second later, he disappeared and then reappeared next to the fallen leader.

Yes! It worked.

The room erupted in panic as Blake suddenly appeared beside the injured leader. His dagger was perched a centimeter away from the Head’s throat, while his sword was now sheathed in its scabbard. Blake was ready to instantly end the bird’s life if the flock refused to follow his orders.

Squawks of alarm echoed off the wooden walls, while everyone nearby, including the healer, skittered away. While they recoiled in fear, Blake felt the leader slump in his arm.

He announced in a loud voice, “He’s not doing too good here. If you want your leader to live, then follow his orders. Gather the entire flock and barricade yourselves within one of your trees. I will defeat the threat on my own.”

The room fell silent as they digested his words. A moment later, the medic boldly broke the silence. “What about Head Jenthores? Without healing, he will perish.”

“If I release him, will you all follow orders?”

The healer’s head bobbed enthusiastically. “Yes, yes, of course!”

“Honor your word.” Blake warned as he withdrew his blade. “Get to work.”

When the room remained frozen at his action, he yelled, “NOW!”

The frightened avians erupted into a frenzy of activity. The healer once more knelt before their patient and ignored Blake’s presence, while the guards and attendants fled the room to gather the rest of the flock.

Over the next ten minutes, Blake waited with his back to the carved, wooden wall, rifle in hand. He watched the entire flock trickle inside. When the last avian entered and closed the doors, Blake announced over the soft murmur of conversation, “Until I return, you will all remain within the tree. Do I make myself clear?”

A spattering of affirmation reached him.

Good enough.

He activated his new favorite spell and appeared at the entrance to the room. With a quick motion, he opened the door and strode out of the shelter to patrol the walkways. Once he was assured that the flock would remain behind as ordered, he checked his notifications for any he may have overlooked.

You have gained fifty million nano for completing a directive.

Hah!

With the rewarded nano, Blake essentially received a free spell upgrade. Curious to what the next directive was, he opened his status.

Upgrade all Level 1 spells.

That makes sense. Now what’s the last notification?

For completing ten directives, you have been awarded an achievement. - [Directive Follower]

The [Directive Follower] achievement increases your attributes by 2%.

The achievement was one of the many he had gained in his past life. Blake hated the name, as it implied he was a good follower of the Architect. However, a two percent increase to his base attributes helped assuage his indignation.

Every little bit helps.

Blake closed his interface and began a circuitous route around the elevated town. At first, he remained alert and anxious for battle as he searched the horizon for attackers. However, eventually, his focus strayed as the invader failed to appear.

An hour later, he was bored.

He sat on the swaying rope bridge with his rifle beside him. His feet dangled off the side, while his butt was stationed on the wooden slats. As he sat, idle, his mind wandered. He momentarily wished he could order Metal to maintain the watch, but he was unwilling to break his promise.

I should see how long I have before I can evolve my other spells.

Eager to alleviate the boredom, Blake reviewed his status.

Spells -

Chi -

Regeneration - 82%

Mana -

Flame Shield - 73%

Psi -

Mind Blast - 91%

Aether -

Guided Spatial Step - 1%

Looks like Mind Blast is next.

After he completed the last directive and received the reward, he held ninety million nano in reserve. That was enough to upgrade his next spell when it was complete, and only ten mega-nano short of a second evolution.

Since he had not increased the scenario’s level, he calculated at best, he would receive ten million for completing it. Unfortunately, he also held a rifle. Even if it remained unused, its presence would cut his gains in half. Any enemies he killed with the firearm, would net him next to nothing.

Well, I’m not here for nano anyway, I’m here for the wood.

Blake had to remind himself that his goal was not to farm nano, it was to gather special materials so they could upgrade their faction hall.

Owen Yates: Hey Blake! You almost done in there?

Happy for the distraction, he replied.

Lord Blake Summers, Scion of Humanity: No, I’m supposed to defend the village, but the attackers haven't shown up yet.

Jason Karesek: That sucks.

Kuruk Cosay: Should we get a motel room? It’s getting late.

Lord Blake Summers, Scion of Humanity: Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. They said the attack should happen soon, but honestly, I could be stuck here for days.

Jason Karesek: There’s no time limit?

Lord Blake Summers, Scion of Humanity: Nope. It’s one of the reasons I like fighting monsters. You never get defend missions with them, just straight forward elimination. I know a group who had to wait a whole month for an attack to finish before they could leave. Wait, I hear something. Gotta go.

A faint noise found his ears. He immediately climbed to his feet and collected his rifle to investigate. The distant clamor grew as Blake continued to search for the source.

Finally, the origin revealed itself. A flock of avian invaders glided through the air toward the platforms. Leaves rustled, and branches snapped as they barreled through the growth to reach their destination.

Finally!

Blake shouldered his rifle and aimed carefully at the approaching flight.