Sickly coughing could be heard from what Sorath assumed was a few feet ahead of him. A wad of bloody spit hit the ground to his left as a thin hand reached down offering to help him up.

Sorath shifted his body flipping yo his feet landing in a fighting stance. Before him stood an elderly man with stringy gray hair. His pale face was filled with a red patched rash. From the man’s tatted gray cloak Sorath could see that the rash extended the length of his entire body.

I apologize for the abrupt and rough landing young man. The elderly man said in a weakened voice before he spit up blood again

Where am I? Sorath insisted

Ah yes, that would be a question. You are on floor fifty of the endless dungeon. And before you ask your friends are fine. I placed a protective barrier around them. Nothing can get in or out and it will last as long as this conversation does.

Fifty… that can’t be true, no one has made it past fifteen. Sorath said

The old man just laughed softly

This world has many mysteries and I and those like me are one of them. The man wheezed out as he coughed again.

What do you need to talk to me about, Sorath said, attempting to seem in control.

Sorath took a look around, seeing the white marbled floor that seemed endless. It was like a large stone bridge whose destination was unseen. Squinting he could see beasts in the distance, hundreds of them. Some were massive, what he had assumed was light shining into the open space was actually a constant bombardment of lightning attacks. It was an actual clear barrier. Looking at the old man he now noticed the slight tremors his body left off when the attacks stopped for even a brief second.

There is no need to worry about them you will be back with your friends before these attacks can break through. The puppet master behind these attacks is not here so I will be able to hold this, the old man said.

What do you need me for? Sorath asked again.

To the point, I love it, call me Quanbly. And I need you because humanity needs you.

Sorath’s confusion must have shown on his face as Quanbly quickly started to explain.

Ah I see the problem, I’m sure you are asking yourself what humanity needs from you that you haven’t already given. We all ask that so don’t worry about it. Six hundred and fifty years and it’s also understandable that I wouldn’t remember that feeling. Some strange and handsome old man spouting nonsense about humanity needing you and an unnamed enemy while all you want to do is adventure with your friends.

Sorath looked to the distance, weary of the mob of beasts that were still attacking the barrier.

Don’t worry boy, Quanbly said, it will take more than these pups to break this barrier. At least for the moment. Now what was I saying? Oh right, “humanity needs you”, he says in an ominous tone.

I’m just an adventurer, don’t we have SS- Rankers for the world saving stuff? Sorath asked.

SS- Rank pff, Quanbly mumbles before letting loose another sickly cough. The challenge with those overpowered wastes of space is that they know nothing, he yells. Sure they can battle big beasts but they fight losing battles. Humanity is stuck in this realm and they can’t or won’t do anything about it. They live a kill or be killed lifestyle but we, he taps Sorath’s chest, we my boy bridge gaps.

What are you talking about? Bridge gaps to what? And what do I have to do with this? Sorath said, frustrated.

He didn’t know what was happening to his team or where he really was, or what this old man was talking about. He was actually hoping Quanbly didn’t keel over and die before sending him back. None of this made any sense.

One moment, Quanbly said

A flicker quickly blinked from one spot to the next making its way to where the two men generations apart in age were speaking. Quanbly reached into a small patched pouch which he pulled from around his neck. Out of the pouch he removed an impossibly long stick. Sorath watched as the flicker stopped just feet away from them revealing a tall lanky humanoid figure with a tattered red cloak. Its pointy ears moved as if they were searching for something. Its eyes were just sockets seemingly burnt with fire. When the ears stopped moving as they pointed in Sorath’s direction it’s blue cracked lips parted to reveal long pointed teeth. As it opened its mouth to let out a scream rows of incisors could be seen. A light emanating from its feet began to slowly move up its leg, the parts of its body it passed disappearing.

It let out another loud screech that paralyzed Sorath. This wasn’t just fear, it was a skill, he couldn’t move. Now real terror hit him as he was currently A-Rank and had a skill that automatically rendered paralysis and poison afflictions from abilities non effective. Sweat trickled down his brow as he realized the power this thing must hold.

Teleporting Xlacs, nasty things, Quanbly said.

Quicker than Sorath could see he shoved the end of the stick he was holding into the still open mouth of the beast. A blast of power hit the Xlacs head and it violently shook as the light that was engulfing it cut off reappearing directly in front of Sorath. It’s body crashed into his as they both fell to the ground. Green goo spluttered into Sorath’s face from the body which now lacked a head.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Not to worry my boy, Quanbly said as he peeled the now decapitated head off of his stick. You should regain full motion in about ten minutes or so. So sorry about that I always forget to calibrate these barriers to exclude teleporters. One minute…

The barrier flashes red and then returns to its clear tint.

Ah there we go, that should do it. Quanbly says as he waddles to sit within Sorath’s eyesight. Those beasts only go after weak prey. I would love to see your SS- rankers survive this level. Remember this for the future as you may face a Xlacs or two in this fight.

“Mmm..mmmmm” Sorath tries to scream

What’s that my boy? Not to worry your voice should return in, oh I don’t know, thirty or so minutes. You and your friends will be out of this dungeon by then and I, he sighs before coughing again. I will be done with my mission. Ok so I don’t have much time to lay this out but I wIll do my best.

You young man have been chosen to be my successor. How? you ask, don’t ask me I have no clue. I have no choice in the matter the system chooses on its own. You were actually chosen a few years ago but I thought you might have wanted to enjoy your marriage a little.

A loud screeching sound as the lightning barrage briefly stopped and the flapping of wings could be heard. Sorath’s eyes widened as a white scaled dragon filled the space above it let out a loud screech before a blast of fire engulfed the barrier.

Would you please. Be. Quiet!! Quanbly said. I’m trying to talk here.

The beast screeched again, causing blood to drop from Sorath’s ears. Quanbly pointed his stick in the direction of the dragon. A surge of power led to a red beam rocketing toward and crashing into the dragon disintegrating it immediately. Ash fell blanketing the barrier leaving the two men in the dark until a soft light orb lit in front of Quanbly.

That’s more like it. So as I was saying you were chosen a few years ago. It’s unlikely that you would remember this but we have crossed paths multiple times. That man you chased into the kings crypt that day was a person of interest in my fight. The old begger you and your wife, Kessler is it? Saved from the bandits. I had a big laugh after that, those men didn’t realize how close they came to death that day.

Anyway, he said, wiping away tears from his laughter. Now you know access to abilities and skills are given through the system as well as specific builds based on how you use your experience. The reason for this is not my story to get into. These things you have heard but did you know that humans are indigenous to this world? I know, I know, surprising right, he said as Sorath’s shock was evident. I don’t have time to get into the details but suffice to say we are all immigrants here. Where we came from I don’t know.

This is why we are the weakest of all of the beings in any of the realms. Our bodies were not made to absorb the essence in the atmosphere we have adapted over the years but it is still a trickle compared to the beasts and other beings that reside on this world.

The system itself only works when there is some sort of balance. And we are supposed to be that balance. We both, no, in actuality after this conversation you , are classified as a “Hero”. What is a hero? you ask. Well our transplant to this place gave some access to the, how do I say this, weirder parts of the system which pulled them outside of the rankings. They still have a build but theirs are enhanced. The first ones who received this classification abused it, destroying any and everything they could. The system classified them as villians. Before the system acclimated to humankind they were already embedded in this world and nothing can be done about that. The classification was passed down over the years from teacher to disciple. To combat this the system blotted the knowledge of these villains from everyone’s notice. They now work in the shadows to keep humankind from advancing to other realms.

Another thing the system did was create the hero classification and bestowed it on a person it found worthy, I guess. That is how we got here. You’ll see some of the differences in a few minutes when you take over.

Sorath could have sworn he saw a solemn look on Quanbly’s face when he looked in his eyes. It was as if there was something unsaid in his expression. Sorath wanted to scream”I don’t want it” his life was a happy one up until this point. He got the feeling that this was some sort of secret war he was going to be forced to wage. Who were these villains and what is he supposed to do about them? If they are half as powerful as Quanbly seems to be then he is dead already.

First things first, initiate the inheritance sequence. Quanbly said sternly, seeming to have strengthened his resolve.

Mmmm.. mmmm..mmmm, Sorath tried to scream in a panic but he still couldn’t move or talk

The system notification sounded in a metallic voice.

“Hero inheritance initialization beginning ”

“Transferring 104 inherited life tokens received from Quanbly Ulters - hero of the realm”

The minutes dragged along as the system continued its transfer. Sorath wanted to move, he yearned to run or scream “no I don’t want this”. He knew it was a hopeless wish as it hit seventy five percent. In between Quanbly’s coughing fits where he spit blood out on the ground Sorath heard mumbled curses directed toward the system. In his heart he knew the old man did not want this. Quanbly apparently gave him a few years reprieve from this “gift”. It didn’t seem like he had a choice in this process.

“Hero inheritance received”

The system seemed to mock both Sorath and Quanbly with every utterance.

“Travelers build -uncommon

Abilities:

Quick burst level 5

Silver tongue level 7

Rallying cry level 1

Homestead level 5

Field medic level 1

Quick craft level 3

Concussive blast level 3

Skills:

Quick blade level 20

Hand to hand level 8

Sneak level 10

Jump level 2

Hero level 1

Experience multiplier

Analysis

Hero party 0 of 5