Joe smiled. “You’re a hoot, Maude.”
Maude broke into the only true smile Joe had seen her display in the last few hours. “It’s been good to meet you both.”
Joe and Bixby spent the better part of half an hour going over their various purchases. Most of that time was spent getting Bixby into his new armor. Maude eventually huffed and came over to help as she saw that Joe was struggling to get the belts and buckles in the right places. Once done though, Joe stepped back and admired Bixby’s new look. The once German Shepherd was completely unrecognizable from the brown and tan dog he had once been. He was now the size of a horse, lean and pitch black. The armor bulked him out a bit and made him look even more menacing. Of all the monsters Joe had seen and fought with, he thought that if he had encountered Bixby looking like this at any point, he would have turned tail and run for his life. The armor had a gothic vampire look to it which just enhanced the Hell Hound visual that Bixby had going on. The metal was the same odd mix of purple with the endless expanse of space and stars swirling in it that Joe’s own Void Ring was made from.
Barding of the Endless Void
This armored barding, made specifically for an animal companion to wear grants the companion 1000 points of armor. This armor also protects the companion from mental and soul attacks, granting them a +25% against both types of attacks. The armor overlays the companion’s natural claws and teeth and grants an additional +10% damage done by both [Rend] and [Slash]. Finally, this armor allows the companion to cast [Void Lightning]. [Void Lightning] does 400 points of Void damage at the epicenter of the attack and subsequent area strikes do 200 points of Void damage. The total area of effect is a 60-foot radius. The spell can be cast as far as 120 feet from the caster. [Void Lightning] costs 150 mana to cast.
Joe whistled. “Bix, you look scary as shit.” Bixby cocked his head and gave a few woofs. Joe laughed, “Of course I won’t tell anyone that you’re really a big old softy.” Bixby concentrated for a moment and the armor disappeared and immediately after, his physical appearance changed. He shrank considerably and he reverted to what he looked like when they first encountered the survivors of New Santa Cruz. “There he is!” Joe knelt, hugged Bixby and ruffled his fur. Bixby wagged his tail, relishing the attention. After a moment Joe asked, “So why not go back to your original appearance? I mean, full on German Shepherd?” Bixby sat and gave Joe a look, then let off a string of barks and growls. Joe held up his hands in placation, “Hey, it was just a simple question. I get it though. This is the body you had when you evolved and it’s what you’re most comfortable in. And no, to your point, I wouldn’t change how I look either. Well, except maybe a shave and a haircut.” Bixby snorted. “Ah, the dwarves will just have to suffer with me not looking like them.” Joe clapped his hands and stood. “I think we’ve got everything now. I have books about the System to read later and we have our new spells learned.” He smiled back at Maude. “Thanks again for all your help. We’ll be back probably sooner rather than later.”
Maude waved a hand and shooed them off. “Can’t wait to see what you bring me next time boys.”
As the two made their way back to the Shoppe door, Joe reviewed the Spells he had purchased. He found that there were a lot of useful spells that were outside of his ability to learn and a whole host of spells that he could access, but they were extremely expensive. He learned that as he ranks up, spells apart from the ones he could choose from leveling, just got increasingly expensive. They ranged from ten thousand to fifty thousand gold and even higher. He grabbed a [Feather Fall] spell which really stood out to him as useful as well as two combat spells from his Soulbound Companion list, [Hunter’s Mark] that allowed both himself and Bixby to mark an opponent to always know where they are within a certain range of the fight and specifically for Bixby, [Furious Charge] that increased the damage done from an initial attack as long as Bixby charged a singular foe. But what really cost a lot, were the two Soulbound spells.
Soulbound Transposition
[Soulbound Transposition] allows the caster to instantaneously switch places with their Soulbound companion. There are no range limits on the spell, although the two must be within the same Realm. This spell costs 500 Mana to cast and drains 500 Stamina from both parties.
Soul Bridge
This spell allows the caster to use their own Health points to help refill their companion’s Mana pool. Two points of Health from the caster must be consumed to restore one point of Mana to the other. [Soul Bridge] costs 100 Mana to cast.
As they approached the door, Joe took one last check on Bixby. Without his armor, the transformation collar was slightly noticeable by feel, but Bixby’s thick fur concealed it from sight. The collar had two charms added to it as well. Joe had gotten Bixby a charm that was similar to his own Amulet of Mana so that Bixby had a backup pool of Mana to draw upon as well as specialized charm that created a defensive shield if Bixby ever dropped below a quarter of his health. It wasn’t a large amount of protection, but it was something that could possibly make a huge difference in a fight. Lastly, wrapped around Bixby’s front leg was a ring. Joe spent an enormous sum on another Troll ring. There was no way he was going to let Bixby go out fighting without something that powerful. As it stood, the two of them were ready for just about anything that came at them. Joe opened the door, and they stepped through the doorway.
The hallway was awash in people. They were lined up and down the hall on the opposite wall from the Shoppe door. Ronald and the kid, Harrison were there talking to people and keeping them calm. As soon as Joe stepped through people began to talk and the ambient sound went from fairly quiet to raucous as people jostled one another to get a chance to talk to Joe.
“What the fuck?” Joe exclaimed, holding his hands out to ward off those getting close. Bixby growled low at the crush of people.
Ronald’s voice cut through the tumult, “Everyone step back! Give the man some room!” He moved next to Joe, “Sorry about this. They started lining up about thirty minutes ago.”
Joe sighed and told Bixby to stand down, “My fault. I told them all to come back in two hours and it’s probably been longer than that.” He squared his shoulders and raised his voice. “If you could all be quiet for a minute, that would be great!” He let just a hint of his frightful aura leak through, and everyone stopped in their tracks and moved back against the wall. “I apologize for being late. Bixby and I had a lot to see in the Shoppe as I’m sure most of you know.” He took a breath and watched the faces of those around him. “As I said earlier today, if you are here for anything other than searching for your loved ones, then I most likely cannot help you.”
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There was a general murmur among the assembled people, but no one directly spoke out. Ronald then said, “People. Today is the very first day that we have been back, and Joe has been instrumental in securing our safety. The fact that he is willing to go out and search for survivors is nothing short of amazing. However, he is just a man and has been separated from his own family for the last thirty days.” Certain voices piped up and Joe took mental note of those that tended to be more vocal, Ronald powered over them with his deep voice. “Hey! Settle down a minute.” He held his hands up in a placating manner, “Because of Joe, we now have an entire city that no longer spawns monsters. While it is not totally safe by any means, it is far better than it was. Any of your loved ones that are still out there somewhere within the city limits have a far better chance at survival now.”
Joe nodded and added, “Folks, here’s what we’re going to do. My assistant, Harrison…” He pointed to the young Arachnomancer, “Is going to collect your loved one’s information. We just need to know where they may be, their names, ages and what they look like.” Joe produced a stack of paper and pencils from his inventory and handed them to Harrison who, while surprised, was beaming with delight. Joe added, “It is now late afternoon, and it will be getting dark soon.”
Someone yelled out, “So you’re just going to let them suffer through the night alone out there?”
Joe stopped and looked at the man who had yelled and inspected him.
Todd Bailey
Level: (B) 8
Race: Human
Class: Clerk
H: 260
S: 260
M: 500
Joe took a steadying breath, “Dude, did I say I was going to leave people out at night?” He could feel a little pressure and anger building, “I’m willing to take my team out to look for as long as I deem it safe to do so.” He made eye contact with the man, “But make no mistake, I will not put my team at undue risk. If you really want to make sure your loved ones are safe, then form your own group to go out and search.” Joe pointedly added, “If you are able.” Todd averted his eyes and his shoulders slumped. Softer Joe said, “Yeah, thought so.”
Harrison began handing out paper and pencils to those gathered. Joe spoke briefly to both him and Ronald and then out loud addressed the small crowd. “Folks, I am going to consult with my team and then we will collect your information and head out as soon as possible.” He and Bixby, after getting directions from Ronald, made a bee line to the stairs and headed up a few floors. The building had undergone a radical transformation. It was no longer a sterile concrete government building. It now resembled a medieval castle with the white, flickering, smokeless torches lining the halls. The individual offices had been remade into small apartments and living spaces. Joe counted the doors looking for Holly’s but did not really need to as Bixby’s nose led them to the correct one.
Joe knocked and the door almost immediately flew open as Matty pulled the door open and yelled out, “Uncle Joe!” And instantly tackled Bixby in a fierce hug as only a child can do.
Bixby’s tail wagged excitedly, and he covered the boy’s face in licks and gave out a few barks of joy. Joe chuckled while ruffling Matty’s hair. “Hiya kiddo. Your mom home?”
Matty ignored Joe as he began wrestling with Bixby who seemed to enjoy knocking the boy over, while Matty lost his mind in giggles and rough play with the large dog. Holly came out of another room smiling. She hugged Joe and closed the door behind him. The room was sparse, but functional. The furnishings were very medieval, but also cozy in a way. The stone floor was covered in layers of throw rugs and the walls were more functional with open shelving rather than decorations. From the living area, Joe could see two doors that he assumed led to bedrooms and an open doorway that led to a kitchen.
“Homey.” Joe commented.
Holly glanced around, “You get used to it. This is how all the architecture was in the tutorial, but it’s livable.” She turned her attention to Joe, “I know that look on your face. It means you’re not going to be here long.”
“Am I really that easy to read?” Joe allowed himself to lean back onto the couch and ran his hands over his face and back through his hair. He sounded exasperated, “It’s been a day.” He sat forward, “And it’s not over yet. Bixby and I are going to take the dwarves out tonight to look for survivors. It seems like everyone wants me to be their personal savior.” His shoulders slumped, “Hol, I’ll do what I can, but…”
Holly put an arm around her brother. “Hey, it’s okay to say no. You’re not Superman. No matter how crazy powerful you are already, you’re still human and you need rest like everyone else.”
“I know that in here.” He pointed to his head, “But this whole System thing has placed danger around every corner. And here…” he pointed at his chest, “I’m not sure I could live with myself knowing I had the ability to save lives and help these people out but didn’t.”
Holly stroked Joe’s hair in a maternal way, “Look, I know you. I know you have a huge heart. I also know that you have a terrible track record when it comes to taking care of yourself over others. Promise me that you’ll go out tonight, do what you can, then come back and spend some down time with Matty and me. Even if it’s only a few hours. Lord knows I have my own responsibilities with the Council and making sure Matty is safe.”
Joe patted Holly’s leg, “Yeah. I can do that. I’d actually love that. Speaking of keeping Matty safe, I have a few things for both of you.” Holly raised an eyebrow, “Don’t give me the look. I spent my hard-earned gold on some things for you two. While I’m okay helping others out, you guys are my priority, so you’ll have to indulge me on this. I’m invoking my rights as your older brother.”
Holly made a face and finally smiled softly, “Fine, but Matty does not get any weapons.”
From the floor where he was laying with Bixby, catching his breath from the rough housing, Matty perked up. “You have presents?” He leaped to his feet and climbed into Joe’s lap.
Joe laughed as Holly admonished Matty, but only half-heartedly. It took a few minutes to explain the items that Joe had picked out for the boy. There was a cloak of concealment that allowed Matty to not be truly invisible so much as deemed uninteresting to those that viewed him, and an amulet that could sense any impending harm to the child and could erect a protective barrier. Much like Joe’s mantle spell. Matty, for his part, was happy to have magic items, but was also disappointed that he did not get a cool sword or knife. However, Bixby pulled the lad’s attention by pretending not to see Matty when he had his new cloak on and that precipitated a whole new round of hide and seek.
While Matty was distracted by Bixby, Joe pulled out from his inventory, what he had decided to give to Holly quite a while ago. He laid out the dragon armor on the floor. Holly looked open mouthed at Joe. “Wow!” She gingerly reached out and picked up the helmet. “Are you sure?”
Joe, smiling, said, “Absolutely. My own armor is better as it’s Soulbound and grows in power with me, but this..” He gestured at the red and black scaled armor, “This is some serious armor that will go a long way towards keeping you alive. I saw you on the battlements, and while I know you’re not a melee fighter, this will still work well with your class. Also, I had it cleaned and repaired while Bixby and I were shopping. Once you put it on, you can automatically don it whenever you need to.”
The next twenty minutes went by quickly as Joe got the armor fitted to Holly and he showed her how to infuse her Mana into it to store it and recall it. Matty thought it was the coolest thing ever. His mom looked just like a Power Ranger. Eventually, it was time for Joe and Bixby to head out and meet the dwarves and Harrison. Holly almost forgot, but recalled as the duo walked out the door, “You can find your friends at the Dwarven Embassy. We had a plaza built around the travel stone and decided to give them their own building to stay in.” She hugged both Joe and Bixby, gave them directions to the plaza and watched them walk down the hall and out of sight.