“The Grand Protector created by Ferdenand Felipe Constello. Is one of the greatest works of modern architecture ever created. The only structure remotely close to this beauty would be the Kingdom itself. I do hear rumors of some sort of battle tower being built back east, but those are all cum stains compared to the power that this wall is capable of.” the instructor explained the next morning.
Seth sat at a desk next to Carl in the middle of the classroom. The girls were all on the left and the boys were on the right. Joshua sat on the other side of Carl. Atiyah and Joshua’s daughters, Francesca and Jasmine sat next to her. The smell of chalk and oddly, weed, filled the air as the instructor, Mr. Douglas, explained the history and importance of the wall. Three newcomers sat behind Seth who he had not met before. A quick introduction at the beginning of class found that they were natives to region VIII. Austin, Roberto and James, all who had their own matrix and were graduates of Compound Delta to the south, sat in the back listening to the instructor speak.
“That is enough for today. After lunch, remember to head to the training simulator. Lance and Kathy should meet you there.” Mr. Douglas said before dismissing class.
The morning was pretty standard of a typical day in the compound. They had a morning workout scheduled with Mr. Peggy followed by a shower and breakfast. They then sat in the classroom for morning orientation and a brief history of the wall and what the objective of the Hell Line Walkers was. Essentially, they were responsible for protecting the wall and the Kingdom behind it. There were select teams that could go into the demonic infection’s territory but the reasoning was typically very specific. There was no defeating or completely eradicating the infection. Until the Black King returned and the supposed prophecy occurred, there was nothing to be done but make sure the infection did not pass the wall. King Liam had been slowly building an army for the day that this would eventually occur. Once the order was given, the countries reserved, retired, active, and all compounds would be sent to war. The initial three miles from the wall into hell was considered the outer rim. The stat decreases were light and the demon’s were at its lowest concentration. The next fifty miles consisted of the inner sanctum. After that was an additional ten miles before hitting the ocean. The ocean had a small area of demonic fish and sea beasts but there was nothing to the west of Gridarnia. Not for thousands of miles anyway. Seth was not sure if anyone had ever ventured elsewhere come to think of it. There was an entire world out there sure. But Gridarnia was so vast that it never really occurred to anyone to go forth. The wall was not just a surface structure. It went down and continued to go down into the lowest depths of the planet. It went until the Temperature was so high that the structure actually started to melt. Sensors were placed all over to ensure the demons did not try to dig under. Many have tried and were subsequently vanquished the moment they broke to the surface.
“Seth, did you ever get the initial list completed?” Carl asked
The day prior, Seth spent the afternoon in the training simulator while the others went to the lab. Carl joined him about an hour later after he had received the modification to his matrix, Sheen. They then spent the rest of the day and some of that night training their respective skills and stats. Lance found them early in the morning and made them go to bed so they were still a bit tired walking into the cafeteria.
“Almost. I unlocked them but I am still working on getting to the next rank.” Seth said.
Seth had managed to level up once more, which helped him reach his strength requirement. He also reached rank II in each of the required classes and abilities. This required him to repeatedly use them against dummy enemies until the experience increased it to the next rank. He was right on the cusp of reaching rank III in water blast but everything else stalled out. He would need actual combat to increase them more. He looked at his stats once more before walking into the simulator for the group training.
Seth Ravensword Age 26
Matrix “Glitch” Level 40
00 / 167 Available Attribute Points
Strength 40
Defense 40
Health 30
Agility 35
Intelligence 25
Affinity: Water & Light
Class Archetype:
Guard Level 25 - Stage Increase available
Cleric Level 23 - Stage Increase available
Mage - Level 10
Magic Spells
Cleanse II
Flash I
Heal II
Light Burst II
Light Barrier II
Light Orb II
Mend Broken Bone II
Mana Transfer II
Vapor Shield II
Water Barrier II
Water Blast III
Skills & Abilities
Horizontal Strike II
Imbue Weapon II
Light Dash II
Piercing Strike II
Parry II
Shield Bash II
Shield Throw II
Scan
Taunt
Temperature Balance
Vertical slash II
“Nice. I have a bit to go on my stats but a couple of abilities.” Carl said looking at his window.
“Can I see yours?” Seth asked. Carl pulled up his system window and gave permission for Seth to view.
Carl Stricklin Age 23
Matrix Level 32
1/146 Available Attribute Points
Strength 25
Defense 20
Health 30
Agility 30
Intelligence 40
Affinity: Void & Dark
Class Archetype:
Stage 2 - Ranger Level 35
Stage 1- Rogue Level 14
Stage 1 - Mage Level 15
Magic Skills
Cone of Darkness II
Stealth II
Shadow Arms II
Shadow Blast I
Summon Dark Familiar I
Summon Beast Familiar I
Abilities
Double Strike I (Dagger)
Dagger Throw I (Dagger)
Execute I (Dagger)
Imbue Arrow II (B&A)
Piercing Shot II (B&A)
Vertical Step II
Volley of Arrows II (B&A)
“Did you notice we have a mage level now?” Seth asked
“Yeah, I guess the modification caused that. In the compound, unless you were actively pursuing that Archetype, the matrices left it hidden.” Carl explained
“Why is that?” Seth asked
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
“Because we are all mages technically. The ability to control and utilize mana and elemental energy makes you a mage. Entrance into the compound is exclusively limited to those able to perform magic.” Seth explained.
“Wait, you are a Ranger and a Rogue. What stage four archetype are you trying to reach?” Seth asked. He could not think of what the combination would create.
The basic class archetypes were as follows: Tank, Fighter, Healer, Archer, Mage, Rogue, and Support. Each class had an initial three stages. For an archer class like Carl, they were Archer, Marksman, Ranger. You could progress to a stage four or five ranger. These were called Elite Rangers and Master Rangers respectively, however most matrix users chose to combine two archetypes to reach a special stage four class that combined attributes from the two.
“There is not one unfortunately. I hit a wall. I can either progress to an Elite Ranger or an Elite Ninja. I guess since I have the mage archetype I could go elsewhere. I really have not thought about it. It takes years to get to a stage four class.” Seth said. “Are you going to try and hit Paladin?”
“I do not have a Holy Affinity. It is kind of a requirement for it.” Seth said
His classes were tank and healer. Most tank’s and healers eventually became paladin’s if they had the holy affinity. Seth had the Light affinity but for some reason could not reach the deeper level that was referred to as holy.
“You could hit Sage if you focused on your healer and mage class.” James said from behind. He had been listening to the two talk.
.”That is true. I’m honestly just happy my matrix works and I can finally progress normally. I was practically useless back in my compound days.” Seth said.
“I do not understand what you guys are talking about. They did not teach us this in the academy.” Atiyah said.
“Nope. They did not teach us this in Regalia either.” Jasmine added. Francesca nodded
“We were given a basic understanding of it during the war. Your system is very unique. I understand how easily Gridarnia was able to best us. Most of our fighters learned their skills and abilities through harsh training and understanding of the mana. It wasn’t so well laid out like it is here.’ Joshua explained. He pulled up his system and showed us his and his daughter’s stats.
Joshua Westleworth Age 55
PAS Level 75
0/275 Available Attribute Points
Strength 65
Defense 50
Health 50
Agility 55
Intelligence 55
Affinity: Earth, Fire, Lava
Class Archetype:
Stage 4 - Berserker Level 25
Stage 3 - Sorcerer Level 15
Magic Spells
Earth Manipulation III
Fire Manipulation III
Lava Manipulation II
Skills & Abilities
Crowd Control III
Earth Step III
Fireproof III
Imbue Weapon V
Lava Step III
Shield Slam IV
Temperature Balance III
Francesca Wresleworth Age 23
PAS Level 42
0/ 176 Available Attribute Points
Strength 26
Defense 20
Health 50
Agility 30
Intelligence 50
Affinity: Water, Nature, Light, Holy
Class Archetype:
Stage 3 - Priest Level 20
Stage 3 - Sorcerer Level 20
Magic Spells
Cleanse II
Heal III
Light Barrier I
Mana Bolt II
Minor Forest Expansion
Summon Holy Familiar
Water Blast II
Skills & Abilities
Nature Sense II
Temperature Balance I
Jasmine Wrestleworth Age 24
PAS Level 42
0/176 Available Attribute Points
Strength 50
Defense 25
Health 35
Agility 40
Intelligence 26
Affinity: Dark, Void, Fire
Class Archetype:
Stage 3 - Priest Level 25
Stage 3 - Ninja Level 30
Stage 1 - Mage Level 10
Magic Spells
Darkness Whip II
Fireball II
Flame Wall I
Summon Shadow Familiar
Poison Cloud II
Teleport IV
Skills & Abilities
Dark Vision II
Imbue Weapon I
Shadow Jump II
Temperature Balance I
Throw Dagger III
Venom Strike II
They all started talking about the differences between Regalian, Gridarnian, and Elven progression for magic users. Seth was interested in finding out that the way that the Regalian’s improved their skills was similar to how he had been training his entire life. They were much more efficient in it and it showed. Joshua’s stats were off the charts and his skills were equally impressive. His two two daughters were complete badasses. The PAS scanned the person and quantified their skills, abilities, and power level using the same parameters that the Matrix system used. The girls were a few years younger than he was but were two levels higher. They also had skills, spells and abilities that he had just started to try and learn. Seth came to the realization that he was the weakest of the team. He sat down on a bench and pulled up his system. Atiyah had shown him her stats earlier but he had not studied them like he had the others.
Atiyah Frostburch Age 25
PAS Level 45
0/185 Available Attribute Points
Strength 35
Defense 35
Health 35
Agility 40
Intelligence 40
Affinity: Water, Air, Ice
Class Archetype
Stage 3 - Sorcerer Level 20
Stage 2 - Assassin Level 15
Magic Spells
Air Barrier II
Gust of Wind I
Ice Blade I
Ice Shard II
Water Blast II
Water Whip I
Skills & Abilities
Imbue Weapon II
Pole Strike II
Temperature Balance I
Throw Dagger III
Vertical Step III
Water Breathing II
Realization hit Seth as he compared everyone's stats. He was the weakest. It was not by much but he had to catch up. He reminded himself that he was working blindly most of his life. He could not train the way that his peers did. He struggled for a full year before Atiyah finally took him aside and taught him a method to use his skills without relying on a matrix. He essentially learned the Elven training practiced second hand from his best friend. It came in handy and helped him pass his classes, but as he feared, it did not prepare him for the future.
“I am deeply sorry that I was not able to perform my full functionality Master Seth.” Glitch said in his mind.
“It’s okay Glitch. Grandpa’s fault, not yours.” Seth thought to his matrix
“I know it seems like we are behind. But given a week and a stage increase, I truly believe we will be on par with everyone except Mr. Wrestleworth. Try not to lose faith.” Glitch explained
Seth nodded. He looked up to see Lance walk in.
“Okay everyone. I will be pairing you up for a warm up duel. Carl and James, Atiyah and Jasmine, Francesca and Austin, Seth and Roberto, Joshua you will be paired with myself.” Lance said
He walked up to the control panel in the wall. He clicked a few buttons and a platform rose up from the floor. Benches rose up around them and everyone took a seat.
“Joshua, would you like to go first?” Lance asked. Joshua nodded and walked up on the platform
“Lance is not a mage right?” Seth asked Carl. Carl’s shoulders shrugged.
The two stood opposite of each other as a field of mana surrounded the platform. This was to keep any misfired skill or ability from hitting someone not involved. Seth had seen this before in dueling tournaments back home. Lance wore his standard issued jumpsuit and held a short sword in his left hand. He left his bow and bag on the bench. Joshua manifested a two handed great sword and held it in front of him.
“Anyone like to make a wager?” said grinning.
“Ten gold on my father.” Jasmine blurted
“I’ll put ten on Lance.” Picard said, strolling into the room.
He and Stubby sat down next to the trainees. A few others added to the wager and then it went quiet. Everyone watched the two adults face each other. Tension could be see on both as they did what all trained duelists do. Moves and countermoves played in their mind as they tried to determine what the other would do. Finally it was time for action and Lance started it off.
Lance rushed forward with his sword held in both bands by his side. He jumped up in the air and came down with a vertical slash. Joshua held his great sword up blocking the slash. Using the flat part of the great sword, Lance pushed off with his feet to create distance. He tossed a dagger from his sheath which Joshua quickly deflected as he pursued forward. Joshua swung in a horizontal slash with such speed Seth thought Lance had been cut in two. Lance bent backwards into a one handed handspring narrowing missing the blade. Before his feet fully landed he was pushing forward on the balls of his feet to strike at Joshua. The two volleyed in a series of strikes, parries, and narrow misses. Joshua came down with a vertical slash and let go of the blade halfway through the swing. Lance’s eyes widened as he brought his blade up to block while sidestepping to avoid the weight of the blow. The sword struck and Lance lost his grip. Joshua lunged forward grabbing Lance by waist and jumping up off of the ground. Lance dropped his sword and was slammed into the ground hard. Lance wrapped his legs around Joshua and began working his arms free as the two wrestled on the ground. Joshua moved to his knees maintaining his weight over lance. He moved for an arm bar but Lance slipped out of the way and rolled to the right. Lance recovered to his feet and ran forward to bring a knee into Joshua’s face. There was a connection but no movement. Lance looked down to see Joshua holding his knee with his left hand. His right hand held a fireball. Lance jumped back and avoided the flames as Joshua threw fireball after fireball in his direction. The flames hit the forcefield and were absorbed into the floor.
"Mr. Josh has him.” Roberto said
“Yeah, Lance can’t control mana. This is cake for Josh.” Austin said
“Many have said that and been wrong young lad. It is not over yet.’ Stubby said sternly
Lance avoided a series of fireballs and what appeared to be shuriken made of clay. Joshua was forming them in each of his hands and sending them toward lance who was skirting in and out view. Seth saw a few mid air collisions of earth and dagger as Lance moved forward through the assault closing the distance between him and Joshua. Joshua gave up on the ranged attack and rushed forward to slam his fists down onto Lance. With movement Seth had not ever seen before, he watched Lance leave the ground. His threw his feet up in the air and wrapped them around Joshua's neck before spinning under Joshua’s shoulder. The momentum pulled Joshua off his feet and into the ground hard. Lance landed and quickly rushed to get on top of Joshua. A dagger was quickly placed up against Joshua's neck. The two stared at each other and then started laughing. Lance removed the dagger and got up before helping Joshua to his feet. There was a round of applause for the room as the two men stepped off of the platform.