“Does this dress make me look pale and ghostly?” Haley asked
“These are my new favorite pair of pants!!” Megan yelled
The three had been trying on clothes, equipment and opening battle tower chests for nearly two hours now. Most of the gear was conjuration centered or had lower stats then the gear Collin was able to make. The fifty-first floor connected to the fifty-second through a long circular staircase. The team and the conjurations were running up and down and all around to try and check every nook and cranny for gear and weapons.
There were different vendors lined up around the tower walls and thousands of racks and shelves in the middle all full to the brim with magical items. To the far-left end of the floor were three giant chests the size of small houses. Collin examined it and found a slot where a key could be inserted. It was pretty obvious that this was where the battle tower chest keys were to be used and after a few experiments, he had figured it out. Each use of a key granted a random gear piece, weapon or other item. The undesired item could be sold back to the tower for battle points which could be used to purchase the other items in the room.
Collin had thousands of chest keys and battle points he had accumulated over the course of the tower. He had to spend all of it and was a bit overwhelmed if he were being honest. He resorted to splitting the keys amongst himself, the girls, and his one hundred and forty-two conjurations. The Legendaries respectfully declined and the newborns were not allowed to have any as they were too young to be conjured outside the tower.
Bonnie was really upset by this because she would have had exactly enough points to buy an exotic golden hammer of mass devastation with plus thirty strength and plus five hundred percent in explosive damage. The hammer was called “Ragnarok's Quake” and ignoring the obvious issue of her being unable to lift the handle, she begged and begged and cried. Collin ultimately decided to purchase it and placed it in his inventory promising to let the human that bonded with her, have possession of it. This led to Hank and Gerti throwing a fit before Collin purchased each of them a weapon and made a similar promise. Hank’s human would be getting a sword Called “The Bane of Prometheus”. It was a short sword with plus three hundred percent slash damage and plus twenty strength. It also made the owner completely immune to fire. Collin tried to convince Hank to let him use it until it was time, but he refused saying that his human was not about to get some hand-me-down sword even if it was from his king. Gerti chose to buy multiple items with her accumulated points and keys. She said that her human needed to be equipped for everything, and she was ensuring that they would be. Each item was still of exotic rating, and she even purchased a small box of holding to contain it all. Collin named it Gerti's Special Box and placed it in his inventory with the other items.
Collin browsed through the equipment and clothing section but did not find anything he desperately needed. He went up to the next floor and was still not impressed by anything.
“Trixie, I do not see anything I want. Is there anything we need?” Collin asked
“I have already allocated the points and keys, The matrices are all working on their own individual gear sets, weapons and spells. Have you tried looking through the spellbooks?” Trixie noted.
Collin walked over to the small library that took up a fourth of the last floor. He browsed through the list of spells and spent Twenty thousand points on an assortment of books and spell scrolls. This included five copies of “Basic Elemental Magic Vol 1-10”, "Advanced Element Magic Vol 1-5” and "Introduction to Sub Elements volumes 1, 2, & 3” and a copy of “The Summoner’s Guide to Everything 5th Edition”. He thought that it may be useful for teaching the pledges back at home next year.
“Sir, We do have some rewards to present to you that may be of interest before you go buying other such items.” Amergin said.
“What do you mean?” Collin asked.
“For capturing Delilah and the other matrices, those of which have been removed from your inventory and for beating the seven deadly sins, those matrices have also been removed by the way, the tower has chosen to grant you a selection of rewards to choose from. We also have another special gift sire” Amergin said.
“Master Collin, I must ask that you pause just a bit. The Grand Supreme would like to speak to you.” a voice said throughout the room.
“Hello Seprus! What was the opinion of the masses on our last battle?” Regis asked.
“Mixed My Lord. The younglings of course were overwhelmed and ecstatic about the many different skills and abilities shown. The faculty are a bit unhappy with how long the battle took and that other abilities were not shown.
“Those old farts are never happy.” Collin said annoyingly
“Right, you are there, Vice Lord.” Grand Supreme Edward said as the elevating platform brought him into the room.
“Greetings Edward. How are things on the outside?” Collin said walking forward to shake the Grand Supreme’s hand.
“The world continues to spin even with all the chaos that seems to push against it.” Edward said
“You did very well with this tower sir. I am a bit jealous that we did not have this when we were attending. I feel like there is more that I could have learned if I would have had years to spend versus the few months, I was fortunate enough to have.’ Collin said
“Collin, you did wonderfully. Your skills and abilities have grown to levels only few have ever attained.” Edward said
“I cannot wait to get out and show the world all this new power. The village is going to skyrocket once we get the conjurations involved.” Collin said excitedly. He was already running the plans in his head of growing the region and using the matrices to explore parts unknown and build and assist everyone living in it. “Do you have any suggestions as to how I should spend all these keys and BC?”
“We have a few other items we need to discuss before we get to all of that sir?” Alexander stated.
The Legendary Matrices formed in front of him. Collin looked at each of them and noted a bit of sadness amongst them. Amergin, Cynthia, Roran, Jasper, Midbar, Atlas, Apollo, Regis and Alexander stood there together looking at him. Edward walked over and stood with them. Collin stopped his rambling, and that air seemed to shift around him. He stared at them for the longest of time.
“You guys can’t come with me, can you?” Collin finally asked
“We cannot.” Regis said. “Our Matrices are to be returned back to the King after you depart.”
“I still have so much to learn though.” Collin said
“The power you are using to conjure your matrices is, for the most part, being fueled by the tower. Once you leave, you will be limited on the number of conjurations, duration, and the type of conjuration you can summon. You do not have enough power yet to summon us.” Atlas explained.
“There are four more towers that you need to complete. As you complete them, you will unlock more of the power and the range of the power will increase.” Apollo added.
“Conquering all five will allow you to summon an army of us and the range would be enough to rule the entire continent.” Regis said
“I won’t be able to fight like we were. Summoning everyone to help me. What was the point of all of this then?” Collin asked
“A taste of what will be once you have finished your task.” Edward said “This is only a fraction of the true power that waits but it was necessary for you to experience it.”
Collin nodded in understanding. The King was pulling the strings, and his string had been led up the tower, given vast amounts of power and then suddenly like a drug user being cut off by his dealer, that power was now having a lid placed on it until he finished what the King had always wanted.
“What are my limits when I leave here?”
“These are temporary sir. Upon entering each of the towers, these limits will be lifted and once all towers are completed, they will be lifted completely and forever.” Amergin said reassuringly. A screen popped up in front of Collin
Monarch of Matrices
Limitations outside of Battle Tower
Towers Complete 1 of 5
Complete more tower to improve limitations
Number of Matrices able to leave the tower: 200
Clone Conjuration Max Number of Summons: 2
Conjuration Max Limit: 15
Conjuration Max Cost Limit: 25 units
Conjuration Cost: Stage 5 - 5 units
Stage 4 - 4 units,
Stage 3 - 3 units
Stage 2 - 2 units
Stage 1 - 1 unit
Conjure Duration - 12 hour
Cooldown: 24 hours
Archetypes: Tank, Fighter, Healer, Archer, Mage, Rogue, Support
Armorer Archetype - Locked (16)
Legendary Matrices - Removed (-9)
Conjuration Gear set and Weapons
Common, Uncommon, Rare - Unlocked
Legendary, Epic, Exotic - Locked
Unique - Limited to 1 Weapon and 1 Gear Piece per Conjuration
“Most of my Matrices are stages four and five and everyone is gearing up with high rated items. What the hell? This will essentially cripple us?! ” Collin said in horror.
“You will be able to increase your level and power as you complete the other towers and from leveling up Your Monarch of Matrices class.” Edward said.
“So what do you expect me to do? I can’t just leave all of these matrices here and strike out with new ones. I made promises. These are my friends. I can’t just let them sit in an inventory while I go forth with lower rank matrices. Just a few floors ago I was able to have an unlimited number of matrices and now I can only have 200 on me at any given time. This is utter bullshit! My clones were even reduced.” Collin said
“Sir. There is another way.” Tiny said, forming in front of him. A pop-up box formed in front of Collin for him to read
Matrix - Tiny
Conjuration - Master Ranger Level 20
Tiny have requested to activate Prestige Level 1?
Yes or no
What does Prestige mean?” Collin asked
“If you wish, you can have your conjurations revert back to stage one level one. They will have to start over. They keep their memories but will have to relearn all skills and abilities they have previously unlocked. Prestige Level One will grant them a bonus in experience gain which will help them level up faster. There are a few other perks unlocked also.” Edward explained. “Completing the tower and reaching a stage four archetype or higher grants this option.”
“What about elemental affinities? I won’t be able to find elemental shards out there. That is a tower specific item.” Collin asked
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Elemental affinities will remain but their stats, levels, stage progression, gear and weapon set availability will all be reset to level one stage one. They will also be reverted back to a single archetype of choosing.” Edward continued
“Tiny, Are you sure? You have worked so hard to get to Master Ranger.” Collin asked
“I have and Timothy would be proud, however Timothy would hate that I am unable to assist you outside of this giant cylinder. I will get there again and again and again as my King and Queen require.” Tiny said referring to him and Trixie
More pop-up boxes formed in front of him and Collin saw that nearly every single one of his comrades were requesting to reset their stats in order to reach Prestige one. Collin selected yes to all, and the boxes disappeared before two new pop ups appeared.
Matrix Prestige Level 1
+10% to Future XP Gain
+5 to all Stats
-25% to total XP cost off Prior Learned Skills and Abilities
+5 in Conjuration Max Limit
Matrix - Conjuration List (120)
Archer Class (15)
Nathanel - M Trapper Level 25
Irene - F Trapper Level 25
Tiny M - Archer P1 Level 1
Sky F - Archer P1 Level 1
Amber F - Archer P1 Level 1
Blue M -Archer P1 Level 1
Bronze M - Archer P1 Level 1
Hazel F -Archer P1 Level 1
Pebble F - Archer P1 Level 1
Charles M - Archer P1 Level 1
Hailey F- Archer P1 Level 1
Jaimee M - Archer P1 Level 1
Henry M - Archer P1 level 1
Marilyn F - Archer P1 Level 1
Oat M - Archer P1 Level 1
Healer Class (13)
Hannah F- Priest Level 30
Alexis F - Priest Level 30
Gonzales M -Priest Level 30
Isaac M - Healer P1 Level 1
Eve F - Healer P1 Level 1
George M - Healer P1 Level 1
Alexis F -Healer P1 Level 1
Sarah F - Healer P1 Level 1
Olive F - Healer P1 Level 1
Indigo F - Healer P1 Level 1
Fossil M-Healer P1 Level 1
Ginger F - Healer P1 Level 1
Slate M - Healer P1 Level 1
Support Class (8)
Honey F - Bard Level 30, Singer Level 20
Buttermilk F - Dancer Level 30, Singer Level 20
Wayne M - Bard Level 30, Mage Level 20
Taylor F - Dancer Level 30, Rogue Level 20
John M- Bard - Level 30, Fighter Level 20
Toby M- Bard Level 30
Noah -M Singer Level 15
Mia - F Singer Level 15
Rogue Class (19)
Harry - M Ninja Level 30
Chavez M - Ninja Level 30
Stefan M - Ninja Level 30
Bree F - Ninja Level 30
Pearl F - Ninja Level 30
Hudson- M Gambler Level 30
Henrietta - F Gambler Level 30
Trixie F - Rogue P1 Level 1
Asano - M Rogue P1 Level 1
Erika - F Rogue P1 Level 1
Miguel - M Rogue P1 Level 1
Candace - F Rogue P1 Level 1
Marissa F - Rogue P1 Level 1
Burgundy M - Rogue P1 Level 1
Shadow M - Rogue P1 Level 1
Jack M - Rogue P1 Level 1
Rip M - Rogue P1 Level 1
Oswalde M - Rogue P1 Level 1
Harley F - Rogue P1 Level 1
Mage Class (18)
Sofia F - Sorcerer Level 30
Jasmine F - Sorcerer Level 30
Aspen F - Sorcerer Level 30
Anastasia F - Mage P1 Level 1
William M Mage P1 Level 1
Emily - F Mage P1 Level 1
Elijah - M Mage P1 Level 1
Emma- F Mage P1 Level 1
Gold M - Mage P1 Level 1
Red M - Mage P1 Level 1
Penny F - Mage P1 Level 1
Eminence F - Mage P1 Level 1
Grady - Mage P1 Level 1
Debra F -Mage P1 Level 1
Sophia - F Mage P1 level 1
Aaron M - Mage P1 Level 1
Leonardo M - Mage P1 Level 1
Sidney F - Mage P1 Level 1
Tank Class (13)
Julia F - Knight Level 30
Terra F - Knight Level 30
Bell F - Knight Level 30
Merlot M - Tank P1 Level 1
Tarrence - Tank P1 Level 1
Brown M - Tank P1 Level 1
Clay M - Tank P1 Level 1
Carrot M - Tank P1 Level 1
Davis M - Tank P1 Level 1
Bruce M - Tank P1 Level 1
Barbara F - Tank P1 Level 1
Balian -Tank P1 Level 1
Sibylia F- Tank P1 Level 1
Fighter Class (15)
Pete - M Swashbuckler Level 30
Elizabeth - F Swashbuckler Level 30
Benjamin - M Monk Level 30
Amelia -F Monk Level 30
Pedro M -Fighter P1 Level 1
Arial F - Fighter P1 Level 1
Ruby F -Fighter P1 Level 1
Iggy M - Fighter P1 Level 1
Steel M - Fighter P1 Level 1
Crimson M - Fighter P1 Level 1
Blood M - Fighter P1 Level 1
Alabama F- Fighter P1 Level 1
Alloy F - Fighter P1 Level 1
Flint M - Fighter P1 Level 1
Derek M - Fighter P1 Level 1
Newborn Class (3)
Bonnie F - Mimic Level 50
Gertrude F - Mimic Level 50
Hank M - Mimic Level 50
Armorer (16) - Locked
Sigurd M - Dreadnought Level 30
Zephyr M- Dreadnought Level 30
Pepper - F Dreadnought - Air Level 20
Tony -M Dreadnought - Earth Level 20
Virginia - F Dreadnaught - Water Level 20
Robert -M Dreadnaught - Fire Level 20
Oliver - M Artillerist Level 20
Olivia - F Artillerist Level 20
Weston - M Machinist Level 20
Grace - F Machinist Level 20
Joseph - M Battle Smith Level 20
Riley - F Battle Smith Level 20
Jose- M Engineer Level 20
Charlotte- F Engineer Level 20
Edward - M Armorer Level 20
Angela- F Armorer Level 20
Collin sighed. Not all of his conjurations reverted back to level 1 stage 1. The few that were only stage 3 and below stayed the same. He wondered what the difference would be between the Non prestige and the newly prestige matrices. The Armorer classes did not reset. Them being locked from Collin’s use was also a bit of a disappointment. He thought about trading them in for other matrices but changed his mind. They may later be of use, and they had already helped him so much. He would just have to be okay with sixteen unused slots for the time being.
Collin looked up at his screen and saw the legendries and Edward standing there. He walked up to each of them and shook their hand thanking them personally for all of the help, guidance, and training that they had provided. He made them all a promise that he would improve his skills so that they could one day enjoy the outside world with everyone.
Edward took out a golden box and opened it. The Legendries faded into themselves, their cubic matrices glowing brightly before flying over and laying themselves into the box that Edward was holding. Edward shut the lid and smiled at Collin.
“You need to get going. Lord Ray is in need of finding and rescuing.” He said
“Ladies! Are you ready? It’s going to be a long carriage ride.” Collin said
“Oh, I almost forgot. You won't be riding a carriage back. I mean I guess you could, but I strongly suggest flying.” Edward said looking up.
He made a motion with his hand and a large crate that Collin swore had not been there began lowering from above. It landed on a small circular platform on the fifty-second floor and Collin walked over to examine it. The crate walls fell downward and revealed a large bluish metallic structure. From first glance, it looked to be a sort of tank. Collin touched the metal plating and a screen popped up in front of him.
MagiTech Transmutation Vessel Mk. 5
“The Saphira”
Class: Exotic Dreadnought
Configuration options: Air, Land, Sea
Modes: Ultra-Light, Light & Medium
Description:
This is a vehicle capable of traveling by land, air, and sea. This vehicle has short- and long-range weaponry and is primarily used for siege warfare.
Occupancy limit: 10
Range: 3,000 miles
Requirements to use: “Click to see list”
“Edward, what the hell is this?” Collin asked wide eyed
“A reward. The King had it transported here for you. This should allow you to leave in haste after we complete our business here.”
“I do not know how to operate this.” Collin said in horror
“That is okay love, We have matrices for that. I am already working on uploading our dreadnaughts into the interface. Sigurd and Zephyr have already agreed to head the ship.” Trixi said in Collin’s mind.
“But..The Dreadnaughts are locked?” Collin asked confused
“The Dreadnaughts and the other Armorer classes are locked from being summoned by you. They are not, however, locked from being placed in a structure and used within its confines. Their Matrix cores will need to be installed, and they will be limited to this vessel only, but they can be of use.” Edward said “Just remember that if this ship crashes or is destroyed, if the matrices are not saved beforehand, they will go down with the ship”
Collin nodded and made a mental note to ensure that they are the first to be protected in the event of something bad happening.
“That is all then. I will let you prepare and get on your way. Please be sure to have the next batch of pledges here in the next few months. I wish you luck on your next mission.’ Edward said before turning and leaving.
Collin smiled and watched Edward leave. He took a deep breath before beginning his orders.
“Trixie, please add Seventy-Nine Matrices to our roster. Please Prioritize Healer, Support, and Fighter class before evening it out. I want a range of stage two and three conjurations added. Please have the triplets go spend the remainder of my keys. Send Tiny to supervise them. I want gear sets, weapons and items for Ray, Mace, Kono, and the upcoming class of pledges. Theo and Dayton need more spell books also. Find something nice for Caleb and Annie. Tonya, please assist in this. Conjurations, start spending your keys and battle points on gear and weapons for each stage. I want you to think of where you want to be. Armorer classes please begin installation into The Saphira. Sigurd let me know of anything we need to install or upgrade before we depart. Megan, I want you and Haley to pick something out for your sister, finish up your shopping and get your fine asses into the ship. We got a Lord to go save”
“Yes sir.” Everyone said before disappearing from his mind.
Collin pulled up the system and accepted all other rewards without inspecting them. He paused once to look over a weapon he and received for beating the seven deadly sins and then kept going. He pulled up multiple screens showing blueprints, materials and the battle store and immediately began crafting his heart out. He had millions of materials that he needed to use and an entire region of people to equip. With the help of Trixie and his other conjurations he sorted through the entirety of the battle tower storage and knowledge base. He searched through maps and triangulated paths all to prepare him in his upcoming search. He listened to Tonya as she retold her story over and over. After what seemed like an entire day of preparation, Collin walked into The Saphira as it was raised up to the top of the tower. He took a deep breath of outside air and then they took off into the distance.