Chapter 103
Times Not to Plan For Retirement
I awoke to find that only my Jess had remained by my side. I was somewhat alarmed and somewhat relieved that Alien Jess left. I was alarmed in the fact that I completely missed the moment she left. I was relieved in that I had a chance to watch my Jess slowly awaken.
We wouldn’t do anything. We were after all out in the middle of an Endarian garden after all.
“Don’t worry Father. I will watch over you two, while you two consummate your feelings for each other one last time, before the end of the universe.”
Yep, not only am I in the middle of a garden run by voyeurs, but I have the ultimate stalker tree watching over me. Any hint of wanting to consummate anything was thrown out the window at that revelation.
“Father! You don’t have to be such a prude. It’s not like it isn’t anything I haven’t seen before.” Prime said indignantly.
“Would you feel the need to give pointers?” I asked, while raising an eyebrow as I looked back and found the tree that was talking to me.
Seeing the tree, I was sort of shocked. Here it was, this loud-mouthed tree was right there before me. The only problem, the tree was little more than a sapling. A few dozen inches tall with a handful of leaves.
“If I thought there would be ways to improve, then obviously I would offer guidance. That is what a world tree does, they guide their flock.” Prim answered.
I shook my head.
“When did I go from being your father, to your flock?” I asked.
“You have always been both to me.”
“Of course.” I muttered, as I relaxed my body. I apparently was too late, as I turned to look and see Jess’s beautiful eyes staring back up at me from my arm. Suddenly I was even more annoyed at the stupid tree for taking away that otherwise perfect moment.
Locking eyes with Jess, she smiles coyly. Then biting her lip for a second she adds her thought. “You know, I wouldn’t mind one last romp. Even with the tree watching. What do you say?”
Seeing her like that, I am almost tempted, but then I just get disgusted by the thought. “Eww, who would want to have sex, knowing their kid will not only watch, but offer criticism?”
At that mental image, Jess laughed while also looking mildly disgusted at the thought.
“See?”
“All right fine.” Jess said, but then pulled me in for a hug.
We stayed like that for a moment.
Just when I was going to suggest we go to a different room to try something, my thoughts were interrupted.
“They have arrived.” Sexy Alien Jess said. It was clear from her mannerisms that she was sent to collect us.
Well, I guess it was best that we didn’t act on our impulses, anyways.
“I would have delayed them, Father.”
“So, you could watch.”
“Watch over you. I would have watched over you.”
I tactfully decided to avoid continuing this conversation and in turn decided to follow Alien Jess. Well not before I regrew my Metallic butterfly wings from my back. I even let my hair and eyes go back to their normal electric colors.
Master Tier Shapeshifting.
The entire process was relatively quick by now. Only taking a few seconds at most.
When I was done, I turned to my Jess to see her expression. She had her mouth slightly open in shock.
“What?”
“That was so cool. You had this whole Butterfly Werewolf vibe going on and it was just sexy as hell.”
“Butterfly what?” I ask.
“No, she’s right. It was pretty hot.” Alien Jess adds.
I turn to her, but then stop. “You realize you two are effectively the same, right?”
“Father, can you stop flirting and start leveling up so I can grow with you?” Prime offers.
“What?” I ask, but then I remember an earlier comment about Prime’s growth being related to my leveling up.
“Father. I need you to level up, so I can gain sympathetic energy. Since you are a guardian of mine, I will grow as you grow.” Prime offers, as if I am a particularly slow child.
Perhaps I am, but that is no way to speak to your parent, right?
Shaking my head. I just wave a dismissive hand. “Yeah, yeah.”
At this point I remember that I now have a third class that I can use to gain levels for myself and for Prime.
Trying to remember back to that weird pocket dimension shop, I pull up my status screen. Half expecting to only find my original two classes available.
Name: Kyle Goldman Age: 18 Race: Half-Human* Mage Class Type: Prime Support (Omega)
Level: 51
Certs Remaining: 0 (of 52)
Mental Class Type: Psionic Prime (Omega)
Level: 51
Certs Remaining: 0 (of 52)
Spirit Class Type: Spiritual Augmentationist (Omega)
Level: 1
Certs Remaining: 0 (of 1)
Surprisingly, there is still the third class. I was also relieved to see that it was evaluated as an Omega class. That was not something that was provided in the descriptions. Then again, I wonder if all the classes there were technically considered Omega Classes. Something I might want to check out if I ever find another such shop.
There is one nice thing about the new class. In that both powers I have for the class, are considered Passive.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Spirit Attribute Augmentation: 99+% Spirit Power Augmentation: 99+%
The Spirit Attribute Augmentation was meant to improve my Attributes by a tenth of my Spirit. With this I expected my Attributes to be nearing the maximum allowed for my current levels. But I was shocked when I saw that all of my Attributes were close to the initial level cap for my level. I was confused for a moment, but then remembered that the 40-point limit was just on my base Attribute, not my base plus modifiers.
Attributes Free Attribute Points: 0
Physical Attributes (40) Strength 31 Dexterity 39 Agility 49 Endurance 32
Mental Attributes (40) Perception 39
Intelligence:
54 Willpower 54 Power 105
Spirit: 17
Seeing my Attributes, one word came to mind, “how?”
But then I remembered my title I had improved.
Title Gained: Herald Slayer X16
Herald Slayer X16: You have killed sixteen legendary Heralds of the apocalypse. You have managed to kill them in such a way that they will never respawn in any time restart. For this you gain a blessing. All attributes increased by 5% (X16 for a total of 80%). You are now 160% more resistant to all Herald events.
I still had the ten percent penalty from my Celestial Slayer Title, which should have brought this down by 10%, for a total of a 70% increase. This was noted in the fact that my yet untouched Spirit attribute was at 17. Which then provided another 17% increase to my attributes, on top of everything else.
I was close, so close to having headaches from having my Intelligence and Willpower not being enough to cover my seemingly endless Power Attribute score. Just three Power Attribute points separated me from being a fully capable Guardian, to being a disabled husk of a warrior.
Still, I had goals. My first goal would be to improve my Spirit Attribute as much as possible as it seemed to affect my Powers twice. First in the Attributes being increased. Then a second time with the fact that it also applied a 17% bonus to the effectiveness of the Powers I wielded. Now that it was certain that my cap level was only on my base Attributes, increasing spirit seemed like the best use of any current or future Free Attributes.
Basically, the way I had it set up, it was the equivalent of compounding interest. With that in mind, I went to a weapons rack grabbed two solar chargers that I placed on the inside of my wings.
Why the inside of the wings? Well, it was where Rayquel and Alien Jess, both placed theirs. After seeing the location, it made sense. This way the packs would be protected from the potential stray shot or shrapnel, thanks to my wings. Then it would also be able to gain light from various angles as I bent and flexed my wings.
Ultimately it was a good spot and I decided to follow my fellow Tree Guardians.
Seeing Rayquel, our eyes locked for a second. Then she looked away. There was clear tension there for a moment, and she almost looked like she wanted to drop it, but then thought better of it and came over.
“Look. I, well…” She began, not quite looking me in the eyes. Finally, after a second, she turned her face up and locked gazes with me. “I just wanted to say thank you.”
I must have looked confused because she quickly continued.
“For bringing us back. For bringing me back. I don’t quite know what you did, nor how you did it, but thank you.”
Oh, she was talking about bringing her back from death by the Herald. “Wait you remember?”
I ask, suddenly wondering why Goldie, well Gold Hammer didn’t remember me.
“I don’t, not really. But Prime was able to share what happened. He showed how you stopped them, not just this time, but for good. Thank you.” Rayquel said, as she nervously pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
I was about to say something, but Rayquel’s eyes shot forward and she immediately looked cowed. “Well, bye.” She managed before she ran off.
I was about to wonder what had happened, when I turned to find Jess standing there with an angry expression on her face as she scowled at the retreating back of Rayquel.
I was about to ask her what that was about, but she changed in a bi-polar second. “You ready?” She asked in a surprisingly sweet voice that seemed to mask the previous scowl she had on her face.
“For?”
“To drive us around in your electric shoot-me-now lime green cruiser.” Alien Jess said, coming up and surprising me from my other side.
I turned back just in time to see a slight scowl on Jess’s face. A scowl that she quickly removed as she smiled brightly at me.
Seeing her like that, I smiled and then grabbed her by the hand. “Calm down. I am all yours.” I said.
At my touch, she visibly relaxed, but only slightly. It was clear that she was feeling somewhat defensive about everything that was going on.
“We’ll be okay.” I said, as I patted her hand.
With that my Jess just nodded her head, while looking down at her feet. It was clear she felt a little embarrassed at how she was acting.
WHISTLE!
There was a sharp piercing whistle made by people I could only wish to imitate one day. We are talking about the shrill, ear-piercing whistle that causes everyone to turn and look. The type of whistle that would make even a boiling kettle jealous. When I looked to the source, I was surprised to see that it was General Fellina, more impressively, she managed to do that shrill of a whistle without even using her fingers.
“Listen up.” She shouted, and with that everyone began to stop what they were doing and prepare for the briefing.
“We are at the end times. We are in what is called the initial surge. According to the ancient text, and from our inter-dimensional expert.” She said the last part while pointing to Alien Jess. “This is a trial of attrition. One where we will be whittled down by wave after wave of low to mid-level Prolaxian monsters. Expect the smaller weaker monsters to appear at first, but as time goes on, they will be replaced by stronger and stronger versions. This is meant as a way to power us up. Use the certs immediately upon getting them. Do not plan on saving a few for a rainy day, for retirement. Today is that rainy day. Retirement will be when you die. Do not waste certs by holding onto them. Don’t worry about taxes. Don’t worry about saving a percentage for the government, for the military, or whatever. Use them when and wherever you can.”
A slight pause as she let that thought sink in.
“Until this is over, so long as we kill the Behemoth that will eventually follow the waves upon waves of monsters. There will be no taxes on certs gained for this battle.”
“WOOHOO!” A loud cheer rang out from a few of the soldiers.
General Fellina took the cheer in stride, before continuing. “Of course, if we don’t win, then you don’t have to worry about taxes either. Either way the mission is still the same. Go out, kill Prolaxians, then spend your certs while you can.”
“Any questions?”
“How long until this Behemoth thing appears?” One soldier asked.
“Twice as long as the time we had to wait. Which as the sacred world tree has informed us was a little over twelve hours’ time. Meaning we can expect to be in battle a little over twenty-four hours, before the main boss appears. This will be a test of Endurance and mental fortitude. I would suggest a few of you place some of your Free Attributes there, if you aren’t planning on doing so already.” General Fellina said.
I of course heard the comment, but then thought my method of improving Spirit was still the way to go.
“Any questions?” General Fellina asked.
True to the ancient military doctrine of never asking questions, the room was silent as the grave.
“Then dismissed.” A slight pause as everyone began to turn away. Before I could go anywhere, the General Spoke up again. “Goldmans, over here.”
I was confused for a moment, but then saw that the two Jesses started moving forward almost instantly. They only paused when they looked back to see that I was still standing still.
“Come on.” My Jess said, as she waved me forward.
At that, I felt somewhat excited by the fact that my Jess wanted to carry on my last name. I started moving forward, and we all started moving as a team. Confused I turned to Alien Jess.
At my glance, Alien Jess fidgeted with a strand of hair, but then quickly looked away. “It’s not what you probably think.” She said.
“My brother?” I asked, already understanding the look of guilt and shame on her face.
“I guess you do know then.” Jess said, a bitter look causing her lips to scrunch up in disgust. I was about to say something to her, something that would hopefully make her feel better. But I was cut off as the General also took the time to come towards us, cutting our walking distance in half.
“Good. You made it.” General Fellina began, as the three of us came to a stop right before her. “Now I am not going to beat around the bush. We have modified your ship with the best in heavy weapons. Both Jesses will have the ability to pivot and fire at the enemies from all different angles. So long as you watch your fuel levels and maintain a direct line of sight with a star, you should be able to last the full time. You are our ace in the hole. We are counting on you three to take down the Behemoth when it shows.”
I am about to protest, but then my Jess moves for a second, drawing my attention to her. At which point she reaches into her space suit and pulls out the odd necklace from around her neck. Seeing the necklace, I realize this is it, it all comes down to this one last push. Survive for twenty-four hours, use the necklace save the day and the universe, like a boss.
At least that is the plan. Or at least that should be the plan, but out of the corner of my eye I see Alien Jess fidget slightly. That is when I remember my true plan, it will take a lot of luck, and quite a few things to go right. But if there is a chance it can work, then I think it will all be worth the shot.
Taking the necklace from Jess, I nod to her, then strap it over my neck and let it dangle under my space suit. The minute I let go of my suit, I feel the necklace pinch into my skin, a reminder of its weight and importance. I pat the necklace, knowing that it is a onetime use artifact, meaning I will need to be perfect with my use of the necklace.
“You two, in particular.” General Fellina continues her briefing once the necklace is secured on my personage. Then she points to both Alien Jess and me. “You two, need to level up as much as possible. Your levels and fates are directly linked to Prime, the more you two level, the stronger and more resilient Prime will become.”
With that we both nod. There isn’t much else for her to say.
She of course gives the patented safety tips. “If it looks dangerous run. Your ship is more important than the rest of the fleet. Additionally, the rest of the fleet will be there to make sure you and your ship survive.”
Only now at this moment do I realize that General Fellina is also decked out in her own space suit.
“Wait, are you going to join us?” I ask.
“Of course. No point to remain in the back now. Besides when the end times come. I want to be able to tell my grandchildren that I saw the end of time from a front row seat.”
Hearing the General speak, I couldn’t help but shrug at her enthusiasm. Who was I to judge the way others wanted to spend their possible final moments.
“Well, who am I to judge. I too will be living out my fantasy as well. Piloting my own combat ship, with the woman I loved by my side, and a possible back up just in case.”
Double Punch.
Both Jesses punched me at nearly the same exact time, on opposite arms.
“Oww.” I asked jokingly, but I really did have to apply a slight Heal to Alien Jess’ punch area.
“You all should go, before you are taken down by Friendly Fire before you even reach the battlefield.” General Fellina began.
“Tell me about it.” I said, rubbing the area on my left arm, where My Jess punched. I was not even going to acknowledge the other Jess’ punch as being more painful. I also tried to pretend like it was easier to move my still stinging right arm. Man, she can punch.
“I didn’t say it wasn’t warranted, Mr. Goldman.” General Fellina added.
I would have said something back, but we were already well out of normal talking range. With that I decided to let her win this round, as we headed towards our finally fully utilized three-seater combat modified space craft.
This was going to be fun.