(Author: Hello! This chapter took a long time to edit. Thanks to his blood golem, Aeron is able to reach his brother safely. He reunites with his brother only to be separated due to three zombies that evolved upon reaching level 5. Using his wits and mixed martial arts training, he succeeds against a level 5 and level 6 grey zombie with his blood golem. He also finds his first loot armor and a sustained, support ability for his brother, Eddy. Nearly recovering vitality and spirit when wearing the ring, Aeron rests to recover some stamina before heading to the parking lot. Note: 1 spirit equals 5 MP, 1 vitality equals 10 HP, and 1 stamina equals 5 SP.Enjoy.)
---------Chapter 3: Event Complete-----------------
"Leveling really is convenient. The student zombies are much easier to kill now," Elgar smiled as he hacked at one zombie's neck while doing a low kick on another and beheading it as it crashes on the ground. "Will Eddy be okay? Yes, he should be. He goes to the boxing gym on the weekends. Even if he doesn't know how to use a complex weapon, like the sword, he should be confident with his punches, jabs, and footwork."
"Huh? Who is that?" a boy asked as he and another student were on top of the bars of the obstacle course's rope climb.
"That's Cadet Lieutenant Ao!" another boy cried.
"Quick, let's go!" the first boy shouted and ran, holding his staff as the second boy held onto a sword.
"Sir! Sir!" the second boy cried, Aeron turning his head back as he saw two cadets, one of them wearing a khaki uniform that suggested he was part of Alpha Company as only the cadets below the officer rank had to wear the uniform and participate in the honor guard if they were in Alpha Company. Alpha Company comprised of periods one, two, and three. Bravo Company comprised of four, five, six, and the seventh period class. Each period was a platoon named after the military alphabet. First period was Alpha Platoon, second period was Beta Platoon, and so on.
"Cadet Myers?" Aeron frowned, recognizing the second boy as he was a part of Bravo Company. As he was a cadet lieutenant, he was Bravo Company Commander and was in charge of overseeing the progress of the cadets and ensure the ribbons, medals, and rank promotions were awarded on time, the promotion in rank only if they passed their test. Cadet Myers failed the Cadet Petty Officer Second Class promotion test twice and finally succeeded just before the end of last year.
"Sir!" Cadet Myers panted as the other boy, Han, J. on the other boy's nametag, fought off a zombie and smashed his staff on the head multiple times before rushing over. "Finally, a person who isn't dead or undead."
"You were atop of the rope climb?" Aeron asked as the other boy arrived.
"Sir, Cadet Hans, James," the boy saluted, seeing the long sleeve shirt and knew he was an officer as regular cadets just wore a khaki shirt with e plain white T-shirt inside. "Sir, where's your officer jacket and black, shined shoes?"
"We're not on Earth anymore. Class is over, indefinitely, and the jacket weighs me down and makes me sweat more. Sweat is a definitive sign of loss in stamina. What level are you two?" Aeron asked.
"I'm level 1 and Frankie just reached level 1 but is uncomfortable with killing zombies," James said.
"I can't kill zombies that used to be my friends. Others, I can kill fine," Frankie sighed. "It's just too much. People always said the second and senior years are the best. Cool golem by the way. If only I had a skill too."
"No time for complaints. We need to head to the cafeteria and secure some food. Have you seen any other students?" Aeron asked.
"I saw Cadet Cruz, your brother, exit from the armory and supply with weapons. However, there was a horde of ten zombies between them and us so I didn't dare call out and risk us all getting killed," Frankie nodded as Aeron unbuttoned his long sleeve and let his sleeveless shirt fall over the belt. The weather was getting warmer as morning was turning to noon.
They first ran into the NJROTC classroom to see if anyone was there. They only saw a single zombie that was quickly killed by the blood golem. For sentimental reasons, Aeron put a cadet lieutenant rank on his right lapel while he put a gold NJROTC bar on his left lapel of the long sleeve. He worked hard to reach the rank and preferred to keep it. As Frankie and James broke into the student store to pack some snacks, Aeron went to the connected second room where the officers gather and contained the offices of First Sergeant and Commander.
Aeron had the golem break into Commander and First Sergeant's offices and grabbed a large, wheeled suitcase from within. Inside was the air rifle he had personally won as an award from last year's Junior Olympics. Inside was the rifle, five full oxygen cylinders used to fire the air rifle, a miniature oxygen tank, sharp and flat pellets, and a cleaning and maintenance kit. He quickly put it in his storage ring and joined the others.
"Frozen pizza with everything on it. I think it's best we ate them as we packed the foods and snacks that didn't spoil," James said, handing a cooked pizza to Aeron.
"Good idea," Aeron nodded as he put some granola bars and some packaged cookies into his backpack. As they ate, Aeron also put some frozen cheeseburgers and instant noodles into his storage ring and made sure they were all the same flavor and made by the same company.
"Did any of you find a skill?" Aeron asked as they left the classroom and headed to the parking lot.
"I was lucky enough to get a tier 2 skill: Fire Ball. It consumes 50 MP but the damage is huge. I can literally blast a hole in the wall from it exploding, with extra fire damage afterwards. However, I only have 11 Spirit so I can only cast it once . I need to wait for my spirit to recover the 10 spirit, 50 MP, before casting it again. Hopefully, zombies cluster so it is worth the cast," James said. "Frankie did not find a loot ability. I learned you can give skill books away, but you can't grab loot that isn't yours. I experimented as I gave my skill book to Frankie, but he had 8 spirit and gave it back. Frankie couldn't help me pick up my loot either. I have a few black coins. Think its the currency of this game?"
"It's not a game. If it was, I would have saved, logged out, and never come back," Frankie muttered as they approached the south gym. Past it would be the student parking lot.
"How'd you recognize me anyway?" Aeron asked as they slowed near the south gym.
"It's pretty rare to see a Chinese American in the valley. Also, you have dark brown hair and blue eyes with a Chinese face. You are the only one in NJROTC who went to the Junior Olympics for Air Rifle since the start of the program. Naturally, a lot of people know of you and I am a cadet of Bravo Company. I have to know your name and rank as part of my knowledge during my inspection," Frankie answered.
"We can grow our hair out now," James grinned. "I missed having curly hair."
"We're close to the south gym now. We have to stay quiet. The south gym would be where most people escaped to as it is the largest, open-spaced building," Aeron warned, putting a finger in front of his mouth to quiet them. The other two nodded as Aeron peeked inside the building.
"How many are there?" James asked.
"Fifteen, all of them members of the cheer leading squad. I see two girls on top of the basket ball board and a fallen ladder next to it as the supply room door is open. I'm guessing they got up there when they saw the zombies," Aeron answered. "As there are too many zombies, most of them are at level 1. However, there is a grey zombie at level 5."
"We can take them," Frankie said, looking at the golem which became a pillar of support and comfort. "We have your badass golem with those diamonds."
"It would be best to kill them. If the two girls died, they might head to the parking lot," Aeron thought and nodded.
"I'll cover the flanks and Frankie can guard my back as you kill the grey zombie. Fighting that thing is suicide for us," James said. "I'll shout at the girls to drop down and fight so we can do a pincer attack."
"It's like you're playing that game of yours," Frankie sighed as Aeron moved in.
"Blood golem, charge at the grey zombie, ram any other zombie on your path," Aeron ordered and followed the blood golem. Any zombie it crashed into lost an arm as it was slammed to paste.
The grey zombie shrieked and all the zombie ignored the girl as they charged at the golem. James yelled at them and one girl went down, a sword in her hand, and attacked the closest zombie to her as the other girl violently shook her head and stayed atop the board. Aeron did a left hook on one weak zombie on his path, blasting a part of its head off as it flew two feet and died on the ground. Aeron's eyes widened as he saw four more zombies come out the supply room. Three of them were at level 3 while one was at level 5!
The black haired girl looked back and immediately ran to where Aeron was as the four zombies charged. Upon a closer look, the girl was Selene, a rather smart girl who was also a member of the girl's volleyball and tennis varsity team. Although a bit weird, she used her sword like a tennis racket' slashing with the edge instead of a flat racket.
"You're Aeron Ao!" the girl said, seeing him fight the grey zombie as he approached it. She watched as threw the axe first, doing a low kick as the axe hit the zombie and forced it to fall on the ground. Quickly, Aeron ran over and jumped up, extending his foot as he fell and crushed one of the zombies arm. Running to the limp arm's side, he pulled the axe and kicked the back of the knee of the zombie as it tried to rise. As it fell on one knee, Aeron put his right arm across his head and beheaded the zombie as he slashed horizontally.
He quickly killed the nearby zombies and nodded at Selene, pointing his thumb behind him to tell her to help James and Frankie. She nodded as he ran to the three level three zombies, the blood golem taking two down with a flying tackle as Aeron beheaded the last weaker golem before coming face-to-face with the level 7 zombie.
System AnnouncementAeron Ao is promoted to level 5
3 stat points award.
Stat points cannot be distributed in combat.
1 skill upgrade point awarded.
Golem has gained a new ability.
Ability cannot be added during combat.
"Use skill upgrade point on Healing," Aeron roared as he rushed at the zombie, the zombie shrieking and punching at the axe as it cam down.
System AnnouncementSkill has been upgraded.
Healing has now become Healing Level 2.
Due to devotion to healing, you have increased the effectiveness of the skill.
You have improved a noble skill that would cause others to revere you.
Dislocations, cuts, sickness, and scars can now be healed with one cast.
Fractures and broken bones still require multiple casts.
Diseases cannot be healed.
Cost: 15 MP
"Golem, help me!" Aeron roared as zombie did a soccer kick at him, Aeron flying and doing a back flip to land on his feet as he blocked the kick with his axe. His right arm numb, he switched the axe to his left hand. The grey zombie patted its fist that blocked the axe, seeing a small burn on the skin.
The ground shook and cracked as the golem ran and slammed into the zombie with all three hundred pounds of its body. The zombie shrieked and threw the golem back, sending it to the wall, a small dent apparent due to the strength of the throw and the golem's weight.
"Whoa! It tossed the golem like a potato sack," Frankie said as he, James, and Selene finished the rest of the zombies. Frankie reached the second level while James and Selene reached the third level. James was surprised and guessed Selene must have killed a few zombies before hiding on the board above the basketball court.
"We have to help," Selene said but was stopped by James and Frankie.
"The level difference is too much," James said. "We are out of combat now. Loot the zombies and pick a skill. I saw two white boxes drop from the ones I killed. I'll just keep the black coins. We have to go around them and save that other girl."
Aeron grunted as he blocked another kick, his vitality going down by two now. As the grey zombie rushed at him, he picked up a zombie head and threw it at it. The zombie slowed as it flailed its arms and got hit on the chest near the neck. Aeron stepped to the side and hacked his axe down, cutting off a piece of the zombie's right arm. He threw his motorcycle helmet like a football, the helmet hitting the zombie's eyes. The zombie shook its head as it unconsciously closed its eyes before it got hit.
Aeron ran and pushed the zombie's head to the side with his left hand and hacked at the back of the neck with the right. He cut twice but the zombie flailed its arm, knocking Aeron to the ground. The blood golem had recovered most of its broken body and tackled the zombie with its shoulder as it rose and started for Aeron. Aeron cast healing, recovering some bruises as he rand five steps and threw the axe with all his might, his shoulder cracking as he pulled a muscle and crashed on the ground. The axe spun and hit the zombie at the ribs, a small ember appearing from the wound. As it was on the same side as the unbroken arm, the zombie had a tough time reaching to its back to grab the handle and continued to burn. Suddenly, its eyes seemed to dull and it fell to the side before the golem reached it.
As Aeron healed himself with Healing again, he saw a white box appear next to the zombie's head as he heard another ping.
System AnnouncementAeron Ao is promoted to level 6.
3 stat points awarded.
Current unused stat points: 6
"I want +1 stat for vitality, +2 stamina, and +3 resilience," Aeron said, feeling his body get better as a black light shined in his eyes. His breathing became steady and he stood up and looked at the white box, finding only two dozen coins and small revolver.
System AnnouncementCongratulations
Aeron Ao has found Bone Dragon Pistol.
You have proven that sticks and stones really do break bones. Using a training weapon most people didn't use, you killed the mini boss. For having the greatest courage, your gun has the knockback of a shotgun blast that fired at point blank range upon hit or penetration. Pistol is given as reward drop for killing the strongest mini boss of an area. Pistol fully reloads after 5 minutes.
Max bullets in chambers: 6.
Restriction: Aeron Ao.
Aeron stared at the side of the silver metal gun and saw a skeleton dragon on both sides, its serpentine body flying as if chasing the bullet out the gun. He put the revolver in his storage ring, making sure the safety was on first. He would have tried it, but he didn't want to waste it. Even if it was six bullets, he never had training with a pistol before. The golem supported him as the others ran to him as he put his axe on his hip. He put the helmet back on and sighed as he could finally breathe calmly.
"Holy shit! You killed it. Damn. It looked pretty nasty out there," Frankie said. "What level are you? I reached level 2 while James and Selene reached level 3."
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"Level 6," Aeron answered, the rest of the gaping their mouths as the other girl joined them.
"Thank you for saving me," the girl smiled, James and Frankie narrowing their eyes in disappointment as she cowered up there during the fight.
"Let's go," Aeron said, not even paying attention to the girl as she offered no help and looked at the girl. "You're on your own. I can't have people dragging me back. You clearly refuse to fight, even if someone tries to save you. You're a liability. You can go to the NJROTC office for some snacks and refrigerated food. We didn't get them all. If you try to follow us, my golem will crush you. I've seen the zombie shows. I don't need a potential traitor and backstabber in my group."
The girl cried and begged for help, even clinging on Selene. Selene sighed and pushed her away. Selene didn't even know the girl as she must have been a recruit. She knew Aeron was right, even if the assessment was harsh. You could depend on others, but the best person to rely on was yourself. With them, Selene could level and she trusted Aeron. They weren't close friends but they hung out when Aeron had basketball practice while the cheerleaders would cheer for them in games. She couldn't trust a stranger as Selene could not predict what the girl could do.
"The others won't be as strong as that, right?" Frankie asked as Aeron cast Healing on himself. "I just got my new skill."
"Oh? You found a skill book?" Aeron asked. "What are the skill?"
"It's a tier 1 skill called Rocket Punch. Costs 10 SP, or 2 stamina, with a thirty second cool down. Does twice the normal damage. I have to be within two feet of the enemy. The skill launches me forward, covering my fist in gold light as I bash the target. I have to look at the target while doing it. No other action can made while activating the skill. It will be better once I reach level 5," Frankie grinned.
"I found the first weapon skill: Triple Strike," Selene said. "The attack ignores enemy armor and does normal damage for each strike. I also create a bleeding effect that takes 5 HP every ten seconds for ten seconds. Pretty much 1 vitality. Of course, the damage is decreased on enemies at my level and above, but the 5 HP remains. It is a tier 4 skill."
"I forgot to tell you but my skill is also a tier 6 skill: Fortress Body. I can ignore all pain for three seconds and nullifies all abnormal stats. Cool down is one hour. It costs 15 SP though so I can't use it sparingly. If you run out of stamina, your body feels sluggish and heavy," James said, shocking Selene and Aeron. As James experimented with giving the skill book to others with Frankie, Frankie was not surprised and nodded his head.
"You had two skill books?" Aeron frowned.
"I didn't believe it was real and I cast my Fire Ball earlier. Fortress Body requires a fifth of my total MP. Even if the skill upgrades, I don't think the cost will change as it is way too good," James sighed. "I'm focusing on being a mage and this skill will save my life. I'll probably increase my resilience, agility, and stamina. Don't expect me to carry stuff or melee."
"I want to be a mage too. It's too bad there are no mage skills," Frankie sighed.
"Two mages will be a good addition to the group," Aeron brooded as he led the others to the parking lot.
"Big brother!" Eddy cried, running and hugging his brother as Aeron appeared.
"You guys made it okay?" Aeron asked and frowned. "Where's Robert?"
"The grey zombie got him as it chased us," Jean answered. "Eddy managed to kill it but we had no way to save James as he was bleeding to death as the zombie bit his neck. Robert killed himself to not die a zombie."
"It's okay Eddy. He knew the risk," Aeron soothed and Eddy stopped crying after a few seconds. "We need to go. Where's the ride?"
"There!" Eddy said, pointing at a pickup truck. It looked a year old and had some bird crap on the hood as it was parked under the tree. "It belonged to a senior whose died own a moving company. It's big and should be able to ram through zombies with ease. I reached level 3 and Jean is also level 3."
"Good. Here is a tier 3 skill book: Frost Enchantment. Quickly learn it and apply it on your training sword and a piece of clothing you wear," Aeron said, giving the skill book to Eddy.
"Thanks big brother," Eddy said, learning the skill. Soon, snowflakes fell from his sword as his pants seemed to cover themselves in runic symbols.
"Argh!" Selene cried, as zombie burst from the football area, grabbing her. Everyone turned to look but she was already dragged onto the ground, being bitten by over ten zombies as dozens more appeared.
"Get to the truck!" Aeron shouted, James shooting a fireball at the zombies. As he slumped over, Frankie put his arm on his shoulder and they rushed to the pick up truck. As they ran, Aeron watched the fireball burn through five zombies before exploding. A ten foot diameter crater was left where the zombies and Selene was.
"Wait for me!" the girl from earlier cried as she appeared.
"What are you waiting for?" Aeron roared as he, the golem, and James were at the back of the truck as Eddy buckled up and started the truck while Jean and Frankie sat inside.
"There's a person!" Eddy said as the girl got closer.
"Please wait!" the girl cried, flailing her arms as if she wished she could grab them and hold them in place.
Jean took out a air rifle, put the oxygen cylinder in, loaded a flat pellet and fired the rifle. Aeron looked back at her as she managed to clip the shoulder of one of the zombies that managed to grab the girl's shoulder. The zombie lost its grip and fell onto the ground, its body and head crushed as other zombies continued the chase.
"Damn. Even I'm not that good a shot," Frankie whistled.
"I used to hunt back in Canada," Jean said as the girl reached the truck and got in the back. Holding her legs as she sat away from Aeron.
"I'll fight. I swear. Please don't leave me," she sobbed.
"Just drive," Aeron said, Eddy nodding as he hit the reverse and then drove forward and out the gate.
System AnnouncementCongratulations. You completed event: School's Out Forever.
Due to your unshakable will to survive, you all escaped from the school using any means possible.
Suddenly appearing in a world not your own, zombies have attacked and you learned about magic. Only five exits were available in the school. Aeron Ao and co. escaped through the south west exit. Your group of 6 are the 22nd to 27th people to escape. You will now venture into a world that is both similar and vastly different than your own. You must reach the outskirts of the city to truly escape the zombies and other dangers.
No one will help you. No one will save you. The only person who can is you.
Awards
+1 level up
+1 random loot drop containing either a skill, item, armor, or weapon.
"+1 spirit and +2 agility," Aeron said as he heard another ping.
System AnnouncementQuest Update
You are all people who came to Alternate Earth through the Cosmic Quake. You must reach level 10 and escape the city within ten days. Find residents of this world and find a place of refuge. Residents found in the outer areas of cities. Do note that some residents are hostile and most are not human.
Awards
+1 level up
+1 Division 2 armor.
+1 free item upgrade
Unlock the next quest
Failure
Death
Torturous pain until escape from Unknown City
Undeath as Zombie
"What the fuck!" Frankie cried as they all read the system announcement. "Escaping from the zombie infested school, with our very lives on the line, was an event? Too fucked up. How you holding up James?"
"A little better as I added on stat to spirit as usual," James grinned weakly as they looked at each other from the back window. "Can you tell Eddy to drive faster? The sooner we get out, the better."
"I will fight. I will fight," the girl cried as she crawled back as Aeron looked at her.
"It's as if she is seeing a rapist," Frankie said and got hit by an elbow from Jean. "Ow! That hurt! Fine. I admit I said something stupid."
"What level are you now?" Aeron asked.
"Level 5," she said, everyone looking at her in shock as Eddy nearly pressed the brake.
"What? How did you reach level 5?" Frankie asked.
"I was level 4 before the system announcement just now. I was the one who did the fighting before, back in the south gym. However, Selene attacked me from behind and forced me to give her the skill book I got. When she saw you guys, she hissed at me to stay at the board," the girl said. "It's not like I didn't want to fight. I was--"
"Afraid to be betrayed again. I'm sorry. I misjudged you," Aeron said, casting Healing on her.
"Whoa! You know healing magic?" Frankie said. "I saw the light but I thought it was a buff!"
"Thank you," the girl said, no longer afraid of Aeron kicking her out the truck. "My name is Cindy Fan. I'm a transfer senior student. I used to be home schooled in my home in China Town. I know a tier 5 skill: Golden Needle. It costs 20 MP and has a ten minute cool down. I can create a golden needle which pierces and paralyzes my target for fifteen seconds. It has a range of three meters and is ineffective on those above my level."
"That's really good," Aeron nodded. "Sorry about before. My brother and I are my priority and I needed strong individuals who can help us survive together."
"I can understand. I lost my first friend in school. It's only a shame I had to kill her when she tried to eat Selene," Cindy nodded as Eddy made a left turn and kept heading south east. Aeron looked her over and she was not bad. Although her face as a little round, her body was quite fit. It was no wonder she was able to run from all the zombies and kill so many. She was the second strongest as James, Jean, and Eddy were at level 4 and Frankie was at level 3.
System AnnouncementLoot Drop Decided
For completing the quest: School's Out Forever, you were awarded a random loot.
After going through the randomizer, a Division 1 shield was decided.
System AnnouncementYou have received Energy Shield.
As the escapee who killed the strongest zombies, you have proven your training with the axe. Your shield makes you a tank and aggravates your foes. Your shield is a black steel gauntlet that creates a rectangular shield made of energy when held during activation. If broken, has a twenty four hour cool down before repair. If you had a real shield, the stat bonuses would be tripled with half the hostility. As you already have a right-handed glove, the item has been remodeled to fit the left hand.
Shield special ability: self-repair.
+1 to all stats. +2 to resilience.
+10 Hostility from zombies.
+2 Hostility from all other enemies.
Restriction: Aeron Ao
"So awesome!" Frankie cried, holding a white belt as Aeron saw the gauntlet appear on his hand. "It restores my vitality by 10 every two hours. Sweet!"
"This necklace is pretty," Jean said as she wore a diamond necklace. "My vitality went up by 10. What did you get Eddy?"
"I got a pair of boots that increases by agility by 4 and my stamina by 3," Eddy said pointing at the purple shoes next to him as he kept his eyes on the road.
"I got a hair pin that increases my resilience by 2, my stamina by 3, and my vitality by 5. Aeron, does it look okay?" Cindy asked as she put it on.
"It's nice," Aeron nodded as he stared at the white pin with a black cat with jade eyes on top.
"I got a tier 3 skill: Ice Shard," James said. "I'm definitely a mage now. The MP cost is also low."
"What? I'll trade! Wait, my belt says its restricted to me! Some items are restricted?" Frankie pouted and banged his fist as he laid back in the truck. "Why can't I learn magic? Why?"
"I am trying to drive here! Keep your eyes around and make sure we don't get surrounded!" Eddy shouted, silencing them all.
"My golem gained an ability before," Aeron thought as everyone was excited from their drops. "Diamond Barrage. Able to shoot the blood diamonds out its body. Does damage based on half of owner's damage. Able to transfer 5% of damage dealt to owner as HP."
"Inspect Golem," Aeron whispered and a status screen of the golem appeared.
[tdr]
Summoned CreatureBlood GolemOwnerAeron AoLevel7Personal StatsStat NumbersStrength30Vitality14Agility15StaminaNot applicableSpirit23Resilience28Special AbilityDiamond Barrage
"......seriously?" Aeron gasped, stunned. Personal golems were nice. Real nice. He made a mental note to beware enemy golems. Their vitalities would be higher as his was more of a mage's golem than a warrior's golem. "Wait a minute. My motorcycle....fuck. I guess I don't need the helmets and keys. I'm gonna miss that Ducati."
"We can try to sneak back," James said, as he saw Aeron toss his two motorcycle helmets, rubbing his head to get rid of the helmet hair. He had hair below an inch long so it didn't look any different save for being a little spiky on the top. He kept the keys in the hope that one day, he would return and retrieve it.
"It's too late," Aeron sighed, leaning against his golem and closed his eyes. "I am gonna take a nap. I've been fighting for so long and I feel drained. Eddy, avoid the alleys but don't drive on the wider roads. We need to avoid the more populated areas as they will have less zombies."
"Slight problem. We only have a about half a tank left," Eddy answered, everyone staring at him in disbelief.