Novels2Search
The Alternate Earth
Chapter 8: Fiends and Shopping

Chapter 8: Fiends and Shopping

(Author: Hello! Last chapter of mega release! Aeron finally got his class! Now he goes to the Hero Market and finally buys items instead of hoping for a drop. While visiting his trainer, he learns his class is more than he realized. Chapter seems long as it has some big tables and the added segment for your convenience. Until next mega chapter release, enjoy.)

-----------Chapter 8: Fiends and Shopping-------------------

"I can't believe he picked that class," Dugar gasped.

"Tremor Fiend? The fiend race have either gone extinct or went into hiding. Perhaps he will become one?" Duba pondered aloud.

"At least he'll still be human. Mostly. I think he'll only be a half," Dugar shook his head as they watched Aeron change.

System Announcement: Recalibrating physique for Alternate Earth.

System Announcement: Calibration complete.

System Announcement: Implementing class data.

System Announcement: Class data complete. Download successful. Bone Dragon Pistol cannot be equipped due to class change.

System Announcement: Revival spawn designation: White Hammer Lake.

System Announcement: Levels are not absolutes. Energy Shield converted into Dark Engergy Shield Gauntlet.

System Announcement: Combat upgraded. Stats will not lower. HP, MP, and SP bar added to Status Display Table.

System Announcement: 15% humanity lost.

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Race TranscendenceRace: Demi-Fiend

Few classes change the race of the hero. The Tremor Fiend class is one of thirty, out of one hundred total classes, that takes away part of your humanity. Rejoice as you transcend past your human limitations. As you are a Tremor Fiend, your elements are limited to the elements of fire, earth, darkness, and the non-element: destruction.

Due to race Aeron Ao gains stats a small piece of a fiend's advantage. Autocorrect: stamina +90. Due to fiend race: Shadow Diamond fuses with Aeron's heart. Heart is now a heart-shaped shadow diamond. Shadow diamond is a rare gem that houses ancient power beyond understanding. Armor stats will now be displayed.

Racial Ability: NineDiamond Dragons

+30 resilience

+10 agility

Hero: Aeron Ao

Title: Phantom Champion

Class: Tremor Fiend

Level: 13

HP: 1,940/1,940 (1,880+60)

MP: 495/495 (440+55)

SP: 915/915 (900+15)

Stats

Strength: 97 (94+3)

Vitality: 194 (182+12)

Agility: 104 (101+3)

Stamina: 183 (180+3)

Spirit: 99 (88+11)

Resilience: 129 (121+8)

"All things considered, his stats are not bad. Higher than most as many avoid picking classes like the Tremor Fiend," Dugar commented. "He has a shadow diamond heart now. Could be worse. If he chose the Sun Conqueror class, he would have a halo above his head with blonde hair and blue eyes."

"He still has dark brown hair and blue eyes. Wait, no. It seems to be a mix between black, dark blue, and purple. The diamond might be the cause. I see no other changes. Well, he seems to have leaner muscles and slightly taller," Duba nodded. "His hair is past his shoulders too. Well, he did get a lot of that vitality stat."

"Ugh," Aeron grunted as he held his head while his heart felt as if it would explode with an ancient power. "Too abrupt. I underwent a change? What about Junghwa? Did it happen to her? Will it happen to my little brother too?"

"Her? She became even more beautiful with a nice ass and bust," Duba laughed until Dugar glared at him. "Well, most female heroes lose a lot of weight, and get sexier, when gaining a class. The true gods want their champion to be in the best condition and not look too ugly or they would lose face. Most people say female heroes are the ones who benefit most as they always become fit. As for the male heroes, they only lose a little fat as they gain some muscle. Best part is that you stop aging when you turn twenty seven. Even heroes past that age, age backwards. I think true gods believe heroes should be beautiful people. Well, their own twisted views. Your heart fused with the shadow diamond right? Just be glad its an internal change. Some bizarre physical changes were made to some heroes. I even saw a six-armed hero once."

Aeron recovered from his shock and the dwarves looked at him. Armor, made of black and silver dragon scales covered his chest, arms, and legs. The chest plate had an image of a dark blue, purple, and black scaled dragon the coiled its serpentine body on the chest plate of the armor. The only thing missing was the helmet, face guard, hand guards, and the armor for legs from the knees to the feet. It was because he already had armor for that. A martial artists robe covered his armor, only revealing the chest plate armor and leg guards. It was made of black silk and made Aeron appear like a general from the demon lands. He only needed horns to authenticate the description.

Aeron watched as nine serpentine dragons appeared from his body as they coiled around him. As he looked at them, he noticed they were made of darkness and were the same color as the shadow diamond that fused and became his heart. When he made them disappear, the nine shadow diamond dragons appeared on the bottom of his robes. It seemed they had to be displayed somehow, like how limbs could not be concealed.

Nine Diamond DragonsRacial Ability

Due to fusing with the shadow diamond, you have fused with the nine dragons that were contained by the diamond. They are a part of you and you will lose HP if they die. They are counted as extra limbs of fiends. Other fiends have similar abilities and will acknowledge you as one of them despite being a Halfling.

"Not bad," Aeron nodded, happy with his armor. He stared at the Black Flame Lord's Hand that he wore on his right hand, black flames flickering around his fingers. Then, he saw the black flames flickering on his gauntlet. His griffon boots were covered by the robes, so it didn't really stand out. However, wearing the glove and gauntlet did.

"And so a demi-fiend is born. It seems your elements are fire, earth, darkness, and destruction," Dugar noted.

"Is it magic?" Duba asked.

"No, it is just his enchanted item's effect. Only mage classes are able to manipulate the elements freely, without being limited to spells. However, their MP usage is more costly as the  magic would obviously be superior. As for those dragons, I hear people say fiends could control creatures that seemed to be an extension of their bodies, like extra limbs. FIends would also be hurt if they died but would be able to create more to replace them," Dugar answered. "Warriors are also limited in which elements they can use, as they do not have as deeper a connection to mana as mages. The elements would depend on the true god and the class."

"As I have MP, I'll use it sparingly as I am a warrior," Aeron nodded. "Where do I go to head to the Hero Market?"

"My son will lead you up to the room where the portal is. The north wing looks small as it is really just a large hall with a small room at the end which contains the portal. Once you head inside, you will meet other heroes. However, the true gods prevent you from telling national secrets of the side you chose. I hope you do not have a friend who belongs to the enemy. No doubt he would have gone through horrible experiences and be a changed man," Dugar said.

"Thank you for giving me my class," Aeron bowed his head and followed Duba to the north wing.

"Before you head in," Duba started as Aeron pushed two golden doors and saw a swirling white portal. "It is best not to mention what class you are to those you don't trust. Also, I've seen a few heroes who died as they depended too much on magical items and skills you heroes use. Glad to have you with us. The both of you. Most of the heroes, who chose to side with the dwarves, all stay at the capital. If you wish, we can set the portal to the capital for you both."

"I can't live a sheltered life. It's why I chose to fight the dwarves. I want to fight the enemy and learn more about them. On the battlefield, I can only depend on myself," Aeron answered.

"Good. My father and I will be making plans for an assault on a goblin city. Remember, choices must not be made idly. No one can truly see all the consequences of their actions, directly or otherwise," Duba said, shaking hands with Aeron before he watched the hero walk through the portal with his blood golem behind him. "May the Stones protect you."

System AnnouncementWelcome to Hero Market

Aeron Ao has entered a pocket between dimensions. Here, heroes can buy items, skills, armor, and weapons. This is also the only place to buy or sell said items, nullifying the restriction on items. Items still cannot be traded among other heroes.

Suggested item of sale: Bone Dragon Pistol.

"Hey, Aeron," Junghwa smiled, hugging him. "What took you so long? Your brother and the others already went into the market."

"So they came here," Aeron said, as they stood in front of one of many item shops. No doubt, his brother would be trying to find health, stamina, or mana potions.

"Big bro!....Whoa! You got taller and your eyes...," Eddy said as he and the others saw Aeron appear. "That's your armor? HAHAHA! Just like those wuxia and xianxia novels you read a lot."

"Why is everyone else not wearing their armor?" Aeron asked.

"Some heroes have the option to hide their armor if it is too cumbersome. You are wearing a martial artists cloak over dragon plate armor," Eddy guessed as he saw the nine dragons. However, your armor has a high defense but is not bulky as it is like another layer of skin as it fits beneath the robe. Thus, I don't think your armor came with the feature."

"I see," Aeron said as he felt Junghwa's chest against his right arm as she hugged it.

"Yo! Aeron! Good to see you. If you got stuff to sell, you can do it here. Item shops buy all the goods from heroes. They convert it into black dragon coins," Frankie said, grinning as he saw him.

"Aeron!" Oscar cried, Aeron shocked to see his best friend as they had separated when he tried to find his brother.

"Oscar! That girl you saved...Melissa, right?" Aeron asked, the girl nodding as she appeared from behind Oscar. "Where's Jorge, Janet, and Samantha?"

"Janet and Jorge were killed by the grey zombies. As for Samantha, she was killed by the barbarians. They're a savage group at an average height of ten feet. We were saved by the humans of the city oasis nearby. We are allied with them against the barbarians," Oscar said, Aeron nodding silently as they mourned their lost friend.

"The Four Musketeers of Varsity Basketball are now three. Like some sick ass joke," Eddy snarled. Eddy was close to Oscar and Jorge as those two always played basketball at their house before high school. When they entered high school, they all joined the basketball team at school, Eddy joining a year later when he became a freshman.

"You guys dating?" Oscar asked, pointing between Junghwa and Aeron.

"Same as you two," Aeron grinned, Melissa blushing as she nodded.

"What's with the eight foot golem? Are those diamonds made of blood?" Oscar asked.

"Yeah. It was my second skill, I think. It's called Summon: Blood Golem. Can't be upgraded though," Aeron nodded.

"A summoning skill? Makes sense then. Some shop keepers told me those can't be upgraded because they are like class skills: they improve and gain new aspects like we do. The skills here are of lower quality but highly expensive. It is because they are not as powerful as loot drop abilities. Those are one-of-a-kind skills. Especially healing magic, most people can't understand why they're not sold," Melissa answered as she greeted Junghwa.

"You have one?" Junghwa asked.

"I can summon three foxes. Right now, they're only cubs. However, they are able to use magic and weapons once I reach higher levels," Melissa nodded.

"Summoning skills are overpowered, I say. Oh, be wary of what skills you buy here. They count under the loot-drop restrictions of 5 active and 3 passive, non-class skills," Oscar warned. "Me and Melissa are heading back. The barbarians always attack the oasis city. We'll catch up later."

"Good to see you again," Melissa waved as they exchanged friend lists before she and Oscar left.

"Save the princess and get the girl," Aeron said.

"You got me," Junghwa grinned.

"I know," Aeron grinned. "But you can fight."

"Can you use your Bone Dragon Pistol?" Eddy asked.

"No. My class does not allow it and a system announcement suggested I sell it," Aeron sighed.

"Dear customer, you may sell your item here or have it transmuted into a suitable weapon from one of the weapon shops of your class," a clerk suggested as Aeron approached the desk.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"Do you sell health potions and other potions?" Aeron asked.

"Yes, we do. Please take a look at the list and tell me when you are ready to make your purchase. Please be aware prices are arranged per class to maximize mutual benefit," the clerk nodded.

Item Shop: Potion ListAll Sales are Final

Health Potion= 250 black dragon coins. Heals 35-45% max HP.

Mana Potion= 200 black dragon coins. Recovers full MP.

Stamina Potion= 150 black dragon coins. Recovers quarter max stamina.

Greater Strength Potion= 80 black dragon coins. Lasts 3 hours.

Revival Potion= 1,000 black dragon coins. Used upon death if user does not wish to revive in designated revival point.

Haste Potion= 60 black dragon coins. Lasts five minutes. Speed increased by 30%.

Poison Potion=40 black dragon coins. Can be applied on weapons or consumed directly. Takes 10% of target's max HP.

Paralysis Potion= 50 black dragon coins. Can be consumed or thrown. Paralyzes target for 20 seconds. Disables skills for 10 seconds.

Petrification potion= 120 black dragon coins. Turns target to stone for 10 minutes. Target cannot move or sustain damage during effect.

Cure Potion=1,000 black dragon coins. Removes abnormal stats: 3. Prevents abnormal status for thirty seconds after consumption.

"I'll buy one revival potion," Aeron said, the clerk smiling as he waved his hands. Aeron's Ring of the Axe King shined and he knew the coins were replaced with the potion. Closing his eyes, he saw into his storage ring and saw a vial with black liquid inside.

"As per regulation, sales are switched automatically. No one heard our conversation or saw the transfer," the clerk bowed his head. "No doubt, such potions could be bought outside Hero Market, but the effects are only 10% of the ones sold here and there is no revival potion sold elsewhere. Thank you for your patronage."

"What'd you buy?" Eddy asked they left to find a weapon shop.

"Just a revival potion," Aeron said, using the telepathy provided by the friend list as they stepped outside.

"So rich...well. let's go with the others. For me, I just want to buy skills. The more expensive ones cost a lot so I am saving for them," Eddy said.

"Let's enter the weapon shop," Frankie grinned as they stopped in front of a shop with a staff and great sword crossing each other.

Some clerks did not respond when the others asked to make a sale. It seemed that clerks only responded if they sold merchandise which can be used by the hero. Everyone spoke to a different clerk and Eddy and Aeron had to go to the second floor to make a transaction.

"A class with fiend with it? Have not met one in eight years. That last hero should be a year younger than you as he came rather young," a red-haired clerk smiled as Aeron approached him. "Would you like to make a transaction?"

"Yes. I came here to transmute my Bone Dragon Pistol as my class cannot use it. I also wish to know where I can find my class trainer," Aeron asked.

"No problem. What would you like it to turn into? Your class does not allow the usage of guns of any kind," the clerk asked.

"Flying daggers?" Aeron asked as he handed the pistol/

"Daggers which could levitate and be manipulated. The size can also extend to that of a short sword. Note: only one can extend to a great sword at a time. Flying daggers will count as class weapons and unable to upgrade as they become more powerful as the owner. The cost to make 4 Dragon Heart Seekers is 1,000 black dragon coins," the clerk said as he inspected the gun.

"I accept," Aeron said.

"Here are your daggers," the clerk said, giving him four daggers with dragon bone grips after the gun turned into four balls of light as his storage ring shined once more. "Please note you have to see the daggers to manipulate them. As for your class trainer, I can teach you. All fiends come to me and the clerks would have referred to me. As flying daggers are hidden weapons, they can appear as tattoos or designs on the surface of your skin or other items you wear."

"Oh. Great. I'd like to purchase some class skills," Aeron asked the image of four tiny daggers appeared on the palm of his Shadow Shield gauntlet.

"Tremor Fiend class. Quite the rare fiend class. Out of nine fiend classes, this is the only one that wasn't chosen as some liked their other hero class choices. Please select the skill you wish to purchase. These skills are available for purchase below the first class advancement. Choose wisely and please tell me when you are ready," the clerk asked.

Tremor Fiend Class SkillsSkills and Prices

Summon: Earth Golem 800 black dragon coins. Active magic skill.

Ghost Steps: 1,000 black dragon coins. Active sustained skill.

Earth Dragon Claw: 1,000 black dragon coins. Active skill.

Quake Fist: 1,000 black dragon coins. Active skill.

Boulder Charge: 1,200 black dragon coins. Active skill.

Sand Aura: 1,200 black dragon coins. Passive skill.

Eclipse Spear: 1,200 black dragon coins. Active magic skill.

Mountain Fortress: 1,300 black dragon coins. Active buff skill..

Rock Skewer: 1,400 black dragon coins. Active weapon skill.

Sand Wave: 1,500 black dragon coins. Active magic skill.

Fiend Destroyer: 1,800 black dragon coins. Active weapon skill.

Dead Respite: 2,000 black dragon coins. Passive skill.

Evil Eye: 2,000 black dragon coins. Active skill.

"Can I see the description of Quake Claw, Evil Eye, Sand Clone, and Eclipse Spear?" Aeron asked.

"Certainly. Should you choose to buy them all, the total is 5,400 black dragon coins," the clerk said. "Does the customer have enough?"

"Of course. I would not ask to see the description if I didn't," Aeron said.

"Ah, you were the newcomer that killed the false god, Tulaga. I had received the report that a newcomer killed one. It is normal for them to die, but not by a newcomer. Please, decide if you wish to purchase the skills after reading the details of the skills," the clerk smiled, four small boxes appeared in front of him. Naturally, he was always the only one who could see the boxes and he could not see the boxes that appeared in front of others during system announcements and other alerts.

Tremor Fiend: Skill ListSkill Details

Quake Fist: 35 SP per use. Fist is imbued with the power of earth. Attack sends dozens of vibrations into the target, attacking the target from within. If the target is too weak, it shatters into countless pieces of rock.

Evil Eye: 45 HP and SP. +5 HP and SP cost per second after activation. The caster's own soul is empowers the skill. Able to manipulate gravity to push, crush, or pull targets. Skill cannot be blocked, evaded, or resisted. Restriction: At least one eye must be open during skill use.

Sand Aura: passive skill. User's body becomes like sand, looking complete normal on the outside. Bleeding wounds automatically turn into sand and appears to regenerate. So long as the fiend's heart exists, any part of the body can regenerate. Skill does not restore HP. Only a skill that returns body back to perfect state excluding MP, HP, and SP. Does not have any defensive properties.

Eclipse Spear: 100 MP per use. Creates a spear of non-element attribute. Does immense damage. Cannot be blocked by magic.

"Did I pick an evil class?" Aeron sighed. "Well, could be more of a chaotic class as controlling earth is not really evil. Did I not have darkness and fire for my class?"

"You do, but it is not part of this class as it is in the primary stage. When you advance in class, skills using those attributes will be available. You already have black flames and those shadow diamond dragons. I know as a trainer knows the powers, stats, and effects of all the heroes which are under his or her jurisdiction. We only learn that. Who you are, as a person; and your feats are unknown," the clerk inclined his head. "If you wish to use those elements, and those outside of your class; you still have three active and two passive, non-class abilities you can learn. You are only level 13. There is still 26 levels left to level 39. It is 26 levels as you cannot learn non-class skills from level 40 onwards. Do you wish to purchase the skills?"

"Yes. I'll learn them all," Aeron grinned, his body illuminated by a black light which faded as a similar reaction happened on his storage ring.

"You are indeed full of surprises. Most heroes have 3,000 black dragon coins, at the most. How many do you have left?" the clerk asked, surprised.

"I spent about 7,400. So maybe a little above 5,700? I killed a lot of zombies and goblins due to my golem and my own efforts. There was also a few hundred coins from stronger zombies and the loot from the griffon. Almost all the coins were for completing the hidden quest to kill Tulaga," Aeron answered, checking his storage ring.

"As you have a storage ring, you can safely hide your black dragon coins from any thieves. Still, never tell anyone how rich you are," the clerk warned. "You have already lost 15% of your humanity. Your body has not attuned to it yet. You can be considered the most powerful among the heroes of this round. However, the difference between Division 2 and 3....I trust I don't need to tell you. Even though they are not as powerful as the griffon, as you are no longer fighting in that special place; it does not mean they will have to try hard to kill you. I'm sure you noticed, Tulaga was rather prideful. That is why it lost so easily. It could not remain calm after someone actually attacked it and wounded it."

"I understand. Thank you for the advice," Aeron nodded as he rejoined the others at the exit.

"You all ready? Now that we got some stuff, let's go to the auction house. Might be some cool stuff there," Frankie grinned.

"Still not satisfied?" James sighed and they all followed Frankie out of the shop.

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Non-Class Skills

Active (2/5): Healing (restorative magic); Summon: Blood Golem (summoning magic).

Passive (1/3): Warrior of Stone (defensive utility).

Class Skills

Active: Fiend Slash (weapon required); Rock Burst (spatial magic); Quake Fist (physical martial art); Evil Eye (forbidden art); Eclipse Spear (destruction magic).

Passive: Sand Aura (body manipulation utility).

Equipment

Head: N/A

Face: N/A

Neck: N/A

Body: Fiend's Raiment

Rings (5/8 possible due to gauntlet interference. Rings cannot be worn on thumbs): Ring of the Axe King; Shadow Killer

Left Hand: Dark Energy Shield Gauntlet

Right Hand: Black Flame Lord's Hand.

Feet: Griffon's Wings.

Back: N/A

Weapons

Main: Fiend Ghost Axe

Hidden: Dragon Heart Seeker (4)

Golem Only Skills: Diamond Barrage; Lava Breath.