Puk’Jul – Earth – Alpha Zone #195 Level 1 – 20
As the tense Elevant’s neared Puk'Jul, he did them the courtesy of ceasing his intensive relaxations and dispensed with his refreshments into his [Lesser Ring of Storage] before willing forth his third most menacing weapon the [Staff of Igh’Ost’Eil]. Meanwhile his less ostentatious mind greeted the obviously nervous creatures jovially.
“This is a welcome development! I was beginning to get worried that I would have to Raze this fine City of yours before i managed to get any fortuitous answers!”
He stifled a grin as the seven Elevants visibly tensed. Leading the white robed one to speak in a hurried manner as it clearly tried to forestall any potential combat.
“Please forgive our slow response, this is the first time we have received such a request from…visitors. Also if it is not too much trouble could you please tell us how you would prefer to be addressed?”
Laughing, Puk'Jul lowered his [Robe of Doa’Oux]’s hood and relished in the recently initiated natives shock at his appearance. His other mind chided his first’s infantile delight and reminded it that they had to get on with the mission.
Blushing in self admonishment he offered.
“It is so pleasant to deal with polite and reasonable individuals for once. The ones I met in the siphon only wished to do battle, despite my generous offer of a truce until the timer ran out... such senseless waste! As for my preferred moniker? Puk is how I am known to my associates.”
Clearly his admission of killing their kind troubled the seven natives, but he cared not for the weaklings opinions. It was also fortunate that the white robed one groveled up to Puk'Jul’s expectations of being conflict averse, by way of supplying.
“A pleasure to meet you Puk, I am Councilor Cortez and am here to represent the governing body of this City. You mentioned before that you are looking for someone, could you please be more specific about the individual?”
Laughing at the minuscule scale the newly initiate worked on he mused out loud.
“A government? For a City of this size? How…quaint…”
Before his second mind got things back on track by continuing.
“Now to the reason for my presence on this world. It is as I stated before, that I am in search of a Forerunner of your world.
This Forerunner may also be in possession of a Progenitor class, though that is merely speculation at this point. Information that leads me to him will be rewarded quiet generously by the Trade Amalgamation.
Fair warning though…human…if you try to deceive, betray or assault me in the dispensing of my duties as an Emissary, the outcome shall not be in your favor…”
His words seemed to elicit a greater emotive response amongst the Party of six this time, and his twin minds silently rejoiced for having been so fortunate as to find knowledgeable entities so early into his expectantly brief stay on the world.
The Councilor Cortez however, woefully attempted to feign ignorance of such matters as he made a guttural sound in his throat and lugubriously added.
“I assure you most esteemed Puk, we have no intention of deception or combat! I must also apologize for our ignorance but we simply do not know what a ‘Forerunner’ or ‘Progenitor Class’ is...If you could also elaborate on the nature of these rewards I would be most grateful for your gracious wisdom.”
One of his minds lamented the sheer greed of the weakling, whilst the more diligent of the two countered that if words could solve this then as was dictated by his holding of the esteemed secondary class of Initiate Faction Emissary, either him would make ample usage of the...At least until such time as they failed...
“Very well, I shall give you the benefit of the doubt in light of your willingness to engage in dialogue thus far…What we in the wider galactic community refer to as ‘Forerunner’ is an extremely rare title. The Faction I represent has not deemed it necessary to provide me with more information than this, so aside from the holder of the title being exceptionally strong, there is little else I can say on the matter.
Halting to make sure The Councilor Cortez was able to comprehend the complicated terminology contained in his words, Puk'Jul continued.
“The matter of the ‘Progenitor class’ is also something I am not the most knowledgeable about, however to call it a myth or legend would be a more accurate account of its standing, even to the more informed then I about such things….Yet on the topic of compensation I am extremely well versed. As an Emissary it is within my remit to dispense copious amounts of Manamotes to helpful individuals, even going so far as to being able to initiate a membership agreement with the Trade Amalgamation.”
The Councilor Cortez cupped his chin with his longest digit and his smaller opposable one, likely in some attempt to convey the seriousness in which he was considering Puk’s offer. Then one of Puk’s minds had to suppress the well honed reaction of sending a [Lesser Necrotic Bolt] at anything that startled him’s as the white robed Intelligence deficient gestured at the sky with his longest digit, whilst offering.
“Now esteemed Puk, as I have said before, I and my City have no nefarious intentions toward you and while we may not know anything of these titles or classes, there is one such individual that comes to mind when talking of unrivaled…strength…”
Smiling and nodding at the feeble Elevant when it looked to him for encouragement, it promptly continued.
“This individual resides in a Citadel some 500 kilometers North West of here, to the best of my knowledge. Now I am sure one such as yourself has nothing to fear, however in the spirit of friendship and cooperation I could not in good conscience send you to this…person…without a word of warning. This individual may not even wish to engage in dialogue and is extremely dangerous.”
Stunned momentarily that such a recently elevated world had such a construction, one of his minds wondered if he would finally get the chance to test his true level of power by storming one of them. Meanwhile his other mind noted the delectable looks of shocked betrayal from all but one of his escorts whilst one of his minds in turn, took to smiling and waving off the white robed individual’s caution as it reaffirmed.
“Your candor is a credit to your species Councilor Cortez. As I am sure you understand that while this information may indeed lead to contacting this individual I am not authorized to dispense the mentioned rewards until I have confirmed this fact.”
The Councilor Cortez smiled in kind whilst countering.
“I would not hear of it my friend. As a further gesture of good faith I would also like to offer the services of this fine party to act as guides to your destination.”
As one of his minds looked forward to another successful completion of his required quota to advancing his species as a whole. Puk'Jul's other mind alerted it to the fact that the brown skinned escort was potentially deviating things from such an outcome.
“Councilor, I would have private words with you….”
Hoping that this was not the case, Puk'Jul’s mind queried.
“Is there a problem Councilor?”
Clearly out of his level zone The Councilor Cortez froze, before recovering as he responded.
“Huh? What? No! No problem, I just have to work out some logistical matters with this gentlemen then you can be about your business.”
Electing to see if the Intelligence deficient could overcome this minor display of insurrection, Puk'Jul nodded slowly as he continued to casually monitor the situation for any sign of failed cooperation as the two Elevants went off to argue close by.
Fortunately the white robed one successfully reasserted its dominance as the pair rejoined him and the others of their kind in barely a minute. The Councilor Cortez barely able to contain its jubilation at its verbal victory, all but preeded as the chastised Party member grudgingly announced.
“We would be happy to guide you to the destination honored Emissary. Please let us know if there is anything you require for the journey before we depart?”
Smiling brightly once more, Puk'Jul responded eagerly.
“This is a most welcome development! I must admit I look forward to some more talkative companions… Now let us not waste any more time sitting about wasting precious hours of your stars light! Please lead on!”
With things sufficiently agreeable to all Party's involved, they left the clearly self satisfied Cortez to return alone to the City while in turn, the rest of those gathered set out for the Citadel.
He was dually unsure if the natives truly believed he was in need of an escort or if this was some sort of elaborate trap. However Puk'Jul reminded him selves that he had more then sufficient defenses to nullify the worst case of either potential scenario. Opting instead to pass the time by leaving a mind to keep an eye out for threats whilst the other took to observing his escort Party’s inter-individual relationships.
Over the journeys course his keen mind gleaned a couple of bits of interesting information.
For one there appeared to be no taboo against same sex relationships if the behavior of the Physical Ranged Class and the Restoration Class were anything to go by.
Another interesting, though thoroughly useless bit of information, was that the Mage Class and the Defender Class seemed to be at odds and possibly suffering from something akin to a copulation partners quarrel at present.
Aside from picking up on those non verbal signals, his free mind attempted to elicit bits of tactically relevant information as his other mind wordlessly oversaw his minions clearing of potential threats of both aggressive Native Elevant and mana spawned monster alike, with its silent activation of [Command Minion].
Unfortunately his escorts were not as deficient as they first appeared because try as he might, they either deflected or remained completely silent at his attempted solicitations. Puk'Jul’s collective estimation of them rose further when the uncannily quiet Physical Ranged Class asked him for information of his employer, and his minds arrogance got the better of it as it let slip the reason for his own contractual obligation to the Trade Amalgamation.
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And so it was, as one of his minds was expounding about the other Factions that he was impressed once more, when the normally fuming female mage spoke up with a quavering voice.
“W-we have had the misfortune to run into Silaurians already…”
Doubly intrigued at how they had survived an encounter with such a combat adept and hostile species he queried.
“You truly survived an encounter with those power hungry cold bloods?”
When she reticently nodded and gave no further response, he elected to dangle the hope of a powerful benefactor for more of the story.
“Not many from an unbacked world can say they have done the same I assure you. I will of course have to confer with my superior’s, but after I have conveyed my offer to this individual, I would like to tentatively offer you a mercenary contract with the Amalgamation, should you wish it?”
For a moment she seemed to consider it as she looked to the others of her Party for advice, however given that none was forthcoming she countered in a diplomatic tone.
“I apologize but I think it best we conclude the business at hand before discussing such things.”
Even more impressed that she displayed none of the qualities that members of her species Puk'Jul had already disposed of had, one of him queried.
“I must admit, my opinion of your Party improves by the hour miss adventurer. May I have your names should we get separated and I need to find you again?”
Clearly unaccustomed to civilized discourse the Mage Class stammered.
“M-my names Michelle.”
Nodding appreciatively he thanked her and managed to extract her other Party member’s names as well, before resuming a slightly less standoffish silence as they headed closer towards their shared goal at an easy pace.
Thoroughly unimpressed with the zones lack of Fungal life forms, and although he knew it was mostly due to it having only being recently elevated, he couldn’t help but label it drab and dreary, no matter the topography. In turn Puk'Jul’s free mind took to further musing that it might be a contributing factor to these ‘Humans’ distinct lack of culture and cohesion, filing the topic away for further study once the mission was complete.
When more open and grassy terrain ceased and abruptly started to segue into large and imposing tree’s the most recent Zone change notifications popped into Puk'Jul’s field of vision:
You have entered Alpha Zone #193 Level 1 – 20.
Dismissing the box his guidance arrow that was set to the Citadel started to show signs of deviation and his free mind silently surmised that his destination was near.
It was when they had ventured into the imposing tree’s of the sub tropical zone for barely a few minutes that the defender called ‘Calvin’ held up a hand to halt his Party.
Sending a quizzical look the male’s way earned Puk a genial explanation in an exceedingly odd accent.
“So we’re about 5 kilometers from the Citadel right now, and I’m almost certain the reception you will get is not going to be a friendly one, so it might be best if we part ways here and you can meet us back at our City once you’re done?”
Both of Puk’s mind’s began to suspect that this had indeed been a trap, however given that the humans actions were still well within the realm of diplomacy, a mind countered politely.
“Nonsense! You should at least accompany me to the Citadel as per our agre-“
Then an accented voice, not too dissimilar from The Calvin’s, caught the Sal’Eir completely unawares as it emanated from far too close by to be of any comfort at all.
“No. I don’t think these traitors should do anything of the sort…”
Near instantly, The Calvin released a panicked command of.
“SHIELDS!”
Blinking in surprise at the three almost interlocking transparent shield skills that sprung up simultaneously around them, one of his minds further marveled that his escorts might have indeed been completely honest about having had an encounter with Silaurian's after all. Whilst that question was being sufficiently answered, Puk'Jul’s second mind was desperately trying to track the whereabouts of the startling speaker.
It was when it followed the direction of the dread filled gaze of the Mage Class Michelle that he found his momentarily elusive target.
The being was standing behind them and looked to be completely unperturbed by their hastily erected defensive skills. Instead the being stood at ease while its silver rune inscribed black plate armor, gleamed in the dappled light.
After the briefest of situational inventories from both his minds, Puk'Jul concluded that the being was indeed unfazed by his surrounding host of minions or the Party's preemptive shielding, as it continued to look at their preparatory efforts in a casual, almost derisory manner.
The second thing of note was that while it had the same rough biological shape as his escorts, its skin, eyes, hair and muscle mass all deviated from what he had witnessed thus far of these 'human’s'. And when his minds combined its unique physiology and the fact that it displayed no hint of fear, they couldn’t help but conclude that it was likely not even the same species.
Unable to suppress a laugh of joy at how the 'humans' and the Amalgamation had both been tricked by a phase one Elevant, Puk'Jul offered.
“Greetings Elevant. I am Emissary Puk’Jul of The Trade Amalgamation...Am I to assume you identify as a Forerunner?”
Seeming to consider Puk'Jul in some new light it tilted its head as the decidedly not human replied in a tone of disdain.
“Greetings invader! I promise not to mention the Orc war…”
Then it broke into what looked to be an approximation of a grin at Puk'Jul’s escorts, before the expression evaporated as fast as it had appeared.
Now that it displayed a look of regret, he began to suspect that the being might potentially be unhinged or insufficiently mind attribute invested, as it’s visage continued with a fresh smile.
“So hard to find cultured individuals these days…annnnyway…I will tell you what I told the other Emissary’s I’ve met. Earth is under my protection, leave at once or suffer the consequences…”
As one of Puk'Jul’s minds raced at the implications of the beings claim that other factions already appeared to have tried to lay claim to such a freshly elevated world. His other mind wondered if it interpreted correctly, that the being claimed to have already seen such efforts off.
Then they both came to the near simultaneous conclusion that if the being believed such, that such things could be used to his mission’s direct advantage. So recovering his jaws slack muscles to working order, Puk'Jul smiled as a mind countered.
“I must apologize Elevant, but you seem to misunderstand the reason for my presence here this day. I am here not to conquer your world or for an effort of war, but to offer you a job.”
Cheering inwardly as his words seemed to have diverged from the beings expectations based solely on the fact its white eyebrows rose in surprise, before it responded in evident confusion.
“So wait a minute….you sat in a Dimensional Siphon for 30 days just to come and offer me a job? Didn’t any other humans try to stop you? And where is your party?”
His elation dimmed as the being seemed intent to focus on unnecessary and unfavorable things, to which Puk'Jul could only lament.
“I came to this planet alone…some humans did enter the Siphon, unfortunately they only seemed interested in fighting, rejecting my offer of a truce instantly. The wait was long but The Amalgamation is a patient organization, especially so where profits are concerned…”
Trying to put a more positive tone to proceedings, he furthered.
“I did however run into some more amenable humans on the way here. this group of Adventurers have been kind enough to be my temporary companions in my Quest to find you….That is if you are a Forerunner?”
The being seemed to be in conflict about something for a moment before it paused and asked somewhat impassively.
“So, let’s just say for arguments sake that I have the Forerunner titles and that I’m open to considering a job offer. What work would I be doing and more importantly for whom?”
Puk'Jul’s minds went blank for a moment as they tried to grapple with what the grey skinned being had said.
Following which, his dual curiosity got the better of him as he blurted out incredulously.
“H-how many of the titles do y-you have?
Before he shamefully ammended.
"N-no that’s irrelevant to….ahem….”
Having reigned in his momentary dual brained Intelligence deficiency he took to briefly massaging his temples in an attempt to resume the required flow of blood, which allowed him to continue in a far more composed manner.
“The job I am offering is to start off as a Junior Member for The Trade Amalgamation, to primarily assist allied Phase 1 planets with monster exterminations. You will be granted a generous sum of Manamotes as a contract signing bonus, following which you will be rewarded generously for each successful mission completion. Membership also has tax reduction benefits at all Trade Amalgamation affiliates and a multitude of other perks, of which I can inform you about further should you agree to singing with us.”
Having successfully conveyed the Amalgamations offer without too many Elevants lives being forfeit, Puk'Jul felt his collective tension ease slightly.
Such relief however was short lived as his not-so-relaxed second mind brought attention to the fact that he had yet to discover either of the Forerunners actual Classes, and pressed.
“Apologies Elevant but I was also tasked with ascertaining your Class, I do hope it isn’t too personal a question for your species? If it is such, I profusely apologize once more…however it is a necessary formality…”
No sooner had he finished his query however, then the Defender Class Calvin bellowed in warning.
“NO! HE CANT BE TRUSTED PUK! HES A FUCKING MURDERER!”
Clearly the rest of the Party was just as perplexed as him by their fellow 'human's' outburst and he was about to apologize for the interruption, but paused when he saw the face of the Forerunner. The white haired individual looked at the armed and agitated Defender Class Elevant with pity for but a moment before saying.
“Calvin relax mate, I’m not joining team alien…oh wait, your on it’s side?…huh…”
Then his eerie red iris’ turned to inspect the rest of his escorts as they huddled next to Puk'Jul under the translucent and shimmering multicolored shields.
The grey skinned being’s face then quirked in disappointment as it asked the Calvin.
“What happened to the sexy spear lady? Man she was hot! But we’re getting sidetracked here aren’t we… This little act of conspiring with the invaders has juuust lost you guys your free shot!”
Shaking its head in apparent bewilderment, it shrugged it’s plate clad shoulders and turned to face the thoroughly confused Sal’Eir before continuing.
“Now to…Puk…You have shown me the carrot…so what about the stick?”
Lost momentarily at what a root vegetable and a piece of wood could have to do with the current proceedings, he picked the most out of place object as he confusedly queried.
“T-the stick?”
Huffing in what appeared to be frustration the Forerunner gestured vaguely in front of it as it continued.
“You have made me the offer, so what happens when I refuse?”
His minds quickly drawing the inferences with similar pack animal training methods on Sal’Yiu leading him to offer somewhat reluctantly.
“Ahh I hoped this subject wouldn’t come up, but the Chief Scryer’s note in the mission briefing said that should you refuse to join us you will be declared an enemy of The Trade Amalgamation immediately…”
The being then confounded his expectations of reactions by grinning as it responded in a happy tone.
“Ahh so a Scryer was how you guys found out about me…interesting…well this was fun and all but…I’m afraid I’m gonna have to refuse.”
Both minds suffering from bouts of incredulity, Puk'Jul unanimously queried.
“A-as strong as you may believe yourself be, surely y-you don’t think yourself alone to be a match for an Initiate Necromantic Emissary and his host of undead, Elevant?”
But the being merely snorted derisively before the still irate Calvin screamed.
“FUCKING KILL THE FREAK PUK! WH-“
Then to the Sal’Eir’s shock, the Forerunner activated a kind of skill Puk'Jul had never witnessed in all his cycles and the Defender Class Calvin was swallowed by the blue glowing ring of a black abyss. Head snapping from where the human had been to the plate clad Elevant, Puk'Jul collectively began to wonder if he had not made a terrible blunder in accepting the mission.
Readying his [Lesser Necrotic Hex] with his free hand that was still obscured within his robes sleeve, he blinked in confusion when no attack came. Instead it sighed as it added.
“This is why I hate people…Actually, you know what? It’s probably best if I move you all outa here well, before things go completely tits up…”
In alarm, Puk looked on as just like the time before, pools of glowing blue ringed darkness opened and closed in rapid succession as they soundlessly swallowed his Party of escorts.
Then it was just him and the Forerunner left.
And for the first time in hundreds of cycles, both of Puk's minds wondered if his life would have made his ancestors proud.