Ethan was falling.
He could see the hole below, it grew quickly, it would soon fill his vision. Thinking faster, he drew in all of the stone he could manage. His reserves we’re still considerable, but more was missing thanks to the Alpha digging through it to get to him. Curling up in a ball, he pushed Soil in around his body, then Ethan pushed Stone around the outside of the dirt. Creating a shell, he pushed hard.
If I am gonna die, I might as well take the Alpha with me, and bury myself so Rebecca doesn’t have to do it.
Then for good measure, he cranked up the gravity. Silence engulfed him as he closed the Stone shell. He fell in complete silence. He could sense air rushing past the Stone, it was the only indication he was still falling. Holding his breath as he shot down, faster and faster. He didn’t know the terminal velocity of a two meter spherical rock, but he knew it was fast. Less then a second had passed before everything started to change faster than Ethan could even process.
The first thing he notice was his entire body rocket forward against the Soil shell he had wrapped his body. It had not compressed as much as he had thought it would. The sound of his bones breaking was next. Followed by notifications, mixed with his screams of pain.
Outside of his shell, the Endless Plains heated up as Ethan at first began to free fall. Then the temperature shot up again as he applied his gravity to the falling Stone. Faster and faster it was propelled down into the hole the Alpha was trapped in, surrounded by the light of the dying day, and raging flames. Faster and faster it screamed as it descended, the Alpha still poised to fire its poison needles at the target of its rage.
The already scorching air surrounding Ethan reached the hole first. Compressing, and super heating the air trapped in the hole. Instantly vaporizing anything within yet it still screamed towards the bottom. Violently smashing into the bottom, meeting no resistance, the mixture of pressure, and air on the verge of ionizing and turning into plasma, sent a cataclysmic shockwave out in all directions. The earth closest to the impact vaporized.
Glass instantly formed, heated liquid glass pushed the earth out in all directions, liquefying everything in its path. Dust and dirt quickly filled the void left by the Ethan meteorite. The entire kilometer sqaured area was obliterated. Sending dust and debris miles away. The sonic boom that followed shook the world once more as the world fell silent.
----
Ethan came to, he had blacked out from the constant barrage of pain. His brain had simply shut down, unable to comprehend the immensity of agony it was experiencing. Dirt clung to his charred skin, his protective shell held, but softly glowed on the outer layers. Inside it was pitch black. Groaning he made to move, pain once again attacked his mind.
Joe spoke from within Ethan’s soul,”I wouldn’t move, if I were you. Your constitution is high enough to keep you alive. Barely. You are on the verge of blacking out again. It will take sometime for me to repair your body. I have added a simple healing spell to your... education plan. If you want to help you can reabsorb the Soil, and expel some water. The Swamp Mucus is fine, as I don’t believe the dark element will harm you.”
Ethan complied as best he could. He ended up sitting curled up in a half Stone sphere, with a mix of Soil, and Swamp Mucus. The air still hot, the mud bath ended up helping more than either had hoped.
Ethan’s voice horse from screaming so much spoke softly, “I don’t think I can stay awake any longer. But I am glad this worked, it means my plans for getting my family back is going to work.”
“Don’t tell me you plan to do this again?” Joe asked to silence. Ethan had already passed out.
----------------------------------------
“Jesus Herbert Christ.” Ethan said as he came to, still in pain, but far more dulled and muted than the day before. He could see it was already mid day from the light in the sky above. The nebula cloud above acting as the sun shone with a yellow white glow with streamers of reds and purples. It was blinding, causing Ethan to wince, trying to hide from the light like a vampire after a bender.
“You are lucky, if you had hit the ground before killing the Alpha you would have died. I am starting to worry about my own safety. Please let me know what you plan to do, before you do it next time.” Joe said. Dry as ever.
“Not gonna lie, that plan went off the rails. Fast. I expected the Alpha to come at me, I was planning on trying to fight it in sunlight, and slowly burn its health down. I didn’t think it would ignore me. Then it got me with one of its needles. It was a thousand times worse than the Faroos poison. Wait, is it venom?”
“No, poison. Or at least that is how the system registered it. Since you now have a poison resistance skill.”
“Oh joy…” Ethan said, completely devoid of any hint of mirth. ”Anyways, yeah, after that needle crippled my leg with pain, I lost it. I couldn’t think straight. After that, I kinda went on automode, and just moved on instinct. I just remember wanting to get away from those needles as fast, and as far as possible. Then I remember wanting to kill it, and then it hurt everywhere.”
“You sustained a lot of damage. It took most of the night to patch you up, between your alchemical mud bath, natural healing, and my efforts to restore the links between your soul and your body, allowing your natural healing to be more effective… it was a lot.”
“Sorry about that. And Joe, thanks for keeping me from dying. Again.”
“As soon as you are able to move again, I suggest you grab the loot, and then settle in, you need to learn a healing skill. I would suggest you stay here until you do.”
“Why stay here? Wouldn’t be safer to keep moving so when the monsters come to claim this territoy we’ll be long gone?”
“Two reasons. One, nothing, and I mean nothing will be coming here for a VERY long time. You obliterated everything for at least five kilometers around your current location. Pretty sure you got an achievement for that one. Two, the reason the Alpha was trying to get into that patch of forest, wasn’t because of its brood, it was because of the dungeon that appeared.”
“A dungeon?! Lets get to it.”
“No, heal up, learn healing spell, then you can go. You aren’t even 90% healed up. Your left Femur is still cracked. Your in the green, but not by much. Heal first. You might be able to walk around if you wrapped a cast around it. Made of your Stone.” Joe let his tone know this wasn’t negotiable.
“If the Telos Narox couldn’t enter, why did the Alpha want it so bad?” Ethan asked Joe, letting the topic drop.
“Alpha’s can enter Dungeons. It is how they grow stronger. The experience or levels they would gain from killing you pale in comparison to what it could get inside a dungeon. If it killed the dungeon boss, it could have become the dungeon boss, and then passively absorb the Mana in the environment. While being protected.”
“So why didn’t it do that before I showed up? Why wait for me?”
“Dungeons only open up in the presence of travelers of the Endless Plains. Before you come along, there is nothing there. I believe as soon as the Alpha entered the clearing it sensed the Dungeon, and went for that. I was mistaken before, thinking it was after the protection of its brood. I suggest you spend a week, healing up, and then training. Then you can venture in, you could very well reach level 25 in there, depending on its size. I doubt it though, the first dungeons are usually small introductory, or profession dungeons.”
“Profession dungeons? Like Crafting?” Ethan had wondering about that, he had had a long time to think about things, and while the Endless Plains weren’t exactly like a game, he hadn’t seen a reason why crafting wasn’t a thing.
“Yes, if it is a profession dungeon, I suggest you take it. It will fill your down time, and break the monotony of fighting.”
“What if it is a shitty profession, like cooking or basket weaving?”
“It won’t be. Cooking is a skill, and Basket weaving is part of tailoring. Profession dungeons offer choices, yes. But, they are tailored to your needs. I suspect you will be offered Weapon smithing, or Armour Smithing. Possibly Alchemy. With the way things are going, you should aim for Mender. It is a healing profession. You are gonna need it.”
“Sounds lame. That is why I have you, just teach me some healing, and maybe a defensive skill. No way I am taking Mender. Where is it anyways? The dungeon entrance, I mean.”
“Up and to the right, behind you. Usually there is an arch around it, letting you know what kind of dungeon it is, but I suspect you destroyed it.”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Looking up, where Joe had told him, he saw it. It was another two dimensional oval, this time though instead of looking into nothing, it was a blue. A blue like the ocean on a calm day, slowly swirling. Once he saw it, he could feel it there in the back of his mind. The only issue Ethan could see, it was 30 meters above him, hovering in mid air. Taking the chance to look around, he really had made a huge mess of things.
Joe wasn’t exaggerating when he had said 5km around him. It was pretty close, if not further. The ring of green around the 30 meter deep crater shun in stark contrast to the glassy Soil he saw between him and the edge.
“Well, I guess you win this one, Joe. That Dungeon entrance is way to high up for me to get to it right now. Guess I’ll check my Status and take a nap.
[Window]
Checking his other notifications confirmed Joe’s suspicion. But also some others he was glad he had blacked out for.
[Poison Resistance]
Through repeatedly being Poisoned and healing yourself, your body has learned to ignore some of the effects of Poisons. At least you'll take longer to die now.
Effects:
Gain Resistance to natural and magical Poisons.
+2 Constitution per level
Level: 1
[Fire Resistance]
Through repeated trial by Fire and healing yourself, your body has learned to ignore the effects of Fire. At least the burning that comes with it.
Effects:
Gain Resistance to natural and magical fires.
+4 Constitution per level
Level: 8
[ACHIEVEMENT]
You killed a Field Boss, without Weapons, Fists, or Magic. The weight of your Hubris was enough to boiling Shadows beneath you.
REWARD: Constitution +10%
Hopefully this will be enough to keep you alive, a bit longer at least.
[ACHIEVEMENT]
Apocalypse from Above
Who would have thought dropping a meteorite on Field Boss was an option? You did, I guess.
REWARD: Skill [Gravity Control]
REWARD: Title [Architect of Destruction]
[ACHIEVEMENT]
Bone Breaker
Given multiple chances, and warnings, you have still managed to break multiple bones. All of them in fact. Even that little one inside your ears.
REWARD:
Constitution +10
Strength +10
[Title]
Architect of Destruction
You have permanently changed the face of the Endless Plains. While not an easy task by any means, you have chosen the flashiest methods.
REWARD: As your preferred method of Destruction, Gravity, your control of the natural force grows the more you use it.
Even though [Missing Link] had leveled up again, nothing had changed. Other than the level.
[MISSING LINK]
Allows for the holder of the title [Master of My Own Making] to reforge their body as they see fit. From the natural, raw, or magical resources consumed you reforge your body.
No longer will you be able to choose. But no longer will you be bound to just one.
As you near the point where most are offered a grade evolution, you will be offered an upgrade to this skill.
Every resource consumed, adds to the greater whole.
You are the missing link between what was, and what can be.
What can be has started to crawl from the primordial ooze.
Level 9
Note: stats gained from consumption are shared with lineage of the [End]
And finally, there was his new Skill. He was interested to see what it would do, but it just sounded like an extension of his bracers. So he wasn't too excited, since he didn't see unequipping them anytime soon. But at least now, it meant he could remove them without losing their main appeal for him.
[Gravity Control]
Your presence is felt, your Domain carries a certain weight in the world around you. Literally.
Gravity yearns to be wielded in your hands. Now you can control a Fundamental Force of Nature.
Level: 1
With the notifications out of the way Ethan checked his status. Pleased with the results for far.
Name: Ethan Soxe
Age: 34
Race: Human (Sub Variant - Earth)
Level: 9
Soul: [Unique] Reforged Blasphemer
Body: [Unique] Missing Link - One Body, two Souls
Stats
Strength: 115(+25)
Constitution: 131(+20)
Dexterity: 48(+27)
Intelligence: 40
Wisdom: 39
Perception: 33(+5)
Control: 52
Charisma: 32
Magic: 10
Soul Arts: 50
Title: Master of My Own Making
Achievements: [Soul Rebirth][...]
Skills: [Myriad Tongues][Identify][Soul Connection][Missing Link][Climbing][Blink][Fire Resistance][...]
Talents: [Domain]
[REDACTED]
Lineage: [Locked due to title proximity limits]
Constitution was quickly becoming Ethan’s highest, and most needed stat. He did notice how, while his stats did grow in a naturally even manner from leveling, he was starting to stack points. He didn't really care about focusing on one stat above the rest, but he was worried he hadn't figured out a way to get Intelligence and Wisdom to increase as fast as his other stats. Thinking all of this, he glanced up at the Dungeon gate, and wondering if he’d need Constitution more than ever. A small tinge of fear reared its head in the back of his thoughts. Two Alpha’s and two close calls with death. Could he finally walk away from something he found himself in, or would it be the last?
No, I’ll get to Rebecca and the Kids. I don’t have a choice.
Closing his windows, Ethan tested his leg, it was definitely in need of rest. So did he. Soon enough he was sleeping, Joe keeping watch, ad mending his body as best he can.
----------------------------------------
Ethan's internal control, and thus control of Mana was abysmal. His solution so far was to push Mana out of his Mana Spring, and power skills up, or down. His usage of skills was very much similar to turning on and off a light switch. For his gravity control, and the resulting skill, it was still on or off, just in the added direction. The results of training had lead to terrible results. Mending, and even Healing skills needed a high degree of finesse. He need to direct Mana to injuries, injuries he couldn't even detect. So Ethan just ended up flooding the injured area with Mana, which could result in accelerated healing. But could also quicken Poisons, and Venoms, in future conflicts. All of this is to say it was not an ideal way to learn healing skills, and would have to be shelved for now. Until Ethan worked on his internal control.
The compromise going forward was for Ethan to learn to inject his stats into his Domain. Boosting their effectiveness. Constitution dictated his natural healing ability, so if he needed to give his natural healing a boost, he would try to force it into his Domain, and convert his outer body into a layer of his toughest resource. For now, that was Stone. Ethan also threw out the idea of trying his Swamp Mucus, and Soil mixture again, but that would have taken too long to get right.
Joe suggested they work on that after the Dungeon, as he would need to learn to sperate the Swamp Mucus into more base elements, and that meant he needed more Internal Control.
“So Dungoen, no dungeon? Healing skills off the table for now.”
“Oh, dungeon, yes. No question. If you don’t as soon as we we leave this place given enough time, a monster will wonder in, and try to claim it. If it does, we are going to have bigger issues on our hands than trying to get you to stop trying to kill yourself.”
“Not trying. It is just… plans change. For the worse.” Ethan tried to convince Joe, but even he didn’t believe that. Ethan changed the subject, “Anyways, how am I getting up there? Can I just Blink, and touch it as I fall?”
“Unfortunately no, you have to touch the Gate, and accept the transfer to the Dungeon, a few seconds at most. So you couldn’t do it in a free fall.”
“Ok, so time to get consuming. Then climb Mount Ethan, and get the dungeon started.”
----------------------------------------
“Mount Ethan” turned out to be just a massive pile of dirt that Ethan kept piling and compressing layer by layer until he had a small 2 meter plateau ending just below the Gate. Ethan had gotten a level in [Missing Link] finally reaching level 10, and [Gravity Control] for his efforts, so it wasn’t wasted. His understanding of both skills was growing by the hour as he built the small hill.
This mattered to Ethan, a lot. He had wondered at first why the skill wasn’t called ‘Gravity Manipulation’, and quickly realized, he couldn’t create Gravity. He truly just had control over it. Direction, positive, or negative gravity, and the intensity. All were controlled with his Mana through his Bracers, but it wasn’t creation, or manipulation. For instance he couldn’t bend it, or twist it, he had tried compressing it, and got nothing in return. Not even a whisper of him achieving even the slightest of changes. But the addition of the skill did add one benefit. His control wasn't limited to just his hands. In fact, now he could control Gravity to a limited degree with the rest of his body. Ethan suspected this was the difference between a level 2 skill, and his Bracers. Because, while he could use his entire body to control Gravity, most of the strength and finer control was still in his hands.
So I either have to give up on being a Gravity Mage, or get the higher skill if I want to actually create, or manipulate it. Works for me, I never played a mage before, why start now.
Climbing the hill after one last break, Ethan approached the Gate.
“Hey Joe, what level is my [Soul Connection], I know I can check, I'm just wasting time.” Ethan said, having a more than a few lingering concerns.
“Level 4. Rebecca is sending a steady stream now, I believe she has surpassed you in that regard. Now, are you going to enter, or did you decide to settle down here, maybe build a nice mud hut?” Joe said, the sarcasm not lost on Ethan. He had noticed more changes in Joe lately, little things. His way of communicating had become more... Human? Less robotic? Ether way, Ethan enjoyed it.
Ethan Reached out, and placed a hand on the Gate. It felt tingly, and cool to the touch.
A window appeared.
[Welcome]
Dungeon Seed: 793272003A-0032
Please choose how you wish to proceed. As this is your first Dungeon on the [Endless Plains], a choice must be made.
[Combat]
Danger Level: EXTREME
[Profession]
-More Options-
“Huh?” Was all Ethan could say. Informing Joe of what the Prompt said, he thought his options over.
Ethan tried to see if he could select 'More Options', but couldn't, the prompt just asked him to confirm his choice with a second window, with yes or no on it.
"Ethan, I would suggest going with the Profession option. Extreme is always more dangerous than people think. It is a minimum of 20 levels higher than you, and meant to kill you. I suspect it is the Systems attempt to either straight out kill you, or put you in your place IF you somehow survive. Which, for the record, I doubt you will." Joe said, stressing how much he thought it was a very low chance of Ethan surviving.
"Are you sure, I won't survive? Because if I am being honest, I would like to at least be able to walk away from something this place throws at me."
"Then Profession it is, you will be relatively safe. It isn't a pass of fail kind of Dungeon, where Failing means death, unlike the combat options. Profession Dungeons, have no timer, no monsters, food and water are provided. So yes, I am sure you won't survive, in comparison to the Profession option, where I know you will not only survive, but come out stronger on the other side."
"What if it is a shitty Profession that I don't like?"
"You will have choices, multiple, from the options that best fit you. You can, of course forget the profession, and choose again at the next profession dungeon you find. But a word of caution, the System likes to punish those who are undecided, and forget their Class, or Profession. It will be a VERY long time before you find another profession dungeon." Joe said, making it apparent Ethan did not want to pick something on a whim, with the thinking he could just get another later on. Joe continued, "It should also be noted that every Profession has its own level, and stat bonuses. I am aware of your feelings towards certain professions, but I would like to note that some of those options might be helpful in rounding out your stats to avoid the specialization you could find yourself in. While Specialization is beneficial, it is not this early on."
"Ok, well, here goes nothing." Ethan said, Selecting the Professions Option. Once he confirmed his option, everything went black.