CHAPTER XXVII: EVENT
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{00:00 LOCAL TIME 2ND JULY 1ME}
UNCOMMON PERIOD
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FORT CHAVEZ
PRIME
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< HORDE COMPLETE >
< NOTE >
{Total EXP for Horde completion and bonuses for leading a Stronghold: +3,334,000}
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< UNCOMMON BEAST HORDE >
{WAVES COMPLETE 5/5
CONGRATULATION, Stronghold leader, you have completed the Uncommon Beast Horde.}
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< REWARDS >
{1) For completing the Horde without losing any Stronghold members, your Stronghold is awarded +200 units of food, stone, assorted metals and crafting materials. +2 Uncommon Mana Stones.
2) For completing the Horde while gaining new members, your Stronghold is awarded +3 units of food, stone, assorted metals, and crafting materials per player added. +3 Uncommon Mana crystals per player added.
3) For completing the Horde while defending a bigger Stronghold, your Stronghold is awarded +2000 units of food, stone, assorted metals, and crafting materials. +20 Uncommon Mana Stones.
4) For completing the Horde while clearing out local major threats. Threats eliminated: 1 Blood Hunter Grove, 2 Ocean Hydras, 1 Pack of Gray Dire wolves, 2 flocks of Redtail wind hawks. Your Stronghold is awarded +400 units of food, stone, assorted metals, and crafting materials. +6 Rare Mana Stones.
< NOTE >
{All Rewards deposited in Stronghold Vault or equivalent.}
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Soto and Clyde stood in front of steamy mirrors as they just got out of the showers in the locker room. Each of the rooms was broken down into officers and enlisted, and the rest were for all the civilians.
Soto was brushing his teeth, nodding happily. In the loot from the knights, they had gotten a ton of personal hygiene and other mundane items. Soto had taken all of the baby wipes he could find, and with toothpaste and mouthwash, he was ready to smell human again. They didn’t realize how bad they smelled until they got back to the fort, and the Supply Sergeant had set up a laundry point for everyone to use before they entered the sleeping area. Clyde was all for it. Smelling like a six-month-old ass is not a good look for a leader of troops.
The Colonel looked at his face in the mirror; he wasn’t familiar with his new facial features. His hair had grown longer into a tight mini fro. He didn’t need to comb it; his charisma kept his hair symmetrical naturally. His teeth were whiter than before, and his muscles were way more defined. He was a walking specimen.
Soto looked over to his brother. “Save some muscles for the rest of us, boss.” He chuckled. Soto was a little wider than Colonel’s compact frame, so the irony wasn’t lost on him. He looked at his growth. Soto’s hairy chest didn’t show the definition as prominent as Clyde‘s, but even with it, anyone could see powerful muscle.
“You get all the rewards for the Stronghold?” Clyde asked, wiping the mirror of steam.
“Nope, I just got EXP, and a few Mana Crystals. I don’t think we will have problem paying people if this is norm.” Soto stated.
Clyde shared his Horde completion prompt. “I don’t know if this is normal, but the Game gave us a lot of rewards for helping out the other Stronghold and killing those mobs around the fort.
The walk back from the ambush clearing was uneventful. The girls were still unconscious, so they were easily carried by the platoon on some thrown-together stretchers. They were in the Hospital wing now with a rotation of combatants watching them for any response. The Colonel wanted to know when any of them woke up. Losing that much health was not good. Even with healing, it may take the body days to recover fully from the trauma. Plus, they had learned that the body had a limit on how much outside healing it could receive. A healing cooldown, Bour called it.
The rest of the Horde was spent mostly in the Fort firing at the Hamlet using Colonel’s mapping ability, and eventually, Soto had gotten a Clone back out there to scout and give visual updates. The Horde Beast didn’t bother with the Fort, but a flock of twenty level 30-50 birds had come to investigate the noise of their artillery twice. Both times Kekere saw them, and with Soto and Sugar for support eliminated most of them, including both flock Alphas with scary efficiency.
The forth wave was four hours long with a two hour break then the last wave was six hours long. Colonel had been grinding non-stop building the fort up in between, recharging the glass cannons he had made. The walls had been pushed out further which was mentally draining as well as Mana draining. He had emptied his Mana pool multiple times during the last twelve hours.
Soto and Colonel had look over the loot, and handed out the gear they didn’t need personally for their team. It was going to be a balance for them moving forward they noticed. They all had great gear, but while that is true for them it was pretty much the opposite for the rest of the NPCs until they had given up what they got.
What was left over after the distribution was more than enough.
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< LOOT LIST >
{5 Common Mana Stones (5000 common Mana Crystals (1/1))}
{500 Uncommon Mana Crystals (1/10)}
{50 Rare Mana Crystal (1/100)
Rare Bonus: Times 3 for Constitution.}
{3 Rare Mana Crystal (1/100)
Rare Bonus: Times 3 for Dexterity.}
{5 Platinum mana Crystal (1/1,000)
Rare Bonus: Times 3 for Constitution
Platinum Bonus: Adds plus 4% per level to any power that uses blood.}
{5 Platinum mana Crystal (1/1,000)
Rare Bonus: Times 3 for Dexterity
Platinum Bonus: Adds plus 4% per level to any power that uses Force.}
{3 Tree Ghoul Monster cores(R)}
{Gray wolf Alpha force variant Beast Core(R)}
{1 level 60 Blood Hunter Grove Blood variant monster core(P)}
{5,000 units of wood}
{500 units of tree sap}
{50 units of blood}
{6 units of Uncommon wolf pelts}
{1 Rare wolf pelt}
{Blood Heart pearl}
{Syndicate Knight pass}
{Heart of the Grove(P)}
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They had discussed this with the other NCOs when they made it back to the Fort.
“How you want to handle the distribution of loot when we’re not there?” Soto asked when everyone had made their to the Command tent for the debriefing earlier.
Buzbee raised his hand. Soto called on him. “Go ahead. We don’t need to raise hands here, we can be adults about this just let the person talk, and whoever wants to go next, just go. Until I say otherwise.” The Sergeant Major took control of the meeting.
“This world is new to us all, I think we should just keep the rules as transparent as we could. We let every one earn a flat rate dependent on rank and or level regardless of role or position.” Buzbee said.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Soto looked to Colonel. “That works for an all-volunteer military Corporal, but in a world of levels and loot globes, what incentive do high-level combatants, or worst high-rank Professionals, have to stay with us? I know we think that we are powerful, but I would remind you all, it has been six months since the game started, we might have a high average tier when compared to most Strongholds, but as you can see.” Colonel pointed to the tactical table, which was zoomed out to show the whole of LA county. It had tripled in size, with most areas being dry forest areas.
“All of the capital Ss are Strongholds,” Soto said to everyone looking at the table.
“There are like twenty in the old county area alone,” Yazmin said, looking back up to the leadership team.
“Correct,” Clyde said before tapping the center of the county. “That is the biggest Stronghold the small M next to it means if we take control of that one, the others will be under us. We would still need to go to them individually to have them bend the knee, but they would know and hopefully just send someone to us to join willingly. Either way, the moment we take LA, we will be responsible for all of the Strongholds under its influence, which will more than likely be the whole county.”
“Are we going to move there? If so, why are we building so much here.” Johnny asked. They had been working non-stop with the Colonel to continue to build up the Fort. Mana potions were given out and Professionals were leveling their craft at a prodigious rate.
“This will be your home. We will continue to expand south and protect our western coast from here.” Colonel looked at Soto. “Sergeant Major and I have to push east across the former United States.” They zoomed out more, and while most of the map was black, there were capital S, after capital S in every state across the newly dubbed ‘Divided States of America’ written on his map.
“Are we really crossing all of that?” Sugar asked incredulously.
“Yes.” Both retired vets said.
“Our families are on the east coast and in the Caribbean,” Soto said. “We will be going to them, and we will be doing it as fast as we can.”
“Plus, we will unite the country and then the world after that,” Colonel said.
“What do you mean uniting?” Johnny asked.
“I have a warlord edict to conquer the continent,” Clyde said.
“And we have always been overachievers,” Soto smirked and gave Clyde a fist bump.
“This is true.” Colonel agreed.
“It is true, the warlord true class actually loses EXP if it goes too long without conquering at least a full continent,” Bour confirmed a feeling Colonel had.
“I thought so. That is why my map ability tells me where every major stronghold is, even when I haven’t cleared the fog of war.” Colonel said.
“Are you going to be the next President, Colonel?” Johnny asked with an excited look on his face.
“No,” Clyde said flatly. “A republic probably won’t work well in this new world, well, not the way we used to do it.” He looked at Soto. “Sergeant Major and I have always wondered what the perfect government would be.”
“Yeah, and we have always concluded that citizens are best at determining their leadership if they are well-informed.”
“With no cell phones and TV...” Sugar paused. OMG, there is no TV anymore,” she added, her grave-stricken face turning pale.
“Let’s worry about that later; I am sure entertainment won’t be very different; we are in the LA area.” Clyde cut in. Besides, you were on the right track. Ill-informed or not-informed voters are a detriment to society. If we are going to build one from the ground up, we would have to do two major things. One is to separate the military from Government oversight.”
“We know that is usually a path to military coups, but that would be even more likely in a world where the people giving the orders were much weaker than the ones executing them. But we fix that in a couple of ways, though. We will make a volunteer military that brings people together for a cause, and it will be mandatory that every noble family send at least one family member to join. That should help fix the problem of representation and keep the military from becoming too cliquish.” Soto added.
“By doing this we not only make the military of the people, but ran by the people.” Clyde continued. “But being separated doesn’t mean above. As a matter of fact, the reason why we need noble leadership is because when soldiers are inside of the Strongholds, they will be under the head of the Strongholds, and Strongholds can only be led by Nobles. But even before that, the Government of each Stronghold can be vastly different as long as they fall within our Charter rules, they will be free to govern themselves.”
“Like the JTF charter rules?” Johnny asked.
“Yes, we will have to make ones that fit the new world,” Colonel answered.
“I think most translate,” Soto said.
The room nodded. Everyone at some point in the last decade had seen the JTF rules, and while simple, they were enforced heavily. A few countries had leadership changes because the JTF had gone in and removed them from their positions. Colonel and Soto have done that at least five times. Only one of them was peaceful.
“So your big plan is to separate the military from the government and then allow each individual government autonomy within these charter rules?” Sugar said, eyes narrowing.
“Yes and no, the second part was putting the most powerful person in charge of both, but that person can be challenged for their positions at certain times, determined by either group,” Clyde explained.
“Power is the only thing that matters in the GREAT GAME. If someone beats your most powerful person, there is a very high chance they can take down your nation. Maybe not this early, but as you grow, the truly powerful will show themselves.” Adia said, looking at the tactical table with interest.
“That is why the challenge is important. If I fall, I need to know that the people behind me can hold up the nation.” Clyde added.
“Why would it be you? I know you are strong, but Lady Sugar and the Viscount seem to have more direct damage than you.” Specialist Rice asked.
“I’ll pass. I am very happy with running this fort, and expanding in California. I have no intention of crossing the country. Besides, I have to find my son and his asshole of a father to take care of.” Sugar said hurriedly.
“I am more of a sword than a pen, Colonel is much more fit to lead a nation, I am more a company, or a division leader guy.” Soto piggybacked.
“Right, most of you were on the guns in the Dungeon, and everyone saw me build them. So naturally, you think I am a Professional first. You’re not wrong to assume that. My profession is my primary path now. But in a week or so, depending on how much base building and crafting we can do, I will again have access to my full power set.”
“Even if he didn’t, I am pretty sure in stats alone he has us all beat.” Soto said.
“Oh right, y’all haven’t seen my top sheet since I got back. It is impressive,” Colonel said. “In a week, we can go over everyone’s path.”
“Yeah...” Johnny began when everyone got another surprise prompt. This time, even the Colonel was surprised.
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< STRONGHOLD EVENT ALERT >
EVENT NAME: NPC help
DESCRIPTION: The NPCs of the CSU Chancellor Stronghold fear that the Chancellor has sold them out to The Syndicate or Westside Guild. Now that the Uncommon Horde has passed, his noble guard has initiated martial law. The two Buddhist monks who were the prime Protectors of the NPCs have gone missing since the battle.
Objective: Stop the Chancellor from handing the NPCs over to the Slaver Strongholds. (Location on map Time frame 13D:23H:57M)
Objective: Find the Monks before they die. (Location on map Time frame 33H:57M)
Rewards: EXP, Hamlet leadership, 10 uncommon mana Stones, 100 Rare Mana Crystals, and New members to your nation.
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Clyde looked at his map and saw an exclamation point on the Long beach airport. There was also a new question mark with a capital E under it at the Long Beach Convention center.
“Looks like we got our next mission. We are heading to the airport first thing in the morning. I’m heading to the showers.” Colonel said then stood. Everyone stood with him. “At ease.” He said, they all relax as he left.
***
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TRIAL TIME 09:15
_
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GREEN ZONE
COLONEL
“Nope, that’s not it.” An ice shard started to form next to Colonel’s head. “What is my name?” The shard slammed into Gunter’s open wound, eliciting a loud cry of pain. “Still no Gunter. Say my name.”
“Colonel! Okay, your name is Colonel, I am sorry for not showing you face.” Gunther screamed as the much smaller Colonel pushed the ice shard deeper into the bleeding open shoulder wound.
“You’re damn right it is.” He stepped back. “I forfeit this round. Take your time, and heal up. We will fight for real in the next round for all of the marbles, son.” Clyde sat on the soft grass, really taking his time to read over his new capabilities. “Oh, and Gunter,” Colonel got the crying mermaid’s attention as healers tended to him. “The rules clearly stated I can quit, but you can’t. I intend to kill you, so if I were you, which I am glad I am not, I would really make sure you are ready because I don’t think it is going to be a quick or painless duel.” He said coldly, looking directly into the bigger mermaid’s panic-stricken eyes.
He looked at his new quest. He didn’t know how long he had it, but it had just put him on a timeline.
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< CLASS QUEST >
{QUEST NAME: Conqueror’s mission I
QUEST TYPE: HYBRID (Class/CASTE/RACE)
Quest Tier: Legendary
DESCRIPTION: Your legacy has shocked the Island of Serendipity and its planet’s Legacy, but that isn’t enough to leave a long impression. Your brutal entry into this world will only be truly a legacy if you win this war.
Requirements: Win the war within one Uncommon period.
Objective 1: Capture or Control 90% of the Island. (81% Controlled)
Objective 2: Create a type of government suitable for your lands
Objective 3: Have at least 50% of the population survive perma death for the Period. (100%)
Time remaining: 6W:6D:14H:13M
Temporary bonus: EXP Boost on conquered and warring lands.
Rewards: Class Spec, EXPERIENCE, Spell tome, 10 skill points ~+20 to all except magic, +1 to Magic, EXP Boost.
Failure penalty: Path forward cut off. -50 from all stats expect magic}
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‘Seven weeks, forget that mess. I want to get this done within a week. I only need nine more percent to go. But I need an army, or I need Kekere to pick me up so high that I can decimate the rest or the slaving bastards.’ The Colonel thought darkly. He looked at the little bird flying around and knew the cheating option was out of the question for now...
“Peck Joy, Princess, please attend me,” Clyde said to the leadership figures.
Peck Joy walked over to him quickly. The princess was hesitant, looking between her best duelist and her new Progenitor. She ultimately thought that she had nothing to lose. It’s not like this man could kill her whole team or anything. She walked up to the Colonel with more confidence than she actually felt. Clyde could read all of that in his Presence. It would take getting used to, for sure.
The colonel saw right through her thought process. He could read people well before, plus with his Glimpse bonus, along with his Active Presence, allowed him to feel micro-expressions. But he didn’t have time to play politics, he hated politics. “My prompts said I killed two armies. What does that mean?”
The princess’ confidence in this human’s ability to take her whole team went down a couple of notches. Her lie detect ability didn’t go off, it HAD gone off when the Human had threaten the duelist with death. ‘His name is Colonel.’ She thought quickly looking back at Gunther being healed, she was starting to feel like a mouse sniffing around the cheese on a mouse trap.
“What! You killed two armies?” Peck Joy asked, confused.
“Yeah, I have two armies worth of provisions.” The Colonel said, bringing up the tool tip for it, then immediately closed it. It was ten pages long for each army, from food rations to building materials to medical powders, potions, and pills. There were magical scrolls, both offensive and defensive. There were even blueprints for buildings, schematics, recipes, and templates for other crafts. The crown jewels of the provision were storage devices. There were hundreds of them.”
“Are storage devices common in your world?” Clyde knew that bags of holding were always useful in roleplaying games, but if everyone had one, it would be more like a cell phone instead of being... well an item that bends space and time in order to store goods.
“Only high-ranking Merchants, Professionals, and royal family members have them.” The princess said.
“Two armies?” Peck Joy parroted.
“Yep. Looks like I broke your cleric, Princess.” Clyde joked.
The princess relaxed a little not feeling the coldness coming off of the Human. “Yes, it would seem so.” She said with a smile.
“I have over a thousand empty storage devices and hundreds of filled ones,” Colonel said.
“He beat my father, step mother, and Mountain Rukh, he even killed the Vile Wyvern.” Peck Joy muttered crazily out loud.
“He did what!?” Princess said a little too loud. ‘Peck Joy believed that was all true.’ She thought, looking at the Human, no Colonel, with different eyes again.
Before she could doubt it, however, Colonel pulled out a deep ocean blue tennis ball-sized monster core with a massive wyvern flying over its surface clear as day.
Every one in the clearing gasp at the Ancient Tier Monster Core. Clyde had never seen a Monster Core before, so he analyzed it.
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< ANALYZE >
{Monster Core Name: Vile Wyvern
Monster Core Tier: Peak Ancient
Monster Core Description: Monster cores are the accumulated power and EXP of a fallen monster. Most of that EXP is returned to the source when the monster dies, but a piece of the monster stays around. Players can use these Cores to level up Classes, Trades, Skill-trees and Techniques. They can also be used in a myriad of crafts, buildings, rituals, and spell components. Monster cores have many more uses in the GREAT GAME.
Monster Core value: 10,000,000,000 EXP 10% chance to unlock Vile Wyvern Bloodline trait(50% if the killer uses the Core.)}
< NOTE >
{Core leveling slows down EXP gain from kills. Cores of the same Tier can only be used about 10 times before getting Core poisoning. Core leveling does not add achievements, and or -Inspiration-.}
< NOTE >
{Core Poisoning happens when a player uses too many Cores to level up. The poisoning prevents EXP gain for a time from any means except Quest.}
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“Okay, Monster Cores are another way to grow,” Clyde said out loud.
“Most noncombatants in the GREAT GAME level up on Monster and Beast Cores. Most Combatants don’t use them outside of breakthroughs.” Peck Joy said never taking his eyes off of the monster Core
“Ten Billion EXP! Wow, I am sure you can level up to anything with that amount.” Clyde stated.
“The killing of an Ancient monster has never happened in the history of my people. We were almost wiped out to extinction by a Mystic tier beast before we found this island.” The princess began with academic awe. “I had never thought I would ever see a monster Core of that Tier in my life.”
Clyde put it away. “So I have to conquer 9 more percent of the island to win the war.”
“You have the land deed for the Vile lands?” The princess asked excitedly. Her people had been at war for a very long time she herself was fighting for over three centuries, and she was just so tired of it.
“Yes. How does killing two armies affect the Imperium’s combat capability?”
“It depends. Were they an elven army or a gnomish one?” The princess asked.
“They were Elves for sure. If they were Gnomes the loot would have had more automatons and machinery.” Peck Joy answered.
“Very good point, Peck Joy.” The Princess paused. “Then you might have already won the war, Colonel. Let me tell you about the first meeting between our race and the forces of the Imperium.”