“You’ve said that a few times now,” I moved over to join Stella closer to Stouter’s form. It was clear to me that she still had strong emotions about seeing her former companion nearby, but I could also tell that she was trying to be stoic for me. The temptation to reach a hand out and place it on her shoulder came over me, but I wasn’t sure that she would appreciate that from me just yet. Her eyes which had been downcast, jumped up for a split moment to look at me before dropping back down. I continued, “So, what is this Game?”
“Well, the Game is a universally broadcasted, world-spanning multiplayer interactive conflict between players known as ‘Hunters’, monsters less formally known as mobs, and countless Appropriated Non-Player Characters. These NPCs have been seized from across the 103,964 Incorporated Galaxies, hence the ‘appropriated’ designation. You may be familiar with the Game's architect as it’s similar to many of the VR-MMORPG in your world.” Stella’s voice started friendly like she was explaining something she had done a hundred times before. But, as she talked about the non-player characters, her tone was more laced with derision. “Hunters pay a one-time exorbitantly high entry fee to compete in the Game and begin by choosing a new race, one of the hundreds available when their game life begins. Their goal is to rise in reputation and levels all for fame, glory, and incredible prizes.” Stella’s voice raised a few octaves at this last part, reminding me of over-the-top commercials trying to ensnare new customers for one product or another. My intuition was likely not far from the mark.
With a shake of her head, Stella continued, “If a Hunter progresses well enough in their starter world, they may be able to ascend to new worlds that offer new challenges, spells, items, and even greater rewards. Top Hunters attract views and followers. These are people of countless races from across the universe who pay monthly fees to tune into their favorite Hunter. As certain milestones are reached, Hunters can earn rewards to help them in their journey. The Game is entirely open-ended and without limits meaning that the Hunter can do just about anything. This can take the form of Player vs. Player encounters, Player vs. Environment, Player vs. NPC, or any other type of interaction desired. I should say that most Hunters are not nice people. You saw Duke, so you get the idea. He is one of the worst, but is hardly an outlier when it comes to what most Hunters choose to do.”
My mind raced with all of this information. Once again, a part of me was dumbfounded and had a hard time comprehending what Stella was sharing. Yet, the part of my mind that had been unlocked knew exactly what she was talking about. Thankfully, my fragile mind was coming to terms with all that had happened to me, so even as she spoke the part of me that was overwhelmed was fading into the background. “That sounds like games I’ve played. Sorry, I have a hard time talking about my life that was just unlocked in my mind and what I was only just this morning. In that older life, I spent a great deal of time playing massively multiplayer online role-playing games, MMORPGs. We only just started dabbling in VR games, but I, like the people you just described, tune in and watch people play.”
“If you are anything like Stouter,” Stella said with a slight nod in Stouter’s direction. “Then I doubt you have much in the way of similarities with some of the people who enjoy watching Hunters wreak havoc as many do. Anyways, as you may have gathered, you and I are unique within the Game. First, again I am an Accelerator. An Accelerator is what enables all Hunters the ability to interact with the Game via a system interface I connect into. This enables them the ability to acquire super-human-like abilities, spells, and skills. I am also wholly unique as I am both sentient and sapient, whereas typical accelerators only have the capacity to think and reason. Very few, if any, are able to feel emotions like I can. Common and uncommon quality ones are no better than virtual personal assists. You will come to find that true artificial intelligences like myself are extremely rare and prohibitively expensive even for the wealthiest Hunter. Actually, regardless of the money invested, Hunters do not get to choose their accelerators. Duke could be from a multi-trillion-dollar family, but could have only started with a common rarity version. He’s likely upgraded far since then though.”
“Second, this is where you come in, your new unique status within the Game,” Stella appeared more at ease as she continued. “Well, at least as of about an hour ago, you were previously known as one of these Appropriated Non-Player Characters. As I said, true artificial intelligence is prohibitively expensive, even more so considering the size of the Game and the numerous worlds that it spans. So, to truly make the Game as realistic as possible, the Syndicate Authority designated it acceptable to... appropriate individuals from species that have not yet attained faster-than-light capabilities. These unlucky few are forcibly abducted and implanted with new memories."
"Typically, that person was in a life-or-death situation at the time they were taken," Stella continued. "But, honestly that doesn’t make it any better in Stouter and my opinion. Any memories from their former lives are hidden deep in an inaccessible part of their mind. Once implanted into the Game, these ‘newly spawned’ NPCs live out a life designed for them by the System and continue as if that is the only life they have ever known.” Stella’s face was filled with compassion and empathy. Leaning her head forward slightly, she spoke softly, “You… before meeting me, were one of these NPCs. I’m sorry, please know that I truly am.”
At this revelation, everything started clicking in place. This explained why two sets of memories rattled in my mind. One was from the life I had awoken to just this morning was artificially implanted. The other was from another world, my actual world. My true home. That brought a question screaming to mind and, in an instant, I spurted it out, “How long have I been an NPC?”
A sudden pressure in my skull as my mind tried to determine the truth threatened to overcome whatever truce had been reached in this short amount of time.
Stella’s paw waved in the air at a screen that wasn’t visible to me. She must have found what she was looking for because her eyes came back into focus on me. Her expression was hard to read, was that sorrow or relief at what she had just discovered? In a cautious voice, she answered my question. “From what it says about your NPC status, you only joined the world this very morning. You have an extensive backstory, growing up in Winterfalls, but…”
“None of it was real,” I finished for her. Waring emotions flared through me. Confusion, gratitude, and even anger flashed in an instant. My parents, the love and joy I felt towards them… was fake? The conflicting emotions threatened to bring my once again fragile mind crashing down. Tears welled in my eyes, blocking my vision. I was dimly aware of my knees hitting soft grass as sadness overtook me. As tears flowed, Stella must have landed in front of me, a gentle paw rested on my leg. We didn’t know each other, and had only just met, but her comfort reached my heart and helped me in that moment. My hand reached out and held her tight as I continued to cry.
A soft voice reached my ears, “Nothing like this has ever happened in the Game. Never, not once, in the millions of Hunters across the thousands of worlds, has one such as yourself become a Hunter. I understand your pain, your sadness.” She must have shifted her weight as her paw pressed harder on my knee and shifted slightly from side to side. Her other paw must have been moving through her system interface once more, but I couldn’t be certain as tears blocked my vision of her. She was just a small, solid black form to my eyes. “Give me a moment, I’m checking to see if I can help you with this. You have two set of memories fighting one another within your core and I know it feels overwhelming. I think I can help you. This type of pairing with an accelerator and an Appropriated NPC has never happened in the history of the game so I’m requesting assistance to help guide us both through this.”
The pressure behind my eyes and the ball of pain inside my mind began to ease with each word she spoke. Thankfully, and in only several short moments, all pain had passed. Only a slight feeling of sadness remained in my chest. It was still there, but it no longer overwhelmed me. “What did you do,” I asked.
“The System allowed me to temporarily partition certain aspects of your mind. Essentially, you will still be aware of those emotions, but with only a fraction of their intensity. This will allow you to quickly access memories from either life-span while also not limiting your ability to move forward.” Stella answered in a quiet voice. “This change is not permanent mind you, plus I doubt you would want that anyways. This change will slowly allow you to process these emotions over the course of the next several weeks.”
“That’s a whole hell of a lot better, thanks,” my heart still raced, but was coming back to normal. Short, quick gasps of air gave way to a deep inhale as my hand brushed back my hair. “That felt like the worst migraine I could imagine. It was like my mind had driven off a cliff. I’m glad you could do something to help me there.” Stella nodded at my appreciation. Having questions that still needed to be answered, I continued. “How can… They, this Syndicate Authority, as you called it, be allowed to do this?”
The thought of a galaxy’s worth of civilization having the willingness to abduct people to unwillingly partake in a game was very unsettling. Sadly, a part of me could understand why it was so easy for them to do this. Shaking my head, images of organized dog fights, horse races, or even something as simple as a zoo came to my mind. Apparently, the difference between being considered an animal or an enlightened species was being able to travel faster than light. No small feat of engineering, no doubt. Still, the idea that it was acceptable to steal a lifeform and implant it into a game was hard to digest. “It’s far too easy to overlook the suffering of those you consider inferior,” I voiced the thought aloud, answering my question in the process.
Stella bobbed her head in agreement. “Unfortunately, it can be boiled down to money. The Game allows the rich an outlet to explore their deepest fantasies, no matter how perverse. It also allows the poor to see through the eyes of a Hunter, enabling them to live a life beyond their means and, in a small way, experience the power granted by the Game. For others, it’s a way to escape from their lives and live a fantasy. For the Syndicate, it enables the flow of currency from all across the galaxy.”
The fluttering of disbelief stuttered in my stomach and was quickly evolving into anger. “I’d love to say this is all impossible to believe, but just an hour ago I had no idea my mind had a cache of memories locked away.” Aghast at the utter indifference that this Game, its Hunters, and the people who paid to watch… I could only shake my head. My family wasn’t related to me at all. “So, every person in my village, my parents, they’re all from another world?”
“Yes and no,” Stella said as she bit her lip. “Most humans you’ll find in this world will be from your planet, but there are dozens of different races on this continent alone. This planet is almost twice the size of your own, with a half-dozen continents spanning across it. While we’ll find mostly humans here, it doesn’t mean that other races, like elves or dwarfs, won’t show up. Usually, each race in the game is taken from a single planet or a single solar system.”
“This is going to take some getting used to,” I admitted. “So, I’m a Hunter now. Just what I’m going to do with that knowledge, is another question altogether.” My mind felt like it was clicking together to form a more coherent base second by second. I could also recall I was starting to piece together the last moments of my former life. I remember being alone, feeling vulnerable and then… nothing. Just darkness. Ignoring that thought for the present, I turned my attention back to Stella. “So, why did Stouter want someone like me?”
“Stouter realized too late that the Hunter known as ‘Duke the Brutal’ was on to him. That devil of a man is a famous Hunter. His real name is Duke Xander Marth, although he is far from being a real Duke.” Stella said as she began to pace around in the air nervously. “Mind you information about other Hunters is limited, but from what I’ve been able to gather, Duke was the rich son of a man who owns an interstellar trading federation. Within the Game, he has one of the largest swaths of followers. He is known for his brutality towards both Hunters and NPCs alike.” Stella paused mid-step and let out a huff of air. Her face had a mask of repulsion plastered on it. “Somehow, Duke became aware of my presence and, unknown to us, began hunting Stouter. This is infuriating because Duke shouldn’t have been able to learn about me. I can only think that he had some type of outside help, but that shouldn’t be possible with the safeties in place. Another mystery is why he wants me at all. Sure, I’m a unique accelerator, but he probably has an epic accelerator or greater of his own at this point.”
“And Duke finally caught up to him here,” I said as I looked at the small clearing around us.
“Yes,” Stella said with pursed lips and then turned back to face me. “Thankfully we had just enough time for Stouter to hide me in that sphere that you found me in. It was a magical item that we found early on. Stouter knew he wouldn’t be able to best Duke. Before encasing me, Stouter instructed me to find someone to continue our work. Had you not found me as you did, who knows how long it would have been before I was found. We knew that it could take decades or more for the right type of Hunter to come along, but we never imagined fate would bring me to someone like you. Now that we’ve found each other I intend to complete my master’s last desire. Through me, you can gain levels, advance powerful skills, earn abilities, and even learn spells. All of this in the hopes that you will one day be able to bring down the Game,” Stella paused briefly before finishing. “From the inside.” When she finished speaking, and with a flick of her paw, a new message popped up.
Skills (Unlocked): None
Spells (Unlocked): Ready for selection.
“Wait, I’ll get to cast spells?” I asked as that realization finally dawned on me.
Stella smirked at my enthusiasm. “Yes, at level one, depending on your intelligence score, I get to help you choose from a list of basic beginner spells. Later on, either through leveling, finding spell books, or even from certain quest rewards you’ll be able to learn more. Let’s see… so, with an intelligence of eight, you can pick four starter spells.”
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
“So, if I had more intelligence, you could have… helped me learn more than that?" I asked with a slight grimace. The math wasn’t that hard. For every two points into intelligence, I would be able to learn an additional spell. “Sorry, I wish I had known this earlier. Still, nothing to fuss over now. What’s done is done.” Another question popped into my head, “Is the ratio of spells per intelligence at the start the same for all Hunters?”
“No, this is another bonus of having me as your accelerator,” Stella responded. “Human Hunters are normally only able to learn one spell for every four points into intelligence. Elves are a little better at one spell for every three points into intelligence. With me, and considering your race choice, you are allowed one for every two points. This is because I am able to enhance your mental skills far beyond that of a normal accelerator.”
“Nice.” Eager anticipation coursed through me as I rubbed my hands together. “Ok, what spells can I learn right now.”
Stella flew to my side as a new window appeared, it was quite extensive. “Here is the list of options. Remember these are all considered beginner spells, so don’t expect to be able to call down a meteor just yet.” Her paw waved and the list scrolled through the options. “Now, you can’t actually choose the exact spell you want, just the category. For example, see here, you can choose a minor fire-damaging spell. Picking that could give you something that shoots a flame from your hand, or you might be able to summon a small bead of fire. There is no way to know. They do this to add some random element to what all Hunters start with.”
“What does the ‘minor’ part of the spell represent?” I asked. Everything on the list started with that in its name.
“Spell strengths are divided into six tiers. The lowest would be minor which means the spell is typically for characters between levels one and fifteen. Next, comes lesser which is for Hunters between ten and twenty-five. Then comes average spells, that’s for levels twenty to thirty-five. This is followed by enhanced, levels thirty to fifty-five, greater for fifty to seventy-five, and grand for seventy to one hundred. Finally, anything over level one hundred would be considered master rank spells.”
“Got it,” I said as I motioned through the list before me. “There certainly is a nice variety. It would be nice to pick specific spells, but I believe I can make do here. Stella, I’d like to pick the minor healing spell, minor fire spell, minor crowd control spell, and minor defense spell.”
Choosing a healing spell so that I could heal damage was a no-brainer. I was only starting on this new path that had opened before me and I felt it was important to give myself the best ability to remain alive. Next came the ability to do some type of magic damage. There were options for others, of course, but fire was pretty standard and the idea of flinging around fireballs was just too inspiring to pass up. While I could have chosen something more damage-orientated for my third spell, having a crowd-controlling ability seemed like the right choice considering it was just me and Stella. I wasn’t even sure she would be able to engage in combat. Crowd control would allow me to take on multiple enemies at the same time, hopefully taking something from a two-versus-one battle to a one-versus-one, at least for a short while. Finally, the defense spell was more of a gamble. There could be hundreds, if not thousands, of defensive spells that could be granted.
“Done,” Stella said with a quick nod, and at her word, a new system message appeared in my vision. However, before I could read it, information flooded into my mind. Instantly, the knowledge needed to cast each spell had been downloaded directly into my brain. It was an interesting experience. While I consciously knew that only a split second had passed, the knowledge I had just gained made it feel like I had spent weeks of dedicated training to learn the intricacies of casting each spell.
“Wow,” was all that I could say at that moment.
Congratulations! You have been granted the following spells; Minor Healing Wave, Minor Firebolt, Minor Restless Slumber, and Minor Deflection Shield
[Minor Healing Wave] A wave of healing energy flows over yourself or to a target within 25 feet, healing for 10 plus n health, where ‘n’ equals intelligence. Cost: 10 mana. Cast Time: 1 second. Cooldown: 1 second. Plus 5 feet maximum range and plus 2 base healing per spell level.
[Minor Firebolt] A bolt of fire shoots from your palm striking a target within 100 feet, causing 10 plus n spell damage, where ‘n’ equals intelligence. Cost: 5 mana. Cast Time: 1 second. Cooldown: 1 second. Plus 10 feet maximum range and plus 2 base damage per spell level.
[Minor Restless Slumber] Causes a target within 100 feet, and all enemies in a small area around the target, to fall asleep for a maximum of 60 seconds. Note that any damage inflicted on a sleeping target will cause it to immediately awaken. Cost: 20 mana. Cast Time: 3 seconds. Cooldown: 10 seconds. Plus 10 feet maximum range, plus 1 foot area of effect, and plus 1 additional target per spell level.
[Minor Deflection Shield] Surrounds your body in an imperceptible magical barrier which has a high chance of deflecting the next incoming physical attack. The probability of deflection is dependent on the strength and angle of the attack. This effect lasts for 2 seconds or until triggered. Cost: 5 mana. Cast Time: Instant. Cooldown: 2 seconds. Plus 1% increased chance to deflect an incoming attack and plus 0.5 seconds maximum duration per spell level.
“Awesome,” I said excitedly, reading over the spell descriptions. “Those are pretty much what I was hoping to get, though I am not so sure about the deflection shield. Thankfully, it’s an instant-cast spell and, from what I understand, I only have to will it to bring it forth. Seems like an ‘oh shit’ ability. I’ll just need to remember to use it just before getting hit. I had been hoping for something that was longer lasting, but I’ll take what I can get.”
“That reminds me,” I turned to Stella. She had been looking over the spell descriptions with me and turned as I orientated on her. “As I was thinking about picking a crowd control spell, I was curious if you were going to be able to help me in combat. The sleep spell will help if I fight a few monsters close together, but are you able to join in as well?”
“Sadly, for you, not directly,” she laughed. “I say ‘for you’ because, well, look at me. I’m tiny. What could I do, paw at them ferociously?” The image she painted brought a smile to my face; I wasn’t going to lie. Stella continued, “An accelerator is not permitted to engage directly in combat. Likewise, we are unable to be targeted directly by monsters, or mobs as they are commonly called, which I am entirely grateful for. Know though, that while I cannot directly assist, I will be able to in other ways. Just don’t expect me to go biting anything, alright?”
This last part was said with a slight wink in my direction.
“Don’t worry,” I said with a chuckle. “I’ll do the fighting for us. Just help out when and however you can. This feels all new to me, yet at the same time does feel familiar.”
“I will do just that. First. I’d recommend you try to armor up. You are woefully ungeared,” Stella said as she eyed my lightly clothed form. “Pull up your inventory. To do that, just think ‘inventory.’ Then, let’s see if we can get you something to give you at least a modicum of protection.”
Taking her advice, I thought inventory and a new screen appeared that showed an analog copy of myself wearing only ‘worn shoes’, ‘cloth shirt’, and ‘cloth pants’. Looking over the lifelike image, I noticed multiple empty slots for pieces of equipment. It reminded me of old role-playing equipment inventory screens. “Looks like I can wear a total of… eleven pieces of equipment. Plus a necklace, two rings, and two earrings. So, how do I get more equipment?”
At my question, Stella nodded toward her friend’s body with a slight grimace. “He doesn’t need it anymore and, from what I can tell, Duke didn’t take everything.”
With a quick questioning look back to Stella, who nodded in response, I knelt next to the still body. Remember what Duke had done, I gently rested a hand on the man’s shoulder. It was cool to the touch and a feeling of awkwardness passed through me. It felt… disrespectful, but thinking of it, Stella had been his friend. She was all alright with this and I was quickly finding myself trusting in her. Being so close to Stouter, a question reached my lips. Not turning to look at Stella, I asked, “Stella, now that I am a Hunter, what happens… if I were to die?”
Stella’s voice was soft as she replied, my mind’s eye seeing her eyeing up her friend. “The same as anyone. Whether you’re a Hunter, a monster, or even a non-appropriated, death is death. It’s permanent.” Her voice had a depth to it that hinted at the sadness she felt in that moment. Her friend had just died and here I was asking about myself. A feeling of shame flushed my face red. I was thankful to not be facing her. As I closed my eyes, she continued. “This is a world of magic so anything is possible. Nothing I have seen so far hints at death being anything more than final, but one day we’ll be able to do something about that.”
“I’m sorry, Stell,” I said, my eyes firmly shut. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“I know it.” I heard her take a deep breath. “It’s okay, I appreciate you saying that.”
With her blessing in mind, I willed information to appear as I opened my eyes. A new window appeared, opening a similar one to my inventory. Now, they were side by side and I understood intuitively. Stella had been right; Duke hadn’t taken everything. Nothing was spectacular, but compared to my clothing, it would make a big difference if I had to fight anything.
You have found: Leather Tunic, Leather Pants, and Leather Riding Boots.
Leather Tunic. Quality: Average. Rarity: Common. Type: Leather. Slot: Chest. Durability: 20/20. Armor: 8. Effect(s): None.
Leather Pants. Quality: Average. Rarity: Common. Type: Leather. Slot: Legs. Durability: 18/18. Armor: 5 Effect(s): None.
Leather Riding Boots (Supple). Quality: Above Average. Rarity: Common. Type: Leather. Slot: Legs. Durability: 24/25. Armor: 3. Effect(s): Plus 5% movement speed.
Moving my hand back and forth, I transferred each piece from Stouter’s inventory to each corresponding slot on my equipment page. At the same time, I moved my worn clothes to Stouter’s page, and, in a blink, I was wearing leather armor and Stouter was in more than his underclothes. Other than the slight wear on the riding boots, the armor was in pristine condition. The leather was supple and moved easily with me as I stood up. It was form-fitting and had a pleasant leather scent to it. If I didn’t know any better, I’d have said it had been tailor-made for me even though Stouter looked a head taller than I was. The armor was comfortable, even more so as it came complete with its set of underclothes on its own, which was an unexpected but welcomed bonus.
“I am sorry, Stella. I have nothing to bury him with,” I said apologetically as I gazed down at his body. I truly wished there was more I could do for this man. Though we never met, the man had already made a significant and lasting impact on my life. Without his sacrifice, I would never have known what I was before, what my true life had been I was stolen away for me.
Stella didn’t respond. Instead, she glided close to Stouter’s form and licked him lightly on the forehead before lying down, resting in the crook of his neck. In moments, soft whimpers and sobs reached my ears. I knew that Stella was an artificial intelligence, but, at that moment, she was simply a grieving friend. She was no less than any other person I had ever known, regardless of the life I had led. She was suffering and I felt her pain, deep in my chest. Tears welled up in my own eyes as I once more knelt, this time close enough to lay a comforting hand on her small form. I made a promise to myself that I would live up to the hope that Stouter had placed upon Stella and, in turn, upon me.
“I promise you, Stella, I will do everything in my power to avenge him. We will ensure that Stouter’s sacrifice was not in vain. I am so very sorry.” With that, my head bowed to gently rest on hers.
Minutes passed unspoken, as we grieved together. I willed all of my compassion, my support, to surround and help heal her pain. My heart ached in rhythm with hers. After a time, Stella’s eyes looked up to mine and our shared bond grew. Stella’s chocolate eyes, with boundless motes of life held within, peered into the silver resolve of my own. In that moment we wanted the same thing, not only to bring justice to her master, but to bring about an end to the suffering the Game brought to everyone in this world and all those worlds beyond it. The ribbon of our souls, connected through the gaze of the other, intertwined. Together we would shake this world, this game, to its core.
Neither of us would be the same thereafter. We would see to it, together, until the end.
Notice! The bond between Hunter and Accelerator is more than a simple bond or pairing. While most Hunters will never find the depths such a connection can truly bring, you and your accelerator have connected beyond what others can only dream about. Your desires are linked and, for both, you have been irrevocably changed. Over time this bond may strengthen further but, in the immediate, you will experience the following benefits
Notice! Your Extreme Acceleration has evolved into Exalted Acceleration!
Exalted Acceleration (Trait) – The bond you share with the Accelerator known as S.T.E.L.L.A. has deepened and has evolved this trait into a higher tier. As a Hunter, you now receive 7 attribute points to distribute per level. You’ll go far, Hunter, very far indeed.
Stella’s eyes brightened with an inner light and then faded back to their normal chestnut. “Thank you, Xaz.” Together we rose from the ground, Stella now floating a foot away, peering intently up at me. “Here, he would have wanted you to have this.” Her body shone with a blue-white glow for an instant before an item appeared floating between us. “Before putting me into slumber, Stouter could store a single item within me. It was the only epic-quality item he possessed. It feels right to pass it on to you. ‘May it help protect and guide you in your new quest, friend.’ That was one of the last things he said to me.”
Between us hovered a three-foot-long double-bladed axe. Its handle was wrapped in a dark leather with golden wire crisscrossing its entire length. At the base was a pommel shaped like that of a mace, with a dozen protruding blunt spikes a thumbnail in length. Grasping the weapon, the leather was buttery soft and smooth to the touch. Yet, the grip was such that I got the keen sense that the hilt wouldn’t budge in the hand, regardless of the ferocity of battle. Putting the axe in motion, I was amazed at its fluidity and how natural it felt, almost like it was an extension of my body. The balance was absolutely amazing and, even though it felt as light as a willow stick, impressed upon me the strength held in the material.
Twin crescent axe heads connected on the haft, sweeping downwards aggressively. Holding it out before me, the twin beards reminded me of a bird of prey, diving lightning-fast towards its prey. Securing the two blades, at the top of the weapon was a multi-tiered golden gap holding everything firm. Bringing the weapon closer to my eyes, a Damascus-like steel had countless waves and dark patterns that were awe-inspiring. The twin crescents were edged in more gold and were razor-sharp. Peering closer, I made out tiny intricate runes curving down its length. Each glowed with an azure energy. The presence of the weapon felt… unyielding as if it would tear down a mountain if put to the task. It was without a doubt the most impressive weapon I had ever seen.
Mana-Steel Battle Axe of Freezing (One-Handed Axe) Quality: Exceptional. Rarity: Epic. Type: Slashing. Slot: Primary. Durability: 10,000/10,000. Speed: Very Fast Effect(s): Adds 24 to 64 damage per attack. Melee attacks and skills with this weapon have a chance to inflict frost damage. Further, there is a small chance that upon impact the wound will flash freeze, causing additional damage and vulnerability. Once triggered, this effect has a 30-second internal cooldown. Secondary Effect(s): Plus 20% attack speed.
The axe was quite simply incredible and had magnificent craftsmanship. It was a work of art. “Thank you, Stella. This will help us for sure in the coming days.
Stella was about to respond when a sound resounded around us, like a shattering of a million pieces of glass. The jarring noise reverberated around our small valley causing us to wince reflexively. Turning in the direction of the sound, horror etched across my face when realization dawned. It had come from the direction of Winterfalls, my home. Stella followed as my racing feet carried me beyond the tree line, out towards the river. A lazy plume of smoke drifted upwards, as wide as a house, higher and higher into the sky. Even as I watched, one then another, followed by over a half dozen plumes added to the skyline.
“What?” I uttered with muted surprise. “Oh no. No, no, no, no, no.” My home was burning.