I was still going through the System messages when something caught my attention. “Hey, Stella, why do many of my spells say ‘max’ next to them?” From the large experience gained from absorbing Tsurra’s Accelerator, a good number of my spells jumped in levels, though most stopped at level ten for some reason. Diving deeper, into the character interface, many indicated they had reached max level. I hadn’t noticed it before.
Notice! Skill and Spell increase messages have been condensed.
Spell: [Minor Deflecting Shield] has increased to level 10. Spell: [Minor Regen] has increased to level 10. Spell: [Minor Shielding] has increased to level 10. Spell: [Minor Fireball] has increased to level 10. Spell: [Selomund's Song of Travel] has increased to level 10. Spell: [Minor Scent of Decay] has increased to level 10. Spell: [Lesser Soul Leech] has increased to level 11.
Stella nudged her face closer to me, eyeing up the screen I was. “Oh, did I not mention that earlier?” She looked sheepishly at me before continuing, “So, remember when I talked about breaking down minor, lesser, and the like when it comes to spell strength?”
“I guess…” The inflection in my voice hinted for Stella to not beat around the bush.
Catching my tone, Stella continued with a little pep in her next words. “Well, as you know, spell strength also determines how high they can advance. Minor spells, as you see here, max out at ten. Lesser spells max out at twenty-five. Average spells, which we’ll see when we get to level twenty ourselves, max out at thirty-five. It continues on like that all the way to master spells.”
Stella continued, “I’m surprised you hadn’t expected this. It’s one of the many ways the System balances things out.” Her witty commentary not hitting me like she probably expected it would. “Ha, did you expect that a level fifty minor fireball would hold a candle to an enhanced fireball?”
“Thanks,” I said sarcastically, stretching the word out. She obviously didn’t catch it, bumping shoulder to shoulder with me with a bubbly grin. “Well, this means we’ll need to get more lesser spells, or better, as soon as possible. Otherwise, we risk our magical damage plateauing, especially considering how quickly we seem to be leveling.”
As I had my character sheet up, a blinking icon was reminding me to distribute the attribute points I received from the recent spike in levels. Twenty-eight to assign, I pondered inwardly. Taking a deep breath, I was about to start assigning points before Stella stopped me.
“Wait,” she said as she placed a paw on my forearm. “You should first check out Tsurra’s gear. He was a spell caster, like you, so his gear will likely be an upgrade for you.”
“Oh wow,” I muttered. Looking at even the first few pieces, Tsurra truly had focused solely on his intelligence and mana, though there was a small sprinkling of constitution mixed in. “This crap is fantastic!”
You received Aratar’s Blazeweave Kote (Arms).
You received Aratar’s Blazeweave Kimono (Chest).
You received Aratar’s Blazeweave Jika-tabi (Feet).
You received Aratar’s Blazeweave Yugake (Hands).
You received Aratar’s Blazeweave Puttee (Legs).
You received Aratar’s Blazeweave Haori (Shoulders).
You received Aratar’s Blazeweave Obi (Waist).
Pleasantly surprised, the set resembled what I would imagine a Japanese samurai would wear when he wasn’t in full battle regalia. Pulling each out, one by one, the ‘blazeweave’ fabric was incredibly lightweight and flexible. It was also resilient as only magical gear could be, I’d need something as keen as Frostrend to cut it. The material was a dark shade of red and was trimmed in a distinctive silver. Combined with the intricate cerise latticework threaded throughout, it was eye-catching, to say the least. Turning the gear in hand, we noticed the kimono, kote, and puttee had a small skull emblazoned in front of a blazing bonfire.
“Let’s get this equipped,” I said having no idea how intricate and time-consuming the process would take.
Stella, ever the joker, convincingly faked like she was helping me don each piece. As I was struggling to get the Kimono folded properly, so as to not look ridiculous, I found her rolling an inch off the ground. She was laughing her ass off.
“Come on, Xaz,” Stella said as she slapped a paw against her side, a cackling laugh shut tight behind her lips. “Just equip it from your inventory screen. Hahaha.”
“You’re such a delight,” I responded with a heavy dose of sarcasm.
Finally done playing with me, Stella’s eyes snapped up at me, clearly impressed. She gave a long whistle, “Sharp. Very sharp.” I beamed.
“Now, you just need a pair of katanas to finish the motif.”
“Nah, I’m quite fond of my current weapon of choice.”
Even better were the set bonuses. After equipping the final piece, energy surged through my limbs. Casually placing a hand on my hip, a radiant smile crossed my face as I read the description.
Aratar’s Blazeweave {Set Armor Bonus}
(3 pieces): MP increased by 300.
(4 pieces): Intelligence increased by 30.
(6 pieces): {Doom, Doom, Doom!} All of your damaging abilities and spells now have a slight chance of summoning a fire imp who will fight on your behalf for 30 seconds. The fire imp’s level will be set at your current level plus 5 (maximum 30). Note - only a single imp can be summoned by this effect at a time. However, if the effect is triggered while an imp is already present, the currently summoned imp’s timer will be reset.
I was fairly confident that Tsurra's class hadn’t possessed damage over time spells but, for me, this set bonus seemed almost tailor-made for a necromancer. Every six seconds when my DOTs ticked, I had a chance, albeit quite low based on what Stella saw behind the scenes, to summon a powerful ally. Per spell, I would have around six opportunities for the final set bonus to trigger, whereas Tsurra would only have one with his direct damage spells. Even better, as we continued to learn more of my damage over time spells, the odds would only grow in our favor.
My new armor netted me a combined thirty-five intelligence and a boatload of additional mana as each had an average of twenty-five mana per piece. The swap did cause me to lose a few strength, dexterity, and constitution points in the exchange. Still, the massive boost to my intelligence, which translated into more damage and more protection, was more than worth it.
Several pieces from my old gearset were given to Ripley, though not any being a significant upgrade but every bit helped, nonetheless. Finally, came Tsurra’s other four rings. Some fine upgrades were to be had there, as well.
You received: Gold Earring of Pure Mana.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
You received: Manavine Ring of Resistance.
You received: Hysoto’s Primordial Ring.
You received: Ring of Intelligence and Constitution +4
Equipping these as well, I gained another straight hundred and fifty mana, eight more intelligence, and three Constitution. The manavine ring also had an additional five percent all-around resistance bonus. The most impressive piece was the primordial ring which caused all spells to have a five percent chance of taking full effect on a target. All in all, the upgrades were remarkable. It was obvious why Tsurra had such a staggering mana pool.
“Alright, then,” I said as I stretched and limbered up in my new clothing. “Time to distribute these attribute points.” My strength had dipped below fifty points, causing the threshold bonus to be removed, so it was easy to put three points there. Dexterity was my lowest stat by a wide margin, so ten points were swiftly placed to reach the thirty-point threshold. Next, seven points went to Constitution to bring it to an even sixty. Finally, four points went to Intelligence, and the remaining five to Wisdom. Sadly, there wasn’t an Intelligence threshold at two hundred, but I wasn’t about to complain to Stella. Overall, my prowess as a Hunter had shot skyward. In all, I felt good.
The only attribute to pass a threshold was my dexterity and, apparently, I had two messages to read from there.
Dexterity Threshold Reached (20). Benefits: Plus 7% increased accuracy with all ranged attacks (including spells), skills, and abilities. Plus 3% chance to score a critical hit, attack speed, and ability to dodge incoming attacks.
Dexterity Threshold Reached (30). Benefits: Plus 10% increased accuracy with all ranged attacks (including spells), skills, and abilities. Plus 5% chance to score a critical hit, attack speed, and ability to dodge incoming attacks.
With the, “paperwork” as Stella called it. We made our way over to the survivors. Whatever effect had them muddling around like zombies had finally worn away. The ten survivors had a mix of shock, outrage, and disbelief warring over their features. In all, there was an even split of five men and women. Their tattered, threadbare clothes, barely covered dark bruises, not to mention a fair share of scraps and cuts. Tsurra had not been gentle.
“Hi,” I said as we approached. Fear and distrust were cast my way, but with my hands held out before me, I was able to relieve some of the tension. Stella’s gentle presence also helped. “My name is Xaz. This is Stella. We’re not here to hurt you.”
I turned, making a show to look directly at Ripley and Lowki in turn, “Ripley, Lowki, please cover the way we came. Make sure we’re safe.” My hope was the intimidating presence of Ripley and the imposing strength of Lowki would be diminished being on the other side of the long room. “You appear injured. I have a regenerative spell that can help. May I?”
It took our combined effort, and Stella’s soothing skills before the villagers finally believed we were not friends of Tsurra. Each had been essentially comatose so had not witnessed the battle. Though, when we uncovered Tsurra’s body briefly, their relief finally won out. Afterward, several actually carried grateful smiles when we were close. The mood was shattered, though, when nearly a dozen sets of eyes fell upon the wretched pile of corpses in the corner of the room. Grief-laden screams and strangled sobs filled the now seemingly confined space.
With Stella’s guiding hand, we ushered the survivors out of the room. Nothing good would come of us remaining in the defiled basilica. In short order, we were trudging towards the cave entrance, torches shining brightly in many of the hands of the surviving men. Lowki was far ahead of the group, scouting for any danger though I suspected none existed, while Ripley took the forward position several paces in front of me. Though the villagers didn’t seem to mind her, I felt it best to keep her interaction to a minimum considering the trauma the group had recently faced, being undead and all.
A short while later, we reached the surface. Stella had let the group know what to expect a few times, but nothing could have prepared them for the reality of it. Death was spread out for miles. Nothing stirred. All vegetation was blackened, withered, and devoid of life. Stunned disbelief echoed around on everyone’s faces. “I’m sorry,” I said, expelling an audible breath. “We didn’t get here in time to stop him.”
Thankfully the weather was cooperating and wasn’t too cold as I considered the villagers. The morning sun was shining brightly with only a few spare clouds hanging about. At Stella’s suggestion, we spread out as many blankets and quilts as we could. What spare clothes were stored away in my necklace were also given out freely to help supplement their tattered clothes. A few of the men asked to be given weapons, but Stella helped ensure them, as a ‘goodly’ Hunter, our party would protect them at all costs. Beyond that, when we got to town, their other needs would be seen too.
I sent Lowki out to roam far ahead of the group, asking him to be ever wary of any aggressive mobs and to report back to me immediately if he spotted anything. If that came to pass, we would skirt around whatever it was as we didn’t want to endanger townsfolk. Ripley moved to her customary rear-guard position since there was so much open space behind us, no longer insulated by vacant halls. Likewise, she would ensure nothing snuck up on us. Plus, her new area of effect buff would help call out any potential hostility. For me and Stella, we led the procession with the survivors of Tsurra’s quest sequestered in the middle of our formation. Each had huddled closely to one another as we worked our way back to their homes. None knew the state their town would be when we got there, but I could see hints of hope in the occasional eye.
There were a few smatterings of brief conversations, mostly initiated by Stella to help keep spirits up. A few shouts of alarm would call out when someone spotted the bounding Lowki who was always a good stone’s throw away from the party. Stella had a good idea and encouraged the idea that Lowki was like a watchful guardian, ensuring our safety. The fact he was probably the most massive feline any had ever seen, helped the idea take root. “He’s the perfect hunter, watching out for us,” she said more than once as she spoke with the townsfolk.
I also made a few attempts to converse with both the men and women, though the fact I was a Hunter wasn’t helping bridge the divide the previous Hunter they had encountered had caused. Still, we made good time and were faster-paced than I thought we would be. The town up ahead was called Merton and was led by Alistair McKintos, the town’s mayor. The small settlement mainly produced grain and food for livestock
As we grew closer to our destination, people began to consider the unpleasant news that would need to be delivered soon. When the survivors turned from their inward struggles to the horrific fate of their loved ones, tears flowed anew. Worse, we found the mayor’s wife and daughter were among the latest group to be kidnapped and ultimately sacrificed. The whole community would be grieving for a long time.
Tsurra had been stealthy in his work, at least in the beginning. People here and there disappeared, but soon almost dozens at a time would go missing. Eventually, Tsurra gave up with the subtle tactics, bringing his ten undead thralls with him to collect more and more ‘offerings,’ as he called it. The innocent and undefended town had no way to resist, so it was made clear how Tsurra had been able to gather so many people in the name of his profane ritual.
During our march, I came to know the names of everyone we rescued. Most notable were Natasha and Marlene. The men all deferred to me, not wanting to risk a conversation. I didn’t press the matter and allowed them their space. I caught myself, several times, wishing I could have done more. Though, the thought was quickly squashed as there was nothing any of us could have done.
In the end, the only thing these people could do against Tsurra had been to hide in their homes and hope he wouldn’t come knocking. Marlene, a middle-aged woman and one of the only willingness to speak with me, shared more about what it was like in the beginning.
“There had been guards, quite a few actually,” Marlene shared. “They tried to fight off the Hunter but we quickly found those who resisted were the first to be taken. Eventually, even those sworn to protect us ditched their armor and hid their uniforms. I can hardly blame them though; we were powerless against him and his death things.”
Natasha, another person who also started warming up to me, chipped into the conversation, “The last time the orc, Tsurra, came into town, he grandly called out that no more of us would be taken. The bastard laughed, calling us nothing better than cattle. He said we were to blame for what was to come, for being so weak.”
Marlene helped steady the frustrated Natasha, helping her take a deep breath and exhaling it slowly. Holding Natasha by the shoulders, Marlene continued to share what it had been like, “The town was in such disarray and hopelessness. Even as our group was being carried away by his creatures, my only solace was that no one else would die at his hand.”
The mood was somber. I didn’t have the heart to say that had Tsurra completed his ritual, the blight of his spell would have carried all across these lands likely killing everyone in its path. Stella must have been thinking the same thing because her eye contact clearly communicated to keep that detail quiet. These wounds were still too fresh. It was only the knowledge they thought their sacrifices would save others that had kept them sane.
It was Natasha who finally broke the silence. “You all brought us back to life. You saved us for no better reason than it was the right thing to do. You are the only Hunter who has ever looked at us more than fodder. More than just a piece of meat or a body to push around. Thank you, truly.”
Stella’s voice was calm and reassuring. “We would do it again in a heartbeat. Xaz and I, we’re out here to stop Hunter’s like Tsurra. Anyone who would dream of hurting people like you.”
“Stella’s right,” I added with a pet on her soft shoulder. “This is who we are and we intend to ensure nothing like this happens again.”