Immediately following my class selection, a warm tingle began radiating from deep within my chest. It started subtly but, as the seconds passed, the feeling magnified as if an infinitesimal star was being birthed within my obsidian core. Like the leaves of a blooming flower, waves of energy were cast outwards, slowly at first but reaching every cell in my body in short order. The energy was greedily absorbed by my muscle fibers and organs. It soaked into my bones as if they had suddenly become porous like a sponge. Power traced along my arteries, roared into veins, and dove plunging into capillaries. Every part of my body was strengthened with each passing wave of magically enhanced vitality.
As the process continued, my body became as light as air and I lifted off the ground to the surprise of several onlookers, several stopping to point at my transformation. Where my last class advancement felt like a hurricane of energy gathering around me before hammering in, this felt like a thundering supernova that was expelling swells of force at an ever-increasing pace. A hot fervor encompassed my entire body as the intensity built to a crescendo. It was not at all painful, thankfully, and unlike a level advancement that bathed my body on the outside, this change was coming from within.
There was no illumination shining down upon me from an unseen source. Instead, as each new burst of radiance expanded outwards, which now had the tempo of a rapidly beating heart, energy flowed to touch every inch of my skin. It held such an intensity that tiny beams of crystalline rays were cast out of every pore. To those around me, it must have looked like a thousand delicate laser beams were shining out at every conceivable angle. No longer able to keep my eyes open against the outpowering of energy, my vision was nonetheless overwhelmed by an azure luminescence.
Unknown to me, with each passing second, every cell in my body was being reinforced and tempered. My cells were remade to be better suited at holding the extreme energies that were pushing me into another hierarchy of potential. My thoughts were clearer, my mind focused on a vorpal edge. My body contained enough raw power it felt as if I could topple mountains.
With my consciousness pulled inward, I was mentally observing my core when the cascade reached some unknown threshold. It was as if, now that my body was remade, the System moved its attention to empower the source of my power. Suddenly, a far larger explosion of force, like a tsunami crashing outwards after a meteor strike, surged inside my core. A deluge of preternatural ice crashed against my core's event horizon-like surface, shattering into a million icicles that rebounded chaotically within. In the end, every millimeter of the obsidian sphere was pierced by innumerable shards of ice.
I knew instinctively what it represented. It was the power my new class brought with it. This frost barrier would enable me to continue fighting, beyond my death, if only temporarily. My Wraith form had been unlocked and it sat ready to be unleashed if ever required.
With this last discharge of power, my core shrunk slightly inward from its enriched density, as if gravity was pulling it closer together. As my feet touched the ground, my inner eye could sense the frost barrier clinging to my core’s surface. It was as hard and unyielding as the strongest metal, yet so deceptively fragile it would seem as if anything could shatter it. At the moment of my death, this crystalline structure would flood my body with enough strength to keep me fighting.
Death would not take me. I would be given another chance at life.
I was now a Hunter, perhaps the only according to Stella, who would survive his death. As a Wraith, this frozen wellspring of razor-sharp ice was ever ready and vigilant to protect me should the worst happen. As my awareness returned to my companions, who were staring in awe, a sense of rightness overcame me. It was like my intangible lifeline, a thickly braided and resolute cord, took on a new unyielding characteristic. It was similar to the same determination I had to make this world a better place. It felt real.
“Congratulations,” Stella said as my eyes found hers. She was hovering a small orbit around my chest, her gaze moving up and down as she inspected me. “You’re now the highest tier this prime world allows. You won’t be able to move into the next one until after you ascend. That, and reach level forty. For now, how do you feel?”
“Like I have the fortitude of a mountain range,” I replied instantly. “Like my body has enough fuel to run a dozen triathlons, back-to-back. I feel good, really good.”
“It was an impressive display, your transformation,” Tallos said as he stepped in front of me, his appraising eyes taking me in. “You look the same but have a different feel to you. As if everything nearby is being pulled towards you. You did say advancement is one of the pinnacle achievements for a Hunter. I didn’t fully understand it then, but I do now. It was amazing to witness.”
Taking a moment, I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. The night air was crisp and refreshing. “It was intensely invigorating,” I said, opening my eyes once more as I placed a hand on Tallos’ shoulder. “I feel like there’s nothing I cannot do. And this force encasing my core… Stella, I have to say, I feel the Wraith power protecting me like it's some impervious permafrost.”
Stella nodded as she moved close to rest a paw on my shoulder. “To my knowledge, nothing like this power has even been hinted at being remotely possible. It’s a hidden card up your sleeve which may very well save your life in the future. At least on a Prime World, no other Hunter will suspect you have this.”
“I don’t intend to use it, but knowing it’s there...” I paused as I collected myself. “It’s like a new sense of confidence has implanted itself within me. It’s not something calling me to charge recklessly into battle or to take stupid and unnecessary risks, but it’s like I now know I can do what I need to do.”
“I’m happy for you,” Stella said, a smile tugging the corner of her lips. “We have a lot of work and preparation to do yet, but now you’re on the same playing field as Duke. We’re only a few steps behind.”
“We’ve got this,” I said, recognizing the truth of my words to a whole new degree.
Congratulations! Tier 3 Class Unlocked, Wraith. All spell durations have been permanently increased. The increased amount is as follows:
Minor tier spells – 75% increased base duration, rounded up. Lesser tier spells – 50% increased base duration, rounded up. Average tier spells – 40% increased duration, rounded up. All other tier spells – 30% increased duration, rounded up.
Congratulations! You have unlocked a new trait, Wraith Form.
Wraith Form – At the moment of death, when the Hunter’s health points reach zero, this form will automatically be triggered. While in Wraith Form, the Hunter will take on the characteristics of an undead version of himself, meaning, but not limited to, increased resistance to most forms of attacks and an increase in base attributes. At the moment of transformation, health, mana, and stamina will be replenished by 50% of normal maximums. Additionally, any ongoing determinantal effect will be removed.
Note – This effect has a duration of five minutes. After this period, if the Hunter has at least a single point of health, the undead form will revert to living flesh as life seeps back into the Wraith’s core. However, if the Hunter is defeated while under this effect, death will be permanent. Once activated, this effect has an internal cool down of seven days before it can be triggered again.
After reading the message a pair of times, I let out a long, contented sigh. Tallos was standing close, so for his sake, I read the notification aloud so he could hear the changes that had come over me. He couldn’t see System messages, so signaled his appreciation with a grateful nod.
“The added duration to all of my spells, not just my DoTs, may not seem like much at first but is actually a game changer for my class,” I said with a low whistle. The nearby streets were now almost completely vacant, with shop windows and doors firmly locked tight, so I ushered our party to head for an inn for the evening.
Tallos looked thoughtful at my words. “I get it, I think,” the elf said at my side as we walked towards a lower level of the city. I planned to take us back to the inn we visited before debarking for the Minotaur fort. “Though, maybe not,” Tallos added after a brief moment of hesitation.
“Against weaker mobs, it won’t make too much of a difference. The monsters will be dead long before the spell would have normally ended. Against multiple foes, enemies with large health pools, or even bosses, this boost will significantly increase my total damage output. Think of it this way, with all of my spells going, my damage per tick,” I said but paused when a confused look came over Tallos’ face. “Every six seconds, I mean. My damage per instance won't be changing. That will remain the same. However, now with this increased duration, my spells will hurt for longer.”
“Got it,” Tallos said appreciatively. “As a Wraith, you’ve increased the length your spells afflict your foes. You're capable of dealing more damage over a longer period of time. If I had undergone a similar transformation, it would be like me having an extra arrow magically summoned to follow right behind each of my shots. It's extra damage, for free, as long as the enemy remains alive that is.”
“Exactly. One problem with spells like my DoTs can be their durations,” I added as we crossed under a portcullis. The guards stationed there rose their halberds as a show of respect as we passed. I raised a fist to my chest in reply. “Before becoming a Wraith, some of my spells only lasted a short eighteen seconds and others, at most, a minute. It means my spells can wear off at varying times. If I don’t reapply them promptly, the amount of damage my spells cause drops considerably. Now, with my spells lasting longer, I won’t have to recast as often. I can focus on using other things, like hacking away at a monster’s lifeline with my trusty Frostrend or flinging lightning bolts. As a Wraith, my spells have become more reliable. I have to worry less about spells ending unevenly. I can focus more on the battle and what my next action will be.”
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“In all, I’m thrilled with this new class,” I added appreciatively. “Our enemies are only growing in strength as we press forward. Now, I have too.”
“I’m happy for you,” Stella replied genuinely. “It was the best pick for you right now. Even better, when you reach level twenty-two, you will get your first selection of average-tiered spells. They're going to be sweet!”
We were at last approaching the familiar inn. From the hearty commotion within, it was bustling with patrons. So, I paused our group against the side of the building for a moment. I had one more notification to review. “Before we go in, I want to take a look at my improved and, now specialized, undeath spell.”
"Yeah," Stella said as she peered through a window. "It's going to be hard to hear each other in there." At her words, the last System message awaiting me appeared. Once more, I read the information aloud, so Tallos be able to contribute his thoughts.
Congratulations! You have specialized in the spell, [Lesser Undeath]. It has been upgraded to [Undeath], *Specialized*. Note – Spell level 4 has been retained.
[Undeath]. If cast within 10 minutes of a target’s death, unholy power revives the target to serve you for a short period of time. The undead minion will follow all verbal commands, regardless of previously known languages, or will take action to protect the caster if no command is issued. The target retains 100% of its former maximum health, mana, and stamina. Additionally, most of the target’s previous abilities, skills, and spells that it had in life will be available. Cost: 700 mana. Cast Time: 10 seconds. Duration: 9 minutes and 45 seconds (base 7). Cool down: 10 minutes. Plus 45 second duration, and plus 2% additional health, mana, and stamina per spell level.
Note – Maximum target size is limited to Huge. The target’s level will be either its former level or the caster’s level, whichever is lower.
Specialized Effect “Undying Fidelity” – This spell may now be recast on the same target any consecutive number of times without ill effect. Each new casting will refresh the spell’s duration to the maximum. The target of the spell will also cease decaying unless left in prolonged sunlight. Additionally, the target will now be able to use all previous abilities, skills, and spells, that it had in life.
“Nice,” I said in admiration, leaning back against the hardwood exterior of the inn. People continued to pass by with most going inside, though none paid us much attention. “With its current level of four, I can keep the same creature alive indefinitely. Well, as long as I recast this spell after each cool down. It’s also my first ‘average’ tier spell, meaning its maximum level is thirty-five, right Stella?”
“Exactly right,” Stella confirmed. “At max level, your undead bloke would remain animated for a little over a half hour. It's at level fifteen when you’ll be able to keep two minions going at the same time. That's the point when the spell's duration will reach twenty minutes.”
Tallos turned a gaze towards Ripley, indicating her skeletal makeup. “While I am quite comfortable with Ripley’s undead presence, might I suggest we plan to do something to conceal whatever undead creature you raise with that spell?” Tallos wore a distant, pained expression as if he was imagining a rotting body discharging bile with each heavy footfall.
“Yeah, that's a good point,” I replied acutely aware of his concern. The Minotaurs I had raised just yesterday had been quite horrible. Up close, the odor had been horrendous. “We’ll toss a hooded cloak over them, and we’ll be fine, I’m sure.”
“Alright,” Stella chuckled before motioning with an outstretched paw toward the entrance. “We ready to head inside? I could go for a warm glass of milk and a tasty meal. I hope they use a nice marinade.”
Tallos and I shared a knowing look. Of course, that last bit was what Stella was really looking forward to. “I’m good,” I replied with a warm smile. “Let’s get a room for the evening and head out at first light.”
The common area of the inn was brimming with raucous laughter and boisterous shouts. Passing through the front door, only a few tables were entirely devoid of patrons. Numerous maids, all with plates held high overhead, moved about the room expertly serving steaming bowls of stew and clinking glasses of foaming beer. A plump bartender worked furiously behind the counter to the sound of dozens of scuffing barstools dragged around the busy establishment.
I hadn’t much enjoyed the bar scene in my previous life but the friendly and inviting atmosphere shimmering from every corner of the common area invited me to stay. I had planned to move straightaway to a room but hesitated as I took in the scene around us. “On second thought, would you guys care to get a table? I think spending at least a few hours around such amiable folk might do us some good.”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Stella smiled broadly, her alabaster teeth contrasting against her black muzzle. Even Tallos nodded in agreement, even though I knew he generally did not like being around large groups of people. “Let’s hope a bar fight doesn't break out, they all do look rowdy. Though, I believe I could manage it. You know, I am not opposed to engaging in a bit of fisticuffs should the occasion arise.”
Stella’s concern was extremely short-lived though as the crowd easily parted around us. Giving us, well, Ripley actually, a wide berth. Considering how jammed-packed the place was, it was an impressive sight as we moved to a corner table. “I doubt you need to worry, Stell. No one is going to be interested in starting a fight with her around,” I shouted to be heard over the cacophony of the rambunctious crowd. "Though, I would be interested in this 'bit of fisticuffs' of yours. Would you care to demonstrate?”
It wasn't long before we were all leaning back in our chairs, sharing laughs and recounting tales over half-eaten bowls of a lovely bison stew and a dozen or so empty mugs. Stella was currently doing a rendition of a battle she supported with her old friend, Stouter. Her paws waved in the air deftly as if she carried an invisible weapon that flashed out mightily against unseen foes. “Feel my wrath,” she shouted, her voice far deeper than normal in imitation of her lost companion. “Stouter would say to his foes, huzzah, and, on guard!”
When she crashed into a fresh tankard, one only recently placed behind Stella’s small frame as she was gliding over the table in mock battle, the foaming ale drenched her entire diminutive body. With a powerful shake, that nearly sent her tumbling off the table, our party was soon wiping away tiny droplets of the rich brew.
Her antics didn’t end there, as she moved to another adventure with the 'honorable' Stouter. This next one had something to do with defeating a warren of kobolds, but I couldn’t be certain due to her slurred, stumbling words and her gruff imitation of a manly voice.
A little inebriated myself, I didn't think twice when Stella asked if Ripley could take a large swig of ale with us. Readily agreeing, even Tallos didn't advise a word of caution against it. Everything went downhill from there. Ripley, obedient as ever, didn’t look particularly pleased when a tankard of sticky alcohol spilled down her chest. She couldn't actually swallow the firewater. Coated in the sticky substance, Ripley sat motionless as her beady eyes narrowed at the indignity. All to the peals of laughter erupting from Stella.
Several hours later, far beyond my initial estimate, we found ourselves in a well-adorned room. As everyone settled down for bed, I pulled up my character sheet, desiring to see what twenty hard-fought levels worth of trials and tribulations resulted in. I was not disappointed, though knew I had a long way to go yet before we would challenge Duke.
Xaz the Hunter Killer
Accelerator:
S.T.E.L.L.A.
Level:
20
Experience:
199,949
Race:
Half-Elf
Tier I:
Necromancer
Armor Class:
150
Tier II:
Warlock
Tier III:
Wraith
Reputation
Views:
3,425,853
Followers
685,097
Statistics
Health
2180
Health Regen:
160/min
Mana
7725
Mana Regen:
361/min
Stamina
835
Stam. Regen:
64/min
Attributes
Strength:
51
Dexterity:
31
Constitution:
76
Intelligence:
220
Charisma:
77
Wisdom
50
Luck
62
Resistances
Stun 100%
Magic +26%
Mind Altering +100%
Disease +15%
Traits
Abilities
"Mind & Matter"
Darkvision
"Exalted Acceleration"
Clear Headed II
Adaptability
Spell Strike (Necromancer)
Keen Senses
Empowered Aegis
Wraith Form
With a broad smile on my face, I closed the menu and rolled my shoulders before laying back gently against my bed. “Good night, Stella,” I whispered to my friend, though she couldn’t hear it passed out as she was. Gently cradling her small body, soft snores sounded as she slept peacefully in my arms. “I wouldn't have thought artificial poodles could get drunk, but I’m delighted you can. It was a fun night together.”
In the morning, it would be time to continue the hunt.