Pondering over my options, I worked each through my head several times. While I loved the second option, the ability to charge a spell for future use, something about it nagged at my sensibilities. It felt… weak so I peered at my hovering friend. “Hey Stell, for the charged abeyance spell, does it have any other benefit, like to spell damage?”
Stella returned my glance before returning to her attention to her Accelerator interface. She apparently was not expecting the question, seeing as I had earlier marked it as one of my favorites. “Um. I can check again, but I doubt it. Why do you ask?”
“A part of me is…. hesitating picking it. It sounds like the only benefit of this spell, at least at first, is saving three seconds of cast time?” I responded. Stella quirked up at me, so I elaborated further. “Most of my DoTs have a one-second cast time. Meaning, with this ability to store spells in advance, I’m only saving a short amount of time? It hardly seems worth it when thinking about it in those terms.”
I let out a sigh as another thought entered my mind. “Can you see if the spells we store can at least be dual cast?”
“Sorry, no. Nothing here in the data suggests the stored spells will be enhanced in any way. It doesn’t mean it’s not a flat-out possibility, mind you. Sometimes we don’t learn more about a spell's potential until we unlock it,” Stella replied. A moment later she rocked her head back as if she uncovered an important clue while sifting through a haystack of data. “Damn, that's unfortunate. What I can say is skills like quick cast, dual cast, and channeling cannot be used in conjunction.”
Making up my mind, I shook my head. “I love the idea of the spell, but I can’t justify choosing what amounts to brief spell haste compared to either an instant revive for Ripley or an impressive damage over time option,” I began with a long sigh. “If the charged spells offered more concrete benefits, perhaps, but I don’t think it’s the best pick right now, no matter how much I want it.”
As we spoke, Stella and I moved closer to where the mounted warriors had fallen. Stella had already looted the caster earlier, but to my knowledge, the other two dwarfs had been left where they fell. Around the battlefield, wounded men were being carried or supported to receive healing. Hopefully, the city had capable healers as I would not be able to assist in with such a capacity for close to a half day yet.
Stella had been following my gaze, so when I turned to her with a questioning look, she knew what I was about to ask. She nodded in silent understanding. She knew me so well. Calling out to a pair of uninjured guards, I fished out nearly every single healing potion I had on me. I kept the strongest ones for us but handed over two dozen precious bottles.
As the men stared wide-eyed, I said, “Please use these on those most injured.” The two soldiers accepted the donation graciously, asking a third man to help carry the potentially life-saving items. The armored trio departed, heading for what looked like a makeshift hospital tent. It was hastily put up but would serve the city well in triaging the wounded among the chaos left in the aftermath of our fierce struggle.
Reaching the slain warriors and their reptile mounts, we found only a few minor enchanted rings granting a few attribute points. Tucking them into my belt pouch, my gaze panned over the destructive scene around us. Cries of loss and grief were creeping louder in nearer to the city. From the profound ache in the voices, family members were finding out loved ones had been lost in battle. This city would take a long time to heal from the violent surprise attack but would recover in time, I was sure of it.
“So, we’re passing on the second possibility then?” Stella asked after a long moment, bringing me back on track.
“Unless you feel strongly otherwise,” I replied before pausing, allowing her to voice her opinion if she wanted to press the issue. “No. As much as I want it, I’m going to pick something else.”
“Sounds like you’re leaning towards one over the other?”
“I am, the pyroclastic DoT,” I shared, meaning we would be passing on the minion revival option. Seeing Ripley nearby in all her grandeur. She was an impressive sight, decked out in gleaming plate armor. “Fortunately, we don’t often lose Ripley often in our struggles. With her recent upgrade and impressive stats, I think we can safely assume it will become more difficult for her to be slain in battle. More so, the last option matches what I do best, dealing damage over time.”
Looking at Stella to see if she disagreed, she didn’t, so I selected ‘pyroclastic funeral pyre’ and confirmed the decision. A torrent of information funneled into my mind as I selected ‘yes.’ Needing to close my eyes against the massive influx of knowledge, the spell was sketched into my brain. In seconds, but what felt like days to me, the process was complete. As if a fog had been lifted, I could intellectually parse the spell and every minute detail of its inner workings, available to me like an open book.
Swiftly moving through my Hunter interface, I willed the detailed information to appear in window before us.
[Pyroclastic Funeral Pyre]. A fast-moving, blast of superheated ash and particulates engulfs a target within 50 feet, causing 300 plus 3.5n damage immediately and then every 6 seconds until the spell expires, where ‘n’ equals Intelligence. The target is also afflicted with the debuff, “Burial Pyre,” which causes 100 plus 2n damage to hostile targets within 10 feet. Additionally, friendly targets and party members within this radius receive a minor health regeneration restoring 22 plus 2n health every 6 seconds (this effect does not stack with other instances). Cost: 500 mana. Cast Time: 2 seconds. Cool down: 6 seconds. Duration: 168 seconds (base 120). Plus 5 feet maximum range, plus 30 base damage, and plus 15 damage, and 6 healing on the spell’s secondary effect per spell level.
Note – This spell's secondary effect does not cause additional threat generation.
Note – When this spell expires, a random hostile target damaged by the “Burial Pyre” debuff will have a new instance of this spell placed upon them. This effective triggers twice, if able, increasing by one additional target every seven spell levels.
We stood in muted silence after reading the finer details of the spell. Exchanging astonished glances, I was the first to speak. “I think we picked the right one.”
Imaging how effective this spell could have been if we had it during the siege battle was staggering to contemplate. It could have certainly turned the fight in the city’s favor if I dedicated every available opportunity to cast the spell, whenever it came off cool down. Not only did it deal impressive amounts of damage before leaping to another two enemies, it was also effectively a free minor regen spell on anyone close enough to reap the benefit. Hurting an opponent, while also healing friendlies was an insane combo.
Stella could only smile back in response, no doubt feeling the exact same way.
Tallos returned with Lowki trotting beside him. Inquiring if they were okay, we moved in the direction of the city unsure of what we would do next. A part of me wanted to return to Marrek’s shop, he had suggested preparing a reward for us after saving his life. Yet, with his sacrifice, I hardly felt we deserved it now. It felt wrong to think of a reward when the man had sacrificed himself to save me.
Tallos caught my internal struggles as we walked. “What’s wrong, Xaz? You seem bothered by something.”
“I was thinking of Marrek,” I replied at first, attempting to dodge the real question. Even Stella saw through my non-answer, so prompted me to continue. She seemed capable of seeing through the façade and the lingering embarrassment I felt below the surface. What kind of person was I to think about a promised reward when a person just died? It felt gross, like feeling something small walking across your skin.
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Neither friend pressed further, allowing me to work through my emotions. I decided to be honest, my friends deserved as much. “I wasn’t sure what we should do next, so I recalled Marrek said he wanted to give us a gift for saving his life… Only for him to die saving mine. Now, I’m embarrassed for even thinking of it.”
Stella and Tallos shared a look, empathy clear on their faces. Stella was the first to respond, “I think it’s only natural. I feel confident in saying Marrek was the kind of person to lay down his life for a friend, the same as any of us. We need all the help we can get nowadays. Our struggles have only been getting stronger, challenging us to our limits. If Marrek left a gift, he would still want us to have it.”
“Stella’s right,” Tallos acknowledged, his hands resting easily across his belt. “It was clear the strength of character Marrek had. He died fighting as he lived, helping others. He would still want to help us. I don’t think it’s dishonorable to see if he left something in gratitude for our deeds.”
Their words helped settle the bubbling roil in my stomach. Nodding in response, our small party altered course to Marrek’s shop. Nearly all fires had been put out by now, though many homes and businesses had been completely destroyed by the dwarves' flaming barrage. We helped whenever we could which included stopping to look through debris and rubble as the search for survivors continued long into the morning. We were in no rush, so freely offered our aid to any who needed it.
As we walked through numerous tarnished streets and past charred buildings, I reviewed the rest of the notifications awaiting my attention. As soon as I did, another halo of golden light appeared as the experience from the slain catapult drivers, guards, and command trio trickled in. It was enough to move me to the next level, twenty-five, and another seven attributes to distribute.
Level Up! You have earned enough experience to advance to level 25. Tier 3 class characteristic attributes have been applied. You have 7 attribute points to distribute.
Not putting too much thought into it, I placed five into dexterity to reach the next threshold, and the rest of my points into intelligence. The sooner I reached five hundred, the better. Reaching the lofty goal would allow me to use the two spell tomes we looted from the brimstone magus in the lightless tunnels far underground. Each had an impressive intelligence requirement I was closing in on. I had about ninety points to go.
Dexterity Threshold Reached (100). Benefits: Plus 20% increased accuracy with all ranged attacks (including spells), skills, and abilities (up from 14%). Plus 9% chance to score a critical hit, attack speed, and ability to dodge incoming attacks (up from 7%).
Next came my skill notifications. It was a sad reminder I hadn’t been able to use any spells, so none of those improved in the slightest. Though, Ripley’s necrotic aura did increase as the spell remained continuously active which was pleasant to see.
Notice! Skill and Spell increase messages have been condensed.
Skill: [Axe] has increased to level 20. Spell: [Lesser Necrotic Aura (Pet)] has increased to level 18. Skill: [Stealth] has increased to level 18. Skill: [Throwing] has increased to level 17. Skill: [Firearms] has increased to level 15.
The next notification to appear was something we hadn’t seen in a long time. The last we saw it was back when we stopped the whole dread hecatomb debacle. The fact people from around the galaxy were actively watching our adventures hadn’t quite set in as a fact of life. Still, the rewards were nice and would help us continue our fight.
Congratulations! Reputation Achievement: You have reached the 5,000,000 viewer achievement tier.
System reward is based on the contributing factors that increased your viewership. (Epic tier reward.)
Congratulations! You have received: Empowered Aegis (Upgraded).
Empowered Aegis (Upgraded) – Your magical prowess is no longer contained inside only your Core. Now, a permanent barrier of magical energy protects you from hostile spells and attacks at all times as long as you have mana to spare. This magical protection draws against your mana reserves when struck, stopping most magical and non-magical attacks at a one-to-one damage ratio; health to mana. Note – Extreme physical and magical attacks will still cause you to stagger, become dazed, or even stunned. The physical component of such attacks can bypass this protection. The amount of force to circumvent the barrier is inversely proportional to the caster's current mana.
Note – For example, at full mana capacity, 0% of the physical force will bypass Empowered Aegis (Upgraded). At half mana capacity, 50% of the physical force will bypass Empowered Aegis (Upgraded), et cetera.
“Now that’s certainly going to help,” I beamed in genuine satisfaction. This last fight alone, I had been thrown nearly senseless when two charging salamanders careened into me. Now, at peak mana, none of the impact would get through the aegis. “Thank you!”
“Congrats! It’s the perfect skill to receive a much-needed upgrade. I think you owe your luck attribute a thanks, at least in part,” Stella joked with an appreciative node at my arguably most important ability.
Congratulations! Reputation Achievement: You have reached the 1,000,000 follower achievement tier.
System reward is based on the contributing factors that increased your follower count. (Rare tier reward.)
Congratulations! You have received: Voting has been enabled for all of your current followers to present you with a new skill, or spell. Good luck!
After reading the message, two bars appeared horizontally to the side of the window. It was reminiscent of when my followers opted for a new ability when we defeated Adom the Savage. This time, with only two choices, the vials filled faster as they cast their votes. The first was a bright orange, the other violet, representing either a skill or a spell. I preferred the latter and, thankfully, it was clear which I would be granted.
Congratulations! You have received a new spell, [Stalwart Aura (Pet)]!
[Stalwart Aura (Pet)] The Wraith’s undead minion radiates a strengthening aura causing the minion, friendly targets, and party members within a twenty-five foot radius to receive the beneficial buff, “Invigorated Firmament,” which causes plus 15% physical damage mitigation, 10% increased physical attributes, 10% maximum health and stamina, and a 5% melee haste.
Cost: 570 mana (200 mana reserved). Cast Time: 10 seconds. Cool down: N/A. Duration: Indefinite/until canceled. Plus 1 foot maximum range, plus 0.25% physical damage mitigation, plus 0.33% increased physical attributes, plus 0.33% maximum health and stamina, and plus 0.1% melee haste per spell level.
“Nice, another aura for Ripley,” Stella crooned as she beamed a bright smile at her favorite skeleton. She looked at me too but, with the flood of new arcane knowledge, I hadn’t heard her comment as my awareness was overwhelmed. She repeated herself for my benefit once my eyes opened.
I wasn’t overly thrilled by the new addition, but was thankful for it, nonetheless. Remembering Stella’s words which felt so long ago, I turned an appreciative look up to the sky and uttered a soft, ‘thank you,’ to the people following my adventure. Stella got a kick out of the gesture, and I could tell she was about to remind me to be grateful. When our eyes met, she stuck out her tongue, followed by a Cheshire smile.
Growing closer to Marrek’s store, I briefly looked at my inventory window for the gear we had taken off the dwarven warlock. Nothing was of particular note, my new set was well beyond anything he had been wearing. “More stuff to sell,” I stated.
Rounding a corner, near the center of town, we found our destination. Unlike the destroyed buildings on either side, Marrek’s place seemed almost untouched. The windows were still boarded from when the wizard was first apprehended, but I was glad to see the man had replaced his front door. It had been hanging awkwardly the last time we saw it. The large oak door was an as-of-yet unpainted, bringing a stark contrast to the building’s overall richly stained appearance.
Finding the door unlocked, we stepped inside. Before, the place had been a wreck. Now, the place was devoid of almost everything. Barren shelves and empty tables lined every square inch of the place.
“He did say he was leaving for the capital,” Tallos recalled as we stared at the scarcity of goods around us. As he spoke, a messy bed of hair poked up from a corner table. It quickly vanished when the movement caught our eyes. “It’s alright, we’re not going to hurt you."
Moving slowly to that side of the store, we found six children ranging in age between twelve and as low as eight or nine. They wore modest clothes smeared by soot and grimy smudges. They looked like they had been through a forest fire. My guess was likely not far off the mark with all the burnt buildings nearby.
“We didn’t steal anything!” a young female voice called out. She was one of the older children, showing admirable courage at the sight of our imposing group, particularly the towering Ripley, as she slid protectively in front of her fellow kids. “Wizard Marrek told us we could come in here when the stars were falling.”
“It’s okay, we believe you. Marrek was our friend too,” I said in a soft tone, holding out my hands in a pacifying gesture to dispel any tension. With his shop mostly intact, it was safe to assume the talented mage had reinforced the building. It was not hard to imagine Marrek ushering in waylaid children as he rushed out to defend the city.
A lump formed in my throat after considering how to break the unfortunate news of the courageous man’s demise. Before I could speak, the young girl asked a pointed question.
“Are you Xaz?”
“I am,” I replied, momentarily taken aback by how she knew my name.