[Disruption(Level 1): Charge any object in immediate vicinity with disruptive Mana, disrupting any Individual that comes into contact with the charged surface. Individuals subject to subsequent exposure will adapt at variable rates to disruptive energies.
Cost: 5 Mana, 1 second to apply
Damage: 1
Stun Duration: 0-1 seconds dependent on individual resistance
Application Duration: 30 minutes]
[Note: Only individual Kellin Finnel may utilize Skill]
[Skill Tree can be accessed]
[2 Upgrade Paths Available*: Duration Enhancement ---- Damage Enhancement]
[Duration Enhancement(20 Credits): Increases efficiency of disruptive mana, better targetting movement processes in Individuals
Stun Duration: 0-1.5 seconds]
[Damage Enhancement(20 Credits): Increases destructive capability of mana applied to surfaces at cost of stability.
Damage: +1
Application Duration: 15 minutes]
[*Note: Selection of one Upgrade makes other permanently inaccessible]
Reading through the ability had Kellin feeling strangely nostalgic. It reminded him of the [Pulse] rounds he'd rarely had access to, having about the same effect when used but at the cost of [Mana] instead of a one-off round.
As far as the [Upgrade] was concerned, duration guaranteed more subsequent free shots anyway, meaning while the damage increase would stack massively, duration seemed more flexible with similar potential.
"Applied to 20 rounds though..." he muttered, considering the potential of the [Gauss] dropping his entire health pool in damage over the course of two seconds.
It didn't matter if you couldn't move for longer if you were already dead.
[Minor Class Evolution Available]
[2 new Evolutionary Paths Available: Offense ---- Defense]
[Offense: Grants static +1 increase to Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Battery, Intelligence, Wisdom]
[Defense: Grants static +1 increase to Amor, Constitution, Density, Cardio, Efficiency, Perception, Sensors]
"Wow," Kellin muttered, staring across the massive [Stat] gain chocies they'd been given.
For free, no less, as all [Evolutions] were entirely about a choice of one's future, not cost.
[Congratulations! Individual Kellin Finnel, Gypsy, Designation #Progenitor has been granted access to Professions!]
[If a Class is to be an Individuals strength, a Profession is-]
[Circumventing basic Tutorial]
[1 new Profession option Available!]
[Techie(Unique): A specialized existence, Individuals given access to the Techie Profession are far and few in between, none the same. Build, manipulate, deconstruct, improve. Create. Advance. Endlessly]
[Grants access to Unique Stat: Tech(5)]
[Grants access to Unique resource: Psionic Energy(50)]
[Initial Passive Abilities available:
Basic Create Blueprint ---- Basic Manipulate Technology ---- Unique Store]
[Initial Active Abilities available:
Basic Create ---- Unique Build]
[Warning: Contact with unique Savul Den Mother Class individual has altered Profession: Techie(Unique)]
[Passive Removed: Unique Store]
[Passive Added: Novice Mold Flesh]
[Profession Renamed - Tainted Creationist(Unique): A warped existence, Individuals given access to the Tainted Creationist Profession are unsatisfied with only the cold steel of technology, seeking to alter the matter that makes up their own and others bodies]
[Passive Aura Added: Enemy of the Inventor]
[Individual must select Path to expand options]
Kellin had been excited at the prospect of having access to [Psionic Energy], like [The Hybrid] class, and more than interested in the rest. Once he scrolled to the end, that excitement dulled massively.
"What the hell does that even mean," he asked aloud, focusing on [Enemy of the Inventor] and bolding it for Gypsy.
"Unclear," came the response from the Repair Bay.
Kellin nodded, more than a little put-off by the modification to the class. Meeting the Savul had seemed to originally be a disguised blessing of sorts, something Kellin had trouble accepting he could even think of any savul, but now...
Kellin looked down at the note board he'd been making and scratched at his head a bit. Everything seemed to be going in a circle, subsequent decisions needing to be made after deciding what he was doing in the next thing they'd inspect. Their weapons dependent on [Skills] upgraded or chosen with those dependent on the [Class Evolution] being potentially dependent on the utility of a [Profession] which would change whether they needed a melee weapon which would decide if they should be offensive or defensive in their [Class Evolution]...
He sighed. Decisions like these were supposed to be given and made over the course of the first twenty years of one's life, not all in one day.
"Anyway, it's unfortunate I guess, but... well, whatever," he stated, getting his mind back on topic while thinking about how useful [Psionic Communication] would be in the future, making it hard to complain about the Savul encounter. "In any event, we can always wait on the [Profession] if needed. Get to other things and come back to this later," he continued, copping out of a decision for now.
"Unlikely to receive another [Unique] [Profession] option," Gypsy pointed out. "[Professions] granted through [System] often contain synergies to [Class]. [Passives] [Novice Manipulate Technology] and [Basic Manipulate Technology] guarantee fuse and reinforce high synergy potential. Remaining [Passives] hold high probability of utility."
"All true," Kellin replied, nodding along to similar conclusions he'd drawn when going through the choice.
He'd been leaning toward it even with the negatives added at the end simply because of how... perfect it sounded with what they'd become. Compared to how his old [Uncommon] [Profession] of [Battle Conductor] had started out, it definitely held much more potential. Also, he knew the [System] seemed to be trying to favor them right now due to the fact that they were a new [Race]. If they hadn't ran into that Savul, the choice would have been nothing but positives all around.
Unfortunately, it was not all positive.
"[Novice Flesh Mold] in place of a [Unique] is a painful trade to see, but the [Aura] is what I'm most concerned about," he admitted. "I don't know what that means. Would we be an inherent enemy of a people? A veritable god? Or maybe even just a different [Profession]? [Auras] like that are dangerous."
"[Novice Flesh Mold] potential [Passive] with capacity to heal minor wounds," Gypsy refuted, stunning him for a moment at the suggested utility that he hadn't considered.
Currently, he had no way to stabilize wounds in the event he got seriously hurt while in the field. If it worked the way she suggested, it may even be more useful to them in this situation than the lost [Unique].
"Unlikely to be granted another [Profession] option in coming days," came yet another reason to take it.
"...You really want this, eh Gyps?" he asked.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
She was being more vocal than usual and blatantly ignoring the negatives, just like she'd done with [The Hybrid]. It was obvious the AI was partial to the choice.
A few moments passed before she replied.
"...Incorrect conclusion. [Profession] holds high probability to assist with current situation. AI will leave decision to Captain Finnel."
He figured she'd never admit to wanting something, but the fact that she backed it yet again and not just shutting up continued to show her favor toward the [Profession], in his eyes at least. There was always a chance she meant what she said, but Gypsy had become nothing if not easier to read than a child with her newly gained sentience, monotone or not.
Kellin stared for another minute at the only qualm he had toward the class. If this [Aura] ended up being the death of them, it would be an absolute letdown, but sitting here being afraid to make any decisions or move forward was another route to death. If they chose to wait and forwent a [Class] that potentially allowed Kellin the ability to use the skills he'd gained throughout years and years of wielding a gun, it could lead to their early demise in a situation a gun could easily resolve.
Or not.
Taking a breath, Kellin scratched at his head and nodded once to himself.
"Let's break the circle then," he stated, selecting the [Profession] [Tainted Creationist] and settling back into his chair.
Nothing happened for a few seconds until he felt Gypsy also accept the choice, making him smile just a bit. For some reason, seeing the AI do things like that without being prompted brought him small amounts of joy.
[Congratulations! Individual Kellin Finnel, Gypsy, Designation #Progenitor has selected Tainted Creationist as their Profession! Time until complete Stat Adjustment: 3 Hours]
[Resource Added: Psionic Energy]
[Stat Added: Tech]
[Passive Consolidation]
[Passives Novice Manipulate Technology and Basic Manipulate Technology have been removed]
[Passive Added - Unique Basic Manipulate Technology: Grants the Marine ability to adjust finished technological works* and adjust all forms of tech run across at a variable cost of (Unique) either Energy, Mana, or Psionic Energy. Resource usage dependent on changes made]
[*Warning: Manipulation done at risk of device]
[Skill tree unnaccessible]
After no new notifications popped up, Kellin looked back at his to-do list and found that he'd deicided to go through their [Class] [Passive Abilities] next. After that, Gypsy wanted [Stats]. On top of that, they also had the [Profession] [Passives] to parse through now.
His head hung downward for a few seconds as he made a grunting sound and clenched his eyes closed.
"Next on list-"
"Ahhhh," Kellin interrupted loudly, standing abruptly and moving around the med table, throwing himself onto his back on the bed. "Gyps, you decide. It's all good enough, dammit. I'm over this," he grumbled.
"Two hours until [Stat Adjustment] finishes. Unsafe to leave-"
"Then lets practice your movement for a bit," he said, sitting up and looking over toward the Repair Bay.
"Leaving Hutch currently holds danger-"
"It's fine, it's fine. There are proximity alerts and self-defense features," he interrupted.
"Priority should be finishing," she replied.
"Come on, a small break that's not even really a break. Why not?" he asked. "A major part of this Evolution requires your ability to utilize that suit without me being in it."
"AI Gypsy Informed Captain Finnel that choice 1 was superior," came the irritated monotone reply.
Kellin laughed, standing up and stretching.
-We can go over the [Stats] and descriptions of [Passives] after- he sent, moving toward the bay.
"...Captain Finnel has poor focusing capabilities."
----------------------------------------
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Outside the Hutch stood a Marine Combat Suit of the Empire, standing tall and proud in its majesty, unmoving, intimidating, one arm extended outward in what some could say was a salute of some sort.
Before it was a man lying on the ground in the fetal position, holding at his stomach and groaning, regretting his tendency to procrastinate.
"Apologies. Movement-"
"..id on... urpose," Kellin gasped out, trying to get his numb diaphragm to listen to him.
[Marine Condition: Integrity: 99/100
Health: 72/80
Minor Stun/Normal]
"Incorrect."
Kellin slowly lifted himself, kneeling on the ground and remaining bent at the waist. Just moments ago, he'd exited the suit after showing Gypsy an example movement of their right arm. With her reproducing it flawlessly a couple of times in a row, he decided to exit and allow her to try alone. When it wouldn't move for a few seconds, he'd decided to move forward and see if he couldn't help her through the motion.
Now, he'd resolved to never go anywhere near the damn suit if he wasn't in it. A massive contradiction. He'd felt like she'd shocked him on top of the gut punch.
"Why... did you... move it so fast," he wheezed out, standing slowly.
"Unclear."
"Well why is it so easy with... me inside?" he asked, gimping his way to the pedestal to lean against it.
It had been a while since he'd taken a hit like that so unprepared. Everything hurt.
"Captain Finnel's body serves as guide and form of restriction. AI understands replication. Post [Unequip], variables change," she replied, the attempt to explain completely serious, removing any small ire he'd held.
He considered her words as his breathing finally regulated, wondering how he could help. It was true all their [Stats] changed once they separated, but the loss of his weight should offset the [Strength] loss, if anything.
Pulling up their [Stats] section, he realized how incorrect he was after scrolling down and seeing Gypsy's [Stats].
[Stats(Together):
Strength: 12
Dexterity: 13
Armor: 3
Constitution: 8
Density: 10
Endurance: 10
Battery: 10
Cardio: 7
Efficiency: 9
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 7.5
Sensors: 9
Willpower: 20
Tech: 5]
[Stats(Separate):
Strength: 7/9
Dexterity: 11/6
Armor: 0/3
Constitution: 8/0
Density: 0/10
Endurance: 10/0
Battery: 0/10
Cardio: 7/N/A
Efficiency: 0/5
Intelligence: 7.5/15
Wisdom: 7.5/2
Perception: 5/0
Sensors: 0/7.5
Willpower: 20/N/A
Tech: 5]
She went from having more [Dexterity] than [Strength] to the exact opposite, in no small way either. A loss of more than twice her [Dexterity]. It was no wonder her movement was beyond clunky.
"Alright," he said aloud. "It looks like it might be the disparity in our [Stats]. Try moving your left arm this time, but very, very slowly. Or... try to reduce the power you put into the movement. Does that make sense?" he asked, imitating the movement with his own arm slowly, feeling a bit silly.
He'd never had to explain to anyone how to move an arm and he found himself... ill-suited to the task.
Two beeps sounded off though and a few seconds later, Kellin was greeted with the sight of the suit very, very slowly moving its left arm forward.
He smiled.
"Good stuff. That didn't take much effort."
"Affirmative. I-AI Designation Gypsy was utilizing too much [Energy] for movements. Increased speed and reduced control resulted," she responded, seemingly in a state of wonder as the suit's visor was focused entirely on it's own arm.
Kellin's eyebrows creased as he listened to her speak, ignoring her slip of tongue.
"[Energy]? As in literal [Energy]?"
"That is correct. This is what you informed AI to attempt."
His eyebrows rose as he considered the implication, wondering if he could charge his movements with [Stamina] in a similar manner. Though, he'd never heard of anyone being able to.
"I wasn't referring to the resource at all. Being able to overcharge your movements like that would make you a terrifying close quarters opponent," he said, pausing for a second. "Exactly how much [Energy] were you pumping into the suit to bowl me over like that?" he asked as an afterthought.
"All available allowed movement resources," she immediately replied, his eyes widening in shock.
"Jesus, Gyps! Are you trying to kill me?" he called out accusingly, bringing up their full [Condition].
[Marine Condition: Integrity 99/100
Health: 72/80
Energy: 85/100
Stamina: 100/100
Mana: 50/50
Psionic Energy: 50/50]
"Information lacking. Overcharged movement likely inhibited when [Equipped]," she replied, coming up with an excuse on the spot.
"You used 15 [Energy] for one movement!"
"[Passives] [Unique Basic Manipulate Technology] and [Novice Body Manipulation(Suit)] descriptions give vague allowances for possibility. Information would not be lacking if Captain Finnel had finished and instructed AI," she shot back.
Kellin sighed out and rubbed at his face, at loath to blame himself but knowing it was not Gypsy's fault. The response was like a bucket of cold water being dumped on his head, bringing to the forefront once again the reality of their current lives; She was like a child with a gun. He was being an idiot by putting off his own understanding of what they had become.
Taking a deep breath, he moved toward the suit as it slowly rippled apart, sensing his intent and opening.
"Let's go inside. I don't want to die because you accidentally forgot to mention you can create a nuke," he said with a final chuckle, [Equipping] the suit.
"Resources required to [Create Blueprint] and [Build] a nuclear warhead likely beyond current capabilities," she replied seriously, sending chills down Kellin's arms as his smile dropped off entirely.
Procrastinating was likely the worst thing he could do right now. He felt like a fool, any of the earlier mirth he'd allowed to surface as a form of relaxation leaving his body immediately, only Captain Finnel of the Empire remaining.