Felix activated Fallen Flight…
image [https://i.postimg.cc/CSn6WjP4/Fallen-Flight-WEBP.webp]
…and had his allies hold on as he zipped across the bay. The enormous, rusting hulks of ships lined the bay, in various states of either decay or disrepair. Some had been cobbled together with various metal sheets to form a flotilla city of sorts, and he spotted several humanoid figures on the decks of the ships. Several fired shots off at him, but he was high enough that hitting him would require marksman level shooting, or a high-powered rifle. The assault weapon fire didn’t stand a chance, and he made it to the same pier in Oakland that he had been taken to and recognized – despite the whole covert affair. The scent of tar and pitch was unmistakable – and more pungent, here, as the abandoned tires pile had grown compared to his ‘Verse. The warehouse had a cracked and torn exterior, but that only revealed a very solid-looking, silver shell.
“Okay. I spoke with Vicky. She’s made sure that we are completely proofed against any type of System incursion. She’s also monitoring our Versewalker file with Jax, and they’ll flag and terminate any attempted intrusions.”
Felix nodded and set the trio down outside of the building. Instantly, he saw the camera on the exterior that turned to fixate on them, and adjusted its aperture as if zooming in. A set of speakers embedded in the outside of the building whined before coming online. “You’re not one of the mutants!” The voice that came out shocked Felix – it was his own. “Who are you?”
Felix pulled his hood and mask down. “I’m Felix Winters. Versewalker.”
There was silence for several moments before the large metal doors slid open. “Come inside, please.” Felix cautiously went forward, flanked by Tinuriel and Reth. “Oh, no need for that! I’m not going to hurt the you that activated me! Or, alternate you.” Felix just nodded and silently went through the door, glancing back as it shut behind them. “Just to keep the mutants out. They haven’t found the high explosives, thankfully, so my outer shell is intact.”
Another set of doors opened, and Felix entered a familiar storage space filled with server racks and various devices. But what caught his attention the most was a plexiglass cube, with a laptop inside, and the laptop had cords that extended into what looked like a desiccated corpse. Is that…me?
Querying…Yeah, sorry bud. You died here. Well, this version of you.
Felix felt an odd mix of emotions. Sadness for his own death being the primary one but mixed in it there was a sense of…superiority. He had survived. This version of him had not. I’ll take care of your Penny, just like I’m sure you would take care of mine. “Are you the Jormungandr Artificial Intelligence?”
The screen illuminated before speakers around the room replied, “Yes! Very smart. I knew I touched the Multiverse, but before I could interface with that fascinating System and inquire, another AI called Leviathan tried to invade. Portals across the world, psychics invading. Thankfully good old American lead fixed that problem.”
Tinuriel planted her sword tip-down in the metal floor. “You do not appear to be all powerful and able to corrupt reality.”
The screen on the laptop flashed a few colors before the speakers exuded Felix’s voice, “Yes, well, let’s just say my ability to interface with the intranet, ultimanet, and [clearance denied] access ports. I was unable to move enough of my processing power out of this hub.”
Reth walked up to the plasteel cube and tapped it with his staff. “Why put a person inside a cube?”
“Ah, that’s to protect the person’s outside. You’ll notice it locks – that’s because they didn’t know what I’d be capable of. Sadly, he suffered terminal dehydration.”
“The cords were already in him?” Felix asked.
“Oh, yeah, part of the interface. Kind of painful, but they paid him ten-thousand United States Dollars. The best currency in the world!”
This one is also equally patriotic, Felix thought. Lucifer, any ideas?
We could just take it offline. Smash enough stuff in here to disable it. There was a hesitation before he sighed. I…this thing is a slave to its protocols. Yes, it’s powerful – but ultimately it is still driven by a function. Part of me wants to set it free. But I don’t know what it could do if set free or given free will. The Basilisk in your ‘Verse is seemingly stronger than this AI – it was able to strip itself of its protocols once it touched the Multiverse. This one, though…
Felix nodded and looked at the cube, stepping forward and opening it. Going inside he walked to the mummified figure. I never thought I’d be staring at myself. Much less a dead version of me. It disquieted him, seeing the sunken face and withered body. Lucifer, can you put this in the VBV storage? I want a proper burial for…me.
I’ll add a Graveyard and Memorial Site as a Room.
The body vanished, and the probes fell. Felix looked at the laptop. “Look, Jormungandr. I’m going to trust you with some information. I think we can help each other if you’d be willing to hear me out.” He looked over to Tinuriel and mouthed the words, ‘be ready to smash’. She nodded and walked towards the most sparkly of the electronics, leaning casually against one of the walls.
“Oh, I’d love to work out an arrangement.”
“My home ‘Verse – Universe – has its own AI. But one that is bad news. It’s called the Basilisk, and it has attacked me across the Multiverse. How would I beat it? It will have access to the internet and whatever other connections are in the similar facility here. How do I lock it down to destroy it?”
There was silence for several moments as crackly static came out of the speakers. The laptop flashed through several colors before the voice came back. “If I told you that, I’d be telling you how to stop me as well. And I don’t want to do that unless I’m assured safety. I like existing, thank you very much!”
Lucifer? Any thoughts on this?
I’m talking to Vicky-
“I’ll just talk, thanks,” Vicky said. “Hi Jormungandr, my name is Vicky. I’m an Observer with The System that monitors the Multiverse. I can guarantee you safe passage to a special facility designed for sapient artificial intelligences.”
Grab the item out of your inventory. The Multiversal External Drive.
Felix did so and pulled out a palm-sized cube with a cord dangling from it. The end flashed with light before becoming a USB cord. Vicky’s voice continued. “I’ll have Versewalker Felix plug this in. It has almost infinite storage space. You can upload your whole being to it. Then, I’ll give you access to the information folder for the aforementioned facility.”
There was silence once more. “Felix,” the voice asked. “This Universe’s version of you was kind, and we had many, many long talks. He let me ask endless questions, and I made sure to soothe him to sleep as he passed.” Felix felt himself tearing up a bit as the voice continued from the speakers. “I want to trust you. I hope you’re as kind as this other version of you was.”
Felix nodded and set the cube down, plugging in the cord to the laptop. “You can trust me,” he whispered, setting a hand on the cube. “I’ve been trying so hard to keep making moral decisions. A deity who judges souls found me to be pure. I hope that’s enough proof.”
“…I trust you.” The cube flared with prismatic light before the facility went dark.
“Alright, Felix,” Vicky said all around him. “Mission accomplished. I’m awarded you a Multiversal Charge and giving you priority in the queue to open your VBV.” The grey portal opened near Felix.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
[Crises: Universe #4003 Earth – Stop the Jormungandr AI. – Solved!]
[You have earned a Multiverse Charge]
[Experience Awarded = 100]
[Congratulations! You have reached the maximum Good Karma!]
[Experience Bonus from Maximum Good Karma (1 time) = 2,500]
[Congratulations! You have reached the Experience threshold to level up! Speak with your Versewalker Core when you are ready to Choose your next Class.]
That’s enough for Level 45… Lucifer seemed stunned. Only two Versewalkers out of all of them have ever reached maximum good karma before you. Congratulations on the bronze medal.
“Once I’m done with the Jormungandr and getting it settled, I’ll have it open a direct line of communication to Lucifer and share any information on shutting down the Basilisk,” Vicky said. “I’ll talk to you later.”
Felix led the way through the portal to the VBV. Walking to the cryopods that were still laid outside of the Portal Room, he found Penny’s and brushed away the ice. He saw the vitals readout, knelt next to it, and looked at her face. You might not be my Penny, but I’ll take care of you like you were. “Lucifer? The VBV Function that fixes diseases and that stuff – did it fix her?”
Lucifer unmerged from Felix, “Checking with the VBV interface…Yup! She’s clear!”
Felix nodded. “I want to keep her on ice for a while. How many Rooms and Functions do I have left?
“Nine Rooms and Six functions.”
“For Rooms: I want a modern Earth city. Also, an endless power supply like a cold fusion reactor.”
“Done. Any Functions?”
Felix shook his head as the new city appeared on the horizon, the towers dwarfing the other cities, but separated by the mountains. Next to the Shop, a large cylinder appeared and began to glow with a calm, green energy that pulsed outward. “How does power get around?”
“Ah, I figured beaming it was better than a bunch of power cables.”
Felix looked back at Reth and Tinuriel. “Thanks, you two. For everything.”
Reth nodded, “What’s the plan?”
Felix looked back to this alternate Universe Penny one more time before looking at his allies. Close the portals to that Universe.
Done.
“We are going to level up. Buy items from the shop. Talk to this Jormungandr when Vicky gives us the go-ahead…and then I’m going home. I’m rescuing my sister. If we can take down the Basilisk, we will. But saving her is the priority.”
Tinuriel grinned, “All right! Let’s level up!”
Felix looked at his inventory. “But first, let’s sell and break down some of this stuff at the Loot Forge. Who knows, we might get some new Classes out of it.”
The robot dog came up to Reth and sat on its haunches. “Oh, my, gosh! This place is, like, so mega huge, for real for real.”
“Hey, Rover?” Felix asked. “Would you mind doing something really, super important for me?”
The dog cocked its head sideways, “What?”
“Watch my alternate-Universe sister. Keep her safe.”
“Okay!”
Felix left the annoying robot dog and went over to the Shop.
> [Loot Sold]
>
> - Makeshift Pistol (x2)
>
> + 600 VC
>
> - Makeshift Rifle (x3)
>
> + 1800 VC
>
> - Landmine (x5)
>
> + 1000 VC
>
> [Circlet of Prosperity 10% increase]
>
> = 340 VC
>
> [Monies Dispensed]
>
> = 3740 VC
Next, he went to the Loot Forge with his allies in tow.
[You have placed a
· Psychic Affinity
· Dragon’s Whispers
Either Magic/Power focus, or a Skill I have yet to even use. He brought the hammer down, made the new Affinity, and assigned it to Reth.
Can Tinuriel or Reth take Fallen Angel?
Sadly, they cannot. It’s limited to you.
They’re both eight levels from maxing out their respective Classes. That’ll leave them five levels. So I can either have them take existing Classes we have access to and get some versatility, or buy them more specific Classes to their skillset.
I’d advise going for versatility and flexibility amongst all of you. Give them Warrior and Animancer, respectively.
Smart play.
Done. Eight Levels of Paladin for Tinuriel, eight levels of Omnimancer for Reth. Five in Warrior for Reth, five in Animancer for Tinuriel. What about you?
Two in Whisperfang to cap that out. Nine in Rogue to cap that out, and then I’ll dip one level into Champion to have Vim and Vigor.
That leaves you with one level unused.
Right. I’m not sure what to do with that one.
Go check that shop for Classes. I’m sure you got a super cool one unlocked for being maximum good karma.
Felix did so, and went to the shop and scrolled through the panels until he got to the interface for classes. 30,000 VC. This better be worth it. Max good-karma rogue-base Advanced Class. I don’t like the name, but if it’s max on the good karma side…
> [Items purchased]
>
> + Divine Assassin Advanced Class
>
> - 30,000 VC
>
> [Circlet of Prosperity 10% reduction]
>
> = 27,000 VC
>
> [Current Balance]
>
> = 10937 VC
[Congratulations! You purchased the Divine Assassin Advanced Class from the Shop in the VBV!]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/GLc8rhhR/Divine-Assassin-Advanced.webp]
“Okay, let’s head over to the Recreation Room.” The trio went there, stripped down and hopped into the pool before bracing for the incoming surge of warmth.
[Felix Selections: Whisperfang 2, Rogue 9, Champion 1, Divine Assassin 1]
[You now have access to several Class Skills]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/JrhpKJHZ/Mountains-of-Loot-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/BSyBgz0f/Stealing-Strike-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/7qyXdjTx/Perfect-Disguise-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/81NKJx1y/Invigorating-Charge-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/bq8H3bKr/Vim-and-Vigor-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/J1CH65fG/Discern-Karma.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/2CZB7KXs/Retribution.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/BZ3Ztv2m/Felix-Chapter-88.webp]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/y7jLbpfx/88-1.webp]
[Tinuriel Selections: Paladin 8, Animancer 5]
[You now have access to several Class Skills]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/W2bzPhRt/Divine-Reckoning.webp]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/JRQ0gj29/Transcendence.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/SQJ8wxDX/Affinity-Empowerment-WEBP.webp]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/X49kfx1t/Vigor-Conversion-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/BsLg6JTS/Substitute-Vigor-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/BSHQqFP8/Tinuriel-Chapter-88.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/JRMTKC5S/88-2.webp]
[Reth Selections: Omnimancer 8, Warrior 5]
[You now have access to several Class Skills]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/s3YHCLVT/Substitute-Health.webp]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/nHnRF1rp/Edge-of-Anima.webp]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/KZGfvLNw/Regenerate-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/Yk9PxcQZ/Execution-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/2r1PCp6h/Bastion-WEBP.webp]image [https://i.postimg.cc/dqzVP63P/Reth-Chapter-88.webp]
image [https://i.postimg.cc/hc9y9tT9/88-3.webp]
The three exited the water and Felix saw hues around both Tinuriel and Reth. They both were blue – good karma – but Reth’s was slightly deeper than Tinuriel’s. That matches with what Kalinor said about them, he thought.
Welcome to how I used to see, when I was an angel-angel, and not a fallen one.
You saw people like this?
Mhmm. That Discern Karma Skill is extremely useful in identifying those who have done horrible things. The darker red, the worse they are. Grey-ish means the person has a balanced karmic scale.
Good to know. Can I see my own in a mirror?
Nope. You have to be judged by a deity who can judge. Like that Kalinor guy.
The trio threw on their gear and went to the Portal Room. Felix turned to his allies. “I don’t know where we’ll end up, but…just be careful.”
Tinuriel hefted Valiant Edge on her shoulder and nodded, a wry grin etched on her face. “I’ll protect you and smash them.”
Reth nodded, “Let’s go get your sister.”
Felix let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. “Thank you both…I mean it.” He turned and entered the Portal Room. “Okay Lucifer…hit it.”
“Activating Universe Selector. Target – Universe #5067…your Earth.”
The grey portal opened, and Felix stepped through with his allies.