Yggdrasil Fallen, LitRPG Series
Book 1, Obsidian
Chapter 19: Dispatched
“Enter” Silderson’s tired, gruff voice called out to the sharp knock at his door, shortly followed by the meager framed Architect sauntering through and sitting himself on the leather sofa where Andre had sat not 24 hours before.
“How did he do.”
“Kids’s got some basic skills, that healing ability is something else though. As you thought, I can only reason that ability and a fairly large chunk of luck are the only reasons he’s still alive.”
“Lady Luck seems to be playing heavily in his favor. Having now experienced it, do you believe his story as to exactly how he got his ability?” Silderson asked.
“While the stone he claimed gave it to him does appear to have once been a powerful artefact capable of granting such an ability, I believe the circumstance to be false. Items marked with the Sigil of Laguz have only been known to activate under extreme circumstances.”
“My thinking as well. Where you able to break him?”
“Unfortunately, no, I found his aspect defenses to be on a whole different scale, as though the elements themselves are guarding his soul.” The Architect paused, scratching the scraggly beard forming on his chin before continuing.
“I don’t like it Silderson, if this kid had been bright enough to listen to my hinted suggestions, he may have actually been a challenge. No matter how hard I hit him or threw him down, he was back on his feet in short order, looking like he’d been slapped with a pillow.”
Silderson smiled to himself, eying the bedraggled man sprawled across his sofa. The silence between them became a war of wills, each daring the other to break it in an act of surrender. Finally remitting, the Architect spoke, changing the subject:
“I expect to be fully compensated for those items you insisted I give to him. The belt wasn’t that large a loss, but that book was extremely difficult to obtain and I doubt I’ll ever see the likes of it again.”
“Payment has already been sent to your room, I believe you’ll find the exchange to be quite equitable. Now, there is one more thing I need done before you turn in.” Silderson strode from where he had been standing in front of the window overlooking the rustic mountain side to drop a leather bound parcel tied closed with sinew onto the table.
“Please deliver this to his room. Do be sure that you are not heard, seen or detected in any manner. It would be quite unfortunate for you should you be found delivering… this”. Silderson grinned, mostly to himself as he gestured to the large bundle sitting between them.
“Huh. Is that what I think it is? Do you think its wise… no… Do you really want to waste more resources on some kid who refuses to be completely honest with us? I can’t help but feel as though catastrophe follows in his wake. On top of that I’m not fully confident he’ll actually work with us in a… lucrative, much less productive manner.”
“We all have our motivations Greg, you really are not one to be talking about truth, integrity and deception. Just see it done in secret and get rested, tomorrow we will hopefully find out more of the truth. Grumbling to himself “Greg” the Architect picked up the parcel, striding to the door he opened it:
“I really hope you know what your doing, I don’t trust your judgement on this, but per our agreement, I’ll carry out your orders.” Leaving the room, the door clicking softly behind him, Silderson’s watched, a devilish grin playing across his lips:
“Damn straight you will, don’t forget exactly what I hold on you. Fucking prick.” The words escaped him, too soft to be heard above the whirring of the fan from his desktop pc. He strode to the bar where he poured himself a neat whisky before returning to his large landscape window; where he gazed out at the shadow caste landscape illuminated in dusky oranges and reds through the setting sun.
“If “Kingsman” is right, this little bastard will quickly become the cornerstone of our organization, and this is absolutely something I cannot wait to see. Never did I imagine I would see the likes of an actual Ascended amongst our ranks.” He murmured to himself before breaking into loud, manic laughter.
Andre stirred, the alarm from his phone chirping merrily away as he reached to grab and silence it. Sitting up he stretched, his muscles surprisingly fluid after such a thorough nights rest. The smell of fresh brewed coffee, hot bacon, garlicky potatoes, and truffled eggs wafted through the open door to his lush bedroom. As his feet hit the floor he wandered to the door, grabbing a silken robe off the back of it.
“Breakfast must be here!” He thought excitedly striding through the door and into the kitchen, where he found a steaming plate of food with a french press full of coffee waiting for him. He hadn’t had time yet to put in a grocery order request, so he had been making use of the meal delivery services offered. He hated being such an inconvenience but knowing the expedition that had originally been scheduled for the following day had been moved to today; he had decided to prioritize other aspects of life to include resting and recovering as much as he could.
“Considering last night’s testings, that was probably a good call” He grumbled to himself, pouring a cup of the silky smelling blend. It wasn’t until he was sitting at the table, food and coffee in hand, that he noticed the tightly wrapped bundle sitting there. The package about the size of a large backpack was wrapped in light brown leather, tied tightly with taught white sinew.
“Well, you’re new. When did you arrive?” Andre did not remember seeing the package when he returned from his evening activities with the Architect:
“I was rather brain rattled at that time, though.” Reminiscing on the evening brought back another memory… the bloody crimson haze that had exploded from the book. Flexing his hands and carefully running a mental check over his body and memories,
“I feel literally no different… ALIAS, did that book actually have an effect?”
“Notice: you have integrated the basic and intermediate skills taught from “Movements of the Crimson Shadow Editions 1-3”, these skills must be practiced and utilized in order to increase prowess. Your Hand to Hand, Bladed Weapon, Bladed Weapon Defensive, Dodge, and Unarmed Defensive skills have improved by 5 skill levels each.”
“Concise. Alrighty then, I guess time will tell just how Jackie Chan I’ve become… wait did you say bladed weapon, bladed weapon defensive, hand to hand and unarmed defensive skills have improved? I don’t remember seeing those on my skill list?”
“The skills you had acquired from prior life experiences were so minimal, they did not equate to a complete skill level. If you wish to review your current skills… well… you know what to do. It’s too early for this shit.”
“Well ok then, grumpy fucker. Not a morning person I take it?”
“…”
“Whatever. Let’s see what has changed since last night.” Andre grouched to himself as he pulled up his character screen, then selected skills. He didn’t get far down the list before he noticed his “Aqua Aspect” Skill list header was flashing, with a new “Ascend” button sitting next to it.”
“Well, this is new”. He thought to himself.
“ALIAS, what does ascension of an aspect involve?”
“Why don’t you try clicking the button and find out, instead of bothering me.” It seemed to growl back.
“Fuck dude, fine.” Andre thought back as he mentally “clicked” the “Ascend” button. No sooner had the button been pressed, than an icy cold wave of immense energy washed over him. It reminded him of the polar plunge he’d taken part in this last winter: sharp, immediate, and intense cold flooding every inch of his being. Shivering, Andre stared in awe at his hands and arms that were emitting an intense blue-ish faintly green light.
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“Hahahaha, I’m like a fucking fluorescent firefly that went all rave grade.” He laughed to himself. As quickly as it came, the cold resonating power began to fade and along with it the light he was emitting dimmed.
“Awwwwe! I felt beautiful for at least a minute!” He bemoaned as the light faded.
“Felt is the right word.” ALIAS muttered.
As the light he was emitting blinked out, a text box popped up in his vision:
“Congratulations! Your Aqua Aspect has ascended from “Primal” to “Fundamental”. This ascension will allow all your skills to retain their prior levels, while raising the cap to which they can rise in conjunction with your Aqua Aspect skill. In addition, all skills related to your “Aqua Aspect” gain an additional 5% potency, and 5% cost reduction. Your Aqua Aspect “mana” pool has increased by 25%.” Staring in astonished amazement, rereading the text 4 or 5 times to make sure he fully understood the ramifications of what he’d just undergone; Andre finally blinked the window closed.
“Bout time you remembered about that little upgrade.” ALIAS muttered at him.
“… quiet you… though that is one hell of an upgrade…” Andre grumbled, as his stomach rumbled.
Taking a deep satisfying swallow of the coffee, its rich dark chocolate and charred raspberry undertones bathing his tongue and throat in stimulating ecstasy he stared down the package half expecting it to leap off the table and scuttle around the room like a demented crab mimic. He dove in on his plate of food and quickly found it finished, with just dregs of coffee remaining. Andre finally reached out, taking the surprisingly soft package in hand, the supple leather conforming to his fingers as he pulled the bleached white tie binding it closed. They fell away with ease, revealing the carefully folded and tucked seams tightly holding the items contained within the parcel. Unfolding the package revealed a pile of dark red and tan objects of what felt like the same material as the packaging it came bundled in. Sitting on the very top of the pile was a sheet of folded paper, a short note scrawled across the page.
“Wishing you the best on your first dive today, I felt these belonged in your possession. Please be fully equipped when you arrive for the morning briefing. – Silderson”
Andre read the note over several times trying to make sense of what was written, but when nothing was revealed after his fourth read through, it was time to see what the package contained. Pulling the items out of the package and unfolding them he found tunic shirt that had more in common with a tunic than a standard T-Shirt, and matching pants.
“Well I’ll be. Despite the fact they look like they’ve been spattered with blood that was allowed to dry, I can certainly dig their look!” Distracted by the objects held in his hand, he had initially failed to notice the small silvery blue object that had tumbled from the tunic to the floor. It wasn’t until he stood to gauge the size that he noticed it glinting in the low light of his dining area. Stooping down he picked up a ring, about the thickness of a standard wedding band, it shimmered with a pale silvery blue aura as he pulled it closer to his face to better examine it:
*Item: “Signet of Laguz”: A simple Lapis-Lazul crafted band suffused with Aqua Aspect energy. Provides a +5 stat Augment to “MIND” “RESISTANCE” and “INTELLIGENCE” Statistics, also Augments Aqua Aspect abilities. Rarity: Epic, Quality: Moderate, Value: High, Aspect: Aqua, Durability: 1000/1000*
“That’s just dandy, maybe I can trust Silderson after all! He passed me this ring knowing of my “Blissful Rain” ability, though… Laguz again.” Grabbing the shirt and pants Andre gave them a closer look:
*Item: “Tunic of the Crimson Shadow”: Garb given to those amongst the initiate ranks of the brotherhood who have distinguished themselves in battle. SET Item. Provides +5 stat augment to “STRENGTH” “VITALITY” “INTELLIGENCE” and +15 to “DEFENSES”. When equipped with “Trousers of the Crimson Shadow” provides bonus Augments to “Hand to Hand combat/Defense skills” and “Bladed Weapon combat/Defense skills. Rarity: Uncommon, Quality: Moderate, Value: Small, Aspect: Shadow/Blaze, Durability: 1500/1500.*
*Item: “Trousers of the Crimson Shadow”: Pants given to those amongst the initiate ranks of the brotherhood who have distinguished themselves in battle. SET Item. Provides +5 stat augments to “DEXTERITY” “AGILITY” “PIERCE” and +15 to “RESISTANCES”. When equipped with “Tunic of the Crimson Shadow” provides augments to “Hand to Hand Combat/Defense skills” and “Bladed Weapon Combat/Defense skills. Rarity: Common, Quality: Moderate, Value: Small, Aspect Shadow/Volt, Durability: 1500/1500.*
“Seems I’m being shoe-horned into a combat specialist role… that or they doubt my ability to survive!” He shuddered at the thought, not really knowing exactly what he would be facing.
“ALIAS had said the “Ritual Chamber #4” was a minimal threat dungeon, and I barely survived that experience. Given… things have… changed.” The brief shudder had turned into an anxiety driven shiver as he stood, staring at the new gear provided to him. “I guess its time to get dressed.”
Thirty minutes later he stood in front of the door to Silderson’s office, fully dressed in his sleek new equipment, his muscles and body thrumming with the power granted to him from his garb. Much to his delight, he found when he slid the machete in to the sword belt he hadn’t lost the significant boosts it provided him. He was mind was sharper and clearer than he could ever recall it being, though that did nothing to dissuade the rumblings of fear echoing with the hammering of his heart.
“Enter” Came a calm, yet commanding voice. Upon opening the door, he found the office filled with people, all dressed in varying versions of what he currently had on; the Architect included, lounging on a cushy couch. Andre began counting, as he looked around the room; meeting the assessing eyes that had fallen upon him. 15 strangers in total, he hadn’t seen that many different individuals in his time at the complex, save for the well-dressed staff.
“I am pleased you decided to join us, Andre.” Silderson commented wryly glancing at his watch.
“I.II....I’m sorry, I got lost on the way.” He stuttered in response.
“Very well, do better to be on time next time…” His eyes ran over Andre’s attire, noting the battered and scuffed steel-toed work boots.
“If there is a next time.” Turning his attention to the group as a whole:
“Alright everyone, this is Andre. He will be your healer, so protect him with your lives because more than likely, he’ll be able to put you back together. But do not rely on his ability too completely as we do not know its full potential.” Andre felt all the eyes in the room train on him in an uneasy manner, a short murmur playing through the crowd.
“Today we are attempting an incursion on a class 3 dungeon, while we have done initial investigations to gauge it, we are uncertain to the Aspect of it. So standard incursion practices: expect swarms of monsters, unpredictable abilities and treasure galore. While we do expect a few of you to not return, hopefully Andre here,” “He said once again gesturing to his visibly quaking form,
“Will keep that from happening.” The Architect, taking a que from Silderson stood, moving to the front of the room began to speak, his deep silky voice reverberating through the crowd, silencing any questioning chatter.
“We will proceed in the standard formation, 2 safeguards positioned outside the opened wall to clean up any attempted escapees.” He had motioned to two large men clad in what appeared to be head to toe heavy tactical armor carrying gigantic rotating barrel machine guns, who nodded affirmation. “The rest will move into the dungeon in standard tactical advance formation gunners in back, Bladesman to the front and Andre in the middle.” 8 sets of eyes fell back on him, their gaze seeming to burn a hole in his new armor.
“Upon our initial engagement with the first pack we encounter, I will assess and modify our tactics from there. Being a Class 3 we have no idea what to expect, be on guard and be prepared to shoot. Do not hesitate to put down the enemy unless I have given orders otherwise.” It was at this moment that Andre began to notice just how many of the people who surrounded him carried what appeared to be modified M4A1 assault rifles. There were only 4 others who carried bladed weaponry, 2 of a longsword variety with a shield strapped to their backs, another with a curved great sword as large as he was, and the last wielding a comically sized Axe similar to the one he had left behind in the ritual chamber.
“If there are no further questions, assemble in dispatch bay 1-4. Drivers upon arrival at the site, set up our surveillance perimeter to ensure no… unexpected casualties… occur.” 4 men clustered towards the front wearing gear Andre recognized as the security guards uniform all nodded in unison.
“Now, let us get our first clear in a Class 3 dungeon, you are dismissed.”
The room surged, people clamoring towards the exit carrying Andre in tow. In what felt like a blur he found himself in a large car bay, 2 men cramming themselves into the back of an oversized black SUV. The security garbed man gestured to Andre, who climbed into the passenger seat, and shortly they were off. The next hour and a half were a long bumpy silence as they drove through scenic mountain back country, following one unmarked road after another. Breaking the prolonged silence, glancing over at him, the driver asked:
“So, you really think you can keep our guys alive in there?”
“I honestly don’t know; this is all new to me… Just a few days ago I was a simple construction worker who just so happened to stumble into what they’re calling a dungeon.”
The driver scoffed as the two men in back exchanged uncomfortable glances.
“I can’t believe they’re really basing our success here on… you” His last word was spat out with such viscous disdain, it seemed to hang in air like stubborn slime refusing to be shaken from the back of the throat regardless of cough. Andre felt the eyes of the other two boring into the back of his head.
“The lives of these men hang on your shoulders you know. They are more skilled and better trained than any out there, but who knows what could happen in a class 3.” The driver continued, the weight of his words pressing heavily upon them. Andre sat in silence, watching the countryside blur by everything having been said pressing in, suffocating him.
“Regardless, we’re here.” They had pulled up into a recently cleared and leveled lot near the mouth of a cave, evidence of trees having been cleared from near its entrance. Other vehicles had already parked, the human contents disgorging into the clearing and filtering towards the open mouth. Parking the SUV, the driver turned to Andre:
“Just take care of em ok?”
Andre nodded, climbed out of the car and strode towards the cave, bolstering what courage he could as he crossed into the damp inky darkness.