Brenden sat down on the wall with a sigh. He was feeling exhausted now that the adrenaline of battle had faded. Looking over the plains, he took note of the lightening of the sky that marked the approach of dawn, before glancing over at Mike. His friend had been strangely quiet since they'd finally defeated the monster. Even while he was performing his usual round of after combat healing, he'd hardly said a word.
[Probably just worried about what cos next. Can't imagine the Tenundians want to keep fighting after all this, but crazier things have happened.] He thought to himself before turning back to the others. "So, I guess we can call this a victory. I'm surprised it actually worked."
"It was a bit touch and go there a couple of tis, but we ca out on top." Sera agreed. "If that monster had been able to develop for a while longer, I'm not sure if we could have beaten it."
She was resting against the low stone wall between Tal and Lily. The elf was unconscious, a product of the backlash caused by her application of Pact Magic, and would likely be so for the rest of the day. Lily, on the other hand, seed completely fine. Her natural defenses had kept her injuries to a minimum, although she had sohow managed to get herself coated in a layer of drying blood that she'd yet to clean off, or even really notice.
"What do you an?" He asked while idly scratching a spot on his arm that had been healed by Mike. The patch of skin was still fairly sensitive, as the new tissue still needed to be toughened up a bit. That, he knew from personal experience, wouldn't take too long.
"Well, like I said earlier, one of my new skills allows to sense the relative strength of an enemy. With it, I got a fairly good idea of what was going on with that creature."
"Oh?"
"It felt...young, but flawed and sickly. Like a child born too early. Anyway, that's part of why Tal and I had the idea of implanting a self-destructive urge in the creature while its ntal defenses were lowered. We figured that it wouldn't have the kind of resilience necessary to shake off that kind of effect." The Oracle replied, fatigue leaking through her words.
"I'm surprised that worked. A primitive thing like that should have had a strong survival instinct."
Sera nodded, "I feel the sa. Honestly, we were only hoping to suppress its regeneration long enough for Mike to kill it, but I guess our thods were more effective than we'd planned. Perhaps it naturally sought death in so capacity? We can ask Tal about it when she wakes up. She might be able to tell us more about it."
"Let's leave that for another ti." Mike said while standing. "We should be heading back. Its nearly sunrise, and you all deserve a long rest."
To illustrate his point, he gathered Tal up into his arms and carried her over to Red. The recently healed dragon was patiently waiting for the group, going so far as to lower his body all the way to the ground to provide Mike an easily accessible place to climb onto his back. Evidently, his experiences during the fight had left him humbled, although Brenden was certain that this new attitude wouldn't last too long.
He fell in behind Sera and Lily, naturally taking his place at the back of the group. Perhaps it was because of this vantage or rely because he finally took the ti to think about it, but he realized that he had a choice to make.
It was obvious to him now that his friends were ready and willing to welco him back with open arms, albeit with a bit of ribbing in the process. Being just another follower again would agitate his pride a little, but it no longer seed like such a terrible fate. His ti as the leader of his own organization had taught him that there was a special kind of satisfaction that ca with being part of sothing larger than oneself, and with Mike in charge, he felt certain that big things were in the offing.
However, he also knew that he'd changed in the short ti he'd been away from the group. Whether or not that change was for the better remained to be seen, but he honestly felt that he'd matured in his new role. Returning to the group would an giving up so of that. Not to ntion the myriad of followers and responsibilities that he'd sohow acquired since becoming involved in the city's underworld. Leaving would an abandoning them, and yet it was clear that Mike wouldn't be staying here for much longer. Judging from the man's personality, he wouldn't want to be the center of attention if he could avoid it. Unfortunately, his actions up to this point pretty much made it a guarantee. The only recourse would be to travel sowhere he wasn't so famous.
Brenden spent most of the short ride back to the dorm thinking about the problem. By the ti they arrived, he'd yet to co to a decision. He was still standing outside of the rundown dormitory, debating his options, when the source of his issues interrupted his thoughts.
"You heading back?" Mike asked wearily. Despite his youthful face, he looked like nothing so much as a middle aged man who'd just finished a long and difficult day of work. It wasn't the face of a triumphant hero who'd just slain a terrible monster and saved the city in the process. Rather, it resembled soone weighed down by hardship and worry.
"Soon enough, I think." He replied, knowing that doing so would likely make his decision for him.
Mike nodded with a tired smile. "I understand. It was good to have you out there, all things considered. I don't think we could have done it without you."
Brenden waved the praise off, "You'd have figured sothing out. You always do."
"Maybe, but we didn't have to take that chance, since we had soone there we could trust to get the job done."
"What's with all this? You getting sentintal on now?" He asked while turning away slightly, not really comfortable with where the conversation was going.
"I just wanted you to know that you'll always have a place with us, even if you decide that your path leads in a different direction." Mike answered while patting Brenden on the shoulder.
They stood there in a slightly awkward silence for a few monts, before Mike turned away. "Anyway, I should be getting back to headquarters. They'll probably want a full debriefing on the situation, and I expect that there will be another round of negotiations with the Tenundians."
Brenden nodded. "Yeah, that sounds about right. I doubt they'd be willing to keep fighting after all of this, but good luck regardless."
"Thanks," Mike replied with a chuckle.
A thought suddenly occurred to Brenden, "Hey, before you go, do you still have soone watching ?"
Mike glanced back, "Not right now. I have her working on sothing else at the mont, but I will likely have her return to her usual mission once she's done. Why, does it bother you?"
"A little, but its nothing I can't tolerate. That said, I'd like to speak with her face-to-face soti. I never got a chance to thank her for her help during the assault."
"That shouldn't be a problem." Mike said while slowly lifting off the ground. Once he was a good few ters up, he waved, then turned and flew off in the direction of the New City.
[So, I guess he can actually fly now.] Brenden thought to himself as he began his trek back to the slums, not surprised in the least.
----------------------------------------
"We'll be negotiating for their withdrawal. With their losses over the last few days, I think they'll agree that the fight is largely over." Emmanuel was saying as they waited for the Tenundian representatives. This ti the eting was supposed to take place in a neutral area between the city and the siege encampnt, and an awning was set up for the purpose.
Mike's teacher had looked tired and ill since his fight with the titanic monster. So much so, that even the prospect of potential peace didn't seem to cheer him up.
"Hopefully. I could use a break." Captain Henry replied with a sigh. "By the way, can I ask why I'm here?"
"No." The Marshal answered brusquely, obviously annoyed by the question.
Mike stifled a chuckle as the watchman was left with his mouth hanging open, unsure of how to respond to that answer.
"I think what our esteed Marshal ans to say is that you've been involved since the beginning, and that finding another representative for the City Watch would be difficult at this juncture. Not to ntion your easy accessibility, given the circumstances." Jarron Forthill, the acting mayor of Almirn, comnted in reassuring manner.
The plump, middle aged man reminded Mike of a friendly uncle. One who might take you on a fishing trip and let you have one of his beers when no one was looking. However, from what he'd gathered from rumors, the mayor's kindly exterior hid a ruthless streak that once had him known as the 'Tyrant' of the Third District during his ti in the City Watch. Supposedly, he still had a substantial bounty on his head that had yet to be collected.
"Think of it this way, Henry," Mike started, unable to keep the amusent out of his voice. "You are sitting next to two of the most powerful people on our side of the fight. Quite frankly, this is the safest place you could be."
"As you say, Sir Dragonknight, but my bunk back at the station seems to be much more attractive right now."
"Enough," Emmanuel broke in, "they're here."
A few monts later the air in front of the tent warped and Marshal Kiertesan appeared with his two subordinates. All three of them were in rough shape, likely a byproduct of the events last night, however, they moved with an energy that betrayed a degree of desperation.
"Good of you to make-" Mayor Forthill started before Kiertesan cut him off.
"We don't have ti for pleasantries." He stated with a chilly voice. "There are matters of great importance that we need to discuss."
He stared around the tent for a few monts, as if daring soone to contradict him. When none did, he continued. "Before I start, you should know that I speak with the full weight of the Tenundain governnt behind . The events of last night have left the highest ranking mber of this expedition, and I fully planned on using this newfound authority to run this campaign in the manner I thought best. However, I received a report this morning that changed all that."
"Let guess, you want our help in dealing with enemy at your backs?" Emmanuel asked gruffly.
Kiertesan grimaced, "You must be the Almiran Marshal. I'm starting to see why we had so much trouble. Your information network must be extensive."
"You are the one that said you were short on ti. State your business."
There was a mont of silence as the two Marshals glowered at each other, before Kiertesan sighed and looked away. "Although you already seem to know, I'll explain it anyway. A few days ago, we sent out a scouting expedition that was ant to investigate the disappearances of our supply convoys. This morning, the only surviving mber stumbled into camp on the verge of death. He was rushed to the healers, but perished before he could receive treatnt. However, he did managed to pass on a ssage scrawled by the expedition's commander."
He drew a scrap of paper from a pocket, and threw it onto the table in front of them. "You're welco to read over it if you like, but I'll summarize. We, the people of Tenundi have been duped. According to our scouts, an army of undead bearing the banners of the Necrocracy of Lacot are advancing towards us from the direction of our holand."
There were a few gasps of surprise from the Almiran party, although Mike noticed Emmanuel seed unfazed.
"What of the rearguard you left at the crossroads? Shouldn't they be the first target?" Mayor Jarron asked, a thoughtful look on his face.
"They should be, but considering the size of the undead army, I doubt they will be much more than a montary distraction." Kiertesan answered grimly.
"How big?" Emmanuel asked, for the first ti looking slightly unsettled.
"Our scouts didn't have ti for an accurate estimate, but they believed the number to be sowhere in the hundreds of thousands."
A minute of stunned silence followed as everyone, even Emmanuel, was shaken by the news. Finally, even though he looked like he really didn't want to hear it, Jarron asked. "Where did they co from? Surely they couldn't have transported all of those soldiers across the ocean without us noticing."
The answer ca to Mike before Kiertesan had a chance to answer. "They were made in Tenundi, right?"
"...Yes, we believe so. Which ans that the n and won that ca with us on this expedition likely represent the entirety of the Tenundian people still alive..." The Marshal answered, shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of the sorrow his words brought him, but he straightened after a mont. "As such, I wish to negotiate a cease fire and an alliance, so that I may protect the remnants of my people while we face our common foe."
"You have a lot of nerve to ask that of us after all you've done." Jarron growled. "Do you know how many good people we've lost due to your invasion? And now you want to-"
"Enough." Emmanuel cut him off with a gesture. "We have bigger problems."
He stared at Kiertesan for a mont, before nodding, "Alright, what are your terms?"
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Below is a status update. Please feel free to skip it and move on to the next chapter.
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[Status]
Michael Rasmussen
Race: Human
Age: 15
Class: Skill Master
Tier: 3 (High)
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Title: None
Multiverse Traveler
Blessed One
Hunter of Renown
Battlefield Healer
Kal'Thel
Philanderer
Hero
Dungeon Savior
Undinekath
Saint of Healing
Nesis of Demons
Antagonist
Wyrmkin
Fortuitous Alchemist
Known to the Lurker
Conjurer of the Draconic Bloodline
Dragonknight
Elentalist
Battlemage (NEW)
Iron Soul (NEW)
Slyphkath (NEW)
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Skills:
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Primary Skills:
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Communication Magic (Rank 3)
Advanced Healing Magic (Rank 2) (RANK UP)
Appraise (Rank 3)
Journeyman Almiran Military Swordsmanship (Rank 2)
Interdiate Water Magic (Rank 5) (RANK UP)
Advanced Fire Magic (Rank 1) (TIER UP)
Interdiate Air Magic (Rank 5) (RANK UP)
Interdiate Earth Magic (Rank 4) (RANK UP)
Basic Light Magic (Rank 2)
Basic Dark Magic (Rank 4) (RANK UP)
Basic Conjuration Magic (Rank 4) (RANK UP)
Basic Calling Magic (Rank 2)
Basic Alchemy (Rank 5)
Master Scrivening (Rank -) (TIER UP)
Basic Artifice (Rank 3)
Bind Familiar (Rank 2)
Blood Collector (Rank 1)
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Secondary Skills:
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Lifestyle Magic (Rank 0)
Advanced Lovemaking (Rank 3)
Athletics (Rank 3) (RANK UP)
Interdiate Evasion (Rank 5) (RANK UP)
Basic Dagger Fighting (Rank 2)
Interdiate Spear Fighting (Rank 3) (RANK UP)
Interdiate Sword Fighting (Rank 2)
Advanced Elental Magic (Rank 1) (TIER UP)
Basic Summoning Magic (Rank 4)
Interdiate Riding (Rank 1)
Basic Haggling (Rank 5)
Basic Musical Performance (Wind Instrunt) (Rank 2)
Interdiate Unard Fighting (Rank 1)
Interdiate Chanting (Rank 1) (TIER UP)
Dual Casting (Rank 4) (RANK UP)
Aerosense (Rank 3) (RANK UP)
Basic Stealth (Rank 3)
Basic Dismantling (Rank 3)
Basic Blacksmith (Rank 4)
Mana Transference (Rank 5)
Mana Shield (Rank 2) (RANK UP)
Mana Attack (Rank 1)
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Passive Skills:
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Interdiate Fear Resistance (Rank 4) (RANK UP)
Interdiate Physiological Resistance (Rank 4) (RANK UP)
Advanced Poison Resistance (Rank 1)
Basic Heat Resistance (Rank 5) (RANK UP)
Interdiate ntal Resistance (Rank 3) (RANK UP)
Basic Electricity Resistance (Rank 1)
Large Mana Enhancent (Rank 2) (RANK UP)
Large Mana Regeneration Enhancent (Rank 2) (RANK UP)
Moderate Endurance Enhancent (Rank 4) (RANK UP)
Moderate Agility Enhancent (Rank 4)
Moderate Strength Enhancent (Rank 3)
Moderate Willpower Enhancent (Rank 1) (TIER UP)
Limit Break (Rank 1)
Detect Hostile Intent (Rank 4)
--------------
Inherent Skills:
Traveler's Luck
Fate-Touched
(BC) Vampiric Regeneration, Lesser
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Titles
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- Battlemage Initiate -
You have demonstrated proven skill in both martial and magical arts, as well as the potential for improvent with both. Minor system correction to all weapon skills. Minor increase to the efficiency of all attack spells.
- Iron Soul -
You have resisted the efforts of a powerful entity that sought to control you, giving you so insight into the ans of defending your soul. Minor resistance to harmful effects that target the soul.
- Slyphkath -
You achieved a true connection with the Elental Source of Air. Whether achieved at a mont of breakthrough or by channeling a pure elental force, you are now forever marked by this connection. You are favored both by air itself, and air elentals of all kinds. Moderate increase to the effectiveness of Air Elental Magic and Charisma when interacting with Air elentals. Large resistance to the harmful effects of inhaled substances. Immunity to suffocation in an airless environnt.
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Skills:
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- Interdiate Water Magic (Tier 2, Rank 5) -
One of the most basic forms of Elental Magic. Water magic allows the user to create and manipulate water. It is characterized by flexibility in both offense and defense, but lacks the overt power of other types of magic. Higher skill levels increase the mana efficiency and power of the magic produced.
Rank 5 Effects: Flexible Casting
- Flexible Casting -
One of the foremost strengths of Water Magic is its flexibility. Interdiate Water Mages learn to harness this principle and apply it when practicing their art. After casting a Water Magic spell through the use of a chant, they can alter the effects of the spell by adding additional mana. More radical changes require a greater amount of mana.
- Interdiate Fire Magic (Tier 3, Rank 1) -
One of the most basic forms of Elental Magic. Fire magic allows the user to create and manipulate fire. It is characterized by powerful offense, but lacks fine damage control and defensive techniques. Higher skill levels increase the mana efficiency and power of the magic produced.
Rank 1 Effects: Fla Mastery
- Fla Mastery -
Advanced Fire Mages master the innate volatility of their chosen elent, granting them unprecedented control over fire they create. Allows the user to control size, shape, color, solidity, and intensity of any fla produced with magic. Requires a larger amount of mana for changes that drastically differ from standard fire.
- Interdiate Air Magic (Tier 2, Rank 5)
One of the most basic forms of Elental Magic. Air Magic allows the user to create and manipulate wind and air. It is characterized by its speed and constancy of motion, providing strong offensive power, mild defensive strength, and so utility. Higher skill levels increase the mana efficiency and power of the magic produced.
Rank 5 Effects: Flight
- Flight -
Interdiate Air Mages have mastered the air of propelling themselves through the skies on magically created air currents. So strong is their bond with their chosen elent, that such movent can be done almost without a thought. Allows for the use of Air Magic to fly. Greatly reduces both the concentration and mana required to maintain sustained flight.
- Master Scrivening (Tier 3, Rank -) -
The art of drawing arcane runes with mana infused ink to create scrolls. Provides a minor system correction to act of Scrivening. Higher levels of skill increase the mana efficiency and potency of inscribed spells. - This skill has reached the maximum that it can achieve independently. Fuse with related skills to advance further. -
- Advanced Elental Magic (Tier 3, Rank 1) -
The third most fundantal form of Elental Magic. Allows users to access magic skills for the four primary elents: earth, air, water, and fire. Additionally, allows access to magic skills for the four high elents: light, dark, ti, and space. Higher levels of skill provide a bonus on mana efficiency and potency. This is a Prerequisite and Limiter skill for all other Elental Magic skills.
Rank 1 Effect: Composite Elental Magic Mastery
- Composite Elental Magic Mastery-
Practitioners with two or more of the primary Elental Magic skills of interdiate level or higher, are able to combine them to produce different forms of elental magic. Air and water produce ice, air and fire produce lightning, air and earth produce sand, water and fire produce steam, water and earth produce mud, and fire and earth produce magma. Advanced Elental Mages with the requisite skills may combine three elents to create different effects. Air, water, and fire produce plasma. Air, water, and earth produce wood. Air, fire, and earth produce tal. Water, fire, and earth produce crystal. Includes the effects of all lower skill ranks.
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