The next few days passed in a flurry of excitement as players started evolving their Classes and collecting upgrades. The whole team had evolved their Class.

Ty’s Ronin Class had changed to Samurai and the change was apparent as his armor took on a more feudal Japanese look, though according to Channy, it wasn’t anywhere near accurate. Ty’s excitement was doubled, however, when he fired his arrows. His perception became acute and he could only explain it as time slowing down just a touch as he sighted his targets.

Rishi surprised everyone when he admitted that his evolved Class had become Kabbalist, or better known as a Jewish Mystic! He then launched into a story of when he had converted to Judaism secretly so that his Hindu family wouldn’t disown him.

That actually made sense in a number of ways to Alex when Rishi finally told them. When they had fought the Wererat Hitler, the Boss had screamed Juden when they had entered the theatre. At first, Alex had assumed that he had meant Toby, since Toby could be short for Tobias, which is a predominantly Jewish name, but as it turned out, he was screaming at Rishi all along. Second, golem is a Hebrew word meaning incomplete and the origin of the golem is from an old story regarding Judaism. It had never occurred to Alex to put it all together since golems were a staple in gamer circles. Rishi had gained a more versatile spell repertoire though they all seemed to be earth related, such as Stone Skin and Hardened Rock Missile.

Toby had somehow drawn the attention of the System when his Class changed from Warrior to Panzer. The nickname that Silvia affectionately called her German Tank had stuck and Toby grumbled curses for a full two days after, much to the enjoyment of his teammates.

The evolved Class did have its perks. Toby’s armor took on a more Cyberpunk meets WWII look as the shining stainless-steel armor turned black with bright neon accents of red and yellow. He looked like a badass German flag, but that didn’t stop players from poking fun at him and saluting every time he walked into the dining room.

The best news to come however was from Hosmunt. The Turkish man had successfully completed the Player’s Guide and upon his Class evolution, had received the Class Enchanter. This allowed him to link his book with copies that would update with his own book. He would be able to add to the Player’s Guide as he traversed through the zones, making him the most valuable resource humanity had.

Instead of Hosmunt having to make copies for every player, Jeffrey announced that the System Shop was now selling copies of the Player’s Guide for 100xp. Hosmunt was pissed when he noticed that the copies didn’t say who had made them, but then Jeffrey kindly pointed out that if another Race ever got hold of the book, they would probably come looking for him if he was noted as the author.

The team had also condensed their Souls and were close to being able to buy the Soul Adept Modifier. Aside from the added protection to their Soul Points, they also would receive double the amount of Soul Points they were currently receiving, which would still be far less than what Alex received, but then again, they only spent their points on condensing, while Alex had to continuously use his for attacks.

The more everyone grew, the further teams could push out into the City Zone. Alex’s team continued to push south of the Bellevue but he worried that the other teams would run into other Races. His worries were soon proven correct.

After a long day of killing monsters and scouting the Tahloh perimeter, the team sat at dinner, discussing their plans for welcoming the new players who would be arriving soon.

“Why do I have to talk to everyone?” Alex complained. “I agreed to be the leader of this team, not the whole damn Race.”

“And who else would you ask to do it?” Danny asked. “The other teams are fine with you talking to the new players when they arrive.”

“Hosmunt should do it.” Alex replied evenly. “He made the Player’s Guide and has more information than anyone else.”

“Information that mostly came from you and Toby.” Silvia said with a hint of a smile.

“That info was from both our teams combined and you know it.” Alex stated, but that didn’t stop Silvia from laughing at him.

“These people look up to you, Alex.” Toby said. “Don’t act like we don’t see it. They ask for your advice constantly. Even the big gamers of the group know that their knowledge of MMOs and RPGs don’t work in this world.”

“Everyone’s adapting, man.” Ty said. “Shit. People will get the hang of it sooner or later but it helps if people have a figure head or something.”

“Yeah.” Alex grumbled. “So, they can point the blame when they don’t like how shit turns out. I’m not playing politician with the asswipes that live for this shit.”

“Good.” Hosmunt said, clearly eaves dropping on their conversation from the next table over. “We don’t want someone who will play nice. We want someone who will tell it like it is and offer actual advice to those who want it.”

Several people in the dining room were agreeing with Hosmunt’s statement and Alex could feel his eye start to twitch. Standing up, he eyed the crowd.

“Fine!” Alex growled. “I will do it, but! Everyone here will be pulling their weight. That means taking time out of your xp grind to help the newbies. That means training, explanation and even escorting new teams out on their first few runs.”

A few people looked around, but surprisingly, no one complained.

“Looks like you’re the top dog, bro!” Ty exclaimed.

Alex sat down hard in his chair. “Shit.”

Shouting coming from the lobby had people out of their chairs and running as four bloody and tired teammates, obviously distraught, came through the doors. Alex made his way through the crowd to see Channy, the Battle Angel Class woman and three of her teammates with stern faces and tears running down their cheeks.

“What happened?” Alex asked her.

“We were north west, almost twenty blocks away when we were ambushed in the streets.” Channy said with unrepressed anger. “Little, Gnome fuckers started shooting us as we came out of one of the buildings we had just cleared. They had big energy type guns. Killed Franco within the first few seconds.”

The crowd started shouting angrily but Silvia shut them up quickly with an ear piercing whistle.

“Then what happened?” Alex asked, trying to piece everything together.

Channy nodded and composed herself before continuing.

“We jumped back into the building and the Gnomes were stupid enough to follow us. They must have thought we were weak since we didn’t have any guns to fire back with. The building was an old funhouse. Creepy as shit with killer clowns. The Gnomes followed us in and we picked them off, one at a time.”

“How many?” Alex asked.

“Six of them.” Channy answered. “Seems they all rely on those guns to fight. They aren’t worth a damn up close though.”

From the amount of blood covering Channy’s armor, Alex didn’t doubt that she had torn the bastards to pieces.

“Were you able to interrogate any of them?” Alex asked. “Find out where their base is?”

Channy looked down, her anger turning into sorrow. “No. I’m sorry, we…we were just so angry from losing Franco.”

Alex gripped the woman’s shoulders and gave her a nod when she finally looked up at him.

“No one is blaming you, Channy. I’m truly sorry for your loss. For all of our loss, but you got the rest of your team back here and that’s a damn sight better than nothing.”

Channy finally broke down as the tears fell from her blood-soaked face. No matter how strong they grew, there was always a chance that death would be around the corner. It was another harsh reminder that they weren’t safe.

Channy’s teammates gathered her up and they left for their rooms. The crowd was now a mix of anger and distress. Alex hadn’t known Franco personally but several others had and they cried into the arms of their friends, looking for comfort.

“Hosmunt!” Alex shouted. “Start preparing an entry into your book. We will get the exact spot they were ambushed locked in on everyone’s map tomorrow.”

The man nodded and hurried to the nearest table to start his work. The crowd soon broke apart, dealing with the news of another lost player, no, a fellow Human. They might be players in the Systems eyes, but they were ultimately Humans, fighting for their very survival.

Alex headed to the concierge desk where he knew Jeffrey would be.

“How may I help you, Sir.” Jeffrey said solemnly.

“I want something put up to remind everyone who we are and the people we have lost.” Alex said sternly. “Not the Somali’s team. People that commit crimes against their own Race have no place on it.”

Jeffrey nodded. “A memorial of some type. I will see that it is done.”

Alex didn’t bother asking why the System would allow it. If he had to, he would carve the names into the wall himself. He was angry at his inability to help. He walked back into the dining room to see that his teammates had spread out, speaking to the other team leaders. He realized that they felt just as he did and they were prepping them for what would come.

Tomorrow, they would track down the Gnomes.

Danny went with Alex to his room but they didn’t fool around. They held each other closely, knowing that any day could be their last. It wasn’t so much that the concept of dying is horrifying, which it is, but Alex hated the thought of Danny dying, of being left alone in this place without her. He held her tightly and they finally fell asleep, to be visited by troubling dreams of what could come.

After a long night of restless sleep, Alex woke with his arm asleep, Danny’s head resting on it as she lightly snored into his chest. He ignored the incessant tingly feeling running through his arm as he stared at the woman he had come to depend on.

Alex wasn’t ugly, but he wasn’t exactly the bell of the ball. A woman as beautiful as Danny should have never looked twice at him in passing. And yet, here he was, sleeping next to a woman that should only exist in his dreams.

A Biologist grad student from Ireland. What were the chances that Alex would have met her on Earth? He would have had a better chance at winning the Lottery.

A loud snore escaped her lips and Alex couldn’t control the laugh that erupted from his chest. The noise woke Danny and she stared at him in confusion as he smiled back.

“Wha?” She slurred.

“Oh, nothing.” Alex said, sitting up and shaking his arm. “We should get downstairs.”

“Mmfm.” Danny grumbled as she sat up. She wasn’t human until she had her coffee.

They entered the dining room to find Channy talking with Hosmunt. The man was taking studious notes and asking several questions. Channy stood up when Alex and Danny arrived.

“Here’s the map details.” She said, using her Interface to share the map with them both. “And thank you for last night and the memorial.”

Alex eyebrows went up and he turned, running back into the lobby where a huge stone plaque stood embedded into the wall. Alex looked up to see Franco’s name etched in stone and softly glowing with blue light that reminded him of his Soul bullets.

Touching the name, an image of Franco appeared in blue outlines and his voice matched his movements.

“Hey, everyone. I’m Franco, from Italy. I was studying to be an Epidemiologist back on Earth. Now my Class is Curator. Basically, I’m a healer that specializes in status affects like diseases and such. No poison effects for you guys!”

There was a small cheer with several people laughing as the image faded.

“That was the day we decided to make a team.” Channy said, standing beside him. Alex noticed they had followed him, along with a few others that had come down from their rooms.

“He was such a dork.” Channy smiled. “He shouted out when he healed, like he was on some anime show. Always made us laugh.”

They headed back into the dining room, letting the others see the plaque. The size of the plaque was annoyingly large, the empty space taunting those that looked upon it, but at the same time, it reminded them that others would die. No one was free from that simple truth.

Alex touched his neck, feeling the necklace that was hanging there. He, Ty and Danny had one from when they saved Toby and his team. If he had shared it, maybe Franco would still be alive.

He took off the necklace and examined it.

Heroes Calling (Necklace): This necklace will save you are someone else moments after death! Upon use, the necklace will be destroyed!

He handed the necklace to Channy, who stared at him in confusion until she examined it herself. She suddenly gasped.

Hosmunt leaned over, identifying the necklace as well, his eyes going wide.

“Take it.” Alex said quietly.

Channy looked up as if she had just been slapped.

“I can’t-!”

“He said take it.” Danny said, cutting her off. “Ty and I have one as well, in fact…” She took off her own necklace and handed it to Hosmunt. “We need to make sure you stay alive, Hosmunt. Your ability to update the Player’s Guide will help humanity survive.”

Hosmunt looked down at the gift, as did Channy. The didn’t need to speak as the look in their eyes spoke volumes enough.

Alex and Danny felt the notification in their Interface and pulled it up.

Congratulations! You have selflessly given something that could have saved your own life, to another! For this Accomplishment, you have received a boon! Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -The Bible KJV, John 15:13 (Probably one of the most fallacious works ever written, but damn, it sure has some good stuff in it!)

The Bleeding Heart (Epic): This necklace has been imbued with good will! Those that suffer shall be saved! Once activated, this necklace will put any ally within range, (a radius of 10 feet from the wearer), who receives a killing blow will be brought to 10 HP! Activation only lasts 10 seconds and has a 10-day cooldown!

Alex jaw dropped and he looked over to Danny. She had the same look. Hosmunt immediately caught on and started asking them several questions as to what had happened. It took some time and Channy had left to share her map with the other players who were filtering into the room.

Once Hosmunt had completely ruined the moment with his continuous stream of questions, he left the two alone while their teammates joined them. They told them all what had happened and they only laughed at the pair.

“We have ten teams that are almost as geared as us.” Toby stated as he dug into his breakfast. “They all want to go with us to scout out the Gnomes.”

Alex didn’t like it. They still had no way to communicate with the other teams and that many people could cause a lot of confusion.

“We will do five teams for scouting and five teams as reserves.” Alex said. “Our reserves will stay where Channy’s team was ambushed. The Scout teams will move out from there. We search for two hours and then regroup. If a team runs across the Gnomes, they hightail it back to the reserves and set up an ambush. No fighting alone! This won’t work if everyone goes off half-cocked.”

There was a small meeting after breakfast with the teams that were participating. Fifty-four people in all would be going out. Toby and Silvia decided who would be scouts or reserves while Danny talked with all the healers, making sure they were prepared for the worst. Rishi and Ty explained how they ambushed the Tahloh and worked on ways to close the distance with the Gnomes superior ranged damage.

Alex was impressed by it all. They called him the leader but every one of his team was taking charge and seeing that everyone was ready. He slipped out of the dining room to find Jeffrey behind the concierge desk as always.

“Thank you, Jeffrey.” Alex said to him. “The plaque is perfect.”

Jeffrey gave a small bow. “The System believes that this is the true reason that humanity is ready for Ascension. Your Race may not be the most gracious or forward thinking, but you honor those who have fallen and fight with their memories in your hearts.”

Alex sighed. “And yet, there are bound to be assholes that will try and screw up everything we have worked for.”

Jeffrey nodded. “That is a truth that holds with every Race among the stars, Sir. The difference is your ability to acknowledge your own flaws. This,” He said pointing to the plaque. “is what you fight for.”

“I rather fight to keep names off of it.” Alex said.

“That was my meaning, Sir.” Jeffrey said with another bow.

“Jeffrey, I have been meaning to ask. The System and, well you as well, you both seem to be changing.”

Jeffrey nodded. “The more the System acknowledges you, the more it will try to interact with you in a way that you feel is natural.”

Alex snorted. “So, the System acting like an asshole in my notifications is my idea of natural?”

Jeffrey smiled. “Well, it isn’t an act, so much as an affect from learning from your Race. The System has met thousands of different Races. Each one is unique in their own way. The System learns of each one, knowing every one as intimately as if it was born to it. It is the Systems price for destroying so many who weren’t able to Ascend.”

“Wait a damn minute!” Alex said in shock. “Are you saying that the System…holds onto their memories as…penance?”

“That is a very good way to see it, Sir.” Jeffrey stated.

“But then why?!” Alex said. “Why make other Races fight each other? Why not bring in one Race at a time?!”

“Ascendancy is not something that can be given.” Jeffrey stated. “It is something to be achieved. Every Race brought together is what they need in order to gain their Ascendancy. Without their adversity, you would not be able to Ascend.”

Alex stood quietly as he let that thought run through his mind.

“In the fire, I am forged and made anew.” Alex said quietly, remembering the words he had penned for his Introduction to Modern Poetry class.

“Well said, Sir.” Jeffrey said. “It seems those two semesters of literary arts weren’t wasted on you.”

Alex snorted. “Shut up. I don’t even want to know how you know that.”

“Alex.” Danny called. “We’re ready.”

“Time to go kick some Gnome ass.” Alex muttered.

Walking the empty streets of the city with fifty-three other people was an odd feeling. Alex should have felt safe in the group and in some ways, he did, but he also felt exposed, as if they were just a bigger target to hit.

Reaching the ambush point, the five reserve teams started setting up. Alex knew most of them in passing but he hadn’t taken the time to get to know them as he should have. He was still use to keeping people at a distance. His own teammates were helping in that regard but it was a slow process.

Channy and her team agreed to lead the reserves. They didn’t like staying back at first. They wanted to be out scouting, to get payback, but Alex was clear that if they were engaged, they would be running back here first, not fighting.

The scouting teams headed out. One team to the west, northwest, north, northeast and east. Alex’s team took the north with the best chance to help another team if they needed it.

Alex and Ty moved from intersection to intersection, keeping overwatch while the team moved. Toby, and Danny kept their eyes on the doors while Silvia and Rishi kept a lookout behind them in case any Gnomes turned down their street from behind or left a building after they had passed it.

The first ten minutes went by quickly and no sounds of fighting could be heard. Then twenty, then thirty. They were getting ready to turn around when Ty caught sight of another awning in the distance. Four blocks up, a purple awning stood out amongst the drab city colors.

As Ty signaled to Alex, there was a sudden shout from behind. They both turned to see Toby pushed up against a door. Alex marked his map with the awnings location and they moved back to the group. Toby was having a hard time keeping the door closed and even when Silvia added her strength, the door still pushed forward, almost sending them both stumbling.

“Are they really that strong?” Rishi asked.

“I think their blasting the doors with their guns.” Toby said.

“Well, oof, it seems like the doors are near indestructible at least.” Added Silvia.

Alex moved to the door, relieving Toby.

“Alright, Toby, Danny and Rishi, you all start heading back.” Alex ordered. “Ty, throw in a party popper and then we book it.”

Ty nodded and pulled out one of his small bombs. He waited for the others to get a few blocks away before nodding to Silvia and Alex, who opened the door just as he threw the bomb into the building.

The trio ran as fast as they could towards their teammates. They were two blocks down before the first shot was fired. A large blast of blue crackling energy flew over their heads. Alex looked behind them, seeing a small comically, bowlegged figure shouting at them and carrying a damn cannon.

The energy weapon was bigger than the Gnome, who stood at best, three feet tall. More Gnomes started to pour out of the building but they all looked worse for wear. One was missing their entire arm. Alex only counted four of them and by the sounds of their shouting, they were pissed.

More energy shots flew towards them and the blue crackling energy had plenty of range but no accuracy, as all of the shots went wide and slammed into the buildings and street around them. Still, the Gnomes had superior fire power. With enough of those weapons, they didn’t need to be accurate. Alex considered themselves lucky that the Gnomes weren’t able to keep up with them.

They made good time back to the ambush point but it seemed the Gnomes didn’t pursue. Alex had expected they would gather reinforcements considering how close they were to their base. The only question now though, was if they headed back to the Bellevue or not.

They had the information they needed. Unless the Gnomes could move their base, which Alex couldn’t fathom if that was possible, they could return at a later time or even avoid this area altogether.

After some discussion, they decided to wait and see if the Gnomes would come for them. After the other scouting teams had returned, they set up a perimeter to watch for any approach as they settled in. They also shared map information as a few Scouting teams had found Events in the surrounding area.

There were alleys between the buildings that always led to a dead end at the back of the buildings. It allowed the teams to have some cover and to stay out of sight while they waited. It was two stressful hours before the lookouts returned. There was a large group of Gnomes headed their way.

Alex wasn’t feeling optimistic. The scout had told him that roughly thirty Gnomes were heading their way. They had the advantage in numbers but just barely and the Gnomes fire power was nothing to sneeze at. The only thing that seemed to be working in their favor was that the Gnomes were all packed together instead of spread out between the parallel streets. That kind of piss poor planning made Alex smile.

They changed their ambush plan and several teams rushed down the street. Shouts could be heard in the distance. The Gnomes were moving slow, there small size and the weight of the energy weapons slung over their shoulders affected their mobility greatly. It only worked to cement Alex’s plan.

The Gnomes moved forward, never bothering with cover. They walked down the center of the street as if nothing would oppose their superior technology. That arrogance was the only reason the ambush went off as easily as it did.

The group of Gnomes were at the half way point between intersections when the trap was sprung. Magic caster and Archers popped out of the intersection in front of the Gnomes and started slinging their spells and arrows from a distance.

The Gnomes responded quickly, lining up along the street and firing their massive weapons at the attackers. The rate of fire for an individual gun was slow but the combined effort of thirty guns, all attacking in perfect sync, was terrifying. Both corners of the intersection were pinned down as soon as the Gnomes started their attack. Their high-pitched laughter was heard in between their shouts and curses at their enemy’s pathetic ambush attempt.

Alex wanted to laugh as he heard them. These little fuckers had mouths dirtier than a sailor. Even the women who were amongst the Gnome ranks were spewing filthy obscenities that Alex couldn’t even begin to comprehend.

What the fuck is an oil lubed wrench catcher?

The first part of the ambush was simple, distraction. While the Gnomes lay waste to the intersection where only a few people had been, other teams had used the streets to move in behind. The second part of the ambush went off as ranged magic wielders and more archers started their attack from behind.

To their credit, the Gnomes acted swiftly. With almost military like precision, half of the line turned around and stepped forward, creating two ranks of fire power. Their rate of fire slowed but not by much. Again, the corners of the intersection were pinned down with the Gnomes superior firepower.

Then the third part of the plan went off. As Channy had mentioned before, the Gnomes were shit at melee. The biggest problem was getting the melee player up close. As Ty threw a bomb into the Gnome ranks, the blast that followed signaled the melee fighters to attack.

Over thirty sword, spear, mace and axe wielders, along with one gun wielding Soul Survivor, jumped out of the doors of the buildings right next to the Gnomes.

The bomb that Ty had thrown served two purposes. First, to signal the fighters hidden in the buildings and second, to scatter the Gnomes as they avoided the blast. The Gnomes might be cocky as all hell but their precise and quick movements meant that they weren’t pushovers. Still, when a bomb came hurdling your way, you moved.

The bomb served its purpose as the Gnome spread out, breaking their ranks as they dove to avoid most of the explosion as it went off. As they started trying to get back to their feet, the sudden appearance of the enemy rushing towards them had sent the Gnomes into panic. They Gnomes started firing, but their rate of fire was out of sync and they tried to take out individuals instead of linking up with their comrades, circling out and laying waste.

Alex was already flying through the air as he jumped over a blast of the energy weapon tracking him. He had passed so close to the blue ball of light that he could feel his hair wanting to stand on end. His handguns fired to deadly affect, dropping the Gnomes quickly.

They were so small up close. Almost childlike in appearance. Alex gritted through it as he watched an energy blast take Toby’s shield at point blank, launching the Panzer a dozen feet back. He was relieved to see that his friend hopped back up as soon as he landed, a little shaken, but unharmed.

These Gnomes might look like children, but they were ready and willing to kill. Alex let that thought settle in his mind as he fired shot after shot of his own glowing blue bullets. The rest of the fight didn’t last long and as the last Gnomes vanished, the small glowing, golden orbs were all that remained.

“Team Leaders!” Alex shouted. “Check on your people! Get heals going and set out a lookout!”

They all moved quickly and after a few tense moments, Alex breathed a sigh of relief when everyone was accounted for. There were a few serious injuries but the healers doubled up, healing the wounded in record time.

Congratulations! You have killed a member of another Race x30! For this Accomplishment, you have gained +2 to all Attributes!

Congratulations! You have wiped out all Gnomes in the City Zone! To claim your Deed, please claim the Gnome Base!

Alex stared at the notifications for a few moments just to make sure he was reading it correctly. Did this mean they could stop the Gnomes from coming to the System altogether?

“Everyone! We have to move now!” Shouted Alex.

Everyone had received the notification as well and team leaders were getting their people ready to move. Within two minutes, they were all heading back to the Gnome base. Alex and his team led the way, a feeling of excitement in the air. He made sure that everyone was still keeping a lookout, however. No need to die from something as stupid as day dreaming.

They all approached the purple awning cautiously and Alex reached out to open the door. As he touched the door handle, the door simply disappeared and a notification swept through the crowd.

Congratulations! You have cut off the Gnome Race from entering the System! For this Deed, you have gained a one-time spending spree of 50,000xp at the System Shop! (Please see Jeffrey to gain your xp.)

WARNING! You have officially stopped the Gnomes from replenishing their ranks! However! More might still be awaiting you in the zones ahead! Stay cautious!

It appears that Gnomes don’t rule after all!