Author's Note: I have a paypal donation page set up now for this story. Anything is appreciated. Don't worry, it's completely voluntary and I won't hold this story hostage over it.

Enjoy!

----------------------------------------

Chapter 30: Barbarian's Fury

Excerpts from Brief History of Xoth:

The Races Of Xoth

Across the six continents of Xoth, there are six known sapient races: Elves, Beastkin, Dwarves, Orc, Naga and Demons.

Elves

The race known as Elves originated from central Erlonia and have the third highest population of all races. This race is known for its physical trait of long, pointed ears that point outwards from the sides of their head. Their skin tones vary among a dozen different colours such as peach, pearl white, light and medium brown. Elves also have the most slender bodies of any race making them physically weaker than all of the races. They make up for this fact by naturally having a higher intelligence potential and magical capabilities.

Elves have the most varied communities of any race. Elves have been known to form tribes, villages, towns, cities and kingdoms. In each of these cases, Elves tend to live in tight-knit communities to the point where they will be wary of outsiders. This insular viewpoint results in them having difficulty in integrating into multiracial towns or cities.

Naga

Legends say that the Naga race are the descendants of dragons that were given sentience by Kara. The origin of this legend may be a result from the fact that the Naga race can trace its origins to the western region of the Misakeh continent where many powerful monsters dwell. Nowadays, the vast majority of the Naga population live outside of the continent.

The Naga race's physical traits includes: reptilian skin and eyes, a tail with a spike on its end, and wings that protrude from their back. The tail spike of a Naga holds a special meaning to them as it is unique for each Naga. At adulthood, the wings have a wing span of five to seven meters. The strength of their wings is widely known. Some Naga warriors have been known to use their wings in combat, such as physical strike or generate gusts to knock people off of their feet.

VVVVVV

"Are you ready, Vi?" Tom asked.

Vivian laid on her bed and turned her head towards him.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied.

Tom was sitting on a chair to her right while Sylmae, Tala and Reia stood around the bed.

"You can do it, Vi!" Reia cheered.

"We're here for you," Tala assured her.

"Considering that the quest will remain open until you fulfill it," Sylmae said, "There's no need to worry. Do your best. That's all we ask."

"Thanks, guys," Vivian said. She straightened her head on the pillow and looked up at the ceiling. "Okay, Tom. What do I do?"

"Close your eyes. You need to focus your mind on the quest and on your class rank."

Vivian closed her eyes and felt her soul drift from her body. As Tom sat there, he felt a feeling of drowsiness overcome him. He slightly swayed back and forth in his chair.

"Tom?" Reia said. "Are you okay?"

"I think I-" Tom couldn't finish his sentence as he fell forward and blacked out.

"Tom!"

Tom opened his eyes and found himself in the spirit realm.

"Tom?"

Tom looked up from the ground and saw Vivian looking down at him.

"What are you doing here?" she asked him.

"I-I don't know," he muttered back an answer. Tom pushed himself off of the ground and onto his feet.

"He's 'ere because I brought 'im 'ere," a coarse voice said.

Tom and Vivian looked in the direction of the voice and saw a male spirit who, while taller than Vivian, was shorter than Tom. His short stature was overshadowed by the spirit's muscular frame.

"Dee others felt, that since you 'aven't known the other girls as long as Reia, this would offer ya a chance ta see 'ow dey fight," he said. "Since ya're going ta be a team leader an' all."

"Wait, does that mean that Tala and Sylmae will be trained by the other hero spirits?" Tom asked.

The spirit stabbed a finger towards him then curled it back into a fist. He shook his fist and groaned, "I should not 'ave said dat."

"Then it would also be accurate ta say that you are Axel Jordfodt one of the six heroes."

"Damn it! Dat was suppose ta be a surprise! I 'ad dis whole reveal prepared to make ya all gasp in awe. Now ya went an' ruined it."

"You really are Axel Jordfodt," Vivian gasped.

"At least I got her ta be in awe," he joked while pointing his thumb towards Vivian.

"I have read about your every adventure! Your training. Your battles. Even your final stand against Hastur."

"Good ta 'ear dat my life still inspires others. Alright den. You are 'ere ta spar wit me and learn what it means to be a Barbarian. Tom. Stand der an' watch. It is my hope that ya'll come up with better strategies ta make full use of 'er skills."

"Alright," Tom said as he crossed his arms. "Do your best, Vi."

"Equip Set One," Vivian announced. Her armour appeared on her body and her hammer appeared in her hand.

A hammer took form in Axel's right hand. The haft of the hammer was a meter in length. The head was cuboid in shape with the corners filed down. Axel lightly swung the hammer upwards and then let the other end fall into his left hand.

"Dat's yer weapon?" he asked in disbelief.

"Don't underestimate it," Vivian declared as she flicked the switch on its base allowing it to extend to full form.

"Dat weapon... Do ya know Larse Golden?"

"He was the one who built this hammer. You know him?"

"Ha! Taught 'im everything he knows about smithing."

Axel swung his hammer in a full arc and slammed it into the ground. A quake came from the attack and the ground exploded in a straight line towards Vivian. With the ground shaking under her feet, Vivian had no choice but to jump to her side to avoid the attack.

"He was a drinking buddy o' mine during dee war."

Vivian rushed to her feet and then charged towards Axel. Her hammer was pointed downwards as she ran. Once she got within range, Vivian swung her hammer upwards while roaring.

Axel smiled as he jabbed his hammer forward and connected Vi's attack. The jab parried Vivian's attack and sent her hammer back. This caused her to launch back several meters as she held onto her weapon. She felt her arms shake from the force of the parry.

"We 'ad a little deal. He would pay for my drinks an' in exchange I would give 'im lessons in smithing."

Vivian tried to get up but Axel walked up to her and swung his hammer into her stomach. Vivian loudly cried out from the attack.

"Seeing that 'ammer only proved that he managed ta create dat prototype I suggested to 'im. Go on 'im, I say."

Vivian planted her hammer on the ground and pushed herself back onto her feet. The pain still shoot through her body. She lifted her hammer up. It felt ten times heavier than usual.

Tom found it hard to watch the beating Vivian was getting, but he knew to stay still. The match reminded him of the massive beat down he received at the hands of Delix. Sometimes it's good to be reminded of your current limits to keep your ego in check.

Vivian ran forward while she swung her hammer. Axel took a step back and avoided the attack. While being carried by the momentum, Vivian flicked the hammer's switch and retracted the handle. Vivian spun in place and attacked forward with her hammer. Axel sidestepped the attack and swung his hammer upward striking Vivian's stomach.

"Ah!" Vivian screamed out. She was briefly lifted off of her feet before landing back on them.

Vivian struggled to stand upright and still hold her hammer. Drool dripped over her lower lip. Axel wound up his hammer like a baseball bat and swung. The attack struck Vivian's chest and sent her over a large distance. She skipped across the ground several several times before she came to a stop. Her left eye was closed after getting hit by the ground.

Axel grinned and said, "Ya feel it, don cha. The pain an' frustration. Ya're not used to it."

"I have... felt pain before," Vivian shot back. She was on her side barely keeping conscious.

"Not ta dis degree. I can see it. Ya're used to dealing out the damage, not taking it. Yer knees feel weak. It's 'ard ta breathe. Yer vision is fuzzy. Dat is bad. Ya let it build up an' it will overwhelm ya. Erupt will unleash a strong attack but will not release ya from dee pain."

Vivian shook as she pushed herself up to her feet. She wiped the drool from her mouth and forced her left eye open.

"Let the pain go, Vivian. Let it go."

Vivian slowed her laboured breathing. She took in a deep breath and then unleashed a loud scream. Vivian forced every ounce of breath into that scream. As the air left her lungs, she felt her pain fade. After he listened to her scream, Tom felt invigorated.

"Dere we go," Axel said. "Now come at me."

Vivian ran at a higher speed than before. As she approached, she went in a curved movement to attack from Axel's right. Vi held her hammer up and swung as she got within striking range of Axel. The hammer impacted the side of Axel's head. To her surprise, the attack didn't even make him flinch.

Axel let out a hearty laugh. "Dat's it! Ya truly did it."

"What are you talking about?" she demanded. Vivian fell onto her ass after the sudden shift in mood. "My attack did nothing."

"It wasn't about your attacks," Tom interjected.

"What?"

"He was teaching you pain management."

"Da lad is right," Axel said. "Sharp eye. A Barbarian is a type of warrior dat charges right into da thick of it. Ya gonna take damage. If ya wish to survive, ya need ta know 'ow ta deal wit da pain. Erupt allows ya to send damage back. War Cry allows ya to relieve yourself of da pain and use it ta invigorate your allies' spirit."

"Does that mean...?" Vivian muttered.

"Ya pass. Congratulations."

Axel held his hand out to her. Vivian grabbed his hand and was pulled to her feet.

NoticeBy unlocking your class' full potential, you unlocked the skill "War Cry" and earned an additional fifteen points towards Strength, ten points towards Endurance, and five points towards Vitality.

War CryTypeActivateImproved Stamina Regen+5% to self/alliesDamage Increase+5% to self/alliesTime5 minutesCooldown30 minutesRankBLevelBeginner 1 (0%)This ability allows a Barbarian to relieve their pain in a scream that reinvigorates them and inspires others.

NoticeYour Endurance has reached over 100. This has unlocked the skill "Enhanced Resistance".

Enhanced ResistanceTypePassiveRankALevelBeginner 1 (0%)All Resistance+1%By improving your Endurance, your body will become more resistant to all damage. Taking damage will increase this skill's level.

"Thank you so much, sir," Vivian said to him. She was happy that she managed to prove herself to her childhood hero.

"Ya did good. I'm very proud. Now ya'll be coming back 'ere when ya get your next class upgrade, so I hope ta teach ya more."

"I look forward to it, sir."

At this time, Tom approached the two.

"You did awesome, Vivian," Tom said. "I knew you could do it."

"Thank you, Tom."

"Axel, thank you for teaching her. Before we go. There is a question I have."

"Ya?"

"We recently went public with all the information of this situation."

"And decided to call me the 'Great Sage'," another voice chirped in behind them.

Tom and Vivian turned around to see a tall being made of a bright yellow light.

"Hello, Kara," Tom said. "We actually meet face to face."

"Hello, Thomas."

"K-Kara," Vivian sputtered out. She quickly prostrated herself next to Tom.

"There is no need for formalities, Vivian," Kara said. "Please stand."

Vivian looked up and hesitantly got back on her feet.

"I didn't think I would be able to find you here as well," Tom said.

"This IS the spirit realm, Thomas."

"Point taken."

"Now what is your question?"

"As I said before, we have gone public, but I have given the leaders of my world a lot of unbelievable information. One of the files I handed them is a report on recommendations that these countries must enact if we are to prepare ourselves for the future. It is going to require great sacrifice. I fear that many of them will not act on these recommendations because of the cost and because I don't have concrete proof of my claims."

"Proof?" Axel scoffed. "Isn't the appearance of monsters in your world proof enough."

"That is an entirely different thing. Monsters are appearing in our world. There is no denying that. My explanation for why it is happening is based entirely on my testimony. I don't have anything more than that. I don't know how I'll convince these possible stubborn countries. Kara, do you know of any way I can convince them?"

Kara thought on Tom's words for a moment before she replied, "Don't know."

"What?" Tom yelled. "You don't?"

"I can't exactly bring you a video that shows Hastur detailing his plans. It takes a lot of energy just to talk to you over the SYSTEM."

Tom grunted in frustration.

"Don't give up, Thomas. You have to continue your fight and get people on your side. Get the people to understand what needs to be done. If you have the people of the world on your side and have all of them demanding action, these governments will crack."

"Heh. For a goddess, you don't seem to understand just how stubborn the governments of my world can get."

"You don't exactly come across as a quitter to me, Thomas," Kara countered.

"Never said I was going to quit. It's just going to be more difficult than how you laid it out."

"Well, maybe, just maybe... Someone will leak that list of recommendations to get the ball rolling, as you Humans say."

Tom liked the idea and said, "You are far more devious than I have given you credit for."

"You have no idea."

"First I get my introductions spoiled an' now I 'ave the goddess overshadowing my appearance," Axel grumbled under his breath.

"I'm sorry, Axel, what was that you said?" Kara asked in an irritated tone.

"Uh! I said dat maybe Vivian an' Thomas should 'ead back ta the living."

"You're right. I'm sure the others are panicking over Thomas passing out."

"Talk to you in a couple days, Kara?" Tom asked to confirm.

"I look forward to it."

"Watch over ma student, Thomas," Axel reminded him.

"Will do, Axel."

"See you again, Axel!" Vivian yelled out.

The area faded around Tom and Vivian. Tom blinked his eyes and a bright white light shone in his eyes. He cringed from the brightness. His vision cleared and he saw Reia looking over him.

"Tom!" she called out to him. "Tom!"

"I'm okay," he quickly replied. Tom sat up in a hurry and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "How long was I out?"

"Five seconds," Sylmae replied.

"That was just five seconds?" Vivian yelled.

"Vi!" the others called out.

"Did you pass?" Tala asked.

"Yeah, I passed."

"What happened?" Reia asked Tom.

"It turns out that Kara and the hero spirits wanted me to come along so I can get a better understanding how she fights. This is going to happen for Tala and Sylmae as well."

Reia tightly hugged Tom. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Tom hugged her back. "It's alright."

They hugged for a few moments before they let go of each other.

"I think we should celebrate Vivian's class upgrade," Tom suggested. "I'm going to cook us a good meal tonight. We can go over everyone's stats points while I cook. Hmm... Teriyaki salmon is probably a good idea."

"Salmon?" Tala repeated.

"A delicious fish."

"That sounds good!"

"And I think I'll break out the whiskey as well." Realizing that they would probably ask him what whiskey is, he quickly followed up with, "The alcohol."

"And now you have my enthusiasm," Vivian said.

--------------------------------

Character Stats:

Spoiler :

StatusNameThomas "Tom" EverettLevel23Experience16870/17310ClassMagic BladeRaceHumanAlignmentGoodCurrencyCanadian$10,509,277.28Xoth0 platinum 4 gold 96 silver 30 copperTitleClever One, Determined, Giant Slayer, Vaccinated, One Of The First, Sole Survivor, Generous Healer, Interpreter, Selfless LoverBuffsAgent of Kara2x experienceBestiary of Xoth+10% damage towards the creatures of XothDebuffs--Health1260Health Regeneration/min34.32Mana1200Mana Regeneration/min41.92Stamina1200Stamina Regeneration/min8.5Fame3950Infamy0Strength126Intelligence120Wisdom131Perception60Endurance120Vitality104Agility85Luck93Unallocated Points0

ResistancesPhysical44%Disease/Toxin89%Fire44%Plant44%Ice44%Earth44%Lightning44%Water44%Wind44%Spirit44%Light44%Darkness44%

SkillsIdentifyMaster Level 2PersuasionIntermediate Level 1Language ComprehensionMaster Level 10Book LearningMaster Level 10TeacherBeginner Level 6NonchalantMaster Level 10Lightning StrikeIntermediate Level 6Lightning EnchantIntermediate Level 6Lightning ShieldIntermediate Level 3HealIntermediate Level 4PurifyIntermediate Level 5Sword SkillIntermediate Level 6DisguiseIntermediate Level 8PrayerMaster Level 10Hero's CallMaster Level 10Fast TravelMaster Level 10Loot CollectorIntermediate Level 3Magical RepairMaster Level 2TacticianIntermediate Level 3CookIntermediate Level 9Mixed Martial ArtistBeginner Level 8Club SkillBeginner Level 2Trap MasterBeginner Level 8UnbreakableBeginner Level 5FireballIntermediate Level 1Fire EnchantBeginner Level 9Bow SkillBeginner Level 9Surge StrikeIntermediate Level 1Enhanced BodyIntermediate Level 3Enhanced MindIntermediate Level 2Chain LightningBeginner Level 4Group HealBeginner Level 4Enhanced SpellsBeginner Level 10Enhanced ResistanceIntermediate Level 4SM TransferMaster Level 10Computer SkillBeginner Level 10MassageBeginner Level 5LoverBeginner Level 4

StatusNameReia ZyerLevel22Experience12385/13850ClassLancerRaceNagaAlignmentGoodCurrencyCanadian$0.00Xoth0 platinum 4 gold 75 silver 14 copperTitleUnknown, Giant Slayer, Determined, Life SaverBuffs--Debuffs--Health1620Health Regeneration/min11.6Mana480Mana Regeneration/min4.7Stamina1030Stamina Regeneration/min10.8Fame3950Infamy0Strength162Intelligence48Wisdom47Perception55Endurance106Vitality105Agility108Luck91Unallocated Points0

ResistancesPhysical24%Disease/Toxin100%Fire24%Plant24%Ice24%Earth24%Lightning24%Water24%Wind24%Spirit24%Light24%Darkness59%

SkillsIdentifyIntermediate Level 8Weapon RepairIntermediate Level 6Armour RepairIntermediate Level 3Weapon CraftingBeginner Level 9Armour CraftingBeginner Level 10Accessory CraftingIntermediate Level 1Spear SkillIntermediate Level 8Clothing ReformMaster Level 3Ice SpikeBeginner Level 6Wind ShieldIntermediate Level 3Wind BladeIntermediate Level 6HealIntermediate Level 4Club SkillBeginner Level 1Sword SkillBeginner Level 9PersuasionIntermediate Level 1Power StrikeBeginner Level 10Enhanced ResistanceBeginner Level 8Group HealBeginner Level 1FlurryBeginner Level 1Spiral ThrustBeginner Level 1Enhanced DodgeBeginner Level 1Language ComprehensionMaster Level 10PurifyBeginner Level 1Enhanced RegenerationBeginner Level 1

StatusNameSylmae "Syl" LyvanLevel17Experience3550/3625ClassRogueRaceElfAlignmentGoodCurrencyCanadian$0.00Xoth0 platinum 3 gold 54 silver 71 copperTitleUnknown, DeterminedBuffs--Debuffs--Health480Health Regeneration/min4.0Mana500Mana Regeneration/min4.5Stamina720Stamina Regeneration/min10.0Fame50Infamy0Strength48Intelligence50Wisdom45Perception85Endurance72Vitality40Agility100Luck95Unallocated Points0

ResistancesPhysical15%Disease/Toxin100%Fire15%Plant15%Ice15%Earth15%Lightning15%Water15%Wind15%Spirit15%Light15%Darkness50%

SkillsIdentifyIntermediate Level 5Language ComprehensionMaster Level 10Bow SkillBeginner Level 5Ice SpikeBeginner Level 2Ice EnchantBeginner Level 9Ice ShieldBeginner Level 2HealBeginner Level 8SlowIntermediate Level 8Group SlowBeginner Level 3PurifyBeginner Level 1Enhanced DodgeBeginner Level 1

StatusNameTala MauLevel16Experience3550/3625ClassMageRaceBeastkin (Feline)AlignmentGoodCurrencyCanadian$0.00Xoth0 platinum 2 gold 37 silver 87 copperTitleUnknown, Book Enthusiast, DeterminedBuffs--Debuffs--Health400Health Regeneration/min4.6Mana1350Mana Regeneration/min24.0Stamina360Stamina Regeneration/min3.7Fame50Infamy0Strength41Intelligence135Wisdom120Perception50Endurance36Vitality50Agility37Luck86Unallocated Points0

ResistancesPhysical15%Disease/Toxin100%Fire15%Plant15%Ice15%Earth15%Lightning15%Water15%Wind15%Spirit15%Light15%Darkness50%

SkillsIdentifyIntermediate Level 5Language ComprehensionMaster Level 10FireballIntermediate Level 3Fire BarrierBeginner Level 2Fire EnchantBeginner Level 9Fire ShieldIntermediate Level 3FlamethrowerBeginner Level 3HealIntermediate Level 3Group HealBeginner Level 5PurifyIntermediate Level 1Ice SpikeBeginner Level 4Wind BladeBeginner Level 3Lightning StrikeBeginner Level 1Water BlastBeginner Level 8Rock ThrowBeginner Level 1EnchantmentBeginner Level 9AlchemyBeginner Level 6InvisibleBeginner Level 8Bubble ShieldBeginner Level 2DispelBeginner Level 6Enhanced SpellsBeginner Level 1Enhanced MindBeginner Level 1

StatusNameVivian "Vi" TerrabaneLevel20Experience5895/8865ClassBarbarianRaceDwarfAlignmentGoodCurrencyCanadian$0.00Xoth0 platinum 28 gold 42 silver 93 copperTitleUnknown, Determined, Giant Slayer, Explorer, Lone AdventurerAdventurer Guild Rank6Buffs--Debuffs--Health1250Health Regeneration/min9.0Mana410Mana Regeneration/min3.4Stamina1040Stamina Regeneration/min4.9Fame300Infamy0Strength125Intelligence41Wisdom34Perception56Endurance104Vitality90Agility49Luck76Unallocated Points0

ResistancesPhysical16%Disease/Toxin100%Fire16%Plant16%Ice16%Earth16%Lightning16%Water16%Wind16%Spirit16%Light16%Darkness51%

SkillsIdentifyIntermediate Level 9Language ComprehensionMaster Level 10Hammer SkillIntermediate Level 8Rock ThrowIntermediate Level 2Earth EnchantIntermediate Level 3Earth ShieldIntermediate Level 1Earth ManipulationBeginner Level 7HealIntermediate Level 1PurifyBeginner Level 1Club SkillBeginner Level 1Sword SkillBeginner Level 1EruptBeginner Level 1Power StrikeBeginner Level 1War CryBeginner Level 1Enhanced ResistanceBeginner Level 1