Chapter 36: Research, pt. 2

Excerpts from Brief History of Xoth:

Misakeh

Misakeh is the largest continent on Xoth and is sparsely populated due to the high number of high-level monsters on the continent. The continent is home the the most diverse number of environments; from mountains to forest to marshlands. While Erlonia is considered the best continent to adventure in for low to mid-tier quests, Misakeh is the continent for those who wish to complete high to top-tier quests. Most of these quests concern the elimination of monsters that directly threaten towns and cities on the continent.

The continent is located just north of the Demon continent which makes it the primary destination of Demon refugees seeking to flee Almawt and Hastur's rule. Due to the discrimination that many Demons face in the other continents, most refugees remain in Misakeh and attempt to create their own towns and cities with the help of any empathetic Adventurer.

Almawt

The Demon continent is roughly fifty percent desert with the remaining half consisting of oases and mountains. The largest oasis is located in the center of the continent and is home to the city of Karan, the Demon kingdom's castle, and Xoth's tallest mountain known as Behatar.

In the deserts of Almawt, there exists many dangerous creatures and elements. In the sky, Ravagers fly in flocks to attack any creature too weak to fight back. There are occasional sand storms that plague the desert regions with winds strong enough to scrape the skin off a person's body. There are also quick sand pits all over that'll trap any unsuspecting traveler.

Oasis Mimics are also a major problem to the continent as they are behemoth creatures that'll lure in travelers and creatures with its fake lake. This lake is, in actuality, an acid pool filled with tentacles that will pull in anything that gets within reach.

The most feared creature of the desert is the Blood Worm. It was given this name due to its distinct crimson colour of its body. This creature is able to spray its prey with acid or use electricity to stun it. This creature continues to grow as it ages to the point where Blood Worms can become the size of mountains.

Scarlet Night

This organization was born shortly after the last war against Hastur. It is a Hastur resistance group that is populated mostly with Demons and ex-slaves. The group's main base of operation is located in the Misakeh continent where the organization helps Demons to escape the Almawt continent and start a new life. Other than helping refugees, the organization engages in espionage, sabotage and guerrilla warfare against Hastur's forces.

While the organization wishes to work with other military groups on Xoth against Hastur, prejudicial attitudes against Demons prevents any meaningful alliances. With no alliances, Scarlet Night finds strength in its secrecy. The identity of the leader of the organization still remains unknown to the world except for their alias: Scarlet.

Excerpts from Thunder's Recommendations Report

->Contact must be made with Scarlet Night and an Alliance formed

Reason: If we wish to put an end to Hastur, Scarlet Night will have more information about the Demon continent and Hastur's activities than any group on Xoth. They have been more than willing to work with other governments and militaries in the world, but prejudicial attitudes prevents cooperation. By willfully working with their organization, we can improve our chances against Hastur's forces and improve our relationship with the Demon continent in a post-Hastur world.

->Our future world must be given a name

Reason: After the fusion, our world, this planet, will no longer be Earth nor will it be Xoth. This planet born from Xoth and Earth must be given a new name.

VVVVVV

The medical examination room had thin green curtains set up to create four private areas for the four Xothican women. Each area had a chair, a shelf, a medical bed, a blood pressure monitor, and a medical scale. The girls stripped themselves of all of their clothing and laid them on the shelf they were provided. The doctor there for the examination was an older middle-aged Korean woman by the name of Doctor Pak.

"I just need to take some quick measurements and you all can put your clothes back on," the doctor assured them. "I won't be long."

The girls felt embarrassed as they exposed themselves to the stranger.

"Now Miss Zyer, I need you to step on the scale and so I can get your weight and height. We'll add that information to your medical file."

"Sure," Reia replied. She slightly covered herself in the doctor's presence.

Reia stepped onto the square pad. The doctor flipped out the height measurer and readjusted it until it laid right on top of her head.

"A hundred and fifty-eight centimeters and seventy-one kilograms." Doctor Pak read the numbers on the digital display and recorded the number in her tablet. "Hmm."

"Something wrong?" Reia asked.

"Just realizing that Humanity's BMI calculator cannot be used for you."

"BMI?"

"Body-mass index. It's a measurement tool to help us figure out if a person is in a healthy weight range. I can't use it for anyone of you because your bodies are too different from Humans for a BMI to be any near accurate. You, Reia, especially. Your wings and tail are obviously affecting your numbers."

"Oh?"

"If I were to apply BMI to you, you would technically be in the low-end obese area."

"What?!"

Vivian burst out laughing.

"Calm down, my dear. I was just talking about Human BMI. Medical science is going to have to work out new charts for each race. Just by looking at you I can see you have a very healthy figure. Now, you can step off the scale. Now I need you to sit in the chair. I'm going to place your arm in a blood pressure monitor machine."

Pak explain everything before she made any action to make sure the aliens before her would trust her as their doctor. The doctor measured Reia's blood pressure and recorded the data. She was surprised to find that Reia's blood pressure was lower than a Human's average blood pressure. Next, Doctor Pak used her stethoscope and placed it on Reia's back to listen to her breathing.

"Vi, if you try to peek again, I'll make sure my body is the last thing you see," Sylmae threatened.

"I could live with that," Vivian joked back. "I just wished I was between you and Tala so I could get a good look at you both. I already got an eyeful of Reia at the bathhouse last year."

"Vi!" Tala gasped.

"I'll find other chances back at home, don't you two worry."

Sylmae could only groan at Vivian's perverted and mischievous nature. Pak chuckled in her throat at their bickering. She pulled out measuring tape and said, "Just going to take your frame measurements. This will just take a moment."

Like she said, the doctor quick measured her chest, waist and hips and quickly recorded the numbers.

"Good, good." Doctor Pak put on a pair of latex gloves, took out a small flashlight from her breast pocket and grabbed a tongue depressor. "Could you open your mouth?"

Reia did as she was asked. Pak examined her throat and, while she was at it, gave her teeth a look. She saw that Reia had many sharp teeth.

"We'll need to find you all a dentist," Pak told them. "I'll put that recommendation forward after this."

Doctor Pak threw the tongue depressor into a small trash pale and put the flashlight back into her breast pocket.

"Now the next examination is meant to check a person's thyroid to see if there are any signs of cancer or growths. I'm not sure if your race has a thyroid like Humans. Once we have it set up, we'll need to to a CT scan on each of you so we can see inside your bodies."

"D-Does it hurt?" Tala asked.

"Oh, no, no," Pak assured her. "It's a completely non-invasive procedure that uses X-Rays to scan your body from different angles. Like getting your picture taken. You've seen cameras, right?"

"Yes," Tala replied.

"It's no more painful than that."

The explanation helped calm Tala down.

"I might be able to save you time, Doctor," Reia said. "Our Status Screens notifies us of any disease we may have."

"Every disease?"

"Oh, yes," Sylmae replied. "As soon as you have any illness, your Status Screen notifies you. It will even cover curses and other debilitations."

"One of the other librarians, that I work with, was told by her Status Screen she had some disease called leukemia," Tala said.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," Pak apologized.

"O-Oh, don't be. She went to an Alchemist and he gave her a Cure-All."

"A Cure-All?"

"A potion that cures most diseases," Sylmae explained. "There are a variety of qualities. Higher quality ones will cure stronger diseases. Or you can go to a healer and they'll use magic to purify you."

"I've read the reports of Mister Everett being able to heal wounds and regrow limbs, but using magic and alchemy to cure disease...? Disease is not a major issue in your world?"

"Not really... So long you have money."

"What are Cure-Alls made from?"

"A mix of herbs."

"Collection of these herbs is a fairly common rank ten quest given by the Guild so usually an Alchemist doesn't run out of herbs," Vivian said. "I had to do a bunch of these quests before I could afford my first weapon."

Pak couldn't help but let out a loud bitter laugh.

"Is something wrong?" Reia asked.

"I spent close to a decade in medical school and went into massive debt only to be told that it's was all for nothing." Pak pulled up a chair and collapsed into it. "Why would anyone go to a doctor when they can just get a disease cured right away?"

Reia quickly approached the shocked woman and said, "Doctor, while we may be able to cure diseases, we do not have any real understanding of them. We also do not have nearly as many healers as your world has. Tom once told me he believes that science will not be replaced by magic but will be supplemented by it. Tom found that a better understanding of anatomy made his Heal skill more efficient. I don't think our world's magic will be replacing you anytime soon."

"I'm sorry, this was unbecoming of me," Pak apologized. "It's been a stressful month. Being told I might be out of a job on top of everything was a little much."

"Don't worry about it."

"Now, while I appreciate you cheering me up, I think maybe you shouldn't do it while naked. Your friend Vivian there is getting a good view of you."

Vivian stood out from her area with a wide smile on her face. Reia made a pose and said, "I hope you are enjoying the view."

"Oh, I am," Vivian said. "Needed a refresher."

"You can put your clothes back on, Miss Zyer," Pak said. "Since apparently I don't need to do a thyroid check or breast exam."

"Hey, Doc, if you teach me how to do it, I can check Reia for you," Vivian suggested.

"Hands to yourself, Vi," Sylmae warned.

"Alright, I believe Miss Mau is next," Pak said.

Pak gave the others the same exam she gave Reia. Each time she switch to another woman, she changed the latex gloves she wore. Like Reia's exam, each check-up was quick. The Xoth girls were clothed again and the red colour in Tala's face faded.

"The physical exam is over and I recorded all of your information into your files," Pak said.

Vivian picked up the tablet with her information and gave it a once-over. The others picked up their respective tablets. Reia peeked over Tala's shoulder to see her data and sighed.

"Hey, Vi?" Reia said.

"Yeah?"

Reia materialized a silver coin in her hand and tossed it towards Vivian. Vi caught it in her right hand.

"You were right. Tala's are bigger than mine. You win the bet."

"I knew it! You can't deceive these eyes."

"R-Reia!" Tala whimpered as she covered her chest.

"Bigger?" Pak repeated.

Reia gestured with both of her hands, making two cup shapes in front of her chest.

Pak looked to Sylmae who exhibited a more mature nature and asked, "Do they always...?"

"Always," Sylmae confirmed while rolling her eyes.

"You're still the tallest of us all, Sylmae," Vivian reminded. "You got that at least going for you."

"Ladies," Pak said to stop the conversation from escalating. "There is still one thing thing we need to do."

Before Pak could explain the next test, the phone went off in the room.

"Sorry, just a moment." Pak picked up the phone. "Doctor Pak."

"Pak, it's Reynolds. Have you gotten to the blood test yet?"

"I was just about to get to it."

"Listen. It seems like magic enhances their skin. It's like armour. I ended up wasting two needles on Everett. He figured out a solution though. He assumed that by holding the needle, his strength would modify its capability. It worked. I helped him guide the needle and it managed to puncture his skin. Just let the Xothicans hold the needle."

"I'll be sure to do that. Thanks for the heads up."

Pak hung up the phone and said to the girls, "It seems like we'll need to change a few things for the next test. I want to take blood samples from each of you. I'm going to need each of you to hold the needle so it can pierce your skin."

"We can do that," Reia said.

"Great. Please seat down in the chair and I'll get you started."

Reia sat down in the provided chair.

"Please roll up your sleeve," Pak asked as she got out a rubber strap.

Reia did as she was told and Pak wrapped the strap around her upper arm and tied it. She then got out a needle with its holder and pushed a vial into the holder. The vial was mostly empty but had a yellowish substance that clung to the bottom of the vial.

Pak tapped the injection site with two fingers to get a vein to bulge out. She wiped the injection site with an alcohol wipe. Pak then removed the cover to the needle.

"What's that stuff in the tube?" Reia asked.

"It's a preserving agent for your blood," Pak answered. "Now please hold onto the needle and I'll guide it to where it needs to go."

Reia grabbed the needle and allowed the doctor to guide it towards her vein. As Reynolds said, the needle went in with little trouble. Blood filled the vial at a rapid pace. Once it was filled, Pak pulled the vial out and inserted a new one. She made small talk while taking samples of everyone's blood.

"How are you all liking Earth so far? Aside from your risky missions."

"This world is incredible," Reia replied. "It's so peaceful, and there's many fun things to do."

"You people also have a lot of stuff," Vivian added. "A lot of you Humans own those cars. It would be like if almost everyone on Xoth had a carriage. It's crazy. Your cities are also are so polite and easy-going despite the massive amounts of people in them. In almost any city I go to on Xoth, you'd have people tossing their trash all over the streets, brawls erupting from taverns, or people who will try to mug you wherever you go. It's so clean and safe in many places that's I sometimes feel unnerved."

"The internet is good," Tala meekly said. "Lots of information. I... spend a lot of time on it."

"I like how convenient and fast it is to get almost anything you want," Sylmae said. "Tom introduced me to Nile and found I could get almost anything I could want or need and have it delivered to me within a few days. That is unheard of back home. Even with the Portals."

"Portals?" Pak asked.

"They are magical gateways that connect to other gateways around the world. I think Tom described them as wormholes."

"I'm leaving that to the physicists to deal with," Pak relented. "What do you like the most about Earth so far?"

None of them took a moment of pause before they replied, "Food."

Pak chuckled. "Okay, I got everyone's blood." She took out a small grey case and opened it. Inside was a foam mold with twenty holes in it. Pak filled each hole with a vial before closing the case again. "You are all done here. You can exit the room there and meet up with Thomas."

"Thank you," Sylmae said.

"One more thing. Before you all leave." Pak got up from her chair to stand before the four Xoth women. "I have a sister. She happened to go on a vacation recently to Florida. She was at the Everglades on the day of the raptor attack." Some tears came to the doctor's eyes. "She's still alive thanks to you all. Thank you so much!"

"No problem," Vivian cheerfully said.

"It's just, I don't know if any of you ever get a proper thanks for what you all do. Honestly, it has been terrifying for the last month. Everyone is always worried that the next day is going to be another monster attack. Every time we see news of you all fighting to save lives, it brings us hope."

"It means a lot to hear that," Reia said.

"I just wanted you all to know."

Pak gestured towards the door. The four women exited through the door and saw Tom leaning against the wall.

"Oh, hey," he said. "How was the examination?"

"It was unusual," Sylmae replied.

"I don't know about you, but I had fun," Vivian said.

"Wha?" Tom muttered.

Syl used her hand and chopped the top of Vivian's head and said, "Ignore her. She's just being Vi."

"Ah, Mister Everett," Boivin called out to the group.

Tom looked in the direction of the voice and saw the base Commander lightly jog towards them.

"Everything go well in the examination?"

"A little more in-depth than I'm used to, but fine," Tom answered.

Vivian gave two thumbs up. Sylmae kept her hand over her mouth to stop her from saying anything embarrassing.

"That's good to hear," Boivin said. "We'll have your blood analyzed and see what we can learn from it. For now, please follow me. There is some people I want you all to meet. Please follow me."

Tom and his group followed the Commander down more hallways before they reached a door with the sign "Training Room" above it.

"They're inside."

Boivin opened the door for the group and they all walked inside. In the training room were four soldiers dressed in unusual armour. The first thought in Tom's head was how the armour resembled a small-scale mech suit from a sci-fi movie.

"Everyone, this the team that was in Colorado to eliminate the spider infestation," Boivin announced. "Staff Sergeant Laura Garza. Corporeal David Li. Corporeal Samantha Smith. And Lance Corporeal Christopher Jones. They were also responsible for capturing those two live specimens you saw earlier. We are hoping that until the UNDF is fully up-and-running, you'll take them on your missions."

Tom approached the soldiers and held out his hand and said, "Nice to meet you."

Laura grabbed his hand and shook, "Likewise. So you're Thunder."

"Yeah. Real name is Thomas Everett." Tom then gestured towards the others. "My companions. Reia Zyer. Tala Mau. Sylmae Lyvan. And Vivian Terrabane."

Everyone exchanged greetings and handshakes.

"I actually read about the Colorado situation," Tom said. "I'm sorry we couldn't be there. I suffered from some serious injuries from the Russia mission so I had to take time to recover."

"From what we've heard, you were hit by a direct shot from an RPG," Laura said. "The fact you are standing here is miraculous."

"Being able to take down a couple Arachnes and a bunch of Giant Hairy Spiders without having a level really says a lot about your skill," Vivian said.

"Thank you," Laura said. "So I figured you would want to get down to the brass tax and know why exactly why you're here."

"I'm in no real hurry, but I'm fine with that," Tom said.

"With the passing of the Unity Accord, the formation of the UNDF has begun. This means that the new military needs standardized weaponry, armour and equipment. We want you to help us in that matter."

"Oh, okay sure. We can do that."

"Good to hear. Now this is the armour we plan to use for the ground soldiers. It is known as the HERC. It's a robotic exosuit that enhances the strength and speed of the person wearing it."

"Let me check its information. Identify."

HERC Robotic Exoskeleton

RankADurability450/450

Damage Resistance+13%Element Resistance+5% fire, +5% cold

EffectsForced 80 Strength, Forced 50 Agility

This suits uses an array of sensor to interpret a body's intention of movement and reacts by moving the motors in its robotic limbs to enhance the movement of the wearer. It is powered by a battery pack that is graphene-based. The armour that covers the body is also graphene-based to provide light-weight and extremely strong armour. Warning #1: If the wearer's Strength stat exceeds 80 points, the suit's durability will continuously fall with every movement the wearer makes. Warning #2: The stats granted by the suit only affects Strength and Speed. It will not increase the user's Health or Stamina.

"Identify?" Chris repeated.

"Oh, it's a basic skill that every connected to the SYSTEM. It allows a person to get information on almost any object they scan. I was using it on the armour you are all wearing. Now I'll be honest. The set of armour you are all wearing is great."

"I'm sensing a 'however'."

"However. The armour you're all wearing will only be good for people without levels or people who are roughly below level twenty. According to the information I could glean from my Identify skill, these suits will give you the Strength equivalent of eighty points and Agility of fifty points. Now that means these suits make you about ten times stronger and six times faster than an average Human. The information further said that if a person's Strength exceeds eighty points, it will cause the suit to lose its durability with every movement you make."

"This is because of the mechanical components of the suit?" Boivin asked.

"Yeah. These suits have some purpose but, in the long-term, they are going to be surpassed by Humanity's new abilities."

"What would you suggest?" Laura asked.

"Well... When our worlds merge we will have the abilities to enhance our equipment with magic. As for armour, what I'm wearing would be great for the long-term."

"The armour you stole from DARPA," Sam muttered.

"I didn't personally steal it," Tom explained. "I was just given it as a quest reward. It seemed like the SYSTEM just was capable of grabbing it, so to speak. Any way, I have no idea where the facility this suit came from is. No way I could find this armour on my own."

"We also reviewed security footage," Boivin added. "This armour suit actually did just vanish from its room."

"I also received permission from the President to continue using this suit. I don't know the specifics of this suit, but I do know it's great at damage and elemental resistance. It's better to make a more durable suit of armour than a suit with sensor and mechanical parts that can break down."

"I see..."

"What about weapons?" Tom asked. "What are you all planning to use?"

"Right over here," Laura said gesturing towards a nearby table.

The table had weapons neatly sorted on top of it. Pistols were close to the edge of the table with assault and sniper rifles above them. On one side of the table, Tom noticed a mini-gun.

"During our last mission, we realized that many of the weapons we were armed with did not have enough punch," Chris explained. "5.56 assault rifles had difficulty in penetrating and damaging the giant spiders. After the debriefing we concluded that we needed stronger weapons and better penetration. We are each equipped with the Sig Sauer P320 MHS pistol. These pistols are light-weight and are able to use .45 ACP bullets. Good power and penetration. As for primary weapons, I am using the Kriss Super V submachine gun. It also uses .45 ACP bullets and fires 1200 rounds a minute. Staff Sergeant Garza has the SCAR-H battle rifle. Able to switch between burst fire and semi-auto modes, and uses 7.62 NATO rounds. Corporeal David LI has the Barrett M720 Sniper Rifle. It's an upgrade to the M500. Uses .50 BMG rounds. Finally, we have Corporeal Samantha Smith. Her weapons are the AA-12 shotgun, which uses 12 gauge rounds, the M25 grenade launcher, using 25mm grenade rounds, and the M133 minigun, which uses 7.62 rounds."

Tom used his Identify skill on each weapon as Chris called them out. He nodded his head as he went through each weapon. Each one offered decent damage for a non-magical weapon.

"These are very good weapons," Tom said.

"That's good to hear," Laura said. "After the last mission, the last thing we need is to walk into another one unprepared."

Tom looked over the weapons again and rubbed his chin. "Hmm..."

"Something wrong?"

"I was just thinking. These will be your primary weapons for future missions, yes?"

"Yes..."

"I think I can spare some," he muttered to himself. "I see you have a shooting range. Staff Sergeant, could you indulge me in a test."

"What kind of test?"

"First, I want you to grab your rifle and fire a few rounds at the dummies you have set up."

Laura walked over to the SCAR-H rifle and picked it up. She grabbed a magazine from the table and loaded it into the rifle. Laura walked over to the shooting range. She placed on a pair of ear protectors and took aim at the dummy. Laura squeezed the trigger and fired off a round. She followed up with several more shots. Each shot hit the dummy at the end of the range creating small holes in it.

After the demonstration, Laura unclipped the magazine and placed the rifle on the counter. Tom walked over to the counter.

"Tala, could you come over here, please?" Tom asked.

"Ah?" Tala yelped. "O-Okay."

Tala scooted over to the two. Tom reached into his Inventory and pulled out a yellow glass crystal.

"Could you use this on the Staff Sergeant's weapon?"

"Sure," Tala said. She grabbed the sphere and took Laura's weapon. Tala pressed the sphere against the rifle. "Enchantment!"

The sphere lit up and merged with the rifle. The light from the sphere then spread across the rifle as it entered the rifle. After the sphere was fully absorbed, the light died down.

"Good job, Tala," Tom said.

"Thank you," she said with a smile. "I also managed to level up my Enchantment skill!"

"That's fantastic news! Intermediate Level one now right?" Tom patted her on the shoulder which made her smile more.

"Yes!"

"Alright, head over to the others."

Tala walked back over to her friends.

"Okay, Staff Sergeant, can you try the weapon again?"

Laura placed her ear protectors back on and picked up the rifle. To her it felt different. Physically, the rifle looks the same, but to the touch it felt like it had energy emanating from it. Laura loaded the magazine back into the rifle. She took aim and fired off a round. It was like lightning shot from the rifle and hit the dummy. The impact hole was three times the size of the non-magical shot. Laura was surprised at the sudden increase in power.

"What was done to this gun?" she exclaimed.

"Tala gave it a permanent enchantment using one of my lightning spheres. This rifle's rounds will now cause lightning damage alongside the physical damage."

"How many more do you have left?"

"After giving one to the scientists and using this one, I have thirty-six left. Tala can apply an enchantment to each of your weapons."

"Considering how much damage this rifle can do with an enchantment, why don't you use a gun?"

"Well, I do have a restrictive and non-restrictive gun license in Canada, but a gun offers a variety of issues that don't really make it worth it for me. A gun relies on ammunition. As soon as I'm out the gun is useless. Also, a gun doesn't scale in strength to a user's own level. You can improve your skill with a gun, but it only allows you to shoot more accurately and reload faster. I, on the other hand, use magic and swords. My mana recharges fairly quickly so I can use my spells quite frequently during battle."

Tom lifted his hand and aimed at the dummy. Lightning erupted from his hand and impacted the dummy causing it to explode. Everyone jumped from the sudden attack.

"Oh, sorry, I should have given a heads up."

"Can anyone do that?" Chris asked.

"If you learn from a spellbook, you can. I'm actually translating a spellbook right now so anyone can read it and learn how to do a fireball attack."

"That seems dangerous," Laura said.

"I'll be honest," Tom admitted. "I still don't know how we as a society will adapt to this change. This type of power is capable of great good as well as great harm. And it's not like this material can be restricted. This information is everywhere on Xoth."

"Actually, there is one obstacle in the way," Tala said.

Everyone looked towards her. Tala suddenly became flustered with everyone looking at her.

"Learning a spell takes great understanding," Sylmae took over. "It's not like someone can pick up a spellbook and instantly learn the spell." She glanced towards Tom with those words. "It can take weeks of study before a spell can be learned. You'll have those who are considered gifted who can learn within days, but the average person likely doesn't have the time to learn many spells."

"So there are limits in place," Boivin asked. "Just due to time investment"

"Yes. There's also cost. While you can use a library to learn from spellbooks, going to a magic school is faster. A magic school tends to cost a lot and usually only nobles or the upper-class can afford the tuition."

"Doesn't that cause some classism?"

"Somewhat. It changes from city to city. Anyone who can't afford magical school can buy magic stones or gems that can serve similar functions."

Tom pulled out nine more spheres from his Inventory and placed them on the table next to the marines' weapons.

"Tala could you upgrade their other weapons?" Tom asked.

"Sure!"

"With introductions out of the way, we can get to the task at hand," Boivin announced. "I have been told by the President and the UN that the UNDF will need to develop new tactics in order to counter both monsters and magic users. Mister Everett, as a specialist for the UNDF, you are both tasked with dealing with the monster attacks around the world and acting as advisor towards developing new tactics. For now on, we want you to train with our marines."

VVVVVV

"Get away!"

Rika jumped up in bed. She was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. Rika scanned the area and wondered where she was.

"You're in one of your safe houses," Mordiggian said from the shadows.

"What happened?" she asked.

"You failed your mission. Thunder showed up and killed two of your men and nearly killed you. As my Agent, I am aware where you are and your currently Health status. at all times. Had I not arrived, he would have killed you. He ran as soon as I arrived."

Rika rubbed her temple while processing what Mordiggian said.

"How many does that make it now?" Mordiggian said in a mocking tone. "Three of your top lieutenants are now dead. Three who also had access to the SYSTEM. Now they are a part of the Agony."

"How?" Rika demanded. "How could he know about my plans to destroy the dam?"

"You didn't kill everyone at the dam fast enough. Someone got out a call. Thunder became aware of the dam attack and teleported to stop you."

"I'm going to kill him!"

"You say that often, yet what have you done to achieve that end?"

"Had my attack worked I would have been more powerful than anything on Earth."

"Now, that it has failed, your species will now be more vigilant against similar attacks in the future. It has become clear to me now that you require more direct guidance."

"I have been doing this for years," Rika argued.

"And you have continued to fail at it even after being given access to the SYSTEM. If you wish to escape the Agony, you will do as I say."

The repeated mentions of the Agony made Rika's blood run cold.

"Ah." Mordiggian noticed Rika's reaction. "It's getting closer. The voices are... Louder. You don't have much time. Your body is showing the signs of the poisoning."

Rika's appearance has changed greatly since she first absorbed the Soul Axes. Her skin has lost its light brown colour and had turned pale white. Black veins were visible all over her body. Rika's eyes were sunken in and dark, and her hair was thinning.

"I need to be freed from the Agony," Rika said. "I barely look Human anymore."

"Kill Thunder and his companions, then I will grant you your freedom," Mordiggian restated the condition.

"I won't be able to do that when my level is barely past thirteen."

Mordiggian slithered over to a nearby table and picked up a picture. He went back over to Rika and handed her the photo.

"Destroy this," Mordiggian said. "It should be relatively unguarded."

Rika saw that the picture was of a sports stadium.

"I must go. There is something I have to take care of. Do not fail this mission. This is your last chance to prove your worth."

Mordiggian vanished into the shadows leaving Rika alone in the dark room. She forced herself out of her bed and walked over to the computer desk. Rika turned on the computer and connected to her group's network. A live video popped up on the screen that displayed one of her top officers. He also displayed similar symptoms as her. His face was starting to pale and his eyes had dark bands underneath them.

"What's the progress on the decryption?"

"Still ongoing. Had the encryption key not been destroyed when Thunder attacked, we would have had full access by now."

Rika remember how she had the encryption key in her vest's breast pocket when Thunder attacked her with a lightning strike attack. The attack incinerated the key and slowed her group's progress towards unlocking the files they stole.

"Continue your efforts. I want access to the сатана files."