Chapter 37: Deadly Sting

Excerpts from Brief History of Xoth:

The Merchant Coalition

This organization was created in the year 630 Third Era by an alliance of dozens of small merchant companies on Xoth in order to protect trade workers and regulate trade. Before this coalition was formed, many companies held monopolies in many regions and intimidated smaller companies through sabotage, threats or small-scale wars. This environment made it difficult for any new trade company to create trade routes or set up shops in towns and cities.

With the competition that the smaller companies were up against, they found that forming alliances with other smaller companies was the only option available to them. They created a strategy in order to break up the monopolies of the larger companies.

The first step of their plan was to create unique and efficient routes for their caravans to use. These routes would be use exclusively by the Merchant Coalition. These routes would be patrolled by mercenaries and Adventurers to ensure they are free of bandits and monsters. These caravan routes quickly became faster routes than what the larger companies used.

Another addition to their plan was to use espionage and infiltration to gain information on their competition's connections to local politicians, their personal finances, and their trade sources. The Merchant Coalition used this information to subvert their competition and weaken their hold on their cities.

In cooperation with other members of the Coalition, these members would undersell high-demand product to draw in buyers and store owners away from larger trading companies. This was achieved through risky investment in new sources of resources such as salt mines, new agriculture methods, and fishing fleets.

In the end, the Merchant Coalition managed to chip away the different monopolies around the world and created a friendlier and more competitive market that allowed smaller trading companies to rise up. While corruption is still an issue among trading companies, most traders and dealers would agree that the formation of the Merchant Coalition is a good force in the trading market.

Excerpts from Thunder's Recommendations Report

->Vertical Farms must be created near large population centres

Reason: In our current world, we were able to rely on flatland farming thanks to our infrastructure and relatively harmless wildlife. Xoth's wildlife joining our ecosystem will upset our infrastructure and make our food shipments sporadic. This leaves the world with two options. We either invest more into the military to both guard our farmlands and food transportation routes, or we create vertical farms by or within large population centres.

The second option would provide with many benefits. We would be able to grow crops year round, transport between the farm and population centre would be short and use less energy, more crops can be grown in a single area, and less security would be needed to protect the farm and transporters. The negatives associated with a vertical farm can be mitigated through current technology.

->Our meat supply needs to be addressed

Reason: Again, like mentioned in the previous recommendation about vertical farms, flatland farms presents many difficulties for farmers and livestock. Xoth wildlife would focus on hunting our livestock due to their low speed, lack of defenses, and low level. We are looking at a possible wide scale slaughter of worldwide livestock.

Our options are limited to address this problem. We need to either put all of our livestock in protected reserves, use insects as protein sources, rely on lab-grown meat, pay Xoth hunters to provide meat, or adopt a vegetarian diet.

VVVVVV

A week has passed since Tom and his friends arrived at the military facility. The facility's scientists observed Tom's team demonstrate most of their abilities. It was a surreal experience to them. The scientists and researchers at the facility were especially interested in their magic abilities. Tom's team was put through a battery of tests to show off the capabilities of their magic.

Tom and his team had sensors attached to them when they used magic or when they sparred against each other. The sensors were wireless so Tom and his team didn't have to worry about wire impeding their movement. These sensors monitored blood pressure, heart beats, and body temperature.

Other tests included using special cameras to record the usage of their magic. High-speed cameras were used to record their magic so it could be played back in slow motion. Tom found the infrared camera the most interesting as he was able to watch the temperature in his hand greatly shift as he cast his magic.

While casting a fireball, the slowed down video showed the colour of the air in his hand rapidly rise in temperature. The colour went from dark blue to purple to orange and finally white. Despite the temperature of the fireball, the colour around it remained dark blue. Even the temperature of Tom's hand remained the same. Tom and the scientists concluded that the fireball spell was contained within a protective energy field while in a person's hand. This energy field would dissipate as soon as it was launched.

After these many tests, Tom was able to learn more about the nature of magic. Magic wasn't just a type of energy as he thought before. Magic is a new set of rules and foundations for reality. Magic is capable of reforming or transforming reality with its wide array of capabilities that defy the law of conservation of energy. The implication of this new field excited the scientists involved in the examinations.

In Tom's room, the television turned on as an alarm to wake him from his sleep. The news started playing as Tom groggily got out of bed. The news network was replaying footage from the UN when Tom gave his speech to the General Assembly. The footage was interrupted by cutting to the news anchor.

"Breaking news," the anchor announced. "Canada has become the first nation to recognize the personhood of the people from Xoth. Insiders from the Canadian government have confirmed rumours that the four individuals from Xoth who fight by Thunder's side have been granted Canadian citizenship. The move has had mixed reactions from the world community. Most notably, Senator Samuel Hawke has had harsh words for the Canadian government's actions."

Footage from an interview with Hawke played on the screen. He stood at a podium in front of a large crowd waving American flags.

"Canada has committed one of the gravest breaches in its security and has left most of its allies at risk. We've barely known these Xoth aliens for more than a couple months and yet they have been granted citizenship in a major world power. We don't even know their names. Isn't it our right to know who they are? Our President has colluded with foreign powers to keep the identities of these aliens secret from Humanity." Hawke licked his lips and jabbed a finger at the audience. "We have been told that our world is supposed to fuse with Xoth in less than a year. After the events that have occurred up to this point, I'm willing to believe this phenomenon. However, we don't know at this point who are our allies and who are our enemies. It would be so easy at this point to trick us. Be a hero, gain the world's trust and be privy to Canada's security... Eventually the world's security. Now I want to make it clear to everyone listening. I'm not saying that Terra, Aurora, Pyre or Tempest are our enemies. What they have done for the world is admirable. What I am saying that we need to approach this situation with caution. We cannot immediately place our trust in anyone from Xoth until we can determine, with absolute certainty, their intentions. The very future of America. Of Humanity. Depends on this."

The crowd in front of him erupted into loud cheers.

Tom clicked the power button on the tv while mumbling, "What a fucking asshole." He lazily threw a shirt on. 'Well, it's been a week. Activate Lottery.'

You won nothing.

Notice

Lottery has reached Beginner Level 4.

"Well, fuck you too."

Quest:Deadly Sting

DifficultyDGiverKara

Time Limit12 hours

Conqueror Scorpions have appeared in the Perth, Australia. Good luck.

[tr]Reward

500 EXP

75 silver

Random set of potions

500 fame

Consequence For Failure

Hundreds will die

"Really, Kara? Arachnids again?"

Tom pulled out his phone and activated an app.

I just notify you of the emergences. I don't control them. You are usually more pissy than usual. Is Hawke really getting to you?

"If he was a nothing candidate, I wouldn't have much trouble with him," he said while typing on his phone. "What ticks me off is that this guy is second in the polls for the Presidential race and is within five percentage points of Marcus Rex. This guy riles up his base through negativity, and does so much double-talk that he can deny every terrible comment he makes. He might as well called my friends enemies of Humanity."

Well, you just need to prove them wrong. So you need to...

What are you doing?

"Well, I got this phone from the US President and just recently they installed a special app that allows me to type in the location of the monster appearance along with a quick description field to input the monster names and..."

An alarm was sounded in the facility. The noise was ear-piercing.

"Voila," Tom said. "Equip Set One."

Tom's gear formed around his body.

Well, good luck. And be sure to keep an eye out for those soldiers.

"Will do."

Tom exited his room to find the others already dressed in their battle gear.

"We're all ready," Vivian said.

"We taking the soldiers with us?" Reia asked.

"They are going to want to take as many missions with us as possible," Tom said. "I think they have body cameras now for the higher-ups to analyze."

The sounds of fast approaching, heavy footsteps was heard by the five of them.

"Speak of the devil."

"What's the situation?" Laura asked.

"We have extremely venomous, giant scorpions in Australia," Tom answered.

"How is that different than regular Australia?" Sam quipped.

"Car-sized scorpions," Tom corrected himself.

"More giant arachnids?" Chris muttered.

"My thoughts exactly. Is everyone ready to go?"

"Our weapons are ready," Laura replied.

"Ready yourselves because this is going to feel weird. Fast Travel to Deadly Sting quest location?"

"Deadly Sting?" David mumbled. "Oh shit...!"

The group teleported to Australia. It was early afternoon, local time, when they arrived. The UNDF soldiers were slightly dizzy from the sudden teleport. The area was suffering from a major downpour of rain. Sirens rang in the distance around them.

"This bodes well," Tom muttered.

"My drones won't work in this weather," Chris said.

"Then we'll be going in blind," Laura said. "We'll stay together and clear the area until the SYSTEM tells Thunder that there are no more scorpions left. We do have standing orders to try to capture live specimens if possible. It's not required but just suggested."

"So where are the scorpions?" Sam asked.

"Listen for screams or gunfire," Tom reminded. "That usually works for me."

Everyone went quiet to listen for anything outside of the sirens.

"I hear something," Sylmae said while her ears twitch.

"How can you hear anything over all this rain?" David asked.

"I have a high Perception." Sylmae pointed down the street. "Down that direction. I can hear some screams. I can't seem to hear any more from any other direction."

"Then that way we go," Tom said. "Tala, I'll need you to get on my back so we can get there quickly."

Of the entire group, Tala had the lowest Agility. Carrying her across longer distances was the only practical solution to make sure she remained close to the group. When it comes to who does the carrying, Tom was the most logical choice. He had the balance of high Strength and Agility that made carrying her an easy endeavour. Tala, herself, didn't mind being carried by him. Secretly, she kept her nose close to his neck to take in his scent.

"Move," Laura ordered her team.

Even with their HERC armour, Tom and his companions found that the soldiers could not match the speeds that most of Tom's group is used to. Vivian was the only one who kept pace with them at her max running speed. Tom, Reia and Sylmae had to slow themselves down to make sure they didn't leave the soldiers behind. The UNDF soldiers' safety was their responsibility while they were on missions together.

While running in the direction Sylmae pointed to, crowds of civilians were running in the opposite direction in a panic. The thickness of the crowd slowed Tom's and Laura's teams' progress.

"It seems we are heading in the right direction," Tom said.

"Seems like it," Laura said.

After five minutes of running, they came across an intersection where they heard loud scuttling. Tom stopped and placed Tala back on her feet. He signalled to everyone else that they were close. Laura and her team crouch on one knee and kept close to the wall.

Tom gestured with his hand that he was going to check around the corner. Laura nodded. Tom sneaked close to the corner and peeked around it. Barely fifty feet away, a Conqueror Scorpion ripped the door off of a police car with its pincers. The scorpion had a light brown tail and topside. Its sides and legs were a beige colour. Tom saw a drop of venom drip from its stinger and landed on its back.

The scoprion reached in the cop car and quickly pulled out a cop who was screaming. Before Tom could react to the situation, the scorpion rapidly stabbed the man in the chest with its stinger. Despite its size, the creature had extremely fast movements.

'Identify.'

Conqueror Scoprion

Level15RankC

Health1205/1255TypeUncommon

Conqueror Scorpions are extremely territorial hunters that will chase down and kill anything that enters it territory. During the day they like to hide under the sand or rocks to sleep and only come out either at night or when prey is nearby. Their stingers contain acidic venom that they are able to spray as an attack.

Resistances

Physical10%Disease/Toxin40%

Fire0%Plant0%

Ice-20%Earth20%

Lightning0%Water0%

Wind15%Spirit0%

Light0%Darkness0%

Tom pulled himself back around the corner. He signalled everyone to come closer.

"Okay, it's currently one scorpion," he whispered to everyone. "It's weak to ice but strong against earth and wind. Tempest, I want you to use Ice Enchant on our weapons. I then want you to follow up with Slow and then Ice Spike. We'll then all attack using our range abilities." Tom looked to the Marines. "Sounds good?"

"Sounds good," Laura replied.

"Everyone hold out your weapons," Sylmae said.

Everyone held out their weapons and Sylmae applied her magic to each of them.

Notice

Ice Enchant has reached Intermediate Level 1.

"On three," Tom said.

Tom lightly shook his hand and pointed out an additional finger each time his hand went down to count. Once he pointed out three fingers, Sylmae jumped around the corner and said, "Slow!"

An aura of purple energy surrounded the Scorpion slowing its speed down to a fraction of its normal speed. Sylmae fired off an Ice Spike that perfectly impacted its face and coated it in a small layer of ice.

Notice (Sylmae)

Ice Spike has reached Beginner Level 8.

Everyone came around the corner and attacked. Tom used a Lightning Strike enhanced Surge Strike, and Reia and Tala used an Ice Spike attack. The Scorpion reacted in pain to the attacks but the Slow magic made it move in a comical manner.

Notice (Tom)

Surge Strike has reached Intermediate Level 4.

Notice (Reia)

Ice Spike has reached Beginner Level 10.

Notice (Tala)

Ice Spike has reached Beginner Level 8.

Laura's squad moved out from around the corner and took a knee. They aimed their weapons at the eight-legged monster.

"Open fire!" Laura ordered.

The squad unloaded onto the ice coated monster. Tom was awe struck but how effective their weapons were once they were enhanced by both Tala's Enchantment and Sylmae's Ice Enchant. The guns wore away the hard shell of the scorpion until its insides were exposed.

Sylmae saw the weak point and aimed with her bow. She drew an arrow and fired it at the soft tissue. Sylmae released the arrow which flew alongside the bullets and impacted the weak point. The ice magic applied to the arrow exploded inside the wound and caused massive damage to the scorpion, killing it.

Your party has gained 400 EXP

Tala has levelled up!

Sylmae has levelled up!

Conqueror Scorpion have dropped one stinger.

"It's dead," Tom declared.

"How are you sure?" Sam asked.

"My party just gained experience and I just picked up its stinger."

"He's right, look," Chris said. "Its stinger just vanished."

Notice (Tom)

Loot Collector has reached Intermediate Level 4.

"That's for Colorado," Sam said in triumph as she watched the scorpion slowly fall to the ground.

"I must say, combining modern military weapons with magic seems to be an extremely powerful combination," Tom said.

"If we can replicate these enhancements on more weapons, we'll be able to put up one hell of a fight against Hastur."

"Is the mission complete?" David asked.

"No," Tom begrudgingly replied. "I'm not getting a quest complete message. The quest's description also mentioned scorpions plural. They must be nearby."

A loud hissing started to resonant throughout the area.

"Is that the rain getting harder?" Sam thought out loud.

"I don't think that's the rain," Vivian said. "Look."

More scorpions crawled out from alleyways down the street from them. Each of them heard the conflict on the street and came out to investigate. At least a dozen scuttled out from the alleys. Each of them were the size of a garbage truck. Much bigger than the one they killed.

"Oh, shit," Chris muttered.

"Tempest, I'm going to need your ice magic on my minigun," Sam said to Sylmae while unlatching her minigun from her ammo pack.

Sylmae applied her Ice Enchant spell on Sam's minigun. Sam held up her weapon and took aim. The scorpions held up their pincer claws and let out a loud guttural hiss.

"Now!" Laura yelled.

The barrel of Sam's minigun slowly spun and increased in speed before spewing out bullets. The scorpions charged forward. The bullets from Sam's minigun did a great deal of damage to any monster it impacted. The force of the bullets was enough to slow some of the scorpions' progress.

"Tempest, use your Group Slow!" Tom reminded.

"Group Slow!" she yelled.

Several of the scorpions in the horde slowed down allowing the soldiers to focus on the regular speed scorpions. Tom used Chain Lightning which hopped among several of the scorpions. The water that coated the scorpions only served to enhance the damage of the lightning to the scorpions.

"Don't let up!" Laura yelled to her team.

"These stupid bugs are just running into our gunfire," Sam said.

"They're not used to creatures like you," Vivian said while using Rock Throw to little effect. "You are basically attacking them with invisible attacks. They can't comprehend it. Too dumb."

Sylmae kept casting Group Slow to keep the scorpions from getting close to them.

"Keep it up," Tom yelled. "They're almost dead!"

The scorpions started to fall apart. Without any cover, the scorpions took the full damage output from Tom's and Laura's teams. Their armour tore away allowing the two teams' attacks to hit their soft insides more easily which in turn increased the amount of damage done to them.

With the combination of attacks, the scorpions were turned into chunks of foul-smelling green meat. One scorpion managed to get close to Sam before it collapsed onto the ground. Even though the creature was likely dead by the time it collapsed, Sam stomped her foot down on the creature's face turning it into mush.

"Squish like the bug you are," she said while breathing heavily.

Your party has gained 5200 EXP

Tom has levelled up!

Tom has levelled up!

Notice (Tom)

Due to reaching level 25, you will now only get increases to your stats every five levels instead of every level.

Reia has levelled up!

Reia has levelled up!

Tala has levelled up!

Tala has levelled up!

Tala has levelled up!

Sylmae has levelled up!

Sylmae has levelled up!

Sylmae has levelled up!

Vivian has levelled up!

Vivian has levelled up!

Notice (Tom)

Chain Lightning has reached Beginner Level 6.

Notice (Tom)

Enhanced Spells has reached Intermediate Level 3.

Notice (Reia)

Ice Spike has reached Intermediate Level 1.

Notice (Tala)

Ice Spike has reached Beginner Level 9.

Notice (Tala)

Enhanced Spells has reached Beginner Level 7.

Notice (Sylmae)

Group Slow has reached Beginner Level 8.

Notice (Sylmae)

Ice Spike has reached Beginner Level 9.

Notice (Vivian)

Rock Throw has reached Beginner Level 9.

"I levelled up a bunch," Vivian said.

"Same here," Reia said.

"It seems like the mission activity itself gives better experience that the quest completion," Tom thought aloud. "Disappointed that I don't get a better reward, but whatever."

"You're talking to yourself again," Reia said.

"Oh, sorry, sorry. Trapped in thought. Hmm. I got a notice that said I'll only get stat increases every five levels instead of every level. That sucks."

"Did you say every five levels?" Vivian repeated.

"Yeah. Why?"

"Well, you're not supposed to get the stat increases after level twenty-five."

"Kara never told me that."

"Not surprised. She is often called the Forgetful Go-ah," Vivian quick caught herself. "The Forgetful Sage. You usually have to ask her directly to get answers. Even then it can be frustrating to deal with her."

"Who's Kara?" Laura asked.

"She's my Xoth contact, so-to-speak," Tom replied. "You can thank her for the test on M-Day along with some Xothican items I have received like the bestiary and history book. I have notified the world leaders about her."

"Thunder, are we clear?" David asked.

Tom closed the windows that remained and watched out for a mission complete window.

"Shit, no," Tom replied. "There's still more. I haven't gotten a quest complete window."

"Then we need to keep going," Chris said.

"Can you give us a few minutes?" Tom asked.

"Really?" Sam scoffed.

"We just levelled a couple times," Vivian said. "It's pretty exhausting."

"Take your break then we'll continue," Laura said. "Don't take too long."

"Yeah, thanks," Tom said. "We won't be long."

Tom leaned against one of the cars that were abandoned on the street. The others did the same. Laura and her team kept guard. A quiet metallic noise was made in an alley just down the street.

Laura held up her hand and gestured to her team towards the noise. They walked down the street with their weapons drawn. Tom and his team watched as the UNDF soldiers reach the alleyway. Laura and Chris stacked up on on side of the alley entrance while Sam and David went to the other side. Laura went into the alleyway with Sam by her side while David and Chris stayed back to give them cover.

Laura and Sam slowly walked down the alley towards the source of the noise. Just a little ahead in the alley, the two came across a four-way intersection of alleys. The noise came around the corner to the left. Laura stood against the corner of the intersection and signalled Sam to hop out with her weapon ready.

Sam quickly moved around the corner with her shotgun readied and Laura popped out of her cover and had her weapon aimed at the source of the noise. They saw several turned over trash cans and a stray dog was digging through the spilled-out contents.

Sam let out a breath. "It's just a dog."

"Let's head back to the others," Laura said. "I think the others had enough rest."

"Yes, ma'am."

The two soldiers rejoined with David and Chris. They all turned back towards Tom and his group and saw something in the rain behind them. The thing was invisible and was only detectable due to the rain drops hitting it.

"Behind you!" Laura yelled.

Tom turned to see the giant invisible creature right behind Tala. The movement of the creature telegraphed its readiness to strike.

"Look out!" Tom yelled.

Tala turned and, due to a mixture of exhaustion and fear, she froze in place. She saw the creature raise its stinger and strike forward. Tala closed her eyes as a reaction, but she didn't feel the attack connect. She opened her eyes and saw Tom standing in front of her.

"Well..." he blurted out. "This seems familiar."

Tom had teleported in front of Tala and took the attack. The stinger was in him. Due to his physical resistance and armour, the stinger penetrated his skin but did not go too deep. Tom grabbed the stinger with his left hand and held up his sword with his right hand. He swung down with his sword and sliced off the stinger. The scorpion screamed from the attack and stumbled backwards while its cloak vanished revealing its form. It looked similar as the other Conqueror Scorpions but its colour was darker.

Conqueror Scoprion (Stalker)

Level18RankB

Health1485/1720TypeRare

Conqueror Scorpions are extremely territorial hunters that will chase down and kill anything that enters it territory. During the day they like to hide under the sand or rocks to sleep and only come out either at night or when prey is nearby. Their stingers contain acidic venom that they are able to spray as an attack. The Stalker variant is a mutation of this scorpion species. It is able to turn invisible and silently stalk its prey.

Resistances

Physical20%Disease/Toxin50%

Fire0%Plant0%

Ice-30%Earth30%

Lightning0%Water0%

Wind25%Spirit0%

Light0%Darkness0%

"Doesn't feel that great does it?" Tom said before falling to the ground.

"Tom!" Tala yelped. She crouched next to him.

"Take it down!" Vivian yelled.

Vivian used her magic to cause the ground to grow upwards and slammed down on the scorpion's legs, trapping it in place.

"Aurora, Tempest, get it!"

Reia aimed with her hand and fired off Ice Spikes at the trapped arachnid. Sylmae Enchanted her bow with Ice magic and carefully aimed at its face. She released her first arrow which went through one of the scorpion's eyes. Her attacks were joined by David who helped her eliminate the scorpion's eyes. Sam and Chris stood by Reia to help whittle down the creature's health.

Laura ran over to Tala and Tom. Tom was foaming at the mouth and was having a seizure. The venom of the scorpion was eating away at Tom's armour and skin.

"Is he going to be okay?" Laura asked Tala.

"Y-Yeah," she replied. Tala held her hand over the wound and said, "Purify."

Tom's seizures stopped and he was able to breathe more easily.

"Heal," Tala said.

The wounds healed back up. Tom slowly got back up and groaned.

"Conqueror Scorpions have extremely strong venom." Tala explained. "Even against someone with a high resistance to toxins like you."

"Thanks for the save, Pyre," Tom said as he patted her on the head. "I really owe you."

"Ah! Ah, no problem," she stuttered. A wide smile came to Tala's face from him patting her on the head.

By this point, each of the scorpion's eyes were popped by either arrows or David's sniper bullets. Sylmae enchanted Vivian's and Reia's weapons with ice.

"Finish it," Sylmae said.

Vivian and Reia ran towards the scorpion, David, Chris and Sam stopped their attacks as the two ran towards the giant arachnid. Reia gave herself an extended jump with her wings and aimed downwards with her spear while Vivian charged towards its face.

Reia slammed her spear through the scorpion's back. The creature released a pained scream. Blood gushed out of its back's wound. Vivian extended the handle of her hammer and swung downwards at its face. Its head splattered from the dwarf's attack. Any life the scorpion had left, left it as its blood drained from where its head once was.

Your party has gained 600 EXP

Congratulations

Your team has completed the quest Deadly Sting.

"We're good!" Tom yelled out to everyone. "Quest is complete."

Tom checked his Inventory to see what kind of potions he got from the quest. He found that he received half a dozen low quality Cure-Alls. Since his team was more-or-less immune to disease, Tom planned to give all of these potions to the scientists at the research base.

"Went better than the last mission," Chris said. "That's for sure."

"Magic really makes a difference," Laura added.

"Got some good experience and money for it," Vivian cheerfully said. "You okay, Thunder?"

Tom stretched one of his arms. "Ye-ah," he groaned.

"Aren't your friends immune to toxins?" Laura asked. "Why did you jump in front of her?"

"Well, toxins and acid are two different categories. The venom wouldn't harm her but the acid would. There was also no guarantee that any of our attacks would stop it from attacking Tala. Being a higher level, higher HP, better armour, and Physical Resistance, it was more logical for me to take the hit than her."

"Thank you," Tala shyly said.

"Is everyone okay?" Reia asked.

"I'm good," Sam replied.

"Same," Laura added. "I think we're all okay. Except for Thunder's armour."

Tom looked down to see the hole in the chest section of his armour. "Oh, this isn't a problem. Magical Repair."

The hole in the armour regenerated and closed up.

"Good as new."

"Goddamn magic," David mumbled under his breath.

"I just unlocked my second class!" Tala exclaimed.

"That's fantastic," Tom said.

"I also unlocked my second class," Sylmae mentioned.

"Could you two show me what classes are available to you both?" Tom asked. "It'll help with the SYSTEM guide."

"Sure," Tala said. "Look."

Healer

Your range and strength of your healing spells are greatly enhanced to cover the most dire injuries and vile diseases and toxins. Unlocking this class will boost your Intelligence (medium), Wisdom (medium) and Vitality (low).

Elementalist

The power of the elements are at your finger tips. Your elemental attack skills become more powerful and use less Mana. Unlocking this class will boost your Intelligence (very high) and Wisdom (medium).

Summoner

You are capable of summoning creatures to fight for you. The stronger you become, the more powerful creatures you can summon. Unlocking this class will boost your Intelligence (high) and Wisdom (high).

Buffer

You support your team by boosting their stats, granting shields, and empowering weapons. Unlocking this class will boost your Intelligence (medium) and Wisdom (very high).

Spirit Maiden

The spirits around you heed your call and aid you in battle. Spirits will amplify your strength and magical abilities. With this class you can see spirits and even exorcise evil spirits. Unlocking this class will boost your Intelligence (medium), Wisdom (medium) and Strength (low).

"Damn each of those classes seem really good," Tom muttered. "That Summoner class definitely seem like it would help the researchers on Earth."

"Which do you think I should go for?" Tala asked.

"Ta- Pyre," Sylmae said. "You shouldn't let others pick your class."

"Tempest is right," Tom said.

"You agree?"

Sylmae was somewhat surprised by Tom's comment. Since he was very hands-on when it came to their training, Sylmae expected Tom to be a little more controlling over their class choices.

"These decisions are permanent," Tom affirmed. "When it comes to your class decisions, it should be about what role you believe you are capable of fulfilling. Pyre, what class do you feel is you. What role makes you feel right?"

Tala crossed her arms and closed her eyes. The usually shy catgirl became serious and meditative. Tala opened her eyes and said, "Elementalist."

Notice (Tala)

You have selected the Elementalist class. Your base Intelligence has increased by 25 and your Wisdom has increased by 15. Your base Luck has increased by 10 points.

Notice (Tala)

Your Luck has reached 100. This has unlocked the skill "Roulette".

Roulette

TypePassive

RankBLevelBeginner 1 (0%)

Randomly in battle, you have a chance to inflict a critical hit regardless of location of impact on the enemy.

"My Luck has went over one hundred and unlocked a skill called Roulette," Tala declared. "It gives me a chance of getting a critical hit."

"Odd," Tom said. "When mine reached one hundred, I got a skill called Lottery. It seems like skills may vary depending on a person. Maybe?"

"It can, though some people may get rarer skills when they level," Vivian said. "Lottery is a very rare Luck skill."

"More information to add to the guide," Tom sighed.

"I guess you'll want to see what skills are available to me then?" Sylmae asked.

"If you don't mind," Tom said.

Archer

Your accuracy and damage with the bow is unparalleled. Armour becomes paper before your arrows, and few enemies will be able to see you before they are within your range. Unlocking this class will boost your Perception (high), Agility (low) and Endurance (low).

Hunter

You have dedicated your life to hunting monsters. This class enhances your abilities to track and attack monsters. You will be able to sense a monster's intentions in a fight and be able to pinpoint weakpoints. Unlocking this class will boost your Strength (low), Perception (low), Agility (low) and Endurance (low).

Assassin

A counterpart to the Hunter except your prey is people. To achieve your goal, this class will allow you to camouflage yourself to get in close for a precise strike. Unlocking this class will boost your Agility (very high) and Endurance (medium).

Duelist

You specialize in dual-wielding weapons and excel in close-quarters combat. While not as strong as a warrior, your agility allows you to dodge attacks more easily and counter attack with rapid attacks. Unlocking this class will boost your Strength (low), Endurance (low), Agility (low) and Vitality (low).

Scout

Not considered a combat class, but is important for exploration. Scouts have excellent vision and are able to create mental maps of areas they have explored. Scouts are able to reproduce these mental maps extreme accuracy. Unlocking this class will boost your Perception (very high), Agility (very low) and Endurance (very low).

"Fascinating," Tom said as he finished reading. "I'll be sure to add this info to the guide. So which class are you picking?"

"Archer," Sylmae confidently replied.

Notice (Sylmae)

You have selected the Archer class. Your base Perception has increased by 20, your Agility has increased by 10 and your Endurance has increased by 10. Your base Luck has increased by 10 points.

Notice (Sylmae)

Your Luck has reached 100. This has unlocked the skill "Roulette".

Notice (Sylmae)

Your Perception has reached 100. This has unlocked the skill "Enhanced Vision".

Enhanced Vision

TypePassive

RankALevelBeginner 1 (0%)

Your vision is capable of zooming on on far away locations. Levelling this skill will improve your viewing distance and types of visions.

"And with that, I now know what kind of skills unlock at 100 points for each stat," Tom said. "Thank you both for showing me this."

"No problem," Tala said.

"Sergeant, I checked our recording equipment and we managed to get everything on video," Chris said.

"We'll turn that in at the base and let the higher-ups analyze it," Laura said. "Thunder, you said there are no more scorpions?"

"Yeah, we're done here. We can head back to the base. Let me just give the all clear."

Tom pulled out his phone and pulled up the app on his phone. The app showed the quest as still active. Tom opened the app and pressed the all clear button. Almost on cue, the sound of sirens sounded in the distance and grew in volume.

"And there's the authorities," Reia said.

Tom's phone started to ring. He held it up and said, "This is Thunder."

"Tom, this is President Forest. I saw that you gave the all clear in Perth."

"We took care of the scorpions."

"I need you all to head to Stuttgart, Germany. Phoenix terrorists are rampaging in the area."

"Any idea of their goal?"

"No idea. As far as we can tell, they're just indiscriminately killing as many people as possible. We have confirmation of one person who is SYSTEM-enhanced."

"Darma?"

"I'm afraid not."

Quest:Stuttgart Massacre

DifficultyDGiverPresident Forest

Time Limit1 hour

The President of the United States has given you a mission to stop Phoenix terrorists from killing civilians.

[tr]Reward

100 EXP

100 fame

Consequence For Failure

Hundreds will die

'My first mission that I didn't find or was given by Kara!' Tom thought.

"We'll head there right away, Mister President."

"As for a more precise location, Chancellor Strauss said that the attacks is close to a football stadium called the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Good Luck."

"Thank you, Mister President."

Tom hung up his phone and placed it back into his Inventory.

"We have a new mission," Tom announced. "Phoenix is attacking a city in Germany called Stuttgart. We have confirmation of a SYSTEM-enhanced soldier. Not Darma. At the very least, we can take down one more major threat to our world and save many lives in the process. Everyone ready?"

Laura glanced back to her team and saw the look of determination on their faces.

"My squad is ready," Laura replied.

"We're ready as well," Vivian said.

"Fast Travel to Stuttgart Massacre quest location," Tom said as he activated his teleport ability.

VVVVVV

A dark room lit up as Artorius walked in. The room was fairly small with a door on the other end. On the walls of the room were a gallery paintings of mythological creatures from different countries around the world. Artorius approached the door on the other side of the room.

Artorius held his hand against a panel next to the door. On his withered hand was a ring made of bluish metal and had a symbol that contained writing of inhuman origin. The panel lit up with the same symbol as on the ring.

As the door opened, Artorius heard the door open behind him. He turned and saw his highest ranked subordinate walk in. The man was Caucasian and extremely tall at over two meters in height. He wore a black suit and porkpie hat. The man had a wide smile that he wore naturally.

"Tep," Artorius greeted.

"I thought I would find you in the vault, Castus."

"Has our guest left?"

"He has. As you requested, a tracker was placed on him. While we cannot track him while he is in the shadow dimension, the tracker seems to remain unharmed during his transitions. Mordiggian is on his way towards the Northwest Territories of Canada as we speak."

"I want a satellite on him at all times while he is outside of the shadow dimension."

"Already done."

Artorius gestured for Tep to follow him into the vault. Tep followed him inside. The vault room was very large and well lit. The room was filled with glass display cases. Each of them held various weapons, shields, armour and relics.

"Are you sure it was a wise idea to give Mordiggian one of your rings? You only have two of them. And let's not forget the relic you also gave him."

"The best way to manipulate someone is to convince them that your plan was their idea in the first place," Artorius replied. "Mordiggian wants to destabilize our world, I gave him an idea of how to do so. The ring and relic will aid him in that pursuit. He believes he will be doing Humanity great harm. In actuality, his actions will only help us."

"And what of Thomas Everett and the four Xothicans?"

Artorius stopped in place upon hearing the name. "What I am... After everything I've done... Becoming a participant on M-Day was my right."

The two men stopped in front of the back wall of the vault. Three lights illuminated a red stone tablet that hung on the wall. The tablet was five meters in width and three meters high. It was crudely carved by a large sharp tool to depict a series of images. In the top center of the tablet was two orbs merging together. The outer edges of the tablet showed ghastly waves and tendrils that stretched towards the center. The center of the tablet displayed over a dozen individuals who had an aura of light around each of them.

"Then it's true," Tep said. "The connection between the participants."

"They weren't chosen by chance," Artorius stated. "The DNA of the other participants were tested by our people. They are just like me."

"Couldn't Thomas be an asset to us though? He is SYSTEM-enhanced and blessed by the goddess."

"While true, Thomas is an uncertainty in our plans. The longer he lives, the more likely he'll expose us to the public. Our organization survived this long by remaining in the shadows and influencing Human development from the shadows through money and politics. So long as Thomas Everett lives, Humanity will not remain the dominant race. However, Thomas Everett has become a symbol for this world. He cannot simply die. It would raise too much attention. We have to turn this world against him first before removing him. Is the cyber division ready to disseminate the data on the internet?"

"They will begin tonight."

"We plant the seeds of mistrust and doubt in the general population. It will escalate from there."

"And the Xothicans?"

"Those four must live but must be under our control." Artorius pointed towards a metal brand that was held inside a thick glass case that hung on the wall. "We do that, and we guarantee Humanity's future dominance. Darkness is coming, and we must be ready. Sadly, it seems like I need to become more hands-on with current events."

Artorius walked over to a stand with a glass case that contained a chalice. The chalice was made of blue steel like Artorius' ring and had several bands of gold on the cup and shaft. Nonhuman words were carved all over the cup section of the chalice. Artorius opened the case and pulled out the chalice. As soon as he grabbed it, the chalice started to fill with a clear and sparkling liquid.