Allen had no idea that he was currently the topic of conversation in the forums. After leaving the and returning to his workshop, he logged out to eat the cake he brought home, then rest and sleep.

He was completely exhausted. The intense training and the fight against the Vulpia pack immediately took its toll after he logged out. His knees felt weak, and his body ached. A splitting migraine attacked his head.

This was something that he had already expected. Whenever he used his ‘mental simulation’ in a game too much, he would experience extreme fatigue in the real world after logging out. There had been more severe cases than this one, like that last battle he had with BlackPrincess. Sleeping for a few hours would easily relieve the fatigue.

It was three in the morning when he woke up. The pain and sense of exhaustion were now gone without a trace. Allen made coffee and ate the rest of the cake. He then logged in and went back to Hazard Frontier Online.

As soon as he entered the game, the first thing he did was to access his terminal. He had not checked the rewards he got before logging out earlier.

You currently have 350 Crystal Energy stored.

Stored Crystal Energy will be automatically transferred to you when you access the terminal.

+350 Crystal Energy

Rank 0 —> Rank 7 (350/500)

’Finally, some actual progress.’

Allen felt relieved seeing the message. He was now just three ranks away from Rank 10 and only needed 150 Crystal Energy. When he does, he will be able to class up to Class II.

Next, he organized the raw materials he had gathered. The members of the base who fought during the defense had kept their promise and sent the materials to him. Most of it were bones, claws, fangs, hides, and crystal shards of Vulpia. Honestly, Allen did not know what sort of item would required those as materials. All he could think of where the bone weapons and armor in a game called Monster Hunter. Nevertheless, he did not discard them.

After organizing the materials, he finally checked the blueprint that Dr. Pheol had given him. The doctor had called it a short gun. To Allen, it looked like a hand-held mini-cannon.

The blueprint contained all the information needed to make a short gun. What type of materials as well as the amount, the process used to create individual parts before fusing them all together, restrictions, variable components, and substitutable materials. The individual parts and components’ functions were also explained in detail. The doctor had also included suggestions and ideas he had formulated through theories that could be used but were not implemented yet.

“The doctor’s dedication on this research of his is really amazing.”

Allen sighed in admiration. He took the blueprint and registered it on the crafting table. He used the crafting table’s holographic simulation function to apply the design from the blueprint. By using this function, he could conduct trial and error crafting without wasting any and materials in the process.

The short gun was completed.

Short Gun Prototype

This weapon was designed by Dr. Kevin Pheol of Base 19.

Cartridge Energy Consumption: 5 per shot

Cartridge Maximum Energy: 50

Damage: 40 Slash(0.0) Pierce(0.5) Strike(0.5)

Indeed, the damage is quite low. Despite being a ranged weapon, it is unable to deal much damage. It would have been fine if the shots that could be made were not limited.

“Maybe replace the cartridge with a component that absorbs energy in the surroundings?”

Allen started thinking up of ideas that could be used to improve the weapon. The idea of substituting the cartridge with a different source of energy was something that Dr. Pheol had suggested. He then remembered the leeching function of Novo.

Filled with excitement, he tried adding the same function on the short gun. This time, though, he changed it up so that instead of absorbing the from the target, it absorbed the of the user. The absorbing function could only be used on contact, so it was not possible to absorb energy from the target that would be a distance away. Approaching the target just to absorb energy was also an option, but that would counter the purpose of using a gun.

It was a success, and Allen rejoiced. This was the first step in realizing Dr. Pheol’s dreams.

Short Gun Prototype (can be renamed)

This weapons was designed by Dr. Kevin Pheol and modified by CrySol AllIsDead of Base 19.

Max Energy: 50

Reload - Convert user’s into Energy for ammunition. No cool-down. Amount of consumed depends on the amount reloaded with a ratio of 1:1.

Damage 40 Slash(0.0) Pierce(0.5) Strike(0.5)

Although it was a good idea, this extra function had a flaw: Only CrySols can use this gun.

“That and the damage is still a bit low…”

In a drawn out battle, the need for instantaneous burst damage can play a great role to turn the tides. A weapon that consumes essential resources such as and deals low damage was inefficient and detrimental to such types of battle.

“Hmm… The size serves as a constraint to the amount of power a shot could contain, thus the decrease in damage with decreased size…”

Increasing the size was out of the question, as one of the selling points of the short gun was its small size and easy handling. Maybe equipping two short guns could make up for that, but it would double resource consumption, and it would also remove the option of equipping another weapon or defensive equipment like a shield.

“Using two is the simplest way to increase the damage, but is there a way to reduce the resource consumption?”

He wracked his brains for a solution. After a few minutes, he sat down on the bed to rest for a while.

“If there’s only a way to absorb the energy from the target…”

As he whispered that to himself, he remembered another game similar to Monster Hunter. It was also similar to the setting and theme of Hazard Frontier Online.

Allen once again went to the crafting table. He unequipped Novo and placed it on the table, then started to use the innovate function. He then extracted the necessary components from the short gun’s blueprint such as the barrel, energy storage, and the energy conversion component, enough for two short guns.

He then remodelled Novo’s 1st Form so that he could attach those parts without affecting the sword’s properties and functions, focusing on the area around the guard. Finally satisfied with the appearance, Allen smiled. If looking from an outsider’s point of view, the bulky guard did not seem to have any purpose other than to improve the weapon’s aesthetics.

He then switched to the other two forms and did the same, making sure that the extra parts did not hinder the transformation of the sword. With all that done, Allen could barely hide his excitement. What he had just done was only a preparation for the idea he got.

With a strange smile on his face and deft hands operating the equipments on the crafting table, Novo was gradually changing into something more absurd.

An hour passed, then two. Every now and then, Allen would make a displeased face. He had made a mistake somewhere, but that didn’t hinder him from starting all over again.

Three hours… four hours…

Allen had already lost his sense of time as he was completely absorbed with the task at hand. He didn’t expect it to be this complicated. The initial crafting he did to create Novo was much simpler. That was because he only had to change and improve the design and add special functions. This time, he was integrating another system into the blade. He had to make sure that the design was seamless and without fault, despite the complexity of the integrated system.

After a few more hours, Allen let out a deep breath and fell down on the ground. The task he had just completed was as tiring as a battle of life and death. He was mentally and physically exhausted, yet thinking about the success he had just achieved made him stand back up on his feet. His eyes rested on the object on the table.

It was still the same double-edged blade, but it could be seen that it had much more components installed. Before, the design was simple and efficient. He then modified it to allow transformation. The transformation function used to move the components around during transformation, then hold them in place as if it was one whole object.

Now, crystal shards could be seen jutting out of the guard. Some had also appeared at the part of the blade that was connected to the guard. This was the effect of the increase in the amount of used for the transformation as there were much more components now, and the transformation sequence had become more complicated.

The blade had also changed in color from a light silvery gray to black. Inspecting the blade closely, the surface of the blade was actually a layer of transparent crystal and underneath that was a deep black core that seemed to emit a wild aura. This change in color happened when he used the Vulpia crystal shards as material for reforging the blade. Unexpectedly, the fangs, bones, and claws could be mixed with the crystal shards to form a strange alloy similar to a metallic one. He had used this to make the short gun components.

The final product seemed to be alive and calling for Allen. Slowly, he reached out for it. When his hand touched the hilt, he felt a strange sense of comfort, as if he was finally where he belonged. He equipped the sword, and it formed a black band around his arm. When he unsheathed it, a strange energy burst out along with the formation of the sword, as if a wild animal had finally been set free.

“Novo… Vulpia.”

That was the name he gave the sword, and it was truly fitting.

Novo Vulpia

A weapon made with the remains of countless Vulpia. The beasts’ souls are contained in this weapon.

Special Abilities:

1st Trigger: Enhance - Increases the damage of this weapon by 100% for 5 seconds. 2 minute cool-down.

1st Form - Handle in default length: Double-edged Sword. No cool-down.

2nd Form - Handle Pulled to Extend + 2nd Trigger: Blunt Sword. No cool-down.

3rd Form - Handle Pushed to Shorten + 2nd Trigger: Twin Gunblades. No cool-down.

4th Form - Handle Pulled to Extend + 3rd Trigger: Gunlance. No cool-down.

Gun Shot (3rd and 4th Form only) - 2nd Trigger: Shoots compressed energy through the equipped gun barrel. No cool-down. Consumes 5 ammunition energy.

Blade Shot (3rd Form only) - 3rd Trigger: Shoots the blade toward a target. Detached blade is equipped with gun barrel, and Gun Shot ability could still be used. Press the 3rd Trigger again to return the blade. No cool-down. Consumes 10 ammunition energy.

Reload - Convert user’s into Energy for ammunition. No cool-down. Amount of consumed depends on the amount reloaded with a ratio of 1:1.

Passive: Consume - Absorbs a small amount of from injury contact with enemy. 1% Vitality recovered per hit done by blade.

Passive: Replenish - Absorbs a small amount of from injury contact with enemy. 10% of missing ammunition energy recovered per hit done by blade.

Max Ammunition Energy: 100

Damage:

1st Form - 100 Slash(1.5) Pierce(1.0) Strike(0.0)

2nd Form - 100 Slash(0.0) Pierce(0.0) Strike(2.0)

3rd Form - 50 Slash(1.5) Pierce(1.0) Strike(0.0) (Melee)

40 Slash(0.0) Pierce(1.0) Strike(0.5) (Range)

4th Form - 100 Slash(1.0) Pierce(1.5) Strike(0.0) (Melee)

80 Slash(0.0) Pierce(1.0) Strike(0.5) (Range)

Even Allen was amazed by his own creation. He had spent 500 creation points in the innovation of the original Novo and the recreation of the separate components of the short guns.

He recorded the blueprint which was automatically made by one of the equipments on the crafting table. At first he thought of putting the blueprint up to sell, but changed his mind. He would only record it in the database as proof that he was the first person to create this weapon.

Satisfied, Allen began to think of what else he needed to do before accepting another quest. Looking down at himself, he thought of maybe changing his clothing. There was no rule that he had to wear the base’s uniform.

“Time to make use of those credits.”

He accessed the terminal and opened the function. There were actually a lot of items being sold, mostly raw materials for crafting. Then there were the equipments and consumable items which were also quite plenty. The least in quantity were the player-made skills.

“Hmm… Maybe I should also try crafting a skill next time I get Creation Points…”

For now, Allen was more interested in getting a new outfit. He also remembered that his supply of consumables was low. He had used up all his and in the last battle. He bought a stack each of the two, costing him 1200 Credits total.

He browsed the outfits for sale, ignoring high-defense armors and leather ones. He was the type of player whose defense play-style was focused on dodging and parrying instead of wearing cumbersome armor. He needed a light getup to be able to let his body swiftly respond to his ‘mental simulations’ during combat.

After scrolling for a while, something finally caught his eye. It was a white set that somehow reminded him of his robe back when he played as the priest LessHealMoreKill. The upper garment was a closed long-sleeved white vest with tailcoats and padded inner fabric. The collars were raised and formed a full circle around the neck. For the hands, there was a pair of fingerless gloves with textured pads for the palms to increase grip. The belt was also on top of the vest, holding it in place. The pants were tightened around the thighs by a pair of small belts for each legs. The bottom part of the pants were tucked into a pair of boots.

The entire outfit was white with dark gray linings. It also hugged the figure nicely. It wasn’t too tight that it hindered movement. It also was not too lose that it made flapping noises when moving. In fact, only the tailcoat seemed to be the loose part, and that was only when he was moving. When standing still or in a combat stance, the tailcoat seemed to be as steady as he was while slightly draped over his legs.

The set had cost him 5000 Credits. He did not really know if it was cheap or not as it was not a defensive item and its only purpose was for aesthetics.

After that, he went back to the to share the blueprint of his new weapon to Dr. Pheol. It might be able to help him make a breakthrough for his research.

He the went to to take a quest.

“The hero’s here.”

Director Ostwald greeted him as soon as he entered. All the other personnel inside the room looked at him with gazes of admiration. They smiled and bowed at him in acknowledgement.

“Hero is a bit… too much. I don’t deserve of such praise.”

“If you don’t deserve it, who would? We owe a lot to you now, soldier. I had actually wanted to reward you more, but the financial situation of the base isn’t looking too good. Are you here for a mission?”

“Yes. I was hoping I could take one a bit further away from the base.”

“Hmm… Just talk to Karen then.”

“Okay.”

The director led Allen to Karen Juris before returning to his duties. Karen smiled at Allen and briefed him of the available quests he could take.

There were only two available, and they were both dungeon raid missions.

“It’s highly suggested that you form a group for this type of missions.”

“But there’s no one I can form a group with right now…”

“Haha, stop kidding me, sir. I’m sure everyone right now wants to form a group with you, but they all feel intimidated by your strength. They probably think that they are not worthy enough to be in the same group as you.”

“Everyone?”

As far as Allen could remember, he was the only player in Base 19. He had not seen any new player appear either. What Karen said did not make any sense to him, unless…

“Yep. Everyone in the base right now who joined the defense earlier. They all saw your capabilities and truly admire you from the bottom of their hearts.”

So it was really that. Allen thought that it might be a mercenary system where he could hire NPCs to join his party to make questing easier.

“I see… I forgot about that. I’ll take a mission for now, and then see if I could invite anyone on my way out.”

“Good luck!”

He went through the same procedure of having his registered for the quest.

Securing a Resource Spot

The den that the Vulpia used was now empty after the pack had been wiped out in the previous battle for the defense of Base 19. The den was found approximately 10 kilometers to the east. Monster dens are usually filled with resources that the base could use.

Head to the den and secure the location.

“There’s a new add-on function for your Communicator sent through your terminal. It will be necessary for the mission, so make sure you install it!”

With that, Allen left .

Base 19 had a bar and lounge where the other soldiers and personnel spend their time to rest and recreate. Crystal Soldiers in fact do not need to eat food. The energy they need for metabolism was now being provided by the in their bodies. They eat to taste different flavors every now and then, while others were just unable to discard the habit of having to eat at least a meal each day.

As Allen entered, all eyes turned on him. This was a natural reaction on almost every public place, but this time, their gazes didn’t shift away from him. They all had expectant looks.

There was another reason why a person would go to the bar and lounge other than to rest and recreate, and that was to look for members in forming a group.

He scanned the bar and found Jake talking with a girl who seemed to still be in her teenage years. He quickly approached their table and greeted him.

“Hey, Jake!”

“What?!”

Jake was a bit annoyed when he was called. It was obviously because he was trying to hit on the girl before him. She had already seen Allen approached, and chuckled when Jake grumpily answered him back.

“Oh, it’s you. Haha! I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Come, sit!”

Allen ignored the sudden change in attitude and sat down on the chair beside the girl. He did this intentionally to tease Jake. The girl seemed to have noticed his intention and did not say anything.

“D-do you need something?”

Seeing Jake suppress his annoyance was a sight to see. Allen could barely hold in his laughter.

“I’ve taken a mission, I need a ride, and I need a group for back up.”

“I can give you the ride.”

“Don’t you want to join in the group?”

“Oh, I might look like this, but I’m not much of a fighter.”

“I want in!”

The girl suddenly interjected in their conversation.

“My name’s Alexia Vindum, and I’m a medic trainee!”

She was filled with so much enthusiasm that Allen could only nod his head at her. Seeing that, Jake sighed.

“Alright, count me in. Don’t expect too much from me, though.”

“Sure, sure.”

This was Allen’s first group in Hazard Frontier Online.