~Cobb POV~

Fuck my head...

I looked over JST's shoulder and noticed his burns, he didn't seem particularly in pain so I ignored it. The mana loss is really fucking with me, the cover of the skillbook is moving. Colors are flying all across the cover and oh my god my fucking head. I could feel throbbing aches pulse through my head. I didn't dare reach for my magic, I might actually faint. The pain was a distraction, every thought brought on small spikes of pain that I could only barely endure.

Looking at my status bars I was at 95% red, 50% yellow and 10% blue. My stamina was low from running around gathering dirt and using Hyperfocus, I had to cover for Jones, which in turn lowered my mana a good amount. I wanted to conserve my MP and wait for JST to herd them together like I signaled. As it was I ended up using too close to my limit, so much so that when I unleashed the controlled inferno I almost depleted all my mana. I didn't even get to color it green like I wanted to, my focus was too fucked up.

"This sucks so much ass." I moaned. "This has to be one of the heavier penalites for low mana I've experienced." Jones was peering at the lip of the root walls that enclosed us. My Hunted Sense informed of my various annoyed glares nothing close to hostile though.

JST noticed him peering. "Yeah, lets head in." He said. We followed behind Jones as he walked into the gap in the base of tree.

As the sounds of battle faded along with the adrenaline the surroundings came alive. There were no trees to rival the Great Tree but still the sounds of animals could be heard from over the roots, buzzing flies assaulted us, they had become larger as we approached the lair. My brothers would kill them with deadly precision but with an effort of will I myself ignored them. There was eerie silence that was even louder than the sounds around us. You would think with this proximity to the Geckan Lair Tree Lair something would be heard. No, complete silence from the tree.

We weren't strangers to pain, experiencing it at length in real life through our sparring. It's no surprise my brothers have no problems dealing with the physical damage dealt in the virtual world. But my brothers have never dabbled in magic, they are ignorant of the mental strain that comes with it. Mana has always been linked to the mind, in most VR games, Contavia for example, the lower your mana the harder it is to concentrate. Your mana is still there but being able to use it effectively becomes increasingly difficult. For Twoen to hit me with enough mental block to stagger me, it was impressive, it was painful, it was a challenge, and it made this world just a little more difficult.

I smiled, exhaling my excitement, my black eyes are probably sparkling. It was something that the cycling pain couldn't take off my face.

I decided to look up my Character Sheet.

Class: Animator Name: Cobb

Titles: Prey Turned Predator, The Green One

HP: 264/268 Lvl: 26

Effects:

Race Jjerg: +10 INT, +5 END, +5 STR, +5 WIS, +10 MND

Prey Turned Predator: +25 INT, +25 WIS, +20 AGI

The Green One: +7 CHR, + Can color things under your magical control an emerald green

Animator: +20 WIS each level

MP:30/321

SQP: 17/125 SP: 104/210 STR: 15 CHR: 17 END: 15 MND: 10 INT: 208 AGI:20 WIS: 257 ENL:125 LUK: 10 Stat Points:

Rock Camoflauge (Race Skill) - Beginner 9 (87%)

Hunted Sense - Intermediate 9 (50%)

Inform - Advanced 1 (22%)

Hyperfocus - Intermediate 10 (62%)

Earth Magic - Advanced 6 (12%)

Storytelling - Beginner 6 (25%)

Animate (Class Skill) - Beginner 4 (10%)

Fire Magic - Advanced 2 (15%)

It didn't escape my attention that the system removed my Unarmed Combat, likely from a lack of use. I demonstrated some skill in it so I was rewarded with the skill but sometime along the way I lost it since after that I barely used it. Of course the fact that I didn't even think about it probably added to the judgement of the system. It wasn't something I was gonna be using anyway.

I leveled up twice and put points into my new stat Enliven or ENL. That bought up my available Squad Points up to 17. Yep, I was looking pretty good, Inform leveled up to Advance, Hyperfocus leveled up and Earth Magic leveled up. My Fire Magic jumped to Advanced 2. It was understandable since to the system I discovered the magic in about 10 minutes, I went from sparking a candle to a full on blazing fire tornado, add to that I formed the fire around my brother, a feat which required immense control on top of creating the tornado in the first place, and I did it while distracted with the penalty from the lack of mana. Yeah, I can see the reasoning behind the system.

Fire Magic - Advanced 2 (15%)

The element of Fire is the most unpredictable and destructive of the Elements. Many practitioners are scarred or maimed in their early years but when a Fire Mage reaches their apex, they are near unstoppable. The number of Fire Mages has been at a steady constant for years, unfortunately practitioners of Fire are prone to early deaths but that doesn't stop young mages seeking power.

Effects:

+66% effectiveness of offensive magic

+24% effectiveness of utility based fire magic

+Fire attributed creatures are friendlies by 10%

I read the bonuses and noticed the obvious similiarites to Earth Magic.

Earth Magic - Advanced 6 (60%)

Your innate sense for the Earth has awarded you with ability to manipulate it. Earth magic is the most practical of elemental magics. Earth Mages are sought out often for the pure utility they bring to the table. Unlike the other elemental magics Earth is solid and with the ability to manipulate something solid comes the ability to create.

+78% effectiveness of offensive magic

+48% effectiveness of contructs of Earth

+Earth attributed creatures are friendlier by 30%

A loud ding rang in my ear. A flashing prompt assaulted my peripheral.

I tried to will it to appear mentally but the concentration required was the final straw, throbbing pain shot up my brain and I fainted after catching glimpses of blue.

NOTICE:

Rock Tree Boa has gone too long without influence by its creator. As such the bond between Animation and Animator has been weakened. The magic inherent in the creature will soon fade.

Time Remaining:

4:59

NOTICE:

The God of the Uncharted and Untamed Beasts, Gyru has taken keen interest in your creature. The Rock Tree Boa hunting techniques, camoflauge, cunning and intelligence had brought it the attention of the presiding diety. The Rock Tree Boa continued to earn favor through the various killings of Geckans who upset the balance of the Uncharted, 167 confirmed killings in the span of barely half a day. Through divine intervention and Gyru's power over Untamed Beasts, Rock Tree Boa has been gifted life once again, free to roam the Uncharted. Your Squad Points have been returned as Rock Tree Boa is no longer connected to you.

Effects:

+Gyru notices you

~LoneJones~

"He fucking fainted!" JST called from behind me.

"Dang the headache must suck." I sympathized.

"Yeah, I should've told him my trick to deal with headaches." JST said hoisting a limp emerald body over his shoulder.

"And whats that?" I asked turning around. I had stopped at the entrance of the tunnel made by the roots, my hairs were still.

"To fucking suck it up." JST said as he passed me. His figure dissapeared for a while before the roots on the floor started to glow faintly under his feet. It was dim but the purple glow lit up the tunnel enough for us to see, even though we both didn't need it. Motes of dust drifted in the tunnel, disturbed by our movement and visible through the glow of the roots.

We walked for a long time through the tunnel before I had to move ahead and empty a room, flashing prompts distracted me but I had to find a safe area before checking, it would be dangerous if I wasn't paying attention while Cobb was unconcious. A change in air caught my attention and I signaled a halt. Using my septules I stuck to the wall of the tunnel we were in, climbed to the ceiling and entered the next room crawling on the roots above and out of sight. Thankfully the roots on the ceiling didn't have the same effect on the ones on the floor. I paused on the ceiling, I was sticking to it with all fours, my hairs helped me track dimly lit Geckans below but that was the least of my problems. Something was up here with me. With my increased Perception, I was about to move before I felt something breathing, I could hear it clearly if I completely focused on my hearing, I stayed still for what seemed an eternity, something I had done many times before. With a soft breath it moved, crawling lightly on the roots I followed the displacement of the air, it positioned itself above one of the two Geckans. At that point I realized what it was.

We dropped together with a silent screech, barely perceptible but there nonetheless. It dropped on the first silently, sank its twin daggers in the mottled colors of a Scoutsassin, and tied it up as it fell, gently laying it down so as not to make noise. Not one to be outdone, I had the strange urge to show off, yet the uncanny instinct to keep the Geckan alive. Activating Hyperfocus I dropped and time slowed down, the creature from earlier had taken out its daggers and watched me as it finished tying up the Geckan, I took this all in as I fell, at the same time I felt JST still in the tunnel to the side waiting for me to finish. Turning back to my prey I slowed my descent by carving a gash into its side, before a sound could be made I twisted my body nimbly as my dagger caught on bone and kicked it in the throat, before a move could be made I quickly swung up and wrapped my legs around its neck. With a jerk I broke its spinal cord, pushed off with my legs, backflipping onto my feet, and nine feet of Geckan fell over paralyzed,. The dim purple glow of the roots on the floor caught its body, and it lay there wide eyed and breathing heavily.

I watched the creature from the ceiling approach, sink its twin daggers into the neck and wrap up the body with its white rope. I watched its movements in slow motion, they were precise and practiced, something done a million times and i admired its task. With two white cocoons I looked into eight blinking eyes, it turned and crawled up the ceiling dragging up two bodies against the wall, its six free legs skittering upwards. The creature left the soft glow of the floor and I was left amid distrubed dust and purple loneliness. It would leave us alone.

I trilled the trill of a bird from another world. Heavy but silent footsteps were followed with purple light and JST came into view. He walked through and his movements activated the roots, the dim light was thrown across the walls and it caught my gaze, sprawling roots grew on top of each other, pockets of shadow where light never reached were nestled between them, they twisted and crawled over each other creating this cave. The motes of floating dust added to the ambience, it seemed devoid of life, still and beautiful but proof to the contrary lay in the shadows above.

"We're safe here." I said. "Let's wait for Cobb to wake up." I stood there alone in the middle of the chamber.

"And where the fuck are the bodies?" JST asked suspiciously. "I don't feel anything and you're literally just standing there alone glowing purple."

"Oh, oops. Yeah, I made friends with a giant spider up there." I pointed up. "He's probably eating them right now." I explained.

JST's face was deadpan. "Oook..." He breathed. "Fucking creep." He muttered, forgetting that I have super hearing right now.

I ignored it, walking around I realized the glowing roots were slightly bouncy so I found a big one that was trying to crawl up against the wall and sat down, leaning against it. It was comfortable.

Admiring the slow floating dust and purple glow of the cave I brought up my Character Sheet.

Class: - Name: LoneJones

Title: The Fast One

HP: 209/209 Lvl: 26

Effects:

Race Sperid: +30 AGI, +10 PER

The Fast One: +50 AGI

MP: 35/51

SP: 160/235 STR: 10 CHR: 10 END: 45 AGI: 140 INT: 10 PER:75 WIS: 10 LUK: 10 Stat Points:

Sensitive Hairs (Race Skill) - Advanced 1 (6%)

Hyperfocus - Advanced 1 (4%)

Unarmed Combat - Advanced 1 (1%)

Evasion - Advanced 3 (2%)

Dagger Mastery - Beginner 10 (17%)

Illusion Magic - Beginner 2 (0%)

It seemed that the illusion I made of myself took a good percentage of my MP. I leveled up twice so I split up the 10 points between END and PER, I had felt the drain on my reserves hanging upside down from the ceiling, but the fact that I couldn't sense my friend from earlier spooked me.

Illusion Magic - Beginner 2 (0%)

Illusion Magic is a Specialized Magic which can only be learned through special methods. Illusions are deceitful and underhanded, fake and tricky, dishonorable and disrespectful but most importantly illusions are beautiful. The magic itself is as wild and unpredictable as Fire Magic, but it is as fickle and difficult to grasp as Light Magic or Dark Magic, Illusionists are known to occasionally go insane and become lost in their illusions.

Effects:

+6% duration of illusions left alone

After using the skill book the basics of Illusion Magic flooded into my mind, naturally my first thought earlier was to play a prank on my brothers. The skill was amazing. It was perfect, with this the normal assassinations and whatnot wouldn't be as boring. It also happened to be my fifth and final skill needed to get my class. I ignored that last part.

Class Notice!

You have met the requirements to choose your Class! Significant actions and constant battle has given us enough data to suggest you your Classes! The minimum of five skills has just been met!

Available Classes:

Assassin

Illusionist

Explorer

Ninja

Guerilla

Hunter

Assassin

In the dead of night, when the silence is the loudest the Assassin strikes. When a stray shadow catches your attention and you sigh relief as a cat scurries by the Assassin is there to catch your breath. The Assassin lives in the gap of your vision where you never look. Your tendency for swift kills and single target eliminations align with the spirit of the Assassin.

Effects:

+10 LUK per level

+10 AGI per level

+Class Skill: Assassinate

Illusionist

A rock could just as well be a Leviathan when an Illusionist is present. Masters of the fake the Illusionist could just as well be the Warrior beside you or the Archer in front of you, most likely however he is the tree behind you. The Illusionist is a passive Class that manipulates his foes rather than taking direct actions, waiting for the prime moment to strike. Your knowledge of the Unique Magic and ability to stay out of the enemies attention work in tandem with this Class's playstyle.

Effects:

+10 INT per level

+10 WIS per level

+Class Effect: Upper Tiers of Illusion Magic unlocked

+Skill: Illusion Magic

Explorer

The Explorer travels the world, fearless and adventerous. Often alone he discovers Ancient Ruins, Monster Lairs, and Landmarks, drawing up Maps to sell for profit. Occasionally Explorers are granted Unique Quests due to the magnificent locations they end up finding themselves in. Your tendency to scout ahead into the unknown alone, paving the way for your team line up with the Explorer.

Effects:

+40 END per level

+Class Skill: Navigate

+Class Skill: Internal Map

Ninja

The Ninja is agile, nimble and fast. Efficient and deadly the Ninja requires a subtle hand to guide his blades. The Ninja is most comfortable on walls and ceilings remaining unseen to the naked eye. Four of five skills plus your Race Skill as a Sperid work together to strengthen the way of the Ninja, making this Class well suited to your playstyle.

Effects:

+35 AGI per level

+Class Skill: Ninjistu

Guerilla

Adept at fighting against larger forces the Guerilla excels as the underdog. Distractions, disabling, scare tactics, mind games, crippling blows, all fall within the tactics and methods of the Guerilla. Constant combat with stronger forces, unique solutions and quick precise executions of irregular plans align yourself with this Class. A Guerilla is weak, but because he acknowledges his weakness he is strong. Taking advantage of the weaknesses of the enemy is child's play, creating those weaknesses yourself is another matter. All of your Skills work towards the goal of the Guerilla, your playstyle fits the spirit of the Guerilla, thus this Class is highly recommended.

Effects:

+10 INT per level

+10 AGI per level

+Class Skill: Examine Enemy

Hunter

The Hunter tracks down and kills for either money or glory. They often become bounty hunters for evil players or dangerous monsters, some even hunt other Hunters. They are often very strong but they are very few and most die out early in their career. If you meet a living Hunter beware as he is most likely very dangerous. This Class has stemmed from your efficient deductions and ability to root out various weaknesses in your opponents. In addition the "Absolutely Insanse" Challenge Start is attempted only by the mentally impaired, the immensely strong or both. Such is the way of the Hunter.

Effects:

+15 STR per level

+15 END per level

+Class Skill: The Hunt

Well I crossed off Assassin and Explorer, one was boring and the other just wasn't me. Though Illusionist seemed really cool especially since I would be able to unlock a higher Tier of Illusion Magic I just didn't see myself attaining that level of mastery. The kind of planning and manipulation that the Class mentions was something up Cobb's alley anyway. I crossed that one off too. A Ninja seemed so boring, every little kid wants to be a Ninja, I feel like I'd be obligated to act like one, and I really didn't want to so I passed that up too. It was too cliche. I chose Guerilla, it was the most highly recommended and I trusted the system. Irregular methods of attack appealed to me, it kept things interesting, the underdog mentality is something i've lived my whole life with competing with my brothers, the Class resonated with me. With them I have had to invent new ways to compete. I know my weaknesses and because of that I know my strengths.

You have chosen the Guerilla as your Class!

As a Guerilla you gain:

+10 INT per level

+10 AGI per level

+Class Skill: Examine Enemy

New Class Skill: Examine Enemy - Beginner 1 (0%)

Facing stronger foes you have learned to watch for their weaknesses and strengths. The enemy of the Guerilla must be ready to face every method of attack conceivable. This skill allows you to know the weakness of your enemy so that you may capitalize on it and their strengths so that you may avoid them.

Effects:

+Small or obvious weaknesses are revealed.

My stats increased, applying the Class stat gains to every level after 15.

Class: Guerilla Name: LoneJones

Title: The Fast One

HP: 209/209 Lvl: 26

Effects:

Race Sperid: +30 AGI, +10 PER

The Fast One: +50 AGI

Guerilla: +10 INT per level, +10 AGI per level

MP: 39/251

SP: 187/235 STR: 10 CHR: 10 END: 45 AGI: 250 INT: 120 PER:75 WIS: 10 LUK: 10 Stat Points:

Sensitive Hairs (Race Skill) - Advanced 1 (6%)

Hyperfocus - Advanced 1 (4%)

Unarmed Combat - Advanced 1 (1%)

Evasion - Advanced 3 (2%)

Dagger Mastery - Beginner 10 (17%)

Illusion Magic - Beginner 2 (0%)

Examine Enemy - Beginner 1 (0%)

With that I waited for Cobb to wake up.