The Sleeper Must Awaken

by Kip Terrington

  For a moment, Joe was quiet. He decided this was a conversation he didn’t want to engage in right now. He noticed something in the HUD, though, he had to address, “Zoya, your journal is open for me to read. And I respect your new authenticity and desire for self-reflection, but I’d like to ask you to take away the permission for the journal, at the very least. Everyone needs a safe place where they can process raw emotions, so I don’t want to be tempted to read your inner thoughts,” Joe said.

  Immediately, Joe received another notification that his access to her journal had been revoked. Using the drop-down menus, he looked at where she had placed her points of power.

  Energy Mass Conversion Magic (27/9 credited).

  Note: Multiple conditions are unmet to qualify for the status of master.

  “If my math and my memory serve me, you just got 6 points of power?” Joe asked.

  “That’s correct.”

  “Magic is good and all, but we don’t even know what we have to do to become masters. Does it make sense to put valuable points of power in a magic when it may not pay off for years?”

  “I thought about that too. But, ultimately, I think that EMC was trying to really help me when she assigned so many points of power into Energy Mass Conversion Magic. I don’t know her reasons for doing this, but I thought it right to finish what she started. And, even though I have yet to reach the minimum thirty points for an upgrade, I have already been receiving a variety of benefits. Since you are already looking over my stats, take a look at some of my new Binding Magic spells.”

  “Wait, why? What does Energy Mass Conversion Magic have to do with binding?”

  “They’re two sides of a coin. One is about creation and the other is about containment. Though I had not realized it initially, when you change one, there are consequences in the other.”

  Binding Magic

  New spells acquired

  L7 Seven Cord Struggle- This spell allows the creation and implementation of seven binding strands around any target within twenty meters. This is a two-second cast spell. The strength of the binding cords is determined by the amount of mana the caster chooses to allocate for the spell. Note: The minimum mana allotment for this spell is 100. There is no maximum mana allotment for this spell.

  “It’s a web! And one that you can use on both powerful opponents and weaker ones. This is gonna make your ability to control a crowd so much more effective.”

  “That’s not all it is, Joe. Read the next spell, which stacks on top of this one.”

  L7 Seven Cord Struggle, Combo Spell:

  L7 Tighten the Cord- This spell allows the binder to tighten the cords produced via L7 Seven Cord Struggle. By feeding mana into this spell, the caster will be able to slowly pull the bands together in a tighter and tighter circle. Note: This spell can be useful for cutting identical sized pieces of morning sausage. Also makes julienne fries.

  “That’s useful… but disgusting!” Joe commented.

  “I agree. Who would eat julienne fries, really?”

  “Zoya, I meant what it would do to a person is disgusting,” Joe said.

  “Oh, right, yeah, I know… Um, could you send Phoebe over with more soap?” Zoya quickly moved on. Yet another highlight of her inadequacies at social interaction. She had made the faulty assumption that no one would allow their imagination to consider what a spell like this would do to a person. “I think I’m going to just focus on finishing up my bath here, Joe. Feel free to go allocate your points and then begin the dissection.”

  “Alright, congrats on your new spells,” Joe said.

  In his HUD, Joe opened the messages he had dismissed earlier.

  Congratulations! You have cut down the mightiest cat in the desert WITH… a herring!

  XP received:

  Base- 2,009, Voice of Monty Ring bonus- 2,009.

  Total XP- 4,018

  You have moved up a level.

  Current Level- 71

  …

  You have moved up a level.

  Current Level- 74

  Power and Stat Allocation

  Note: Not all levels are created equal. Work hard and distinguish yourself to prepare well, and you may receive more stat and power allocation points.

  Joe

  Level 71 through Level 74-

  You’ve received 4 points of power.

  You’ve received 2 points of stat, allocated based on achievement:

  Plus 1 to Muscle/Gear

  Plus 1 to Wisdom

  Joe smiled. He might not have received as many points of power as Zoya, but the goal he had been working on for the last few days was about to be met. He was exactly four points shy of the nine he needed to become a journeyman mage in Fire Magic. Focusing, he allocated all four points.

  … (9/9 credited)

  You have become a journeyman in Fire Magic.

  Fire Magic

  New spell acquired

  L7 Fireball- This spell produces a ball of fire that can be shot up to twenty-five meters. Upon impact with the target, the fireball will burst and create an area of effect explosion. All targets within a three-meter radius will be damaged. Note: the mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled… though this spell has nothing to do with that.

  Joe raised his fists in the air and pumped his hips, dancing to the beat of his own song.

  “The hills are alive with the warmth of fire

  With embers that have burned for a thousand years

  The hills fill my heart with the warmth of fire

  My heart wants to throw every ball that is cast”

  “Joe, please!” Zoya cried.

  Joe stopped mid-song and dance. The tone of her cry caused him to peer around at his companions. San was sweating profusely and Phoebe poured a bottle of water over her head.

  “I guess singing a song about fire in the desert wouldn’t help everyone stay cool. Sorry about that! I forgot how my singing can influence a crowd. How about, while I dissect this cat, I’ll sing some Christmas songs.”

  “Thanks, Joe! Anything that involves winter or snow would be nice. Let’s stay away from chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Congrats on your new spell, by the way,” Zoya called out.

  Chapter 25 - Who’s Up for Pie?

  The Kingdom of Dollmar.

  The Royal Outer Courts.

  Day eighteen.

  Vasili Calamovich tightly gripped the hilt of his sword. His king was insisting on adhering to tedious protocols. There was a need for regimentation in court proceedings, but a new enemy had taken territory on their border and they needed to act fast.

  The message Vasili had sent the king warned him that his report would contain information of a new clear and present danger. Despite the urgency of Vasili’s message, his king had been unwilling to expedite the full report—nor handle it with the sensitivity it demanded. No, instead, the king had insisted on having the report presented in front of the entire royal court.

  Fifteen of Vasili’s horses had died in their flight to warn the capital. They had made sacrifices to ensure the king was well-informed. Vasili’s letter had been clear, and yet still he waited outside as the jesters finished their absurd performance for the gentry in the inner courts.

  When a man with a flaming crown and an army of yetis has built a castle on your eastern border, you dismissed the entertainment and prepared your army! Vasili breathed deep. I am the flame, but I must contain, he repeated to himself. He knew he had to keep his sword from glowing with his internal rage. Fire Mages had to be vigilant, especially ones of his strength.

  The king’s steward stepped into the outer waiting room where Vasili sat alone. The earl glanced at the words above the man’s head, unsurprised at its contents. The UI hadn’t revealed his name. Apparently, names were not always the most effective means of identification.

  NPC, King’s Steward

  Human Protocolist

  “Vasili Calamovich, Earl of Dangcor, Defender of the Realm, the court will hear your urgent r
eport. You are summoned before the king and the full court of the Kingdom of Dollmar,” the NPC intoned.

  Vasili bit his tongue. They were alone in this room and yet still the steward insisted on following every blasted tradition. Unfortunately, the only way to get through it was to capitulate.

  “The summons shall not go unanswered. The fire in the Kingdom of Dollmar shall burn for eternity. Let the king’s will be done. Let his might endure forever and let the court bask in the glory of His Majesty till the end of time. Long live the king,” Vasili replied by rote.

  “Long live the king! Please follow me,” the steward said as he turned on his heels.

  They walked into the grand court room where the king sat on his throne, the entertainment filed away, and a vast crowd conversed excitedly over their thrill at the recent performance.

  Vasili gaped at the sheer number in attendance that day. Not only was every major house fully represented, but if he had to guess, every minor house had also chosen to have a presence. Every single one of them had blue letters above their heads. The UI had fully spread through the capital city.

  The king’s steward motioned for Vasili to take his place in front, below the throne. The earl understood why the king elevated his throne, but it was never fun to look up someone's nose. Vasili bowed low before the king and waited, as protocol required. The crowd hushed in anticipation.

  “Rise, Earl of Dangcor, you have traveled deep into the Wild Mountains. The court awaits your urgent report,” the king announced, stifling a grin.

  “Your Majesty, at the foot of Mount Pericolo, in the Wild Mountains, we discovered a castle three times as tall as our royal palace. Even more distressing, Your Majesty, is the presence of a Grand Place of Power within it,” Vasili said.

  The court gasped, but the king only nodded.

  “Fascinating, tell me more,” the king prompted.

  “Initially, it was believed we could take the castle and the Grand Place of Power with our three platoons, so we prepared for battle. A tribe of yetis guarded the castle grounds, but before we could engage, a mage appeared. This giant of a man had opened a portal fifteen meters in the air and dropped safely to the ground, landing in our path. He called himself King Joseph Mareko Petrov. His casual display of power made it clear that the castle's defenses were not as low as we had once hoped,” Vasili continued.

  “What level was he?” the king asked.

  “Excuse me, Your Majesty?” Vasili stumbled.

  “Was his level extremely high? Is that how you knew he was so dangerous?” the king clarified.

  “His level was 64 by the end of our meeting, but I don't know if his level accurately represented his strength,” Vasili hedged.

  “Much has happened since we sent you to the Wild Mountains. The magic of the User Interface has spread throughout our whole kingdom. Whether NPC or player, everyone has been weighed and measured. Take a look at your king. Go ahead, I will instruct the UI to allow you to see,” the king said and Vasili selected his king in his HUD.

  Major NPC, King Treau

  Human Mage

  Level 479

  Vasili’s eyes strained at the number. It seemed much too high. Peering in shock, the king’s level seemed to flicker for a moment before it disappeared altogether from Vasili’s sight.

  “As you can see, my level is the highest in the kingdom. It only makes sense. I am the king and my powers reflect that. Under me, the average level seems to be quite a bit lower. Only a few others, like yourself, are even over Level 200. Obviously, the aristocracy have consistently received high levels, save for their young. But, time will take care of that.

  “Although we’ve only had it a short time, we’ve discovered the UI is somehow capable of measuring power very accurately. At first, I was afraid it would cause great disruption, but it's actually proven to be a great comfort and a wonderful asset for our kingdom. The quests our citizens have received have already noticeably increased our productivity as a nation.

  “If this so-called king in the Wild Mountains is only Level 64, then at best, he will be a minor nuisance. I don't blame you for your caution. You are powerful, but still so young. It takes time to learn when to strike and when to hold back. Next time, I'm sure you'll see things more clearly,” the king taught.

  “Your Majesty, there is more to the story… you see, our Planes Mage,” Vasili began before the king cut him off.

  “I'm going to stop you right there. The court has already heard from the Baron of Rolhill. We sat through his little sob story of how his tiny pet was destroyed. He was quite emphatic that this so-called king was actually a god, and that we needed to destroy him before it was too late. You know how Planes Mages can be. It appears his craft has finally made him go mad. Not that he's in poor company in our court,” the king laughed. A couple beats later, the rest of the court began to join in on the laughter.

  “The king in the Wild Mountains is no god, but we should not take him lightly. This man is a Champion. I recommend we send no less than five companies to secure the castle,” Vasili responded before the laughter had even died down.

  “What is a Champion these days, now that we have players? That is of no consequence to me. Five companies, you say? With six platoons in each company and around thirty soldiers in each platoon, that would be over 900 people, not including officers. We could spare that size of force, but we're not going to.

  “Though the UI has been good for this kingdom, it is still an unknown variable. We are not sending soldiers out of our territory. We are bringing our soldiers back. As we speak, our supporting forces loaned to the Noble’s Alliance are withdrawing and we have already recalled our mercenary companies from the east.

  “If anyone wants to go and visit this weak Level 64 king, they are welcome to do so. If he wants to pay top dollar for slaves, only to free them, then it’s on his shoulders. It won’t hurt our kingdom. If you felt we should strike him, you should have done so when you had the chance. That time has passed.

  “Would you like to present me with the mithril you acquired during your sojourn? It's the triumphant part of your story, after all,” the king said with a mocking smile. Vasili reached in his pouch and pulled out the mithril. The steward stepped forward to receive it.

  “Your Majesty, I present you with two ounces of mithril. We acquired this in trade for six industrial cargo sleds. I deemed the price high enough that we abandoned the slaves there. Technically, they are still your property, Your Majesty. Would it be possible for me to take two companies to retrieve them?” Vasili asked.

  “You know your uncle used to come up with grand and unique ways to accomplish his vision, however, it sometimes meant he strayed from the safer path. You have so much promise, there's no need for you to risk so much. I would hate for you to end up at the same destination that he did.

  “You have done a great service for your king, Earl. Go and celebrate with the court. Enjoy the festivities. We have jugglers arriving soon. Before you say anymore, I'm going to be clear. I will not be sending an army into the Wild Mountains. If you wish to take your personal armsmen into the Wild Mountains, that is up to you. You are a player. I suggest that you work with the UI and complete some quests and have some fun. Right now, we're in a time of peace and you never know how long that will last. Eat, drink, and be merry!” the king commanded.

  Would you like to take the quest: Royal Pie-Eating contest? Yes/No

  Before he selected either option, Vasili looked up at the king in confusion.

  “I know what that look means. Something I said set off a quest, didn't it? You need more fun in your life. I insist you take the quest,” the king finished quietly.

  Quest Updated:

  Would you like to take the quest: Mandatory Royal Pie-Eating Contest? Yes/No

  Penalty for rejecting this quest is banishment and forfeiture of lands and title.

  “Thank you, Your Majesty. If you'll excuse me, it appears I have a pie-eating contest to win,” Vasili said.


  “Ha, wonderful! There is no higher glory. I hear that it's apple, enjoy!” the king laughed.

  “Long live the king,” Vasili ended his audience.

  ***

  More than a few spies listened closely to every word Vasili had spoken, understanding the true value of the information. One in particular was counting on a bonus when his handler in the Noble’s Alliance heard of this new castle in the Wild Mountains. The king in Dollmar might not send a military force to take the castle, but that was his loss.

  Chapter 26 - Bird of Paradise

  The Wild Mountains.

  The Dungeon of Os’ fourth floor.

  Day eighteen, just before the Noon Bunny.

  Using the mithril dagger, Joe and Zoya’s team were surprisingly able to painstakingly take apart the gargantuan Gato corpse. Zoya had been correct in her assessment. It had taken them a couple days to fully harvest the whole of the monster. She would have compared it to dissecting a bison with a scalpel—an incredibly hard scalpel, but a scalpel nonetheless.

  Multiple times Joe had stopped to say, “Well, I think we have everything worth taking, let's head back up,” but each time his eyes would be drawn back to that expansive rib cage. He would think of his uniform and the precious petals that had created it and change his mind.

  Breaking the bones with the dagger had been difficult and arduous work, but Joe had felt an urgency in taking every part of Gato with him. When the last bone was placed in his bag, a scroll materialized on the dune in front of them and they all received another system message.