by TJ Reynolds
Then he brought up his information on his EI to review his progress.
___
Family Name: Kaius Unterinan
Alias: Kai
Level: Golden 2
Elemental Affinity: Lumen
Accolades:
Core Mender
Briga’s Ally
Attributes:
Strength - 12 = Base 11 (+1)
Dexterity - 12 = Base 10 (+2)
Constitution - 13 = Base 12 (+1)
Intelligence -17 = Base 9 (+8)
Wisdom -12 = Base 10 (+2)
Charisma - 12 = Base 7 (+5)
Spells: Flame Spear, Shadow Shroud, Restoring Tide, Confounded Core, Soul Projection
___
Reading over his status, Kai recalled his latest Accolade.
Briga’s Ally had been an unforeseen boon. Would I have lived through that back-stabbing daldrim tyrant without it? Likely not, Kai mused.
The Accolade cut casting time of all Water element spells, and improved their effects.
So far, Kai only had Restoring Tide, so the Accolade effected his healing alone. How much benefit would it have if he got his hands on an offensive Water element spell scale?
He would love to find out.
Then Kai remembered the only worthwhile piece of loot he’d taken from their battle within the tower.
He found the bracelet on the floor near his bed where it had fallen after Ban had absorbed his trousers.
In plain light, the bracelet looked all the more plain. Only the two etched runes stood out. Ban, what do these runes mean? Do you know?
The Earth Core hummed in Kai’s mind as he inspected the item more closely. I’d forgotten about it entirely, Ban said cheerfully. Again, perhaps these are in Old Hintari, but without a proper tome on the subject, I feel at a loss for words.
Unsure of what else to do, Kai inspected the item with his Etheric Interface.
Silver Bracelet of Spell Stealing
Defense: +1 Armor
Protection: Wrist
Quality: Rare - Unique
Properties: A single spell of any Elemental Affinity may be trapped within the bracelet. The trapped spell may reside within the bracelet indefinitely.
Ban hovered about, discussing a few of the handy applications the item might offer them.
“I know, Ban. And I agree. Still, we need to consider things carefully. Is it worth trying to store one of my own spells, just in case I run low on AE? Or is it better to use it defensively, as the daldrim king had?”
Isn’t that the question, though, Ban mused. Either way, I think you should wear it about for now. I’d love to make a few more, but the Rare - Unique status of the bracelet forbids me.
“Let me guess,” Kai said, “You already tried?”
The Earth Core only chuckled in response.
Having allocated his Attribute Points and slipped his newest piece of equipment over his wrist, Kai at last assented to an official tour of the tower. I am ready at your earliest convenience, he announced as he threw his cloak over his shoulders and pulled on his boots.
“Right this way,” a stone-rattling voice announced.
Kai flinched, turning to see the tall dalgard standing near the door with a morbid imitation of a smile on its face. “Not necessary, Ban. Really not necessary.”
The prank did little to blunt Kai’s good mood.
Being uninjured, well-fed, and wearing clean and dry clothing worked wonders on a weary soul.
Ban walked Kai up through the tower, one floor at a time.
The floor where they’d fought the tyrant was completely bare, clean, and sported a few windows along the sides. With some proper light, the vast room looked fit to hold a medieval ball.
I haven’t even started yet, Kai. Please, do not worry yourself. By the time it’s done, this place will be fit to slaughter a hundred men!
Kai blinked, trying to process his Earth Core’s violent ambition. Wonderful. I’m sure if anyone can do such a thing, it would be you, Ban.
I appreciate your vote of confidence, but I’m still nervous about the project. I’m still so limited in my trap-making skills, and what I wouldn’t give for a few dozen more skeletons. If I had more patterns, my minions and amalgamations would be terrifying!
Kai assured his friend that none should enter the keep and survive but their allies.
The two spent a long while on the next floor up. The daldrim thought to attack Kai at first, and once all had been explained, they wanted to feast him. Kai graciously refused, promising to attend such an event in the following days.
Most of what Ban had to show Kai rested at the top of the tower. Kai approved of the construction of the gate, the pit fall trap on the bridge, and falling stones.
Witnessing the restoration of the three waterfalls moved Kai as well. The sound created by the falls eternally shook the stones of the keep. Kai felt like he was trapped in the throat of a giant, and oddly, found the sensation pleasant.
I had to find where the two streams became one and forcefully divert them again. I’m afraid I upset many fish in the process, but there are plenty more.
Kai nodded as his friend spoke. What of the third stream? How did you restore the water?
Ban hummed in satisfaction. It was an easy thing though time-consuming. I was right about the sink hole. The bedrock in the bottom of the river eroded. When the water was exposed to sand and limestone below, it sunk into the mountain. All I did was patch up the bedrock. It was at the edge of my influence, so I was only just capable of restoring the stream. Imagine the folly of having only two waterfalls!
Kai laughed. Yes, that would be ridiculous.
The gargats flying in the air above the tower’s roof made the greatest impression on the young dragon. He couldn’t help but recall the first time Ban had used the gargat as a champion.
The beasts were small, but Kai knew each was capable of acidic spit and an ethereal roar that knocked enemies down.
If a group of soldiers were crossing, half a dozen gargats could prove disastrous.
Ban chatted endlessly about the various modification he had for each floor. The gyre of information threatened to overwhelm Kai, so he asked to return to the core room where the two might chat more casually.
Kai’s mind turned with his own plans, but when he entered the core room again, Ban had yet another surprise to show him.
It took me longer than I’d like to admit, Kai. And I am not at all certain which one might be best. Using runes isn’t something to fool around with, I’ll tell you that much. For now, see which one you like best.
When Kai beheld the line of glaives leaning against the wall near the hearth, he nearly fainted.
Each glittered in the fire light, and at first glance, they appeared to be identical. Having fallen thoroughly in love with the glaive himself, Kai had little trouble identifying a myriad of subtle details that differentiated one from the other.
Kai took a few minutes, moving from one to the next, feeling them out in his hands.
The first was shorter and surprisingly heavy. He could imagine how much damage he could inflict with the thick blade. The weapon promised to be unwieldy, however, so he set it aside.
The next stretched out a little too long, its thin haft ideal for stabbing. Kai relied heavily on slashing attacks as well, though, so this too, he set aside.
Down the line he went, rejecting some immediately, and others putting aside to decide later.
When he was done, only two glaives remained.
Both were slightly longer than the one he’d been using recently, their blades similar but with an improved edge that Ban swore would be just as sharp and also retain its edge longer.
The biggest difference was the way in which Ban textured the haft to increase grip.
Kai at last chose his glaive. Since he used the glaive with ray-skin gloves on his hands, he wanted as much grip as possible. The tough hide protected his skin, but it also created a greater need for a textur
ed handle. His chosen weapon boasted a criss-crossing leather strap that bound the haft, increased its strength, and gave him plenty of confidence as he spun it.
Ban sighed contentedly. I preferred that one myself. I fancied the leather working looks almost as lovely as a pie crust. If my memory serves, I do recall humans laying pastry in such a fashion. Is that true?
It is! Kai admitted. Winford had wonderful pies, Ban. You’d have appreciated the man.
I’m sure I would. Now, don’t be alarmed, Kai. But I have one more adaptation for you to test.
The glaives disappeared before Kai’s very eyes, even the one he was holding.
Three more appeared in a show of ether. What did you do? Kai asked. They all seem the same.
Ah! They are, Kai, but for the runes. I would like you to test each weapon. Would you utilize your Flame Spear spell? Here, I’ll drum up a target for you.
Even as Kai picked up the nearest polearm, a gargen formed. The minion took off at a run, heading toward the door.
Kai turned on his heel and activated Flame Spear. The spell raced through his core and out through the tip of the glaive.
As the fire emerged, the flames shifted in nature, turning a frigid blue. When the spell struck the minion, the poor creature halted in its tracks. A high-pitched shriek came from its terrified mouth, and then it broke into fragments of frozen flesh.
“Wow! I don’t know if I’m more disturbed or excited. Ban, this is an evil device!” Kai exclaimed, staring at the glaive in his hands.
Thank you, Kai! You know I appreciate compliments. Now for the next one. Please, don’t make me wait.
Kai chuckled and did as his friend asked. Setting down the first and picking up the second, Kai wondered what kind of tinkering the Earth Core had done on this weapon.
Ban absorbed the mess his previous minion had made and summoned another.
The next gargen minion sprinted away as the first had. Kai took aim, activated Flame Spear, and watched the spell form.
This time, as the ether coalesced and burst free from the glaive, the flames became tinged with a green color. A patterned structure overtook the fire, turning the flames into a network of daggers.
As the spell struck the gargen, the poor creature’s body was shredded. A sickening wet slap followed as the gargen fell to the ground dead, its various body parts hitting the stone floor in a bloody heap.
“Okay, still impressed, but dear Andag, that is disgusting,” Kai said in a whisper. His stomach twisted, and not for the first time, he questioned Ban’s flippant use of minions.
Easy enough to clean up. No need to cry over a flayed minion, Ban said reassuringly.
The Earth Core absorbed the body and blood, and encouraged Kai to try the third glaive.
Sighing deeply, Kai exchanged the weapons and set his feet. A third minion formed and sprinted away.
Kai released Flame Spear, and as the spell emerged, a keening sound entered the chamber. Kai’s hair blew around his face and the flame fragmented into a dozen curling pieces.
The Wind element, Kai suspected, took the fire spell and broke it into a diffuse yet devastating cloud. The gargen was burned and sliced at the same time, and though most of the spell wove around the creature’s small body, striking the wall behind, the minion died instantly.
It wasn’t as immediately impressive as the other two, but Kai was certain this was the right choice.
“Ban, imagine what this would do against a group of enemies! What did you do?”
Ban replied immediately, his voice animated and alive. The goddess Shu has blessed this spear herself, the Earth Core explained with a chuckle. Or, if I’m being more honest, I placed the rune for Wind on the staff along with the original rune that allows you to channel a spell through the glaive. The first was Andag’s Earth rune, and the second Briga’s Water. I was certain you’d choose the icy one.
“It did seem devastating. Against a single opponent, I would choose Briga, but the Wind turned Flame Spear into a barrage of smaller projectiles.”
I won’t argue. I’m sure you’ll be a terror on the battlefield, Kai. All you have to do now is name your glaive. No rush, just let me know when you decide.
Kai pondered a few initial stabs at dubbing his improved glaive, but discarded the idea for the time being. I’ll let you know, Ban. Thank you so much for this gift.
As Kai continued to mull over what title he should grant his epic weapon, Ban dropped one more bomb.
Well, don’t take too long, or you won’t have time to appreciate these.
Turning around, Kai beheld a stack of armor still shimmering with the ether that had summoned them.
20
Academic Ambitions
Kai
“How in Andag’s name did you find time for all of this, Ban?” Kai asked, dumbfounded by the stack of equipment.
His breast plate, greaves, even his stinking coat of chainmail, all had been modified. From a glance, Kai suspected they’d been improved as well.
I don’t sleep! Not now that I’m a proper Earth Core at least. If you’d like, I could simply drum up the old design. That is, if you have something against more powerful items…
Kai waved his friend off as he stooped to inspect the breastplate first. Again, he noted the distinct crest of the Sunken Keep, now emblazoned in the center of the chest piece.
“This design is quite something, Ban. Sorry for my reaction. I was merely surprised. In my mind, I imagine you spending hours on each piece. It would take much longer for human craftsmen, you know.”
Ban mentally sighed. Yes, Yorick told me as much long ago. Imagine spending weeks on a single crafting project. It terrifies me.
Chuckling, Kai used his interface to inspect the breastplate more thoroughly.
Damascus Breastplate of Evasion
Defense: +10 Armor
Protection: Chest
Quality: Masterwork
Properties: Reduced Weight, Increased Endurance, Improved Movement Speed during Combat
Kai blinked, sucking in a deep breath. “Amazing! The defense rating has more than doubled, and Ban, how in Anvar did you manage to increase movement speed?”
All happy accidents, Kai. Trust me when I say, my knowledge of runes is limited. I picked up a few more during our stay at Imogen’s, and more again from a few scattered items throughout the keep, not to mention the locked doors, the Earth Core explained.
“Do you think it will be possible to someday increase my Attributes directly?” Kai asked, knowing he might sound ungrateful.
Ban scoffed at the notion. Sure, but first, find me a proper tome on the subject and I’ll enchant everything we own. For now, inspect the rest and be done with it.
Kai laughed to himself, enjoying his friend’s sarcastic tone.
Then he inspected each piece of modified armor, making a show of it to please Ban.
Plate Greaves of Evasion
Defense: +10 Armor
Protection: Ankles and Shins
Quality: Exquisite
Properties: Reduced Weight, Reduced Piercing and Slashing Damage, Improved
Movement Speed during Combat
Improved Adept’s Plate Bracers
Defense: +5 Armor
Protection: Forearms
Quality: Exquisite
Properties: Reduced Weight, Improved Ether Channeling (+15% damage on Cast Spells)
Elegant Chainmail Coat
Defense: +8 Armor
Protection: Chest, Abdomen, Upper Arms, Hips
Quality: Exquisite
Properties: Reduced Weight, Reduced Piercing and Slashing Damage
Wool and Silk Cloak of the Night
Defense: +3 Armor
Protection: Back
Quality: Exquisite
Properties: Fire Resistant, Water Resistant, Improved Stealth in Low Light Conditions
The rest of his equipment, his boots, gloves, and belt primarily, hadn’t been touched. Still, Kai made sure to spend a good ten minu
tes commenting on the improvements Ban had lavished on the armor.
“Even the bonus to my cloak alone, Ban! You’ve done so much to increase my chances of surviving any future battles. How can I repay you?”
Ban offered a half dozen ridiculous actions Kai might take, pushing their conversation into more humorous grounds. Kai knew the gifts were freely given, but he did feel some burden to show his appreciation. There would be time for that to come though.
Finally, before Kai dismissed his EI, he glanced at his glaive as well.
Glaive of Wind and Fire
Attack Bonus: Improved Slashing Damage, Improved Piercing Damage, Improved Attack Speed
Quality: Masterwork
Properties: Ether Channeling - Offensive Spells May be Channeled through Glaive, Runic
Enhancements - Wind and Fire Elemental Modifications
Considering the descriptive title of the weapon, Kai made up his mind and named the glaive properly. “It sounds a little absurd, Ban, but I can’t imagine naming a piece of steel could prove otherwise. How do you like Brimstorm?”
Properly dramatic! Ban announced. I like it!
Kai was pleased with it himself, and considering the terrifying conflagration produced each time Kai used Flame Spear, he felt the name justified.
He wanted to move on with his day, and perhaps bring up the subject of exploration, but before he did so, Kai retrieved his stack of spell scales and decided to alter his current lineup of spells.
His first decision was which of his four priceless spells to surrender.
It came down to Shadow Shroud. Though he used the spell often, with his new modified cloak, he felt it would be less beneficial.