Project Alpha 2

by R. A. Mejia

  Queen Forcosia’s probing gaze makes me uncomfortable, like she’s somehow looking into my soul and weighing me. Yet, with an effort of will, I respond, “Yes. I mean, no. I’m not one of your subjects.” I’m not sure what else to say, but the low murmurs from the group behind remind me that I’m not all alone and that this is the end game for the dungeon. I try to shake off the effects of this woman’s Charisma, and with as much bravado as I can muster, I say, “No! I am not one of your subjects. I am here to lead the rebellion against you, their tyrannical leader. You’ve oppressed these poor people for long enough!”

  The few words strengthen the crowd, and murmurs of agreement and even a few calls of ‘Down with the queen’ are heard. Queen Forcosia’s eyes search the crowd and even that slight act silences them again. Looking back down at me, a different expression appears on her face--one of intrigue.

  “Well, it looks like you have your own subjects. But I would like to address your accusations. If I may . . .?”

  Unsure of what to say, I remain silent, and the queen takes it as an opportunity to continue.

  “You claim that I have been a tyrannical leader? That I have oppressed my people? Ha. If only you knew how much I’ve protected them from. Yes, taxes have been raised year after year, but armies do not run on goodwill, and we are beset on our borders by enemies. Our trade has decreased every season as other nations attack us and use corrupting magic that damages our lands and kills the sea life we depend on for trade. I protect us from those influences, and though life has been lean, can you tell me that my people go hungry? They all have shelter and do not fear bandits or invaders. I am the one standing between them and the dangers of the world. If I must use a fist to enforce order, then so be it. It is the duty of a ruler to make those harsh decisions. But do not ever question that my rule has not been for their benefit.”

  As the queen speaks, I turn and look out at the crowd. Just minutes ago, they were so eager to pull down the queen because of the hardships they’ve suffered. Now, their expressions say that they look upon her with empathy; and, in a few cases, even adoration. The whole situation just doesn’t make sense to me. At least, not until I get the notification.

  Will Save. You’ve resisted the magical influence of the Scepter of the Monarchy.

  Of course, the queen is using magic. She doesn’t outlaw it to protect the people from a corrupting influence; she outlaws it so that no one can resist her own magic. The scepter must give a boost to her Charisma or something.

  The queen turns her attention back to me and asks, “Will you not give up this rebellion? Will you not return to the fold and trust in my guidance? I offer you this one chance. Renounce Lady Dantès. Take her life, and all will be forgiven. Join me, and I will reward you more handsomely than she ever could.”

  Murder the Monarch - Optional

  Queen Forcosia has offered you an alternative path to rebellion. She will pardon all crimes that you have committed and will even give you an exceptional reward for proving your loyalty by killing Lady Dantès.

  Reward: Clear the dungeon; 110,000 XP and 11,000 credits

  Bonus Reward: 5,000 coins and a rare scaling item or spell of your choice from the royal treasure vaults.

  The notification that pops up is honestly a bit tempting. Lady Dantès is a lower level, much easier to kill, and not only does taking this alternate quest still clear the dungeon, but it offers even better rewards. Yet, as I turn to look at Lady Dantès and Pierre, I can’t help but feel guilty. I look back over the crowd of people and see mostly poor working stiffs whose faces even now look sunken and tired. While I’d started this dungeon with the goal of simply beating the beating the boss to get some XP, over the course of the last few days I’ve grown a sense of "brotherhood" with the rebellion. Part of this is due to my admiration for Lady Dantès who almost single handedly seems to be able to rally the people for the cause. Another part is my camaraderie with Pierre, who not only helped me escape prison but has been my guide here, and finally some good old-fashioned revolutionary spirit. I don’t think you can be an American and not have some sympathy for a just rebellion.

  “No.” That single word, not shouted but said with quiet confidence, makes the optional quest disappear and the queen sneer.

  “So be it,” she says angrily. “Guards, kill them all!”

  At their queen’s command, the platemail-wearing Elite Guards unsheathe their weapons and advance. They have the high ground, and while we have the numbers, the narrow hall and the stairs leading to the queen restrict their effectiveness.

  Lady Dantès leads the charge toward the throne with Pierre and me following after her. In my peripheral vision, I see several higher level members of the rebellion charge as well, but not the mob as a whole.

  The spellcasters to either side of the queen focus their spells on the easiest targets, the low-leveled mob. They throw dark fireballs and cast black lightning at the group. I hear screams of pain, and when I glance back, I see groups of people flying through the air. The rebels and part of the mob push through despite the spells, and when I look forward again, I find the queen sitting serenely on her throne, seemingly sure of her victory and the sight causes a rage to burn inside of me. The queen, who has taken the wealth of the kingdom for her own at the cost of the people. The queen who now watches her goons murder a bunch of poor people without blinking an eye. Inside, I swear that she will die for her crimes.

  As Pierre, Lady Dantès, and the higher-leveled rebellion members engage the Elite Guards, the casters continue to pour out magical damage. I realize that, if this keeps up, they’ll be able to break the will of the people and thus the rebellion. The Elite Guards, however, stand between us and the mages, protecting them and the queen. Thankfully, I still have my war hammer. I charge the nearest mage only to have an iron-shelled guard step in my path, ready to cut me down with his great axe. I active Shadow Step, the world fades into grey, and I pass right through the guard with my first step. With my momentum, I’m able to take two more leaps up the stairs before the ability ends, and the world returns to normal. I don’t stop to see the expression of the guard I’ve bypassed but instead enjoy the surprised expression of a Shadow Mage as my war hammer comes crashing down on his skull. A red 15 floats away from him, and while the blow only drops his health by 10%, he is knocked back into his fellow arcanists, disrupting their magical casting. From my own experience with these men, I know not to let up the assault, so I follow up with a barrage of every ability I can in order to drop their health as quickly as possible. I toss a Fireball into their midst then follow up with Ice Needles to slow them and continue to attack the weaker mages up close with my war hammer. One magic user ends his own spells early and vanishes only to reappear on the other side of the guards. Unfortunately for him, that puts him closer to the rebellion, and the mob pulls him down before he can react. The remaining casters use their magic to disappear from the room, abandoning their duty to fight for their queen.

  With the magical element eliminated, the crowd’s aggravation and pain are released on the Elite Guards, of which there are only four left. I help Pierre, and the two of us whittle a guard’s health down to half. When I look over, I see Lady Dantès fighting two guards at once. I move to aid her, but before I do she shouts out, “Bladed Vengeance!”, her sword glows blue and she becomes a whirlwind of steel striking out at her foes from so many different angles that they can not defend them all and a veritable shower of blood erupts from their many wounds. A moment later, the ability ends and Lady Dantès stands winded and covered in blood, but her opponents are dead.

  Seeing she doesn’t need my assistance, I focus on other foes. The cooldown on the ability having finished, I use Shadow Step to avoid the glowing overhand chop from a Lieutenant and take three steps behind him before coming out of the Shadow-Verse. My war hammer is already glowing red with the Bash ability when I exit, and it comes crashing down on the man’s head. He is stunned by the well-aimed blow, and Pierre is able to snake past h
is defenses and open up his throat with a vicious slash of his sword. The guard never recovers and dies.

  While the XP notification pops ups, my attention is drawn away from it by a loud and powerful shout from the queen, who has now risen from her throne. “Stop and kneel before your rightful ruler!” She holds out her scepter above her head, and a blue wave of magical energy blasts away from it. My head aches, and the room spins for a moment. A notification appears.

  You’ve resisted the ability Royal Command.

  However, all around me, the mob, which was so angry only a moment ago, bows down before the queen. There is a blue symbol above each of their heads, and when I use Inspect on a random person, new information comes up.

  Adam Adieu

  Level 5

  61/100 HP

  Compelled

  *Royal Command - Under the compulsion of royalty to obey every command for the next 10 minutes. Will save attempt every minute.*

  Of all the people around us, only Lady Dantès, Pierre, myself, and a few of the other rebels are unaffected.

  The queen smiles at Lady Dantès. “Did you really think that I would be without some protection? The royal scepter has been passed down from monarch to monarch, not just as a symbol of authority, but with the magical capacity to compel obedience.”

  “You won’t get away with this. The people are fed up with your corruption and tyranny,” Lady Dantès yells back.

  Honestly, the whole situation feels like the last dramatic cut scene in every game I’ve played. While the two women make their proclamations, I make my move to end things. The world around me turns grey as I activate Shadow Step. The throne and the queen are too far to get to in three normal steps, but two leaps up the stairs toward the throne gets me closer. My lungs start to burn from the lack of air when I activate my Roll for double the normal cost. I feel my body curl and shoot forward up the stairs the same instant the world returns to normal. I momentarily wonder if I look like a familiar blue hedgehog as I fly forward and crash into the queen. Her eyes widen as I come to my feet, and my war hammer is already rising above my head, ready to fall down on her when I get my first really good look at her. Her skin is milky white, and while she has the most divinely-styled blonde hair, her most striking feature is her blue eyes, which remind me of Lillian's. They stare up at me, and for just the briefest moment, I hesitate. The queen, however, does not. I feel a burning sensation in my side as she swings her scepter and strikes me in the ribs.

  A red number floats away from me, but I pay it no attention due to a bright blue light that flashes in front of my eyes. I feel my body relax, and I glance down to see Lillian. She is looking up at me, holding out her hand. I smile at my girlfriend and help her to her feet. Her hand briefly touches my cheek, and while something in the back of my mind screams that something is wrong, a sense of happiness overrides the warning. I’m with the woman that I care so much about, and I just want to hold and kiss her. But a sound behind me grabs my attention. I turn and see two fearsome monsters. I try to use Inspect, but their information doesn’t come up. Instead, they hold out their clawed hands and slowly approach. The two growl and slobber as they come, and the one on the right points at Lillian and gestures toward her.

  I feel Lillian at my back, hiding behind me, and she yells, “Don’t let them hurt me!” For a moment, I wonder why Lillian isn’t beating up these monsters herself, but when the monster on the left lunges towards her, I lash out with my war hammer, all questions gone from my mind. The creature parries my first blow with the sword that has appeared in his hands, and it slashes back at me in return. I hear the second monster growl loudly, and I activate Roll to escape its reach. I come back to my feet and turn, already activating Bash. I bring my hammer down on the first creature’s back. There is a cracking sound as the hammer rends flesh and breaks bones. The monster crumples under the blow, but I do not let up, bringing my mighty war hammer down again and again. A notification flies across my vision, but I ignore it and turn my attention to the remaining monster instead.

  It recoils, stepping back from me, and I wonder why its body language does not match its fearsome visage. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was afraid of me. I look back and see Lillian pointing her finger at the monster, laughing and reveling in the creature’s obvious fear. I’ve never seen Lillian like that. She’s never been someone who enjoys seeing someone else suffer. My mind reels at the thought, and I feel a sharp pain in the back of my head. My vision blurs, and when it clears, I’m no longer looking up at Lillian but at the queen again. I’m confused, but a look down shows me a sight that will haunt me for the rest of my life: there, at my feet, is Pierre, his body crushed and broken. He looks up at me with accusing eyes.

  You have resisted the ability Royal Charm.

  The notification tells me enough to understand that I’ve been tricked by some ability into thinking that my allies were my enemies, but that does not stop the guilt that threatens to overwhelm me.

  Lady Dantès’ voice cuts through my thoughts. “Help me!”

  I turn to see her surrounded by charmed members of the crowd. She’s trying not to hurt them, but she is slowly being surrounded by people under the effects of the Royal Charm.

  Derisive laughter is my first reminder that I’ve an enemy left, and the mocking sound causes my anger to flare up once more. My vision turns red as I turn and behold the queen, pointing her scepter at me. She is my true enemy. All other things fade from my mind and I focus on her as my singular target. She’s the one that abused her power and made me kill Pierre. She’s the one that hurt me!

  The thoughts, whether my own or some aftereffect of the broken charm, give me a clear purpose, and I rush the queen. Though her blue eyes only moments ago held me transfixed, they’re now a target for my wrath. She swings her royal scepter at me, which is again filled with a magical blue energy, but the moment before it lands, I activate Shadow Step. The queen slows to a crawl, and I see that her expression is one of anger and hate. The crown on her head is still somehow upright and shining, but her lips are pulled back in a feral grin, and her eyes have a manic look in them. I wonder how I ever could have seen any part of Lillian in her. My lungs start to burn, and I know I’m running out of time. I take one step toward the scepter, which is swinging vertically toward me, and wonder if it will still affect me somehow. I’m relieved when I pass through the greyed object with my second step. I know I’ll have to use my last step to turn and pivot so that I can face the queen, and I’m already prepared.

  The world returns with color and sound, and the queen’s scepter passes through the space I just occupied, and my left hand snaps out to grab her right forearm. I activate Iron Grip, and my hand squeezes so tightly that I think I feel something pop. I activate Bash as the war hammer in my right hand comes down hard, and the red light cast by the ability makes the loud crunch seem even more gruesome as the hammer’s weighted head comes down on the queen’s wrist. A red 15 Floats away from the blow, but more importantly, the hand holding the scepter opens, and the queen cries out in pain as it drops to the floor.

  The woman I’m holding transforms. Her shoulders hunch forward, and she seems to shrink in on herself. Her once-shiny golden hair turns to a dusty grey, and her skin shrivels and wrinkles. In an instant, the queen has gone from looking like a vibrant thirty-year-old to a shriveled old woman approaching her nineties.

  The crowd seems to come to its senses with a collective groan, and one by one, the blue symbol above each of their heads disappears as the ability controlling them loses its effect. Their anger and rage turns towards the monarch who had so recently controlled their minds, and the crowd charges up the steps toward the queen with loud, guttural screams. Within moments, they reduce her health down to nothing by beating and stabbing their tyrannical leader to death.

  You’ve helped defeat the boss Queen Forcosia, level 13. You receive 260 XP.

  I stand still, impassively watching the death of the monarch, and I don't look away until
the mob has finished its gruesome task. I turn back to speak with Lady Dantès, but rather than finding her waiting for me, pleased that we’d finally defeated the queen, I see her broken body on the floor instead. There’s a small crowd surrounding her, a few stragglers who didn’t join in with the mad rule to kill the queen, and I recognize them as some of her closest confidants from within the rebellion.

  “What happened?” I ask them.

  Most look away ashamed, but one man, cap in hand, steps forwards to explain. “We didn’t mean to do it, monsieur, but . . . the queen’s spell . . . ” It takes a moment for the words to click. It’s my fault. It’s my fault that she’s dead. I saw the crowd surround her, but I was so angry that I attacked the queen instead of helping her. The memory and shame of a disappointed Lillian rebuking me in the training room surfaces, and I realize that I’m making the same mistakes again. The pain of not only killing Pierre but of also failing to protect Lady Dantès hits me like a truck, and I drop to my knees. Tears stream down from my eyes, and I feel a heart-wrenching ache in my chest as my body is wracked by sobs. Some part of me knows that neither she nor Pierre was real, but it doesn’t matter. They were kind to me. They helped me when I was alone, they trusted me, and I failed them. What if it had been someone else? What if it had been Lillian in that situation? What if it had been my mother or sister? Would I have acted the same way and let my anger and need for revenge overrule my common sense?