by Atlas Kane
His last statement was given begrudgingly, and Cade wondered something else. “Hey, I’m sorry if I’m wrong here, but are you pissed off at me? I am new to all of this and just want to be sure I didn’t offend you in any way.”
Pablo sighed, which was strange to see, but Cade heard the noise of a sigh leave the demon’s form, and a small cloud of purple mist with it. “I’m sorry, Caderick. Our time together has been most unorthodox. But… well, most travelers have concrete pre-existing notions of what demons look like. Others don’t. But none I have met simply allowed me to retain this formlessness I acquire when speaking with you.”
“So your shape will change according to my will?”
“Of course. Most things interact directly with your thought patterns in this world. So, would you be so kind as to give me a form more specific than this one? Please.”
Cade closed his eyes, relishing another bite of plantain, thinking of what might be the coolest form for Pablo to take on. Then, deciding that few creatures in existence could top a dragon, he thought of the coolest version in memory.
When he opened his eyes, he was looking at an elegant dragon, still small enough to ride on his back, but flapping its wings in the air, content as anything. The detail was fabulous. Rows of scales, ridges of descending bone down the spine, claws dangling from its paws, Pablo had indeed upgraded to something amazing.
“Happy?” Cade asked, hoping the demon wouldn’t be hard to please.
“Immensely. Thank you.”
Cade nodded, still grinning at the grumpy demon. “Great. Now the last time we chatted, you told me way too little about leveling up. Can you get into that more? For instance, if I killed a level 6 creature, why did I only gain one level?”
Pablo nodded his dragon head sagely. “Well, first off, the XP system is rather complex as well. Make sure to occasionally check your progress. The higher level the creature you defeat, the more XP you will get. Yet the XP does not spill over into the next level. So when you killed the drakeling, you lost 62 percent of the potential XP. Not your fault, but it is something to note.”
Pablo continued, his tiny dragon eyes flashing with excitement. “Furthermore, it is imperative that after each level up, you assign your Attribute Points and choose your skills and upgrades immediately. Currently, your…”
Cade cut him off with a raised hand. “I know. I know, Pablo. That is in part why I summoned you. I have to upgrade my blast-axe. Thought I could ask you some pertinent questions in that regard.”
Pablo sighed again, this time the purple steam issuing from his dragon mouth. “That would be excellent.”
This little guy cares about me, Cade realized, but chose not to tease the demon dragon. Instead, he moved on to what was pertinent. “Let’s see what options I have for my axe.”
Cade gave the mental command to bring up the proper screen as he took a bite out of the last plantain.
Primary Weapon System - Battle Axe
1 Available Upgrade Point
Razor’s Edge: Augments the axe’s current blade, significantly increases slashing damage on all attacks. Grants a 15% chance of causing a Bleed effect. A Bleed effect will double the damage caused. The second half of that damage is inflicted over ten seconds.
Herculean Hammer: Modifies the backside of the blade, balancing the axe with a blunt surface. Hammer’s damage equals the axe’s normal attack but causes blunt instead of slashing damage. Grants a 15% chance of causing a Stun effect on an enemy. Stunned enemies cannot attack or move for ten seconds.
Finished reading, Cade felt the inevitable claws of greed emerge. Christmas time, bitches! Attempting to calm himself, Cade asked his demon friend which he recommended most.
“This is a convoluted question, Cade. If you are considering raw damage output, the Razor’s Edge will grant you a sizable increase. Or you can choose to go with the Hammer, making for a more versatile melee weapon. The ability to stun an enemy is nothing to laugh at. However, you already have the ability to slow your opponent, so I do think that the Razor’s Edge might be the best choice for now.”
“Good point. For now, I’m going damage. Razor’s Edge it is.” Cade finalized both options then moved on to the final decision. “Okay, now let’s take a look at the blast staff.”
Secondary Weapon System - Blast Staff
1 Available Upgrade Point
Explosive Shot: The mana projectile explodes upon impact causing an additional piercing damage to target from secondary blast. Has the ability to hit nearby targets with secondary blast. Amount of damage reduced by distance.
Slug Shot: The mana projectile has double the mass, causing a significant increase in blunt damage. Gives a 20% chance of causing Daze on an enemy for ten seconds. A Dazed enemy’s attack damage and movement speed is decreased by 25%.
Wanting to show he had some mental capabilities, Cade made a stab at what might be the best choice. “I’m thinking Slug Shot. You?”
Pablo yawned, obviously bored by their exchange. Then, apparently playing demon’s advocate, asked, “Why not Explosive Shot?”
“Well, I went with raw damage potential with melee, so I figured I could balance that out with the chance of causing a Dazed effect. A Dazed enemy will be easier to damage and won’t be as dangerous. Come on! I have at least a little bit of a brain. Admit it, Pablo!”
“At this stage, what matters most is that you do not sit idly by. Always choose your upgrades as soon as possible. Pick what you will. Being as weak as you are, all Attributes will greatly benefit your survival capability.”
Cade did so, and stared at the demon as he stared at himself. The monster seemed starstruck by his dragon form, and was focusing almost exclusively on the scales that ran down his back. That gave Cade an idea. “Pablo, so since you have such a cool form now, is it possible for me to ask you for help during a battle? Those claws could do some serious damage.”
Pablo stared at him, his eyes wide with shock. “Never, Caderick. Though my body has physical shape here, the rules of Antinium strictly forbid a demon helper from taking part in violence. It just isn’t fair, let alone ethical!”
“Okay, okay. My bad. It was worth asking.”
The demon settled back to admiring himself and sighed. “Understandable. It isn’t the first time someone has asked me to do so, but the answer seems so obvious. I forgive you, Caderick. Now, if it is alright with you, I’d like to show off this new form you’ve given me. I have a few friends in another realm who fancy such marvelous creatures. May I leave?”
“Sure thing, boss. Any other advice I forgot to ask about before you leave?”
“Yes. Don’t die. It’s the surest method of survival.”
The demon disappeared and Cade rolled his eyes. The little bastard oozed sarcasm. He’d given him an awesome form though, so at least he’d made him happy.
Wanting to see the results of all of his choices, Cade examined his weapon’s status.
Mr. McGregor Blast-Axe Level 2
Primary Weapon System - Battle Axe
Base Damage - 40% of Max Damage
Damage Type - Slashing
Attack Speed - Medium
Mods: Razor’s Edge
Secondary Weapon System - Blast Staff
Base Damage - 40% of Max Damage
Damage Type - Ether Blast
Attack Speed - Instant
Recharge Rate: 37 seconds (Intelligence 13)
Mods: Slug Shot
“I’m all out of bubblegum, motherfuckers! Let’s do this,” Cade shouted, too excited for caution at the moment. Examining his axe, he could see the edge of the axe had not only fanned out wider, creating a broader striking surface, but it was also visibly sharper. He didn’t dare run his thumb along the edge to test it. It indeed had a Razor’s Edge. Most exciting was the prospect of selecting a goddamned Slug Shot the next time he had to use McGregor. It would be a delight.
With a light heart and a full stomach, Cade reslung his axe and headed toward the second food locati
on. I’m hoping for pears, I think. Pears would be awesome. If not, maybe a few pounds of grapes. That would make for a nice addition to my planned dinner of drakeling meat, Cade thought, then decided he’d need to steal some of Vormer’s wine the next time he was in town. After all, nothing pairs with red meat like a nice glass of Merlot.
10
Brand-New Pants Around the Ankles
The second blip on the map Cade found was only a few miles away. When he found the site, he was vastly disappointed. No delicious pears or grapes or chocolate bars here. No. He found a mound of Scorching Sweet Potatoes in the center of a bushy field, buried in the mud.
An hour of digging around in the muck with his axe, which was way too fancy or valuable for such a task, and he had a huge mound of the things. He wasn’t sure if they tasted good when cooked. Being desperate enough to take a bite of one raw, though, gave him a good idea as to how they got their name. His mouth burned for an hour, even after he drank his fill from the water skin.
Cade stored the potatoes in his Inventory then scraped some of the mud off of his new clothes the best he could. As he stood to leave, he heard a snuffling noise behind him. In a blink, Cade fell into a crouch, spun on his heels, and pulled his dagger out.
It was a creature much like a warthog but for a foppish mane of red hair that rose from its back in a crest. Three white stripes ran across its forehead. He wondered if all of these beasts had the mark or if this one was unique.
It was taller than a pony and twice as wide, but didn’t seem aggressive. Remembering the marin, though, Cade kept his guard up. He would not be caught gawking again in this jungle. He examined the thing as it stared at him.
Niyan Brimstone Boar
Level 4
Scavenger Fauna
“Well… what do you want?” he asked, hoping the pig might give him some sign of its intention. It only snuffled its nose and pawed the ground. What, it wants me to throw a stick or something? Cade scratched his head and studied the animal. He thought about killing it and taking whatever loot it might drop. He thought he might be able to finish the thing off, but it felt cruel. It hadn’t attacked him after all.
Again, it snuffled and scratched the ground, this time harder, drawing some soil up with a sharp hoof. He looked behind him and saw the pit where so many sweet potatoes grew just minutes before. “I’m a dick. Okay, give me a second, buddy.” Cade sheathed the dagger and summoned five of the sweet potatoes, letting them drop straight onto the ground. Sure enough, the fat beast gave a few oinks and waddled forward. Cade watched it eat for a minute before turning to take off.
It was nice knowing not everything wanted to kill you in this jungle. He’d have to take that as a lesson. Glancing back, Cade waved goodbye. “Hope to see you again, Bacon!”
According to his map, the enemy encampment was potentially close by, just another five or so miles. Yet the marker was much larger than it should have been, covering a large portion of the jungle. He figured that the intel was lacking, so he’d just have to snoop around until he found people.
It wasn’t as hard as he’d thought. After a half hour of travel, Cade saw a thin trail of smoke rising ahead. Only one beast out here used cooking fires. He just hoped they wouldn’t be sneakier than him.
When he got within a mile, Cade slowed to a crawl, and sure enough, took his boots off, tied the laces together, and slung them over his shoulder. Stealth would never be his expertise, but he was proud of himself as he crept forward. It would take a leopard to find me out here, he thought, finally going so far as to crawl forward on hands and knees.
The situation he found himself in was more than a little strange. Why did Vormer keep sending him on quests, and was this one just another suicide run? It didn’t seem likely. Something about the way Ketzal mentioned their Burning God. And hadn’t Vormer all but suggested that he was required to give me a chance now that I’ve “proven myself” worthy? He had no clue what any of it meant, but at least the quest would gain him further standing within Tanrial.
If this world had as much in common with the video games he’d played back on Earth, then the quests were vital. Not only would they give him some direction on where to go and level up, but gaining more basic equipment was a worthwhile task.
Vormer was an oddity too.
He acted almost like an NPC would, handing out quests and bossing everyone around. Or was it more like he was a psycho player who’d killed all the NPCs and was now running a huge city like Tanrial all on his own?
If he had to pick which one was more likely, Cade knew the second choice fit like a glove. Poor Ketzal. I have to get stronger. If I can only figure out a way to remove the lion from his throne, then we can make a place in this world that makes sense.
He continued creeping, trying to push the thoughts from his mind. This was a mission, and he’d need to keep his focus sharp if he wasn’t going to get caught.
Soon, he heard voices, and more than a few. A woman was speaking in a stern voice to someone younger. Gods, there better not be kids out here. A large tree stood between him and the camp, a thick hedge of ferns growing to either side. He just needed to make it that far, and he was sure he could get a good enough look to get the information to complete the quest.
A few minutes of high crawling, pausing every once in a while when he thought he’d made too much noise, and he came to the edge of the fern thicket. He rose on his elbows, peering through a gap in the branches. Movement, I see some movement. But he still wasn’t close enough yet.
Ten minutes later and twenty feet closer, Cade found himself able to rise up and kneel, gaining a better position to peer through the great leaves of the fern plants.
And there it was. A rebel camp set up for all the world to see.
Primitive structures made of vines and branches dotted the clearing. A central campfire smoldered happily, and everywhere he looked, he could see the signs of human innovation. Strips of fruit dried on racks in the sun. What looked like a cistern of water stood at the far corner, made of clay and stone. Animal hides stretched between poles, a woman scraping away the flesh from the inside. Regardless of how much grander Tanrial was, he found the effort and care displayed here infinitely more impressive.
And in a few days… what? They were going to come out here and kill these people?
Looking closer, Cade had his doubts. He saw one woman who looked very much a warrior. She was tall, and he could tell, even at a distance, that she would be a match for him in combat. Hell, she could probably kick his ass. She had two long swords belted to her hips, though they looked to be of a different design than the European longswords he was used to. Thinner, with wide cross guards and long handles. They also looked to be made of the same mysterious metal his axe was, the mark of a soul weapon.
A few pieces of armor clung to her body, a breastplate holding up her chest and protecting her ribs, and a leather skirt made of interlocking flaps. It came up to her mid thighs, and that was precisely where his eyes stopped. The woman had legs like an Olympic runner, striated with muscle. They were as long as her elegant neck.
Her skin was the color of burnt caramel, her body sinuous and strong. Those hips could birth the god damn Trojan army, Cade thought, admiring the woman’s frame. And no doubt, those hands could choke me out.
She was not what he would call a traditional beauty in any sense, but she was striking, enough to take his breath away. The very model of power and feminine potential in one body. Every movement was intentional, and each gesture precise. He knew at once she was a master at combat.
But nowhere else in camp could he see anyone worthy to be called a rebel of any kind let alone capable of cold-blooded murder. Vormer’s story sounded like a lie when it was first given, but now he was certain of it. A group of younger-looking people, only teens perhaps, worked together around a fire. Someone was cooking game on a spit while another kept them company. They smiled to each other and suddenly laughed, a joke Cade couldn’t hear passing between them.
At the far end of the encampment, Cade saw a structure that was far more impressive. Somehow, the people had coaxed a group of thin trees to grow together, weaving into the dome shape of a hut. Large enough to fit at least eight people, the building looked strong. How is that possible? If they’d have woven those trees together when they were young enough to be pliable, then that building has been here for years, maybe decades!
Watching the innocent pursuit of life displayed before him, Cade thought of the Iraqis he’d seen on his tour of duty. When he showed up, his unit had learned how to hate and mistrust the people. Everyone is a haji if they look like one. All hajis hate Americans. They will kill you if they can, were the common sentiments, some even being spoken aloud. But it had largely turned out to be bullshit.
Sure, Cade’s unit came upon resistance, IEDs and a handful of snipers. Once, a bullet spun past his head, fired by some asshole who’d taken a pop-shot from the passenger seat of a car. The irony though was that most of the people they fought in Iraq came from other countries. They came across the Syrian border from a dozen different countries where the extremists coaxed them into sacrificing their lives for God.
The people there were much like these ones here. They had less power, fewer resources, and a lot harder lives than Americans did. Thinking of the golden city of Tanrial, Cade found it a fitting metaphor.