by Atlas Kane
Each attack emitted more electrical charge, and the beast’s eyes grew wide, its body twitching with each attack. But when he stabbed it, the energy dispersed within the monster, and its great mouth gaped.
Tugging his weapon free, Cade stepped back just in time to avoid being smashed by the heavy construct. It lay steaming before them, dead or dismantled, or whatever you call a broke-dick machine of death.
Cade glanced to the side, his lungs burning from the battle. Minda was helping Satemi to her feet, and Gemma had just fired another arrow at the Overseer above them. Again, the projectile bounced off of the protective field. In answer, the Dokkalfa bastard hit a few more buttons before him and activated the second construct.
It was no surprise. Two gold, badass sculptures, and one comes to life: the other one must do the same. Yet when he saw the angel rise in the air, and its face shone down on them like a beacon of indifferent power, he nearly filled his drawers.
The construct seemed to light from within, glowing softly before them like a terrifying nightlight. Its form undulated, and despite its obvious density, it seemed like a sheet moving in the wind.
Then its face burned brighter, and a thick beam of energy blasted out at the group of dungeon divers. They dodged out of the way, and the construct swiveled its head, chasing Minda as she sprinted across the floor. As it was about to catch her, the woman reached the far wall and ran up, flipping over backward and landing on her feet as the beam extinguished. What the flying circus was that? Cade mused, admiring the agility of his sometimes lover.
But even as she recovered from the display of agility, a thick spear leapt out from the wall and ripped through the flesh above her ribs. Minda growled, clutching herself in pain, but the trap wasn’t fatal. Again, luck was on their side.
Seeing the group halting from shock, Cade rallied their spirits with a classy, “Kill that fucker!”
He fired a Double Tap while Minda and Gemma sent their own projectiles flying at the eerie angel. He wasn’t sure what they were hoping for, but seeing the attacks sink into the liquid metal and disappear was not it. The angel was completely unaffected by the attacks, and raised its arms toward them. This time, twin lasers shot out. It traced the ground, burning the arena sand and filling the air with acrid smoke. The lasers were both heading directly for Cade.
Cade knew he couldn’t do some fancy run-up-the-wall trick like Minda, but he tried his best to dodge the attacks. The beam cut through the air toward his head, and he ducked, then jumped over the opposing beam as it came for him. Then he rolled below another. Again, the angel swept the lasers at Cade and he brought up his buckler to block the attack. The beams of energy refracted off the metal of the soul weapon, sending threads of energy in all directions. One fell on his shoulder, searing it in a flash.
He grunted, feeling his skin and flesh dissolve into thin air. But he’d survived the assault.
As the angel charged up for another mega beam strike, Cade hefted his axe and decided to give melee a try. Satemi beat him to it though, and her sword slashed through the angel’s torso several times in quick succession. The blades passed through harmlessly, not even making a sound.
The angel’s face lit up with celestial fire once more, this time aimed at Gemma. It was fortunate for the woman simply fell into her cat form and sprinted away. She made the evasive maneuvers almost look easy as she did so. Yet the angel changed its tactics mid attack, veering off suddenly toward Satemi.
The Amazon was nowhere near as agile as the other women, but she did her best. As she raced away from the careening energy, another spear trap erupted from the floor, driving into her thigh. She shouted in surprise and pain, falling to the ground, the spear having snapped off from her momentum.
Cade rushed forward and triggered Shroom Shield just in time to absorb most of the blast. The buckler itself reflected even more of the attack’s focus, but some of it passed around the shield’s edges and seared his face and neck with a terrible heat.
Frustrated, and hoping to catch a little luck, Cade fired an Explosive Shot.
The resulting bang rippled the angel’s form, and though it settled once more, they all gasped when they saw some of the liquid metal break away and splash to the ground.
He wasted no more time dicking around. Pulling out the large Boom Stick, Cade waved the women to get back. The angel’s arms were warming up for another pass, but before it could initiate the attack, Cade threw the huge grenade at its center. “Gemma!” he shouted, and the archer let her fiery arrow fly. Just as the grenade was about to splash into the metal, the arrow struck home and an explosion rocked the room.
Most of the angel exploded into a fine mist, but gobs of the liquid gold fell everywhere as well. They blinked in surprise, the fight over and the angelic construct utterly defeated.
For a minute, nothing but silence and the ringing in Cade’s ears passed. He looked to the women around him, and they were unsure of what would happen next as well. The overseer scowled down at them from his perch. Finally, after Cade flung up his arms as if to ask What now, man? the boss rattled off another command on his control panel.
The room suddenly came alive with activity. Everywhere golden metal was falling, it was being absorbed by the room. The balcony the overseer stood on opened up, and he was propelled outward on a floating disc which slowly fell to the arena floor.
If this son of a three-legged goat controlled such potent monsters, then this fight might be too much for us, Cade worried as he prepared another shot from his blast staff. Signaling with his hand, he let the girls know that as soon as the shield came down, they were going to let everything they had loose. Gemma drew her bow and Minda stood with staff held high, daggers floating around her. Satemi triggered her glowing swords again, and they waited.
The overseer settled down onto the sand of the area. It raised its rope arms, cords of muscle dancing as it gesticulated something vulgar. Then the monster opened its mouth and exposed razor-sharp teeth. It threw out a long whip from each hand, sending out a crackle of energy as he shot the weapons forward. He was taunting them. The overseer had seen every attack they had, knew their weaknesses, and now they were going to have to face it directly.
Then the shimmer of the force shield fell, and the creature howled in malevolent glee.
Gemma’s arrow sunk into its throat, and the monster choked. It clutched the shaft, its onyx eyes bulging. Then the dagger flew, Cade blasted it with two of his mana bullets, each piercing its chest. And as the foul creature fell to its knees, Satemi’s blades swept off its head first and then its torso, the swords nicking through the spine with an audible snick.
The overseer crumpled before them, black blood staining the arena sand.
It was over.
Cade laughed like a madman, relieved as well as stricken with the perfect irony of the boss’s demise. Minda joined him, but Satemi and Gemma viewed their companions like they were mad.
When they were done, they looted the boss and received a 2nd Floor Key as well as another juicy supply of XP. Cade leveled up as did Gemma once again. It was the perfect way to end such a challenging journey, and to celebrate, Cade triggered Restoration of the Grove and healed their wounds. He sighed in relief as his burn cooled and the root damage done to his chest was finally repaired.
He checked once more to be certain, asking Micah if they could open the 2nd floor. But as he’d thought, mana was required to activate the stairwell. They’d need more Mana Shards to progress any further.
The would-be adventure seekers retreated at last, all still bearing torches despite the knowledge that the monsters within the first level of the dungeon had all been cleared out. Cade knew they would return, in time, and he’d have to face down some other twisted concoction of monsters. Who designed this place? He couldn’t help but question. It wasn’t as if the layout were particularly brilliant. Then again, it was only the first of seven floors.
So as he strode up the staircase, heading back to camp, back to more
hard labor and a life of endless toil, he knew the real question was, What would they find deeper within?
14
Trapdoor Plot Twist
“I’m sorry, I just don’t feel like shedding my body like that creepy spider! And what if I become covered in spiny hairs? Think of that, Minda? This is my body we’re talking about,” Cade argued for the tenth time. It had begun as a well-intentioned discussion of his next chosen trait, but now he just felt targeted.
Minda held up her hands and backed away. “Fine, Cade. But if you get your arm hacked off and can never regrow it again, you’ll need to apologize.”
That is pretty unfair, he thought. Lose a limb and have to say sorry about it too! No thanks.
But what he said was, “Thank you for respecting my decision. I’m going with the Earthen Ape trait. I’ll let you all know what the skill choices are.”
The argument had been over whether or not to choose Ape’s Aptitude or Hale as the Horde. The second, the trait option given to him by slaying the horde spider, was tempting. It more than hinted that he’d be able to regrow lost limbs. But watching the monster explode out of a husk of itself had left a strong impression on Cade’s senses. And who wants to be anything like a spider?
He read the description of his desired trait once more just to be certain.
Ape’s Aptitude: By taking on the ingenuity and prowess of the Earthen Ape, this trait is enough to turn any fool into a battle commander. A layer of dense mana will coat your body, increasing resistance to piercing and blunt damage. If this trait is chosen, your Intelligence will increase by a total of one Attribute Point.
Yes, this is the right choice, he confirmed in his mind, selecting the trait and finalizing it. If I am to play the part of Chimera Lord, I should be a better battle commander.
Then he read aloud the two skill choices given.
“The first one is called Earthen Assault. It says, ‘harnessing the brute strength of the stone, you and your party are given increased attack damage. All attacks add 20% base damage in the form of blunt damage. 2-minute Duration. 20-minute Cooldown.’ The second option is Earthen Defense. This one is described like this. ‘Given the protection of dense stone, you and your party are given increased defense against all physical attacks. All piercing and slashing damage reduced by 20%. Blunt damage is reduced by 10%. 3-minute Duration. 30-minute Cooldown.’”
He looked around at those seated near him, Gemma and Satemi still eating a second helping of dinner. “What do you guys think?”
The two women with steak in their mouths said, “Assault,” at the same time that Minda and Ketzal said, “Defense.” Everyone had the good graces to laugh at the even split. Sholl, who’d roused himself from his tent, added. “I do not want to weigh too heavily here, for you will be the ones fighting. At least until I can recover from this cursed wound. But your Alpha’s Call skill does increase survivability more than it does attack damage. I think Assault is the better choice for now.”
Cade nodded, agreeing with the man. He was pleased to have additional support. Going against Minda’s judgement twice in a row was going to be awkward.
She cleared her throat and pulled his eyes up off from the flames though. “Cade, go with your instincts. I’m sorry I fought you so hard on the last one. I just want what’s best for you.”
He smiled and thanked her. “Earthen Assault it is. Well then, regarding Attribute Points, I am assigning 1 to Intelligence, to boost my blast staff’s recharge time, 2 to Dexterity. That should help improve my nightly activities and also let me avoid damage in a fight.” Cade paused a moment and gave a wicked smile to the women who shared his bed. Then he finished with, “The final two points I want to add to Charisma. Sound good?”
Knowing it was her displeasure he was most concerned with at the time, Minda nodded, chiming in with, “Good idea. The Charisma especially. Not only will it make you more tolerable to be around, but the last time you increased it, I noticed a small and permanent buff added. When we are fighting together I get something called Chimera’s Champion. It not only amps up your Alpha’s Call by an additional 10% effectiveness, but my movement speed increased by 2%. A small bonus, but it works all the time.”
Satemi confirmed she too had experienced the effect, which gave Cade all the encouragement he needed.
Cade finalized his selections, and closed his eyes, feeling his body transform once more. New strands of muscle fibers wound through his body, making him faster and more nimble than ever before, and his mind cleared and felt more attuned to the world around him. The Charisma had a different effect, which he felt for the first time. It was as if a lamp within him brightened somewhat, a warmth suffusing outward in all directions from his core.
The sensations of upgrading one’s Attributes had begun as intensely painful. He recalled falling unconscious with the pain after his first major ascension back in Tanrial. It had become less unpleasant since then. Though his head still throbbed slightly, Cade moaned as an incomparable rush flooded his body with a feeling of wellness and power.
When he recovered from his reverie and glanced up, the women of Camp Casmeer were all taking him in. There was a moment of awkward silence until Satemi nudged Ketzal in the ribs and said, “Makes me ready for a round two, eh? Should have had him use all his points for Charisma.”
He laughed awkwardly. Then tried to shift the focus away from himself. “So, wanna hear what I chose for my axe upgrades?”
Minda smiled, her pointed teeth showing lazily. Gemma averted her eyes nervously, and poor Sholl just sat there looking highly uncomfortable. The man, lending any kind of support he could, answered with a friendly, “Would love to, Cade. What did you get this time?”
The urge to invite the three women in his life into the shelter then and there was tempting, but the timing was off. So Cade examined his upgraded weapon once more, reading off the increased Base Damage, Recharge Rate, and new Modifications.
Mr. McGregor Blast-Axe Level 5
Primary Weapon System - Battle Axe
Base Damage - 80% of Max Damage
Damage Type - Slashing
Attack Speed - Medium
Mods: Razor’s Edge, Herculean Hammer, Mana Spear, Ratcheting Reach
Secondary Weapon System - Blast Staff
Base Damage - 80% of Max Damage
Damage Type - Ether Blast
Attack Speed - Instant
Recharge Rate: 19 seconds (Intelligence score 17)
Mods: Slug Shot, Double Tap, Explosive Shot, Armor Piercing
“That’s lovely, Cade. It is good to know you’re better able to penetrate your foes,” Satemi said, savoring Cade’s lingering discomfort.
“Come on. Give me a break, okay?” he begged.
“What does Ratcheting Reach do? Could you read off the description?” Sholl tried once more, trying desperately to clear the air of the sexual tension.
Cade nodded, thanking the man with his eyes. “Of course. Um… Okay. Ratcheting Reach: The handle of your blast axe has been modified in two ways. It has been hollowed and reinforced with mana. This reduces the overall weight of your weapon by twenty percent. It now has a built-in mechanism that allows it to extend up to two feet longer, allowing for maximized attack power. Attacks performed when Ratcheting Reach is activated increase by 30% base damage while attack speed is reduced by 15%.”
When he finished, Cade dismissed the UVS from his vision and asked, “Pretty great, right? Should help out in a fight.”
Giggling, Minda responded predictably. “I’m sure you’re very happy you can make your axe longer now. Though, to be honest, not all women appreciate the gesture. Having your intestines massaged doesn’t exactly feel good. Just remember that, Cade.”
Satemi and Minda fell to laughing, and even Ketzal covered her face.
Sholl shook his head and stood up feebly. “Okay, I think it is a good time for bed.”
Ketzal apologized to him, standing to help take his arm when Gemma laughed hard and loud.
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br /> “You refer to his penis! That is very funny!” she announced, belting out a long peal of laughter. Everyone froze, observing the woman’s terrifying display of humor. “Because an axe, though it is sharp and deadly unlike a penis, has a similar shape. And you tease him for his wishing to have his manhood extended too! Ha! Very good joke, Minda!”
It was too much. Even Cade and Sholl lost it. The ridiculous clashing of cultures was a constant source of frustration, but at times like these it seemed well worth it.
Sholl had to sit back down, his body was so weakened by the laughing fit, and Cade did likewise. Then he figured he’d throw another branch in the fire they’d built together. Standing up again, he produced his axe and triggered the Ratcheting Reach. Holding it at waist level, he watched along with the rest as the weapon nearly doubled in length, even making a mechanical clacking noise as it did so. For the second time, the group nearly died with laughter.
Cade was thinking it might be a good night to break out the jungle wine when Ketzal cried out, pointing a finger up toward the cliff above them.
The sun was gone, but the sky remained a dull red in the west. It was plenty of light to illuminate the two crawling terrors edging down the face of the cliff. As soon as he saw them, Cade knew exactly what they were.
“Horde spiders!” Minda cried, apparently remembering the beast they’d fought as acutely as he did. “Damn, they must have figured out the last scout died.”
After everyone stared at the creepy beasts walking nimbly along the cliff face over a hundred feet above camp, they turned together with a look of shared concern. Then, taking commendable initiative upon herself, Gemma called, “Pablo! We need to speak with you immediately!”