by Atlas Kane
The warrior dipped her head. “Of course, Archon. What choices do we have?”
“Well, first things first, I figured I’d copy what I did for my last level regarding Attribute Points. Two for Intelligence, two for Charisma, one for Wisdom,” he suggested.
Satemi scrunched her face a moment, then shook her head. “You must remain with us at all costs though, Cade. I know Intelligence is important, but you haven’t added Strength or Constitution in far too long. Please, put a point in each of those instead.”
Taking her suggestion at face value, Cade did so, then finalized the choice.
The familiar and enthralling burn echoed through his mind and body, telling him how much he’d grown in a second. His muscles bulged slightly, and he felt refreshed and invigorated. The Wisdom gave him a clearer view on the day’s events, and he felt more positive about the great trove of materials they’d gained.
Satemi admired his enhanced physique a moment, her smile more than a little charmed.
Knowing his weapon wouldn’t be up for another mod yet, he told her of the two traits he’d been considering.
Lepidoptera Legacy: Charged with the same fount of power as the great moth beasts below, this trait will enhance your life force significantly. All passive healing increases by 15%. Benefit stacks with other healing traits. Constitution will improve by a total of one Attribute Point.
Golem’s Grip: Utilizing the near infinite power of an earth golem, this trait will improve the power of all melee or unarmed combat attacks. Your grip will become sturdy enough to ensure that you never drop your weapon. Only unconsciousness or death are the exceptions. Strength will improve by a total of one Attribute Point.
“You are so lucky, Cade. When you first began, I admit, I doubted your choice in class. But now, it seems you might eventually move on from the Chimera Lord class and become a true Chimera King,” Satemi said, eyes sparkling with the same enthusiasm he was feeling. “The Golem’s Grip will be a great addition to your arsenal, and were you not in a leadership position, I’d recommend it.”
Nodding, Cade agreed with her unspoken proposition. “Lepidoptera Legacy it is.” He selected the trait and finalized the choice. Then read aloud the two skills offered.
Moth’s Mania: Adopting the fury of the moth horde, all movement speed is increased by 100% for 60 seconds. The increased velocity of all attacks increases damage by 10%. Chances to evade attacks entirely increase significantly. Cooldown: 24 hours.
Mana Amelioration: Adapting the restorative abilities of the moth boss, you are able to heal yourself from otherwise-fatal wounds. Skill will also reverse most physical or mana-induced negative conditions like Burn, Bleeding, Poison, or Infection. No attacks can be made while skill is active. Cooldown: 72 hours.
“You must choose Amelioration!” Satemi insisted, standing up as Cade finished reading the skills description from his UVS. “Should anything happen to you, Cade, something serious, this could be your way of staying alive!”
“The Moth’s Mania though,” Cade argued, teasing the woman a little. He agreed the second, though the Cooldown was limiting, would be the better choice. Still, he couldn’t resist the chance to egg her on.
Pointing a deadly finger at him, she said in a stern voice. “None of that. I know what you’re on about. Choose it now and give us all a little peace of mind.”
Satemi wouldn’t calm down until he did so, then quirked a smile and sat back down. She sighed and asked a question that had been bugging Cade since arriving back to town. “Where is Gemma, do you think? I’m worried.”
He nodded. “Yeah. I just hope they’re on their way back. Maybe they found the source of the problem and had to kill a lot of the amalgamations,” he suggested, and she chewed her lip.
She reached out and placed her hand in his. “I’ve already called upon Pablo. He can’t find the group. None have summoned him directly, and he said he’d already searched. The demon said it was as if they were being hidden by some force.”
There was nothing they could do. He squeezed her hand in return and tried to cheer the woman up. “It is Gemma we are talking about. I think she is fine. Let’s have faith in our girl, yeah?”
Satemi smiled, seeming to appreciate his attempt. Then she pushed their minds along a different path. “You gonna use the Soul Weapon Enhancer yet? Or just toy with it all night?”
He grinned back and summoned the item. Everyone had agreed that Cade would get one of the rare items should they happen upon more. Closing his eyes, he thought about using it and felt it trigger.
It disappeared from his hands and his blast axe, leaning against his seat, began to glow ether-blue. He picked it up and watched in wonder as it grew in length, an intricate swirl etching along the soul steel. The shaft grew more stout, and the simple grace of the battle axe morphed before his eyes. The edges of the blade flared out dramatically, and the opposing side, the blunt-faced hammer, thickened and formed a diamond-shaped spike.
The weapon was beautiful to behold.
From what he’d seen of the others who’d used the weapon enhancers, the items took on randomized effects. Most commonly, all skills and attributes, including attack speed and damage, increased by 10%. Others focused on particular skills or qualities.
Curious to no end, Cade brought up the weapon in his UVS.
Mr. McGregor Blast-Axe Level 9
Primary Weapon System - Battle Axe
Base Damage - 120% of Max Damage
Damage Type - Slashing
Attack Speed - Medium
Mods: Razor’s Edge, Herculean Hammer, Mana Spear, Ratcheting Reach, Impact Rod
Elemental Augmentation: Windtorn
Secondary Weapon System - Blast Staff
Base Damage - 120% of Max Damage
Damage Type - Ether Blast
Attack Speed - Instant
Recharge Rate: 10 seconds (Intelligence score 21)
Mods: Slug Shot, Double Tap, Explosive Shot, Armor Piercing, Burst Clip
Elemental Augmentation: Windtorn
Soul Weapon Enhancer Options Available:
1- Blooded Battle Axe
Choosing this Enhancement option will focus all of the improvements on the Primary Weapon System, the Battle Axe. All attacks, attack speed, and skill effects increased by 10%. Adds 25% chance to cause Bleed effect (with axe or mana spear) or 25% chance for Contusion (with hammer).
2- Burning Battle Axe
Choosing this Enhancement option will focus all of the improvements on the Primary Weapon System, the Battle Axe. All normal attacks cause an additional 25% Fire damage. Adds a 25% chance to cause Incinerate Effect to enemy. Incinerate will cause an additional 70% base damage over 10 seconds.
3- Blistering Blast Staff
Choosing this Enhancement option will focus all of the improvements on the Secondary Weapon System, the Blast Staff. All attack damage increased by 20%. Increases recharge rate by 10%, and adds a 20% chance of causing an Incinerate Effect to enemy. Incinerate will cause an additional 70% base damage over 10 seconds.
4- Barking Blast Staff
Choosing this Enhancement option will focus all of the improvements on the Secondary Weapon System, the Blast Staff. Enhancing your most powerful skill, the Barking Blast Staff Enhancement will increase Burst Clip capacity by 100%, and future recharging will occur two rounds at a time. An additional 25% Blast damage will be added to each round.
“Yes!” Cade shouted, lifting the weapon up in the air, knowing his choice automatically. “I rocked a machine gun in my previous life, and I’ve been given one in Antinium too! Thank you gods of Last World!”
“Please help us,” Satemi groaned, rubbing her temples with the tips of her fingers. “I suppose you won’t choose Blooded Battle Axe then? The increased attack speed alone should be enough for you to decide. And then of course the Blistering Blast Staff would improve your recharge rate and overall damage… but no, you’re gonna go with the last one, am I right?”
“Mo fracking right
, I am! I’m going to be this world’s one and only Chimera Lord gunner. Just you wait and see!”
Selecting the choice, he watched as the weapon transformed once more. The mana batteries that ran up the staff split and formed two rows. He now had 40 rounds available. Even cooler, he noticed a portion of the axe blade’s underbelly formed into a distinct and familiar shape: an elegantly curved halfmoon.
No more willing his blast staff to operate, now he had a proper trigger for his booger hook.
A few of the Casmeeri villagers threw him concerned glances, so he quieted down and lowered his weapon. Admiring it a few more minutes by himself, Satemi patted him on the shoulder, kissed his cheek, and let him adore his new and improved toy.
The night was winding down, and a few of those who’d gone on the dungeon run were yawning fiercely. More than a few of the villagers would be sleeping hard tonight. Cade thought it was a fine idea himself, when a clear and desperate voice shattered the relative peace.
“Attention! I need everyone to pay attention, please!” Tessra cried from atop one of the unused cook ovens.
Someone gasped, and Cha strode forward, no doubt to reprimand the squirrel woman. “What are you doing? Get down!”
Tessra ignored her, and cast her gaze around in near panic. “Attention, please! I will use my favor now, as promised as reward as one of the winners in the Casmeer Games!”
Satemi leaned close to Cade’s ear and whispered, “I don’t know what this is, but it’s going to be delicious.”
“Enough! What are you—” Cha tried again, but Tessra stamped down on one of the councilwoman’s grasping fingers and hissed.
“Archon! You blessed my wish. And, Satemi, you made the promise that all winners could choose a favor. Did you not?” Tessra asked, trying to regain some semblance of control.
Nodding to Satemi, Cade let the woman speak for both of them. “Yes, Tessra. What is it you want? We’re listening.”
“I ask a favor of the entire village. I wish to marry this night. Will you give me one of your sons?”
“Son? What is she on about?” Satemi said under her breath.
Feeling like he knew a little too much of what was passing through the woman’s frantic mind, Cade stood up, and answered for the village. “Yes, Tessra. You may wed one of the villagers, but only if he finds you an acceptable mate.”
“As is the way of the gods themselves!” Tessra replied, her eyes sparkling with wonder and unshed tears.
“The woman’s mad,” someone muttered, earning a punch to the arm by Minda.
Cha stalked away, nursing the finger Tessra had so rudely stepped on.
Tension built, and Cade noticed Tessra was glancing his way. Is she waiting on me to do something? She should have told me more of my lines, damnit. Clearing his throat, he improvised. “Uh… we hear you, daughter. Which one of our sons do you wish to marry?”
Satemi snorted beside him, but the squirrel woman looked ready to burst with passion.
“I choose Danhrranrrhrim, also known as Dan, the brave and handsome warrior mage!” she exclaimed, locking eyes with the lycan who stood fifty feet away near Ronden’s shoulder, a cup of ale held frozen to his lips.
The villagers gasped and laughed alike, some falling to gossip immediately. This is going to be the best thing we’ve seen since coming here, Cade thought. Drama always wins out in the end.
Another lull stretched before them, and now both Dan and Tessra were looking to Cade. He shook his head and winged it again. “What say you Dan, oh brave and handsome warrior mage? Will you wed Tessra?” he said, his voice adopting an accent he might use while staggering drunkenly through a Ren Faire.
The wolf looked ready to faint. His face hung slack, and he lowered his mug, the liquid spilling to the ground unnoticed. Ronden, a true friend it seemed, pulled the wolf to him and whispered in his ear. After a half minute of their private conversation, Dan’s eyes began to focus once more, and he looked up to Tessra.
Then he nodded.
After a forceful shove, the wolf stumbled forward, and answered properly. “Yes. I’ll do that, Tess.”
Applause burst from the villagers on all sides, and Tessra beamed down at her new husband-to-be.
A few hands were held up to help the squirrel woman down, but she continued to gaze lovingly at the tall lycan who’d given his consent.
The chatter died down as it became clear the show wasn’t yet over.
When it grew quiet, Tessra said in a lusty voice, “Then let us commence the Love Ceremony!”
By the time Camp Casmeer had calmed down and begun to process what was happening, Tessra and a few of her, previously selected, friends, rushed out to adorn the clay earth before the burning cook ovens. A thick mat of reeds was set down first, bunches of aromatic herbs and beautiful flowers strewn about.
An oil lamp was lit at the foot and the head of the bed, and a few musicians fetched their instruments upon request.
Dan looked to have been poisoned, and he stood staring at the intimate altar that was being erected for his sake.
“What do you think she’s gonna do to him?” Minda whispered to Satemi behind Cade’s shoulder. “She might eat the poor guy.”
“I do think she’ll be tasting him. That much seems clear,” Satemi replied.
Turning slowly, Cade regarded the warrior woman. “You don’t mean she’ll insist on them—”
“Oh, yeah. I have no doubt. My tribe had a similar ritual. The fertility of the couple will be blessed if all members see and approve of the union,” she explained. “Or at least that’s what the belief was for us. My tribe was chaste compared to some. Our newlyweds only blessed each other’s sex orally before retiring to complete the deed in private.”
Minda’s eyes widened, and Ketzal drew near as well. Her sumptuous form moved with more grace than usual. It seemed that Minda wasn’t the only one turned on by the display.
In half an hour, Tessra and Dan had been decked out in flowers, their bodies draped in a garment that resembled a toga. The wolf seemed ready to sprint for the wood line, but when Cade looked into his eyes, he saw Dan was as excited as his diminutive bride.
Music began, and Tessra looked once more to Cade, the great Archon of the village. She smiled at him, a gesture so heartfelt and eager it melted him. He nodded back, channeling whatever fatherly instinct he had in him.
At Tessra’s instruction, wine was poured in a circle around the white sheet that was laid on top of the wedding mat. Its red stain left little to the imagination as to the nature of its symbolism. Dan kneeled where she guided him, and then Pablo appeared in the form of a four-winged bird, a creature from Tessra’s world, Cade imagined.
The demon spoke, reciting the marriage rites. “Two will join to make one. One daughter and one son joined to become mother and father. May the union be cleaved in the sight of all!”
A few flowers were tossed in the air as the demon finished the simple ceremony, and the music intensified.
Cade sat between a squirming Minda and a sweaty-palmed Satemi and watched as Tessra moved toward her new husband.
She stood, head just barely taller than Dan’s when he kneeled. Kissing him on the tip of his snout, the squirrel took out two lumps of food, berries if their crimson hue was any indicator, and pressed them to his lips. Dan ate them, his eyes showing equal parts confusion and arousal.
Then the squirrel woman attacked the knot that tied his garment in place at the shoulder.
It fell away, and his naked body shone in the firelight. Sinuous muscle and shining metallic fur made him a ferocious sight. Minda leaned across and made a comment about the lycan’s manhood, and Cade gently bopped her on the top of the head. “Hush. No man needs commentary at a time like this,” he said wisely.
Tessra unfastened her own garment, and her heavy breasts hung before her, chestnut nipples pursing in the night air. Her thighs were thickly muscled, her fur growing fine and becoming almost bald as it ran up her torso and breasts. She strode fo
rward boldly and straddled the wolf who was more than eager to receive her.
She gasped as he pierced her, and the villagers grew quiet, witnessing the first moments of a sweet and vulnerable coupling.
The air practically crackled with tension. Nobody coughed or laughed. A few let tears roll down their cheeks as they saw Tessra’s brown eyes, wide with the wonder of her expanding heart. Dan gripped her ample hips, growling quietly as they moved together. His gaze was molten, and Cade knew his affection for her was equally dear.
Minda reached out and held Cade’s hand, and Satemi did likewise.
It was an odd mixture of feelings that assaulted him. His eyes brimmed along with many others, but he felt his sex stiffen as well.
The newlyweds moved with increasing passion, Tessra beginning to emit a trilling purr in her throat. Her haunches twitched in response to her growing arousal, and soon she was practically vibrating over Dan.
Then his eyes grew distant, his teeth baring in the firelight. He bit the side of her neck, holding her in his deadly mouth. Yet she didn’t cry out in pain. No blood traced down her neck. He simply held her like prey, something he had claimed as his own.
Dan’s shoulders and back rippled with strength. His growl grew louder and blended with Tessra’s trill. Her tail arced up behind her, her thighs and backside quivering with ecstatic energy, and then she gripped his arms tighter than before, her pelvis grinding away as she came.
The wolf’s musculature flexed as he seemed to resist his own pleasure.
When she finished moving atop him, he pressed her to her back, still holding the squirrel woman by her throat. He drove himself into her, each thrust eliciting a high-pitched moan. And then he too fell to pieces.