Chimera King Box Set Books 1-3

by Atlas Kane

  Cade added 3 Points to Wisdom, 4 to Charisma, 2 to Intelligence, and 1 to Strength. When he finalized the decision, he clutched Ketzal by the hips and gasped.

  The usual surge of power he experienced was doubled. It felt like ecstatic fire consuming his body from the inside out. He shuddered from the potency of the experience, and the girls laughed at his display.

  “Wow, who needs sex when you can just keep leveling up,” Satemi teased, pressing herself against his body.

  She felt so good, Cade would have considered acting on his impulse if it wasn’t for the solemnity of the day’s sacrifices.

  “I still have a skill to choose,” he added, having collected himself at last. “Want to know what the options are?”

  The girls encouraged him, so he brought up the skills on his UVS and read them each aloud.

  Hardshell Healing: By mimicking the healing powers of the elder turtle, you can replenish your health even while damage is still being inflicted. Heal from moderate wounds of any kind. All other attacks and skills may still be used during the healing process. 24-hour Cooldown.

  Hardshell Haven: Like any shelled beast, you may benefit from its inherent protection. When this skill is activated, an invisible wall of impenetrable ether is erected, protecting you or any allies within ten feet. 10-second Duration. 24-hour Cooldown.

  “Well, spot on par for what we were hoping for,” Cade noted.

  “Par?” Ketzal asked in a confused voice.

  “Ignore the man’s strange expressions. This is an easy one. Hardshell Haven is the best option. You already have a healing spell, and with the loss of your buckler, you have no other form of shield,” Satemi said, a yawn sealing her assessment.

  He had to agree. The Shroom Shield the buckler once provided had been a favorite skill. And the ability to protect his friends made it even more appealing.

  “Yep, I think so too. So that is that. You two already finished your selections?” he asked, finalizing his last choice.

  Satemi nodded, placing her face against his back after.

  Ketzal however, was silent for a few moments before she squeezed his hand. Then, the demoness suddenly writhed in his grip, a moan escaping her mouth.

  Cade and Satemi laughed, knowing exactly what had befallen their companion’s delightful body.

  “There,” she said at last, after she’d ceased shuddering in Cade’s arms. “Attributes selected and finalized. I got a skill you both might approve of as well. Think I’ll keep it a surprise for now though.”

  “We look forward to it, dear. But I think my mind is at last ready to settle down. Goodnight, the both of you,” Satemi said and rolled over. She pressed her spine against Cade and fell silent.

  Cade was curious to review his Character Sheet once more, however, so he brought it up.

  Name: Cade

  Level: 11

  Strength: 20 (+2 Chimera King Breastplate of Power)

  Constitution: 20 (+2 Chimera King Bracers of Fortitude)

  Dexterity: 20 (+2 Chimera King Greaves of Grace)

  Intelligence: 23

  Wisdom: 19 (+2 Chimera King Pauldrons of Insight)

  Charisma: 31

  Traits: Lycan Metabolism, Nilgathi Fervor, Alpha’s Fitness, Eel’s Bite, Ape’s Aptitude, Hale as the Horde, Lepidoptera Core, Hardy Hardshell

  Skills: Culling the Pack, Wyrm’s Wrath, Alpha’s Call, Electric Touch, Earthen Assault, Spider’s Kiss, Mana Amelioration, Hardshell Haven

  Seeing not only the stacked Attribute Points he’d just assigned, but also the bonuses his epic armor gave him, made him have even more appreciation for the crafty woman behind him. Satemi was a queen in her own right, and that she’d dubbed him a king—in the naming of his armor at least—was a compliment he wouldn’t take lightly.

  And though he knew what his weapon description would say, he scanned it anyhow. Two pieces of information were of particular note. Not only was his new base damage up to 140%, but the recharge time between shots had been reduced to 4 seconds!

  His Burst Clip skill specifically stated that recharging the bullets was not influenced by Intelligence modifier. But when he examined it now, he was pleased to see that the Recharge Booster did make a difference. When he’d chosen to focus his Soul Weapon Enhancer on his Burst Clip skill, it had not only doubled his capacity and bumped up the damage, but the bullets recharged two at a time. With the Recharge Booster, each pair of automatic bullets took two and half minutes to replenish. He could go full auto, forty rounds of burst ammo rocking his enemies to pieces, every fifty minutes!

  The Recharge Booster had turned him into a reliable rifleman.

  As Cade’s depleted body pulled him inexorably into a deep sleep, he couldn’t help but imagine how his fighting style would change once more. He could act as a sniper, taking down enemies from over his allies’ shoulders, and then when things went sideways, step in and gun down ranks of monsters.

  Combined with his trusty axe, Cade had turned himself into the most versatile fighter in Antinium.

  All he had to do was remain focused. With this latest threat eliminated, the villagers of Camp Casmeer only had to focus on continued survival.

  And they would succeed, Cade promised himself, no matter what the cost.

  20

  With a Little Help from My Friends

  As expected, the journey back was trying.

  A few more roaming packs of amalgamations encountered, dispatched quickly and with incredible violence, but still enough to interrupt their progress and add a few more wounded to their already-shabby forces.

  Healers in Antinium were magic workers. As mind-blowing in their skill as Ronden with his hammer or Dan summoning a crackling ball of chain lightning. Yet they were in many ways much more limited. Their common skills helped alleviate minor wounds, stem off infection, or clean poison from one’s system. Such grandiose effects like knitting bones, regrowing tissues, or stabilizing those on the brink of death, however, had massive cooldowns.

  The Casmeeri forces, and their jacked-up Kotani allies, would be in tip-top shape again. It would just take a few days.

  Huge apes, it turned out, could travel nearly as fast as battle boars. When charging, the Kotani Ma could most likely even match Bellows.

  A few factors slowed them down greatly though.

  Not only were the Casmeeri mounts laden with wounded, several of the apes riding along as well, but their young were allowed to ride as well. The boars of the Kotani tribe had not been trained for carrying passengers, and after one such attempt, the idea was abandoned.

  That left ten of the Camp Casmeer villagers afoot.

  And humans move very slow.

  Yet as the two groups plodded along, Cade felt the struggle might have ultimately been worthwhile. An inherent trust had begun forming between the two tribes, one that strengthened the bonds forged in battle.

  If we are going to share a roof with them, might as well get used to splitting the chores now, he thought, observing the meandering progress of the convoy. Just hope we can manage to get home before nightfall.

  Thankfully, his desires came true. What had been a four-hour journey out had taken the group over ten hours to return. But even before the heaviness of dusk had begun to settle in, the war party was greeted with cheers and fanfare.

  Seeing that their companions had brought home friends made for mixed emotions of those they’d left to guard Camp Casmeer.

  Cha especially, and unsurprisingly, looked pissed.

  She grinned at Cade through bared teeth, then fell to eying the apes as they strode in.

  A feast was thrown that night. Not a merry one, but one in which a massive amount of food was cooked, consumed, and stored away in the Warehouse. Everyone ate plenty, and plenty was left over—over two months’ worth if Cade’s quick calculations were on point—but there was no mood of levity or celebration.

  An emergency meeting of the Council was held, and the apes were told to bathe in the pool and wait until a place could b
e prepared for them.

  Chandi, the Kotani Ma, rather, looked stiff with indignation as Ketzal told him where to wait, and Cade imagined he knew exactly why. How can a people so powerful and proud take relying on allies so easily? He would probably prefer to fight for a new home rather than be given what we deem fair. Still, his honor will hold him to the agreement.

  Mole and Havasham sat side by side in the Town Hall, the two Councilmen closer than they’d ever been thanks to being positioned on the back of the same boar. A quiet joke passed between them, one that caused a bout of laughter.

  Cha, looking on, ground her teeth in silent fury.

  Yeah, bitch. You sit one out and you’ll lose respect, Cade mused. But when he considered the woman, a feeling of anxiety churned his stomach. In all reality, he only wished they could find a way to move on and come together. Though they’d defeated another great threat, it was doubtful it’d be the last. If he could somehow win Cha over, help her feel comfortable, then he’d do so.

  With that thought in mind, he started the meeting by lending her as much credit and respect as possible. “Cha, thank you for holding down the fort while we were away. Have you been given the details of our foray yet? If not, feel free to ask any questions you might have.”

  The glint of steel in the woman’s eye told him she knew what he was after. Not having any of it, Cha countered sharply. “I hear you’ve let more of our villagers die. The gathered supplies and food stores are appreciated, but then to make our situation worse by adding the burden of a pack of beasts as well… I don’t know where to begin.”

  “Seems like you do,” Satemi growled in response. “If you do not appreciate our choice to give sanctuary to the Kotani tribe, then we can discuss and vote on the matter. But you will not hold Cade responsible for the deaths of noble soldiers. It is the way of battle.”

  “And he chose this battle, did he not?” Cha responded, her chest puffing up in anger.

  Ketzal stood, stepping between the two women. Holding a hand out to either side, she implored them both. “We have decisions to make. Please, let’s discuss the matters at hand and nothing more.”

  Watching the way in which both parties calmed, just a little, Cade realized that among the Council of Five, Ketzal was one of the few who had the potential to be a true politician. Mole had the same gift, and though Havasham was a reasonable man, Cade felt he was more suited for other forms of leadership.

  Mole stood next and cleared his throat. The round man smiled at them all in turn. “I think there is only one matter that needs our vote tonight. Cha, I am sorry, but the rest of us remain unanimous in supporting the Kotani. Have any of you changed your mind since arriving?”

  When none of the others spoke up, he continued. “So we must decide where to put our fine guests. Allies who, as I am sure you’ve already heard the tale, sacrificed their own in slaughtering a mighty foe. Any suggestions?”

  “There is space along the far bank of the pool,” Havasham noted. “They might be more at home there as well. From what you’ve told me, Cade, the apes prefer to build their homes with clay?”

  Cade nodded, but held his tongue for the time being. For whatever reason, it was his presence that incensed Cha the most. He could do with a bit more silence if it helped them conclude this meeting in a timely fashion.

  Ketzal spoke up after. “There is plenty of space between the wall barriers. We could give them one or even two of those clearings to live within, at least for the time being. And really, as I can’t see any other options, we might even want to ask them where they’d prefer between the two locations.”

  “Maybe we should just give them our own sleeping quarters,” Cha said, her voice bitter with mockery. “If we’re to give them a choice, then why not begin with the Archon’s own shelter?”

  “That’s enough, Cha,” Satemi said, her tone like a blade of naked steel. For once, the other councilwoman looked somewhat cowed.

  Who can resist the general? Cade thought, regarding Satemi as she continued to glare at her opponent.

  Switching tactics, Cha tried once more. “How about in the grove of trees outside the cave that leads to the Town Interface? If we let them live there, surely they’ll find enough shelter and plenty of food. And that way, we won’t have to worry about them getting under our feet.”

  “It is a valid suggestion,” Havasham stated mildly. “But to be fair, I think they’re too big to get under any of our feet.” When his generous attempt at humor had passed, his face grew more solemn. “Still, Cha, we must not neglect to offer them the protection we can so easily provide. Satemi and Minda built up the fortified walls for a reason. I will not vote to place them outside of those walls.”

  “Nor will I,” Satemi added.

  “Nor will I,” Cade finished, his vote adding to Ketzal and Mole’s, both of whom were shaking their head no.

  “Fine, then let the beasts choose,” Cha said with finality. “But if they foul our drinking water, I will not be the one to blame.”

  “Very well,” Cade said, trying to ignore the slight made against the Kotani. “I have another proposal. Considering the cost of rudimentary housing, I suggest we use the Town Interface, this very night, to erect shelter for the apes. I know we have limited resources, but simple hovels won’t cost very much. It might be a good reward for their sacrifice.”

  A few nods passed around between the council members, and surprisingly, Cha didn’t explode. It was Havasham that answered instead. “If we can keep the cost down as low as possible, I am for it as well.”

  When all had agreed but Cha, her lips fell into a thin smile. “I agree. It would also save the noise and distraction of watching them attempt to build something on their own.”

  “Good!” Cade said, surprised the vote had gone through so easily. “Are we through, then? I am tired, and I’m sure the Kotani Ma would like to set up as soon as possible.”

  “Not quite,” Cha replied, a cold gleam settling in her gaze. “I think I’ve been quite reasonable, Archon. Now it is your turn.”

  Cade knew all too well where this was heading. Still, he nodded to the woman to continue.

  “Since we will be spending more Mana Shards on the apes’ housing, and that housing will also increase the daily upkeep, I vote to drop the barrier shield at once,” she said triumphantly. “We did agree to do so if no significant stores of Mana Shards were discovered, and though the dungeon diving has gone well, the shards remain a commodity.”

  Havasham sighed audibly, his head drooping. When he looked up again, he was staring straight at Cade. “I am sorry, Cade, but I agree. It would be a disaster were all of our other structures to collapse should we run out of Mana Shards. If we drop the barrier shield, we should be able to sustain ourselves with the meager offerings the dungeon has been giving.”

  Satemi looked ready to eat one of her own swords, but she remained silent.

  Mole spoke next. “I feel it is a reasonable compromise.”

  “I do too,” Ketzal finished, sealing the vote.

  Though Satemi gave the demoness a harsh gaze, she held her tongue. They’d no doubt have words later, but Cade was confident that the warrior would calm down by then. As for himself, he was surprised to find that the decision made sense.

  “Okay, I am glad we have decided. We will, of course, be placing additional guards on the walls then?” he asked.

  Satemi turned, the tactical side of her winning out over her stubborn pride. “Yes, at least the top two for now. We can abandon the bottom gates until we have worked out a better system. And I’m sure the Kotani will agree to help. That will make the burden much easier.”

  A few more matters were discussed after, specifically which of the villagers were in suitable health to take the first watch. Vrin, as always, was elected as Captain of the Guard. The man was becoming indispensable, and Cade had the suspicion that he’d eventually hold a seat on the Council of Five.

  The meeting was adjourned, and when Cade headed out with Ketzal
to speak with the Kotani Ma, he felt a bone-deep weariness settle over him. One day, maybe he could step down from the position of Archon. But that day was far in the future. As little as he enjoyed his responsibility, he could admit he was well suited for the job.

  Who else can keep Satemi from gutting Cha? he thought to himself, allowing a chuckle to pass his lips. Perhaps Ketzal, when the time is right. Her voice grows stronger every day. Maybe in a few years I can retire to drinking beer with Ronden and Dan.

  The Kotani Ma took the news in stride. Given the choice of the two locations, he almost immediately pointed toward the flowing stream. Translating, Ketzal told Cade his formal answer. “We will honor the waters. It is safe, and a good place for the young ones to play.”

  Glad to have found an end to the matter, Cade had Ketzal tell the ape leader that they would be constructing houses for them with magic. Explaining how the Town Interface worked seemed pointless. Surprisingly, the ape grunted his assent and agreed to keep his people away from the area until Cade summoned the housing.

  He walked with Ketzal to the Town Interface, a torch held by each. They traveled in silence, both tired, but relishing one another’s company.

  Deciding to make the most of the occasion, he held out his hand.

  The demoness smiled at him and took the offering.

  Hand in hand, they made their way down the wide path the villagers had carved through the grove of trees. The path had been made in case predators decided to enter the small patch of forest, and though none had been discovered recently, it made the journey much more pleasant.

  Entering the cave at last, Cade strode into the Interface room and spoke aloud to their AI demon. “Micah, I have a couple of requests.”

  “What is it you require, Interface Controller Caderick Shelby Clarke?”

  “Cade. Just call me Cade, Micah,” he responded, chuckling at the insistent formality of the demon.