Zectas Volume V: The Sequestered Seminary of Sawtorn

by John Nest

  The lemurcat did its best to retaliate with its claws, but Smoke dodged each one. He could now afford to solo this beast without endangering himself.

  When the monster's life bar displayed (80,000/240,000 HP), Smoke leapt back and activated the black metallic rods' special ability, Lightning Strike. Coupled with his Beast Monarch ability, Smoke burnt the lemurcat to a crisp.

  Smoke released his Synergized state, and whispered to his chest. "Good job, Igniz!"

  'Now, I have the footage of a weapon blessed with both Lightning and Fire elements at the same time,' he smirked and picked up the lemurcat's pelt.

  After which, he replaced the black lightning rods for two Orkish books. Ouragan had given him an Orkish ability tome, and now he was earnestly leveling up his Orkish. They were entitled 'Angi Ork giyatapog Unano' and 'Ork Generalir: angi iyanir Sikritor.' The books translated to 'An Ork wrongfully murdered by a Dwarf King' and 'The Secret to becoming an Ork General.'

  With both books in hand, Smoke headed towards the city. The progress bars on the books rapidly filled. He thought he could easily finish both books before they discuss their defensive plans for Votl City.

  * * * * * *

  As soon as he stepped out of the forest patch, Smoke found a large gathering of both Sonstwelters and Zectians alike, outside the gates of the amethyst city.

  He roughly estimated them to be easily over a hundred-thousand.

  'They're even more than the invading Brandals of Centzo City,' he mused. A smile of confidence grew on his face. 'Looks like we'll be able to deal with the Ork Horde.'

  Fortunately for him, he looked down and saw that he was wearing his Lunar Boots. He reflexively grabbed his face, and found that he forgot to change his equipment. He even forgot to wear the Paradox Mask.

  Ducking down into the bushes, he hurriedly went back into the forest and changed his items to that of his Faux persona.

  A few minutes later, he walked up in full disguise at the gathered masses.

  "Hey, it's Faux!"

  He turned to the direction of the ones calling his name, and found that some of them were heading for him.

  "Faux! Over here, over here!" said one of the Arch Mages.

  Smoke waved, but did not come closer. He casually walked away from their general direction.

  However, he bumped into a Sonstwelter who was slightly taller than him. He wore silver plated armor and had the Job of a Paladin Lord.

  "Hey, sorry about that," said the Paladin Lord, and offered his hand. "The name's Edel, and I'm the Guild Leader of the Sunrise Kingdom."

  Smoke shook it and said. "Nice to meet you, but I have to go."

  "Wait, I was hoping that we could talk," said Edel. "I want to discuss the benefits of joining our Guild."

  "Thanks, but I really have to get going," replied Smoke.

  "Wait, wait. Did you hear about the Kingdom Quest?" asked Edel.

  Smoke then looked at the gathered crowd.

  Edel followed his gaze and laughed. "Of course you did! Who hasn't, right?" he said eagerly and laughed some more. "Anyway, the 16th Magietrois Florissant was named Prime General, and the three Prime Wizards as Vice-Generals. They were placed in command to lead the army against the Ork Horde."

  "Although, I heard that there's one more Vice-General, but I don't know who," said Edel. He then paused and stood straight, as if trying to make himself appear taller. "Now, as Guild Leader of the Sunrise Kingdom, I can assure you a good spot during the attack. You'll get lots of experience points for sure."

  Smoke did not utter a word, as he searched for Eleve and the Prime Wizards.

  "Hm. I guess you already had other offers, huh?" said Edel. "Well, let me sweeten the deal. I'll give you 50% of all the earnings in this Quest."

  Smoke moved his head, looking towards the group of black-clothed Warrior Guards surrounding several white tents.

  'Guess that's where they are,' thought Smoke.

  Suddenly, Edel stood in front of him, blocking his view. "Hey, didn't anyone teach you to look at the person you're talking too?"

  "Sorry, but I'm really not looking for a Guild," said Smoke.

  "Hmmp!" exclaimed Edel and walked away. "Can't believe you're this rude in person. Just because you got your fifteen minutes of fame. I'll flood the forums of your true identity," added the Paladin Lord and stormed away.

  "Hey, Edel, I really wasn't trying to be rude," called out Smoke, but was ignored.

  Walking closer to the white tents, Smoke spotted two familiar faces. A muscular tiger Lioumerean carrying a large brown sack, and a curvaceous LightElf with flaming red hair walked up to him.

  "Hey!" greeted Smoke. "What are you two doing here?"

  "We came to defend the Kingdom of course!" replied Chouchou.

  Smoke expected a handshake from them, but Xantana ran up and hugged him instead.

  "I knew we could count on you, Faux!" she said, all excited. Her hugged tightened even more.

  Then, a strong grip fell on his shoulder. "I don't know how you did it, but Trottel suddenly had a change of heart," said Chouchou.

  "I told you the guy I was working for had some power," explained Smoke.

  Xantana released him from her embrace, and motioned Chouchou to give Smoke the brown sack he was carrying.

  "Oh! Right," said the tiger Lioumerean and handed it over.

  An unexpected notification window popped up.

  + Received

  > 100,000 Zecs

  > Ability tome: Fire Blister

  > Ability tome: Cleansing Burn

  With his face hidden, Smoke let out the most satisfied grin. 'Ability Tomes!' he thought, excited.

  "Sorry about the amount," began Xantana. "We would have wanted to give you more, but we're planning on having a big wedding."

  Chouchou snuck from behind Xantana's view, shook his head and shrugged.

  Smoke looked at him, confused. This made the LightElf immediately turn around.

  "And of course you'd be invited to our wedding!" hurriedly said Chouchou. "Our big extravagant wedding," he added in a murmur.

  "I'll be there," replied Smoke. "If I'm still in Vitzytl, when that happens."

  "Why? Where are you going?" asked Chouchou.

  "I'm heading back home in a couple of months," said Smoke. "Back to Wysteria."

  "Oh, you aren't from here?" said a surprised Xantana. "I thought you were, because you've been really helpful to the Kingdom."

  "Looks like you won't be able to attend our wedding, then," added Chouchou. "She says we'll need at least two years of preparation for it."

  "Wow? Really?" Smoke asked in disbelief.

  Chouchou nodded with all sincerity. "Hey, we shouldn't keep you any longer. I think those Warrior Guards have been signaling for you to enter," blurted out the tiger Lioumerean.

  "Alright, I'll see you around," said Smoke. "And thanks again for this," he added, pointing to the brown sack.

  Then, a notification window popped up.

  + Intimacy with Xantana and Chouchou has risen to 'Trusted Friend'

  'Hmm. Trusted Friend, haven't seen that in a while,' he thought, smiling. However, it quickly disappeared as he realized that they knew him as Faux and not as Smoke.

  * * * * * *

  Entering the largest of the white tents, Smoke found the atmosphere to be heavy. Eleve and Ouragan were discussing over a large battle-table with the scale model of Votl City, while Chrys and Trottel stood on the sides.

  "You're finally here!" exclaimed Trottel, looking up at Smoke.

  "Sorry, I thought our meeting wasn't until nine?" he replied.

  "Bah! It's customary to be here half an hour early," pointed out the tiger Lioumerean, while combing his long orange hair. "Even Chrys arrived early, and he looks irresponsible."

  "I just had nothing else better to do," said Chrys with a shrug.

  "No matter," said Eleve. "Anyway, let's itemize our resources."

  With her wrinkled hands, Eleve placed twenty short but thick blac
k pieces in front of the scaled down city.

  "These represent our legions," she began. "Each one of them are composed of ten-thousand volunteers, both Sonstwelters and Zectians."

  Chrys raised his hand, and waited to be recognized by the 16th Magietrois Florissant.

  "Yes, Prime Wizard of Vectas?" she asked.

  "I'd like to know how many Sonstwelters turned up for this event?" asked Chrys.

  "Event?" interjected Trottel. "Calling a fight for the lives of the entire Kingdom is so common for a Sonstwelter such as yourself!" he then turned to Smoke. "I bet you were calling this an event as well."

  Smoke waved both his hands defensively. "Sorry, I'm sure Chrys didn't mean it like that," he apologized in his behalf.

  "Of course, I just wanted to know how many we can risk without care," reasoned Chrys. "You very well know that Sonstwelters can just return after four days of being killed, right?"

  "Hmmp! How barbaric!" exclaimed Trottel. "You're willing to sacrifice the lives of your fellow Sonstwelters without any problem. That's what's wrong with folks like you. You don't know the value of life."

  "No... That's not what I—" Chrys tried to reason out, but was silenced.

  "Enough! Both of you!" shouted Eleve. "I understand both your points, but like I said. Let's first itemize our strengths."

  She then turned to Chrys. "Most of them have rushed here from the other cities, but we have a little over forty-thousand Sonstwelters."

  "Wait! Doesn't that leave our other cities defenseless?" blurted out Smoke.

  "Yes," replied Ouragan. "That's why Magietrois Florissant decided to have all of the standing armies, remain in ther respective cities."

  "I completely agree with the Prime General's decision," added Trottel. "What kind of nincompoop would even think of offering a city's standing army."

  Trottel then shook his head and looked at Chrys. "They were created to defend the city," he said to the green Prime Wizard.

  Smoke stared at the tiger Lioumerean in disbelief. 'He was the one who suggested to use them in the first place!' he thought, irked.

  "Prime Wizard Trottel, please do not stray the topic with your unnecessary comments," said Ouragan with authority. "You're only delaying our discussion."

  Trottel fell silent and lowered his head.

  "Anyway, going back to Faux's question, yes we've made sure to protect our other cities as well," said Eleve. "But we're focusing most of our forces here in Votl City because of you."

  Eleve looked at Smoke with proud eyes. "I know that the information you got is reliable, that's why I have no problem making this decision."

  She then went on to explain herself further. "Leaving the other cities with just their regular defenses, is just a precautionary measure."

  Eleve then turned their attention to the scaled city. "I've decided to divide our 200,000 forces into four groups. East, West, North, and South."

  "I will personally lead the Eastern defenses of the city," she quickly added. "Prime Wizard Ouragan, will take the Southern side. Prime Wizard Trottel to the North, and Prime Wizard Chrysopelea to the West."

  Smoke looked around, and raised his hand. "What about me? Aren't I supposed to defend a section of the city as well?"

  Ouragan patted Smoke's shoulder. "Since you aren't a Prime Wizard, the people will most likely have some difficulty following your orders."

  "You can’t expect me to do nothing," asked Smoke.

  "Ahem!" Eleve loudly cleared her throat. "If you would have let me finished, then you would have known that you will take command of a special unit, composed of 40,000 Knights."

  "Are you sure he has the qualities to command that many people?" asked Trottel.

  "I envy you, Faux," said Chrys. "A special unit sounds more interesting than defending a side of the city."

  From behind his Paradox Mask, Smoke was grinning silly. "So, what am I supposed to do with this special unit?"

  "I said… let me finish!" yelled Eleve. "You're as impatient as ever."

  And so, the Prime General and her Vice-Generals proceeded to plan out their defense of Votl City.

  After an hour of discussion, they stepped out of the white tent to prepare for their defenses. Yet, not before the 16th Magietrois Florissant would give a morale-boosting speech. She headed over to the conscripted Kingdom Defenders.

  Two large crimson phoenix wings sprouted out from her back and she flew over them.

  "Brave Souls of Vitzytl, in behalf of King Kajou, I thank you for offering your services in our Kingdom's time of need," began Eleve. "As such, I have been given the honor to act as your Prime General. Also, Prime Wizard Ouragan, Prime Wizard Trottel, Prime Wizard Chrysopelea, and Faux were given the titles of being my Vice-Generals."

  The crowd erupted into a loud chatter after hearing the names of the ones to lead them.

  SHRIEK

  Eleve let out a loud burst of flame from her wings, and silenced the crowd's commotion.

  "I do not know what the noise was about, but please head on over to one of our officers. So, you could know which General you will be assigned to," she said, and pointed to the Warrior Guards in silver clothing.

  Smoke could feel the eyes of the other Sonstwelters upon him. His eyes even met one of them. He recognized him as Edel, the Guild Leader who approached him earlier. The Sonstwelter gawked at him with his mouth wide open.

  Suddenly, a hard slap came upon Smoke's back.

  "I knew it! I knew you were being treated special!" mockingly laughed Trottel, while he kept on slapping him. "Hahaha! Vice-General Faux having a special unit, a unit full of dummies!"

  Chrys lightly punched Smoke's shoulder and gave him a sympathetic nod. "I'm sure you'll do great."

  Smoke stared at the two of them with raised eyebrows. 'Guess they didn't understand why Eleve gave me this mission.'

  * * * * * *

  Two days passed, and there were still no Orks to be found. Eleve had placed fire-flares on the red, brown, and blue mountains surrounding the amethyst city. During this time, none of them had still set off.

  Standing in their posts and doing nothing for this long, made some of the Sonstwelters feel restless.

  On the third day, as the morning sun rose to a quarter of the sky, Eleve and her Vice-Generals were all gathered on top of the eastern wall. They were still waiting for the invasion that has yet to happen.

  "Are you sure the Orks are going to attack?" Trottel asked Smoke, while flipping his long orange hair. "The men under me have begun to lose interest."

  Smoke knew this as well. According to the last report, a total of 160,000 Zectians and 40,000 Sonstwelters registered for this event. Yet, only 40% of the Sonstwelters who signed up on the first day, logged in today.

  Most of the Zectians were Mages, but only 20% of them were over level 100. If the Orks managed to enter the city, then it would spell the end of them.

  "I'm sure of what I heard," replied Smoke. He paused and looked over to the top of the blue mountain. "But this just makes me think that Wertlosvati is up to something."

  Smoke then turned to the red and brown mountains, but still there was no sign of the invaders.

  "Same here," agreed Ouragan. "Maybe, he spotted our incoming reinforcements from the other cities? And is still formulating a form of attack?" suggested the old HighElf.

  "Military tactics?" asked Eleve. "That's not the trait of the UrukHai Tribe or the MoriHai."

  Smoke opened one of his acquired knowledge windows. He skimmed through the one labeled Ork Races. "Yes, that's something the OlegHai would do," he added.

  "Wait, are you telling me that all three tribes are coming to attack?" suddenly asked Trottel.

  "Why does that matter?" asked Chrys. "That's just one more Ork Tribe added to the mix."

  "Because the last time that happened, Kingdoms disappeared!" answered Trottel with a shudder.

  While Chrys asked about the history of the Orks' invasion, Smoke spotted a change over the horizon on the brown mountai
n. He hurriedly used his Telefax Vision to get a better look. As far as he could see, the surface of the mountain turned into a sea of green giants.