250 Ignis dominion credits
Level 5 Gained.
With the addition of stats, namely two more strength and agility, IM made Frost aware that Concussion Blast was available. He took out the shard and absorbed it.
Skill unlocked
Concussion Blast
Cast time: 1 second
Recharge Time: 30 seconds
Consumes: Aether
Available shard slots: 3
Effect: Fire a blast of aether up to 250 feet that detonates on impact, stunning enemies in a five-foot radius and knocking them into the air. Builds 5 percent aether for a direct hit. 1 percent for each additional enemy in area of effect.
Frost smiled at the skill. He needed to find time to practice at some point.
“What’ll you do now?” Gilda asked Nepia when they landed and had dismounted.
“Return to bury my father and to rebuild and run the Aviary.” She eyed Frost from atop Tenefer’s back. “Don’t forget your promise.”
“I won’t,” Frost said. “I’ll bring Umesh’s head for you one day.”
Nepia nodded. “I look forward to it. May Nif and Kitu bless your quest.” She drew an X over her heart and made a circle on her forehead.
Frost repeated the gesture and added, “May Nif and Kitu keep you safe.”
He frowned when he’d done so, pondering the interaction. But it felt like the natural thing to do. In ways, the game’s relation to real life was as wonderful as it was frightening. He led the others away and stopped at the edge of the roped off Landing to watch as Nepia and Tenefer took to the skies once more.
When Tenefer became a speck, Frost headed out onto the bustling Via Iridius, which was split by lanes and waterways. Frost was certain if Hughey was playing Meritus Killgain, then he would be at the Auction Market this early in the game, acquiring credits for weapons, skills, and items before heading out to do any sort of leveling. Preparation was Hughey’s middle name.
As he walked, Frost stroked his aether ring and took in his surroundings. Shops and taverns made up the brunt of the buildings along the Via Iridius. Criers shouted out their wares or tried to usher people into the associated businesses. Most of the people along the avenue were humans, but there was the occasional sprinkling of Marang’s other playable races: grand korae, eradae, dresdori, and gurashi. Dressed in fine garb, they strode down the avenue as if they owned it.
There were more also, mostly elementals: a few dryads with vegetation growing from their bodies; an undine whose translucent watery form distorted things beyond it; a gang of diminutive swaggering rock-form dvergar, their skins the color of stone. Frost couldn’t help gawking at one or the other. They were everything he could have hoped for if he truly lived in a game.
As Gilda had warned him, one aspect of the crowds was quite disturbing. The number of people and things played havoc with his echolocation. It took a supreme effort of will to tune out most of it. Even then, he found himself distracted.
Frost frowned. His group was making way at a faster pace than anyone else. Space had opened up around them. Realization dawned. People were avoiding them. Some pointed. A few whispered to each other. One erada woman turned up her nose.
He glanced down and growled. “We should split up.”
“That makes no sense,” Saba said. “We’re safer together.”
“We’re supposed to be, but look around.”
After a few moments, Gilda spoke. “It’s our appearance. All the dirt and blood.”
“Exactly.” Frost nodded. “Saba… Major Neferna told you Nomarch Setnana was headed to Kituan before Maelpith Island. She might still be here. From the way the Sky Swords chased us, it’s safe to assume that our plan worked and Neferna knows who we really are. Most likely she sent word ahead by Communication Orb in case this was our destination.
“Which means there’s a chance Setnana already has people on the lookout for us. All we need is for the casual mention of three dirty eradae and a dresdor strolling along the Via Iridius to fall on the wrong ears.”
“Point taken,” Saba grumbled.
Frost glanced toward the district’s time tower. The massive aether-infused timesphere read two hours past noon. “Gilda, you and Saba go buy a change of clothes and meet us at the intersection of Libris and Iridius in an hour.”
“At least allow us to escort you and Tia to the Auction Market,” Gilda said.
“Alright, but don’t walk with us. One of you go on ahead; one stays behind.”
They did as he asked. Saba in the lead with Gilda trailing. People still continued to offer scornful looks here and there, but the reactions weren’t nearly as prevalent. Slowly, the space around them closed to more normal proportions, with him and Tia at times having to shift a bit to avoid someone in a rush.
Before long, they reached the bustling square building that was the Auction Market, where many a player sought to buy or sell the rarest goods. Saba and Gilda went in search of new outfits while Frost headed up to the second floor where he was certain he’d find his best friend.
Meritus Killgain was sitting at a table in one corner, seemingly staring off at nothing. Skin a deep bronze, his face that of a young man who would easily be overlooked, Meritus was the same as Frost remembered when they played Ataxia together. He was dressed in a satin shirt with frilly sleeves and dark-colored pants. Right now, Meritus was most likely sifting through sales and purchases and credits. Frost made to approach his friend.
“Just a moment, buddy,” a deep voice said from down below. “The boss is busy.”
Frost looked down. Face looking quite disinterested, despite the fact he stood no higher than Frost’s knee, was a green-skinned goblin. He was dressed in black robes with a bar of gold thread running down the short sleeves. Which was how Frost saw his bulging biceps. A folded scarf was tied around his forehead. His hair was done in a top knot, and he had a wispy beard. The goblin promptly began to clean his nails with a tiny haladie: a wavy double-edged, double-bladed dagger.
“You gotta be kidding me.” Frost almost burst into laughter. “I understand you gotta do your job, but Meritus and I go way back.”
“Still have to wait.”
“This is an emergency.” Frost made to take another step. His leg froze. Literally. A block of ice encased his leg.
“Not trying to be mean; let’s not make a scene. I don’t know why you people always act like this toward the Little People, but I’d hate to have to put the rest of you on ice.” The goblin’s yellow-toothed grin belied his words.
The room cleared in their immediate vicinity. But for one other person. Frost didn’t know how he’d missed him, but against the wall behind Meritus was a crimson gurash dressed in chain mail and leaning on a massive crescent axe. The gurash had eyes only for Frost. Eyes that said he was going to put a hurting on someone.
“Frost!” Meritus exclaimed. “Ryne, knock it off, you bully.” Meritus shot a glare at the goblin.
Ryne scowled at Frost. The ice dissolved and left a puddle on the stone floor. After one more venomous glare, Ryne stalked away, took up a position beside the gurash, and stared at Frost. Frost had the sudden urge to stick his tongue out at Ryne but resisted. Barely.
Grinning madly, Meritus got up and walked over to Frost. They gave each other a dap by gripping fingers right hand to right hand, releasing, then slapping that right hand over their hearts. Not until that very moment did Frost fully realize how much he missed gaming and how much he missed his best, and maybe only true friend.
“Come. Sit.” Meritus pointed to two chairs opposite his. “And your lovely lady as well.”
Frost and Tia sat. That simple act in the confines of a comfortable room brought exhaustion crashing down on Frost. He took a deep breath. He could use a nice long sleep and some food.
“Kinda surprise
d to see you this soon,” Meritus said. “You look like shit.”
“Shaddup.” Frost forced a smile. Meritus chuckled. Frost sighed. “Been having a rough time of it. Rougher than I expected.”
“Who’s she?” Meritus jutted his chin at Tia.
“My sister, Beketia. I’m currently trying to keep her and myself safe after our mother was killed.”
“Sounds like the kinda trouble you always find yourself in.” Meritus produced two rejuvenation potions and handed one to Frost and the other to Tia.
“I know, right?” Frost chuckled. He downed the potion. In moments, he was refreshed. He took in Meritus’ fine clothing. “Looks like you’re doing well.”
“Yeah. Kinda loving it here. Makes you wonder if we even need the real world to enjoy life.”
“Good question,” Frost said. “I’ll let you know when I find the answer. Anyway, I’m here because I need your help.”
Meritus spread his arms. “Whatever you need, homie. I’m always here for you.”
“There’s a lot going on,” Frost said. “I can’t give all the details right now.” He leaned in close so only Meritus could hear and whispered, “My mother was the Hand of Freedom.”
“Wow.” Meritus leaned away, brows raised.
“Yeah. Now, we’ve got some erada woman, Nomarch Setnana Botros, hunting us with Battleguards.”
“That’s the least of your worries,” Meritus said. “If the people believe all the recent stories about Blue Sky, it’ll be the rest of the Coalition soon enough. How the hell did you get caught up in this madness?”
“Just trying to follow the quests.”
Meritus’ thick brows climbed his forehead. “You? Questing? And saying us? I woulda expected you to be off grinding solo somewhere. I remember you had a saying… what was it again?”
Frost smiled. “Whatever doesn’t kill me gives me exp.”
“Yeah, that was it.”
Frost shrugged. “Just trying an easier way now. One thing led to another. Whatever is going on, the plot runs deep. The way they’re after us says there’s something more.” He frowned. “If I could only figure it out.”
“How can I help?” Meritus asked.
“I gotta go to the Wyvern’s Eye to meet someone. But I heard the Gregis District is a lot tougher now. Especially for a noob like me. We need an escort. Someone about level thirty. And I also need an aether cannon and some ammo.”
“Oh shit, you chose cannoneer?”
“Yep. Wanted something different.”
“They kick ass.”
“So, the demo said.”
“Nah, you don’t understand,” Meritus said, waving his hands, “they have this skill at level ten, called Stand and Deliver, which is insane. I already picture you using it.” Scowling, Meritus simulated holding an aether cannon. “Be like Neo in the Matrix saving Morpheus. The helicopter scene when he’s tearing the building up with the minigun.”
“You and those old ass movies.” Frost shook his head. “But, yeah, I recently saw that skill in action. It is epic. But for right now, I just need you to help me get a new cannon and an escort.”
“I got you, homie. You can take my guards with you.” Meritus flicked his thumb back toward the two men. “I can hire more. The goblin’s an NPC. He’s thirty-one. The other.” He paused. A light smile curved his lips. “First, promise you won’t trip.”
Frost gave Meritus the side-eye. After a moment, he said, “I promise.”
“The gurash is an old guildie. The best tank we had in Soldiers of Chaos.” It looked as if Meritus was doing his best to keep a straight face, but there was a twinkle in his eye.
Frost shook his head and smirked. “You just had to go get him, didn’t you?”
Meritus shrugged. “He was looking for an easier job outside his main quest. Hint, hint. Besides, I never had the issues with him that you did after SoC broke up.”
“Come on, dawg. Dante was the reason for the break up and us losing number one rank across all servers.”
“Let that old beef die, homie,” Meritus said. “With the things I’ve heard from a few testers since I started playing, we’re gonna have to. And you gave your word that you wouldn’t trip.”
Frost glanced over at Dante Blackblade, who was watching them with narrowed eyes. Then he returned his attention to Meritus Killgain. “Alright. You get to be the one to tell him. And you also need to let him know that Gilda Mordian is with us.”
Meritus’ brows shot up. “Just Blaze?”
“Yep. And not only is she playing a sorc, she’s also a pretty light blue erada.”
“This is gonna be interesting. You’re in a group, which is unheard of, and with two people who probably wanna kill you.” Meritus shook his head. “And there’s this quest line you’re on. Something epic is gonna go down. I can feel it. And I wanna be there for it. I might have to roll with y’all once I get all the skills and gear I need.”
“You’re always welcome,” Frost said. “If I gotta group, it might as well be with someone I don’t mind being around. But I’m letting you know now that eventually I gotta head to Imanok Sanctum.”
“See!” Meritus exclaimed. “Epic. Just epic. There’s been so much talk about Maelpith Island. All kinds of nice loot. A gatherer’s dream, too. From herbs to korbitanium. It’s got the market buzzing. Heard there might be hierkas and rare schemas. Even saw a reaver showing off a sharded Necrotic Slash he said he picked up from a GUM. Been a few guilds sending groups too, but no one has beaten Emperor KiGyaba.”
“So, I’ve been told,” Frost said.
“No wonder you got Gilda.”
“Not exactly how we met, but I guess.” Frost shrugged. “Since you mentioned nice loot, hustle me up that aether cannon on the Market. Oh, and some armor. I got fifteen hundred KDC and two hundred and fifty IDC to spend. I’d prefer if the weapon has increased duration on Cannon Kata.”
“Why not just find you a side quest to get a new cannon?” Meritus sat back. “Save your credits for skill shards? Talking to almost any random NPC like a vendor should start a quest. You can actually haggle for what you want your reward to be.”
“Don’t have the time for that with these people on our asses.”
“Alright,” Meritus said. “But this works easier if you’d just run the Auction Market tutorial and open a warehouse rather than have me buying for you.”
“Just reached level five when I got to Kituan,” Frost said. “Haven’t had time to do either. And don’t have the time now.”
“No worries. I got you.” Meritus stared off at nothing again. After a moment, he said, “I think I found the perfect cannon. Level five. Named Deadeye. Extends Kata by six seconds.”
“Sounds good. And the armor?”
“Nothing you or I can afford. Not to worry, though, you can pick up some Coalition standard-issue from the armorer.”
Frost groaned. “It’ll have to do.”
“Snagged your cannon and ammo. I’d tell you it’s on me… but you’d still send me the credits anyway.”
“As long as you know.”
“Got you something else too.” Meritus was grinning.
“What?”
“Shaddup.”
They both laughed.
“Let’s head to my warehouse and you’ll see.” Meritus stood. “I’ll tell Dante and Ryne Waldron that their contracts have passed to you.”
“Pay you back for them too.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Meritus waved him off. “Oh, I forgot to mention. They got a lil feud going. Dante’s mad because Ryne gets to do most of the dirty work.” He went off to speak to his guards.
Voices rose. Mostly between Dante and Meritus. While Dante gestured vehemently, Ryne just shrugged and nodded. Dante scowled in Frost’s direction.
“Really makes you wonder if things like Total Immersion will replace real life altogether one day,” Meritus said.
“Yep.” Frost nodded. “Even the feelings in game are ridiculous.”
“Could you imagine?” Meritus shook his head. “It’s crazy enough already with so many people always hooked in to VR. What type of world would it be if that was all of us in SR? Better? Worse?”
“Who knows?” Frost shrugged.
At the warehouse, Meritus retrieved Deadeye and passed it to Frost.
Acquired weapon: Deadeye
Level: 5
Damage: 50 − 75
Force: 10
Special: Extends Cannon Kata by 6 seconds
Available shard slots: 1
The cannon was similar in style to Noobstick but with a shorter barrel. It had a button next to the trigger that emitted a light to mark a target. The battery was also smaller.
Meritus held something else out to Frost. A skill shard. Frost took it.
Skill acquired:
Stand and Deliver
Cannot absorb
Requires ability to activate Aether Overload.
Frost grinned despite knowing he needed to be level ten. “Damn, homie. Thanks. For real, thanks.”
“It’s all good. Just hurry and level up so you can use that bad boy.”
“No prob,” Frost said as he dreamed of using the skill.
Their next stop was the armorer. The merchant was a stocky dryad. After looking over the merchant’s wares, Frost dismissed the idea of the green and yellow Coalition standard-issue leathers. Instead, he settled on a black gambeson and mahogany colored brigandine. He also picked out new leather greaves, cuisses, and bracers to match.
The armor set him back four hundred KDC, but the random pieces were an improvement over the old stolen Azureguard fare. With the new kit, he had four percent damage reduction and two percent stagger resist. Frost was able to sell the old stuff for fifty IDC.
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