by J. J. Thorn
This also doesn't negate the fact that once you've spent all this time pining over an affinity, the first rank of the affinity is near useless.
For someone with the FIRE affinity, you can expect to spend a lot of time staring at fire. The amount of time you spend with your given affinity, or thinking about your affinity, or working on your affinity, or or or... is how your progress in the affinity grows.
As your progress grows, you eventually reach a threshold where you gain a Skill for your affinity. Depending on how you view or use the affinity, the Skill gifted to you will change. There have been hundreds of FIRE affinity people documented over the years, and while it is possible to see the same Skills between people, it is not guaranteed.
For one person, their FIRE affinity might start with the ability to feel fire, the first rank is always somewhat useless. Their second rank might be the ability to create a flame somewhere on their body. As they progress through the second rank, the intensity of the fire might increase, along with the duration they can hold that fire without becoming completely exhausted. When they reach their third rank, they might be able to create fireballs. The fourth might mean multiple fireballs, with the fifth being the ability to create a wall of fire.
From my knowledge, there are few documented cases of people reaching above the 7th rank for any affinity. The King himself is said to have his affinity to a rank of 7, but this is only a rumour.
In every case, the common theme among each of these people is their dedication. Raising your affinity is not an easy thing. Especially as you continue to increase in rank. There are ways to increase your Rank progress through external means, but they only increase your progression slightly and are incredibly rare to obtain from monsters and Dungeons.
We are all taught limited information about affinities in primary school. Enough to keep us interested, but a small enough amount to not get our hopes up too much. Other than the fact that we had to live with affinity users, I always believed this was for two main reasons. The first is that even if most do not receive an affinity, no one knows who will, so it is important for everyone to be aware of what it means if they do receive an affinity. The second is because there is one other way for people to receive an affinity.
Dungeons.
Dungeons appear across Terna, with many having already been discovered and are regularly mined and scavenged for resources by the Kingdom. Occasionally, a new Dungeon is found, and this is seen as a great celebration for the closest town. Dungeoneers from far and wide will come to conquer the Dungeon, but if you are first to arrive, you receive the most rewards. The risk is high, but the ability to bring the newly acquired resources to market first has significant benefits.
In fact, if you are first to arrive and you can defeat the Dungeon Boss at the end, you have a chance at taking the biggest prize of all - the Dungeon's core.
The core will only regenerate once every 50 years, but it grants the one gift that nothing else can. An affinity! The type of Dungeon that is conquered is usually an indication of the type of affinity you will receive, should you choose to use it.
To the Dungeoneer who can retrieve the core, they can either use it on themselves to receive a completely new affinity, or they can sell it to the wealthiest of merchants. Consider it, the ability to not only receive an affinity that the Goddess thought you did not deserve but the added knowledge of what affinity you will be receiving!
Wars have been fought over less!
You may only ever have one affinity, and should you choose to change affinities, you are brought back to rank 1, but there have been many kings and monarchs that have decided it worthwhile when a truly sought-after affinity was found. Imagine receiving the SHIELD affinity, but then being given the opportunity to receive the SOLAR affinity.
For this reason, the Kingdom has kept a tight grasp on many of the high-value Dungeons within their domain. If a core only regenerates every 50 years, the date it was last conquered needs to be monitored and managed as an asset.
At least, that’s what we were taught in school growing up.
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After musing about affinities and Dungeons during my run, I finally reached home. Walking through the gate, I once again noticed how much effort my parents had taken to give us a beautiful home. Using blue on the shutters, and white on the house itself, my Mother had painted the house to stand out among the rest of the more boring browns and greens out past the gates.
We had a modest fence around the home that my Father had build as a compromise to living past the city's walls. It was not large enough to obstruct the view around the house, but it would work on any smaller monsters venturing nearby.
Guards are sent out regularly to cull and patrol the nearby area, but Dad insisted. In my lifetime, we have yet to receive any monster attacks. A point my mother likes to bring up often.
To the left of the house, my mother had planted a small garden for some vegetables. Her career notwithstanding, my Mother could have been a wonderful chef in her life if she chose to do so. She would cultivate tomatoes yearly, with some peppers as well, which she would use to make sauces for the family year-round. The over-abundance of bread and pasta may have made me a bit chubby growing up, but damn was it all tasty.
To the right of the house is where I placed my Dad-made weights. He had created 3 varieties for me. Two smaller weights to use for running that I was able to hold firmly in each of my hands. A medium-size weight for lifting over my head and crouching down with, and a large bar that I would use while on my back. Each was made of solid metal that my father had lying around the Smithy.
They were not pretty to look at. Nor were they always the most functional.
They were also the best gifts I had ever received.
I spent the next hour working with each of my weights to finish my exercise for the day.
As I walked into the house, I took a mental tally of what I'd done for the day: 1 full run from home, to the north gate of the city and back; 30 lifts in both arms of the small weights; 20 crouches of the medium weights and 20 overhead presses using the large bar.
I appreciated the level of progress I was making with both the jogging and the weights.
My family is kind enough to leave me alone while I exercise, but as soon as I walk in the door I am bombarded.
"Thank goodness, I thought you would keep doing your lifty-things for another hour! I am starving!" Elise lamented while holding her stomach.
"You just had two cookies from last night's batch, and lunch is already in the oven. You can wait a few more minutes. Would you like a cookie before lunchtime dear, I know you are probably starved after all that effort?" Said my mother, as she sauntered over to give me a kiss on the forehead.
"No thanks Mom, I will wait on lunch. What are we having?"
"We'll be having a stew using some of the potatoes from the garden and some bread that I have baking in the oven. You, on the other hand, won't be having any lunch until you go wash up." As she wiped off her mouth, now realizing the mistake she had made by getting close to me.
"Ya, you stink!" Elise chimed in, jokingly.
"Haha, I am pretty sweaty - sorry about that. I'll go wash up and get ready for the day."
20 minutes later, I had washed myself off using some of the soap we had available in the house and put on some clothes suitable for the assessment later in the day.
My mother, sister, and I all sat down to eat the stew. They had both taken the day off work and school to wish me luck on my Assessment day. While you must do the assessment alone, in the presence of just the Mayor and the Head Priest who administers the test, no outside parties are able to come with you.
"So, are you nervous?" My sister trying to slowly introduce the topic after we had eaten some of the (delicious) stew.
"I think I'm ready for it to be finished. It's all anyone talks about at this point." I lied. Terrified would not begin to describe how I feel. I
needed to gain an affinity. This was not a want; I NEED an affinity. I cannot become a high-level Dungeoneer without one. I need an affinity. And of course, I couldn't slip anything past my mom, as I started to falter with my spoon as I thought about the idea that I might not get one. Again.
"Dear, just remember that we'll love you either way. Your father and I believe you have so much potential, and if you don't get an affinity you can always work with him or myself. I know you want to be a Dungeon diver, but you know I would prefer if you stayed in Huag." We had gone down this path so many times. I loved my mom, but I could not have another argument about it.
"I know Mom, it'll be ok. I'll go there. I'll talk to a Priest. I'll come home. It's just another day..."
"I know I'll get an affinity FOR SURE! I'm thinking something like ICE like Cousin John or maybe SWORD like the hero in the book we read last night Mom"
"You're 13 Elise, you have a few more years to go."
"But can't I go with Terrence today!"
"We've discussed this already Elise. The test does not work on anyone under a certain age"
"I know Mom, but maybe the Goddess will see how cool I am and make an exception! I could just walk in with Terrence, kick down the door and yell HEY GODDESS, PICK ME. What if I..."
"No Elise, we've already had this discussion. And that's final young lady." A constant conversation in the household. At this point Mom learned to shut it down as soon as it started, otherwise, Elise would keep asking for hours.
"And the Goddess isn't picking you for anything goof" I chimed in.
"Who are you calling goof, my affinity is going to be so much better than yours"
"Haha, we'll see! By the time you're 16, I'll have reached rank 5 and you'll have no chance!"
"HA, rank 5. Ya, RIGHT! You'll be stalled at Rank 2 and I'll swoop in and take your thunder.
THAT'S IT.
I'll get THUNDER affinity and make you eat my thunder. Then it won't matter what rank you are."
"Good luck finding enough thunderclouds to raise your affinity. And enough to both of you, you're becoming an adult today Terrence. Act like it for just a few minutes, please." My mother, clearly annoyed at our sibling rivalry and bickering.
The rest of lunch was finished with a few more words of wisdom from my mom about being gracious during the ceremony and representing the family with pride and dignity, regardless of the decision.
It was now 1 and I had about an hour to get to the Church to complete my assessment.
I bid them both goodbye as I walked out of the house towards town once again.
As I left, my mother gave me a hug and my sister gave me a thumbs up and smile.
I was lucky to have them, and under different circumstances, I might want the same for myself when I grew up, but I needed to be a Dungeon diver.
I needed to get an affinity.
Chapter 3
Thank the Goddess!
Coming up on the gates, I was greeted by two people I wish had chosen to stay home today. Today, especially, I really didn't need any of their shit.
"Look Temp, Fat-Terr is coming into town!"
"You're right Booth, we missed him leaving the gates this morning, but there's no missing him now"
"How could you - he might've lost some weight but you and I can still spot him a mile away"
"We'd better open the gates super wide to make sure we don't damage any of the hinges trying to push him in!"
"HAHA you're so right Temp, because, like, the wood wouldn't be able to handle it HAHAHAA"
"Franklin, Booth. Great seeing you both as always. When will you idiots realize I'm not, nor have I ever been as big as you both make me out to be?" As I continued walking towards the gates.
"Like we care about that - to us, you'll always be Fat-Terr. And don't talk to us like you're better than us, Fat-Terr, you're lucky we're on duty right now."
"Ya Fat-Terr, and don't think we don't know what you're here for. Your cousin mentioned that you're getting assessed this year when we saw him a couple of months ago. I hear the Goddess is being extra stingy this year. So far only 30 of the 100 kids have gotten affinities! There's no way someone like you is going to be number 31."
30?! THIRTY... My mind was reeling. The percentage is supposed to be close to 40 percent. And even though there were towns across the continent doing the test, that seems abnormally low. They must be messing with me for sure.
Franklin Temple and Booth Bonet. Two of the two people that have helped torment me since I was a kid. They both grew up with my cousin John and would follow him around like groupies. They weren't as lucky, because neither received an affinity, but they were big enough to warrant guard duty while John was off at school.
When John left, I hoped they would ease off a bit. The mastermind of the operation was gone, so who's to say they wouldn't turn a new cheek. Who knows, maybe they'd grow up.
Nope.
With John gone, the tormenting continued, but instead, it was just... dumber. John was always meticulous and cruel. These two were simply the muscle he could boss around, and with him gone, they were left with Fat jokes and juvenile taunting. Like really, Fat-Terr... c'mon guys...
"HAHA, look, Booth, he's speechless. He realizes he has no chance of getting anything from the Goddess. He'll be normal like all those other losers."
The irony was somehow lost on Franklin.
"Bye guys. Always nice talking with you." I left them as they continued to make snide jokes behind my back and yell in my direction.
My mind was still reeling at the information they gave. I took the opportunity to listen in on the chatter going on in the town as I walked towards the town square. The Church was east of the town square and was yet another large building.
People always talked about the three pillars of the town - the Church, the Dungeoneers Guild, and the Town Hall. And if people were really being honest with themselves, they only included the Town Hall to stay in the good graces of the Mayor.
While walking, I heard no other indications that the number of people getting affinities was in any way abnormal. A couple of merchants were happy to hear about the number of people who were receiving SWORD and SHIELD affinities. These were inherently the most common affinities granted by the Goddess - the Goddess always needed people to defend the kingdom.
Several heroes had gained influence using these affinities, but for most the Skills you received were to improve the sharpness of your blade or reflect some of the damage to your shield at the monster. Both useful in their own right, but once again, the ability to shoot fireballs at multiple enemies has a special flare to it.
Recognizing that the two idiots were probably just trying to get into my head, I kept moving towards the Church.
The Church was pure white, with steps leading up to the main doors. The doors themselves were made of a pristine Bocksome Wood, only found in certain dungeons across Terna. The wood was said to extremely durable and resistant to magic.
I reached in front of the door and pushed as hard as I could.
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"Holy shit, this day will just never end."
"Please Mayor. You are in my Church, please show some respect to the Goddess."
"Oh, calm down Priest, the day is just taking extra long this year. I just wish we didn't have to give the same speech to every single kid who comes in here. Can't we just give the speech to the kids who get an affinity? You know, the ones who will actually need the information..."
"No, Mayor, we have discussed this. The speech is an important part of the ceremony that has been passed down since the test has been documented. We allow each person to hear the same information, since the Goddess may change her mind about the child while listening to their thoughts."
"Yes, Yes, I know we've discussed it already. It just seems to add time to an already long day. And what's worse, I've gotten way fewer people with an affinity than ever! The less affinity-granted peo
ple I get, the less the Kingdom sends me as a stipend."
"Yes, the Goddess has been very selective for our Town this year. We can only believe in her will. Potentially, the next year's group of children will have a higher number of chosen. The statue is ready, please go retrieve the next child."
The Mayor left the small chamber at the back of the church and made his way to the front. A series of children sat in the pews, having been directed to sit there by some of the other nuns that were currently employed by the Church.
Upon reaching the area with the children, the Mayor’s assistant produced a list with the name of all children who had turned 16 that year.
"Terrence Stine. Which one of you is Terrence Stine?"
Sitting immediately in front of the Mayor, a kid raised his hand as quickly as could.
"Are you Wally's son, Wally Stine?"
"Yes, Yes sir," Terrence answered immediately.
This was someone he remembered. His father had created many of the weapons and armor that we would use in the town and export abroad. Frankly, the kid also stood out because he used to be quite a bit chubbier.
The Mayor had probably also seen him running through town on a couple of occasions.
In front of the Mayor stood a kid with Brown hair, Green Eyes, and a slightly tanned complexion. He wasn't fat anymore, but you could not call him fit either. He was tall, like his father, and by the looks of his arms, he would probably be pretty strong one day.
"OK, come with me." As the Mayor gave the list back to his assistant and began walking towards the other end of the Church.
Terrence followed without a word, directly at the heels of the Mayor. As they walked through the corridor, Terrence took an opportunity to scan some of the other rooms they passed. The majority held cots and small bedrooms, with a few holding rooms with many candles and pillows on the ground.
After walking for 2 minutes, they reached the room that housed the Head Priest. Heading inside, the room was bare except for a solitary idol placed on a pedestal towards the middle of the room.