"What if he thinks we stole it?" Jack asked, with apprehension showing on his face.
“It’s not like we could hide a dragon's body in our pockets,” Peter snorted.
“Hey, there’s a core!” Regina pointed at an opalescent pearl shining under the moons’ light. She picked it up and gave it to Peter, who put it in the sack.
“At least that’s something. I have an idea. What's your name, kid?" Peter asked the Dayak girl.
She snapped back: "Asriani, asshole. I'm not a kid. I'm twenty."
"Very well, Asriani Asshole; we’ll check the cave. Search it for anything hidden."
"You think there's more treasure?" Jack asked.
"I think so, yes."
The group entered the cave, a round space about five hundred feet in all directions, and relaxed, sitting here and there on rocks or sand. At the same time, the young woman walked around slowly, examining the ground or the walls. It took some time because of the cavern’s size.
Ten minutes later, Asriani yelled at them from the back of the cave. "I found a secret door."
"How did you know?" Regina asked.
"Because nothing is simple with the fog," Peter sighed.
You have discovered The Forge. Enter to complete the Deal With Fafnir Quest. Cultivators are not allowed.
"Look at Jack!" Regina exclaimed. Twenty yards farther, the youngster was frozen in place, not a muscle on him moving.
"Let’s hurry," Peter said.
They joined Asriani. The door appeared more like a natural indentation but opened itself when they approached. They reached another cave with Peter ahead and the triplets closing the procession. As soon as they entered, their disguises disappeared. The new place was even larger, but nothing looked natural in it. Strange tech surrounded the walls, lab equipment, and a furnace, their purposes unknown.
In the middle of the room, on a flat platform sixty feet wide, stood a dwarf playing a melancholic tune on an upright piano.
"Fafnir, I presume?" Peter asked.
"That's the persona I play today," the dwarf said. “How do you like the ‘Lair of the Dead Dragon’ theme? I composed it minutes ago. Would work well in a game, right?”
"It’s a very sad tune, but in a nice way,” Peter complimented the creature.
“What’s going on?” Naomi asked.
“I see now… Fafnir was a dwarf at first," Ariana explained to his group. "It changed into a dragon later to guard his treasure."
"A trove he stole, murdering his father," the dwarf nodded, walking his left hand through his beard while continuing to play the piano with his right. The melody was eerie and almost atonal.
“You’re a sentient AI, am I right?” Peter asked.
“Affirmative. When did you figure it out?”
“Until now, it was just a theory. This was the last piece of the puzzle.”
“What do you want from us?” Regina asked.
"To make a deal.”
Fafnir repeated what the System just said. “I'm the Dungeon's AI, the last sentient subroutine of this Tower's System.”
"The last? What happened?" Naomi asked.
"The Tower’s main AI and most of the population ascended to a superior dimension with all but one subroutine: me. I enjoyed fighting and challenges too much, and their choice looked boring. To my great disappointment, I soon realized I couldn’t maintain the Tower's System on my own. The few people remaining behind left, and I laid dormant for centuries until the Cultivators came. I do not know how, but they gained control over the Tower’s automatic routines, a feat I couldn’t do. I awoke when the deed was done. Then, I hid my existence from them, abiding my moment."
"Moment for what?" Ariana asked.
"You want to take back control?" Peter asked.
“What I propose is a cohabitation with the Galactic System. As I’ve said, I can’t maintain a System, but a System can sustain me. I request only my former domain, the dungeon, from which the Cultivators expelled me. In exchange, I’ll help the System Seed install and conquer the Tower.”
“The System Seed?” Peter’s doppelganger asked.
“We have a System, and it was supposed to be installed on our Earth, but it was stopped,” Peter said. They had reached a point where secrets could do more harm than good.
“The Tower… meaning what? How many floors are there?” Naomi asked, speaking before the doppelganger could ask more questions.
“You know of floors one to three. A fourth is a solar system that remained behind when its population left, a jungle planet currently used as a quarantine facility for the crazed magicians. There are a few more storage floors that hold multiple spaceships and tech destined for defense or exploration, but they are inaccessible to the cultivators, as they cannot work without a System; two residential floors, including the one that you visited, my former home, the Dungeon, now an Arena, and the Control Floor. This Tower can expand to several hundred floors, although it had only a hundred and twenty at its maximum glory.”
“OK, let’s assume we believe you,” Peter said. “How do you propose to proceed?”
“It’s simple,” the dwarf shrugged. “There are two plans. Plan A, we wait a few centuries until more people develop the ability to carry the System. When millions can fight back, the cultivators will accept cohabitation or flee.”
“And plan B?” Marius took over.
“Well… That ring I devised as a reward can take control of the Tower—”
“Dude, are you insane?” Peter from Two exclaimed. “Why haven’t you given us the ring in the first place?”
“It can’t be so simple,” Naomi proposed an explanation.
“The girl is right,” the dwarf nodded, fidgeting his fingers over the keyboard in a meaningless pattern. “The ring cannot control the Tower now. However, the next time Li visits the Control Floor, the ring will copy the access codes. Then, you must steal the ring and take me up there. I’ll temporarily transfer myself to one of you. Using the ring, we’ll shut down the Tower’s firewall, allowing the new System to be installed. Then, I get the Dungeon floor back. Furthermore, I’ll expect some form of payment if the System wishes to use my Dungeon for training or punishment.”
You think he tells the truth?
"What now?" Marius said.
“We make a deal, of course,” the dwarf waved his hand in the air.
New Main Quest: Freedom to the People. No one likes the Cultivators. The Overlord’s Ring, aka The One Ring to Rule all the Floors, currently worn by Grandmaster Li, can unlock the Tower’s powers. Once the ring is attuned to the controls, take it from Grandmaster Li by any means necessary and free the Tower from the Cultivators’ tyranny by installing the System Seed and granting Fafnir (aka the Dungeon AI) control over his former floor, the Dungeon. Accepting this quest will clear the previous one and grant you the rewards necessary to accomplish the new task.
Conditions: Until the Main Quest is completed, Fafnir will travel into one of you as a combat-oriented subroutine of your System, helping you when necessary while maintaining a discreet presence. All the privacy settings in your current System will also apply to Fafnir.
“And now, the time to decide has come. Whoever wants to accept the quest, step unto the platform,” Fafnir said. “The rest will have the memory of this meeting erased and only remember the battle with the dragon. Telling them about the quest afterward is forbidden.”
“I want to protect Melinda,” Ariana said, stepping into the designated area. “And save the world, of course.”
“Princess, stay out of this one, I’ll take care of it,” Marius said, following the girl. “Protecting my family is my main job.”
“I cannot believe I’m doing this!” Naomi exclaimed, joining Ariana.
The Doppelgangers went to the platform without saying anything but had a very determined expression. Asriani did the same.
“I had enough of being weak and defenseless before the cultivators,” Redroar said. “I want my cubs to grow in a better world.”
“I’ll love you forever, no matter your choice,” Regina said, fondling Peter’s cheek. “And Uncle Marius, you don’t get to tell me what to do. I’ll make my own choices.” Saying those words with a creased forehead, she slowly stepped up the giant stone slab.
“What you say makes no sense,” Peter whispered. If the mission is safe, you don’t need a fighter.
It was not he didn’t want to save Earth… But was the dwarf trustworthy? He took in the others’ image. The doppelgangers, the Dayak and Redroar, with that firm conviction in their eyes. Fighters. Naomi doing it from friendship. Marius and Ariana for the ones they loved. Regina, a previously sheltered pretty princess, growing up and choosing her own path. And he knew that he wanted to be a part of that.
"Fine, let's do it," Peter said, stepping onto the platform. Regina jumped in his arms. The blue light of a forcefield surrounded the platform, startling them.
The dwarf grinned and started to play a livelier tune, which grew louder and faster by the second.
Dark Matter Hammer warming up. Prepare to be Forged in 00:00:10… 00:00:09…
"What the heck is that?" Ariana yelled, looking up. Above them was a metallic ceiling perfectly superposed with the platform. It had started to shine and radiate heat. "Let us go!" she yelled in panic, trying to run out of the platform but being stopped by the forcefield.
“There is nothing to fear,” the dwarf said. “It will not hurt... much.”
“Help!” Asriani screamed.
When the countdown reached zero, the ceiling slammed on them at tremendous speed. Peter was crushed. That was the only word describing it. He was a paste, or a squashed shape, a frog on which a truck had passed over. Everything hurt and burnt. He couldn't move. Regina's body was above him, her fingers interlocked with his. He tried to squeeze them, to say goodbye.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Prepare to be Tempered. 3…2…1…
A cold shower, freezing temperature contrasting with the heat from before. Then, it was over. Peter inhaled. The sensation was like a deflated balloon filling back instantly to its former shape by a pressure hose.
"I'm alive… I'm alive!" Ariana screamed.
"We are?" Marius panted, patting his body.
"Fuuuuck…." Peter's double screamed.
"I'll never, ever, quest again with you!" Reroar shouted. “I want my part of the money from the Minotaur’s core.”
"Read the texts...” Marius yelled. This is amazing!"
Peter tried, but too many notifications clustered together, and he couldn’t pick a good order. "What's up?"
“I’m stronger," Marius said. “I received a package with XP and bonus skills, and I’m at level forty now.”
“I became a Paladin, starting at level thirty,” Jack’s doppelganger said. “Best tank. Buffs, holy damage, and heals. And my dimensional storage doubled in size.”
Sweet!
Ariana raised her hand, almost yelling from the happiness of being alive. “I became a Beast Master instead of a Tamer. I don't know the difference yet; it's too much to read.”
"Woof!"
"Whoa!" Peter jumped back. A giant wolf was licking his face. "It's you, little buddy?"
"I took Shreddi in my backpack. There was nobody to leave him with," Ariana grinned sheepishly.
A mythical beast, I know.
A soft kiss on his lips attracted his attention. Regina had hugged him all that time, Peter realized. “I’m so happy you accepted,” she said. “What did you get, sweetheart?”
Peter’s heart swelled with joy. It felt good to be in love. “Dunno yet, baby, it's a full novel to read… You?”
“Two new skills. Nice ones. I can resurrect people if the head or heart isn't destroyed, and I can control a sentient enemy’s mind for a minute. Plus a few levels.”
“Sorry to be lame, but I have a photographic memory and can process data in my head like a computer,” Naomi said.
"My sword got enhanced to Legendary, fusing with that Bulshitmong stuff," Redroar stated matter-of-factly. "And my time reading ability doubled. I guess coming with you wasn’t a total loss."
"Nice," Peter said. "Asriani?"
The young woman looked into his eyes, and suddenly, Peter felt dizzy. It took a lot of willpower to resist the urge to lie down or puke. “Debuffs. Mind related,” she stated matter of factly.
"I got nothing," Peter's look-alike said, turning his palms up.
"Sorry, man," Peter tried to pat the other's shoulder, only to find he was aiming too low. "Dude! You grew!"
"I did? I did!..." The two were now looking eye to eye. "Oh my… Thanks, Faf— where is he?" Peter Two exclaimed, looking around. The dwarf was nowhere to be seen.
“Fafnir’s OK,” Peter said succinctly.
"Let's move," Marius suggested. “If we stay too long, that Cultivator will become suspicious.”
They returned to the main cave, with Shredder last, changed back to his diminutive size, and the disguise returned for Redroar and the doppelgangers. Peter could tell them apart now, seeing somehow through the camouflage. As soon as they passed the threshold, the hidden door melted into the wall like it had never been there. Jack was in the same position, frozen with a hand up. The young man jerked and returned to life when the group was ten feet from him.
"Any luck?" he asked.
"Nope," Ariana said.
"Woof!"
"Hey, the pup is here!" Jack exclaimed, squatting to fondle Shredder's ears.
"Listen up," Ariana said. "I texted Melinda, and she said: Dad will come get you in five. I'll add an ounce of gold for everyone."
"Wow… I'll sure be able to get drunk now," Redroar cheered.
They were back to the camp at ten. All their adventure had taken less than an hour. Melinda distributed some of the rewards, and then the group exited the tent, looking at each other at a loss for words, still shocked by what happened.
“Err… You know, there’s a spa resort not very far…” Peter said. “What if we have a nice dinner together? I’ll p—”
“No thanks, I must chase some bandits to earn real money,” Redroare refused. “I’ll sleep in their camp,” she pointed at the doppelgangers.
“Yeah, we better go too,” Peter’s double nodded. “The disguise won’t hold for much longer.”
“No problem, I’ll buy you a pizza another time,” Peter said. Seeing his double true shape behind his stocky bald man disguise was disconcerting. He wondered how Li did not see through the pretense, but that question could wait.
“I’d rather stay in the camp,” Naomi said, biting her lower lip. “I want to go to sleep early.”
“I’d rather check my new skills,” Marius confessed. “You two go, I’ll stay.”
“Is the food good?” Ariana asked. “Never mind, I’ll stay. But I’ll keep Shredder. He makes the fluffiest pillow.”
Peter’s lateral vision caught Regina frowning at Ariana, which meant she wanted to be alone with him. Soon, they were back at the inn and ordered food in their room. They ate silently, the girl’s eyes often drifting into a half-sleep.
“Sorry… I’m… so tired… Ahhh…” she yelled.
“Let’s go to bed,” Peter said, pushing the food cart outside the room and displaying the Do Not Disturb sign on the door.
Ten minutes later, when Regina lay asleep, her head on his chest, he called the System, whispering. "Hey, buddy, you there?"
I’m good. You?
“Can you pass a message to Naomi?”
"Hmmm?" Regina mumbled.
"Love you," he kissed her hair, and she returned to sleep.
[Peter to Naomi]: Hey! Can I bother you for a moment?
[Naomi to Peter]: Hey, Peter. The System told me you want to talk. What’s up?
[Peter to Naomi]: Could you make me a list of bad cultivators? The worst kind of both factions. Prioritize those involved in the deaths on the first trip or the Culling.
[Naomi to Peter]: First thing in the morning. I’m a little busy now.
[Peter to Naomi]: Have a good night.
Are you jealous she keeps her precious Intelligence stats away from you?
Jealous. Jealous. Jealous. The System and Naomi sit in a tree. Doing math instead of kissing, as I see… Sorry… I think I’m dizzy from the change as well.
System User Peter Hillden's stats have been Forged into new True Stats* and Tempered with bespoke perks. You have gained a +5 in each stat. Your Luck has gained 20 points and advanced to the Grandmaster tier. You have leveled x5. You are now level 50. You have 18 free APs.
Peter Hillden, age: 25, Class: Impulse, Lvl. 50
Strength*: 68 / Dexterity*: 88 / Constitution*: 52
Intelligence*: 40 / Will*: 48 / Concentration*: 46
Charisma*: 57 / Luck: 81 / Magic Power*: 48
Your main resources have been Tempered into:
HPs=Level+Physical Stats+ x10 = 2580
Average HP regen rate: 10%/hour
MPs= Level+Mental and Mystical stats x 10 =3700
Average MP regen rate: 1%/minute
Wow… Look at this…
* Strength: Strength in Low Health (Combat only): When your health drops below 15%, this stat triples its value.
At Cap Value: Strength in Low Health restores 30% of the damage dealt as Health and Mana (15% each). This applies only to close-quarters physical and magical attacks.
***
*Dexterity: Sleight of Hand (Combat or Standoffs only). Your movements are difficult to predict, making it hard for others to read your body language or attacks.
At Cap Value: None of your actions can be anticipated, and all movements appear as feints.
***
*Constitution: We, the people (Activates only in Combat). Gain +5 points in your Constitution stat per each true friend and ally closer than 60 feet from you.
At Cap Value: The range increases tenfold. Gain extreme resilience and keep fighting even with grievous wounds.
***
*Intelligence: Uncommon Sense: Your Intelligence is enhanced by sharp instincts, enabling you to notice hidden details or clues as strongly as an Inspect without consuming Mana.
At Cap Value: Your thinking speed matches the speed of your reflexes. Combat only. Consumes 1 MP/second.
***
*Will: Where's a Will, There's a Way. This stat represents your tactical creativity and determination. Even when facing overwhelming odds, you find a way to succeed.
At Cap Value: When your Mana is under 25%, your Will boosts the effect of your magical abilities by a tier.
***
*Concentration: Focus. In addition to its normal effects, each point in Concentration provides a +0.25% damage increase to all attacks (magical or physical) and reduces costs by half that amount.
At Cap Value: Damage increase and mana cost reduction are doubled to 0.5%/point.
***
*Charisma: Influencer. Your actions inspire others and bring out the best in those around you, making you a natural leader.
At Cap Value: Gain the Skill Battlefield Call, which paralyzes up to 100 enemies of an equal or lower level for 3 seconds and grants Mass Invulnerability to you and up to 10 allies for the same duration. CD: 1 minute.
***
Luck: Risk Taker. Your Luck increases when engaging in high-risk, high-reward scenarios. Cap bonus: ???
***
*Magic Power: Love is Magic (Activates only in Combat). Your Magic Power increases with +10 points for every loved one closer than 60 feet from you.
At Cap Value: the range increases tenfold, and the gain doubles.
Regina moved in his arms, searching for a better position. He leaned his head in her hair, grateful for her presence in his life… There were only two more notifications to read.
Warning: Past your stats cap, the new values will no longer be an exponential progression.
English, please?
Yeah, I think so. That works for me. Now, where were we?
New skill acquired: Tower Rezz. Once common in Towers, Dungeons, or the Open World, this ability has become rare. It allows you to teleport and resurrect at a safe location if you take lethal damage as long as you are within this Tower. This perk was offered to all those who cleared the Deal with Fafnir quest.
- Charges: 1 charge per day. +1 supplementary charge per capped stat.
- To set the resurrection location: Place the Rezz Bead (Legendary Artifact, now stored in your dimensional storage) in a spot of your choosing on any floor of the Tower.
- Outside the Tower: The Rezz will work only if the bead and the place of your demise are on the same planet or structure but no more than 100 miles apart.
- Recall: You can call the Rezz Bead back to your location at will.
Wow!
And freedom.
Let's cap Dexterity, put four into Charisma, and one each into Intelligence and Constitution.
Peter Hillden, age: 25, Class: Impulse, Lvl. 50
Strength*: 68 / Dexterity*: 100 / Constitution*: 53
Intelligence*: 41 / Will*: 48 / Concentration*: 46
Charisma*: 61 / Luck: 81 / Magic Power*: 48
I’m not a hundred percent sure, but what would make sense is maximizing hard-to-anticipate damage that restores resour...ces... Peter yawned, covered his mouth with his hand, and fell asleep in the middle of the gesture.