Panic had gripped the group as those without mana sight glanced around looking for what had made the noise, while those with mana sight were staring straight up at the massive form of mana high above.

  I grabbed Kira and Sage throwing them towards a flank, time was moving like syrup as I raced at superhuman speed.

  Theo and Declan were next as I grabbed and tossed them in the same direction.

  I tried to open my mouth shouting “Contact Above!” but the words were moving slower than my body. The words trickling through the air at a frustratingly slow pace as the massive form began hurtling towards the ground.

  I felt the drain on my mana as flow state started emptying it at an alarming rate.

  I deactivated the skill and the world snapped back into motion with terrifying speed.

  Kira, Sage, Theo and Declan were shouting as they were suddenly flown through the air.

  My contact above tearing through my throat as Jamie activated a mana shield.

  The giant monster landed against the shield and Jamie buckled, going to one knee as another mana shield popped into place, surrounding everyone. The beast rolled off from it’s own force, into a forest of gnarled trees on the opposite flank. I watched as the mana cloak still held, swirling around the form of a giant Abyssal Horror.

  Fuck this thing is still invisible.

  “Sage, fireball into the destroyed section of trees.” I called out, not daring to look back to make sure everyone was okay. My swords appeared in my hands, my grip tightening on reflex, letting the leather press into my palms to ground me.

  A fireball sailed over our heads hitting the Abyssal Horror in the side but dissipating immediately as a ripple passed over the Abyssal Horror, revealing it in distorted sections.

  “Fuck. Please don’t let it have a mana shield.” I activated windstep appearing behind its thick neck on it’s lower segmented back.

  I slashed with both weapons in an X pattern releasing a kinetic burst downwards as it connected with the invisible mana.

  The beast lifted its head and let out a chittering screech as its invisibility disappeared, allowing its horrific shape to be on full display.

  The group stood shocked for a moment but quickly snapped into action.

  Logan mana leapt forward landing further behind me in a massive shockwave that made the beast buck.

  Logan laughed in excitement as his axe glowed red before he swung it in a brutal arc, severing one of the grotesque legs at a joint. The severed limb spilling black gore in all directions as other players moved in to attack.

  Ethan summoned a spear and began dancing around a leg stabbing into its Carapace. Victor was hooking another leg for Jamie and Gregory to begin hacking at. A pressurized water bullet from Theo took out one of his numerous eyes.

  I was about to deactivate my mana sight when movement in the cliff wall caught my attention.

  A tide of Abyssal Horrors began spilling over the cliff in waves. The sea of mana coated Abyssal Horrors were disorienting as I tried to estimate their numbers.

  I windstepped back to the where our backliners were huddled together. Shanira now joining them as she shot mana arrow after mana arrow at the giant Abyssal Horror.

  “Contact coming down the cliff. Sage, start blasting but make sure it doesn’t rain fire or rocks down on allies. Shanira start shooting at the cliff wall. Start high up and work your way down. Gideon, you know what to do.” They nodded and Sage immediately released a fireball at the top of the cliff.

  I activated windstep and appeared next to Ethan and Jace.

  “Can you guys move to intercept the Abyssal Horror tide coming down the cliff. You guys have mana sight and can help the range dealers intercept any ones they miss.” Ethan and Jace nodded and moved to intercept, Jaime overheard the conversation, glanced once at the giant Horror and decided his abilities would be better suited against the tide.

  The giant Abyssal Horror had lost most of it’s legs but it’s massive scythe like arms were completely undamaged. They whipped out with unbelievable speed, severing tree trunks and leaving giant gouges in the earth where it struck. Luckily the low maneuverability of its body made it easy for the players to avoid and strike at its lower body.

  I watched as attack after attack bounced off the thick chitin armor. Unlike it’s legs the armor covering it’s body refused to break no matter how much was thrown at it.

  I glanced at the defenders who were preparing for the Abyssal Horror tide and saw Declan lift his lantern again. This time it glowed blue as a blue aura appeared around the line of melee defenders.

  Was that a buff? Declan is on fire with his abilities.

  I returned my attention to the massive Abyssal Horror as it continued to shriek with pain and frustration. I deactivated Mana Sight as the piercing headache became to much.

  Hopefully I won’t need it for now.

  It was time to get back in the fight.

  I activated windstep, the world turning into a black blur as I reappeared above its head. Gravity took hold and I began my decent, lashing out with both blades, releasing small kinetic bursts with each cut as I rotated with my fall.

  I landed around the same spot as when I first attacked the Abyssal Horror. I swung with both swords in a cleaving arc, the proficiency notifier appearing and disappearing as my blades clanged against the chitin armor. I poured mana into the blades and more proficiency notifiers appeared.

  Mana Blade Proficiency increase

  Kinetic Burst Proficiency increase

  I poured more mana into Kinetic Burst and a crack began to form in the monsters armor.

  Another Kinetic burst and black blood appeared along the cracks.

  Finally progress.

  Logan appeared next to me as the monster bucked and it’s neck twisted in an attempt to get at us.

  “Whatever you are doing is pissing it off,” Logan beamed. “Keep it up.”

  “Can you crack open this armor a bit more?” I asked as I moved out of the way.

  Logan didn’t reply, his axe glowing as he charged mana into it, smashing into the armor. The armor chipped away and the axe buried into the meaty black flesh underneath.

  I dug my swords into the flesh, detonating Kinetic Blast over and over again. Sweat pouring down my face as my mana went lower and lower.

  Finally the monster stopped screaming and it crashed to the ground. The players below scrambling to get out of the way of the massive beast.

  Congratulations on killing an Elite monster.

  Abyssal Wardmaster killed – 270 xp

  A Duelist Reward Box has been placed in your inventory.

  I activated windstep and entered the fray against the tide of Abyssal Horrors.

  My swords lashed out and Abyssal Horrors fell to my blades. I ducked a wild swing from a bladed arm driving my sword into the chest cavity of the offending Horror.

  Abyssal Horror killed – 100 xp

  Another Horror snapped at me with gnashing teeth. I blocked it with my free gladius and a spear erupted through its chest as I let the two bodies fall at my feet. Their dead carcasses immediately crushed under the next wave.

  A few Abyssal Horrors left from the cliff but were met by Gideon’s Mace or Flynn’s Kodachi.

  We continued fighting until I cut down the last Abyssal Horror.

  Abyssal Horror killed – 100 xp

  We all stood breathing heavily as silence settled around us.

  “Regroup, take a breather then we hit the top of this cliff.” I called to everyone as I walked over to Kira.

  “How are you doing?” I asked, scanning her for injuries.

  “I am good. You?” she asked as she did the same.

  “Surprisingly I’m uninjured.” I smiled at her. “I think you can retire now.”

  “HA, that’s unlikely. Dungeon isn’t over yet.” She gave me a wink.

  “I’m okay too, not that anyone asked.” Sage grumbled.

  “Knock it off Sage. If you were hurt we would all hear about it.” Theo said to the gathering players laughter.

  Sage gave him a hard punch to the arm but was smiling while she did so.

  “Is everyone okay and accounted for?” I asked looking around, giving Sage a pointed look as I did so.

  Logan was the last to walk up. “Everyone is here and alive. I love when that happens.”

  I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress my smile. I did love when that happened.

  “Okay, next obstacle. Climbing the cliff.” I stared up at the two hundred foot climb.

  “Anyone besides Logan, Flynn and me have movement skills?” Everyone began checking their skills.

  “I do,” Shanira was the first to pipe up. “It allows me to shift to another position fifteen meters away.”

  “Okay, that might work. Flynn, scout the top of the cliff. The rest of you try moving mana into your legs and develop a movement skill. I will start carrying people to the top.” I commanded as I turned back to the wall. Flynn already shadow stepping hp the rock face.

  This should be fun.

  “Take me.” A voice sounded behind me startling me.

  I turned around to find Jace staring up at the top. “I am not satisfied yet. I want to kill more.” His eyes gleamed with hatred. “Get me up there so I can get my revenge.”

  “We should wai-“ I cut off at the look Jace gave me. His eyes pierced mine.

  “Fine, climb on my back.” I said and turned around.

  “W-what?” Jace stuttered, clearly flustered.

  “How else were you expecting to get up there? I could princess carry you if you prefer?” I smiled to myself.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  That would be a funny sight to see.

  “No…” he grumbled, hesitated then climbed kn my back.

  He was heavy despite my strength, but I bent low as my leg muscles tensed ready to leap.

  I leapt high to the mountain, landing twenty feet up then activated windstep to 70, then 130, then to the top.

  Sweat dripped into my eye as I landed on the too of the cliff. A large rocky plateau spread in front of me. The rocks and trees that once dotted the landscape crushed into debris.

  A red scar hovered in the air at the far end.

  Flynn looked surprised at our appearance. “I thought you wanted me to scout the area first?”

  “Mr. Impatient here couldn’t wait and I was afraid he’d try to scale the cliff himself. To prevent that inevitable tragic but funny fall, I brought him up myself.” I turned to Jace whose eyes were locked on the red rift. “There Jace. That is your source. Destroy that and no more monsters will be dumped here to invade our world.”

  Jace was already walking towards it before I finished speaking.

  I activated my Mana Sight and white hot mana flared from the rift. Blazing and releasing the white mana into the world with tremendous volume and speed. I watched as the white mana slowly diluted, fading to the blue mana already floating through the air as it got further and further from the rift.

  The seed in my chest seemed to stir, shaking with some emotion I couldn’t identify.

  Seed of Divinity is feeding. ??????????? Increased.

  Ummmm okay. That can’t be good.

  I felt power surge through me, an inferno in my veins as it coursed through my body scorching everything.

  I dropped to my knees but the pain passed as quickly as it started. Leaving behind a cool, invigorating feeling of power.

  After a moment the seed stopped vibrating and returned to an inert state.

  Weird.

  I stood up as Jace reached the rift and stared at something in front of him. The next moment the rift faded from existence.

  I deactivated my Mana Sight.

  A sound behind me, caused me to turn back to the cliff’s edge. As I turned I saw Flynn looking at me with concern.

  “I am fine. Keep this between us please.” Flynn shrugged and we both turned towards the top of the cliff.

  Logan was climbing over the edge as Shanira teleported beside him on the cliff top.

  “Didn’t quite make it with my Superhero Crunch.” Logan said as he pulled himself to his full height breathing heavily.

  “Sorry you came all this way for nothing. Jace just closed the rift.” I glanced over my shoulder and saw Jace on his knees.

  I activated windstep, appearing at his side in a second.

  Jace was on his knees, his eyes showing only white. After a moment he took a sharp breath, his eyes returning to normal.

  “What the fuck was that.” Jace gasped.

  “The truth, I think. At least part of it.” I said solemnly with no more answers than he had.

  “Come on, let’s get back and regroup.” I offered him a hand which he took gratefully.

  We walked back to the others as the sound of commotion drifted over the top of the cliff. Logan, Flynn and Shanira were staring over the ledge at the group below.

  “What’s going on?” I asked as I moved to the ledge.

  “They are talking about the vision the new players just saw.” Shanira said.

  “Fair enough. It is quite jarring.” I stepped back to Jace. “So what does your skill indicate this time?”

  “I sense that we go that way, beyond the rift.” Jace said after a moment.

  “Okay let’s get everyone up here. Flynn can you be a g-“ I stopped as he was already gone. I looked around and saw that one of the giant mana crystals were already shaved down.

  “Atta boy.” I mumbled to myself before leaping off the cliff. I activated windstep, turning the world into a dark blur as I landed on the ground.

  Everyone was excitedly discussing the vision, speculating what it could mean. No one noticed me reappear on the ground, too engrossed in their own conversations.

  “Everyone!” I called out loudly causing everyone to stop talking abruptly and turn to look at me. “We can discuss what this means later. There is still work to do. We need to get up this cliff and locate the dungeon boss to protect our homes.”

  “Anyone that has managed to create a movement skill, separate yourself from those who need to be carried.” The players began separating themselves.

  Luckily more people unlocked movement skills than those who didn’t.

  Kira, Sage, Theo, Declan and Gregory were the only ones without movement skills.

  I scooped Kira into my arms in a princess carry. “Ready?”

  Kira gave a giggle before wrapping her hands around my neck. “Ready.”

  I activated mana step, moving to the top of the cliff. Kira laughing the whole way.

  “That was exhilarating.” Kira said as I put her down.

  I laughed. “Glad you enjoyed it. Ill be back with our friends.”

  I leapt into the open air once again activating windstep to land on the ground. I barely felt the draw on my mana pool as I landed

  I should be exhausted from how much I am using my windstep. Ill have to check what has changed once I am back up top.

  Sage rushed forward throwing her self at me, I caught her in a princess carry out of instinct. “Me next.” She smiled up at me.

  I dropped her, causing her to hit the ground with umph. I turned around, “hop on my back. It will be too dangerous to climb the cliff will holding you in front.”

  “But you just did it with Kira no problem.” Sage complained.

  I wasn’t talking about the cliff. I thought to myself.

  “You save my life as much as she has and I will give you preferential treatment.” I said instead.

  I felt her leap onto my back and smack me in the back of the head with her hand. “You better keep your word bastard. Prepare to have your ass saved constantly.”

  I can’t keep up with this woman. She is like a god damn hurricane.

  I appeared on top of the cliff to a disapproving look from Kira. I quickly jumped back off the cliff to avoid the scolding.

  Two more trips and everyone was on top of the cliff.

  Logan walked towards me, his signature wild grin on his face. In his hand was a new axe, even larger than his previous axe. It had a crescent moon shaped blade on both sides. Tiny veins of red creeped along the blade and down the handle to a red leather grip. A blue label hovered over it:

  Bloodbound Breaker Battleaxe

  “Dude, you open your class box yet?” Logan asked as I stared open mouthed at his new axe.

  I snapped my mouth shut and looked back at Logan. “I forgot you unlocked a class, what did you pick?”

  “Bloodbound Reaver,” Logan’s eyes lit up as his big smile got even wider. “Open your box. I want to see what you get.”

  I opened my stats window:

  Name: Elias Stormson

  Age: 26

  Level:12

  Class: Arcane Duelist

  Titles

  Stats:

  ? Strength: 65

  ? Health: 56

  ? Agility: 70

  ? Stamina: 51

  ? Mana: 54

  Available Stats: 0

  Access inventory to view items

  My inventory opened with a thought.

  The Arcane Duelist reward box sat, ready to be opened. I selected the box, catching it as it appeared before me. The black and gold box reflected the light from the mana stones, giving it a glossy look. A gold bow adorned the top of the box.

  I lifted the lid and a pillar of golden light shot into the sky, black lightning danced through it with charged energy.

  I reached into the light expecting my fingers to touch something cold and hard. Instead my fingers wrapped around something soft, not fragile, just soft and round.

  My fingers easily wrapped around it and I pulled the item out. A golden rolled up scroll was held in my hands. A roaring dragon head adorned each end looking fierce and defiant.

  A window appeared above the scroll:

  Arcane Duelist Skill: End Of The Line (Class Bound Item)

  Learn?

  Yes/No

  A skill? Hmmm. Yes.

  The scroll faded away into gold light.

  I was about to open my menu to view the skill when I noticed the box still had light shining from it.

  I reached into the light again this time my hand closed around two hard smooth items. I pulled my hand from the box and it faded from existence.

  I turned my hand over and looked at the two crystals sitting in the palm of my hand. Both were equally half the size of my hand but different colors. One was a red crystal with dual crossed swords on it, the other a blue stone with a single vertical sword surrounded by a perfect circle. The labels read:

  Red Stone:

  Asymmetric Blades

  Blue Stone:

  Arcane Poise

  I crushed the red stone and the red mana flowed into me.

  Asymmetric Blades ability absorbed. Decreased mana use when using dual blades. Ability to chain skills unlocked. Removes off hand penalties.

  I felt a rush of energy through my body.

  I wonder how this will change my combat style.

  I crushed the blue stone next.

  Passive Trait Arcane Poise unlocked. Reduced stagger when channeling mana. Improved control when attacking and moving. Slight increase to reaction time during high focus.

  Nice a passive skill.

  With the rewards, I had become a much more effective fighter. My mana control and dual abilities had finally launched me on the path as an Arcane Duelist.

  “No weapon is kind of shit. What did you get?” Logan beamed.

  “I got a skill, a passive trait and a weapon sychronization trait.” I said breathlessly.

  Kira walked up with a smile on her face. She now sported a black choker around her neck and two bangles on her wrists. The bangles had numerous glowing stones fused into them, each stone casting light in different colors in swirling arcs.

  “Holy shit!” I said absentminded.

  “It’s not too much? I wasn’t sure about the choker but it’s abilities are phenomenal.” Kira said as a finger traced the choker.

  “No, you look great… not that you don’t always look great… it’s just.. wow.” I felt my cheeks heat.

  Smooth Elias. Absolutely calm when fighting hordes of monsters but loses it when talking to a woman. I’m an idiot.

  Kira’s cheeks also flushed red. “Thanks.” She said softly.

  Logan let out a booming laugh, breaking the tension in a second. “Will you guys kiss already. For fucks sake.”

  That just made it worse as the other players all stared in our direction.

  I threw a punch but Logan didn’t even flinch.

  “Whatever. Are we ready to go?” I looked around, everyone gave me a nod as I made eye contact. Shanira was wearing a new set of armor. Midnight-blue plates and dark steel guarded her vital points without hindering her draw, the layered design turning glancing blows aside rather than absorbing them. Between the plates, sound-dampening fabric swallowed movement, keeping her presence quiet even when she shifted her stance.

  Small blue gemstones were set into the armor at deliberate points, glowing softly as mana flowed, steady and controlled. Her vambraces were shaped for the bow, one reinforced for repeated strain, the other light enough to keep her fingers free.

  “Nice armor Shanira.” I smiled at her.

  “Thanks, it’s part of my new class. Umbral Marksman.” She was practically vibrating with excitement.

  “Looks like most people are reaching level ten. I can't wait to see what new abilities everyone has.” I said as an excited grin spread across my face.

  “First lets close this dungeon.” Kira said from beside me.

  “Where is Jace?” I asked looking around.

  “I think he is looking at the mana crystals that Flynn was collecting, over that way.” Shanira pointed back to where the rift had been.

  “Lets go.” I began walking in that direction as Sage walked up.

  “Sparky, can I ask for some help?” Sage looked uncharacteristically timid.

  “What’s up Sage?”

  “Can you… can you help me with my abilities?” Sage’s mouth tightened into a frustrated pout.

  Is this the same Sage who told me she doesn’t need a white knight?

  “What do you need help with? You seem to have more power than the other players at a higher level.” Sage looked at me in disbelief.

  “I am a one trick pony. Fireball, fireball, fireball. It’s all I can do right now.” Sage said defeated.

  I thought for a moment. “Have you talked to Theo? He might be better to teach you since I have seen his ability used in various ways?”

  “Perfect fucking Theo. I tried that and you know what he told me?” Sage said suddenly agitated.

  “’I dunno, I just do it.’” She quoted sarcastically. “He has taken to his abilities naturally and has a way of just making the water magic do what he wants.”

  I thought for another moment as we approached Jace. “Okay but it must be on the way to the dungeon boss or after the dungeon.”

  Sage’s face brightened as she began beaming. She gave my arm a punch. “Thanks Sparky.”

  I turned to ask Kira her opinion but noticed she had fallen back and was speaking to Shanira in a hushed tone. They glanced furtively in my direction every few seconds.

  I decided to leave it alone as we arrived where Jace was talking to Flynn.

  “Ready to go?” I asked as I approached.

  “Yeah. It keeps fluctuating but generally in the same direction.” Jace said pointing.

  “Okay, you lead the way. Standard formation. I’m going to help Sage with her magic on the way. If you need me just shout.” Jace and Flynn nodded before setting off. Everyone fell into a diamond formation around the range attackers and Kira.

  “Hey Kira, where did you go earlier?” I asked as I walked up to her and Shanira.

  “You seemed busy so I dropped back to talk to Shanira.” Kira crossed her arms while she spoke.

  “Sage asked for help with her magic.” I explained.

  “Of course she did…” Kira grumbled.

  “Since I don’t know magic specifically, I thought maybe you could help?” I continued.

  “You did?” Kira seemed to relax a little, her arms dropping to her sides.

  “Of course I did. You are the most badass player here and probably have a better temperament when it comes to teaching then this geezer”. I gave her a wink.

  Kira’s cheeks turned red as she gazed at her feet. “Thanks Elias.” She said softly.

  “Huh… for?” I was thoroughly confused.

  “For being you,” she smiled up at me. Her cheeks still red. “Let’s go find Sage.”

  “Don’t bother.” A voice sounded behind me and I turned to see Sage walking behind us. “You guys can be really oblivious when you talk to each other.”

  I felt my own cheeks heat but stayed focus on Sage. “Ready to learn?” I asked, changing the subject.

  “Alright Sparky. What you got to teach me.” She gave me a wink and I felt the temperature drop a few degrees as Kira glared.

  “Have you tried maintaining a flame in your palm only? Not to throw it but just hold it in your hand and just maintain it?” I said as Sage gave me a incredulous look

  “How is that supposed to help me? I want to kill things not be a fucking torch.” She said angrily.

  “That’s genius.” Kira said staring at me open mouthed.

  “Huh?” Sage asked confused. “What am I missing?”

  “He wants you to learn control. So you can manifest it however you want. Right?” Kira turned to me.

  “That’s the plan. Have you create the flame then switch it between hands.” I finished

  “So how do I do it?” Sage asked.

  “That’s why I got Kira here. She manifests healing magic in her hands and would probably have a better way of explaining it.

  I draw the mana from its source and direct it. That’s how I managed to unlock multiple skills and increase my mana control. I am not sure how your ability works so it may take some trial and error.” I finished as we continued walking along the plateau.

  “It is similar with my healing magic. I direct the mana to my hands but give it direction or will it to heal.” Kira explained.

  “So where do I start?” Sage asked.

  “Start by feeling your mana and pushing it into one of your hands and imagine it turning into a flame in your palm.” I said.

  “Okay.” Sage’s face pinched in concentration.

  We continued walking, reaching some rolling hills. We encountered a couple packs of Abyssal Horrors but they were quickly dispatched by our team. We tried giving the new players a chance to level up on the monsters. The higher level players only intervening when things looked like they were going sideways.

  Sage had only managed to heat her hand so far.

  When we crested the third hill we had a look out over a vast bog shrouded in the same thick fog. Giant pillars of mana crystal jutted up like spikes on the back of a giant beast. Illuminating the fog in deep blue swirls.

  Something about it set my nerves on edge, the familiar sense of danger washing over me. The hairs on my neck and arms stood rigid as I scanned the fog.

  “My skill tells me to go straight.” Jace called back. “What do you want to do?”

  “Do we have a choice?” I asked from the middle of the group.

  “No, but I wanted to check anyway.” Jace turned back and continued walking down the hill towards the fog.