Accidental Healer-Chapter 138 - 52 - Scavenger Hunt

A few hours later.

"I assume all went well with Gorff and the Elder Gnomes?" Jared asked nose down in his faithful notepad.

"It went fine."

Well, aside from the cryptic story Gorff felt the need to share with me. I still wasn't exactly sure what his game was. "Any surprises here?"

"The hordes continue to grow in size but our average levels still outpace theirs, they should remain manageable for at least a few more weeks. The fight was smooth and we had over a dozen people achieve their first evolution, only a handful remain that haven't."

"Let's make it a priority to get them there."

A few of us gathered in what I would consider a small conference room in the west wing of town hall. Everything about the room was large to accommodate the growing size of the people in Layton Mischief. Mischief even had his own cubby space, where he now lounged, that was situated in the corner of the room.

"Samson, how goes the Scavenger hunt?" I asked, not able to stop myself before the pun escaped my lips. I held my breath glancing around for someone to call me out. Luckily, no one in attendance was as childish as Alex or Nick.

I let out my breath.

"I heard it."

I glared up at him.

"Oh please, as if I was going to let that slide."

Ignoring the oversized house cat I realized Sampson was in the middle of answering my question.

"...the pack gets stronger each day and we fight to keep our faction safe from the invaders."

"Good, good, thank you Sampson. We wouldn't be the same without your help."

Jared didn't look up from his notepad. "Just for my notes, are we officially going to be referring to Sampson's efforts as—a scavenger hunt?"

Mischief snorted. I folded my arms.

"Jared, I expect such juvenile behaviour from Mischief, but you too?"

"So…no?"

"Moving on—are we stocked up yet? How are we on marble and other building materials?"

Jared cleared his throat with a twinkle in his eye.

"Well, we've made great progress. Per your suggestion, we moved from many small shipments to one large and added even more carts and fashioned those carts…into a sort of chain…"

I took the bait. "You mean like a train?"

"You know what, that does sound rather train-like, doesn't it?"

I smiled broadly, happy to see Jared's dream of building a train line to transport materials be realized.

"Additionally, we should only need a few more shipments to be sure we are stocked with sufficient Marble to complete construction." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"How long?"

Jared scratched his chin with his pencil. "We should be squared away in four days."

Four days meant dozens more waves and we were due for another evolution to the chaos spawn ranks. We'd gone from simple chaos spawn, to chaos spawn champions, to scavengers, to armored chaos spawn, to now. Something was coming, I could feel it.

"I want our very best guarding that marble. We can't afford for building to slow, that includes a group dedicated to defending against scavengers. Each of our cities should have ample defenses with the added mana shields and walls."

It hadn't been cheap but millions of UBCs had been spent to outfit each settlement and outpost with at least one single mana shield, with Layton Mischief needing two. The shields themselves were fifteen foot pillars of dark stone with a deep purple sphere the size of a basketball at the top. Once they were purchased they seamlessly integrated with the town interface allowing Jared to designate the boundaries of the shield up to 10 square miles. The sphere on top was the mana source that powered the shields. It would prevent perceived enemy threats from entering our towns until overwhelming the shield's power source, which would recharge gradually on its own by absorbing ambient mana.

Jared jotted a note. "Consider it done."

"Good."

I strummed the table with my fingers. The furniture in the room was different from the rough timber that was so common a few months ago. Our table was built at the hands of a true carpenter. The simple bevels on the legs suited the space well with ample space for at least ten to comfortably gather. It gave the impression of what you might see in paintings from the early 1700's where everything seemed made of lumber. There was even mana powered lighting now throughout the building.

"What else?"

We spent the next few minutes going over food distribution and zoning laws for our growing population. Space was hardly an issue currently but Jared pointed out that was the perfect time to start preparing. Much of the township was already divided into lots of varying sizes, designed to maintain wide streets and the natural beauty of the landscape.

And although the added factions could build how they saw fit within their own territories, there were already Elder Gnomes and Blue men hoping to establish shops within Layton Mischief township. The lots were displayed within the system interface and bids started pouring in. Jared wasn't as much concerned with the highest bidder as he was meeting the needs of the faction.

The lots nearest the teleporter were the most highly sought after and Jared used the earnings to create new objectives related to completing the teleporter more quickly.

Finally, Jared pulled an image up on the interface. It was of the unfinished teleporter. Then a moment later he layered another image over the unfinished one.

"This is what we are looking at for progress." He said pointing to the growing pillars and stacks of cut marble waiting to be set. "As you can see, we're getting closer. In fact, I believe we are looking at less than two months."

"Are you sure?" I asked, skeptical. "You said we were looking at five, maybe six in our last report. We've only been in the scourge for two months."

Jared examined the screen and nodded thoughtfully. "Well that was only ever an estimate. I might've underestimated the power of levels and evolutions."

That made sense. Stetson and his Iron Golems came to mind. We had thousands of crafters working on this sole project and each of them gained new levels on a daily basis while they worked.

Sadly, I'd been so busy dealing with the chaos spawn I really hadn't paid all that much attention to the people doing the work. Buildings just kept popping up. I chided myself for not being more involved and set a goal to spend more time with the crafters of our faction once the scourge trial had passed.

For now though, I pursed my lips and strummed the table some more. "Does anyone have anything else to bring up?"

I scanned the room and got nothing but head shakes and just as I was about to push my chair back—

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"I'm almost afraid to tell you..."

I narrowed my eyes at the lounging apex predator.

"What is it?" Concern bubbling in my gut. The rest of the room waited, understanding I was speaking with Mischief. He really needed to learn to speak out loud one of these days.

"If I tell you, you have to make me a promise."

"Ok—what do I have to promise?"

"You have to promise not to try and make friends with the chaos spawn."

My head tilted quizzically toward Mischief. "Why would I ever want to be their friend?"

"I think they are possibly capable of some level of intelligence."

Mischief recounted his story of the Scavenger who heard his telepathy and expressed fear. And I repeated it aloud to the room.

By the end of the explanation everyone in the room had their eyes firmly fixed—on me.

At this point, the majority of our faction was well aware of my habits. I could only imagine what they might be thinking. Would Layton really try to convince Chaos Spawn to join our faction? I glanced around and could see the concern on their faces and for some reason it nearly made me laugh.

"Seriously guys?" I chuckled. "You really think I'd try and negotiate with the Chaos Spawn?"

"I do."

Mischief's tone was dry but it was the uneasy glances passing between my faction members that had my attention. They thought it was a possibility also. To be fair, they had a right to be skeptical. I didn't love the idea of killing living thinking creatures, but I'd learned a valuable lesson.

Sometimes in this world, it was kill or be killed. And if I had to choose, it was going to be the Chaos spawn.

"As far as I'm concerned, nothing's changed. They're here to kill us."

Samson nodded sagely. "True. Many have tried to kill me."

A smile tugged at my lips. Samson was seven feet of muscle and power, his muzzle lined with pearly razor sharp teeth. Where his leather and plate armor didn't cover, thick black fur did. His innocence and honesty belied his menacing demeanor.

"And if one tries to talk with you?"

The humor faded.

Then I will at least listen, I thought to myself.

It wasn't like I wanted them to join our faction, I just figured it might be interesting to have a conversation with one. What would they even have to say? I wondered.

Jared cleared his throat. "Well, then we should keep an eye on this. It could mean seeing more sophisticated combat strategies. This is helpful, Mischief, thank you."

The room sat in silence and I shifted in my seat feeling the tension. Then I remembered something.

"Is Alex really our first fighter at level 50?"

***

Alex couldn't stop grinning.

Goldie gripped tight in his right hand glowing like she'd been dipped in a furnace.

"Yes!!! Fall before me foul creatures, fall before Alex—maker of death!"

His heartbeat pounded in his chest. For the briefest moment, he wondered if his war cries sounded cheesy.

No, he sounded awesome—he was awesome.

He was Alex, Warlord Titan.

Through the slit in his visor a scavenger lunged for him. The puny thing barely reached Alex's waste. With a casual backhand the top half of the scavenger disappeared in a spray of black tar.

Choosing his evolved class had been easy. For one, the stat growth alone was double what he was getting before. But since he'd known Layton, he was constantly being teased for his reliance on his barriers. And although the teasing didn't really bother him too much, he knew there was some truth behind it. So when he saw the defensive perks in the Warlord Titan class he barely even scanned his other choices.

Alex felt something collide with his back shoulder followed by a clanking sound in his helmet. He reached back with his free hand and pulled a second scavenger over his shoulder dangling the monster in the air by its arm. It twisted and squirmed, swinging its dark blade into the steel of Alex's armor to no effect. The sight of it made Alex laugh out loud and he slammed the monster into the dirt with a sickening thump.

He stepped forward letting his steel boot leave no doubt and the squelch proceeded the kill notification.

His first skill in the newly chosen class was a boosting skill that raised the rarity of his armor by one tier, while also boosting strength, agility and constitution stats all by fifteen percent. He also grew an added four feet when using the skill pushing him to nearly the same height as the chaos champions chests. Unfortunately there was a cool down period to the skill that left him fifteen percent weaker for half the duration he used the skill for but the trade off was an easy one to make.

The second skill was an offensive ability.

A chaos champion charged him. Alex lifted Goldie. The creature seemed so much smaller now even though it was still a good four feet taller than he was. That didn't bother Alex one bit, and he swung his spirit weapon, the glowing light leaving an after image in its wake as his blade bit into the thick armor of the charging Chaos spawn.

Sparks erupted, cascading off Alex's visor and chestplate. The Chaos Champions torso opened and was immediately cauterized from the billowing heat emanating from Goldie, powered by his second ability Titan's Fury.

The ability drew from his mana pools to keep active which worked well since it was the only skill that did and he'd be able to keep the effect active for well over an hour. Titan's fury also applied when he used his fighter skills like sweeping blade. Oddly enough when the ethereal blade billowed forth in bright orange and yellow it drew upon his stamina rather than his mana, which again, suited him just perfectly.

Hair, blood, and metal sizzled and Alex cut down Chaos Spawn in bunches laughing like a deranged monkey the whole way.

***

Daevon couldn't help but feel just a little annoyed that Durkil was the first Guildian on earth to reach his second evolution. Not because he was jealous of Durkil though. Daevon respected his rival, and was proud of how far they'd both come.

Even now, it was hard not to marvel at the heroic figure gilded in his sky blue liberator plate armor reflecting the grey heavens. Durkil belonged at the front, it suited him. Just looking at the tall Guildian was enough to inspire.

But Daevon had different aspirations, he didn't want to inspire.

He wanted to be terrifying, the way that he'd felt when he first saw Mischief. Looking down on

him and the rest of the Guildians so many months ago. The type of fear that is whispered only in dark corners.

The type of fear that shielded the people he cared for most. His people.

He raised his staff feeling kinetic energy gather at the head causing his fur to stand.

Durkil let out a low mournful bellow that echoed across the ruined plains that had become the chaos spawn killing field. All around him Guildians stood just a bit taller, feeling the empowering effects of his boosting ability.

Daevon felt it too, enabling him to channel more mana into his spell. The kinetic energy swirled faster.

Chaos Spawn surged forward, their numbers too great for him to guess. Durkil's bellow faded and a mace crafted entirely of dark grey steel appeared at his side.

Would he use one of his new abilities?

As if in direct response to his thoughts a cloud of blue smoke puffed out from under his helmet surrounding his antlers like storm clouds. Sparks ignited within the miniature clouds seemingly generated by the antlers swirling faster and faster until the clouds burst forth and two figures emerged in regal robes of wispy blue smoke carrying body tall longbows.

Strength of our Ancestors. A pseudo summoning spell that called forth powerful Guildian sentinels. In complete unison the figures raised their bows and drew back invisible strings, arrows coalescing from thin air. The moment the bow was fully drawn the arrows released in a flash.

Daevon followed the trail. Both shots landed exactly at the center of Chaos Champion foreheads, killing them on impact.

So, Durkil had gone and gotten himself a true ranged skill. Daevon smiled wryly, he might've earned his evolution first, but he was not about to be outdone by a couple of clouds.

He tipped his staff forward and released the storm with a blinding crack. Mana as a source of power was a mysterious and often debated topic, and yet its products often followed well understood laws of nature.

For example, the conductivity of metal compared to flesh and bone. Chain lightning was a powerful spell. He'd even used it to vaporize entire Chaos Spawn in a single shot. And that was before they started wearing full iron chestplates. Now?

A spider web of white light illuminated the enemies ranks leaping from body to body eviscerating internal organs, scorching flesh and filling his screen with notification after notification.

He ignored all but the last.

Congratulations! You have reached level 50, you may now choose your second evolution.

His wry smile turned to one of elation as he read his choices.

Dark Tempest of the Shadowborn

His fingers trembled as he confirmed his choice. He knew Mischief wouldn't be pleased with his decision. He'd made it very clear that no one was allowed to choose a Shadowborn class without his express consent. But his fear of Mischief was outweighed by his trust that Layton wouldn't let the Progenitor kill him.

He wanted what Mischief had. With this path, he would merge with the shadow that obscured his people and faction. He raised his cowl, obscuring his face in the darkness.

Daevon would leave men like Layton, Durkil and Alex shining like beacons at the front. He would join Mischief, he would be the retribution to those who dared challenge the will of Layton Mischief.

Wind ripped at his robes as he stood against his personal tempest. Rolling clouds formed at his feet and he stepped into them allowing them to raise him high above the heads of the Chaos spawn.

He peered down at the masses of enemies beneath his raging storm—and unleashed destruction.