ALEXiThymiA: Chapter 74: Stage V

Chapter 74

Stage V

Friday

Time Until Integration: 1 Month, 29 Days, 17 Hours, 52 Minutes…

Alexa had done it, her clothes were in tatters at this point, as each restart caused her to get close enough to the Death Lizard to cast her Hope at the creature. This of course meant that at least one volley of death magic would consume her each time. Even with all her precautions she still found herself getting splashed or damaged in some way. Fortunately for her, she still had a spare change of clothes in her backpack, but she opted to not use them, not until she got to the changing station right outside the dungeon exit. Sadly, no dungeon exit she had been to had a shower, but they all had a room one could change clothes in.

With her eleventh overall attempt at the fourth stage complete, Alexa let out a long sigh of relief as she looked at her titles.

Protection of Life (11): Death Magic Resistance +5% (55%), Necromancy Magic Resistance +5% (55%)

The blue item she had found was only able to be salvaged once, and it was a sturdy war plate belonging to a male with some obvious insecurities if the giant crotch plate was anything to go by. In the end she just left it, as the item likely had some significance to someone in the village of Apocalypsis, but Alexa found herself on a time crunch. Not wanting to be late for school she decided to leave the dungeon and not stay, not that she could as her tenth and final Stay had been used to increase her title ranking.

This time like all the others, Alexa left through the only door available to her, but rather than exiting as had been the case before, she now found herself staring at an open field that on the eastern side held a garrison of soldiers and on the western slope was another garrison of soldiers. High overhead the distant pulse of a blue star could be seen glowing brightly.

Alexa found herself staring at the star, as she had never seen one this close. Nor had she ever heard of one hosting a life faring planet, though she assumed that this was exactly what this system had been developed for, finding habitable planets that could be used. Staring at the giant blue star she found it oddly beautiful in a way she couldn’t quite fathom. While the planet itself was slightly warmer than what she was used to, it wasn’t too hot as to be unbearable, instead it was just an intense heat that would give someone like her a sunburn if left out too long.

Granted Alexa knew most of her resilience to the sun likely came from her Regeneration along with her exceptionally high Endurance. Idly she wondered how someone like John-18924, the unusually lucky spelunker, would fare in a place like this. The thinking about it, she didn’t know if most people would do well in this type of a dungeon. Still, it had its charm to it.

Looking around, Alexa found a body with an off-blue object on its person. Seeing the body laying out in the hot sun, it was clear that the person died of heat stroke. Also since the object on the body was an off-blue color, and there were dark blue resources within eyesight, Alexa figured this body likely had something to do with the second set of system architects. Not wanting to get caught in a conflict between the Elves and the Orcs, Alexa decided to just move around and explore the place. She knew from experience that there was easily a way to avoid the conflict and solve these levels without ever having to deal with the Orcs and Elves. The last level all but proved that belief.

Then looking around, Alexa realized she had forgotten to do one important thing. Something that had been part of her personal process since she first started dungeon delving alone.

“Hello Dungeon.” Alexa said in English.

Nothing happened.

Then Alexa thought to herself that this was sort of rude. As she like all Americans assumed that everyone, including semi-sentient extra-dimensional portals just spoke English. Shaking her head at herself, she focused her mind on the alien sounding Precursor language and then spoke the same greeting again.

“Hello Dungeon.”

Flicker.

At that, she noticed that the sky trembled slightly, if only for a second. Realizing that being courteous never hurt anyone, she continued to speak in the alien tongue.

“I have come to partake in your challenges. Though it appears someone has blocked your original mission. Could you direct me to the first step of your original purpose?” Alexa asked, she knew it was a long shot, but then again nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.

There was a pause, as the skies seemed to tremble. For a moment she wondered if a spontaneous storm would erupt, but then a second later the clouds overhead stopped vibrating for a moment, then Alexa saw a golden ray of light shine brightly off in the distance, towards a distant settlement off in the hills. Seeing the ray, with her enhanced sight, she realized this was the dungeon likely doing something it wasn’t supposed to do. Or at the very least something that it didn’t always do.

“Thank you, dungeon.” Alexa said, then found herself following the direction given to her by the dungeon.

Most people would find such an act the height of stupidity, following the directions of a dungeon would be seen by many as the height of folly. Yet, Alexa found herself with no other options to choose. Looting a dead body that was clearly melting under a hot sun was a no go. So too was going to either garrison of troops. While there were pockets of ore scattered about the lands, none of them seemed to be too impressive as to devote time and resources into digging. As such going to the highlighted village did seem to be the only clear option.

Yet, as she approached she could tell that not all was right with the village as there seemed to be a large army gathering outside. While nothing had come to blows, it was clear that the army outside looked desperate.

From the walls of the village, Alexa could see a number of guards were gathered with guns and weapons of various types. From a quick look, the village walls were sturdy and well built, not like many of the structures she had seen to this point. Feeling that something was off, she began running forward and found herself quickly interposing herself between the two groups. Both of which were yelling at each other, to her surprise, Alexa could understand what both sides were saying. Then she noticed that both sides were speaking in entirely different languages.

“We need water. We have come from the great deserts and our children are dying of thirst.” The large tiger Beastkin pleaded in their weird growling tongue.

“We don’t want any trouble from the likes of you. Be gone now, lest we are forced to defend ourselves.” A dwarven commander spoke, his tone loud enough for all to hear, but made threatening by the gestures he and his men were making.

Hidden Quest Found: Help the Beastkin: The last great tribe of Tiger Beastkin find themselves in peril. Help them find water so they might survive.

That was the message she had received. After seeing the message, she had to make sure she mentally thanked the dungeon next time as well. The dungeon themselves seemed willing to help people who asked nicely.

Seeing the quest prompt, Alexa moved forward pushing her way through the crowd of tiger Beastkin.

“What are you doing here!” A large Beastkin demanded.

Alexa just made her way to the Beastkin who had been speaking to the dwarves a moment ago. Now that she was closer, she could see that he was clearly stronger and taller than the regular Beastkin around him. He carried himself with a sort of proud confidence. The Beastkin leader looked like he was about to say something when Alexa cut him off.

“I think I can be of assistance.” Alexa said in the Beastkin tongue. Upon hearing her speak their language fluently, the mighty Beastkin leader who had been ready to rise and take out some of his frustration on the strange creature who cut through his people suddenly deflated, not wanting to make a scene.

Taking a deep breath, the Beastkin leader calmed himself then spoke back. “Just who are you?”

“My name is Alexa Thyme, but that is not of importance to you. What is important is getting water, is that right?”

“That is correct.” The general said, raising up a hand and displayed a series of signs for the people following him.

At that the general and all of the other soldiers and pack members who were carrying young all stopped speaking and visibly seemed to calm down.

At that the nervous tension that had been building within the dwarves on the gate also deflated as they visibly relaxed as well. While everyone seemed to still be on guard and weary of what would happen should conflict start. For the moment, both sides seemed to be calm.

“Great general, might I speak on your behalf?” Alexa asked the large warrior.

Scoff.

At that question, the large Beastkin general just shook his head in admonition. “I am no great general…I…” He trailed off.

“Nonsense.” Alexa said, cutting the general off before he could get too hard on himself. “You are exactly the leader these people needed when they needed someone to lead them the most.” Alex said, as she held up a hand to cut off the general who clearly looked to be in the middle of an existential crisis.

Looking at the people, gathered around Alexa focused her will on everyone gathered, and began Healing them.

The change was almost immediate. People that could barely stand upright moments ago, suddenly felt invigorated. Children that had been huddled over in pain as their paws were burnt and scarred from walking over so many miles of open sandy desert suddenly stood upright and visibly relaxed. In a matter of moments, what looked to be a dire situation suddenly eased.

“Shaman.”

“Shaman.”

“Great Shaman.”

A chorus of whispers and hushed words all broke out among the pack members. A few hundred voices all clamoring at once.

The general who had himself been nursing a myriad of wounds looked first surprised, then thankful.

Large Tiger Beastkin (Falank Twintail) (Summoned Aspect): Level 65: Status: Healthy, Disposition: Reverence.

Seeing the large general no log fighting through his pain to stand upright, caused him to truly relax. He looked at Alexa with awe for a moment.

“You fool, bow before our shaman.” A woman chided the great general from crowd of onlookers. Then the woman who herself was holding a small child dropped to one knee. Suddenly every other Beastkin also dropped to one knee.

Seeing the look of his fellow Beastkin the general himself also dropped to one knee as well, then bowing his head he asked.

“Great shaman. We beg of you, let us find water. We can smell its sweet aroma from out here. Our children are thirsty, our bellies are empty, and our hope up until now was lost. Please guide us, oh wise one.”

Alexa almost scoffed at the idea of being considered a wise one. Fortunately, her emotional high had long ago ended, meaning she was her normal regular self.

“I will lead you, but know that we might not be able to get what you wish from inside.” Alexa said. Then thinking to herself, she realized the bright blue sun was still beating down on the people. While she couldn’t offer them water, she could do the next best thing and offer them shade while they waited.

Focusing her mind, Alexa let out her senses and began growing trees. Multiple fruit bearing trees right there. That was the joy of magic, while it made no sense for a completely dry desert to give birth to life giving plants, it didn’t matter. Mana was the source of energy that gave the plants form, just as mana was the source of nourishment that could provide benefit to these people.

Focusing her will on creating dozens of trees in interlocking patterns that blocked out the sun. Alexa saw the trees grow, then ripen as they grew giant pears and apples.

Only after the fact did Alexa think to ask, “do you all eat fruits?”

Scoff.

The general only smiled, “we would eat desert dung at this point if it contained an ounce of moisture. But yes, we can eat fruits.”

At that Alexa nodded to herself as she continued to grow an orchard long enough to cover all the inhabitants.

By the end of the exercise, Alexa found herself exhausted.

She had a pounding in her head that she had not experienced for quite some time. Though this was the good sort of strain one might get from an extra long workout, or when you push yourself to do a personal best. Feeling this level of release, Alexa felt like she had accomplished something.

Alexa was just about to take a moment to relax, when the dwarven commander called down from the walls.

“You there, girlie. You created a forest in this desert?” He asked incredulously.

Alexa nodded, not wanting to talk now.

“You can understand me?” The Dwarven commander asked.

“Yes.” Alexa replied in Dwarven.

At her response, the Beastkin general looked nervous for a second. “You can understand him?”

“Yes, I can, now quiet please.” Alexa responded back in the Beastkin tongue.

“We have been trying for days to get anything to grow in our lands. We have a skilled water mage, but we have no means of growing food supplies.” The dwarf said.

“I take it you are drawing short upon rations?” Alexa asked.

“Aye, that we are.”

“Well then, we seem to be at a mutual exchange. We have food, but no water.”

***

Yes, it was simple, almost overly so. But looking at the scene for what it was, Alexa couldn’t help but feel that this was a way Precursors told stories to their children. In this story, she felt a sort of connection to the original creators of the system, these Precursors who long ago disappeared. They seemed to value interacting with different races and cultures. Working through this scenario just proved their idealism.

After a few moments of translating between the two factions, it was clear that both sides did not want to go to war, but were both willing to, in order to survive.

Within minutes, a trade was brokered between the Dwarven commander (Maximanthia Dhugal) and the Beastkin general (Falank Twintail). The two would exchange the resources they had for the resources they needed. As soon as this occurred, Alexa was hit with a quest prompt.

Hidden Quest Evolved: Help out the Beastkin (2): Now that you have helped the Beastkin find food and water, you need to help them set up a settlement so they can survive in these harsh environments.

Looking at the new quest, Alexa had no clue how this could be done.

“You know, I am sure Arthur would be interested in possibly doing an exchange with you.” Maximanthia said.

“Who?” Alexa found herself asking.

“Arthur, he is our resident wizard. While he doesn’t appear to be on your level, he was able to establish our wells.” Maximanthia said

“Sounds great.” Alexa said.

“Right this way.” Maximanthia said as he gestured for Alexa to follow him.

Falank for his part kept by Alexa’s side, while he seemed to trust the dwarfs, he still had a measure of weariness that Alexa could appreciate.

As they got closer, Alexa could feel the mana being used to drill deep and create water pockets underneath the city.

Feeling the way magic was being wielded around her caused a ripple of surprise to run through Alexa. She wanted that power; worse she knew that all it would take for her to steal that power was for her to attack this summoned aspect of Arthur the mage before her. Still, she didn’t want to be that person. She didn’t want to be a monster that took what they wanted from others, even in a scenario like this. Even in a scenario that she knew would reset upon her leaving this dungeon.

Letting out a breath she decided to play this scenario the way the Precursors likely intended. Again, the story was fairly straight forward, do nice things to people and get rewarded. What was simpler of a story than that, but she also felt there was something deeper as well. Maybe they thought by performing the tests, you made yourself better?

Alexa didn’t know. Instead, all she knew was she was here, staring at a dwarven mage who looked visibly tired.

“Good morning, Arthur.” Alexa began, her voice somewhat musical from what she remembered. This was likely an aspect of her stolen Enchanting Voice adding flare to her normally monotone speech cadence.

“Goo, good morning. You speak our tongue?” He stammered, apparently not used to the fact that a human could speak the dwarven tongue. Nor the fact that a human and Beastkin would be allowed to get so close to the old dwarf.

“Yes. I have a proposal for you. I am told your people need crops to grow, in order to survive?” Alexa began.

“Yes.” Arthur said, then looked at the plowed fields that still couldn’t grow crops despite water, thanks to being forced to grow in the harsh desert soil. Soil that turned to mud upon contact with water.

Alexa nodded. “How about a trade then. I will grow your crops. In exchange you help us build a well at our settlement?” Alexa posed.

Arthur paused for a moment, but then looked to his commander Maximanthia. Maximanthia for his part just shrugged his shoulders at the offer.

“She managed to grow a whole orchard out front of our gates while we waited.” Maximanthia said.

“Well yeah, if you could help us grow our crops that would be great.” Arthur said, gesturing to the wet but undeveloped fields.

Alexa nodded, and then with a focus of her mind, she began infusing the plants with magic. Within seconds sprouting stalks began to burst from the ground. Within minutes, those stalks began to rise and bloom.

Seeing the plants bloom to life in a matter of minutes the guards who had been starving but a moment ago all had their eyes grow wide in shock.

“Will you teach me how to grow these plants, so that I might be able to grow them myself?” Arthur the Dwarven wizard asked.

Hearing the words, Alexa knew what he said, but didn’t quite know what exactly he was asking.

“Do you mean an exchange of magic?” Alexa asked, remembering the giant blue crystal she had consumed and assumed that he was now asking to perform something similar to that.

“So you know the concept?” The Mage asked excitedly.

“No, not really.” Alexa replied truthfully.

At that Arthur deflated slightly at the admission, “well it is an older form of teaching. Basically there are two ways we could do this. The first is that we just exchange one level of magic. I teach you Tier I Water magic, for your Tier I of Nature magic. The second is a complete soul merge, where you learn all of my magics, while I learn all of your magic schools.”

Alexa paused for a second figuring that something like this was almost too good to be true. A complete exchange of magic, meaning she would learn all he had to teach her in one go? This was almost too good to be true. Especially, as she realized she had used up all of her Stays, on stage four, meaning this would likely be her only chance at learning Watermagic in any meaningful way. Looking back on it, her actions seemed like such a waste, particularly if she could learn different schools of magic as these challenges went on.

Alexa was just about to agree when a thought hit her.

“You don’t have Death magic or Necromancy do you?”

“What?” Arthur looked visibly shaken by the question, but then soon relaxed. “No, Gods no. But that is a good question to ask. And you are right to ask it. I need to ask you the same thing. Do you have Death magic or Necromancy?”

“No.” As Alexa watched the Dwarf it was apparent that not only he, but all the other dwarves of the garrison looked on with anticipation at her answer. Their right eyes all glowed with an intense form of inspection, one that occurred once you surpassed a certain level of Perception. This was the same level of Perception that Alexa found herself using a moment ago when Arthur answered the same question.

With that Arthur let out a visible sigh of relief as he rose to his feet. “That is good. I do not know if I could have taken on a Mage of your caliber.”

Seeing the Dwarf rise to his feet, Alexa did the same. She was twice as tall as the small wizard, but Alexa was not foolish enough to think that her size meant anything when compared to this wizard before her. Especially when she saw his description.

Average Dwarf (Arthur Tide) (Summoned Aspect): Level 72: Status: Hungry, Disposition: Friendly.

Alexa just stared at the dwarf, who looked flustered under her intense glare for a second, then nodded to himself.

“Right.” With that he pulled out a dagger and dragged it against his left palm. A trail of blood appeared. “Now you will need to do the same to your right palm. After which point, we will clasp hands and exchange our essences. Know that you will control how much of a connection we make. You can either choose to just exchange the first tier of knowledge, or you can offer your whole being up. Where I will have to do the same. Know that I am going to open myself up fully to you, as my people need these crops more than I need my secrets.”

Hearing that Alexa nodded.

At that admission, Alexa realized that there was likely more to this exchange than just exchanging spell books. Still, this was just a simulation, this was also her only chance to get this done right. With that in mind, Alexa grabbed the dagger and slit her own palm. Instantly she could feel her Regeneration working to counteract the wound. That was why Alexa made sure to cut deep.

Not even giving herself a moment to pause, she held out her hand, which the dwarven wizard instantly clasped. At which point a new system message occurred.

You are attempting to perform a soul merge with dwarven wizard Arthur Tide. Do you wish to proceed?

“Yes.” Alexa and Arthur both called out at once.

Do you wish for a Full or Partial merger of souls?

“Full.” Alexa and Arthur both called out at once.

At that, the world went white as a surge of energy filled Alexa. For a moment, she almost felt that she would be consumed by the intense process.

As her soul merged with Arthur’s she learned many different things. She saw Arthur’s whole life and existence rolled up into crystalized memories that her soul greedily devoured. Seeing her soul react in such a way, Alexa instantly felt shock and fear. As her body was fused with energy, she felt her emotional side take over, causing her to worry about her slotted class causing problems with this merger process.

“Don’t worry. You aren’t hurting me. That is just the way your mind is able to interpret our exchange of knowledge. It is different for me, but also similar.” Arthur said, as he opened his mind more and showed how all of her knowledge was being transferred in the forms of giant stone murals. Murals that were added to a walled fortress that Arthur had created within his own mind.

“Yes, that is my brain, or at least the way I envision my brain would appear to others.” Arthur said.

Then, there was a moment of silence as knowledge of the Magics being transferred from him to Alexa happened. He saw the way Alexa had stolen her first schools of magic. Then she saw how she learned the word of power by freeing both Gnomes and Dwarves, he saw her many struggles and trials. He also saw the way she nearly reached a frenzied state during combat. He saw all of this, and never commented.

Alexa on the other hand saw the way Arthur worked diligently, studying for years on end. It was clear that Dwarven physiology allowed him to live a lot longer. He was young by dwarven standards, but older than most people Alexa knew and yet somehow just as accomplished in his chosen fields of study. He of course didn’t have a cheat method that Alexa did. He didn’t have the ability to rip power from people. Instead he just had hard work and determination to keep him focused. That was why he chose to come here, to help these settlers set up a new life. “What was the purpose of having knowledge on how to do something, if he just kept it to himself.” He thought to himself before he joined the charismatic commander on his one way trek in the desert.

Alexa saw all of this and more. She even saw the way her magic looked to him. She saw the jealousy he had while looking at her. It was so odd to experience such a complex emotion from the dwarf, as she rarely if ever could tell what that particular emotion felt like. Yet, going through his memories, she could see exactly what it felt like.

“Yeah, I guess you know my secret now.” Arthur said, a little defeatedly.

Alexa paused, as she looked at Arthur. “You have seen me. Seen the monster I am, and what I am capable of becoming. You have nothing to be jealous of.”

“No, I see a warrior of pride and virtue who will do everything within her power to stand up for what is right. Even random strangers you just met. You are not the monster that you claim yourself to be.” Arthur said.

Finally, after a long moment, the complete details of the process she had just undergone channeled into her mind, along with a new set of Magical Abilities.

Magic School Unlocked Water, Light, Earth.

Magic Tier Increased:

Water Tier V

Light Tier III

Earth Tier IV.

With that, the transfer was complete. Seeing the new schools of magic, open up in her mind.

“You were a master of four schools of magic and know Creation magic?” Arthur said, almost jittering with excitement.

“Yes.” Alexa admitted.

Arthur looked incredulous for a moment. Then turned to the garrison commander. “We don’t need to live out here. To toil and slave our way through these rocks for minerals.”

“What? We need to supply the king.” Maximanthia said, almost angry at the idea of leaving their outpost.

“No, look. She did it. She gave us the means to provide everything we need. Just as the oracle said.” Arthur said, as he held out his hand in an obvious gesture to show he was casting magic. Then after a few moments a beam of bronze appeared on the ground, until it slowly began to shape itself into the crude form of a sword.

Seeing that, Alexa couldn’t help but sigh at how easy the Dwarf made it look.

As if seeing her emotions, he responded. “I just have a lot more control than you do. You have power for days, but your control is lacking.”

Alexa could only nod in agreement, even if the admission hurt.

“So what does this mean?” Maximanthia asked.

“This means that if I practice enough, I should be able to create Mithril on demand. Our need for resources won’t be stretched thin, as I can just Create anything we need from thin air.” Arthur said, as he summoned yet another item. Though this one caused Alexa to flinch up in disgust at herself.

Using Creation magic, the dwarf combined hydrogen and oxygen to create water. Seeing it, Alexa could only shake her head in disgust at missing something so obvious. He was using Creation magic to perform this task, that much was easy to see as normal Water magic was blue in color to her sight, while Creation magic was purple.

Sigh.

If she had a chance she would have re-done this whole stage to avoid doing something so stupid again. But she was stuck here, as she had already used all of her Stays, meaning that if she left and this iteration of Arthur was able to keep its memories, or somehow transfer them to the real Arthur that this aspect had been summoned form, well that was a scenario she didn’t want to consider.

“So what is your plan?” Alexa found herself asking.

Maximanthia paused for a moment, but then decided “We have to get you back. This discovery is too important to lose. A new school of magic!”

“Not just the new school of magic, but I now have an Archimage’s level in Healing, Nature, Arcane, and Wind magic.”

Yeah, hearing that, Alexa couldn’t help but feel that while she did learn three new schools of magic, what she traded was clearly more in favor of the dwarven wizard.

At the admission Maximanthia just stared at Alexa in wide eyed astonishment. While Alexa knew that she was relatively protected by this being a simulation, she could understand the warning this scenario was intending to tell, don’t trust others completely. That or, be certain that what you are doing is the best course of action.

“Alexa, I Arthur Tide am forever in your debt. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.”  Arthur said, as he prostrated himself before Alexa. Seeing the mage prostrate himself, the commander looked on in shock, then finally spoke.

“I agree. If there is anything we can do, then let us know. You name it, A Title, Power, Prestige, anything and everything is available now.”

Hearing those words, Alexa knew that this dwarf would make good on this promise. That this was where she could specify a reward for a hidden quest she just completed. Honestly, Alexa didn’t know what to say, until she looked at the stoic Beastkin General Falank and realize that he still had a whole surplus of people to take care of.

“For the time being, would it be possible to house the Beastkin within these walls? At least until a more permanent form of shelter could be made?” Alexa asked.

“Done!” Maximanthia said, almost excitedly.

There was a slight rippling pause, as the world stopped and Alexa found herself met with a system prompt.

Updated Hidden Quest Completed: Help the Beastkin (3): The last great tribe of Tiger Beastkin have found food, water, and shelter thanks to your deeds. Reward: Friend to the Beastkin, Scentless Stride.

Friend to the Beastkin: Your status with all Beastkin has risen to Friendly.

Scentless Stride: You have learn to mask your scent, even while under extreme duress. No scent-based manner of tracking will be able to find you.

Hidden Quest Completed: Hope for the Dwarves: The outpost manned by Commander Maximanthia has found a new source of valuable resources that could be used to save their people. Reward: Friend to the Dwarves, New Magical Schools Unlocked (already received).

Friend to the Dwarves: Your status with all Dwarves has risen to Friendly.

With that, the world around Alexa disappeared, as a dark archway appeared before her. With Alexa saw the world around her fade away, leaving only the highlighted archway leading to her next challenge.

Letting out a deep breath, she continued forward onto her next step of the Trials of Ascension.