Chapter 1615 (1/2)

“Hmmm...? What the hell is that!?!” Lay’mel practically yelped with widening eyes as he looked toward the sky. As seconds ticked past and the phenomenon continued to develop, he was becoming increasingly alarmed. The black lightning in the sky above the planet was weaving itself together into a massive kraken of lightning. It’s long appendages stretched out through the atmosphere. It was clear that this monstrosity’s intentions were not pure.

The group had been moving quickly across the plains as they headed toward their target. At Lay’mel’s words, they all paused and looked upward.

Just looking at the ambient power that was accumulating reminded Lay’mel that they were bigger risks to this mission than just Randidly Ghosthound. A war was being fought right above their heads. And when the big players began to clash, someone of his caliber would be slaughtered just from witnessing such an event.

Evick Swacc’s pig-like eyes narrowed as he looked at the sky. He took several deep puffs on the cigar in his mouth. Then he spewed out a gout of smog like an overheated train engine. “Hmm… if the situation continues to progress like this, space will be locked down as the Aether defenses are weakened. But it should be a good thing for us; harder for this Head Drill Sergeant to run away, heh.”

Lay’mel looked at Evick with wide eyes. “It’s… it’s a good thing if the Nether King wins…?”

Evick snorted and some of his thugs added a few ass-licking chuckles to the background soundtrack. “Lay’mel, this little Nether bitch isn’t a real threat. Commandant Wick isn’t losing; if I had to bet… He was letting the defenses fall exactly so space destabilizes. It will make it harder for the other parties to catch the Nether King… and give Military High Command to try and steal the prize.

“Anyways, get your shit together,” Evick said impatiently as he started loping forward once more. The rest of the crew quickly got back in formation and continued forward. And after casting one more look upward, Lay’mel joined them.

He had a bad feeling, but he was used to that. That fear was just a part of his existence.

*****

Congratulations! You have completed the Hands of the Artisan Path! Your feet might be the vehicle you have ridden to reach your current heights, but the potent tools you have fashioned with your hands play just as important role. As you have become more adroit with your production, the capability you possess has exploded. Weapons might be the bluntest and most straightforward of your creations, but they certainly aren't the only implements at your disposal.

Congratulations! Focus +40! You have gained the Skill Gleaming Constructs (Un) Lvl 1!

Gleaming Constructs (Un): Your abilities to create and forge are truly beyond a typical craftsman. Yet through practice, this ability has been honed to new heights. When you are creating inventions that are not weapons, the result will be slightly superior. In addition, your creations will naturally possess a pleasing aesthetic. Effect on the result will slightly increase with Skill Level. Aesthetics will increase with Skill Level.

...

Congratulations! You have completed the Mysteries of the Fiery Emerald Waltz Path! Throughout your journey, fire has been a constant companion. When you move, it illuminates the shadows that run alongside your Path. When the chilling grasp of night seizes the Wilderness around you, it gives you a small alcove of safety. When you require sustenance, you use it to cook your food. For an individual such as you who has ranged far beyond the limits of secure locations, your relationship with fire has become increasingly intimate.

At this point, the flames you wield have been indelibly marked by your particular touch. They burn as emerald, lively flames. Their ability to illuminate demonstrates their ability to guide, while the capability of your flames to annihilate flesh fills your enemies with fear. You are able to weave joy and calamity together in a gleaming and immaculate form: your accomplishments have earned you a powerful Skill!

Congratulations! Willpower, Resistance, and Intelligence +50! Congratulations! You have gained the Skill Tempo of the Emerald Waltz (L) Lvl 1!

Tempo of the Emerald Waltz (L): You have the ability to manipulate a particular variety of emerald flames. Deploy the flames around you in two ways: both as a larger avatar around your body and as a wide-spread attack. While in the avatar form, the Skill can be incorporated into other attacks. Size of the avatar and attack increases with Skill Level. Ability to incorporate the Emerald Waltz increases with Skill Level. Damage greatly increases with Skill Level (Please note, it is possible to transform Tempo of the Emerald Waltz into a Skillset. Please see your Village Spirit for details).

...

Congratulations! You have completed the Flame that Burns Memories Path! As you have continued to develop your flames, you have brushed up against the ability for flames to interact with emotions!

Emotions can connect to all of the elements. But for humanity, flames most closely mirror the intensity and capriciousness of their own soul. As your understanding of both flames and emotions has deepened… you have recognized the way that heat can warp everything, as long as the temperature is sufficient. Even memories aren’t immune to that ‘excitement’.

Congratulations! Mana +1000! Congratulations! You have gained the Skill Memory Erasure (L)!

Memory Erasure (L): Using the extreme heat from your flames, it is possible for the user to remove memories from that target. Depending on Control and Focus, the scope of the ability changes. The process is easier if the target is incapacitated. The Skill costs a significant amount of Mana. Please be warned, there is a significant chance of negative side effects within the recipient. Specificity slightly increases with Skill Level. Mana cost decreases with Skill Level. Chance of collateral damage slightly decreases with Skill Level.

...

Congratulations! You have completed the Pursuit of Alchemy Path! To seek the ability to create something from nothing… that is the ultimate pursuit of Alchemy. And although the small methods and processes of this ancient pseudoscience cannot begin to rival the long and hard journey to the Pinnacle, is not this method done in imitation of that same most impossible transgression against nature?

Perhaps all those who seek power in the Nexus can be considered ‘alchemists’. To step on the Pinnacle is ultimately an act of ‘creation’.

Congratulation! You +200 Free Stats! You have gained the Skill-

Recalculating…