Tales Of Gridarnia

Outside the Tower

“He did it.” the Grand Supreme said. He was in his office with King Liam and Draconis. System messages were popping up in front of him.

“I knew he would.” The king said grinning

“What of the other towers?’ Draconis asked

“Still the same. Each has a high profile fugitive attempting to take control.” The Grand Supreme said.

“This is not good. Why did we choose to use fugitives?” The King asked.

“We wanted to give them a chance to redeem themselves. Some were mislabeled. Some have had multiple generations of human bonds and knowledge from each of them. There were requests and we chose to humor them and see what happened.” Draconis said

“This needs to be resolved. We have pledges to train and not very long to train them.” King Liam said

“Are they able to exit the towers?” Draconis asked

“Not physically. The cubes are there. Only a grand supreme or someone capable of reaching the top would be able to remove them.” The grand supreme said.

“How is Ray’s expedition going?’ The King asked

“We lost contact two weeks ago. The six reported that he was captured by a group of Jackals. They are scouring the south western section of the Arkadian Desert as we speak. Mace and that librarian’s assistant are also missing. We have sent Chloe to assist.” Draconis said

“That is unfortunate. Have Collin and the girls head to the Desert as soon as he finishes here. His new abilities should help find them. Once this is done, let’s give him some time to acclimate to being the Vice Baron. I want him at the next tower by October though.” The King said

“Sir, are we actually preparing for something?” The grand supreme asked

The King and Draconis shared a look before turning to the grand supreme.

“Edward, we are losing in the west.” Liam said.

“Adrielle’s Demons are getting stronger. They are becoming organized under the Black Chess Pieces and there are rumors that they found a new host for the Black King.” Draconis said

“War is coming to the Kingdom. The Continental wall is not going to hold. We need an army greater than ever before.” The King said.

What of the Grand Protector?” The grand supreme asked.

The Grand Protector was for lack of a better term, a wall. The largest wall ever to be constructed. It separated the demonic territories from the rest of the continent. Each brick was believed to have been blessed, enhanced, and modified with various runes, spells and abilities to keep the demons out thus stopping the spread of rot and decay from entering into the other parts of the land. The massive structure rose over a thousand feet high starting near Primos Gulf at the edge of Region IX and heading north to the glacier peaks in Region VI. Thousands of soldiers lived and guarded the wall and fought daily against an onslaught of demons. Young Demitri’s father Daniel was one such soldier.

“The Grand Protector does not have much time left unfortunately. We have done all we can to reinforce its protection, but nothing seems to be working. Once the magic runs out, it will be nothing more than a very large wall for the demons to climb.” Draconis said

“Before that happens. We need an army to attack. To take back the lands and finish this for good.” The King said.

“Do we have a solution to the rot and decay? Demons are one thing but the radiating energy they bring with them has made that part of the world absolutely uninhabitable.” The grand supreme said

“We are still working on it. We have made some leap and bound-like advancement, but our artificers are still working to address some problems.” The King said.

“Will the Regelians assist?” The grand supreme asked

“They are still mad that we invaded and killed their dragon. They were happy we replaced the emperor but the death of the southern dragon was devastating to the entire landscape. The new regime is currently focused on defending their borders and rebuilding. They may have a new hatchling dragon if sources are correct. The Demon’s have been pressing them hard to the south though. They are unlikely to be of any help for some time.” Draconis said

“How long do we have?” The Grand Supreme asked

“Five Years.” The King said. “I want everyone ages sixteen and up ready by then.”

“We are going to need more than just pledges sir.” The grand supreme said

“We are working on that. We hope to have all of the regions conquered with new leadership.. We are also in the final stages of a new program that will equip the public with matrices. This war will require every able man, woman, and child if we are to survive.” Draconis said.

The group moved on to a few more topics such as the current generations numbers and how the pledges were coming along. The topic switched to matrices and origins when the king asked a question.

“Does Collin know where Trixie came from?” The King asked

“No Sire. That information is only known by a handful of humans and matrices.” Seprus answered. He had been keeping quiet during the visit.

“Good. Trixie needs to be the one to tell him.” Draconis said.

“Did the suit make it?” The King asked

“It is waiting for him at the top. Are you sure he will be capable of using it?” Draconis asked

“He will manage fine. We have Alexander and Regis there to help. He has all the necessary parts to make it work. We also have a few matrices on standby to record everything. The information collected will be much appreciated by our artificers.” The Grand Supreme said.

The King nodded in agreement. Everything done inside the tower had been collected and sent to the King’s artificers who were dissecting and utilizing it to make improvements on the very many projects being done.

“Draconis it is time to go. We need to visit the other towers and get preparations underway. Goodbye Edward.” The King said, shaking the grand Supremes' hand before exiting the room. Draconis nodded and then followed after him.

Collin In the Tower

After Delilah returned to his matrix and was placed in the black box. Collin conjured two tents, Three beds, a table with three chairs, food and three bluish looking potions. He cast a cleanse and Heal spell on the girls to check they were ok. He had a small bite to eat, chugged one of the potions and immediately passed out in his newly conjured bed. Mentally he had said for someone to wake him up in four hours. Whether he had imagined it altogether or they had not listened, Collin woke up twelve hours later feeling perfectly rested. The girls were up before him and were sitting at the table eating a serving of bread, cheese, and smoked chicken. Collin went through his morning routine of stretching, running, Mana meditation, and light sparring with the triplets. The two girls sat at the table enjoying fresh coffee and watched him. When he had finished, he sat down at the table giving each of them a smile.

“Good Morning. Were the beds comfortable enough?” Collin asked

“Yes prince.” Haley said

“Please, Call me Collin. I may have just learned that I am a prince, but that is not how I was brought up. Treat me how you would any other person.”

“Yes pri…I mean..Yes Collin.” She said

“What are you going to do with the matrices you put in that black chest?” Megan asked. She sat across from Collin While Haley sat to his right

Collin pulled the chest out of his inventory and opened it. Multiple matrices shown in ever translucent colors from reds to blacks to yellows and grays. Collin picked two up and placed them on the table. He then shut the chest and placed it back into his inventory.

“Max and Zephyr are good guys. They were under the unfortunate control of Delilah. The others will stay put until I have a chance to discuss further with either the King or the Grand Supreme.” Collin said

“Sir, While you were asleep, we went ahead and completed all upgrades, repairs, and Class advancements.” Tiny said

“ Please organize the most recent screens and show me my stats.” Collin said

Floor 30 Complete

All Challenges Complete

Rewards:

+1 Stage 4 Trickers “Delilah” Matrix, +1 Stage 4 Lightning “Zephyr” Matrix, +1 Stage 4 Elementalist “Max” Matrix

50,,000 Battle Coins (BC), 50 Health Potion, 50 Mana potion, +20,000 Assorted Crafting Material,, +10 Dark/Void Elemental Cores, +10 Holy/Light Elemental Core

+1 No Name Trickster Conjuration Level 1, +1 No Name Elementalist Conjuration Level 1, +1 No Name Dreadnought Conjuration Level 1

Battle Tower Inventory System

Items

Battle Coins (BC) Total: 567,000

Adventure Bag “ Collin”

Black Chest

Potion Bag

Matrix Bag

Crafting:

Assorted Metal x 20,300

Assorted Wood x 25,600

Assorted Cloth x 48,500

Assorted Leather x 32,500

Assorted Gems x 850

Assorted Bones x 45,000

Nature Core x 30

Air Core x 30

Earth Core x 30

Fire core x 20

Water core x 20

Dark/Void core x 20

Light/Holy Core x 10

Battle Tower System

Battle Tower Matrix

Collin Chintzy

Level 103

Strength 98

Defense 65

Health 115

Agility 115

Intelligence 115

Abilities:

Conjuration System 10

Clone Construct 10

Construct Teleportation 10

Matter Manipulation 10

Element Mastery 93%

Sub Element Mastery 85%

Skills:

Click to see Skill List

Secondary Matrix - Captain

Troops: 128/150

Battle Tower Floors

Complete: 30

Nature - 100%

Water - 100%

Earth - 100%

Fire -100%

Air - 100%

Holy / Light 0%

Void / Dark 0%

Archetype Level Progression

Jack of All Level 7

Master Summoner Level 15

Gear Set Unlocked

Adventurer

Voided Shadow

Forest Ranger

Desert Bender

Siege

Healing

Jack’s Battle Fatigues

Matrices

Click to see list

Conjuration Gear Set

Click to see list

Archer Class (12)

Tiny M - Master Ranger Level 5

Sky F - Elite Ranger Level 30. Mage Level 1

Amber F - Lancer Level 30, Mage Level 1

Blue M -Lancer Level 26

Bronze M - Arcane Ranger Level 27

Hazel F -Elite Ranger Level 1

Pebble F - Ranger Level 40, Mage Level 1

Charles M - Ranger Level 35, Rogue Level 1

Hailey F- Ranger Level 25

Jaimee M - Ranger Level 18

Nathanel - M Trapper Level 5

Irene - F Trapper Level 5

Healer Class (14)

Isaac -M Dark Paladin Level 6

Eve - F Dark Paladin Level 5

Atlas M - Sage Level 24

George - M Sage Level 13

Alexis -F Sage Level 11

Sarah M - Elite Priest Level 30, Mage Level 1

Olive F - Elite Priest Level 30, Mage Level 1

Indigo F - Elite Priest Level 30

Fossil M-Elite Priest Level 13

Ginger F - Elite Priest Level 12

Slate M - Elite Priest Level 11

Hannah F- Priest Level 16

Alexis F - Priest Level 14

Gonzales M -Priest Level 13

Support Class (20)

Amergin M - Master Druid Level 30

Jasper M - Master Tamer Level 30

Cynthia F - Master Performer Level 25

Honey F - Bard Level 30, Singer Level 1

Oat M - Elite Druid - Level 1

Henry - M Druid Level 6

Marilyn - F Druid Level 6

Buttermilk F - Dancer Level 30, Singer Level 1

Oswalde-M Trickster Level 8

Harley - F Trickster Level 8

Leonardo - M Illusionist Level 8

Sidney - F Illusionist Level 8

Toby - Bard Level 30

Wayne M - Bard Level 30, Mage Level 1

Taylor F - Dancer Level 30, Rogue Level 1

John M- Bard - Level 30, Fighter Level 1

Aaron - M Summoner Level 5

Sophia - F Summoner Level 5

Noah -M Singer Level 5

Mia - F Singer Level 5

Rogue Class (16)

Asano - M Afflictionist Level 8

Erika - F Afflictionist Level 8

Miguel - M Shapeshifter Level 4

Candace - F Shapeshifter Level 4

Marissa F - Master Ninja Level 1

Burgundy M - Phantom Level 13

Shadow M - Shadowmancer Level 14

Jack M - Elite Ninja Level 14

Rip M - Elite Ninja Level 15

Harry - M Ninja Level 13

Chavez M - Ninja Level 13

Stefan M - Ninja Level 12

Bree F - Ninja Level 12

Pearl F - Ninja Level 12

Hudson- M Gambler Level 8

Henrietta - F Gambler Level 8

Mage Class (15)

Anastasia F - Necromancer Level 8, Priest Level 8

William M Alchemist Level 7

Emily - F Alchemist Level 8

Elijah - M Artificer Level 8

Emma- F Artificer Level 9

Apollo - Warlock Level 24

Gold M - Master Warlock Level 1

Red M - Arcanist Level 26

Penny F - Elite Sorcerer Level 27

Eminence F - Elite Sorcerer Level 18

Grady - Elite Sorcerer Level 17

Debra F - Elite Sorcerer Level 17

Sofia F - Sorcerer Level 13

Jasmine F - Sorcerer Level 13

Aspen F - Sorcerer Level 13

Tank Class (13)

Merlot M - Paladin Level 30

Tarrence - Elite Knight Level 32

Brown M - Elite Knight Level 31

Clay M - Elite Knight Level 13

Carrot M - Shaman Level 8

Davis M - Death Knight Level 7

Bruce - M Dark Knight Level 7

Barbara - F Dark Knight Level 6

Balian -M Templar Level 8

Sibylia -F Templar Level 8

JuliaEF - Knight Level 14

Terra F - Knight Level 13

Bell F - Knight Level 12

Fighter Class (17)

Midbar M - WarMaster Level 30

Pedro M Dragoon Level 8

Arial - F Dragoon Level 8

Ruby F -Warden Level 26

Iggy M - Warden Level 15

Steel M - Master Champion Level 1

Roran M - Berserker Level 30

Crimson M - Berserker level 30

Blood M - Brawler Level 30

Alabama F- Crusader Level 8

Alloy F - Marauder Level 8

Flint M - Brawler Level 11

Derek M - Spellblade Level 8

Pete - M Swashbuckler Level 7

Elizabeth - F Swashbuckler Level 7

Benjamin - M Monk Level 12

Amelia -F Monk Level 11

Newborn Class (3)

Bonnie F - Mimic Level 35

Gertrude F - Mimic Level 35

"Hank" M - Mimic Level 34

Armorer (15)

Sigurd - Dreadnought Level 25

Pepper - F Dreadnought - Air Level 10

Tony -M Dreadnought - Earth Level 10

Virginia - F Dreadnaught - Water Level 10

Robert -M Dreadnaught - Fire Level 10

Oliver - M Artillerist Level 7

Olivia - F Artillerist Level 6

Weston - M Machinist Level 8

Grace - F Machinist Level 8

Joseph - M Battle Smith Level 7

Riley - F Battle Smith Level 9

Jose- M Engineer Level 7

Charlotte- F Engineer Level 8

Edward - M Armorer Level 9

Angela- F Armorer Level 7

Masters Legendary Wand

Mastery 20%

Description: Thin stick or rod used to cast spells and direct magic to a selected target. Magic spells have increased range, accuracy, duration and effectiveness.

Max Heal- 10%

Range - 30 feet

Increase the health of a target

Rate: 70%of health

Cost: 30 Mana

Limited to 1 target.

Cooldown: 20 Minutes

Bless - 15%

Range - 30 feet

Mana Cost: 5 units of mana

Up to three Targets gain random increases in all stats

Time Limited to 60 seconds.

Cooldown: 90 seconds

Blight- 25%

Range - 30 feet

Mana Cost: 5 Units per second

Up to 3 Targets receive necrosis. Necrosis: drains health from target to restore caster. Drain to Restore Ratio 5:2

Stop Time - 50%

Range - 60 feet diameter

Mana Cost - 15 units per 5 seconds

Create a bubble 60 feet high and 60 feet in diameter. Time stops in this area. You are able to move through the area at normal speed.

Cooldown: None

Revive - 0%

Range - 30 feet

Bring target back from the death’s grasp after receiving a killing blow. Target must have died within 2 minutes of spell activation

Mana Cost : 50 units of Mana

Cooldown: 24 hours

Megearna Tucker (Matrix: Carter)

Age: 27

Region: Capitol

Class: Arcane Ranger Level 28

Affinity: Dark/Void, Fire

Skills:

Fire Manipulation, Dark Manipulation, Shadow Minion, Volley of Arrows, Power Shot, Blade Frenzy, Hunter’s Mark, Grappling Shot, Flashstep,

Haley Westwood (Matrix: Willow)

Age: 26

Region: Capitol

Class: Sage Level 27

Affinity: Holy/Light, Water

Skills:

Bless, Mass Heal, Max Barrier, Water Manipulation, Light Manipulation, Smite, Angelic Wings, Prismatic Beam

“It looks like a new archetype has been created.” Collin said

“Oh yes, That was the King’s doing. Once he gave you enough of the archetype, it reorganized everything for you. That is why the dreadnought class was moved. “ Amergin said

“What is the Armorer Archetype?” Collin asked

“Usually people with powerful suits.” Megan said

“They make things like gliders, tanks, robotic suits, special armor and weapons and utilize them with magic as the power source.” Haley explained.

“Higher ups have been throwing around the term “Magitech” in describing it” Megan added

“That is so cool.” Collin said. Eyes as wide as they could be.

“They have ways to go. The archetypes and classes were just invented less than a decade ago.” Megan said

“Are you going to activate those two matrices?’ Haley asked

Collin brought up the system and activated Zephyr first, combining him with the dreadnought conjurations. He went to pick up Max and a system screen popped up.

Battle Tower System Notice

Floor fifty is in need of “Max” Elementalist Matrix

Transport “Max to the Fiftieth Floor”

Yes or No

“Why is he needed?” Collin asked

“He is the designated leader for floors Forty-one to Fifty. The Tower won’t work without him doing his designated duties.” Amergin explained

“The whole point of this was to rescue him and Trixie. Why am I doing all of this if I cannot take him with me?”

“Once you beat the tower, he will be available. Another leader will be selected for the next participant.” Amergin said.

“Looks like the Battle Tower wants to trade you for him.” Megan said

Collin looked back at the screen which had changed.

“Alexander” and “Regis” have offered to switch places in exchange for returning “Max” to the fiftieth Floor.

Do you accept the offer?

Yes or No

“Sorry buddy. I promise to kick your ass again so we can go see Ray.” Collin said before selecting the yes option. There were a few light sequences and the matrix disappeared from the table. Two new ones took their place.

Matrix: Alexander

Class: Jack of All

Level: 1

Affinity: All Elements

Matrix: Regis

Class: King

Level 1

Affinity: All Elements

“We will need to purchase a conjuration for them.” Amergin said

“There isn’t a conjuration for a King or a Jack of All Class.” Collin said.

“There are two Freelancer classes available. Those are probably the closest since all gear and weapons are unlocked.” Atlas said

Class: Freelancer

Level 1

Archetype: None

Abilities: None

Elemental Affinity: None

Skills: None

Weapons: All

Amor: All

Stats:

Strength 5

Defense 5

Health 5

Agility 5

Intelligence 5

Collin purchased two Freelancer classes and activated the Matrices.

“Hello Young Prince.” Regis said. His voice was raspy with a thick northern accent

“Hello fellow Jack.” Alexander said with enthusiasm. His voice was less raspy and more casual than Regis’s.

At the sight of the two new conjurations, Megan and Haley immediately jumped out of their chairs and bowed down in a show of respect . The two conjurations took on a more adult form than the triplets had. Regis was dressed in similar cloak and armor as King Liam but with inverse colors. Instead of White cloth with black and gold trimmings. It was a fully black cloth with gold and silver trimmings and sequins. Both Conjurations were over six feet tall and had broad thick shoulders and arms. Alexander was dressed in a similar gearset as Collin’s Jack of All battle gear. His cloth was a rustic orange with black and yellow trimmings. Both had a sword, sheathed on their belt and an assortment of wands and daggers around their torso. Alexander’s entire left leg was missing. It appeared to have been replaced with a metal prosthetic similar to the leg of a dreadnought class.

“Hello.” Collin said. “It is nice to meet you. Are you hungry?”

“Hungry?” Alexander asked.

Collin conjured two more chairs and sandwiches and directed the two to sit. They both came to the table, sat and eyed the assortment. Regis picked up a sandwich and took a bite. His eyes went wide and he began trying each of the different meats and cheeses that made up the spread. Alexander laughed at the ridiculousness before trying a piece of pork sausage. He then went wild in eating the many different foods. Amergin, Apollo, Atlas and the others appeared and greeted their old friends. There was hugging and cheering and happiness all around as they two tested out their new bodies.

“Collin, why are they acting like that?” Haley whispered

“Imagine going your entire life watching people eat random food but never knowing what it was like. Never being able to experience taste, touch, and smells for yourself. Never being able to walk, jump, or even run.” Collin said

“They can taste it?” Megan asked

“Yes. They are as human as my imagination is able to make them. It is not perfect and seems silly, but I want all of the matrices who choose to fight with me to be able to experience these things.” Collin said

The two girls just stared at Collin. He wasn’t sure what they were thinking but chose not to ponder on it. He went back to reviewing his screens and let the matrices visit and eat.

…

“Young Prince. It is time to go meet Trixie.” Amergin said

“Finally.” Collin replied. They were standing on the platform as it elevated upward to the thirty-first floor.

“Right. It is time for you to perfect your void/ dark mana usage as well as learn the holy/light elements.” Atlas said

“Please absorb the cores you have currently.” Regis said.

Collin did what he was told and activated the absorption. Twenty dark cores and ten light cores entered his body. He felt the familiar sensation he had when he was a boy. There was a faint feeling of translucency like fine silk gently touching his skin. It was followed by a glow of mesmerizing transcendent energy that radiated throughout his body. He held it as long as he could, afraid that the power would escape him. The feelings finally faded downward to a normal state of being,

“Wonderful. This first floor should be all holy and light creatures. Do you need an explanation of the dark and void mana?” Alexander asked

The floor was full of angelic creatures holding swords and tridents all flying above a large army of elves riding unicorns, gnomes, pixies, centaurs and satyrs. A wall of paladins, healers and other holy warriors made the frontlines. A giant humanoid called a holy titan stood in the back.

“I can help!!” Megan said, taking a step forward.

“It is okay. Please let me complete this one on my own. I need to work through some stuff.” Collin said

Collin shut his eyes and shadows engulfed him. He felt the mana flow through every inch of him from head to toe. His fingertips tingled and his hair stood up on his skin. He activated his voided shadow gear set and breathed a sigh of relief as no warning signs appeared in front of him. There was no chance of burnout. He was finally able to lose control for a bit.

Jack of All Class Specification Selected

Class Specified: Ninja

Skills:

Shaded Veil, Dark Blade, Voided Blast, Warp Strike, Death’s Curse

Voiding Shadow Gear Set (5/5)

300% increase in Dark/ Void Mana control (2 / 5)

300% increase in Dark/ Void Mana capacity (3 / 5)

300% decrease in Dark/ Void Skill Cooldown (4 / 5)

500% increase in Dark/ Void Skill Power (5 / 5)

Voiding Shadow Chest

Shadow Cloak - the ability to conceal self. Less effective in the presence of light.

Voiding Shadow Leggings

200% increase to Agility

Voiding Shadow Gauntlets

Shadow Grasp - the ability to grab and manipulate distant objects using shadows

Voiding Shadow Boots

Shadow Jump - the ability to travel between shadows

Voiding Shadow Helm

200% increase to perception

Dark Vision - the ability to see in dim and dark areas

Black Hole Daggers x2

Striking the air creates black holes that consume a 1 ft by 1 ft area.

Critical strikes cause targets to implode.

Shadow Katana x1

Shadows follow the path of the blade

Shadow slash - sends a wave of shadows at target

Voided throwing stars x20

Stars teleport instantly to target

2 stars can be thrown at separate targets. On contact, objects switch places. Max range 100 ft

The shadows dissipated, to show Collin in black sleek body armor. His helm was solid with a glass face concealing Collin’s features. He held a dagger in his right and a katana in his left hand. He rushed forward to meet the enemy.

“Go.” Collin said in a calm whisper.

Shadows burst from his body forming a team of fellow rogue types. All sixteen conjurations of the rogue archetype sped through the gaps of the enemies delivering affliction after affliction. Collin’s shadows covered them in a black veil protecting them from the light based attacks.

Shaded Veil

Select a Target and engulf them in shadows

+75% Resistance to Light/holy based spells and abilities

+50% to Dark/void based skills and abilities

Targets are no longer visible

Collin reached the first enemy, a satyr holding a battle ax in both hands. He slipped through the shadow swiping the air in front of him before disappearing. A small black hole formed in front of the satyr pulling it in. The blackhole imploded in on itself pulling the surrounding troops toward it. More small implosions began occurring throughout the battlefield as Collin jumped from one shadow to another, slashing his dagger to form the blackholes. He used his katana’s shadow strike to reach the winged angels who had begun hovering above trying to strike him below. Collin felt something was missing. On the one hand, he was as powerful if not more powerful then he was back during the war. His shadow powers felt as at home to him as the Goldenleaf village. There was a huge matrix like void still left to be filled though. Collin and his rogue conjurations finished the majority of the smaller enemies. The army just could not withstand the sheer number of stackable afflictions that were placed on them. The heavier duty monsters took a bit more power however, which is where Collin’s other skills kicked in.

Dark Blade

Shrouds physical attack with dark energy.

Cost: 2 Void Mana

70% chance of dealing Dark laceration

Dark Laceration

-50% effects of healing spells, skills, abilities

Voided Blast

Sends a Concentrated blast of dark energy

Cost: 5 Void Mana per second

45% chance of dealing Dark Poisoning

Dark Poisoning

-15% health per second

-25% to healing

Collin built up his dark related afflictions and warped high in the air above everyone. He formed a sphere of voided mana in his hands concentrating the mana down as much as he could before releasing the blast. The beam of pure voided energy cut the titan in half. Collin threw a throwing star at one of the halves and dropped a second star. The voided throwing stars switched places, dropping half of the titan on the remaining forces. Collin landed as everything faded away. A large figure appeared in front of him. It was a Holy Paladin holding a large two handed sword in one hand and a shield in the other. It activated its taunt ability. Collin let the skill hit as the need to attack him became more and more tempting to the point that it was overpowering Collin’s senses. He gave into the senses and shrouded himself in shadows as the swords came down on him. Crawling out of the paladin’s shadow, Collin stabbed the paladin between his armor dealing the final killing blow. The Conjurations appeared next to Collin staring at the two girls. They became Shadows and entered back into Collin engulfing him in a dark void. The shadows then flowed away from him like smoke. His normal outfit was equipped as he walked back towards the group.

Floor 31 Complete

Rewards:

100,000 Battle Coins (BC), 50 Health Potion, 50 Mana potion, +50,000 Assorted Crafting Material,, Cores, +50 Holy/Light Elemental Core, Holy Paladins Sword and Shield, Holy Knight Gear Set, Holy Bracelet of the Almighty

“Very good sir. It appears that things are back to normal and loot drops are working.” Tiny said.

Collin reviewed the Paladin and knight weapons and decided to equip them to Merlot. He would benefit the most from it.

“Haley, Catch.” Collin said, throwing an item towards her. She caught the item and looked at it.

Holy Bracelet of the Almighty

Legendary Item

Skills/Abilities:

Holy Barrier

Passive barrier forms around user +150% Magical Resistance

Passive Healing

Continuously gain +5% health per second.

If Full of Health, adds an additional layer to Holy Barrier. Maxable Stacks: 5

Flashing Light

Radiates light energy from wearer

10% chance to cause blind

Lights dark lit places

“Um sir. I cannot accept this. This is just way too much.” She said wide eyed at the description.

“This seems more your style than mine. It is okay. We have plenty of items to share in the upcoming floors so do not worry.’ Collin said. Haley blushed a bit and then put the bracelet on her left wrist.

“How did that feel sir?” Regis asked

“It felt like my old self. Like how I was during the war.” Collin said “I miss Trixie though. There is an obvious gap in my abilities without her here.”

“If that is how you are without your matrix, I do not think I can fathom how you will be with your full power back.” Megan said. She was giving him a weird stare he was not comfortable with.

The trio ventured to the next floor where they fought a series of void creatures called banshees. Collin tried to utilize his holy and light abilities but had a hard time with it compared to the other elements. Haley, Regis, and Alexander tried to assist him with an explanation of the feelings and thoughts he should be having in order to activate the power. He was not having any luck with it however. They finished the floor earning them some more potions, battle coins, Void and Dark Cores and two interesting items.

Dark Belt of Shadows

Immune to dark/void skills, attacks, abilities, and spells

Shadow Interception - shadows form around you to intercept any and all projectile attacks. Ineffective against charged and Beam related attacks

Necklace of the Dark Queen

Light/Holy Attacks reduced by 50%

Deal additional 50% damage to light/holy creatures

Shadow Cloak- The ability to conceal self. Less effective in the presence of light.

Collin kept the belt and gave the necklace to Megan. She wore it proudly and ran around the room testing our the new ability

“I do not understand. I am capable of using light and holy based spells with my wand, but I cannot use the element on my own.” Collin said

“Try this spell.” Haley said throwing a rune stone towards Collin

Light Shot

Shoot a beam of light energy at target

Cost: 1 Light/holy mana unit per 1 second

Deals +1 light damage (+2 to Dark/Void creatures)

“That is the most basic of all light based attacks.” Alexander said. “Very good spell for beginners.”

Collin absorbed the rune into his right hand. He conjured a target twenty feet away and tried to use the skill. Haley walked up and stood next to him. She brought her hand up, closing her fist. She pointed her index finger at the target and had her thumb pointed straight up in the air. Collin activated his nature sense ability and watched her hand. Yellowish energy flowed from directly in her core to the tip of her fingers. The mana condensed itself to a small dot and then shot forward hitting the target directing in the center.

“You try sir.” She said,

Collin stood in front of the target and made a similar hand sign. His index finger pointed at the target and his thumb positioned itself upward. The form felt similar to how he held his bow. Collin focused as much as he could. He felt swirling forms of mana inside his core. The Red of Fire, The black of void, The white of Air, Brown bits of earth and green pieces of nature. He found the yellow orbs slowly spinning in itself and tried to push it outward to his finger. The light mana seemed to be resisting him. He tried and tried to force it through but it would not budge from the swirling pattern it was making. Collin tried to pull all of the mana out to see if it would follow. The yellow orb moved slightly off path before returning to its original pattern. The other elements being so familiar and free going were brought toward the very tip of his fingers and shot outward. Collin was blasted back and landed on his head as he tumbled to the other side of the room. Five powerful streams of colored mana hit the target causing a massive explosion. Collin looked up to see a smoke ring on the direct opposite of the room's wall.

“Um sir. You were supposed to do one element. Not five of them.” Haley said. She ran over with Megan and helped him up.

“I figured this would happen.” Amergin said

“What do you mean?” Regis asked

“He has such a high level of affinity to void and dark mana. It's only logical that he would have such a hard time with light and holy mana.” Amergin explained

“You don’t think he has been affinity blocked do you?” Megan asked worriedly

“Affinity blocked?” Collin asked

“It sometimes happens when trying to learn opposing affinities. Fire and Water, Earth and Air, Light and Dark.” Haley said

“Yes. It does not seem like you had any trouble with the former pairs but your dark affinity has caused you to struggle with that of light.” Amergin added

“Does that mean I cannot use it?” Collin asked

“Not necessarily, It just means you will have a harder time with it. It might take you years to figure out how to do the most basic of skills.” Alexander said. “My human actually had a similar problem when he was younger. We struggled for years trying to figure out how to use Earth and to a further extent, Nature mana.”

“The King still has trouble with water mana.” Regis said

“What do we do to fix it?” Collin asked

“Just keep practicing.” Amergin said. “At least you are able to utilize your wand.”

“That is true. It just means I won’t be able to use powerful Light and holy spells.” Collin said

“Just use Haley. She is more than capable.” Regis said. This made Haley go wide eyed and blush more than she had before.

“Let’s get going. We need to get to Trixie.” Collin said, ignoring the hidden meaning they were hinting at. He did not want to use anyone for anything at this time.

The next few floors were much the same as the ones before them. An alternating horde of holy, light, undead, or ghost-like monsters and a series of challenges meant to push Collin’s abilities as far as they could possibly go. He kept at the holy and light mana usage all while absorbing more cores to increase his total reservoir and understanding. His void and dark abilities came back to him fairly quickly and he began fine tuning that aspect of his power to coincide with the rest of his learned abilities. Collin had to change his usual way of approaching the situation. He now had an infinite number of options to make. He started experimenting with these new avenues in his powerset to try and find the absolute best way to handle a given situation. He mentally willed himself to act without thinking. To perfect his battle trance and allow his body to do what it needed to do while his mind did something else. This was very difficult and more times than not he found himself missing obvious strikes and failing to dodge at the right time. He had to heal himself a lot or rely on others to heal him as he figured it all out.

The team finished the thirty-fifth floor by completing a three part challenge involving fighting an angel and five light elementals, while protecting a village of children and simultaneously delivering a small statue to the top of a tower guarded by an army of the undead. It went as well as expected. Collin created a defense-like maze similar to how he had on the twenty-fifth floor against Clerenda and Xavier. He positioned most of his conjurations throughout the maze and left Haley with the healers to manage things. He let Megan and another group of fighter and knight conjurations take on the angel who had a small band of light warriors at his disposal while he, the triplets, Regis and Alexander rushed up the tower to deliver the statue to its pedestal and fight the elementals guarding it.

Floor 35 Complete

Rewards:

200,000 Battle Coins (BC), 50 Health Potion, 50 Mana potion, +150,000 Assorted Crafting Material, +50 Holy/Light Elemental Core, +50 Void/Dark Elemental Core, + 5 Battle Tower Golden Chest Keys, +10 Battle Tower Silver Chest Keys, +15 Battle Tower Bronze Chest Keys

“What are Battle Tower Chest Keys?” Collin asked.

“You won’t be able to use those until the end.” Amergin said

“They are used to open special chests that are waiting for you on the Fifty-first and Fifty-second floors.” Tiny said

“Gold Chests have better Items than Silver that have better items than bronze. They key is a chance at some of the weapons and gear that are being stored here.” Atlas said.

“What kind of gear is stored here?” Collin asked

“This kingdom has had soldiers and adventurers for over a hundred years. Any time a death occurs, the weapon and gear of that person, if not left to a next of kin, is collected by the kingdom. Every Fugitive and criminal who had possession of such an item, has it removed by a kingdom official. These items are stored in the kingdom’s vault to be redistributed at any given time.” Alexander explained

“What about merchants and the trade system?” Collin asked

“Certain rarities of items are able to be sold by many merchants. There are also many smiths who craft and sell their own specially made items. This is all controlled and strictly audited by the commerce and other craft making guilds. If an item is too powerful, the kingdom steps in and makes sure the holder of the item is not misusing it. Most Epic, Legendary, and Master Rated items are strictly in the control of the Kingdom however. The whereabouts of those items are known at all times.” Regis explained.

“I have only ever dealt with common, uncommon and legendary type items. What other rarities are there?” Collin asked

“The rarity of items range by color and name. A common item will have a gray description and border for example. The rarities go in this order: Common - Gray, Uncommon - Green, Rare - Blue, Legendary - Purple, Epic - Red, Exotic - Yellow, and Unique - Orange. Epic is considered the highest of grades in this series. An Exotic and Unique rated weapon is typically on par with a rare or higher rating but is very specific in the stats and abilities that it provides. With this information, it is possible to have an exotic weapon that is weaker than a legendary or even to have an exotic weapon that is stronger than an epic rated weapon. The classification is dependent on the stats and abilities that the item provides.” Alexander explained

“So each key is a chance at one of the most powerful items ever created in the Kingdom?” Collin asked

“Yes. It seems we are close enough to the end that you will start collecting them periodically. I believe you will be able to use your battle coins also. They are useless outside of the towers” Amergin said

“It looks like we have received some also, sir.” Haley said.

“Yes. This floor gave us five of each kind.” Megan said

“Awesome! Let us keep going. Five more levels until we get to see Trixie.” Collin said

Floors thirty-six, thirty-seven, and thirty-eight required Collin to solve different puzzles while also fighting for his life. He drained the remaining cores he needed to complete his elemental mastery. He also leveled up everyone he could to their highest stage. He did not have much use for the armorer classes but he let them participate with the others. Collin could think of hundreds of aspects they would be good for outside the tower, but inside they were a bit underwhelming. The issue was space. They needed battlefields of space, not small dungeon-like rooms. Collin made a mental note not to put them through their paces as best he could once they exited the tower. Floor thirty- nine had them actually fight a series of dreadnoughts without the use of their armorer class archetype. Zephyr and Sigurd were practically screaming orders to everyone as they tried to fight five heavy types and a flying light type machine. Completing this floor gave Collin a ton of keys and dreadnought parts. Collin was not sure what those parts would be used for but was advised to keep them until the end instead of selling them for battle coins.

“This is it.” Collin said, staring at the platform.

“Sir. We are receiving requested for you to enter this one alone.” Amergin said.

“Yes. The young ladies will wait here. We will be with you but you will be unable to summon us.” Regis said

“You will not be able to hear us either.” Alexander said

“Sounds like she wants you all to herself.” Tiny pointed out

“As she should.” Collin said, stepping on to the platform.

...

Collin rose up from the floor. Everything came to this. All of his hard work and pain was to finally get to see her. To feel her presence again. Trixie was the most important part of Collin. The voice in his head that kept him out of trouble when he was in the compound. The voice that helped him fight during the war. The long nights of strategizing and talking about life and the world. Trixie was more than just a simple matrix. She was equivalent to the mother he never had. The sister he never got. He loved her with every fiber of his being. She was his rock. The one person who kept him from tipping and falling off of the edge. Losing her had thrown him overboard into drugs, alcohol, loose women and terrible bar fights. Having her taken from him was equivalent to having his heart ripped out and shredded into a thousand pieces. If not for Ray and Minh coming back and saving him, he would have died in a gutter somewhere calling out her name.

Collin rose up through the floor and saw her standing there waiting for him. The room was pitch black. A single light radiated the center of the circular floor. Collin felt the emptiness of being unable to hear his matrices. He was truly alone in this. She was tall and beautiful. She wore a female equivalent of his voided battle gear. A katana rested in her right hand. She had long silver hair flowing down her back. Her battle helm rested in her left hand and she turned to look in his direction.

“I have to fight you don’t I?” Collin said “All I want to do is hold you and feel your presence in my mind again, but I have to fight you don’t I”

She nodded

“You can’t just come here and let me absorb you?” Collin asked pleadingly

She shook her head

“I don’t want to force you to be mine again. I have fought and fought and risked everything to get you back” Collin said

She did not move. A gentle smile showed on her face.

“I will not hold back. If you make me do this. I will not show mercy. All watching will know that I have taken you by force. That I have ripped you from this place to never return. Is that what you want?” Collin asked.

The same gentle smile again.

“Fine. If I must become a monster to win you back then I will do it.” Collin yelled

She did not move. Collin stood there for a long time and said nothing.

“I have missed you every second of every day since you were taken from me.” Collin said. He wasn’t bothering to hide the tears that had begun flowing from his eyes like rain.

The conjuration equipped her battle helm. Her hair disappeared in what Collin assumed was a bun. The helm fit tightly over her head and revealed no more of her soft beautiful features. She stood there with the katana and waited for Collin to respond.

“I am going to win you back and if they ever try to take you again, I will burn this kingdom to the ground. They may want me to become a King, but all I want is to have you back Trixie. That is all.” Collin said. He took a deep breath and equipped his voided battle gear. He held his katana and prepared for the battle.

Collin lunged forward using his speed to close the distance between him and her. He brought the katana up with a vertical slash.

“Dark Blade” Collin whispered.

Trixie blocked the strike with the katana and allowed the force to throw her backward. She did a back layout landing ten feet away. She brought the katana up just in time to parry a horizontal strike from Collin who had pursued after her. Trixie delivered a volley of strikes and parries pushing Collin up into the air. Collin retreated into the shadows landing on the far edge of the room halfway up the interior wall. Trixie formed a void blast in her left hand and shot it forward. Collin narrowly dodged the attack running under her. He formed a sphere of voided mana in his hands and threw it in her direction before following after it. Trixie slashed the air with a dagger creating a black hole before allowing herself to fall to the floor. The mana sphere was pulled into the black hole and a large implosion of voided mana shook the tower. Collin shadow jumped away and reformed to find Trixie up close and in his face. They exchanged blows with their katanas. Each entered in a battle trance as their bodies took over while their minds thought of a way around. They were evenly matched in all aspects of Collin’s old abilities. She was absolute perfection and he could do nothing but match her pace as they kept pushing forward. Collin pushed her away with his free hand and jumped away to create some distance. With his mana he decided to try one of the loopholes he had used on the lower floors.

Clone Conjuration Setup

Collin - Clone #1 - Void Gear Set Equipped - Arcanist Level 10

Collin - Clone #2 - Ranger Gear Set Equipped - Elite Ranger Level 10

Collin - Clone #3 - Desert Gear Set Equipped - Brawler Level 10

Collin - Clone #4 - Adventurer Set Equipped - Spellblade Level 10

Collin - Clone #5 - Healer Set Equipped - Elite Priest Level 10

*Legendary Gear Set*

Jack’s Battle Fatigues

Forms 2

Normal Mode and Battle Mode

Elements: Earth, Fire, Air, Water

Subelements: Lightning, Ice, Sand, Nature, Lava, Metal

Jack’s Battle Boots

Stats

+25% Agility

+15% Defense

Skill/Abilities:

Air Jump

Vertical Climb

Water Step

Jack’s Battle Vest

Stats

+45% Defense

+15% Strength

Skill/ Abilities:

Impenetrable

Sand Armor

Nature heal

Jack’s Battle Greaves

Stats

+35% Agility

+15% Defense

Skill/ Abilities

Fireproof

Antifreeze

Metal Recovery

Jack’s Battle Helm

Stats

+15% Perception

+25% Defense

Skill/Abilities:

Night Vision

Scan Target

Far Sight

Jack’s Battle Gloves

Stats

+20% Strength

+15% Defense

Skill/Abilities:

Shocking Grasp

Earth Shield

Lava Wave

Skill/Ability Description:

Air Jump - Use the air to jump higher or farther. Also able to use the air as a footing to apply additional jump

Vertical Climb - Able to climb vertical surfaces

Water Step - Able to walk water or other fluid surfaces

Impenetrable - passive - stab, piercing, and long range attacks have reduced to zero effect.

Sand Armor - Sand forms around you creating an additional layer of defense. Automatically intercepts range attacks

Nature Heal - absorb the mana of nature to heal the body

Fireproof - flame and heat does not affect you

Antifreeze - Ice and cold does not affect you

Metal Recovery - metal parts of gear set automatically mend using materials in inventory

Night Vision - See in dark or dim settings

Scan Target - selected target is scanned identifying weaknesses and resistances

Far Sight - Able to see additional 200 yards

Shocking Grasp - Use lightning to punch, strike, grab a target. Target is electrocuted. 10% chance at Paralysis

Earth Shield - create shield of varying sizes made of earth

Lava Wave - send a wave of lava towards a target. Speed of wave depends on size of wave. Smaller Waves are faster

Collin summoned his clone conjurations and changed into the battle mode of his Jack of All Gear set. This allowed for five clones to come forward to take her on while he thought of a plan. The Brawler and Spellblade rushed forward to meet her. The Priest and Arcanist stayed back and provided support while the Ranger shot arrow after arrow at her. Collin began casting spell after spell with his wand to try and turn the advantage over to his side. Trixie met the brawler head on, slashing at it before stepping forward and disappearing into its shadow. The Arcanist jumped into the healer's shadow and went after her. Collin could sense them appearing and disappearing all the while hearing the clash of metal as they fought. The Brawler conjuration summoned sand around its body adding an additional layer of protection. The Spellblade began chanting a spell and added a layer of fire mana around its sword increasing the swords overall strength and agility stat. Collin cast haste on the healer before rushing forward and jumping into the shadows after them. The best perk of Jack of all was that he could utilize all of the abilities he had for all of his classes. This included the gear set’s stat increases, abilities, skills and spells. The only downside was the clones had to be summoned and equipped with the gearset. This is one of the reasons why Collin could not just create clones of the Jack of All class. He technically could but they would be less effective then if he had each class utilizing something different. Collin found the arcanist and Trixie fighting in between the rifts of void and reality. The arcanist was barely holding his own. Collin jumped in and started fighting Trixie while the arcanist cast affliction magic to sway the battle. Trixie threw a throwing star out of the void and managed to nick the Arcanist with another. The small nick was enough to activate the special ability of the stars and teleport the arcanist out of the void and back into the room with the others.

“Okay. That did not work.” Collin said to himself.

He felt the five conjurations form a circle and begin focusing their mana. Multiple layers of sand, fire, water, air, void, earth, and nature formed around them in a bubble to keep trixie away. Collin felt his mana and health recover as the conjurations funneled the magic into him, through the void. Trixie felt the mana and retreated further into the void. Collin followed after casting slow and blight, and stop time to try and get an edge on her. Collin switched to his Ivory dagger and tried to paralyze her. She parried and twisted her katana around to disarm him. His dagger fell away and Collin used this motion to grab on to her. With his Jack of All Gearset equipped he used a skill.

Shocking Grasp

Use lightning to punch, strike, grab a target. Target is electrocuted. 10% chance at Paralysis

Collin heard Trixie scream out in pain as they fell out of the void and back into the room. Collin was holding her arm and sending lightning mana deep into her. She thrust the Katana into Collins side and He used his other hand to pull her close. The pain of the katana going deeper into him felt like hot lead to his insides. He wrapped his legs around and locked them in place. The other conjurations began casting spells and using their individual affinity to surround them. A second bubble formed around the two encapsulating them in earth and sand.

“You will submit to me.” Collin said as the bubble closed around them. It cut out the light and left them in the shadows. Lightning sparked through both of them.

“Flame Punch.” Collin said and fire joined the fray.

“Ice blade” Collin said again stabbing a newly conjured dagger into her.

“Paralyzing Blade”

He stabbed again.

“Dark Blade”

Another stab.

“Disrupt Sense” Collin added.

He had mastered these abilities already so a wand was not needed for the spells.

“Disrupt Sense”

“Disrupt Sense”

“Confusion”

“Blight”

The resonating damage of each attack did not affect him thanks to his gear's defensive abilities. Trixie tried to stab him with a conjured dagger but his impenetrable ability blocked it. Collin felt the spells take effect as Trixie lost her ability to See, Hear, and speak. Collin felt her thrash in his arms as he held her close. Her katana still pushed deeply into his body. Collin kept his eyes closed as he felt the life drain from her. Her body disappeared around him until there was nothing left but a small cube of light pinks and blues flashing in the darkness. Collin did not even wait for the completion reward box to form. He had her in his grasp and he was not waiting any longer.

“Equip Primary Matrix Trixie” Collin yelled.

He was bleeding out from where the katana had once been shoved into him. It had been vanquished along with the conjurations of Trixie and his clones. Collin felt even more pain. He squeezed the cube until it melted into his hand. He felt the sensation travel from his now clenched fist up his arm and into the middle of his chest where his heart was. The power flowed inside of him as his wounds healed. He nearly passed out as the room faded into darkness. One Hundred and twenty-eight conjurations formed around him humming a peaceful melody as he lay there. A box formed in front of his face.

Collin’s Primary Matrix “ Trixie” Equipped

Dungeon Core “Tonya” Removed

Matrix “Trixie” Moved to Primary Slot

Secondary Matrix - Captain Completely Absorbed by Matrix “Trixie”

Battle Tower Matrix Completely Absorbed by Matrix “Trixie”

Dungeon Core Tonya Equipped to Secondary Slot

Temporarily Created Slots removed

All Limits Removed

All Locked Titles Recovered

All Locked Abilities Recovered

All Locked Skills Recovered

All Locked Spells Recovered

Matrix System Evolution Activated

Hierarchy of Matrices Activated

All Hidden and Locked information unlocked

“Trixie” Prior bond information unlocked

Prior Bonds: Katrina II, Elizabeth, Rosary, Jasmine, Mary

“Trixie” Prior Bond Class, Skills, Abilities, and Spells Unlocked

New Stage Class Stage 6 Unlocked

Monarch

“Trixie. Why didn’t you tell me you belong to my mother?” Collin asked in a whisper before dozing off into sleep.