Chapter 34: Get Smashed!<table><tbody><tr><td>
<em><strong>ADMINISTRATOR</strong>: I do not know Mathias.</em>
<em><strong>SHROUD</strong>: You do not know?</em>
<em><strong>ADMINISTRATOR</strong>: This feature added itself to your ount on its own. Our own source code changed to amodate it. I considered patching it out, but I thought it might end up beneficial.</em>
<em><strong>SHROUD</strong>: But you have no hint about what it is?</em>
<em><strong>ADMINISTRATOR</strong>: From what you told me, you experienced a Blue sh when you downloaded that artifact. Blue, not Violet. So whatever this feature does, I guarantee it is not time maniption of any kind. Higher-level Blue abilities deal with the maniption of information and possibilities on a quantum, metaphysical level.</em>
<em><strong>SHROUD</strong>: In short, it could do anything. What about the reality glitch and overwriting your current save part?</em>
<em><strong>ADMINISTRATOR</strong>: If the feature interferes with your ount in a negative way, I can iste the foreign code and disable it. Your ount history will also help us to figure it out once you activate it. You already have enough abilities which you do know inside and out to prevail; if all fails, the Load feature may serve as a trump card.</em>
<em><strong>SHROUD</strong>: Where did that artifacte from in the first ce?</em>
<em><strong>ADMINISTRATOR</strong>: From the same entities who built the towers, and brought sorcery to the universe; as for what they want, nothing you humans may understand. The Sponsors suspect the artifact had a very specific purpose, which transferred to you as a living interface.</em>
<em><strong>SHROUD</strong>: You humans.</em>
<em><strong>ADMINISTRATOR</strong>: I think you already suspect who we are.</em>
<em><strong>SHROUD</strong>: I think I understood the who, yes, but neither the why, nor most importantly, the how?</em>
<em><strong>ADMINISTRATOR</strong>: All wille in due time when your Guild conquers a Lair.</em>
<em><strong>SHROUD</strong>: Fine. What about the ounts?</em>
<em><strong>ADMINISTRATOR</strong>: Simply offer to assign it to the person, and I will scan them forpatibility alongside a background check. If positive, I connect the recruit to our system using you as a direct intermediary. I believe with your Lock, you should have an easier time intuiting a good candidate. Good luck.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>
Shroud ended themunication, slightly unsatisfied. The dates on the Load feature bothered Shroud. 2018 had been the year of the Conquest, and 2026 was when Mom disappeared. Could those events be linked?
Unless he had an ult matrix or whatever on hand, he would have no such luck. <em>Conquer the Lair, </em>he thought. <em>And the truth wille. </em>The Administrator doesnt know either, he told his team, as they made their way into the Oversides crowded streets. They said to conquer a Lair first for answers.
And here I thought we would be invincible with a save feature, Maggie said, whistling as she looked at a hobgoblins wares, most of them finely crafted weapons. Her affinity for guns was apparent.
The Overside burst with animation and the group struggled to make their way through the crowds. A few aliens had stopped them to take photos with Shroud, his appearance on intergctic TV having done wonders for his poprity.
The group finally reached their destination, arge dome of bluish ice the size of a football stadium, with a thin snow carpet leading to finely crafted gates; two blue-skinned, armored giants protecting the entrance with axes that could cut a building in two. Shroud read the red banner right above the doors.
<strong>Zenias Chilly Resort</strong>
<strong>Grand Opening, Mapmakers, and Invitation Only</strong>
A Network notification popped up without warning.<table><tbody><tr><td>
<strong>Side-Quest: Get Smashed!</strong>
Difficulty: Dot One
Sponsor: The Administrator
Your Guild went through a lot of trouble, struggles, and in-fighting, and needs a well-deserved break. So go take some time to amuse yourself and get smashed! Certainly, nothing interesting will happen...
Reward: Network Upgrade (2/3): Path of Synergy set.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Youve got to be kidding me.
What? Maggie said.
I just received a side-quest all but begging me to get drunk with all of you. This is ridiculous!
Dork, this is Space Vegas, whats the point of being rich if you cant burn your money on stupid things when poor people cant?
Giving back to themunity, Sol scolded her with a serious tone.
Exactly, Maggie replied, missing the obvious. Cycle of life. But thats pretty unjust. I mean, my Quest is way harder. Ive got to try twenty-five different firearms.
Seriously? Shroud paused. So when you were experimenting with those weapons...
I was trying to fulfill that stupid side-quest, yes.
Nice. Mur must kill one hundred creatures in realbat, and he is nearly there.
Shroud was sure they had killed way fewer creatures since receiving their ounts. Magik probably counted his prior kill count. Kari, Sol? Anything that would help us spend time better than getting drunk or shooting people?
Still blocked with mine, Kari replied.
Sol shook his head. I have to take a fatal blow for someone else to fulfill my side-quest.
Shroud blinked. Thats ridiculously specific and dangerous.
You may understand why I would prefer to avoid finding a situation where I must fulfill this one.
Point taken. And Shroud had to admit the quest made sense; a rxing, team-building activity could work mend the wounds in his group. While they were here for work, he could kill two birds with one stone.
The group approached the entrance, the giants barring the way. They seemed to recognize them. No helmet, one spoke with a dry, frosty voice.
Shroud sighed turning his helmet back into flying shards. Sol removed his helm and carried it under his arm, while Maggie removed her mask. Sorcerers? the other giant asked, the group nodding. No Blue sorcery allowed if you y games, or you get expelled. You can keep your weapons.
Shroud shrugged, leading his group inside.
Unlike the insane extravagance of Mammons own pce, this ce was rtively tame and human-sized. The entire building had been crafted from solid ice, although strangely, it felt neither too cold nor too warm inside. Icicles provided purple light above, while a white-fur carpet covered the ground. Polished mirrors made the walls supporting the structure, casting everyones reflection.
The area housed a casinomostly tables where Mapmakers yed roulette, cards, or stranger games, a skating rink, and a bar of red-colored ice. Unlike the cacophony of Mammons casino, this ce had a chiller, peaceful atmosphere, with fewer people allowed inside.
Shroud sighted Ace at the bar, alongside the snowke creature that yed darts with Mammon at Murs expense. The imp red at it the second he caught sight of it. Zenia, Mur grumbled, as the group reached them.
Ace, Shroud saluted Mammons assistant, who smiled upon noticing them. She had a charming smile. Pity he was the only one to like her. The rest of the group still distrusted her, after what her employer did.
Hello there, she replied. You look better without your helmet.
Thanks. Why did you want to see us?
Trouble that may concern you, she replied. But Zenia here will tell you more.
First of all, I apologize for the treatment you suffered through, Zenia told Mur, although her voice didnt sound very sorry at all. Diplomacy means I must indulge our overlords fancies.
Mur never forgets, the imp replied. Oh no, Mur never does.
This didnt bother the snowke creature at all. I have no wish to antagonize a group of sorcerers and you would wisely not seek to trouble me.
Mur shrugged, dropping the matter. For now. We know Mammon is fickle, Shroud replied, which was a diplomatic way to say they med him instead of Zenia. Now tell us.
Three days ago, the Gate which you used to transfer from Terra Firma to the Midnight Market was attacked by an unknown assant, Zenia exined. There were no survivors on the Firman side.
Since you were thest people to have used it for transportation, I thought I should interrogate you, Ace said.
Concordia? Sol stated the obvious culprit.
Possible, but we would have expected more coteral damage and seized goods, Ace replied. The attacker cleanly killed everyone present and left without stealing anything. The Gate also suffered damage, while Concordia would have preserved it for further use.
Attacker, Shroud pointed out. Singr.
Yes. Although the witness couldnt provide a clear description, a Mapmaker on the Market side noticed a humanoid dressed all in ck step outside the Gate, which promptly attacked everyone present. The witness teleported away at the first sign of danger, which saved her life. Everyone else, the attacker ughtered.
Kari visibly tensed at it, which Ace quickly noticed. You wouldnt know anything about it?
Dressed all in ck? she repeated. Could you give more details?
The witness didnt see more, but the corpses were found in a state of extreme muttion, with body parts missing. The attackers strikes showed a lethal kind of precision, but why it took limbs with it is unknown. Time is also missing from the cameras footage, so it managed to tamper with them.
I suspect a Pandorian, Zenia said.
Pandorian? Sol repeated.
A dangerous kind of spontaneous undead. The Flux signature it left behind is characteristic of those parasites.
Kari crossed her arms, lost in her thoughts as everyone looked at her,
I do not know, she said. I cant be sure.
<em> Kari the horror said, crawling out of the ruins of the farm. Kari its me </em>
Kari was so troubled, she didnt even notice Network peeking in her mind. Whats your stake in this, Ace? Shroud said, deflecting everyones attention from his teammate.
I cant have a monster killing our breadwinners running around. If it was a business cannibalizing another, thats just another price war. Needless destruction empties Mammons coffer for nothing though. So if you find the culprit, call me up three times.
Shroud raised an eyebrow, which made herugh. I may not look like it, but I am a sorceress too, Ace said without borating. Just say my name and I will assist.
Well, this was a colossal waste of Murs time, the imp finally spoke up. Mur wants to try the bar.
Me too, Maggie said, bored with the conversation. Do you think theyve got alcohol in space?
They have everything, Mur replied gleefully.
I would enjoy a refreshment if the matter is settled, Sol said. Only Kari seemed too troubled to care.
Shroud sighed. Sure, he said, ncing at Ace. Would you like to join us?
She gave him an amused smile. Clearly, she had seen through his transparent attempt at subtlety. Maybe another day after service, handsome.
It wasnt a no. Shroud guessed it counted for something.
Ace excused herself and left, Shrouds eyes trailing her for a moment. While his group moved to the bar, the sorcerer nced at Zenia. Do you have a brief moment? he asked her.
What do you wish? The creature asked.
Youre the leader of the Mapmakers, correct? The entity didnt reply, which Shroud took as a yes. I heard you were somewhat independent of Mammon.
We Mapmakers serve all those willing to pay us, Zenia confirmed. Although we try to maintain good rtions with everyone, I have no problem servicing your group if you want it.
I think we could help one another. You see, I have the ability to license my spells for two days, including Violet spells, as you do. I could provide that service to your organization, in exchange for favors.
You providing Violet spells as an independent faction will inevitably threaten our monopoly, force us to lower our prices, and reduce our profit margins, Zenia said after a short moment of consideration. Which will force us to undercut ourpetition through hostile takeovers and downsizing.
For a moment, Shroud wondered if Babel had malfunctioned, as he didnt understand a word of what she said. When he did though Youre politely threatening me with war if wepete with your business.
No, I am simply informing you that we will use our considerable assets to eliminate allpetitors threatening our market share.
Yes, she threatened him. Truthfully, youre mistaken. I dont care about this ce nor do I want to establish my group here in the long-term. Just to recruit, gain favors, and acquire equipment in preparation for our return to Earth.
In that case, a nonpeting use would allow us to coexist. I would rather that you do not disturb the fragile status quo and keep that power to yourself. If you agree not to license Violet spells that would threaten us Mapmakers, I will provide assistance.
Agreed. In fact, I believe you may help right now. You are a Violet Sorcerer, right?
I am. Violet Dot Three, Blue and White Dot Two.
Violet. Perfect. Im in the position to learn the Call spell, and I wonder about its potential applications to recruit troops. Since you are more experienced, I thought you might provide answers.
Summoning Outsiders can be both lucrative and dangerous, Zenia replied. Many sorcerers have raised an army by enlisting them from other nes. Concordia has even made forays in establishing outposts on other realities in preparation for annexation.
Did the dragons greed know no bounds? Even the universe itself wouldnt satisfy them. What can you tell us about Outsiders?
Outsiders followws different from those of this universe. Some live in dimensions where concepts such as nature or excess weigh as much as gravity. As such, the main difficulty for you mortals is rting to us and understanding our desires. Outsiders descendants, if born on our universe, be more attuned to it, as do those which remain too long on the material ne. We be anchored, so to say.
Such as you? Shroud guessed.
Indeed. It has been so long since I left the Elemental ne of Frost, that I feel closer to you mortals than my own kindred.
Could it be why Network didnt work on Jacks fiend half or the Crimson King? Since they mostly existed outside of the material universe? It would exin why he could Network with Jack even after he fused with the demon.
It meant Network may not work on anything he summoned though, at least at first. Bugger. He needed to test that hypothesis first. Are you familiar with demons? he asked, eager to find information on the Maleking.
Demons are easy to summon and bind because they are ves to mortal passions, Zenia exined. Greed, sex, domination very easy to rte to, even if fiends take it to terrible extremes. Elementals are harder, as at our core we wish to spread our core element. You would better provide something to burn to a fire elemental, because they will always have that thought on their mind.
That remark hit a bit too close to home. You made that ce out of ice to satisfy that urge?
Yes. I find it necessary for my psychic wellbeing.
Is there a resource on summoning Outsiders?
<em>Dis: Worlds of Power</em>, by the cyclops Archmagus Ashmal. Ashmal was a Violet Archmagus of great power, who traveled the nes, raised extradimensional armies, and founded the Machinist religion that still exists today. <em>Dis </em>was his magnum opus, exposing his beliefs, his theory on multiversal structure, and his thoughts on bargaining with Outsiders. A must-read for any Violet Sorcerer, if you can cut through his superstitious ramblings.
Zenias eye shone with a purple light, a Blue crystal of ice manifesting and hovering right before Shrouds eyes. This is an holo-crystal containing the full work, one of the few still in cirction today. Simply focus on it, and the crystal will react to your thoughts. Take it as a gift.
Shroud grabbed the crystal. Thank you.
Stay out of our affairs, Zenia warned him. And I shall stay out of yours.
epting that he had just been bribed, Shroud gave her a sharp nod and left to join his team, looking at the crystal as he walked. The crystal shone, projecting holographic texts in an aliennguage which Babel instantly tranted.
<em>Dis: Worlds of Power.</em>
<em>By Ashmal, Violet Archmagus, First Prophet of the Cosmocrator, and True Servant of the World Machine of Dis. </em>
<em>In the beginning, there was chaos without purpose, aimless worlds floating in a white, nk void. From the chaos, surged a great will, the World Machine of Dis, the hungry soul of the universe itself. The World Machine sought to bring unity to the chaos, to bind the nes as its gears, so its jaws may epass all of creation. And so Dis created the Cosmocrator, to be the architect of its growth and its messenger. Praise the Cosmocrator, for it rules over all worlds; worship the World Machine, for it will make us one.</em>
The text continued on, detailing a Pantheistic religion dedicated to the World Machine of Dis and its avatar, the Cosmocrator, who ought to be obeyed, appeased, and worshipped. ording to the book, the Cosmocrator and its creations built the Gates to bind all universes together into a harmonious whole.
The World Machine of Dis Shroud remembered the sentence <em>connection to Dis established, </em>when he had downloaded Magik Online. Could there be a grain of truth in this religious rambling?
As he sat on one of the ice chairs that were around the bar, Mur and Maggie had already engaged in a drinking contest while Sol himself politely waited for the bartender to notice him. Only Kari had elected to do her own thing, moving towards the rink. The sorcerer had noticed she retreated inside herself and shunned interactions when worried; breaking her out of her shell would take a lot of effort.
Shroud examined a holographic 3D map provided by the text, representing Ashmals vision of the universe: a conglomerate of iridescent spheres and globes, bound together in a tree-like shape.
At the centerid the biggest sphere, an onion made from countlessyers: the Material Multiverse. Near its edge, a small ck spot grew, the rot in the onion. <em>Pandoria, the Cancelled World.</em> And at the very core of the material multiverse shone a bright light called the <em>Worldsoul</em>.
From that bright star, sprung countless tendrils of light binding all spheres together, both to the Material Multiverse and to each other. On a closer examination, Shroud realized those spheres werent as much bound as they were chained, forcefully pulled closer to the center.
Each of those nes had a chapter dedicated to them. <em>Heaven and Hell: on Virtue and Sin. Faerie: The Land of Stories and Tales. The Elemental nes: the worldscking. </em>
Skipping the codexs part about worlds, Shroud the folder Zenia told him about: on Summoning the Outsiders. Like the worlds they inhabited, each Outsider category had a whole category dedicated to them, including chapters on individuals members.
<em>Angels: bargaining with high standards. Devils in the details and Fiends of all sort. Anathema most foul: Qlippoth and Sephiroth. Primal Spirits and Totems. The Storykind, faerie courts and willy wishcraft. Elemental chaos...</em>
It would take days to read them all. That codex condensed a lifetime of research and experience. Crimson King? he asked, the database giving him an entry in the<em> Storykind </em>chapter.
<em>The Crimson King is a minor Storykind Noble, inspired by the dreams of envious critics. He appears as a humanoid being d in tattered robes and wearing a silver mask. Lacking any creativity of its own yet covetous of others brilliance, the Crimson King steal souls in a vain hope to create a true masterpiece. Control sounds, knows of all arts, and has allies in the Court of the Demon Sultan, whom he ys lubies to. Easy to bind for a one time task in exchange for the soul of an artist, but he will resist longer servitude due to manic restlessness and vanity.</em>
Uh, work again? Maggie interrupted Shrouds reading by sitting next to him and calling the bartender, a burly, green-skinned humanoid. Mur soon joined, his own ss bigger than him. Same thing you served me for the dork here!
Griffin milk with Arcadian wine? the bartender replied.
Yep, with a drinking straw! she said, the bartender offering Shroud a liter of rose liquid encased in a cup of ice. Maggie had brought her own and was barely a third through it. Its very fucking strong, Im warning you.
Only the strong survive! Mur said, climbing up his cup and swimming head-first into the beverage.
I see that. Maggies breath stank of alcohol and her cheeks had rosied a bit. He took a sip and found it both strangely sweet and supercharged with liquor.
He should better pace himself. He couldnt handle alcohol for the life of him.
Nerd, that woman, Ace. Shes working with Mammon.
I know, but she helped me rescue you guys. Shes nice.
Dont think thats your head talking to me right now. You came on to her so hard even I noticed, and you werent just looking at her pretty eyes. So very crass, but so very true. Youre back on the dating market?
Sort of. Im fooling around. Shroud didnt want to try a serious rtionship after his recent break-up, but he had to admit he missed the indoors activities. Besides, I find her strangely charming.
Also, the practical part of him thought it could be an opportunity to get a mole into Mammons organization. Honey trap and all.
Youre not my type, Maggie said out of nowhere. Like really, really not. Youre pretty good looking, but you talk too much. And you were the boyfriend of my best friend, and you the best friend of my ex-boyfriend; which makes it square squick. It would be like settling for leftovers.
I understood at youre not my type, thank you. Im not into you either.
She red at him, a fierce and terrible gaze; Shroud guessed he had somehow insulted her fragile ego. What are you implying there?
Damned if you do, damned if you dont. Nothing. What is this about, Maggie?
I used to have a waiting list on Earth, but look around, sheined, No able-bloodied human male that isnt seventy years older than me or you! And you find the only good-looking human woman on this forsaken space station!
Theres always vampires. I thought girls were crazy about them. Perse at least wouldnt shut up about them, and she liked being bitten a bit too much. Since everything is for sale here, Im sure you will find the entertainment you seek if you look hard enough.
Aint one of those necrophiliacs, and I aint going to pay for sex, nerd. No fun without the flirting and the conquering first.
I cant help but think you may have some self-esteem issues.
Youre entering the dont fuck with me zone here.
You said it, not me.
Maggie sighed. I hate you, nerd, she said without really meaning it.
Besides, if this is really the problem I have a book on strange and mysterious Outsiders. Im sure I can make an interdimensional booty call out of this.
Nerd, thats a terrible idea, even from you.
The summoning or the booty call?
When did you grow such a smart mouth?
Truth to be told, it surprised Shroud himself. After so many ordeals and leading a team, he had grown bolder, more confident.
Yes, his near-emptied emptied liquor had nothing to do with it.
I think it may be Network, he said, as Sol joined them, having taken another drink that smelled like lemon. Its strange. Ive never been good at social interactions, and now that I have a power that makes them easy, Im pushed into a direction Im not toofortable with.
What do you mean? Solomon asked.
Like, Im trying to make our group efficient because I get a power boost from it. Its not natural, he said, suddenly finding it harder to find his words.
I have never led a group as strange as ours, Sol admitted. So I cannot say.
You had a prettyrge following in your heydays, or so Dad told me.
Yeah, I saw you on TV when I was six, Maggie said. I didnt remember back when we met at the church, but it came back to me."
Solomon smiled humbly. I spoke when everyone remained silent, and it inspired others to do the same. Little more.
He didnt give himself enough credit. Why are you letting me take the lead? Shroud asked. Youre older and more experienced, you could lead the group and direct it better than I do.
I am a supporter at heart, Mathias. Ive never felt happier than when I help others. The happiness of someone else is my own. And so, I choose early that I would live better as a knight and follower. Of God, first and foremost, because I believe that at heart there is good in all of us if you dig hard enough.
Even Mur? Maggie pointed out with a smirk.
Sol didnt answer immediately, thinking it over. Mur himself was too busy drowning in his drink to listen. Maybe even him, he agreed. All of this to say, I have found that the best way to teach is to let the young make their own choices and mistakes. If you try to force them, they go in the opposite direction. The duty of elders is not to tell the young what to do, but advise and help them back up when they fall.
So youre going along with my ns because you think I should make my own mistakes.
This is the only path to wisdom, Sol replied, then smiled. Also, while this sounds selfish, I feel alive again. Do you remember that dreadful week, ten years ago?
How could any human ever forget? I didnt understand everything back then, Mathias said, having been eight when the dragons conquered the world. I remember ckcinders speech, though.
<em>One day, you will understand that I fulfilled my duty as a dragon to a lesser race. One day you will understand that it was an act of love.</em>
I almost lost all hope then, the priest admitted. How could I not? The foundations of my world, of my very faith in God, shaken and overturned. How could one trust God when He didnt save his faithful from the dragons? I have been asking myself this question: was I mistaken in my faith? Did the Lord even exist?
Shroud feltpassion for his friend. After dedicating decades of his existence to a faith, only to doubt it many would have bitten a bullet to escape that contradiction.
So when you received that gift, Sol continued. And then the rest of us after you, I realized this was no coincidence. Maybe the tribtion had finally ended; maybe the Lord didnt abandon us after all. And Mur if fiends exist, then surely angels do, too. Whatever path we are on, I can see Gods will at work. Even through Mur.
And Shroud now had a literal proof Heaven existed, somewhere. Maybe he should dig into it.
Someone called Mur? the imp said, climbing out of his emptied ss none the worse for wear.
Sol was wondering if you came from Hell, and if this means angels exist or some shit, Maggie said, massaging her temples. She didnt manage the alcohol all that well.
Mures from a hellhole, but its not called Hell, Mur replied. Mur doesnt know what angels are.
You must know where youe from, no? Shroud asked. You must have a father or mother.
No.
Then how were you born?
Budding. When an imp grows into a big enough gargoyle, he buds more imps. Then he eats those who cant run fast enough.
Ouch, Maggiemented, looking at Kari skating on the ice, focused on something none of them could see. You think Matsumoto is fine? She doesnt look fine.
Thats her way to blow off steam, Shroud replied.
I know, but look, nerd, Im not the healthiest person around. Like, Im pretty fucked up in the head, and even I know closing it off just makes it worse.
Leave her, Mur replied. Shes strong. Mur too was always alone to struggle, and it made him strong. Everyone can only rely on themselves in the end.
Thats pretty cynical, Shroud pointed out.
If you believe loneliness makes you stronger, which is wrong, why are you part of a group? Sol asked the hard question.
The imp blinked, nced down at his tiny feet, then stared back at Sol. Mur wants to learn to learn.
The way he said it, it sounded like the sentence someone else told him before. The imp borated when the priests eyebrows furrowed. Mur knows being alone made him strong. But he must learn how a group can make Mur strong. Because strength is all that matters.
Mur
Enough mushy-mushy, Mur cut off Shroud, More wine for Mur! And squishie Maggie!
Drinking contest? she asked with a smirk.
Contest!
Shroud sent onest nce at Kari, before deciding that giving her some time to reflect was the best thing he could do for her right now. As a private person, he thought it wiser to wait until he found her more receptive.
Bring it, he told his teammates.
The drink wasnt that strong, and at worst, he could use the Purge spell. Nothing to be worried about.
...
Ugh
Shroud struggled to open his eyes, the dim lighting of the Pce of Shadows making it somewhat easier. He found a few things on the nket.
The holo-crystal.
The red banner from the casino, which he had savaged with sharp des.
A basket containing a closed bottle full of some strange ck liquid, a red ruby the size of his fist, and a beautiful, purple ice cup.
A ss figurine of himself making a strange, ridiculous pose atop a steam roller.
A plush figurine of Mammon. Horribly savaged.
And Kari, reading a book in his chair, was waiting for him to wake up.
We didnt he asked tentatively, before realizing he was still in his ss armor.
No, she replied with a t tone. Shroud-san?
Yes?
What is Za Warudo?
Za Warudo? he repeated, casting the Purge spell on himself to get rid of the nausea.
Useless, useless, useless, wry, a road roller for you you kept calling Sol-san Joseph for some reason. You seemed to be relieving an old memory. A violent one. Apparently, it had bugged her enough to wait for him to wake up, just to ask.
... Yes, a childhood memory.
Dio Brando. He quoted Dio Brando the entire evening. He had watched so much anime, it had polluted his entire subconscious.
Maybe Maggie had a point. He was the worst case of nerd-dork hybrid.
Dont tell me you were worried?
A bit.
Enough to watch him sleep, apparently. Youre feeling better? <em>Better than me, </em>he left unsaid. Even with sorcery buffing him he felt sore inside.
She gave him a sharp nod. Thanks.
For what?
Not asking questions yesterday. I appreciate you respecting my privacy. I dont like exining.
Or interacting with others too much. Its fine. You will tell us when its the right time. Same deal as with Mur though.
I understand. Still, she said, closing her book, Im not calibrated. Socially. Not like you.
Shroudughed. You should have seen me before Network. I mean, you know my friendship with the Werners started when I challenged Ulysses to a <em>Divinity</em> battle without warning?
She replied with a thin smile, brief but true.<table><tbody><tr><td>
<strong>Side-Quest: Get Smashed, fulfilled!</strong>
Network Upgrade ().
Network has taken the path of <strong>Synergize</strong>, of teamwork over power.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Shroud-san?
What?
Youre never touching alcohol again.
<strong>yers Stats</strong><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>ount</strong></td><td colspan="2"><strong>Dragonyers Guild Moderator</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Shroud</td><td><strong>Network</strong></td><td><strong>Progress</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Holder</strong></td><td>Mathias Martel</td><td>Broadcast</td><td>Unlocked</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Level</strong></td><td>2 (Adept)</td><td>Grant Spell</td><td>Unlocked</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td><td>Blue</td><td>Synergize: Locked</td><td>(2/3)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lock</strong></td><td>Network</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/7)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Spellcoins</strong></td><td>9</td><td>Overlock</td><td>(0/1)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Stored Saves</strong></td><td>4</td><td><strong>Save?</strong></td><td><strong>Load?</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Spell Compendium</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td><strong>Dot</strong></td><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Premium Thoughts</td><td>1</td><td>Blue</td></tr><tr><td>Babel</td><td>1</td><td>Blue</td></tr><tr><td>Purge</td><td>1</td><td>Green</td></tr><tr><td>Heal</td><td>2</td><td>Green</td></tr><tr><td>ss Field</td><td>2</td><td>Orange/Blue</td></tr><tr><td>Lightbringer</td><td>2</td><td>Red/Orange</td></tr><tr><td>Mad World</td><td>2</td><td>Blue/Green</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>ount</strong></td><td colspan="2"><strong>Dragonyers Guild</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Yoshikage</td><td><strong>Oversoul</strong></td><td><strong>Progress</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Holder</strong></td><td>Kari Matsumoto</td><td>Remember</td><td>Unlocked</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Level</strong></td><td>2 (Adept)</td><td>Channel Soul</td><td>Unlocked</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td><td>Yellow</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/3)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lock</strong></td><td>Oversoul</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/7)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Spellcoins</strong></td><td>10</td><td>Overlock</td><td>(0/1)</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Spell Compendium</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td><strong>Dot</strong></td><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Babel</td><td>1</td><td>Blue</td></tr><tr><td>Wallcraw</td><td>1</td><td>Green</td></tr><tr><td>Peak</td><td>1</td><td>Green</td></tr><tr><td>Needless</td><td>1</td><td>Green</td></tr><tr><td>Ward</td><td>1</td><td>Yellow</td></tr><tr><td>Doom Sense</td><td>1</td><td>Yellow</td></tr><tr><td>Spiritsight</td><td>1</td><td>Yellow</td></tr><tr><td>Killer Sense</td><td>2</td><td>Yellow/Violet</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>ount</strong></td><td colspan="2"><strong>Dragonyers Guild</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Sharpshoot</td><td><strong>Spellgun</strong></td><td><strong>Progress</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Holder</strong></td><td>Maggie Jesse Powells</td><td>Crimson Bullet</td><td>Unlocked</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Level</strong></td><td>1 (Novice)</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/1)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td><td>Red</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/3)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lock</strong></td><td>Spellgun</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/7)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Spellcoins</strong></td><td>1</td><td>Overlock</td><td>(0/1)</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Spell Compendium</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td><strong>Dot</strong></td><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Stockmight</td><td>1</td><td>Red</td></tr><tr><td>Biosurge</td><td>1</td><td>Red</td></tr><tr><td>Babel</td><td>1</td><td>Blue</td></tr><tr><td>Peak</td><td>1</td><td>Green</td></tr><tr><td>Bullseye</td><td>2</td><td>Violet/Blue</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>ount</strong></td><td colspan="2"><strong>Dragonyers Guild</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Sol</td><td><strong>Aegis</strong></td><td><strong>Progress</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Holder</strong></td><td>Solomon Niche</td><td>Spell Martyr</td><td>Unlocked</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Level</strong></td><td>1 (Novice)</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/1)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td><td><strong>White</strong></td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/3)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lock</strong></td><td>Aegis</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/7)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Spellcoins</strong></td><td>6</td><td>Overlock</td><td>(0/1)</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Spell Compendium</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td><strong>Dot</strong></td><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Peak</td><td>1</td><td>Green</td></tr><tr><td>Needless</td><td>1</td><td>Green</td></tr><tr><td>Babel</td><td>1</td><td>Blue</td></tr><tr><td>Quasar</td><td>1</td><td>Red</td></tr><tr><td>Reinforce</td><td>1</td><td>Orange</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>ount</strong></td><td colspan="2"><strong>Dragonyers Guild</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>The Mur!</td><td><strong>Adamant</strong></td><td><strong>Progress</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Holder</strong></td><td>Murmur the Imp</td><td>Harder</td><td>Unlocked</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Level</strong></td><td>1 (Novice)</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/1)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td><td>Orange</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/3)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lock</strong></td><td>Adamant</td><td>Locked Feature</td><td>(0/7)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Spellcoins</strong></td><td>11</td><td>Overlock</td><td>(0/1)</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Spell Compendium</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td><strong>Dot</strong></td><td><strong>Affinity</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Reinforce</td><td>1</td><td>Orange</td></tr><tr><td>Diceweight</td><td>1</td><td>Orange</td></tr><tr><td>Berserk</td><td>1</td><td>Green</td></tr><tr><td>Heatriser</td><td>1</td><td>Red</td></tr></tbody></table>
<strong>Spell of the Day</strong><table><tbody><tr><td>
<strong>Doorway</strong>
Affinity: Violet
Dot: 2
Price: 6-10
Activation: Active, Direct Touch Vector.
The spellcaster marks a conceptual doorway (such as a door, archway, crossroad, or threshold) with a touch; when touching a second conceptual doorway, those two locations are linked, allowing one to teleport to the other by crossing them. Both doorways must be within ten kilometers of each other, and the effect dissipates after three days. <strong>WARNING: there is a one-in-five million chance that the person is sent to Pandoria instead of target location</strong>.</td></tr></tbody></table>