Chapter 5 [Continuing Education | Kyle]

"Dun dun dun, another one bites the dust!" Kyle stomped hard on another light brown Slime, dropping its Health to zero. He knelt down and dug the tiny marble from the resulting mess. "And another one gone, and another one gone, another one bites the dust! Heeyy—Ooh!"

He stopped mid-step when a surge of energy rushed through him. Kyle eagerly motioned his Grimoire over and skimmed over his Attribute page.

[Achievement | Host has gained experience]

[Reward | 3 AP]

[Kyle | Stage 1]

[Exp | 108/200 | 3/cycle]

[Health | 158/170 | 5/cycle]

[Energy | 81/130 | 5/cycle]

[Mana | 140/140 | 7/cycle]

[AAP | 2]

[IAP | 2]

[AP | 3]

“Just three Attribute Points from levelin’ up? If that ain't a sham,” Kyle grumbled and scratched at his beard. He glanced at reddened knuckles. “Well… I reckon it's more of a milestone since my Stage ain’t changed. An’ it's still only a hunnerd experience to do it again… Let's toss all those points in Resilience. Thirty Health now versus three extra per day if Vigor works like Acuity. Maybe if I keep pumpin’ it, I’ll stop taking damage from these little guys."

[Kyle | Stage 1]

[Health | 188/200 | 5/cycle]

That seems pretty significant. My Health is doubled from, uh… base human? Kyle shook out his aching wrist and tossed the Core in his sqwallet while looking for another target. I wonder how much damage my Glock would do to these things. Would the bullet just pass through? How’s about an arrow?

He considered it for a moment. So far, the more goo I can knock off of ‘em in one attack, the more damage they take. An arrow’d prolly pierce ‘em an’ just knock a bit off. A bullet… He shook his head. That prolly wouldn't do much, either. Not even a holla point. I think it’d pass right through without breakin’ unless it hit the Core directly.

Kyle studied his soiled, slightly burned hands, balling them into fists and opening them again. I'd love to see some improvement from Resilience so I can pick up the pace. Need to do as much as I can durin’ this double time, an’ the clocks a tickin'.

He looked around for another stray. So far, he'd only been killing the brown ones since he was familiar with them, but that method wouldn't last. A few browns were still split from the group, but only one was on his side of the holler, and it was bigger than the rest. It looked like the same one that had consumed the clear—and apparently, more of its kind while he'd been busy.

Oh, now this looks promisin’. Time to see how much experience a biggun’ll give. Kyle grimaced as he strode toward the Slime. An’ I need to know how much damage it can do before bringin’ Leah an’ the kids up here.

Can you Appraise this one again? He stopped around five yards from the Slime and glanced at the first page of his Grimoire.

[Slime | Stage 2]

[Health | 50/50]

[There is no need to make a request. Appraisal is an Innate Ability, so if you look at any creature or item with the intent of gathering information, a description will appear. Would you like to view the Ability's description?]

Ahh… Kyle clacked his tongue. He hadn't even thought to ask. As many hours as I've spent playin’ games an’— "No, thanks. If you would, remind me after I've dealt with this here Slime."

[Directive received. An alert will be set.]

Well, that's handy. Alright, alright. Time to get a move on.

Kyle clenched his fists and focused on the creature before him, leaving its details displayed on page one as he crept forward. Four yards… Three yards…

That was fast. The Slime noticed him at three yards, showing that its perception had improved along with its size and Health. Well, maybe Intuition or Acuity assumin’ Slimes have the same Attributes. But wouldn't that mean its range… tripled? That ain’t right, is it? I only got three Attribute Points. Eh, I'll ask in a minute.

Kyle jogged forward to meet the Slime, whose speed hadn't improved at all after reaching the next Stage. Though it had grown, the creature was still only the size of a beach ball, so he had to bend to lash out. His fist penetrated the gooey membrane that held the beast together, splattering parts of its alkaline fluid onto his bare skin.

[Slime | Stage 2]

[Health | 30/50]

Well, doesn't seem its defenses increased by much, but it was a few points less…

He jerked his arm free and stepped back, waiting for the Slime to retaliate. It didn't take long. Within the muddy-looking creature, Kyle could see a large section of the muddy goo bubbling up.

"Phlackk!"

A vile noise escaped the beast as its membrane spread, and a lump of mud the size of a softball exploded from the narrow opening. Kyle threw his arms up to guard his face, but the sphere of muck didn't make it that high. It collided with his stomach and splashed over his legs.

"Oof!" He stepped back, more from shock than anything else. He still wasn't used to being attacked. But that was it. Though the size of the shot was larger than that of the Stage 1 Slime, it still didn't cause him any pain.

Still not much different from a toddler throwing hot mud. Kyle looked down at the filth that covered his body and frowned. Jus’ a lot more of it. Still has that itching feeling, too. Prolly whatever property it has that lets it eat its pals, but… maybe it's weakened once it leaves its body? Or could be Resilience is doin’ more than I thought?

Well, that's enough testin’ for now I reckon. Kyle took a jumping step and swung his bare foot like he was kicking a soccer ball. It was a strange feeling, like trying to kick underwater, but there was no pain, and he'd found out earlier that it did more damage to the creatures—likely due to the massive spray of ooze that left its body.

[Slime | Stage 2]

[Health | 9/50]

Only one point more from kickin’ it? He smacked it again with his fist, and the membrane fell, along with all the sludge that filled it. Kyle dug through the mud for the tiny marble while mentally requesting that his Grimoire flip over to page two.

[Kyle | Stage 1]

[Exp | 132/200 | 3/cycle]

[Health | 186/200 | 5/cycle]

Twenty-four xp from that’n… He mused. An’ it looks like that shot did two damage. Far as I can tell I still ain’t recovered any Health. Could be it only happens once a day? Still not enough information, but I’ve learned what I needed to. Bringin’ Leah and the kids here to power level ‘em will be fine. Prolly even the best way to do it. Gah, the kids. I can't imagine ‘em havin’ to kill these things. Huntin’ from a distance is one thing, but actually gettin’ in a fight? Now where’s… Ahh, here it is.

[Name | Essence Core]

[Value | 12]

[Description | Currency. A Core with weak ties to an earthen element. Can be traded in at Domain Shops or crushed to gain experience equal to the value.]

Kyle read over the creature's Core data before shoving it in his bag with the rest. Wonder what the monetary value of one experience is… If all else fails, I can give these to the kids until I'm sure they can handle themselves. Greyson‘ll prolly be fine, but Maeve an’ Rowan are still so little.

He jogged to the top of his hill and—after taking a second to catch his breath—looked toward what he believed should be the southwest. The tall trees he'd seen after waking were out that way, and that was where he'd have to go if he wanted to find Greyson.

I'll have to hope Kat an’ Ray can keep him safe for now. That's a long distance to travel with Leah and the kids. Even if I went without the kids an’ didn't run into any beasties, it’d still take a few days… An’ I just don't think I’m lucky enough not to run into somethin’.

Kyle stroked his beard with one of his filthy hands. At this point, he was covered in so much mud that it didn't faze him.

They ought to be fine. Kat's a strong woman, an’ Ray should adjust pretty fast. He may be an outdoorsy fucker, but he ought not be a stranger to RPGs. Damn shame I couldn't talk ‘em into playin’ anythin’ other than shooters with me.

[Alert. Host requested a reminder to ask for Appraisal's details.]

"That's right," Kyle smashed his fist into his palm. "Keep forgettin’. Let's have a look, then. Thanks for the reminder."

[Innate Ability | Appraisal]

[Tier | 1]

[Stage | 2]

[IAP | 0/1]

[The Host is capable of gathering information from the world around them. To trigger this Ability, simply focus on a target with the intent of studying them.]

[Effect 1 | Reveals details about any creature below Tier 3.]

[Effect 2 | Reveals details about any item below Tier 3.]

[Governing Attributes | Intuition. Acuity.]

[Range | 2.4 yards.]

Ah, so there are limits. Explains why I can’t jus’ scope all the critters out from up here. Hmm… prolly ways to hide or block information as well. Gonna have to watch that. Why… 2.4? Why not jus’ 2 or 3? An’ fer that matter… why yards? Bah. Ain’t got the time to look into it right now.

He turned back and picked out the different Slimes creeping slowly up his hill. The only brown ones he saw split off from the pack were either too close to the mass for comfort or on one of the other rises—over by the poorly concealed cave entrance.

Seriously, who wouldn't notice a pile of rocks hidin’ a massive hole at the bottom of a grassy hill? Kyle shook his head ruefully. This place was strange, and he wanted to ask his Grimoire more questions but knew it couldn't answer much until the day had ended. He'd just have to wait. Alrighty, then. No more browns. Guess it's time to study up some o’ these others.

Several grays and a dirty red were happily consuming the grass at the foot of his knoll, so he moved closer and focused on the red, then imagined he was looking at its picture in a book. A moment later, details about the Slime began to appear in his Grimoire without him asking.

Sweet.

[Slime | Stage 1]

[Genus | Heat]

[Tier | 1]

[Health | 30/30]

Only thirty Health? Kyle shifted his gaze to one of the gray creatures and used the same method. He found it much more convenient than asking.

[Slime | Stage 1]

[Genus | Mineral]

[Tier | 1]

[Health | 90/90]

So, looks like there’re lots o’ differences between the colors. Mineral… so, like, rocks? I reckon a rock Slime would have more Health than a… Heat Slime. He looked at the red one and shook his head. I’d just as soon wrassle a bear than deal with you. It prooolly can't do much o’ nuttin; at Stage One, but I ain’t ready to get hit with fire spit. Nope. Nuh-uh. Maybe when I get my Resilience up some more. That there missin’ Health had to go somewhere, an’ if I were a bettin’ man, I’d gamble they were tossed in a damage Attribute. Force… or maybe Intuition or somethin’.

Mind made up, Kyle approached the closest gray Slime and studied it from a foot outside of what the Mire Slime's detection range had been. It didn't change its course and continued in its struggle to conquer the mighty, ten-foot rise.

It wasn't as murky as the brown Slime, and he could clearly see through to its center. Yet, its Core wasn'tvisible. Where it should have been, he could only see a golf ball sized stone. Around that, within the grayish ooze that filled the beast, several pebbles were floating about.

Lot’s o’ Health but doesn't look too awful dangerous. Its Core is prolly hidden in that there rock… like a shell o’ some sort. So, between that an’ its Health, I think it’s safe to bet it has points in Resilience. Assumin’ all Slimes have the same startin’ Attributes, that is. Well, ya know what they say ‘bout assumin’. An’ I’d rather not be made an ass of.

"Best take the ol’ hands on approach," he muttered, then waddled forward and punched the critter. It didn't react until after he'd already struck it and backed away.

[Slime | Stage 1]

[Health | 69/90]

Heh. Sixty-nine. Ol’ boy didn’t take much less damage than the brown ones, but it can’t see worth a dern. Low… Intuition, maybe? Wonder how many Attributes a Stage One Slime ought to have, anyway. Were all its extra Attributes crammed into Resilience? Does it get the same ten Health I get per point? Shame I ain’t seen a Stage Zero. It’d be nice to have somethin’ to go on.

A critter after my own heart if it did go all Resilience. I sure can see the appeal o’ dumpin’ ‘em all in there, but I sure as hell wouldn’t do it if’n my base traits already had me blind as a bat. Well… He studied the creature, which was jerking its membrane in every direction—likely looking for its him. I reckon it prolly ain’t got the brains needed to understand that.

Kyle moved in and threw another two punches before the Slime finally managed to respond. Its membrane shuddered, and before he could back away, the creature spat one of the numerous pebbles he'd seen around its center. The pebble hit his mud-covered stomach… and ineffectually bounced to the ground. Glancing at his Grimoire, he found he didn’t lose a single point of Health.

"Ha… Hahaha," Kyle laughed and returned to finish it off. If I'd known these ones were weak as a newborn, I wouldn't o’ wasted so much time lettin’ the brown ones get me dirty. These gray ones are everywhere. That’s a shame though… ain’t no increase in xp even though it’s got so much more Health.

Kyle went on a killing spree. One… Three… Six… Achievement! Seven… Eleven… Fourteen…

"If I could tuuurn back time! If I could fiiiind a—"

"Congratulations Human, for reaching Stage 2!"

"Oh, shit!" Kyle jumped back, surprised at the sudden and obnoxious intrusion in his mind. It was the same mechanical female voice he'd heard just after he'd Awakened. Dag damnit, I got in a groove. When’d I pass the first milestone? Hell, I reckon I done it twice, if this counts as one. He stumbled when he recalled the pain just after the first announcement. "Ah hell. Why couldn’t you have warned me beforeI got in another tussle?"

Afraid he'd be put out of commission by the voice, he ran forward and kicked the gray Slime facing him as hard as he could. It collapsed, and the stone in the creature's center shattered as soon as it hit the ground, revealing the Core hidden within. Ignoring the incoming projectiles from the other Slime, he snatched up the object, tossed it in his pouch, and swiftly retreated to the top of his hill.

Looking back, he found the second Slime had already forgotten him and was casually scooping up the remains of its comrade. He'd been storing the bodies of most of his victims, using the satchel to keep the field clean. This was the first time a Slime he'd killed was eaten by another, so he wasn't sure what would come of it.

Worst case, it hits Stage 2, which just means more experience for me. I doubt that’ll happen without the Core, though. Alright, alright, let's see what ol’ Grim here has to say. He sighed. I need to come up with a better name.

[Achievement | Host has reached Stage 2]

[First Reward | 5 AP, 1 AAP, 1 IAP]

[Second Reward | Innate Ability | True Sight, Tier 1]

Kyle looked skeptically at the second reward, "True Sight..? So… I reckon I ain’t got a say in the Abilities I’m given? Will it be any different for other, uh… 'Hosts'?"

[All Humans receive Appraisal upon their Awakening, as the System deemed it necessary for their survival. True Sight is rewarded to all Humans when reaching Stage 2 for a similar reason. It is an essential Ability for future development. From Stage 3 onward, the Host can choose what Innate Abilities they wish to assimilate.]

"So… How’s that supposed to work? Pickin’ Abilities, that is," he asked, trying to put off assimilating this Ability. The rewards were still penned at the top of the page while his Grimoire responded at the bottom, and he wasn't in a rush to feel the pain of said assimilation.

[Based on the information I currently have available, the Host will receive Consumable Points upon reaching further Stages, which can be used to unlock new Runes.]

"Runes? Are you talkin’ ‘bout the circuits wrapped around your pages?" Kyle questioned his Grimoire again.

[Essentially, yes.]

"That really doesn’t tell me much," he said. "How’m I sposed to choose a Rune?"

[My knowledge is limited by your current Stage and restrictions placed during the transition period.]

"Well… dadgummit," Kyle grumbled. "An’… the choices you mentioned in the beginnin’… I reckon those choices have somethin’ to do with what Runes I can get?"

[That's correct.]

"Alright, then," Kyle stroked his beard, thinking. "So… if True Sight is essential… Does that mean it's needed to use Mana? Sounds like a magic thing."

[Yes. True Sight is required to learn how to manipulate both Energy and Mana.]

"Energy and Mana?" He asked. "So, Energy isn't just another term for Stamina?"

[I can no longer hold back the System's Rewards. Please ready yourself for the assimilation of True Sight.]

"Ah… Shit…" Kyle sighed. “Welp, bring it on.”

The Grimoire's pages turned until only the back cover showed, and a new page began growing from the spine. An unbearable pressure descended on Kyle as he tried to watch. He fell to his knees…

And then…

Darkness.