Anton looked down at the three books in front of him as he considered what eighteen million credits had purchased.

  Rachelle pointed to the book on Anton’s left. “Now, as I was telling you, books are normally utilized for higher-ranked spells. These supernatural and Fundamental spells, while of common rank, required a book because hardly anyone has the skill to create the spell crystals. I should also warn you that Supernatural spells usually require attributes comparable to the next rank and a Fundamental spell requires attributes comparable to two ranks higher”.

  “What rank are the spells in these books?” Anton asked.

  “All three are of common rank. To utilize the Divine and Absolute spell, you should have attributes of at least 100. To use the spell of Order, you will need attributes in the 1,000 range.”

  Anton smiled, “That will not be a problem. What are the spells?”

  Rachelle pointed to the book on Anton’s left, “This is the Absolute, or heavenly spell of Life. It’s called ‘Maintain Life.’ The easiest way to describe this spell is that it is a healing spell. Because of the spell’s origin, it has a special side effect that many healers swear by. One tenth of any healing done by the spell remains for a time after the spell is cast.”

  “I would think that all healing did that?”

  Rachelle smiled, “You misunderstand. This spell can heal up to ten hit points of damage. But, after you cast it for the next ten seconds, one point of damage will continue to be healed instantly.”

  “So, it’s a spell with a regenerating factor,” Anton said

  “Not exactly,” Rachelle said and proceeded to explain, “Let’s say that I stab someone with a dagger for four points of damage, and then I heal that person with this spell. The damage I did will be healed, and for the next ten seconds, no matter what happens, the target of this spell will have a minimum of one hit point. If they’re taking damage, they’ll heal one hit point per second. The Uncommon Rank of this spell will heal 100 points of damage and then continue to heal one hit point per second for 100 seconds.”

  “Okay, I can see how that would be useful,” Anton agreed,” and the Divine Spell?”

  Rachelle smiled, “Cleanse Affliction. It will cleanse any mundane or magical affliction of the same rank or lower.”

  “Does this spell tap into a specific deity?” Anton asked.

  “As far as I know, no?” Rachelle said. “I’ve seen followers of various deities pick up this spell and use it.

  “And the fundamental spell?”

  “That was one of the rarest finds I’ve ever come across. It’s only been here for about a week, in fact.”

  “What is it and what does it do?” Anton asked, impatience evident in his voice.

  “It’s a spell called Contract.”

  “That’s it?”

  ` “That’s it,” Rachelle agreed.

  Anton, slightly disappointed, grabbed the Spell Book for Contract and opened it. A Notification filled his vision that he could not minimize or ignore.

  You have discovered the Spell “Contract.”

  Contract

  Rank: Common

  Sphere/Domain: Order

  Range: 10 Feet

  Energy Cost: 10 Mana or Psychic Energy from the caster and all participating parties. The Caster is not required to be named in the Contract, though the Caster can create a Contract for themselves.

  A contract solidifies an agreement between two or more parties. The Conditions of the agreement must be written on a parchment or piece of paper. To signify their agreement, each party must invest ten points of mana or psychic energy into the Contract. To seal the contract, the Caster then invests an additional 10 mana to finish the spell.

  Once cast, if either party willingly breaks the conditions of the contract, two things happen. First, a Rune is burnt into the forehead of the individual who broke the contract, which immediately fades from view. This will inflict 10 points of damage on the individuals who broke the oath. If the individual survives the inscribing of the rune from that moment forward. In that case, anyone looking at the individual will see the label “Oathbreaker” hovering over their head in a language they can understand. This is a mental projection, not a visible one.

  This is a Fundamental Order-based spell. Only an Order-based spell of higher rank can remove the rune. If chaos is applied to the rune directly, an explosion equal to ten times the mana invested by the caster will explode centered on the rune.

  Time—and/or Conditions can be added to the Contract. When the conditions are met, the rune will dispel automatically.

  NOTE: The Spell Detect Magic will identify that the target is under a contract, but they will not be able to determine the conditions of the contract or who the individual has that Contract with. Some soul-based spells may be able to.

  Anton was hoping for something else, but could see how this spell would be helpful. He quickly read each spell book and added them to his spell arsenal. As he did so, each spell book crumbled to dust. While he was busy absorbing the spells, Rachelle went upstairs and came back with four more spell books and placed them on the table.

  Anton looked at the new spell books. “And these are?”

  “One spell from the magical spheres of Space, Time, Gravity, and Mind,” Rachelle said.

  “Which spells and what do they do, a quick breakdown if you please?”

  Rachelle nodded, “Very well. The Space-based spell is actually a rune called Message. It allows you to create two runes on two separate objects that will enable you to communicate with someone over vast distances. Most place the rune on stones or gems, though they can also be placed on flat surfaces. Also, multiple sets can be created with the same spell, so you can communicate with multiple people at the same time, or with different people without others listening in.”

  “That sounds useful,” Anton agreed.

  “The second spell is from the Sphere of Time. Slow. The spell has a very short range but allows you to place a target in a time suppression field, which slows them as compared to everyone else. The effect is that everything they do is about half the speed of normal until the next turn.”

  Anton looked thoughtful for a moment. “I take it the higher-ranked versions of this spell will reduce the target's speed and last longer?”

  “I would assume so, but I’m not sure,” Rachelle agreed before she pointed to the third spell book and continued, “The Third spell is from the Sphere of Gravity. It’s called Adjust Weight. It allows the caster to adjust the weight of one object within a 10-foot area. The spell can be used to reduce or increase the weight of the object by a factor of one. You can either make the object weightless or you can double its weight. If you have a way to propel yourself, you can use this spell to fly, though if you're weightless, you are subject to the whims of the wind.”

  Anton nodded, “That does sound useful. And the last book?” Anton asked.

  “It’s Mind Magic and purely defensive, it’s a spell called Mind Shield. It increases all mental defense and makes it almost impossible for anyone in the Common Ranks to establish a Mental connection to you through spells like telepathy. It also helps against Common-ranked spells that influence the mind, such as suggestion or possession. Against higher-ranked spells, not so much. I should let you know that your attributes will help with your defenses, just as an attacker's attributes will help with their attack.”

  “That sounds extremely useful as well.” I’ll take all four and ask that you hold onto the rest of the 1,305,000 credits to keep an eye out for more spells from these spheres. Can I use these spell books?

  “Please do,” Rachelle said.

  As he used each spellbook, Anton’s mind was flooded with information as each spellbook turned to ash. When he was done absorbing the spells, he turned to Rachelle, “I think I’m done here for now. I need to visit someone who will give me a good value for class and evolutionary shards?”

  Rachelle nodded, “That would be Tiffany’s. She has a shop two doors down the street to the west. If you’re looking for generic cores or you’d like to get class-based cores as well, unique or special evolutionary cores, you definitely want to check with her.”

  “Does she also purchase shards?”

  “Of course,” Rachelle said.

  “Alright then,” Anton said, “It was very nice to do business with you, Rachelle. Feel free to use the credits I’m leaving you as you wish. If you find specialized spells, though, please think of holding onto them for me. If you can make a profit, though, feel free to sell them. I’m sure that you will eventually sell me enough to settle your debt to me.”

  Rachelle nodded, “I will keep that in mind, and thank you for showing me such trust with your credits.”

  Anton waved the comment away as he turned and left Rachelle’s Spell Emporium. Once outside, he walked directly over to Tiffany’s. As he stepped inside, he passed under an archway that glowed with magic. Too bad it wouldn’t work on him unless he wanted it to.

  “Excuse me, Sir. Please stop moving,” a small halfling, or was she a hobbit, asked.

  Anton wasn’t exactly sure, but he stopped moving before he asked, “Excuse me?”

  “Thank you, sir. My name’s Tiffany. My detector must be on the fritz because it didn’t even go off as you stepped through the door. I need to get an initial scan so I know if you try to leave with anything you haven’t paid for.”

  Anton was about to ask why and then noticed the bins with labels that all appeared to be full of shards and cores. “I see why you need to be cautious,” Anton said. “That said, you won’t be able to scan me.”

  “I won’t be able to scan you, why?” Tiffany asked.

  “Most magic doesn’t work on me.”

  “Really,” Tiffany said as she pulled out a wand and waved it over Anton’s body. After a moment, a look of surprise came over her face as she said, “What the hell?”

  “Like I said, magic doesn’t work on me. That said, I am here to trade. I’m looking for class shards so I can work at getting a unique core.”

  Tiffany smiled, “Well, since I can’t scan you I’m going ask you to stay right here by the door and I’ll bring everything to you, that way you don’t have to worry about me accusing you of having sticky fingers.”

  Anton smiled, “That sounds fine, though after we start, I’m sure you’ll see you have nothing to worry about.”

  “Tiffany smiled right back, “Perhaps. Now, will you be trading or paying credits?

  “Either way is fine with me,” Anton said.

  “Very well, let’s see what you have to trade,” Tiffany said.

  “Might want to bring over a bin, I have lots of shards.

  “How many is a lot?” Tiffany asked.

  “1,417 Common ranked shards of various kinds.”

  “That is a lot. One minute,” Tiffany said as she moved over to the counter, grabbed five empty bins, and walked back. She set the bins down and said, “If you please.”

  Anton began filling the bins as he explained what he was adding to each bin. “Here are 493 Common Core Shards and 478 Goblin Evolutionary Shards,” as he filled up the first two bins. “Now I have specific class shards. I have Soldier, Lurker, Mage, and some Generic Class shards. Do you have another container so I can keep them separated?”

  “I do,” Tiffany said as she retrieved another bin and set it down.

  “There are 327 Common Soldier Shards, 98 Lurker Shards, 19 Mage Shards, and one Generic Class shard.” I also have one Common Evolutionary Centipede Shard, but I think I’m going to keep that for myself.”

  “That is quite a lot,” Tiffany said. And what exactly are you trying to do with these shards?”

  “Well,” Anton said thoughtfully, “What exactly can I do with them?”

  Tiffany scrutinized Anton for a moment and then laughed, “You haven’t formed your Primary or Evolutionary Core yet, have you?”

  “I have not.”

  “Well, my friend, what you can do is combine up to ten shards to create a Core. That Core can be generic, which is what would happen if you combined 10 of the common Core Shards, which would provide no opportunities for unique or interesting classes, or you could mix and combine various types of class shards to create a primary core that will help you.”

  “How so?” Anton asked.

  “Let’s say you wanted to be a very good soldier. If you combined ten of your Common Soldier Class shards, you would receive various random bonuses if you chose to take the Soldier Class, which would be guaranteed to be offered by the SYSTEM,” Tiffany explained.

  “And if I mixed various types of class shards?”

  “Normally, hybrid classes are offered as well as bonuses and access to skills that are not normally available,” Tiffany said.

  “Do you have some different class shards that I could mix and match with what I’ve found?”

  “I do but understand that there are many types of class shards, and on average, you’ll only find one class shard per one hundred creatures of a certain class. You’re much more likely to find Common Core Shards or Generic Class Shards.

  “Anton looked at Tiffany questioningly, “Why are you mentioning this.

  “Because the price of the rarer class and evolutionary shards is higher than the common ones.”

  “How much higher?”

  “It depends; the rarity of the class dictates how often someone could find a class shard. The rarer they are, the more expensive. “

  Anton raised his hand to interrupt Tiffany. When she noticed him and paused, Anton said, “Before we get into what you have, could you explain the difference between Common Core Shards and Generic Class Shards. It would seem to me that they do the same thing.”

  Tiffany nodded, “Most believe so, but that is not entirely accurate. The difference is that anyone who takes ten Common Core Shards and combines them to form their first Core has absolutely no chance to specialize their core toward a specific class or receive any perks. This is also true if more than half of the shards that are combined are Common Core Shards. Any Class Shards you have are negated if combined in that way. Generic Class Shards, on the other hand, are neutral. If you were to add one Rogue Class Shard and Nine Generic Class Shards, the core that formed would most likely provide bonuses to the Rogue Class. While the Generic Class Shards would not add additional benefits or increase those benefits, they wouldn’t negate them.

  “What do you mean?” Anton asked.

  “The easiest example to use would be if you have five Warrior Class Shards and five Rogue Class Shards. The Warrior Class can use any armor, and anyone combining ten Warrior Class Shards has a chance to receive a perk or skill that helps with the use of heavy Armor. Rogues predominantly utilize light or no armor and could receive bonuses when using either no or light armor. If you were to add five Warrior and five Rogue class shards, you would probably receive bonuses for combat and certain weapon use. Only armor that is usable by both classes could receive a benefit from the core. Do you follow me so far?

  “Seems pretty straightforward, at least when combining Warrior and Rogue Shards,” Anton agreed.

  “Okay, now let’s say that you add two Warrior Class Shards, two Rogue Class Shards, and then six of either the Common Core Shards or Generic Class Shards. In the case of the Common Core Shards, any possible benefits you could gain from the warrior or rogue shards are negated. If you used the Generic Class Shards, the possible benefits from the Warrior and Rogue Class Shards might still be available.”

  So, what you’re saying is that the Common Core Shards do have a benefit. That benefit is that they don’t allow any other benefits or limitations to be added to the core. At the same time, Generic Class Shards are placeholders that allow individuals to combine different class shards without having to worry about losing the possible benefits those shards might give when they form a core,” Anton said.

  “Yes, that is definitely a way to explain it.” Tiffany agreed.

  “Very well, and the price?”

  “I can give you 500 credits for each of your Common and Generic Shards. The same for the Goblin Evolutionary Shards. Everything else is worth 1,000 credits. That’s what I’ll purchase them for. Each of the following class-specific shards will cost you 1,000 credits.: Alchemist, Aristocrat, Barbarian, Brawler, Cleric, commoner, Subject Specific ‘Expert’, Fighter, Guard, Minstrel, Rogue, Warrior, and Wizard.

  “Is that it?” Anton asked.

  “Oh no,” I have four more categories. The Uncommon Class shards are 10,000 credits each, the Race Class Shards are 20,000 each, the Advanced Class Shards are 30,000, and the Master Class Shards are 40,000 credits. I do not have any more Common Class Shards at any rarity higher than that. Also, a reminder, the rarity is not the same as the rank. There are Class Shards of various Rarities for each Rank.

  “Could I trade the shards I’ve given you for one Class shard of each class that you have?”

  “Give me a minute,” Tiffany said as she started going through the bins of shards he’d filled up. When she was done, she turned back to Anton, “Okay, full disclosure, what you have is worth 931,500 credits. I can sell you 49 different Common Class shards for 773,000 credits, but you can only use ten.”

  Actually, I can use sixty. I’ll need eleven of those Generic Class Shards.

  “You can what? You know what, I’ll just take your word for it. More business for me. In that case, I’ll need all the shards you’ve handed over in trade and 61,500 credits,” Tiffany said.

  “Sounds good, Anton said as he transferred the 61,500 Credits.

  “If you need sixty shards for your Primary Core, can I assume you need sixty for your evolutionary core?”

  “Yes,” Anton said.

  “Very well, and is there a specific type of creature or monster core you would like?”

  “What do you mean?” Anton asked.

  “Would you like your evolutionary cores to consist of mostly humanoid, forest creatures, swamp creatures, incorporeal creatures, monsters, you know, the type of creature. You can mix and match different types, just like class shards, but if you do, with that many possible combinations, I have no idea how it will turn out.”

  “Do you have 60 rare common-ranked evolutionary shards?” Anton asked.

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  “I do,” Tiffany said. “I don’t have a lot of any specific creature, but the rare ones don’t sell very often because they’re 40,000 credits each. Do you have the 2.4 million credits to afford that request?”

  Anton smiled and pushed 2.4 million credits into Tiffany’s SYSTEM account.

  “I guess you do. Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll have everything ready for you. If you would step into one of the side rooms over here, I’ll bring the shards for your Primary Core to you first, and then gather the Evolutionary Core Shards. You do wish to use them immediately, correct?

  “I do,” Anton agreed. “Is one of the reasons you wish for me to do so here so you can analyze the benefits of combining multiple shards equivalent to six cores?”

  Tiffany laughed, “It would be a lie for me to say no?”

  “And who will you share this information with?”

  “Of the results, customers I’m trying to help. Of whom the results pertain to, no one. This is a professional establishment; I’ll have you know.”

  Anton smiled, “I meant no offense. Feel free to share that the process by which my core size was increased to allow this change to my core sizes literally killed me. If someone wishes to attempt to replicate the process, they should be prepared to die, as what led to the change in me was a happy accident.”

  Tifanny nodded, “Very well, If you would please follow me,” she said as she led Anton to a door and ushered him inside. There was a table and a very comfortable-looking chair. As Anton moved into the room and took his seat, Tiffany said, “I’ll be right back.”

  While Anton waited, he opened his Status Screen and checked on his banked XP. When he chose a class, he would have 2,040,350 banked XP. That should get him a couple of levels at the very least. Anton relaxed and waited until Tiffany returned. She quickly laid out all the shards, which Anton began checking. When he was done looking them over he had a shard for 49 different classes; Alchemist, Aristocrat, Barbarian, Brawler, Cleric, Commoner, Expert, Fighter, Guard, Minstrel, Rogue, Warrior, Wizard, Acolyte, Adept, Bard, Hedge Wizard, Initiate, Inquisitor, Investigator, Monk, Ranger, Shifter, Slayer, Sorcerer, Summoner, Vigilante, Witch, Arcansit, Hunter, Oracle, Pact Scion, Paladin, Shaman, Sigil Mage, Skald, Spellblaze, Swashbuckler, Warder, Cavalier, Druid, Gunslinger, Warpriest, Antipaladin, Bloodrager, Magus, Ninja, Rune Master, Samaurai, and Shadow Master Class There were also eleven Generic Class Shards.

  A couple of the classes were something he’d expect to see on Earth, yet here they were. Ninja and Samurai, where the hell had those shards come from? As he looked over the shards, Tiffany left to go pick up the evolutionary shards. When the door closed, Anton picked up the Alchemist shard and began the process of creating his Common Primary Core. It was as easy as touching the shard and accepting the notification that popped up.

  Would you like to add the Alchemist Class Shard to your Primary Core, Yes or No?”

  When he chose yes, the shard vanished as energy from the shard entered his mind and sank into his being. He repeated this process 59 more times and was rewarded when he received multiple notifications.

  Congratulations, You, have created your Primary Core!

  WARNING!

  Damaged Mana Channels have been expanded.

  Damage Mana Channels are being repaired

  Ability Anti-Mage is not compatible with mana

  WARNING!

  ERROR!

  ERROR Rectified

  Secondary Void Core created.

  Mana Channels may now be utilized normally

  Ability Anti-Mage has evolved to Authority of the Void

  Authority of the Void

  Within you resides the antithesis of all magic.

  At will, you may call forth the power of the Void and negate any magic affecting you or that you target within your range; a number of feet equal to your willpower attribute. Th nullification will work as follows:

  Basic spheres of Magic: Air, Life, Water, Dark, Earth, Death, Fire, and Light: Nullified.

  Intrinsic Spheres of Magic: Space, Time, and Gravity - 80% nullifed

  Higher Spheres of Magic: Mental, Spirit, and Soul – 50% nullified

  Supernatural Spheres of Magic:

  Putrescent (Abyssal) and Anti (Null/ Negative) – No Effect.

  Absolute (Celestial/Heavenly) – No Effect

  Proper (Positive) – Exposing this type of magic to nullification will create an exothermic explosion 1000% times stronger than the mana invested into the spell to be nullified. This effect will expand out to a radius in feet equal to damage created.

  Divine – No Effect.

  Fundamental Spheres of Magic: Order and Chaos – No

  Note: While the Void Core is active, Mana Regeneration is paused.

  You may break down physical matter given enough time. Items and Structures created by spheres of magic you cannot effect you may not be broken down in this manner.

  You may break down one pound of physical material per hour, equal to your willpower attribute. This ability may be utilized on any object within one inch of you per willpower point of what you are touching. If the object is larger than this range, only the portion of an object or structure within range may be affected.

  Only Physical matter may be affected. Souls and Spirits are not subject to his ability.

  NOTE: Attempting to break down structures created by the Proper Sphere of Magic reacts as if the nullification field were used to nullify a Proper Sphere spell.

  Congratulations, you have achieved a First in this Iteration. Your Primary Core is now six times more powerful than a normal core of the same rank. New Title gained “Supercharged.”

  Supercharged

  All Attributes receive a one-time bonus of +60 and a +60% Efficiency Bonus. This is in addition to the 60 attributes each attribute receives from the Common Primary Core.

  Congratulations, you have received the perk “Jack-of-All-Trades.”

  Jack-of-All-Trades.

  This Perk allows you to utilize any items that are considered class locked. Additionally, you are considered proficient with all weapons and armor types. Finally, you may use spells from any sphere of magic with no chance of being affected by any adverse side effects of those spheres. As an example, rapid aging when using Time magic.

  Now that you have established a Common Primary Core, you may choose your Common Ranked Class.

  Common Ranked Classes available to you are: Alchemist, Aristocrat, Barbarian, Brawler, Cleric, Commoner, Expert, Fighter, Guard, Minstrel, Rogue, Warrior, Wizard, Acolyte, Adept, Bard, Hedge Wizard, Initiate, Inquisitor, Investigator, Monk, Ranger, Shifter, Slayer, Sorcerer, Summoner, Vigilante, Witch, Arcansit, Hunter, Oracle, Pact Scion, Paladin, Shaman, Sigil Mage, Skald, Spellblaze, Swashbuckler, Warder, Cavalier, Druid, Gunslinger, Warpriest, Antipaladin, Bloodrager, Magus, Ninja, Rune Master, Samaurai, or Shadow Master.

  To learn more information about any of these classes, merely focus on the class; a description will then be available.

  Anton quickly focused on a few of the classes and found that their description was exactly as he expected. Some of the classes didn’t offer much, while classes like Rune Master and Shadow Master were familiar to stuff he’d seen in tabletop games, but slightly different. One common theme was that all the classes had specific talents and perks that added to their ability to perform their primary attack mode. Fighters had a talent called Power Strike that cost five stamina, increased their chance to hit by +1 per ten levels, and doubled all damage. Mages had a similar talent, which doubled the mana cost and offered the same bonuses to hit and damage. Rogues gained stealth and a bonus for their backstab modifier. The rare classes offered similar bonuses, though they had more of them.

  Anton went back to his notifications and noticed that in addition to the class choices based on the shards he’d absorbed, he had a few others classes to chose from.

  Additionally, you may also choose from the following: Anti-Mage, Immortal Adept, Psychic Veteran, Spell Master, Glitch

  To learn more information about any of these classes, merely focus on the class; a description will then be available.

  Anton looked over Anti-Mage and immediately discounted it. If he took that class, he would be immune to all magic, again. But he wouldn’t be able to use any magic. There was no way he was going to give up the ability to utilize magic now that he had finally regained it. Plus, the change that had happened seemed better because he could turn it on and off. Also, he was pretty sure not very many people had two Primary Cores.

  Immortal Adept wasn’t too bad. The class offered a few talents and perks that would help with spell casting and weapon use, though it didn’t really seem like something he’d be happy with. Psychic Veteran was offered to him because of the conversion of spells into their Psychic Energy variants. Now, though, he could do that at will, so he didn’t see the point. Besides, as he was, he was more versatile because he could use mana or psychic energy for spells, but taking a class dedicated to only one type of spell felt like it would limit him too much. The same was also true for the class Spell Master.

  The last class offered to him, Mimicker, seemed like something that would be pretty useful. He quickly read over the class and accepted it. He was absolutely sure this new class would work for him and would still allow him to pick up something like his Specter form later on if he still wanted to. Anton opened his Notifications and began going over what he’d just gained.

  Mimicker

  This class is an amalgamation of attributes, talents, perks, and traits.

  Prerequisites:

  - Must have a Unique Primary Core

  - Must have the Talent Divine Luck

  - Must have a Mythical Ability: Authority of the Void

  - Must have at least one million banked experience before Class choice.

  - Must have at least 100 in each Primary Attribute.

  -Must have used ten different class shards when forming their Common Primary Core.

  Note: As the individual ranks up, new and unique Class Shards will add to the capabilities of this class if it is chosen again.

  Class Description: As a Mimicker, you gain the following Class Perks and Class Skills.

  (Class Perk ) Designate Class – At will, you may change what class is returned to skills and spells that identify your class to any class of a class shard that was used to empower your Primary Core.

  (Class Perk) Skill Savant -Due to the unique nature of your Primary Core, you gain Skill Slots at an accelerated rate. Instead of one Skill Slot every 10 levels, you gain six Skill Slots every 10 Class levels.

  (Class Perk) Spell Savant – Due to the Natural Power of your Primary Core and the number of Spell user classes incorporated into its construction, you earn six Spell Slots per Class level instead of one.

  (Class Skill) Analyze - This skill will allow you to identify any Magic Spells, barriers, or items that you encounter within 10 feet. Each use requires 10 Mana.

  (Class Skill) Basic Map –

  Rank: Common

  Required Materials: None

  Range 10 feet

  Mana Cost: None. It requires 100% mana density of the environment within range. A low mana density will have an adverse reaction to this skill.

  In the areas of Low Mana Density, this skill will not update your internal map.

  This skill creates an interactive map that may be accessed and reviewed to any location you have previously visited after the skill was acquired. The map is updated whenever your perception sweeps over the area.

  Areas outside of your perception range or that are blocked by your perception have not been updated.

  Normally, the map can be viewed as an overlay that does not block your vision. However, you can move your point of view onto the map and view anywhere you have visited as if you are in the room again. In this mode, odors and sounds that were present during the last update will be present.

  (Class Skill) Backstab - With this skill, they increase their backstab Multiplier from double to triple.

  (Class Skill) Commune

  Rank: Common

  Range: 10 Feet

  Mana Cost: 10

  Conviction Cost: 100

  Prerequisite: A God or Goddess to Commune with. Defaults to God you are marked by: Keres

  You can send a simple question to your God or Goddess. The question must be answered with a “Yes” or “No.”

  Note: While it only takes a moment to activate this skill, the Divine you contact may or may not answer your question at their whim. Mana is spent immediately But, conviction is not spent until the question is answered.

  (Class Skill) Dodge - Once per hour per rank at no cost, you can dodge any attack of equal or lower Rank. Additionally, your normal chance to dodge is increased by one for every rank in this skill.

  (Class Skill) Heightened Senses

  You have attuned your senses to minute changes in the immediate area around you. Any no magical or hidden skill-based changes within ten feet of you are noticed immediately as long as you have Line of Sight and can see, hear, smell, touch, or taste the change normally. Stealth of equal or higher rank will automatically bypass this skill.

  (Class Skill) Identify

  Rank: Common

  Range: 10 Feet

  Mana Cost: 10

  You may learn general information about any creatures within your range by focusing on them. Only one creature may be targeted at a time.

  This Skill will provide: Rarity, Race, Class/Level.

  (Class Skill) Inventory

  You have been granted a dimensional storage area that may hold up to 10 slots worth of equipment.

  Each slot may hold up to 5 pounds of a single hand-sized item. Multiple Slots may be required for larger items. The number of slots required for any specific item is based on its weight.

  Items summoned from your Inventory will appear either in your hand or on the ground in front of you, as you desire.

  Regardless of the weight of the items you carry, they do not increase your weight.

  (Class Skill) Stealth

  Stealth skill allows you to vanish from sight. Those with special skills or a high perception may pierce your Stealth Skill. Class-based stealth has both mental and physical aspects. Skills and Equipment of equal (with higher perception) or greater rank are required to pierce your stealth.

  Damn! It looked like he’d received all the basic class skills for the primary common classes. He quickly looked over his Status Screen and set his Class as Adept. A class that didn’t seem to be common, and also didn’t describe what he was an Adept of. Next, he looked at the Level notifications. It looked like the 2,040,350 XP had earned him 26 levels. To get to level 27, he needed 227,650 Experience.

  Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Tiffany strode in. “Ah, an Adept,” she said as she concentrated on Anton and smiled. “Also, whatever you did has made it so that my spells can work on you again. Well, they’re still having a hard time working on you, but at least now, instead of nothing,, I’m getting ‘Skill Resisted’ messages.

  “Nice to know, thank you,” Anton said. “Did you bring the Evolutionary Shards?”

  “I did, just so you know, there are many types of Evolutionary Shards, I couldn’t just stick to humanoids. I didn’t have enough. So, if you use all of them, there could be weird side effects.

  “That’s the point, though, isn’t it?” Anton said with a smile, “Let’s see what you have?”

  Tiffany started placing the shards on the table as Anton began analyzing them with his new Analyze skill: Aarakocra, Bugbear, Bullywug, Drow, Duergar, Giff, Githzerai, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Grimlock, Hobgoblin, Jackalwere, Kenku, Kobold, Lizardfolk, Werebear, Wererat, Weretiger, Werewolf, Merfolk, Orc, Human, Sahuagin, Skulk, Thri-Kreen, Troglodyte, Cyclops, Ettin, Hill Giant, Ogre, Imp, Boggle, Hag, Nereid, Pixie, Xorn, Mephit, Gargoyle, Air Elemental, Earth Elemental, Fire Elemental, Water Elemental, Dragon Turtle, Faerie Dragon, Flesh golem, Clay Golem, Ki’rin, Mastiff, Cloaker, Choker, Zombie, Will-O’-Wisp, Vampire, Skeleton, Revenant, Nightwalker, Eidolon, Wight, Banshee, Specter

  “That’s 60 Tiffany said.”

  “I see that”

  “Would you like me to stay in the room or wait outside?”

  “I would suggest you wait outside, just in case something happens,” Anton said.

  “Very well.”

  Anton waited for Tiffany to close the door and then began absorbing the Evolutionary Shards. Anton wasn’t surprised when he received a few notifications after absorbing all sixty Evolutionary Shards.

  Congratulations, you have created your Evolutionary Core!

  All Attributes have been increased by 60.

  Void Core is synergistic with 16.6% of the Evolutionary Core

  You have gained the following Perks:

  (Perk) Undead Empowerment – The Power of the Undead has been further strengthened by your Void Core. Each of the ten undead shards you have incorporated into your Evolutionary core has increased your attributes. +100 to all attributes

  (Perk) Undefinable – Your body has evolved to incorporate many types of creatures and monsters, both living, dead, and undead. When you are identified, the only information that will be returned, regardless of the rank of the skill or spell, is “Inconclusive.”

  (Perk) Malleable Body – With a thought, you can modify your body to adapt to the natural environment. You can grow wings, change your legs to move through water as swiftly as possible, and grow gills to breathe while underwater. Also, while you cannot change your weight, you can increase or decrease the size of your body by 50% and take on the features and complexion of any creature shard that makes up your Evolutionary Core.

  (Perk) Night Vision – With just the barest light, you can see normally. This form of vision does not work in total Darkness.

  (Perk) Infravision – Your vision can detect variations in temperature. This form of vision is useless in areas where there is no variation in temperature.

  (Perk) Echo Location – You emit an ultrasonic sound that reflects off all items within 60 feet. This perk does not improve with rank increases. While active, you cannot be surprised by anything within 60 feet of yourself.

  So, not a Specter anymore. Instead, he was more like a cross between Mr. Fantastic and the Wonder Twins. That could come in really handy. Did that also make it so he could take on the likeness of other people? If so, the changes his Evolutionary Core just gave him could be beneficial. Anton stored his shirt in his Inventory and thought about growing feathered wings. He felt his body shift, and within ten seconds, wings stretched out from his back. He quickly willed himself back to normal and put his shirt back on, which only took another ten seconds. Yep, he was definitely liking the changes.

  Anton tested his Malleable Body for another 10 minutes before he decided that he’d been in the room long enough and stood to leave. As he opened the door into the main room, Tiffany walked up, “Did everything go well?”

  “It did, and thank you. The Evolutionary shards you provided were very useful.”

  “You are quite welcome. I’ve been holding on to some of those shards for years.”

  “I did have a question, there were two Class shards that I wanted to ask you about, specifically where you acquired them.”

  “Really, which ones?” Tiffany asked.

  “Ninja and Samurai”

  “Those two? I remember them. A couple of years back, someone came through and sold me the two-class shards.

  “Did they say where they were from?”

  “They did not, nor have I seen them since.”

  “Damn!” Anton said.

  “Why do you know the origin of those two words?” Tiffany asked.

  “I do, but it’s an ancient tongue and probably not in use, so we’ll just leave it at that,” Anton said.

  “Very well. Is there anything else I can help you with today?”

  “Any idea where I can go to test out my new class?”

  “You wish to go test your new class? That’s easy enough. Just leave the city and walk for about half a mile in any direction. You’ll either run into monsters or bandits.”

  “Wait? Why would there be bandits that close to town?”

  Within the city, we have laws and rules. Outside the wall, well, it’s the wilds.”

  Anton nodded, “Thank you for the information and the time,” as he made his way out of the shop and began walking toward the west end of town. As he walked down the street, he felt like he was in pre-industrial America, yet there were differences, as there was evidence of magic here and there. Also, guards were walking the streets and keeping an eye on things.

  As Anton walked up to the gate, a guard stopped him.

  “Sir, are you thinking of going out of the city dressed like that by yourself?”

  “Dressed like what?”

  “Do you have a weapon, gear, or anything to survive out there?”

  Anton considered how to proceed. That the guard was paying attention and worried about the well-being of someone he didn’t know said a lot about his character, but he didn’t want to get into an argument about the sanity of such a decision. Anton sighed visibly to indicate to the guard that he wasn’t happy with what he seemed about to do and tried to convey that he was resigned to his fate as he leaned toward the guard and said, “My master has indicated that I’ve become a bit too complacent so I am to exit the city with what you see on me and stay outside the walls overnight.”

  “But, sir, that’s a death sentence if some of the wild animals or monsters get you?”

  “Not to worry, my class allows me to utilize magic, and I do have some spells to protect myself as well as a few tools in my minimal inventory,” Anton said. “Now I must be going because I’m sure he’s watching me, even now; I can feel it.”

  The guard nodded, “Very well, Sir. And Good luck.”

  Anton nodded and walked out of the city.