Riftside - Chapter 54

I ripped Roq from the Titanfang's brain with a battle cry that echoed off the chamber walls, and was joined by Knut's deeper bellow, then Wade's shout, and finally Nabeeh's higher-pitched scream of victory, the sound filling the chamber.

Benedict cleared his throat and stared at us, one by one, then shrugged.

“I suppose that was actually a decent fight.”

“WHERE IS IT!?” Roq's voice thundered in my skull. “Where is my bloody level-up? This makes no sense!”

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said!” Roq grumbled. “I didn't level up. After all that beautiful violence, after my PERFECT kill... nothing! Not even a tiny ding!”

“Hold on.”

“Knut!” I called out. “Guard the north tunnel! Wade — watch the opening above us. Benedict, Nabeeh — east tunnel. Stay alert. More could come any second. We need to hold until Edwin returns.”

“Are you even listening to me?” Roq said. “I didn't get my chaos-cursed level-up!”

I hopped down from the Titanfang's massive corpse, my boots landing on the floor scarred by the worm's thrashing. Gouges marked where its armored bulk had slammed into stone again and again.

“I heard you.” I strode toward where the scavengers huddled near 'home'. “If you didn't level up, you need more experience. Why the panic?”

“No.” Roq's tone grew darker. “I'm at one hundred percent. Exactly one hundred percent. Not ninety-nine. Not ninety-nine point nine. One. HUNDRED. PERCENT!”

“That... doesn't sound right.”

“No shit! That’s what I’m saying!” Roq growled.

“Okay, fine. Something is weird, but just, hold on. I need to check on Garret’s group first.”

“This can't wait!” Roq scoffed. “This is power leveling we're talking about! Way more important than Garret!”

I reached the tunnel where Garret sat cradling his arm against his chest. Eryn knelt in front of him, lips pressed into a thin line.

“It's not broken,” she said. “You're lucky. How can you be so stupid, leaning out like that just to get a better view?”

Garret opened his mouth but Eryn cut him off.

“If you're supposed to be a leader, you need to act like one and do better.” Her voice cracked like a whip. “Getting smacked by a worm that size? You should be embarrassed. You could have been killed. And for what?”

“It’s not that he was smacked by a giant monster, but he was smacked by a freaking worm!” Nina laughed, smacking him on the back of his head. Not hard, but enough to drive the point home.

Garret's jaw tightened, his expression becoming unreadable, and my eyebrows lifted in surprise. I didn't often hear Eryn raise her voice.

“Once Alex returns, you should be fine. Until then, sit still,” she said.

I noticed a dent in Garret's new plate mail where the Titanfang had struck him. 

“You all right?”

“We're fine,” Finn said with a chuckle. “He got lucky. I think Eryn's words might have even cut deeper than the Titanfang's bash.”

“Good.” I nodded toward Eryn. “Walk with me?”

She sighed but stood, following as I moved along the wall. We glanced down the west tunnel, but there was still no sign of Edwin's team.

“What's wrong?” I asked.

“I'm fine,” she answered too quickly.

I gave her a look and waited. She exhaled heavily.

“It's just... frustrating. Going from being part of the trio that handled everything to watching.” She kicked a small stone. “I know I'm lucky to even be here on the run, and even more so that you became classed in time, but it still sucks to feel like I'm being left behind.”

She glanced away.

“I understand, love, but we can’t bend the rules just so you don’t feel that way,” I said. “I do understand, and next time we go out will be as a party. You know that, right?”

“I do, and I don't want you thinking about it now or getting distracted, but I didn't want you to misinterpret my mood. So there, that's all it is.”

I nodded, falling quiet as we continued around the chamber, and I put an arm around her, pressing my lips against hers.

“Shouldn’t have done that, I know, but I couldn’t help it,” I said and she chuckled, slapping my chest playfully.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry. It’s just that I wanted to help, you know?”

“I do, and you will soon enough.”

We reached Knut and Wade by the north tunnel, the latter looking up through the opening while keeping watch.

“Hey Knut, can you help me?” Wade asked.

Knut raised an eyebrow. 

“Help what?”

Wade pulled out his giant crossbow with a grin.

“Reload this beauty.”

“Happy to!” Knut's face lit up as they worked together on cocking the heavy weapon, but both kept an eye on the tunnel.

Eryn glanced toward the massive Titanfang carcass dominating the chamber center, her bow loose in her hand.

“It sucks being on the sidelines. I’m sure I could have helped one way or another.”

“I get it,” I said softly. “If the roles were reversed, if you'd made classed and I hadn’t, it would have eaten at me too, but rules are rules. We can’t pour monster guts on Edwin’s invitation just because we both want you to be on the frontline.”

Eryn nodded, shifting her weight.

“That's true. I’m sorry.”

A smile tugged at her lips as we passed the east tunnel where Nabeeh stood watching Benedict fussing with his robe, brushing dirt from the front and adjusting the collar and cuffs.

“You know,” Nabeeh said, “That noblewoman isn't here. You can relax for one dungeon run.”

Benedict's hands froze mid-adjustment. His eyes narrowed.

“Perhaps I'd be more relaxed if someone hadn't nearly set me on fire with their flame breath.”

“Oh, I was just trying to loosen you up a bit,” Nabeeh said, grinning. “What with that icicle up your backside and all.”

Eryn chuckled beside me, and I fought to keep my own expression neutral but was doing a bad job.

“And you,” Benedict sneered at Nabeeh, “Have all the manners of a seedy tavern wench. How can you even listen to yourself? No, even worse. How do you live with that foul mouth of yours?”

“Why thank you!” Nabeeh attempted an elaborate bow, sweeping her arm wide and one foot back. “I do try to—” Her foot caught on a Brambleback carcass behind her and she tumbled sideways, twisting to land flat on her chest with an undignified grunt.

Benedict's lip curled.

“Don't bother getting up. Just stay down. That way you can look up to your betters.”

“Enough, Benedict,” I cut in before Nabeeh could respond. “Focus and keep watch. You too, Nabeeh.”

She laughed and picked herself back up, dusting off her robes.

“Don't be so serious, boss. We just escaped death. Let us decompress a little.”

“We keep good watch!” Knut called from the north tunnel. “Worry not!”

I nodded, supposing they probably were. It was just weird to suddenly not only be a classed adventurer fighting on the frontline, but also being responsible for their lives and for giving them orders. That didn’t come natural to me, but I tried my hardest to be fair and make sure I didn’t screw up.

I looked at Eryn as we made our way to the south tunnel where the Titanfang's massive corpse blocked the path. Only a hands-breadth of space remained between its bulk and the wall, and that gap extended only a short way before the worm's body completely filled the passage.

Eryn leaned in beside me, her shoulder brushing mine.

“Nothing's getting in or out of that tunnel. Wonder how it even moved.”

“Slowly,” I sighed. “I really hope this wasn't the way to the breeding chamber. Otherwise we're in trouble because there's no way I can get that carcass into my spatial storage.”

“You sure about that?” Eryn asked.

I glanced at her and shrugged before touching and trying to drag the Titanfang into storage. Nothing happened, just as expected.

Eryn chuckled.

“Well, it was worth a try.”

“Sure was. Maybe someone on Edwin’s team has enough room. We’ll see.”

She touched my shoulder gently.

“Keep up the good work, Ash. I know it isn’t easy for you, so I’m sorry for…earlier. I’ll do my best to be supportive.” Then she headed back around the worm, and to where the other scavengers waited.

I moved after her, going to the front of the Titanfang and staring into its gaping maw. Behind me, Knut grunted with effort, both feet on the stirrup as he hauled on the string of Wade's massive crossbow.

“You know,” Wade said with a smirk, “If you're not strong enough, I do have a crank. Takes longer but it's guaranteed to work.”

“Balls freeze off before give up resetting simple crossbow,” Knut growled through gritted teeth.

“How many crossbows do you actually have, Wade?” Nabeeh called over.

Wade pulled out a small, sleek crossbow.

“Got two of these, loaded with poisoned bolts.” He waved it vaguely in Benedict's direction.

Benedict ducked.

“Watch where you point that thing, you maniac!”

Wade rolled his eyes as he replaced the small crossbow in his spatial storage. He drew out a medium-sized crossbow next.

“This one's for long-distance shots. It’s precise and has a decent kick.”

Benedict raised an eyebrow.

“Why carry so many?”

“Switching to a new crossbow is faster than reloading,” Wade said.

“Then why were you reloading earlier?” I asked.

Wade shrugged.

“We were doing good. I prefer to fight with my main crossbow to keep the others as backups for when they're actually needed.” He pointed a thumb at the Brambleback with a hole through its chest. “Like with that thing.” He nodded toward Knut who still struggled with the oversized weapon. “Besides, it's a lot of effort to reset this thing and I don't want the party to have to wait around for me to reload.”

Finally, with a resounding click, Knut managed to latch the huge crossbow string into place, and he sighed heavily, straightening and putting his hands on his back.

“Crossbow tougher than mothers bread!”

I looked at the carcasses scattered across the chamber floor — Bramblebacks, Ring Beetles, Rotmasks, Riftcrowns, and the giant Titanfang dominating the center.

“We should clear some of these bodies,” I said. “Just in case more show up.”

I waved at Benedict. 

“Take your first pick.”

He hesitated, fingers playing with a loose thread on his sleeve. Then he shook his head. 

“Not using my first pick for this fight.”

I scoffed. 

“First pick isn't some trump card to pick whatever rare monster you want in the dungeon. It means you get first choice after one fight. And we've already been generous not making it count for the lower-level trash monsters, including your little stunt earlier. So you pick now or give it up.”

Benedict's face reddened. 

“That was never made clear! First pick should mean calling a monster carcass — this is crap!”

“That's not how it works,” Wade said, slotting a bolt into his crossbow and storing it. “Everyone knows the first pick is immediate.”

Nabeeh nodded.

“It's just one first pick, Benedict. Use it or lose it,” she said.

“This is completely unacceptable! I should be able to save my pick for something worthwhile of my contribution!”

“Oh, this is better than watching Ma haggle at the market!” Roq said. “Though I do wish there was more blood involved. And spikes. And explosions. Rivers of blood!”

I sighed, raising a hand.

“Quiet, please.” When they fell silent, I turned to Benedict. “I'll make you an offer. You want to call dibs on one specific monster? Give up your claim to all other monster carcasses and loot for the dungeon run.”

Benedict's eyes narrowed.

“What monster?”

“If we find another spider like the one from last time, then you may claim it,” I said.

“My, my, aren't we being careful with our words?” Roq chuckled.

I pushed on.

“In return, you have to rent out your spatial storage to the group, giving two slots to each of the adventurers to help carry loot.”

Benedict stroked his chin, considering the offer.

“Wait!” Wade protested. “If that kind of monster is truly so rare, then it must also hold an incredibly high-value gem!”

Nabeeh crossed her arms.

“We shouldn't have to give up our share of something that valuable.”

Benedict smiled.

“I accept the deal.”

“This is my decision,” I said. “Think of it like this. He's gambling on meeting a specific monster, but in return, you are guaranteed more loot.”

“Unless he dies.”

“True.”

The others settled down, though Wade still grumbled about it for a minute longer.

“Roq, which monsters have gems in them?”

“Oh, NOW he pays attention to me,” Roq grumbled. “After IGNORING my perfectly legitimate concerns about not being able to level up!”

“Don't be a diva.”

“Don't be a—excuse me? Do you even KNOW me?”

I sighed internally.

“Fine, I'll listen to you. But please, let’s just do the looting first.”

“Well,” Roq's voice took on a considering tone. “Since you asked so nicely. Two of the Bramblebacks have gems. One of the Rotmasks. Both of those Ring Beetles by the east wall, and that riftcrown. Happy now?”

We swiftly divided the larger and more valuable carcasses, and I made sure Knut and I took the three with gems. Then the scavengers moved in, filling up on Ring Beetles and Riftcrowns, with Eryn taking the three with gems in them.

I walked to the north tunnel entrance taking over the watch, scanning for movement while behind me excited chatter broke out about the Titanfang.

“How can we get this back?” Garret said. “We could make incredible armor from it.”

“And there's more than enough for everyone,” Finn added. “If we can just get it loose.”

“The plates alone may be more valuable than some of the smaller carcasses,” Wade mused. “As long as they don't have gems.”

I kept my eyes fixed on the north tunnel.

“So, what did you mean earlier about being at one hundred percent but not leveling up?”

“Ah, finally!” Roq's voice held an edge of frustration. “You know when you're swinging at a monster, and you KNOW it's a perfect hit—but then at the last second, the little bastard pulls away?”

“Yeah, I guess?”

“That's exactly how this feels. I should be level ten. I should have caught up with you. Instead,” Roq growled, “I feel stuck. Like something's holding me back.”

I frowned and opened my soul chart, navigating to Roq's statistics.

NAME: Vannash' Khazeesh (Roq)

WEAPON CLASS: Hammer

LEVEL: 9

EXPERIENCE: [||||||||||] 100%

WEAPON TYPE: Bludgeoning

ATTACK SPEED: High

RANGE: Short

NOTE: Weapon ready for breakthrough.

SPECIAL:

NAME: Power of the Hammer

TYPE: Passive

DESCRIPTION: +30% Strength 

NAME: Impact Amplification

TYPE: Passive

DESCRIPTION: Every attack delivered using this weapon will deal far greater damage than it would ordinarily do.

NAME: Armour Disruption

TYPE: Passive

DESCRIPTION: Armour seems to soften or become brittle under the weapon's repeated strikes.

ABILITIES:

NAME: Blood Forge

TYPE: Active / Self-Heal

DESCRIPTION: Transform stored monster carcasses into energy that amplifies the wielder's natural regeneration.

NAME: Armor Break

TYPE: Active / Attack

DESCRIPTION: Channel a crushing force into the hammer's head and release it on direct impact, delivering a blow that can crack armor and temporarily stun the target.

NAME: Forge Anchor

TYPE: Active / Debuff

DESCRIPTION: Strike the ground and release a mass of steel-husk mana that attacks and roots any target in place.

“Riftrot.”

“What? What's wrong?” Roq demanded.

I hesitated, weighing how to explain this. “Your soul chart, it says you're ready for a breakthrough.”

Silence stretched for a moment.

“What in the flaming skull crusher does that mean?”

“I have no idea,” I admitted. “But if it means we need another Soul Gem,” I sighed. “You might be stuck at level ten forever, because I don't think I'm that lucky.”

The roar that filled my mind made me stumble. 

“UNACCEPTABLE!” Roq's fury crashed through my thoughts like a storm. “I refuse! I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to be trapped at this pathetic level while you keep growing stronger! This is an OUTRAGE! A TRAVESTY! An absolute INSULT to everything I stand for! Do you have ANY idea how hard I've worked? How many monsters I've helped you slaughter? And now you're telling me I might be STUCK HERE?”

“Calm down, drama queen,” I said, rubbing my temple. “Maybe it's something else. Maybe you just need a Class Gem, okay? Don’t get your handle all twisted.”

“Handle? What does it have to do with this!”

“It’s just—never mind. Look, maybe we just need some mind gems. Relax. We’ll figure it out.”

“Oh sure, because class gems are SO easy to find!” Roq's sarcasm could have stripped paint. “And who's ever heard of a HAMMER needing a class? What would I even be? 'Master of Bonking Things Really Hard'?”

“Maybe it’s a good thing?”

“HOW?”

“Think of how much stronger I became after my breakthrough.”

I held my breath as Roq went blessedly silent.

“Movement from the west tunnel!” Eryn's call cut through my internal dialogue.

I rushed over, Roq seemingly still pondering on the implications of him being stuck at level ten and what a breakthrough might do for him.

Far in the distance, I made out familiar figures approaching.

“It's Edwin!” I called out.

As the Commander and his group drew near, his face twisted, staring at the massive Titanfang corpse sprawled across the floor.

“What in the class cursed riftrot happened here?” he asked as and broke into a jog, making his way into the room.

“We held as ordered, sir,” I said, keeping my voice steady, trying to keep the pride out.

“No shit,” Isaac said, voice filling the room. “That is one impressive kill.”

Alex glanced around.

“Who's hurt?”

“Check Garret,” Eryn said. “Got clipped by the worm. Knut too.”

Ming slowly walked along the Titanfang, her staff tapping against the stone floor. “This is the largest worm I've ever seen.”

“I've seen bigger,” Nina chuckled, and I turned to see her wiggling her eyebrows at Alex.

Finn smacked her shoulder.

“Be serious.”

Isaac and Rowan walked around the chamber with Edwin and me, examining the carnage.

“Well done holding this position,” Edwin said. “I knew I could count on you, and this proves it.”

“Thanks, sir. What did you face down there?” I asked. “We heard fighting.”

“A damn long tunnel, followed by what felt like an unending horde of Ruptureborn.”

“What's a Ruptureborn?” Nabeeh asked.

“Lean, sinewy things,” Isaac said. “Taller than Edwin and bloody scythe-like claws for arms. They move fast but hit even faster. And harder.”

“They were annoying,” Rowan agreed quietly. “But died fast.”

Edwin continued.

“In the end, it was just another room with more monsters, and no other exits.”

“What next?” I asked.

“When the other groups catch up, we have them check the remaining tunnels. In the meantime, start carving up that Titanfang. We might need to go that way.”

“Yes, sir,” Benedict said and sighed dramatically, plucking at his robes. “I’m never going to get the stink of worm out of these. Curse my life.”