“Err … Isn’t it like stealing from the dead?” Lana asked.

“I wasn’t asked for my opinion, it just started on its own. Might as well go along and see what happens.” Nori directed her thoughts at the last message. Yes.

The stream of light started again. It poured out of the alien body, through Nori’s, and reached out to Lana and Nathan, disappearing into them.

Nori's eyes became distant as she read the next lines.

Extracted 5 Tec (First-time bonus: 50% success rate)

+3 Levels

Congratulations on reaching your first level!

As this is the first time your Tec has reached critical mass, you are required to go through the initialization process

Racial Trait--

“Err, are you guys seeing this as well?” Lana asked haltingly. “I just got a bunch of weird messages. Apparently, I’ve reached Tec critical mass or something …”

“I’m seeing the same thing,” Nori said. “I think it’s important. It might hold some answers to what we’re going through. We’re safe for now, so let's take the time to go through everything carefully.” The tall woman turned her attention back to the hovering lines of text.

Racial Traits (Human, 8% Relict compatibility). Select One:

Attribute Boost: +1 point per level

Level Suppression: -2 level prerequisites

Tec Infusion Boost: +5% Tec infusion (base: 10%)

“It says I have an eight percent Relict compatibility, whatever that is, and it’s asking me to select a racial trait,” Lana said nervously. “What should I do?”

“Same here,” Nori said. “The attribute boost is tempting. I’m pretty strong and my Strength attribute is only two. If we get a free point every time we level up it could make us incredibly powerful. I’m betting Bulco put everything he had into strength. That would explain how he was able to send that giant Warped flying with only his fist.”

Nathan shook his head firmly.

Nori frowned, “You disagree?”

The young man nodded.

“I think I know what he means,” Lana said. “The extra point sounds good at first, but it could have a diminishing return. It really depends on how many levels you can get. Even the alien was only level six, so it probably means gaining higher levels is very difficult. For all we know, there might be a maximum level cap or maybe points lose their value after a certain threshold.”

Nathan patted Lana’s shoulder in approval.

“I guess it’s possible,” Nori said. “And regarding the Level Suppression trait, I think I’ve got a pretty good idea what that means, the Disruptor for example.”

Lana nodded. “That makes sense. What do you think plus five percent Tec infusion means?”

Nori considered the question. “I think that Tec is the alien version of Experience Points in computer games. Once you have enough XP, you level up. So with a five percent increase …”

“You would level up faster,” Lana followed through.

“That’s what I’m thinking.”