Chapter 7

Character Name: Lucas

Level: -57

Hit Points: 240

Arcane Energy: 600

Stamina: 100

Holy Energy: Class Locked

Current Class: Enchanter

Stats:

Arcanum [increases Arcane Energy by 10 per point]: 50

Holy [No Effect/Class Locked]: 0

Athletics [increases Stamina by 10 per point]: 0

Fortitude [increases Hit Points by 1% per point]: 0

Charisma: 30

Luck: 0

Unspent: 60

Current Elemental Attunement:

Lightning Affinity: 0.5%

Effects: +1% Lightning Element Damage

+2% Lightning Element Channeling Speed

-1% Non-Lightning Element Channeling Speed

+0.25% Lightning Element Damage Resistance

Combat Proficiencies:

None

“So, what exactly are we doing?” Bonnie asked. “Not that I mind—I’m down for anything—but it’d be nice to start figuring out how much to charge you.”

“You’re still going to nickel and dime him?” Nick scoffed. “You think after the class he just got you that the least you could do is work a few missions for free.”

“We’re off to go find a damsel in distress,” Lucas answered quickly, pulling up his map and checking how much further it was till they reached the Alfar city.

“You do realize the town we’re going to . . . It kinda hates Imperium, right?” Nick asked.

“Not to worry, boss: I got just the thing for getting in.” Bonnie pulled out sets of false wooden ears that were so poorly carved that it was instantly obvious she had made them herself.

“You know, that probably won’t work, right?” Lucas asked, gesturing toward the prop. “I don’t know how dumb you think they are, but I’m pretty sure that any Alfar will be able to tell that I’m not one of them just from my frame alone.” Lucas wasn’t fat, but he also lacked the pole-thin, effeminate frame that was common even among male Alfar.

“Oh . . .” Bonnie looked at the ears she had made somewhat sadly. “Well, whatever. Just thought you’d look cute as an Alfar.”

“So, if the disguise isn’t going to work, are we just gonna level up and wait for nightfall?” Nick asked, swinging his weapon around as they walked. His attention was clearly divided between the conversation and his new class, which he had been bragging about for a good portion of their journey. The Dark Knight was essentially a Paladin, but it used offensive magic instead of heals and defense. As such, instead of a scepter, the class used an oddly shaped, pointed staff that did well in conjunction with their Chi attack forms. “We could try sneaking in then?”

“I could put together a better disguise if I have a little time. You might not pass for an Alfar, but with the right amount of fur here and there, we can definitely get you looking like a Were-Wolf, Lion or maybe even Bear,” Bonnie suggested.

“You’re really pushing hard to get Lucas into cosplay, aren’t you?” Nick asked. “You know he isn’t into that stuff, right?”