A Novel Concept

The boy's name was Tjay. He almost ran away, and Priam had to hold him back by putting a hand on his shoulder and absorbing his speed. The youngster was so weak that he had immobilized him. The skill seemed to have calmed him down. Tjay then insisted on continuing the discussion away from the pyramid. The dome's inhabitants knew it was an exit. But the Spider Barons had wiped out anyone who tried to leave. Priam wasn't too surprised; according to Tjay, ninety-nine percent of the residents were not fighters.

They would have been bombarded with questions if they had been seen leaving the pyramid. Worse, dozens of representatives of merchants, religions, kingdoms, factions, and guilds would have invited them. Accepting invitations would have placed them on the political chessboard of the dome. Even on the Universe's chessboard. Accepting friendships meant refusing others, and Priam didn't want to close any doors. If his family happened to be in the territory of an enemy...

Priam followed Tjay, being careful to check his back. The boy was young, but Priam had learned to be wary. Claire hadn't seemed like a manipulator...

The young boy knew the alleys like the back of his hand. He had taken several shortcuts before arriving at a small dark alley. Surprisingly, this was relatively rare in this golden dome. The boy had led him through a back entrance into the private room of a bar.

Settled for a few seconds, Priam sipped a hot drink - a kind of delicious hot chocolate. It was important to remember to enjoy life, and his resistance to poison ensured that he could consume his chocolate in peace. His other resistances allowed him to drink the hot drink while Tjay blew on his cup to try to drink without getting third-degree burns. Priam put back his cup.

"Thanks. I have a few more questions for you. You seem to know quite a bit about this new place. I have monster cores. So you won’t waste your time answering my questions."

Priam placed the core of a boar on the table and smiled as the young boy's eyes began to glow. He knows what it is. I've got him.

"It will be my pleasure, Lord Priam. But we must be quick. I'm not the only one watching, and the Dome forces know you're here already. This bar is on the border of several regions, so politics will slow them down for a while, but I suspect that there will be a knock on this door within thirty minutes or so. Less if the Mercenaries want to talk to you. They don't pay much attention to protocol, and I don't want to be there if there's a fight."

Priam frowned. If the Dome factions could find him in thirty minutes, despite the help of a ‘native’, then they were powerful and organized. Which meant they were more complicated to convince. Perhaps he would have to persuade some people more quickly than he expected.

"Mercenaries?"

"Yes, a super faction. They are located throughout the Universe, and their leader is one of the favorites for the eighth Thrones. They are looking for you. I was approached just this morning."

"What?!" Priam leaped to his feet and pointed his spear at the young boy. If Tjay had been approached, perhaps this was all a trap. A faction this powerful wouldn't want to meet with him just to talk about the weather. Surely they would want to recruit him. He clenched his jaw. If that was the case, he would walk out of here, leaving a bloodbath behind. Priam cherished his freedom.

Despite the spear’s tip being centimeters from his face, Tjay answered calmly. He had understood since childhood that it was better never to show his fear. Only his pale face betrayed him. "Don't worry, Lord Priam. Knowing all the factions in such a short time is difficult, but that is my job. The Mercenaries are known to be extremely honest and proud. If they want to talk to you, they will come to you. They've warned just about every information dealer that they're looking for you, and I'll get paid just for giving you that information. It's not a trap. Other factions will probably try to force your hand, but not them."

Priam did not sit down. The boy before him could tell him anything to calm him down. He began to prepare kinetic charges by swinging his spear in the air. He might as well be ready if a fight were to break out. He didn't know the dome, so he didn't care where the battle would be. Fighting in a building was good for him with his skill set - filling the building with mist was easier than the whole dome. Priam began to create mist and manipulated it to stay against the ground. To the untrained eye, the stone floor simply turned white. But the dense layer of mist could instantly fill the room. Still, if this wasn't all a trap, he might as well get some information.

"Why wouldn't they try to force my hand?"

Tjay watched Priam's impressive speed for a few seconds, his eyes round. He couldn't even see the spear moving. Afterimages imprinted themselves on his retina before disappearing. A look from Priam made him find his words again.

"It would be good for you to come to them. They will probably offer you a partnership. Their name is well chosen: they are mercenaries. You do quests for their client, and you get rewarded. They get a small commission, and you get the rest. Joining them does not commit you to anything and can only be beneficial. Most of the fighters in the Universe are part of their Guild."

"What about the disadvantages?"

"Registration is fee-based for most fighters. It's not very expensive, but you must pay according to your Tier. Each Tier evolution requires you to pay again. In exchange, you get access to better missions. Of course, the best benefits are only available to those who actually enter their Guild. I don't know much about it. You'll have to ask them yourself if you're interested. Finally, as the first Baron of Mankind, you may get special benefits..."

Priam thought for a few seconds. Tjay's speech seemed likely. In fact, it was certainly the truth. The boy didn't know him and had no way of knowing if Priam could detect lies. He certainly wouldn’t want to get skewered for lying. That said, there was no indication that Tjay had told the whole truth.

"I'll see about that later. Let's get to the point. And don't call me Lord," Priam said, trying to be reassuring. Few people had let anyone call them 'Lord' for two hundred years, making him uncomfortable. Priam was from France, and at one time, his people used to cut off the heads of the nobility.

"Of course. But... I should warn you that I use [Identification] regularly. For example, you are currently equipping the Title of 'Baron'. That's the reason why I called you Lord. If you don't want to be recognized by everyone, you should change that."

Priam was surprised that Tjay could identify him without him feeling it. He couldn't identify himself and hadn't checked his menus since he woke up. The System was user-friendly, and Priam quickly accessed its settings. He hid his Titles and asked Tjay if he saw much about him.

"Honestly, I still see that you are an exceptional human, possessor of many Titles and an Achievement. It's easy to make the connection with the System announcement. You are the first to kill a Baron in single combat, right?"

The boy's eyes shone. The man before him had passed through death's door and defeated at least one Baron on his own! How could he not be in awe of a man who created such feats?

Priam was almost embarrassed. He had defeated a Baron but lost to a young woman who didn't even have to lift a finger. Claire... I hope you're running far right now. He answered soberly.

"The first, but certainly not the last. But you still see my Titles when I've hidden them?"

"My skill has evolved, and I see some things. I can't see all your secrets, but some of your Titles are visible. Your Achievement too. I can't see your characteristics, but I can gauge your power level, for example."

"And?" Priam was interested. How did he now rank in the power scale of humanity?

"You are the most powerful man I have ever met. I watched the portal a few hours ago when most factions arrived and gauged most of the groups passing through. If I am a candle flame, they are a campfire flame. You are a wildfire. Blinding." Tjay spoke the last word with dreamy eyes, and Priam understood that the young man was identifying him at this very moment.

The boy's words reassured him. He still had a comfortable lead over the rest of humanity, but some were catching up. He was no fool. [He Who Eludes Death] gave him a head start and infinite potential. But he didn't know the secrets of the System. Those who had sold themselves to any of the factions would dodge any misstep. Priam would soon face a Tribulation, yet he knew nothing about it. Information was the lifeblood of the war, and he knew too little. It was time to remedy that.

"Let's get back to the point. If I understand correctly, you can still read me because your skill has evolved. What would happen if I had a skill to hide my information?"

Tjay refocused. "There are several such skills, and not all are equally useful. It's hard to answer this question, but I would see less if you had a skill to mask your information, even of common rarity. A rare skill would block my skill. It's easier to defend than to attack, if you know what I mean."

"I see, yes." I must learn [Mask] as soon as I acquire an extra life. Priam did not wish to allow everyone to follow his exploits. Being incognito could have its advantages.

"Thanks for the information Tjay. Time is short, and I still need answers. Can you track down people who might potentially be in this dome? Or direct me to someone who can? Can you find someone who can tell me about the Tribulations? In general, is there anyone who can explain things about the System?"

"If you want to find known residents, I'm your man! If unknown, then you'll have to ask Mercury. He's a merchant who deals in information and... I wouldn't say he knows everything, but he knows a lot. He can tell you about the System. Of course, if you're willing to join a faction, you'll have all your answers. The Mercenaries will also be able to tell you, but they won't tell you everything as long as you're an outside member."

Mercury? As the god of trade and thieves? A pragmatic merchant, and a guarantor of contracts. Better to have him with you than against you...

"Where can we find this Mercury? And the Mercenaries? They seem to be the solution to my problems." smiled Priam. He preferred to have several possible choices. There was nothing to stop him from comparing the answers he got.

"Mercury has a home on the Ducal palace square. It's the only inhabited house, so it's easy to find. Normally you have to make an appointment but... He will see you. The Mercenaries have taken up residence in the Colosseum."

"The Colosseum?" The capital letter challenged Priam.

"Oh you don't know?!" Tjay sounded excited. "Normally, I charge for the information, but I want to see you fight so it will be free! The Colosseum tests the combat ability of the fighters. There are death fights against monsters and practice fights against System animated statues. The rewards are great, and titles will be..." Tjay paused. A second later, he swore through his teeth. Priam knew instantly that something had happened.

"What's going on?"

"The Alliance is here. They demand to see you. "

Priam began to laugh. "They demand? At least I'm not the only one who didn't understand that the world had changed. Who are they?"

"An alliance of former military and political figures from the old world. They think of uniting humanity and recreating a powerful civilization. With them at the head of this beautiful project of course. They're not very... friendly."

Priam stood up. He didn't need to hear more. He couldn't stay in this bar forever now that he'd been found. All that remained was to find out who was the hunter and who was the prey.

He threw a few cores at Tjay before turning away. He had paid more than the price of some information, but he was still short.

"Meet me outside the Colosseum when I'm done with the buffoons waiting outside. I want a summary of the necessary information to avoid missing any opportunity in this dome. Do we understand each other?"

"I'll be there," the boy replied. Priam nodded. He did not trust Tjay, but he trusted his mercantile spirit. The young man would come alone or with a faction. Either way, Priam would have answers to his questions.

A few seconds later, he was outside. About twenty men and women were in front of him, surrounding the bar's exit. Some of them were equipped with bulletproof vests and riot shields. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to know how to handle their swords. Priam had hoped to see some armor. Maybe another time.

A man in his fifties with a pot belly cleared his throat before speaking.

"Good afternoon, young man. I am Senator Gregar, a member of the Alliance. The Alliance has reason to suspect that you have information about the Revenants. We need this information to protect humanity. We will escort you to our headquarters so you can answer our questions. Follow us." With that, the man turned and began to walk away. The various guards approached Priam.

"Hahahaha."

Gregar turned around as he heard the young man start to laugh.

"Is there something funny?" he asked with a frown.

Priam managed to stop laughing after a few seconds. "Yes. I just heard a former politician who barely walks ask me to follow him. He came with a score of men who don't know how to hold a sword to make a strong impression. Normally I would have just laughed at you, but you said the magic word. What do you know about Revenants, old man?"

The senator was close to apoplexy.

“Get him!”

Priam charged.

"For the Horde!" Priam did not forget to announce his attack.

He accelerated in a split second before colliding with the riot shield of a guard. Discharging two kinetic charges on impact, the guard was thrown into the air. Priam continued his run, leaving the rest of the soldiers behind. A second later, he tackled the senator. The old man fell to the ground, Priam on top of him, the tip of the hoplite spear to his stomach. A few feet behind him, the guard's body fell to the ground with a horrible sound. Priam gritted his teeth.

"What do you know about Revenants?"

The senator was choking back sobs, and Priam realized that he had broken several bones. He had hit the human at great speed and Gregar did not seem to have a high constitution. Unfortunately for the senator, Priam was not very interested in his moans. He turned to the guards.

"One more step and I'll cut the old man." The threat stopped the soldiers. Priam repeated his question.

"What do you know about Revenants?" Priam asked.

The senator continued to cry. Priam moved his spear and pierced his hand. He was angry.

"What do you know about Revenants?"

The senator's screams increased for a few moments before calming down. He looked up at the young man and realized that it was useless to expect pity. Sobbing, he answered.

"Almost nothing. Their cult has captured a dome and our agents are dropping one after another. It's a strange religion, and we're afraid they'll convert humans by force. Our agents are normally trained to resist this kind of manipulation."

"A religion?" Priam frowned. Anne and Albin had never mentioned gods or worship.

"The Cult of the Revenants. They claim to be able to resurrect the relatives of their members. Normally they would only get snickers, but... some dead people are coming back. One of our agents has confirmed that his grandfather, who died before the Tutorial, has returned to life."

"..." Priam was lost. Anne and Albin had not slaughtered twenty fighters to resurrect them. The Revenants were killers. But the Alliance had had to confirm the grandfather's identity. They looked stupid, but Priam didn't think they were that stupid. What do Anne, Albin and a cult that resurrects people have in common? Maybe the Revenants had nothing to do with this cult, but Priam doubted it. He had a lead and wasn't about to let it go.

"I believe you. But why do you want information about them?" Priam asked.

"The Alliance is fighting many factions at once, with few victories. We need victories to improve our image and attract volunteers. Non-human entities back the other factions. They don't want the well-being of humanity! We are the only chance for human civilization!" Gergar began to raise his voice and Priam turned his spear to call the senator to order. The senator groaned.

"Calm down. That's all good, but what the hell am I doing here?"

"One of our prophets told us you were connected to the Revenants. His gift is developing, so he didn't know any better. But from your reaction, he was right." Gregar accused.

"Good deduction Sherlock. Where is this Cult?"

"In another dome. They renamed their city Viracocha. That's also the name of their so-called god." replied the senator.

"Blasphemy must be punished." said a voice behind Priam.

Priam turned around instantly. No one was there. The remaining nineteen guards looked at him in horror. The sound of a sponge being wrung out was heard and Priam turned around again.

To a dozen meters from him stood a masked woman. Her golden mask was reminiscent of Inca culture, and her blood-red clothing did not invite a calm discussion. Looking down, Priam realized that the senator was dead. His skull had been punctured, certainly by the blood-dripping dagger of the fanatic. Priam had not felt the assassin's movement. I'll have to keep [Moon Mist] active. She could have attacked me.

"To whom do I have the honor?" asked Priam.

"Sheyhai. Member of Anatole's guard, Grand Master of the Revenants." the assassin declared.

Priam could have questioned her. He could have acquired useful information. But he would have plenty of time to do that to Viracocha. The monk could flee, but not the temple.

[Kinetic Control] x8! Priam's spear disappeared. He had never thrown his spear so fast, not even in the fight against the third Baron.

Lvl Up : [Throw] lvl 6,7,8
DEXT +3

The weapon disappeared from everyone's sight. A dozen different factions were watching the fight, but no one saw the beginning of the movement. Priam raised his spear and a second later the building behind Sheyhai exploded. The stone had not withstood the energy contained in the spear.

When the stones finished falling to the ground, Priam went for his weapon in dead silence. The hoplite spear had gone through three walls before it crashed into a fourth. Sheyhai's blood had splattered on the street's cobblestones for forty meters. Not much remained of the woman's torso. Her surprised head had rolled to the gutter. The young man barely glanced at it.

Priam had killed a human for the first time. Yet he didn't feel much. Just a void. It had been easy. Soon his breath quickened. This murder had brought him closer to his goal. One less woman between him and Claire...

"I have eluded Death so many times. Here is a life to make up for it. More are coming."

Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)

PHYSICAL:
Strength 83
Constitution 103
Agility 108
Vitality 164
Perception 130

MENTAL:
Vivacity 102
Dexterity 93
Memory 33
Willpower 68
Charisma 72

META:
Meta-affinity 53
Meta-focus 52
Meta-endurance 1
Meta-chance 40

Potential: 520
Tier 0