Ch. 5: A Normal Life?
Even though Phil was told we could get up at any time he wanted, he still got up at the regular time he had always been during the last few weeks. It had become a sort of routine; he had gotten so used to it. He ate his breakfast, and went outside of the building. This time, Agent Marco was not talking with General Maestro or Jr. Officer Medin. Instead, his back was to the building, and seemed to be staring off into space, lost in his own thoughts.
Agent Marco had stated that this was a "day of rest," so probably didn't have anything planned for today. He didn't look like he was waiting for him, anyway.
Agent Marco turned around, surprised to see his student up at this time. "What are you doing up so early?" he asked.
"Well…I guess I've gotten used to this schedule, and it's become a routine," replied Phil.
"Careful," said Marco to Phil's surprise. "Routine is the one thing that gets you killed. With routine comes predictability; anyone will be able to predict what your next move is. 'If one could be always acquainted beforehand with the enemy's designs, one would always beat him with an inferior force.' You must be unpredictable, so no one knows what your next move is."
Phil just stood there, stunned.
Agent Marco looked at him, and then said, "You don't have to stand there. You can go do whatever you want, except get in trouble."
Phil nodded, and went off somewhere to do whatever he had planned to do.
For a while, he was either in his room reading the humungous skill book, primarily the second half, looking at words that he had never seen or heard of before, wondering what powers they would bring. Either that or he was lying on his bed, restless, daydreaming about the day he would be as powerful as his teacher, and suddenly realizing the hard, monotonous work and training he had to go through to attain that goal.
Halfway through his reading, he had Agent Marco enter his room (he had the door open, he didn't mind people coming in and out of his room—after all, the size of it made it feel more like a living room), and sat down next to Phil on the oversized bed. Agent Marco told Phil that it was extremely likely that he had ESP. Phil had no idea what his teacher was saying; even when Marco said it stood for extra-sensory perception, he still did not understand.
"It means that your senses are sharpened to the point that you can feel something outside of your regular five senses."
"I do?"
"Yes. That was one of the things I was talking to General Maestro and Jr. Officer Medin about. Through everything we observed about your training, this was one of the things that we noticed. That is perhaps why you leveled so fast, and your reflexes are so fast as well."
Phil nodded, though he didn't quite understand everything yet.
"You also seem to be ambidextrous."
"Ambi-what?"
"Ambidextrous. It means you can use one hand as well as the other. Usually, a person is either right handed or left handed. You are both. This will come extremely useful in battle; you can use two different weapons at the same time, one with each hand."
"I can?"
"Yes," said Agent Marco, nodding.
"Well, that's all. You can go back to your reading." Marco left.
A few hours later, Phil came outside and did some running, even though that he wasn't told to do any. At first, Phil had thought this day was going to be fun; a rest from all the tedious and monotonous training was nice. But now he had mixed feelings about this day; he found himself bored out of his mind. And he was also anxious, to some extent, to learn about the new skills; the skills and artes that were almost to be lost forever. To kill time, he tried out a couple of the 3rd job skills, sometimes going out into Off-Limits (with permission), usually failing to successfully cast them.
-X-
The next day, he once again woke up at the regular time, ate breakfast at the regular time, and came out at the regular time. A routine. Still, he had not forgotten the words of his teacher: routine is the one thing that gets you killed.
"So," Phil asked Marco, bouncing on his feet and swinging his arms to and fro. "What are we going to learn today?"
Agent Marco smiled, and then said "I've never seen anyone so anxious to learn something as hard as this."
Phil stopped moving, and then replied, "Well, I've done a lot of training. I've sort of gotten the feel."
"Alright, then. As I have already said, the third job skills are more powerful and than any of the previous skills. But due to the fact that they are more powerful, they are also harder to learn. Have you learned any by yourself?"
Phil thought for a few moments, and then said "I've tried Brandish and Shout. And Combo Attack. Though, I hadn't been able to get any orbs. I was pretty good with the White Knight's elemental charges, but couldn't set off Charged Blow. I also tried the Marauder's Energy Charge, but couldn't hold onto energy long enough to use Energy Blast or Energy Drain. Then there were Blizzard and Inferno. I was able to use those. I was also able to summon a Thunder Spear, though I wasn't able to aim well because I sort of had a hard time controlling it. And then…"
"That's enough," Marco said, raising his hand and cutting him off. "I think you can practice those in your spare time. However, there is a new concept that you must learn."
"A third job concept?"
"No. The concept of science. I am sure you've heard about it. Ice melting at zero degrees Celsius, gravity keeps you down and not float away, every actions has its equal and opposite reaction." Marco looked at Phil, who was listening intently.
"However, this science isn't the usual science that you usually see or hear about. This is going deeper. Much deeper."
"You see, virtually all the Agents' skills are linked to that science." Someone brought over a stand, displaying a picture of an atom.
"The first thing that you must know about is the atoms. As you may or may not know, atoms make up everything there is; they are the building blocks of virtually everything. They are so small, they, well; let's just say you're not going to see one anytime soon.
"There are also these sub-atomic particles that make up the atoms; at the center there's the nucleus, which is composed of neutrons and protons. Neutrons have a neutral charge; protons have a positive charge. Around them, they have electrons orbiting them, which contain a negative charge.
"Each atom is like this. There are these elements—no, not the wind, fire, ice, earth, thing—have a different number of protons, electrons, and neutrons. It has been said that the world operates on the force/ energy called mana. However, all mana literally comes from the energy of the atoms; the orbiting of the electrons, and the chemical reactions of the atoms, which will be explained later."
Agent Marco flipped the first image over, with the second showing a picture of the Periodic Table.
"This is the Periodic Table. It contains over a hundred elements." He could see that his student was baffled by it.
"Don't worry. You don't have to remember it. This is to show the different elements; at least, in science."
Agent Marco showed a few more images, and then stopped.
"The reason I am showing you all this, is because the Agents' skills relate directly to this." He somehow pulled out the skill book that Phil had, and flipped to the page where it contained the Agents' skills.
"You have known about mana, and how they are used; by harnessing the energy, they can use with their attacks. However, all of this actually comes from the atoms."
"The atoms are the base of all this. The Agents take the energy directly from the atoms—atomic energy, so to speak. This is how their artes and attacks are so powerful."
"Controlling the mana is tough; however, controlling the energy from the atoms is even tougher. That is why people must wait until the third job to learn how to use the power of the atoms, since it takes such an incredible amount of force and energy. Movement produces energy; the movement of the electrons orbiting the nucleus at lightning fast speed is what produces the energy of the mana. So basically, mana comes from atoms."
"But…if it's so hard, how will I be able to do it?" asked Phil.
"Don't worry. We're just going to learn about this for only a bit. You will practice the other skills; that will help you with controlling the energy of the atoms.
-X-
"I remember you were awed by weapons and gadgets I showed you 2 days ago."
Phil just smiled.
"I think we'll look at those things as a whole. They will also help with your training. After all, you do need to use those effectively and efficiently as well.
They went into the building, where all the gadgets and equipment were.
"I'll start with the rockets." He picked one up. It wasn't much larger than a Steely.
"These are extremely small. However, they pack quite a punch. They are usually stored in magazine." He showed him the magazine, and then said "This magazine stores a dozen of these rockets. They go into your Laser Rifle, which can be launched from there."
"Due to its size, it can only carry a minimal amount of fuel. This is why there is something that is called a 'ramjet' inside. A ramjet is a type of engine that is designed to work at very high speeds, at least 600 miles per hour. When the fuel is exhausted, the fuel canister and main engine drop out and disintegrates—that I will talk about later—and the ramjet kicks in. Air is forced, or 'rammed' should I say, through the air intake vents at the front of the engine. They have no moving parts and are very lightweight." Agent Marco held it in his hand as if weighing it.
"There are also the fins and the camera. The fins flip out when the canister and engine drop out. They control the flight of the rocket, allowing extremely tight aerial maneuvers. The camera locks onto the target, which is also wirelessly connected to the Rifle. The nose cone, the top of the rocket, has an impact trigger, so they won't detonate in midair or inside the magazine. It detonates the approximately 40 grams of plastic explosive packed inside."
He held up another container, similar to the one that held the rockets, but significantly smaller.
"This contains the micro-ton bombs. They are small, so you can easily carry dozens of them. You place these inside the compartment that holds them."
"They explode upon impact, although they are not armed until it is channeled through the Laser Rifle; that way, they don't explode inside the container."
"Now about your other equipment. Your Receivers inside each have a small weight, a microgenerator, and a capacitor—a device that stores energy in a magnetic field. As you move your head, the weight moves, which causes the generator to spin; this allows it to keep it charged."
"The two also generate a magnetic field themselves. It is completely harmless to the wearer; however, they are able to minimize damage that comes to your head."
"Next is the suit. It is made from a countless number of materials, such as carbon nanofibers; it would be tedious and probably a waste of time to list everything. Let's just say that it is bulletproof, fireproof, waterproof, laser resistant, and magic resistant."
Phil was sitting quietly, listening to every single detail the entire time.
Agent Marco continued. "Now for the shoes. The main thing is that they have retractable cleats. The cleats are drawn and withdraw when you tap the shoes together. There is a system within them that causes that. Useful when you're in icy places like El Nath, or when you just want to increase the damage of a kick."
He then showed him how to effectively and quickly activate all the functions of all the gadgets, including the sunglasses and shoes. Phil wondered how he would remember all of this, especially if he was in the middle of a fight.
"The Laser Rifle, as I have said before, is the primary weapon of the Agents. However, as you have probably guessed, it works in a very different way than swords, guns, wands— whatever. It contains a battery that is a little bigger than an eighth of a car battery. However, it is nearly ten times more powerful. It too is charged in a similar way the receivers are charged, except everything is, well, bigger."
"However, you cannot rely on this function the entire time during battle, as during the longest and most intense fights—like the on you had for your test—uses a great deal of energy. That is where the mana, science, and atoms come in."
"When you do this, you 'channel' the energy, mana or atomic, through the weapon for whatever attack you are using. This allows you to execute an arte or attack without using the battery. Though it may seem difficult, once you get used to it, it will be as easy as using Arrow Blow."
"When you control the atomic energy, it is usually unstable. When you use Final Attack, you are using the leftover mana and energy from a previous attack; this, however, goes beyond mana. There is an even more powerful energy than atomic. When you go straight into the nucleus of an atom, you are controlling nuclear energy. That can be more destructive; they have been known to level a city 20 times the size of Perion."
Phil thought about it for a moment. Atomic energy and nuclear energy. 20 times the size of Perion. They seemed so powerful; how could he possibly handle the strain? And he was so close to the power, yet so far away… Still, he thought about the day when you would be able to control this power.
"That is, at the moment, the most I can tell you," Agent Marco said, interrupting his daydream and brought him back to reality. As if Agent Marco had read his mind, he said "There is a lot of studying for you to do if you wish to be able to handle this power effectively. You cannot sit idly by and have all this power come to you."
Phil nodded. Marco's words had made him realize the long, treacherous road in between. How am I going to become like this? I may have ESP, and maybe know a bit from each class, but I'm still a person—an ordinary person, like everyone else.
"Follow me." Agent Marco said, and, like a machine, Phil got up and automatically followed him
They went to his room. All the weapons had been removed. The bookshelf, along with all the skill books describing the second job skills, was gone as well. In their place was an even large bookshelf that held about 3 times as many books and the oversized 3rd job/ Agent skill book. He wondered why there weren't any level 70 weapons around. He had been given them for his 3rd job advancement; where were they?"
"There are many branches of science; it is not something simple. You must learn about all of them, or at least have a little knowledge about each one."
Phil scanned the titles of each book. They were all placed in alphabetical order. Aerodynamics, Agriculture, Anatomy, Astronomy, Atomic Physics, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Earth Science, Forensics, Mathematics, Medical, Nuclear Physics, Optics, Physics, Psychology, Radiology, Stoichiometry, Tectonics … There were more, of course. There seemed to be no end to the books.
Looking around, he realized Agent Marco was gone. A few moments later, he returned carrying something. Phil instantly recognized it. It was the sword that looked like a katana that he had seen Agent Marco wielding, though he had never talked about this before.
"I had always planned to give this to you," Agent Marco said.
"A sword?" Phil thought out loud.
"Yes and no. What you see is a sword, but it is much more than that."
Phil wondered what he meant.
"As I have said," Agent Marco continued, "It would be exceedingly difficult for you to carry every single weapon type with you. This is the perfect solution."
"This sword is called an Astral Blade. However, it has other forms with other names as well."
"Forms?"
Agent Marco nodded. "It can transform into other weapon types—an axe, pole-arm, bow, crossbow, dagger, claw, spear, blunt weapon, staff, and gun. I would have given it to you earlier; it would have made the advancement test a lot easier; but it is quite difficult to control the transformations, especially if you're still in the second job." He handed the weapon to Phil. He slashed the air with it, its weight defying its size.
"Where did you get it?" asked Phil.
"The Omega Sector had gotten a contract with the Glimmer Man in New Leaf City. The Glimmer Man wanted Elpam Elixirs from Elpam Gorlab, and Elpam Gorlab needed Elpam Magnets. The Grays here drop them, so it was easy for us to obtain the magnets. In turn, he gave us this thing— a 'Materia Orb.' Spindle here, as you may have heard, can make anything. It was Spindle who created this."
"Why don't you just trade Elpam Magnets to Elpam Gorlab for the Elpam Elixirs, then trade the Elpam Elixirs to the Glimmer Man for the Orbs?"
"I guess the Glimmer Man wants the glory for himself," replied Agent Marco.
Phil nodded. "So, uh, what do the other forms look like?"
Agent Marco took it, muttered something, and it changed into an axe. If Phil had not personally seen it transform, he would not have believed it could do so.
"It really becomes easy once you get used to it," said Marco. "You can use your mind to make it transform."
Phil took the axe and concentrated. He felt like fainting. Just when he thought he would pass out, it turned into a staff.
"Well, have fun with your new toy," Agent Marco and began to leave.
"Wait," called Phil. Agent Marco stopped. "What are the other forms called?"
"The axe is called the Crescent Moon. The blunt is called Cosmic Scepter. The bow is called Andromeda Bow. The crossbow is called Void Hunter. The dagger, Nebula Dagger. Claw, Black Hole. Spear is Sunspear, Pole-arm is Heavenly Messenger, Staff is Celestial Staff, and gun is Abyss Shooter."
Phil nodded. "All the names are related to space." Phil said. "So do they come from space?"
"In a way, yes. All the forms of the weapons were made from something called the Black Versal Materia, which was made into a more stable form called the White Versal Materia, and finally into the Materia Orb, which was combined with a number Black Crystals. All the forms are made from the same things. There were many other items that had to be put to use to allow them to be fused together for this weapon to have this effect, but it was worth it. And most of it was paid by those useless Elpam Magnets. At least, they're pretty much useless to us. Besides, the Grays seem to have a lot of them these days."
After that, Agent Marco left, and Phil was left to his own devices; mainly, playing with his new "toy."
The following weeks, he read the textbooks that that in the bookshelf, and learned about the periodic table and its elements, the parts of the body, different color blood cells, the stars, light, plants, photosynthesis and the Calvin Cycle, Adenosine Triphosphate, fingerprints, psychology, the electromagnetic spectrum, how light changes speed in different mediums, chemical reactions, thermite reactions, how to navigate using the stars, the electron orbitals, and hundreds of other things from the books. Phil was pretty sure he wouldn't use nine-tenths of the information taught, but, as Agent Marco had replied, "You never know what 10 percent you're going to use." Agent Marco also insisted at nothing that's learned in life is ever wasted.
The learning process was both interesting and tedious at the same time. It was interesting to know how all of these every day and normal objects could be used in so many different ways. It was tedious because he had to perfect the techniques, which was time consuming and eventually became "boring."
Half way through learning all that science, Agent Marco had said, "I think you've learned enough science for now. It seems that you will be able to handle the Agents' skills well enough."
He had already seen them before, but this was when he had finally truly understood them and really paid attention.
The following skills were presented at the index:
Laser Charge
Laser Blast
Laser Drill
Laser Arc
Rapid Blast
Sonic Blast
Pulse Cannon
Freeze Ray
Heat Wave
Zap Cannon
Formula 7924
Photon Beam
Sonic Dash
Stealth
Warp
Force Field
Mitosis
Phil looked through them, unsure of what to make. He remembered Rapid Blast, which his teacher had used to clear out Off-Limits. He hadn't really learned any of the others, but could guess what they were supposed to do by their names.
"Laser Charge," said Agent Marco. "Is the charge-up skill. It is needed to use Laser Blast and Laser Drill; at least, without using heaps of energy from the battery. Laser Arc and Rapid Blast do not take much, so you can use a weaker version of Laser Charge it execute them; so little that it is basically nothing."
"Laser Blast is one of the most powerful skills of an Agent. It can level a building three times the size of Kerning Square. Laser Drill can slice through virtually any material; a hot knife through butter, so to speak. Laser Arc just spreads the energy over a long area. Rapid Blast is like Hurricane, though it fires a dozen shots per second instead of 8."
"Sonic Blast is much different from the previous skills I talk about. In fact, it has nothing to do with lasers; it eventually won't have anything to do with the Laser Rifle at all. Just like what the name says, it unleashes sonic blast, which is of hundreds of decibels, and sends it forward. As you have learned, sounds are caused by vibrations in the atoms. You cause a 'super vibration,' a high frequency sound wave, in the general direction to execute this attack."
"Pulse Cannon is more like an Archer's Dragon Pulse. It unleashes energy that pushes back the enemy. Good if you don't want to whack at an enemy all day."
"Freeze Ray, Heat Wave, Zap Cannon, Formula 7924, and Photon Beam are all elemental attacks. Freeze Ray is ice, Heat Wave is fire, Zap Cannon is lightning, Formula 7924 is poison, and Photon Beam is holy. To execute these, you do the same for all of them. You channel the energy through the Laser Rifle. The Laser Rifle will then convert the energy to whatever element you need, be it ice, fire, lightning, poison, or holy; the weapon will heat it up for you, make it colder, change the element, whatever."
"Sonic Dash allows you to move at a very high speed for a split second; basically, you 'dash forward' at the speed of sound. Or close to the speed of sound."
"Stealth allows you to move and attack without being seen. You can say this is the improved version of Darksight, and you do not lose any speed. This is because you bend the light waves around you, so no light reflects back to them. It also makes you immune to attacks that are based on light. The attacks you use will be slightly weakened, even though you are invisible. They the attacks you use the moment you exit this condition will be greatly amplified."
"Warp is like Teleport. It has a much longer distance than Teleport, though, and requires a lot more energy. Because of this, though, the position you may want to reappear at cannot be guaranteed, so not even you can be exactly sure where you will reappear."
"Force Field, as you may have guess from the name, allows you to create a force field that blocks virtually all attacks. There are a few that can pass through, but they are rare and arcane. It may be hard to maintain when you first start using it, but you will soon be able to hold it until your mana and battery reserves are depleted. And maybe even after that."
"And finally, we have Mitosis. It is a recovery type skill, like Heal. You have doubtless read from the Biology book about the process of mitosis, the splitting of cells. This skill is perhaps the most scientific of all of them. You basically speed up the entire process; the wounds attained and blood cells lost are quickly replaced, and with the new cells, they are able to seal those wounds a lot sooner."
"So there you have it. These are the basics of an Agent."
"Basics?!" said Phil, not sure of what his overall reaction should be.
Agent Marco nodded. "There are more, but they are much too hard for someone in the 70's to use effectively, or even control. These should be enough for you for now."
Agent Marco let Phil look at the book himself; it was only now that Phil realized that each of the Agent's skills he had mentioned required almost the same amount of pages it took for just all the skills of a class's abilities.
He sighed and closed the book, then opened it again. He decided to practice some of the other classes' skills. After all, Marco did say that controlling the other skills would help learn to control the Agents' skills.
-X-
"Whee!" Shouted Evelyne as she flew through the air with Flash Jump for the umpteenth time.
"You're having way too much fun with Flash Jump," replied Celina. "You should work on your other skills. Like Shadow Partner. Or Avenger. Or even Dark Flare. There's a reason why we came to El Nath"
"Those are for the boring," replied Evelyne as she flew through the air one more time. When she landed, Celina said, "I think you've been flying around enough for now. You have to think about when you come to battle. Just train on your other skills. You're level 72, you know."
"Oh, alright."
The two bought several Red Bean Soups and mana potions, and then headed to the El Nath fields.
"Avenger!" yelled Evelyne as the oversized star sliced through a number of monsters
"Lucky Seven!" the pair of shurikens finished off whatever was left.
"Oh hey, I almost forgot." Celina came rushing—or rather, teleported—to Evelyne. She had somehow gotten a bagful of Summoning Rocks which she handed to Evelyne
"Seriously? You know I hate to summon stuff," complained Evelyne.
"You need to practice your artes. You need to practice Shadow Partner; it doubles your attack rate, in a way. You need it during battle."
"You sound like my mom." whined Evelyne. They were suddenly interrupted by Dark Hector. "Holy Arrow!" shouted Celina, and got rid of it.
"Just do it," muttered Celina.
"Oh, alright." She grabbed a rock, handed the bag back to Celina, and shouted "Shadow Partner!" A shadow in humanoid form appeared behind her, copying her every move. As she threw two stars, the figure threw two stars as well. If she threw an oversized star, it threw an oversized star as well.
"It's not that bad," Evelyne said after a few minutes. "But… It seems like I'm wasting stars. I mean, it throws stars, but they are a lot weaker than the ones I throw."
"We're not talking about damage here," replied Celina, who was standing nearby. "What we want is a maximum number of attacks in the minimum amount of time. Besides, you are a Hermit."
"Oh, alright."
"You say that a lot."
"Whatever. Avenger!" A pair of enormous stars appeared and was hurled at the surrounding monsters.
"Not bad," said Celina. "Though you could work more on your accuracy."
"I'm working on it," muttered Evelyne. "It's cold, by the way."
"Here. Have another Red Bean Soup."
Evelyne gulped it down just as the shadow she had summoned disappeared.
"See!"
"See what?"
"The stuff that you summon keeps disappearing! I hate that!"
"Of course they do. My Holy Dragons keep disappearing. Live with it. Besides, that's why I bought so many Rocks." She handed another Rock to Evelyne.
"I'll show you," said Celina as she grabbed a Summoning Rock for herself. "Summon Dragon!" The Holy Dragon appeared by Celina's side, awaiting its summoner's order.
"Yeah, well, you have something that actually moves and attacks on its own," Evelyne replied dryly. "I have to attack myself for this shadow to attack. It's so boring."
A monster suddenly appeared out of nowhere; neither girl had a chance to see what it really was before the Holy Dragon blasted it to oblivion.
"See!" exclaimed Evelyne. "That's what I'm talking about. Yours will attack on its own; mine won't. Plus, it would be nice to have a pet."
Celina sighed, and then said "Just keep practicing your artes." Celina looked at her friend for a moment and added, "And we need to do something about your hair."
"Whaddya mean, my hair?" wailed Evelyne.
"It's too long. If you were a Magician, Warrior, or Archer, I wouldn't have thought about it much. But you need to do tight maneuvers; it'll get in your way."
"I like it this way," said Evelyne, and threw her hair around. Part of it got tangled in her Identity, covering her eyes. At that exact same moment, a group of Dark Hectors came rushing out, growling. She knew there was a threat, but she couldn't it was.
"Help, help me Celina!" she screamed. Celina sighed again. Lifting her staff, she shouted "Shining Ray!" The white light struck down the Dark Hectors. Her Holy Dragon finished them off.
Celina walked over to Evelyne, yanked her hair back, and untangled her hair. "Thanks," said Evelyne, smiling sheepishly.
"Lemme fix your hair," said Celina. She tied it all together into a long ponytail, in the process using up every single band, clip, and elastic she had on her, as well as several of Evelyne's.
"Can I have another Red Bean Soup?" asked Evelyne.
Celina handed another one over to her friend, who downed it in one gulp.
"C'mon, let's go train on more monsters," said Celina. "And hopefully your hair doesn't get tangled again so I won't have to save you."
The two wandered further down the snowfields.
-X-
"Thunder Spear!" Shouted Phil. A lance completely made of lightning appeared in his hands. Agent Marco had taught him how to summon weapons that were purely elemental; Phil had first questioned the idea; after all, he had the transforming weapon; he had wondered when he would ever have to use these. Agent Marco's response was "That weapon may not always be in your hands." He had wondered what his teacher had meant. His teacher then said "Remember your job advancement?"
That was when he had remembered that the weapons had had been constantly knocked out of his hands, and at first, he had accepted reluctantly accepted the training. Now, he had thought it was so cool; they were extremely flashy, nice to show off to other people, even though the only people that would have even glanced at him were the soldiers.
There were still two more forms he still had to learn—Flame Sword and Ice Axe. He was practicing this, since he already knew the arte.
Shouting "Dragon Buster!" he killed a group of Mateons. The weapon suddenly disappeared.
Oh, well, he thought. I can just summon it again. He liked the sensation of summoning holding the weapon in his hands as well. He had first thought it would be extremely painful and would electrocute him. In fact, it was just the opposite.
A mob of Mateons had ganged up on him now, obviously not very happy at the death of their friends.
He pulled out his Astral Blade and commanded "Combo Attack, Coma!" the mob received the same fate as their friends.
He moved in the direction of Boswell Field. As he headed in that direction, he was hit by a projectile from a Mateon's ray gun. But it didn't feel the same as it did before he got to third job. It was more like a tap of the back; it barely did any damage to him.
The suit. He thought. It has that much defense. He remembered all the things the Agent equipment was capable of. He wondered what else it could do.
-X-
"Shadow Partner, Lucky Seven!" screamed Evelyne as a hail of stars mowed down another group of Hectors.
"Drain!" The pair of stars struck another Hector as she felt energy returning to her. She looked around, seeing Celina standing idly.
"Why aren't you helping me kill these monsters?!" She shouted at Celina as she threw four more stars.
"You've gotta learn to stand on your own too feet."
"My own two feet, my ass," Evelyne muttered under her breath.
"I'm level 99, and you're just 72. I'm more than 20 levels higher than you. You've gotta work."
Evelyne mumbled something inaudible.
"You want help? Here you go. Holy Dragon!" The Holy Dragon materialized from thin air.
Smiling, Celina said to it, "Go help my friend over there," pointing towards Evelyne.
The Dragon gave a grunt, nodding, and lumbered over to the Hermit, attacking the monsters every now and then. Celina walked over to the nearest tree and sat down, taking out her skill book "Advanced Holy Magic" and started reading.
"What are you doing?!" screamed Evelyne as she killed a mob of monsters with dual Avengers.
Celina barely looked up. "You asked for help, and I gave you help."
Evelyne looked at the Dragon, steadily attacking another group of monsters.
"You call this help?! Cast doom to the freakin' monsters!" She didn't have a chance to say any more as a Yeti wandered into the area. Evelyne struck it several times, with a bit of help from the Dragon, but all it served to do was anger it, and it cast a number of buffs on itself.
"Celina! Cast dispel on this freakin' Yeti!"
"This will be good practice for you," replied Celina coolly, her face still buried in her book. "Besides, you won't always have someone to cast Dispel for you."
It pounded the ground just as Evelyne jumped up, and leapt over the Yeti with flash jump in a somersault.
"Shadow partner, dark flare!" commanded Evelyne as she grabbed another summoning rock.
"Not bad," said Celina, still not looking up. "You're actually using dark flare for once."
"Of course I'm using dark flare, you fool! This is a life-threatening situation!"
"You're actually becoming smarter for once."
"Oh, so I was an idiot before? Lucky Seven!" Four Steelies flew across the cold and struck the Yeti as the Dragon launched another shot at it. The Dragon suddenly disappeared.
"Your 'help' has expired!" screamed Evelyne.
Celina got up and put her book back in her jacket pocket; she had been in the middle of reading how to cast Mystic Door. She stood up and commanded "Teleport mastery, teleport!" She teleported past the Yeti, stunning it, and then rained Shining Ray upon it, while Evelyne threw a not-stop stream of Lucky Seven attacks at it. It quickly fell under the power of the two.
Evelyne brushed snow and dirt off herself, and then said, "Now that's what I'm talking about. See? Training would go much faster if you were actually helping me."
"I guess I'll help you. For now."
"For now?! What are you—" She suddenly froze in mid sentence as a new entity appeared. "HOLY SHIT!"
Celina turned around to see what her friend was staring at.
"Oh, crap," muttered Celina. "We must've gone too far into El Nath."
A Snowman had come sliding towards then, already starting to attack them.
"RUN!" screamed Evelyne. Celina was only too happy to comply.
-X-
"Strafe!" Four golden flew from Phil's Andromeda Bow, killing the Plateon instantly.
"Arrow Rain!" Hundreds of blue shards rained down from the sky, striking and killing any aliens that happened to be nearby. At first, making the weapon transform had been quite a difficult task, costing him an enormous amount of time and energy the first the first few trials. Now it was a piece a cake, probably as easy as breathing. He walked around and, seeing a Mecateon coming at him, raised his weapon, in the form of a dagger, and shouted "Assaulter!"
He tore through the alien, striking it 3 times in the blink of an eye—it didn't even have time to charge its weapons—and reappeared behind it. The Mecateon fell, destroyed.
He smiled. It was kind of fun to be able to use all these skills without having to draw a new weapon every time; he would just make the weapon in his hand change form.
"Savage Blow!" He shred apart another Mecateon. This was actually starting to get fun.
He made his weapon turn into a Void Hunter—the crossbow—and froze another group of aliens. He finished them off with arrow eruption and strafe.
He stopped, and then sheathed his weapon. He had another weapon to play with. He took out his Laser Rifle and held it in his hands the way Agent Marco always did.
Now how do you use this again?
He accidentally pressed the trigger and a burst of light shot out of it, killing an unfortunate Mateon that happened to be in the line of fire.
He aimed his weapon at another Mateon, and fired again. Now what were the skills?
The first one that came to mind was Rapid Blast. Of course, he could just hold down the trigger and his weapon would shoot repeatedly. But if he didn't want to wear out the battery inside, he would have to channel energy through the battery from…from the atoms.
It would be just like gathering the energy from the mana, he told himself. Just slightly harder. It might be hard on the first try, but it would end up being easy, like making his weapon transform. Nothing too it.
"Invincible," he muttered. He would need his full concentration. He closed his eyes as he gathered the so called "atomic energy." He felt a sensation as it came to him. It was a different feeling than gathering the energy from mana. There was a sudden rush, and he instinctively shouted "Laser Charge!" His weapon whirred with energy. He wasn't sure why he'd said that. But maybe he could see how powerful Laser Blast is.
"Laser Blast!" He bellowed. A blast of light, brighter than anything he had ever seen before, exploded out of his weapon. I sure am glad I'm wearing these shades. But he had no time to think anything else. The force of the attack threw him backwards as he slammed into a tree. Thankfully, it held. Even in pain, he could see the immensity of the attack. It completely obliterated all the aliens, Mateons, Plateons, and Mecateons, of the entire area. There was nothing it left. All the aliens, as well as their equipment, had disintegrated.
So this is the beginning power of an Agent. This was Laser Charge and Laser Blast at their first levels. And this was his first try. Who knew what wonders it could do when fully mastered?
These thoughts were quickly put aside when he also realized the risks. He had been lucky not to have been knocked out, or even killed, by the attack. The recoil had been tremendous. How powerful would the recoil be as the attack became more powerful?
-X-
"This is not good," muttered Celina.
"Tell me something I don't know."
Both were running in the general direction of El Nath. Evelyne was using flash jump, and Celina, teleport. Amazingly, however, the Snowman had managed to keep up with them with its skis. It was obviously thirsty for blood. Human blood.
As they got to a downward slope, the Snowman was somehow able to move faster than either of them, getting in front of them and blocking the only way back to town off. A number of Jr. Yetis appeared in front of it, already moving towards them.
"Got any return scrolls?" asked Evelyne.
"No. And I don't know Mystic Door either."
"Don't remind me. Well, only one thing left to do."
They cast shadow partner, haste, dark flare, Holy Dragon, Bless, and whatever support skills they knew, as the two prepared for the fight of their lives.
Celina began the fight by showering the monsters with shining ray, and Evelyne sent a torrent of stars at the monsters. They were unexpectedly hit by an ice glob it spit out and before they could react, the Snowman cast a cloud of coldness, which slowed their movements and caused significant damage to them while they were in it.
Celina cast heal after they moved out, but the Jr. Yetis kept coming; the Snowman was summoning them at a surprisingly fast rate.
"Too bad we don't have any fire artes," muttered Evelyne.
"Don't speak so soon," said Celina closing her eyes.
"What are you—"
"Fire arrow!" The flaming projectile sailed across the snow, striking down several Jr. Yetis and caused a significant amount of damage to the Snowman.
"How did you…Look out!"
Celina opened her eyes to see the monster, along with at least of a dozen newly summoned Jr. Yetis charging at them.
At that same moment, Celina was stunned by it. Evelyne was the next victim.
"Shout!" When the two recovered, they saw that it was the Jr. Yetis and the Snowman turn to be stunned.
"Combo Attack, Coma!" The attack struck down all the Jr. Yetis.
"Brandish!" Evelyne and Celina couldn't see the attacker behind the Snowman, but it was obvious the Snowman was in great pain, being battered by dozens of stabs.
The Snowman fell dead after a few more hits by the new arrival.
"Heh…nothing like a little Shout to help with Chance Attack,"; bending down to pick up the items the Snowman had left; he obviously had no idea there were two more people around.
Looking up, he said "Oh, hey. Didn't notice you two there. You can have some of the stuff here."
Evelyne and Celina looked at the Warrior. Obviously a Crusader, from the skills he had used. The two walked over to him.
"Here's a Varkit," he said, handing it over to Evelyne. "Unless of course, you're a Hermit. Oh. And a Dark Bazura." He handed that over to Celina.
"Uh, thanks," both of them said in unison.
Typical of a male warrior to act so nicey-nicey and generous in front females, Evelyne thought. Evelyne looked at him. He seemed strangely familiar…
"Brent, is that you?"
The Crusader abruptly stopped whatever he was doing and looked up at the Hermit.
"How do you know—?" He suddenly recognized the long, pink hair, and the blue eyes. "Evelyne?"
"You actually know this guy?" asked Celina, not sure whether to be shocked, awed, or both.
"Yeah," replied Evelyne, as if everything was completely normal, which probably was for her. "He's one of guys I saved at Pig Beach from that annoying Assassin."
Brent's face turned red when he heard the word "save".
"Well, I guess he's returned the favor," said Celina.
"How come you were here? In El Nath, and fought this monster?"
"Oh, I train a lot. El Nath is one of my favorite places to train."
"What level are you?" Celina asked Brent.
"Now? A hundred and ten."
"Holy…I'm only 99," muttered Celina.
"How often do you train?"
"If you really want to know…I, uh, sleep only about 5 hours a day."
"WHAT?!" the girls shouted in unison.
Brent merely nodded.
Evelyne whispered to Celina "And he's one year younger than you."
"He's 16?!" Celina shouted.
"Yeah, I'm sixteen," said Brent, who was still rummaging through the pile of items the Snowman had dropped. He obviously hadn't heard anything else they said.
"You two still training?"
"I guess," replied Celina. "After all, Evelyne still needs to level up. She's only 72."
"Don't remind me," muttered Evelyne.
"I can help," said Brent, drawing his sword: a Devil's Sunrise.
"Really!" cried Evelyne, her eyes sparkling.
"Yes, really," Brent said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"I guess he can help fight off any more Snowmen that come along," said Celina dryly, rolling her eyes.
The three headed into the snowfields of El Nath.
-X-
"Soul Arrow, Inferno Blizzard!" Spears of ice that was set aflame, yet somehow not having the ice immediately melt, flew across the field and struck down a dozen or so Grays.
Phil made his Void Hunter transform into a Celestial Staff and waved it, shouting "Icy Explosion!" Ice spikes and flames alike went flying in every direction. Phil looked around. It was fun fusing fire and ice together.
"Alright, play time's over," he said to himself. His weapon now an Astral Blade, he commanded "Combo Attack, Charged Blow!" He killed another group of aliens and stunned the rest.
"Lightning Charge, Coma!"
He made his Astral Blade turn into an Andromeda Bow, strung the bowstring and commanded "Soul Arrow, Drain!" A glowing arrow shot across the grass and impaled another Gray as he felt a bit of energy return to him.
Admiring his "handiwork," he sheathed his sword and drew his Laser Rifle. He glanced at his utility belt, which Marco had given him when he had gone back to the Omega Sector for a rest from his training. It had contained holders to hold the rocket magazines, grenades, micro-ton bomb boxes, his laser pistol, and several other gadgets and items as well. He loaded a rocket magazine into the Laser Rifle and peered through the scope. There was only one Gray in sight, and he thought he could try it on that one.
There was a sudden relaying of messages, one after another, from the scope as it focused in on the alien.
TARGET ACQUIRED
TARGET LOCKED-ON
FIRE WHEN READY
Phil pressed the trigger to launch the rocket. It burst out of the launcher as it flew across Kulan Field at an incredible speed. The entire process of the rocket—the separating of the fuel canister and engine, the opening of the fins, the ramjet kicking in—happened all so quickly that it was as if it all happened at once. It struck the Gray and there was a big and loud explosion, dwarfing the scream of the alien.
Phil lowered his weapon in disbelief of what a single tiny rocket was able to do. And he hadn't even been particularly careful with the aiming or anything.
When he returned to the Omega Sector, Agent Marco told him that the "true training" would begin the following week.
-X-
After a few hours of training, Evelyne was boosted to level 76, and well on her way to her next level, in the process learning a number of new skills. Celina reached her hundredth level, and Brent was close to attaining his 111th level. The two thanked him for helping them as they returned to the El Nath town. Brent bid farewell to his old friend and newly made friend, and said he was going to Leafre to check out some of those monsters, and also look for new equipment.
"So," Evelyne said to Celina with a smirk after he had gone. "Looks like you have some training to do as well."
Celina ignored her friend's remark, and said "So…how do you like meso up and shadow meso?"
"They're nice. It's gonna be easy getting rich with meso up!" She punched the air. "And with shadow meso, I won't need Dispel all the time."
"Like that time when you fought the Yeti? If you had known shadow meso, you could've removed those buffs yourself."
"So I'll do it myself next time."
"Finally, you're growing up to be an independent girl." Celina said, half congratulating and half sarcastically. "And how about shadow web?" Celina added.
"Oh, it's nice not having to have to chase monsters around, and of course, still targets and a lot easier hit than mobile targets. It seemed to help Brent a lot too, since he's a Warrior."
"You need to work on your accuracy," said Celina. "So you won't have to use Shadow Web all the time."
"Like I didn't already know that," retorted Evelyne.
"Well," said Celina, "It looks like we can head back to Victoria Island for now. You've done enough leveling for one day. "
-X-
For the next six months, Phil's training became as intense as ever. He started each day running 300 laps and doing 300 push-ups and sit-ups and just about every other possible exercise. He ran obstacle courses, scaled 400-foot-tall "cliffs," all the while carrying packs that weighed at least 200 pounds; sometimes they were 300 pounds—all in the most extreme conditions, while it was raining, in freezing weather and blazing heat.
He learned how to operate his Laser Rifle to the highest degree of effectiveness, to use every function of the weapon in a heartbeat; he learned every single function of all the equipment and gadgets he was issued to the fullest extent, from how to activate the cleats on his shoes to the night vision in his sunglasses. He learned how to use the computers, how to hack and write programs (though that was considered a more minor thing.) He learned how to draw his laser pistol, aim, and shoot in less than a blink of an eye. He was taught the art of espionage/ deception and survival even in the worst conditions, as well as the skills of assassination. He was also taught how to use both hands, each containing a different weapon, to fight at the same time. This was usually done with one hand holding the Astral Blade or some other melee weapon form, and the other holding either a Flame Sword or an Ice Axe, or a Flame Sword in one hand and an Ice Axe in the other. Also, after learning how to successfully launch Sonic Blasts with his weapon, he learned how to use it without it. He had been shown the usefulness of the skill, mainly by having bullet proof glass brought to him and shown how bullets could not break it, but hi-frequency sounds could.
He learned every possible tactic that could be used in battle, including a 3-finger strike to the throat, drowning a person in an ounce of water, geometry vectors to "bounce" attacks, to the location of vital organs and nerves.
Agent Marco, during that time, had maintained a no-nonsense attitude along with a steely glare throughout the entire course of the learning period, only losing it slightly during brief periods of rest.
During the brief periods of rest, the two would play games such as chess, pool, marbles, and poker. Unbeknownst to Phil, it was actually all part of his training, teaching him physics, psychology, probability, and foresight.
Eventually, the aliens in the Omega Sector proved too weak to him, so he was sent to train on the monsters in the deeper part of the Ludibrium Clock Tower. He was told that the climb up through Eos Tower was good training, and the journey up and down the Tower would teach him patience, though he was given Command Center Warp Capsules and Ludibrium Warp Capsules.
He had also been issued another gadget—a watch. It looked like one of those expensive kinds, but it was just as complex as the rest of his equipment. Of course it told the time, but it housed several other functions as well. As Agent Marco had told him, it had a diamond buzz saw that could cut through some of the toughest materials. It also had a laser beam, though of course, was weaker than his regular weapon. It was said it was for cutting through material as well. Most of all, it had a GPS—Global Position System—built into it. It was apparently able to plot his location virtually anywhere in the world using 3 or more of the dozens of satellites that the Omega Sector had launched into orbit around the world in the past. Along with that, it had an electronic compass and radar. Finally, it was also able to send out a distress signal. He was also taught how to use every single function on the watch as well.
Of course, he still practiced the third job skills. Some were easy—much too easy, others fun, while yet others were hard and/or boring.
In the process of all this training, he reached his 120th level. He went to Leafre to get his 4th job advancement. He went to the priests a dozen times, each time wearing different armor, "disguised" as a Warrior, Pirate, Archer, Thief, and Magician.
"But wouldn't that be extremely hot and bulky?" Phil had asked when he was wearing the other armor over his suit.
"That is one of the many marvels of your suit. The way it is made, it can keep you cool in the hottest weather, and still keep you warm in a blizzard. That's part of its design. It is hard to explain how, but it can. You can wear your gloves; after all, they're just black gloves. The same thing goes for your shoes. You can keep your sunglasses; just don't wear it all the time. The watch looks normal as well. Just make sure you wear stuff that others normally wear."
"So I'll be wearing two pieces of armor."
Agent Marco nodded.
He had to do the advancement tests 12 times; he was not given any Scrolls of Secrets, for he was told that the tests would "help him." He also fought Frostprey and Phoenix, went to the Lower Part of the Clock Tower to meet Thantos, and everything else to obtain the other skills. It took him more than two weeks to complete all of this. Although Phil did not know it, he had actually met Celina once at Leafre. He had been talking to Legor, and Celina had been talking to Gritto. Neither person knew the other, however.
Of course, others things happened too. After the first month of his training, there was news that Empress Cygnus, Ninehart, and the Cygnus Knights Leaders—Irena, Oz, Hawkeye, Eckhart, and Mikhail—had appeared. A few months after that, there was a celebration of the awakening of one the heroes on the past, Aran. During both times, people flocked to Ereve and Rien to visit them. And of course, there were reports about the Black Magician's subordinates, so everyone was on red alert, looking out for the Black Magician.
"Why do I have to go through all of this hard training?" Phil asked one time.
"As I have said in the past," said Agent Marco, "It is to prepare you for the future." Phil was about to say something, but Marco held up a hand to stop him. "Yes, I know. I have asked myself the same question when I was your age, and when I was training, whether to become or when I was an Agent."
"So what was your conclusion?"
"The best I can say is…for the future. After all, it is best to be prepared, even if nothing will actually happen. It builds your confidence. And does it not also help with your pride?"
"I… guess so."
"The Adventurers strive to become the best Archer, Magician, Pirate, Thief, or Warrior that they can be, and maybe even the best in the world, even if nobody is attempting to take over the world. Yet."
"So you're saying," said Phil, "That someone will take try to take over the world in the future?"
"May or may not. Nobody knows. None of the other Adventurers, or the coming Cygnus Knights, knows if someone will try to take over the world, yet they still train. Of course, there have been psychos whom have attempted it… Aran fought one. The one you've heard about, and everyone is saying in whispers: the Black Magician. And they are preparing; the Cygnus Knights are preparing for an attack from the Black Magician. All signs point to the fact that the Black Magician may eventually rise back up. This is a 'may,' as it is of probability. But in case it happens, then you'll be prepared."
Phil nodded thoughtfully, and then went back to his training.
When the six months were over, Phil had reached his 130th level.
He knew he had become several times more powerful than when he had first come here. He had not really realized it much, but, when he looked back to the day when he had first arrived at the Omega Sector (when he wanted to press all the cool looking buttons), he saw that he had grown, physically and mentally.
Agent Marco told him that he could leave the Omega Sector for a while and have a "vacation." In other words, he was returning to civilization. However, he was also told that he might "be called to duty at a moments notice"
"You have learned enough for now. You may return to Victoria Island."
"But…won't people think I'm weird, dressed in black; have these sunglasses and receivers, this Laser Rifle, and everything else in the public?"
"You are to leave most of your gadgets here. Or rather, at the Nautilus.
"I guess it all makes sense…but what about the skills of the Agent? Plus, I also know every skill of every class."
"Just choose one class and one of its paths…let's see, do you remember what you were most known by before you came here?"
"Uh…I think Crossbowman," Phil said, pacing around on the grass. "Or, at least, I carried a Crossbow around a lot. I liked shooting arrows. Because, uhm, they were lighter than stars, and I think Crossbows looked cooler, in some way. I don't remember anymore." He stopped moving.
"So it looks like you will be a Sniper. Or a Marksman. You'll also need to have a 'story' on why you were gone for such a long time. Perhaps you could say you went to live with a family member. Any brothers or sisters?"
Phil shook his head. Then Phil said "Oh, yeah, I have a cousin. She's a Cleric I think. Though she may be a Priest or Bishop by now."
"That'll work," said Agent Marco. "You can probably say she needed you, or you needed her or something like that. But once you make a story, stick with it. It'll be your 'cover.' Don't change a single detail. You remember what I taught you about espionage and deception, right?"
"Yeah," replied Phil. "So that'll be what I tell people who ask me, right?"
"Yes."
It wasn't hard, since he had lived with her before, when he was little. He spent the rest of the day memorizing details, making up stories related to it, acting "normal," not using any of the skills outside of what a Marksman would learn, and keeping his weapon in the form of a Void Hunter.
The next day, he was all set to leave. He was given a Blue Arnah Cap, a Blue Arzuna, and a pair of Dark Shards, which had been made by Spindle.
As he was about to go through the Warp Portal, Agent Marco told him to use the other skills, especially the Agents', in "only the most dire, extreme, and life threatening circumstances." In other words, let the minimal amount of people know what he was truly capable of.
He then passed through the Portal, and reappeared in the Nautilus. He handed most of his equipment to Kyrin, including the receivers, his Laser Rifle, and laser pistol.
"You know," said Kyrin. "Your watch there also contains a two-way radio."
"It does?"
The leader of the Pirates nodded. "It has a direct link to the Omega Sector and the Nautilus. The microphone is somewhere; I'm not sure where, though it shouldn't be too hard to be heard with such a small device."
Phil thanked her and left the Nautilus. On the way, he bought a couple of potions from Gali, though it was completely unnecessary. His level and "expertise" of the skills allowed him to recover both Health and Mana.
He walked along the Henesys grounds, enjoying the grass and the trees that grew all around. The monsters meant nothing to him. He remembered that, when he was little, he had feared these monsters so much he didn't dare go anywhere other than the general area of Henesys and the first training ground without another person. Now everything seemed so…insignificant.
He strolled through Henesys slowly, taking in everything around him. He had not been here for what he seemed like ages.
Looking around, he saw very few people. No matter, he thought. After all, it was just a vacation.
-X-
"I think it's him!" whispered Evelyne.
"Who?" asked Celina.
"That guy there, walking slowly. The other one I saved from Pig Beach. I'm gonna go get him."
Before Celina had a chance to say anything, Evelyne flash jumped over to where Phil was. However, she ended up falling flat on her face. Phil had instinctively teleported to one side when he felt a new entity was coming at him.
"Who in the world are you?" Phil asked, looking down at her.
She looked up at him. "Don't you remember me? I'm Evelyne!" she exclaimed.
Evelyne…He looked at her, and then suddenly remembered the pink hair, the blue eyes, the attitude, and the voice…
"You're the one who saved me and another guy at Pig Beach?" he asked, helping her up.
"Of course! Who else?"
"And you actually remembered me?"
"Of course I'd remember you!" Evelyne said. Phil looked around and saw another person, obviously a Magician, and older than Evelyne, teleport towards him.
Shoot, he thought. I've already made a crucial mistake…hope neither of them realized it.
Evelyne had no idea why she had missed her "target," but Celina had paid closer attention. After all, she was a Magician herself, and had watched everything happen. From the fancy-looking Crossbow, it would be assumed that he was a Sniper.
Did that Sniper…just use a Magician's Skill? Celina shrugged it off, convincing herself that it was the effect of an Archer's high dexterity and/or the effect of Evasion Booster. But something still didn't seem right.
Evelyne, on the other hand, had already forgotten everything that had just happened to hadn't given a second thought to it, and was already introducing Celina to him.
"Hey, Philly. This is my friend, Celina," she said, pointing to the Priest.
"How do you do?" He asked.
"What level are you?" Evelyne asked Phil.
"130," he answered honestly.
"Wow. I just turned 121," replied Celina. "And Miss Lazy here," she said, pointing to Evelyne, "Is only 99."
Evelyne scowled when Celina referred to her as "Miss Lazy," but said nothing.
"Well, I train a lot. Don't worry," said Phil, smiling. "You'll get there soon enough."
"Can you help me?" Evelyne cooed, while hugging and caressing him at the same time while looking at him with puppy-dog eyes.
"Of course I will help you. That's what friends are for." Then he added "And you don't have to do that to get me to help," as he pushed her away from him as gently as possible.
"So," Phil said finally. "What should we train on?"
"I think we should try the snails over at the Henesys Hunting Grounds. Miss Lazy probably needs to get used to training once again. After all, she is the lowest level of us all."
"I'm a Hermit!" Evelyne blurted. "We can go to El Nath!"
"And get killed by a Snowman?"
"Well…"
Celina looked at Phil, and said "I think he can be a substitute for him," and then laughed.
"Who's 'him'?" Phil asked curiously.
"Oh, we haven't told you about him yet," laughed Evelyne. "Remember Brent? The other guy who was with you at Pig Beach?"
"Oh, yeah. When you saved us. From that other annoying Assassin."
Evelyne turned to Celina and said, "See! Philly remembers!"
"Philly?" Celina said.
His face turned slightly pink.
She turned back to Phil and continued. "Ok, so one day, Celina dragged me over to El Nath and forced me to train. Then, in the middle of training, this huge Snowman came sliding toward us. It chases us and blocked the only way back to El Nath. Finally, Brent came and rescued us from it, though neither of us knew it at first."
Phil smiled and fired six arrows into the ground. "It looks like I can handle those monsters."
"So what are we waiting for?" asked Evelyne. "Screw the snails."
Several minutes later, the three were once again in the freezing region of El Nath.
"So," Celina asked Phil. "How do you feel about becoming a fourth jobber?"
"It's…ok," he replied. "Nice to learn of these hard, new skills. But I'm constantly reminded of my responsibility."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"I remember what Legor had told me… about the monsters." He fired six arrows at a Jr. Yeti. "But the words I most remember are 'Not everyone can be…free.'"
"Where were you during the entire time?" asked Evelyne, changing the subject. "I never saw you."
"I was…at my cousin's," lied Phil. "She needed some help. And since she had taken care of me in the past, I, of course, agreed." The first 11 words of the last sentence was actually true.
Evelyne nodded, shouting "Lucky Seven!" as 4 Steelies killed another Jr. Yeti.
"Hey, that's a cool looking Crossbow," said Celina, seeing his Void Hunter.
Phil laughed. "And you only noticed it now?"
"I was actually paying more attention to where your arrows were going to land," said Celina.
"Do you think another, uhm, Snowman, will come?" Phil asked Celina and Evelyne.
"How about a Yeti and Pepe?" Evelyne asked as a shadow was cast over the three."
The other two turned around and saw a Yeti and Pepe looming above them.
"Fight or Flight?" Celina asked as the three dodged a ground pound from the Yeti.
"We're powerful enough," replied Phil. "Fight." He aimed his Void Hunter upwards. "Soul Arrow, Strafe!"
He sank six arrows into the Yeti.
"Angel's Ray!" commanded Celina, as a spectral arrow struck the monster.
"Lucky Seven!"
"Strafe!"
"Is strafe all you know?" asked Evelyne as she dodged another attack from the Yeti's fists.
"Dragon Pulse!" The bolt slammed into the Yeti, forcing it backwards several feet.
"Don't you know frostprey?"
"Yeah, but I don't think it would be much help here. Puppet!" The summoned "doppelganger" took the following blow of the beast.
Celina tossed a Summoning Rock to Phil and shouted "Summon something! Like Golden Eagle!"
Phil, however, did not, in fear that he would summon Silver Hawk, Phoenix, Ifrit, Elquines, Bahamut, Gaviota, or something else instead. How he wished he could use fire magic; he could fry everything here in a heartbeat.
"Summon it! Why don't you summon it?"
"Puppet!" he commanded instead. "Strafe!" He continuously fired salvos of arrows, along with Celina bombarding it with holy magic and Evelyne riddling it with stars, until the Pepe broke off from the Yeti.
Aiming his weapon at the Yeti, he commanded "Snipe!" The arrow flew straight and true, killing the beast immediately. Meanwhile, Celina and Evelyne, upon hearing Phil shout "Snipe," sent their attacks to the Pepe, making short work on it.
"You know snipe? Why didn't you use it in the first place?" asked Celina.
Rather than replying he walked over to Celina and returned the Summoning Rock to her. Celina gave him a strange look, but said nothing. He doesn't fight like a Bowman, thought Celina. Usually, one would madly fire Strafe, Eruption, Mortal Blow, and summon one Puppet after another. One would also call upon Golden Eagle to aid him or her, and cast Sharp Eyes. He didn't do any of that.
All thoughts were immediately put aside as they heard someone shout "Hey, what's up?"
Everyone turned around to see a Warrior carrying a Blue Screamer.
"Brent!" exclaimed Evelyne.
"Look's like you got a new friend there," said Brent.
"This is Phil. Don't you remember? At Pig Beach."
"Hey, there," said Brent as he shook hands with Phil. "She your girlfriend?" he said, pointing to Evelyne.
"I don't have a girlfriend," muttered Phil.
"So you say."
"What level are you?" Phil asked.
"150 exactly," he replied. Before anyone could ask him a question, he added, "I train a lot."
"I thought you were in Leafre," said Celina.
"Been there, done that." He turned to a Jr. Yeti and shouted "Monster Magnet!" An invisible force pulled the wandering monster over to him, which he finished off with Intrepid Slash.
"It's nice to be a 4th jobber," Brent said afterwards.
"Only Evelyne doesn't know what it feels like," replied Celina.
"Hey, I'm getting there," pouted Evelyne.
Suddenly, Phil's watch began flashing red.
"Uhm, I, uh, got an appointment," he said. "It's urgent."
"With your cousin?" asked Celina.
"Well, no. Someone else. A doctor."
"Well, see you later."
"Bye Philly!"
He rushed away just as he heard Brent mutter "Philly?" and also ask Celina "He has a cousin?"
-X-
When he got out to the El Nath Market, he heard the speaker say, "Are you alone?" It was Jr. Officer Medin's voice.
Phil looked around and, seeing no one, said "Yeah."
"We have an urgent task for you. Someone in Orbis Tower, 13th floor, is taking heavy damage from Ice Sentinels. She is too weak to fight them; you need to save her."
"So this is being 'called to duty in a moment's notice.'" He said, still running toward Orbis Tower.
"Yes."
He did not say anything else as he teleported himself upwards. There was no one else around, so he did not fear of having his cover blown. He had changed his weapon to an Andromeda Bow.
-X-
Why did I even come to Orbis in the first place? thought the Warrior, propped up against a wall. She no longer had the strength to fight, or even stand up. All she could do was lie there and accept the attacks from the floating spheres around her. I'm only level 21. I came to fight the Jr. Sentinels. Why did I have to come to this spot in Orbis Tower? I wanted to see the view of Orbis. Now, surrounded these monsters, I'm going to die. I'm too young to die! I'm—"
"Inferno!" A salvo of blazing arrows flew through the 13th floor of Orbis tower, incinerating the Ice Sentinels that had been attacking her.
Someone's here! Someone high leveled enough to fight Ice Sentinels! I'm saved!
"Arrow Rain!" Hundreds of blue shards rained down, piercing the remaining blue spheres as they broke apart.
"What level are you?" Phil asked the female Warrior.
"21," she managed to utter. She was too dazed, both by the monsters that had attacked her and the arrival of a rescuer.
Phil looked at her. She wore a Brown Lamelle and Brown Ramel Skirt, Brown High Boots, and a Brown Baseball Cap. Her Sabre and Steel Shield lay at her side.
"You shouldn't be training here," he said. "You should be back in Victoria Island."
"Yeah, I know." She had her head down.
"C'mon, let's get you out of the Tower." She picked up her equipment and he led her up Orbis Tower, destroying whatever Sentinels there were. He then took her to the port. There were no other passengers there.
"What about the Crimson Balrogs," she asked when they got there.
"What?"
"The Crimson Balrogs. What if they attack the ship? There's no one else. Can you come with me?" she asked, holding onto him, refusing to let him leave.
He looked at her, then at the ship. Well, she just came out certain death. It would be a cruel joke for her to die on her way back. And I don't have anything else to do at the moment.
"Alright," he finally said.
No more than 5 minutes after the ship had left, another one appeared over the horizon—a black one, with huge steel spikes all over it. It carried a number of Crimson Balrogs.
The Warrior was too horrified to react, not able to comprehend that this was actually happening.
Phil sighed. He would have to take them out. He turned to look at the Warrior. She was petrified with fear. The first of the Balrogs came out of the ship and hovered towards them.
He raised his Andromeda Bow and commanded "Soul Arrow, strafe!" and sank four arrows into the beast.
It raised a claw at him, but before it could strike, he screamed "Hurricane!" Dozens of arrows flew from his bow and slammed into the Crimson Balrog. It gave a cry of pain before it fell.
Three more Crimson Balrogs were now coming towards him, obviously angered at the death of their comrade.
A dark lightning bolt flew towards the ship from one of the beasts. The blast of energy knocked the Warrior off the ship. The Crimson Balrog was still there, as if smiling. With gritted teeth he leapt off the ship after her. He managed grab hold of her with his left arm and simultaneously pulled out his laser pistol and fired the grappling hook, which caught the ship. She was unaware of all this—her eyes were wide as she stared down, almost fainting.
During the entire time, he had fired laser beams at the Balrogs. It wasn't much, but they were unexpected. When they got back on the ship, another blast of dark lightning was fired at them. This time she really fainted as he commanded "Puppet!" The summoned doll took most of the damage from the attack.
He glanced at her, and rushed her into the hold. He looked around; there was no one near enough to see or hear him, other than the monsters. The Warrior was unconscious, the ship's pilot was more than likely to be madly trying to keep the ship upright.
He could go all out.
His weapon suddenly a sword, he commanded "Holy Charge!" He leaped forward and shouted "Intrepid Slash!" striking the Balrog three times in quick succession.
"Charged Blow!" A flash of energy exploded from his weapon, stunning the Crimson Balrogs.
Seeing that the charge was still intact, he screamed "Heaven's Hammer!" just as they recovered from the stun. Brilliant shafts of light fell from the sky, striking the Balrogs forcefully with holy energy.
The beasts disappeared into the void, just as another black ship appeared. More?
The Balrogs from the new ship came, fear replaced by anger, as they sought to destroy this man.
He wished he had his Laser Rifle with him. If he did, he could destroy all these freaks (at least, they were freaks to him) in a heartbeat.
Meanwhile, though angered, many of the Crimson Balrogs were confused. How could a man use so many different skills? In all their encounters, they had never met someone who could do more than use a single weapon.
"Phoenix!" he commanded. The bird, with flames leaping from its wings, materialized in the air. He teleported onto it and took off.
Bow in hand, he stood up and shouted "Arrow Rain!" Blue shards fell from the sky, striking a number of Crimson Balrogs.
"Air Strike!" A dozen Gaviotas appeared, bombarding the Balrogs with explosives, and then disappeared as quickly as they came.
Kill him at all costs! He heard one of the Balrogs say.
These guys are a lot more stupid than I thought, thought Phil.
"Dragon Roar!" The shockwave tore through the air, hitting every single Balrog in sight, either killing them or seriously wounding and stunning them.
"Genesis!" That did it. The arte killed every Balrog and blew apart both of their ships. He watched his work with grim satisfaction; he not able to believe he had done all of this. He nudged the bird toward the ship. It landed on the ship, and vanished in a burst of flame.
He entered the hold, where the Warrior had woken up.
"How are you?" he asked.
"You saved my life again!" she gasped, and ran over to him.
"Don't mention it," he said, smiling. "And don't go running off again. There might not be someone there to save you. Stick to the monsters you usually train on," he said as the ship touched down in Ellinia. The two got off.
She nodded, still staring and holding onto him. "I wish I was as powerful as you. You were awesome!"
He smiled and said "You will be, someday, if you keep training," he replied, placing a hand on her shoulder.
His watch suddenly flashed red again, and he said "Excuse me. I have to talk to someone."
As Phil talked with Jr. Officer Medin, he glanced back to her. She was staring off into space, lost in her own thoughts.
"A guy in Sleepywood?"
"Yes," replied Medin. "He's sort of trapped in there; he went and he's not powerful enough to fight his way out."
He sighed. "I'm going there."
He walked back to her and said "I have to meet someone in Sleepywood. See ya." He handed her a couple potions.
She looked at him dreamily as she watched him walk away.
-X-
"Sleepywood," he muttered. He ventured through the area until he found a Pirate, obviously an aspiring gunslinger, since he had a gun in his hands. He found him, and led him out of the dungeon, shooting down any monsters in the way.
"I wish I were as powerful as you were," the Pirate said when they got to the surface.
"You will someday," Phil said.
A minute after the Pirate left, he spoke into the watch, "How do you guys know about all this. Is it set-up and planned?"
"No," came the reply. "It's from the satellite feeds."
Just then, Phil heard a shout of "Hey! There you are!"
He turned around to see Brent, Celina, and Evelyne.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"We came to find you!" Evelyne replied.
He sighed. Nothing like a bunch of friends who followed you everywhere.
-X-
In the following days, he would often have to leave his friends at a moment's notice, making up excuses each time. They would eye him suspiciously and exchange looks, but they would quickly "forgive" him. They would occasionally ask him why this happened so often, and his reply would always be "It just does."
With each rescue, he would leave (and make an excuse), rush over to where the person was, save him or her, have that person follow him, and later that person would exclaim how he or she aspired to become as powerful as he was, and he would assure them that someday they would. After each rescue, however, he would return to his friends and they would train together once more, with everything returning to "normal."
They were like a permanent party, training together. The four were inseparable. Or so it seemed.
Finally, the day came when Phil was called back to the Omega Sector. The four were at the Fusion Bar in Kerning City, a "celebration" for Evelyne reaching fourth job. The four had just reached Kerning City
"OK," replied Phil. Looking at Celina, he said "I just hope neither of you get drunk, and I'm not drinking that stuff. I like lemonade better."
"How about the beer that looks like lemonade?" Celina asked sassily.
"I'm not drinking that either"
Phil looked at Brent. "Don't look at me," said the Warrior, holding his hands up. "I don't drink, and I don't intend to either. It inhibits my training."
The four glasses were just clinking when there was a beeping noise. Phil excused himself and went outside, Evelyne and Celina exchanging looks, while Brent wondered what was going on.
"We need you back," the voice from his watch said. "There have been signs of the aliens planning an invasion."
"Invasion?"
"Yes. We will tell you the full details when you return."
"When do I come?"
"You leave for the Omega Sector tomorrow."
He sighed. So this was it.
"Are you with any of your friends?" asked the voice.
"Yes," replied Phil.
"Are you well acquainted with them?"
"A little too well," sighed Phil.
"Alright. You can't go through the Warp Portal. We can't make them think you just disappeared." There was a pause before the voice continued. "You will leave by ship, at Ellinia. It will take slightly longer, but it's worth it. You left your equipment at the Nautilus, correct?"
"Yes,"
"We will get your equipment for you. Leave by ship tomorrow."
"Yes, sir."
The four met at Ellinia the next day.
The next day, they met in Ellinia, and Phil told Celina and Evelyne that he needed to leave. Where or why, he did not tell them.
"Don't come looking for me. You won't be able to find me."
"Why do you have to go?" Evelyne asked.
"Someday… you will understand," he replied.
"Will we ever see you again?"
"What do you think?" he smiled quietly.
"Yes," she replied, a tear running down her cheek.
"Then we will see each other again."
"It's been nice training with you," said Brent, walking forward. "You were truly awesome" The two shook hands and patted each others' back.
"Why can't you tell us where you're going. Or why?" asked Celina.
"Because it's a secret. If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret anymore." He smiled sadly.
They watched him walk towards the airship, board it, and leave.
"Well, let's go home now," said Celina. "We've got more things to do. C'mon Brent." Brent followed them.
"Yeah, Evelyne," said Brent. "You've got more levels to gain."