Star Wars: Gamer Madness Chapter 11: Greater Power III, a star wars fanfic

~~~(POV: Ryan Sunrider)~~~

The last six months of training have pushed me further than I could've ever gotten on my own without a teacher. I've leveled up all my Force Powers except for Vision. That includes Crush, which I've trained in secret in the few minutes I get alone. I haven't gained any new player levels yet, but I'm close to another player level up.

All the progress with my Force Powers and Skills has awarded me lots of bonus XP. What's proven to be a problem is the excess surveillance I've been subject to. My explosive growth in Lightsaber Skills and Force Powers has caused almost all senior members of the Order to watch me.

I've made progress on the quests Not a Lonely Little Boy, and I Refuse To Die. Momma's Boy is a quest I still haven't made any progress on. I don't think I can complete it by my 4th birthday. That's six months away, and I still have a long way to go before I can crack the security of the Jedi Temple.

"I worry about you, mom…"

I think about her a lot more now that the time to complete the quest is drawing near. Sarina is a senator in the Galactic Senate. One day, when I'm older and without a Master anymore, I'll be able to see her again. I'd like to know what's going on in her life, just to know she's doing okay.

'Not a whole lot I can do other than wait in regards to mom. Maybe she's moving on with her life. I don't know what it's like to lose a child. Knowing exactly where they are and unable to get them back. It has to be torture. Please, someone out there, make her life better.'

There is still much for me to accomplish before I can safely do what I want outside the Jedi Order. The first is surviving the Sacking of Coruscant, which is around 2 to 3 years away now. That's 24 to 36 months of training I can do before a major event happens in my new life of Star Wars.

People would think that 24 to 36 months is a long time, but it flies by without regard for you or your issues. Which is why I'm here now, standing in front of one of the dungeons I discovered in the Temple. If I want to become strong enough to survive the Sacking of Coruscant, I need to clear as many dungeons as I can. They're the greatest source of XP for me.

'Quests take too long, and they don't give out the same XP amounts when you complete them. My life hangs in the balance of beating these dungeons.'

My eyes look up and down the door. I discovered the Dungeon around a year ago, but at the time, I knew I wasn't strong enough to take it on. So, I've been getting to the point where I am. Now that I'm here, I can take the dungeon on without fear of death.

"Observe."

Failures of the Past (Dungeon)

Beyond these doors lie the failures of the Jedi Order

Rating: A

Objective: Rid the Dungeon of the Jedi failures

Bonus: ?

Rewards:

40,000XP

Penalties:

Possible Death

Possible Dismemberment

Dungeon is locked for 30 days

As I read the information about the dungeon for the second time since I've found it, a breath of air fills my lungs. I still have the real lightsaber in my player inventory from the first dungeon. I haven't used it anywhere else since I gained it.

It's too risky to take out and practice with, not when so many people are watching me. I hardly have any free time for myself these days.

'It's finally time. It's the hardest Dungeon I've discovered so far. Maybe jumping straight to this one is a bad idea. There are easier ones I can challenge.'

I can't help doubting my decision a little. That A rating is a bit intimidating. The 40,000 XP reward just for clearing the dungeon is worth a few level ups. That's not including any of the bonuses that I get from it. It's really a chance for me to get a head start on everything that's to come.

'No time like the present, as they say…'

I don't know if they say that in Star Wars. I haven't heard it yet, but I've delayed it enough at this point. It's time I got in there and found out what I'm against. I've stalled long enough.

I take a step forward and press my hand against the door. Pushing the door to the dungeon open and entering inside. Immediately, it's easy to see a change. To feel a change. There is a heavy darkness. Completely different than what I'm used to feeling at the Temple.

The activation of the blue lightsaber reverberates through the long hallway, lighting up the path. The burn marks of lightsaber strikes damage the walls. Battles between other Jedi riddle the area. However, a few seconds after entering the dungeon, I get something from the interface I haven't seen yet.

Sub-Quest Activated

Undoing What Is Done (Dungeon Sub-Quest)

Find out what source in the past caused this dungeon to exist

Rating: A

Defeat the Perro brothers and read the datapads they drop

Bonus: ?

Rewards:

25,000 XP

Penalties:

Possible Death

Probable Dismemberment

WARNING: Sub-Quests don't need to be completed to beat this dungeon.

All I can do is stare at the new notification from the interface. I had no idea there was a concept such as Sub-Quests in this new world. It also specifies it's a Sub-Quest for a Dungeon. Does that mean there are Sub-Quest for other types of functions with the interface, like quests?

'The interface is giving me a chance to earn even more XP with this Sub-Quest. I shouldn't let it go to waste. It's actually giving me a place to start, as well. The Perro brothers. That's two named enemies in this dungeon. They'll be strong.'

The system's warning is also a bit eerie. It tells me to do this at my own peril if I so wish. The temptation for XP is great, enough to make me want to try at least.

"Let's get this party started."

Another phrase—I'm unsure if it exists in Star Wars—I push forward down the damaged hallway. After turning the only corner in the hallway, I'm met with my first opponent, and it's not a droid like the last dungeon—it's a person.

The hum and light of my lightsaber grab their attention. I watch as they turn around, and a warning from the Force shoots through me, screaming at me that it's dangerous. A crazed and angry hooded figure stands across from me.

"RRRRAAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!"

The roar he releases tells me he's a man. In a little more than a second, he draws his lightsaber and dashes toward me, screaming and yelling as he does. His attack impacts my lightsaber as I maneuver the blade to parry the strike, utilizing Makashi to the fullest extent.

He continues his assault, hitting me with an attack way harder than Master Seros ever has. It's now that I realize this dungeon is going to be incredibly tough.

But not unbeatable.

In the man's blind rage, he leaves himself open to attack. I just have to wait for the right moment to strike, and when that moment appears, I cut off his right arm. Forcing him to drop his lightsaber.

That doesn't stop him, though. In his madness, he lifts his left hand to call the blade to his remaining limb. But I don't let him, using the chance to remove his wrist from his remaining arm. The hilt of his saber flies through the air where his hand used to be.

Even that doesn't stop him. Turning to me in anger and madness, he lunges at me with the chard sections of his arms pointed out at me. I react on instinct and swiftly remove his head from his body. Spinning away from him as I do.

The body of the nearly limbless and headless man falls at my feet.

That's when I feel the turning of my stomach. The smell. The sight of him. This wasn't a machine. It's a living construct of the dungeon. Urine stains the floor as it mixes with the scent of burned flesh and hair. I have to will myself not to throw up.

'I've never killed a person before…'

It's my first time taking a life…

I know that he's not really real… But the scent, the sight, and the feeling of taking his life are real. I never killed anyone in my last life, and this is the first time I've done it in this life.

For around a minute, I just stand here, taking deep breaths and regaining my composure. I didn't think I'd struggle with anything in my life at the Temple, but it seems I was wrong. I know that one day I'll have to kill people, but I never expected to experience it so soon.

"I can't stay here any longer; I need to continue progressing through the dungeon. At least the enemies aren't thinking on a high level. I can use their anger and crazed state against them."

Now that I've steeled myself better for what's ahead of me, I start pushing forward. Inching more and more up the hallway. After another turn, I enter a larger room. There are damaged tables that have been split in half by lightsabers, and sections of the room are completely burnt from lightsaber strikes.

What really grabs my attention with this room is how many enemies are in here. Four heads turn in my direction, and they're all in the same state as the first guy. What's unfair is they are not like this to one another, only against me.

I'm suddenly swarmed by four individuals. I'm forced to jump through the air and land in a better section. It's not more than a few seconds before they're all on me. Having learned my lesson with the first enemy, I don't go for limbs.

I was too merciful before. Thinking that if I stopped his ability to fight, that'd be the end of it. But the only way to stop these guys is to remove their heads. I use Makashi to parry and shift one of the attacks coming at me into another. Forcing a clash between two of the opponents.

Given the slight window, I balanced my assault on the remaining two for a little over four seconds, switching between Makashi and Shii-Cho. I removed the head of one of the attackers, but I was unable to carry my momentum into the next opponent because the other two flanked me from behind.

I mix Makashi and Shii-Cho, like peanut butter and chocolate. I use each opponent's wild and strong strikes to guide them around me or force them away from me.

In my display of skill, I'm able to remove another head, leaving me with only two more enemies. Now that there are only two left, I'm able to keep them in front of me. I use the footwork and control of Makashi to control the direction and tempo of the fight, no matter how much either one wants to increase the speed or power. After another second passes, I'm given an opening, and I remove another head.

Using Telekinesis to lift the final enemy off the ground and use Crush on him. His body contorts and churns as his bones crack and break through his skin. After a second of this, he no longer struggles and falls to the ground in a blood-gore-filled mess.

Seeing Crush used on an actual person makes me see why it's considered the darkest Force Power. A slight groan of disgust leaves my lips as the smell from before now has a new addition. Copper and metal. The taste of blood fills the air as the body pours out crimson liquid.

Now that the fight has ended in chaos, I look around the room. From what I can see, there are only two paths left to go. I can't help thinking each path will lead to one of the Perro brothers.

"Judging by the strength of the enemies I've experienced so far, the boss or the Perro brothers will be in leagues of their own."

As a three and a half year old, I shouldn't have been able to win those fights. Not as a normal person. But using my skills in the Force and my abilities in Makashi, I'm able to level the playing field with stronger and older opponents.

My eyes bounce between the two paths, and I eventually choose the one on the left. Making my way down and quickly coming to a new door. I press my hand against it and open it. Once the door opens, a single individual is waiting for me.

"Observe."

I make sure to quietly whisper to myself so he doesn't hear me yet. I don't want the fight to start without me knowing what I'm up against.

Jaxon Perro (Dungeon Boss)

Race: Human

Level: 25

Health: 100%

Age: ?

Force Potential: High

M-Count: 13,800

Threat Potential: Extreme

Affiliation Loyalty: The Order of the Jedi (0%) Order of the Sith (100%)

Emotional State: ?

All I can do is stare at the level difference between us. I don't know how I'm winning this fight. I'll have to use every dirty and underhanded trick I know. This won't be the same as fighting those crazed Jedi.

I watch his head turn in my direction, and at that moment, I realize that I forgot Force Sensitives can sense when you use Observe on them.

'Shit.'

~~~(POV: Ryan Sunrider)~~~

"Ha… Ha… Ha… Gah…"

Heavy and burning breaths leave my lungs over and over again. We've been fighting for almost 10 minutes, and I've brought him to half health. Sadly, I'm in a far worse state. I've underestimated the dungeon, and I don't know how I'm beating this guy.

I've used all my Force Powers, and my FP is almost completely gone. All I have left are my Lightsaber attacks, and I haven't been able to break through his defenses enough to land lethal attacks. All the health he's lost is from me using Telekinesis to throw him into walls and ceilings.

They don't last long since he uses some Force Power to break free from my grip before I do too much damage.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"

A deep and vicious roar leaves the man's lips as he charges toward me. All I do is shift into Makashi and begin parrying attacks. Looking for openings as I do.

The only positive I've had from all this is my Lightsaber skills leveling up during the fight. That's how difficult it's been. But improving as I fight has helped me keep up just a little, but not enough to give me an outright edge.

A powerful and precise jab from him causes me to backflip away and create some space. Just as I land on my feet from the last flip, he's already halfway to me.

'How am I supposed to slow him down!? He doesn't get tired at all, and I'm starting to run low on STAM. If this fight goes on for another two minutes, I'm dead."

I can't believe I thought I was ready for an A rated dungeon. As the Boss, known as Jaxon, unleashes a new barrage of lightsaber strikes. I have to shift on the defensive again with Makashi's footwork and mixing in Shii-Cho to redirect the attacks.

In the midst of providing a vital opening to Jaxon, I have to use Telekinesis and force him across the room into a wall. Using another sizable chunk of the barely remaining FP I have left.

My heart is beating in my ears, and every limb burns with soreness. It's becoming harder to move my limbs, and I'm running on empty for my STAM. There is nothing I have left that can stop this guy. There has to be a way for me to put an end to hi-!

"GRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

He recovers way faster than last time, and I'm on my heels as I shift and mix the two lightsaber styles I know together as best as I can. But I'm faltering.

With another strike, my lightsaber flies from my hand, and I fall to the ground… I stare up at the Boss as he prepares an overhead strike… Preparing to bring it down on my chest to finish me off… So many things run through my head…

All the hopes and dreams I had in this life… Everything I wanted to do… All the people who are important to me…

Am I really dying here…

"NOOOOO! I REFUSE!"

A vicious scream with the tone of a child echoes throughout the Boss room as I lift my hands. Grabbing Jaxon and forcing him mid-air. He struggles for a second, but I force him to his knees. All I can do is follow the Force. Let it guide me in this moment of life or death.

"NO MORE!"

I use my own Force presence to rip Jaxon's from him. As I do this, whatever it is, he falls to the ground with foam coming from his mouth and his eyes rolling into the back of his head.

New Force Power Discovered!

Sever Force (Permanent Variation Auto Unlocked)

A Force Power wielded by your ancestor, Nomi Sunrider. This variation of Sever Force allows you to permanently cut off a Force sensitive's connection to the Force. Often times causing instant death if the individual is caught off guard by the attack. This version of Sever Force is only known to exist in the Sunrider Family.

Force Power Level-Up! X50

Novice 50

WARNING:

You have a genetic natural affinity to this Force Power. All XP gains for this Force Power are increased by 100%

WARNING:

This Force Power is Forbidden by the Jedi and Sith Orders!

USE.

WITH.

CAUTION.

My eyesight is filled with the interface screen telling me I've unlocked a new Force Power. All I can do is fall on my back and take ragged breaths. My FP is nearly at zero. The cost of the new Force Power drained everything I had left.

My STAM is critical, with only a few points left. This is a fight I should've lost. I'm supposed to be dead right now… The only reason I'm alive is from my desperation to survive… The Force answered my call for help and gave me a hand…

I can't rely on that to happen all the time. That's twice where interference from the Force has saved me from certain death. The first time was when I unlocked Crush.

I lay here and closed my eyes, using my Meditation skill to start bringing my FP back up and helping bring my STAM back up as I rested. Eventually, I stood up and made my way to a chair at a half-destroyed table. I took a moment and opened my interface.

Clicking on my Force Powers and bringing up Sever Force. Just to see what I'm now dealing with in terms of new power.

Sever Force

(Permanent Variation)

Novice 50

At higher levels, you can use this power on groups of Jedi and Sith.

Stronger Force sensitives can resist or block this Force Power.

Costs 3500 FP

'It costs a massive 3500 FP. It's not that expensive to me. I'm an FP monster. It's not a perfect Force Power, though. It won't really work against stronger Force sensitives. Makes sense due to their connection to the Force being stronger and more developed.'

'List Stats.'

Ryan Sunrider

Age: 3

Species: Human

Title: The Player

Level: 12

HP: 42/200

FP: 2200/15,600

M-Count: 31,790

PP: 24/24

XP [7800/13,000]

STAM [28/276]

Hunger [55/100]

STR: 11

VIT: 15

AGI: 14

INT: 20

WIS: 15

CHA: 16

Luck: 0 [20]

SP: 0

PerkP: 3

PPP: 2

SKP: 300

Credits: 0

My HP, FP, and STAM are lower than half. The only one that isn't is Hunger. But five more, and I'm in need of a meal. My FP is regenerating so fast thanks to my skills that promote its recovery, particularly Meditation.

'I lucked out in this fight, but this is only one of the brothers. Speaking of the Perro brothers, I need to retrieve something from Jaxon.'

I stand up from my chair and make my way over to the now-dead Jaxon. Taking a moment to search his pocket and Jedi belt. Eventually, finding one datapad. The Sub-Quest for this dungeon requires that I read the datapads as I find them.

Not knowing what I'll find, I return to my seat and turn on the datapad. I'm shown the Basic language, and more information is provided. And it's an archive—one that tells the story of the Perro brothers.

[My brother and I have been at odds with the Jedi High Council since Revan defected to fight the Mandalorians. Many in the Order are in agreement with us, saying we're ignoring our duties at Jedi by doing nothing.]

'Amazing… I didn't expect to find something like this. I know an infinitesimal amount about Star Wars' larger galaxy. The people like Jaxon where no stories were told. Just someone who existed and made choices. If he was in the lore, I missed him back in my old life.'

[Eddre and I have formed a group in the growing faction that supports Revan. But there is much tension and animosity growing between the members. I don't know what the cause is, but I'm feeling unprovoked anger toward people I care about. Even Eddre. Something is going on.]

The datapad continues talking about how other members are starting to start fights or brawls and how the violence is slowly escalating as time goes on. But before I can reach the climax of the report, it comes to an end. Telling me the data is incomplete.

"Son of a bitch cliffhanger!"

I need the other damn datapad to find out what happened. Well, I know what happened. Just look around me. But I don't know the final moments or the devilish details of how it led to this dungeon.

Since there is no more to read, I place the datapad in my inventory and take a deep breath. Knowing that more fights are ahead of me. I don't want to walk into another Boss fight where I'm low on all my stats. If I could, I'd stay here and recover to full.

But I know that some of the bonus rewards for the quests are related to time. If I take to long, I'll miss out on some of the bonus rewards. It comes down to doing what is wise, though. I'd rather regain full stats and continue the dungeon than try to achieve time goals and risk certain death.

The base rewards for clearing the quest are already great. Missing out on the bonuses isn't the end of the world for me.

'Time to take a breather and get my stats back up. It may take an hour or two, but it's worth it. I'm not getting my ass saved by the appearance of a Force Power again. It's already happened twice, and that's two too many times.'

I can only imagine how Sarina would react if she knew her little baby boy was fighting life and limb in a deadly dungeon where death is completely possible. In truth, I can't say I know how she'd react after all this time apart from her. Thanks to Photographic Memory, I'll always remember what she looks like.

But I don't know if she's changed since I was taken by the Jedi. I can only guess how hard it's been for her. She was an amazing person, and I hope that hasn't changed.

The next hour and a half passes as I think about what I remember regarding this era in Star Wars. I review and go over information in my head to make sure I don't forget any important knowledge I had coming into Star Wars.

Once my stats are filled back up, I stand from my chair and make my way to the door that I entered the room through. Following the hallway back. However, to my chagrin and dismay. More of the crazed and angry Jedi who've lost their minds have come back.

And in far greater numbers.

There are a total of eight this time, but given how used to fighting them I am, it won't be too hard to rid myself of them. I immediately engage the first two, and what happens next is completely out of what I expect to happen. They're not as wild and unfocused as before.

The attacks are sharp and more controlled. Easily dodging and parrying what would've killed them before. The next thing I know, I'm avoiding killing blows like they're the plague.

'What the hell happened that caused them to change like this!? They weren't this good before, and after that hard-ass fight, I'm forced to face even tougher fodder opponents!?'

I focus on the fights in front of me, using Makashi and Shii-Cho to my fullest capabilities. I'm able to maneuver around the three attacks coming my way and flip through the air. The unexpected move allows me openings on all three of them.

Cutting off their heads and diminishing the group of eight into a group of five. Precognition is the most important skill I have to pair with Lightsaber fighting. Without it, I wouldn't know what attacks are coming from where and how to fight them off.

My momentary relief is short-lived as three fresh enemies come around the corner and reinforce the group I just diminished.

'Okay! I can't stay here and fight these guys all day. I need to make it to the next Boss room.'

Instead of staying and fighting, I leap and run along the wall as I parry and dodge attacks with flips and twists. I get on the other side of the group and run down the hallway at full speed. Leaving the Jedi of the dungeon behind me.

The only explanation I can come up with for their becoming more focused and less mindless is that Jaxon's death had to have freed some control or influence over their minds. But now isn't the time to focus on that. I look over my shoulder as I turn a corner and reenter the room with two paths in it.

Behind me and close to my tail is the group of eight, and I know the only way to get away from them is down the path that leads to the other Perro brother, Eddre. I turn and race down the hallway. It's a mirror path of the one leading to Jaxon, so it doesn't take me long to reach the Boss room.

I gently open the door and quietly enter the new Boss room. As I do, unlike before, the door behind me closes on its own. That's when I see Eddre Perro waiting for me with his lightsaber ready.

'Observe.'

This time, I think it in my head instead of saying it aloud.

Eddre Perro (Dungeon Boss)

Race: Human

Level: 32

Health: 100%

Age: ?

Force Potential: Very High

M-Count: 16,250

Threat Potential: Extreme

Affiliation Loyalty: The Order of the Jedi (0%) Order of the Sith (100%)

Emotional State: ?

This guy is seven levels stronger than his brother, and he has a stronger connection to the Force than Jaxon. What I find interesting is the look in the Boss's eyes. It's not mindless or angry like the enemies I faced when I first entered here.

"So you're the one who killed my little brother. I'm honestly very surprised he died to a little child such as you. He's brought shame to the Perro family name."

He lifts his blade as I listen to him. The surprise I feel is hidden as I find myself at a loss. I had no idea that the Boss of dungeons could speak to you. More interesting on a personal note is how there is almost no love lost when facing the man who dispatched his brother from life.

If you could call that being an enemy in a dungeon a life.

The only thing the two brothers have in common is their loyalty to the Sith. When I was reading the datapad, I had no hint or whiff of such an allegiance. Something I want to know about happened. The lore geek in me wants to know it.

Even though, to the extent of my knowledge, the Perro brothers never existed. So, it's completely new to me.

"You're cruel to one that you'd call brother, Eddre. If I was facing the killer of one of my family members, you can be sure I'd be in a way different mood."

The words that leave my lips are tainted with the sound of a child. There is no intimidation or charisma to the sounds that leave this mouth. I'm too young to make anything sound cool.

But now isn't the time to make something sound cool or look cool. I need to focus on fighting Eddre. A small smirk takes form on his lips, and he enters a combat stance.

"My brother was weak and cowardly. I'll cleanse the shame he's brought our family after losing a fight to a child. And I'll do that by ending your miserable little life."

All I can do is steel myself for the coming battle. I'm fighting way above my proverbial weight class in this dungeon. The A rating was something I should've taken seriously, and I should've challenged an easier dungeon instead of the hardest one I found.

If I make it out of here, I'll consider it a lesson learned.

And I was a fool to think that I was ready regardless. I can see my greatest weakness in this life.

Arrogance and Pride.

Things I'll need to keep in check from now on.