Hyperion Evergrowing

Chapter 28: Unnatural Combinations

“Two…” Leif said. After neither man replied for several seconds he hissed and elaborated. “Once… like… you. Person…”

In nervousness he checked the progress of his skill fusion. He had consumed several more lesser mana shards over the thirty minutes they had worked.

Fusion of skills [Gilded Body] and [Iron Fists] 51/100%

“A person?” Marcus said. “A human? Like me and Sieg?”

Leif nodded solemnly. “Memory… distant. Am… Leif. Always… was.”

“But how? It doesn’t make sense.”

“Don’t… know. I… am… unnatural ”

“You have a monster class?” Sieg asked.

Leif nodded. “And… others… [Noble]... [Brawler]...”

The spriggan indicated confusion with his aura and a tilt of the head. Using [Gilded Body] so much was making him feel faint. He plucked another mana shard and consumed it for his skill fusion.

“Uh,” Marcus said, “I’m not really the best person to ask, it's not my field of expertise.”

“Nor mine.” Sieg grunted. “There would be people at the academy who would know more. From what I understand, sometimes a monster gains access to normal classes when they reach a certain level. I think it's at level fifty.”

Leif went to speak but [Gilded Body] was barely responsive. He hissed in annoyance and absorbed another mana shard, hopefully the skill fusion would make talking easier. The gathered pile was already too big for the three of them to carry.

Fusion of skills [Gilded Body] and [Iron Fists] 80/100%

“Hey Leaf? We can’t help too much and I’m sorry for that. I’d understand if you are reticent about trusting us.” Marcus said hesitantly

Leif grunted. It was hard to put into words his feelings towards the two, the moment he had met them he had become more sure of what, and who he was. They didn’t kill me, or attack me in any way. And it's not like I've hesitated to follow them this far.

He indicated for the mage to continue. “Well, after this. You should come with us back to the Academy. You’ll have to meet the other members of the expedition but I doubt they’d mind too much.”

Didn’t the one you talked to via that strange device want you to kill me? He thought. Then he considered. From what Marcus and Sieg had said about the Academy… it seemed like a good idea, or at least something to seriously consider.

Leif nodded and Marcus grinned in response. “Perfect! If anyone could help you it would be there-”

Suddenly the rounded chamber shook with tremendous force. The mana geode trembled, the few remaining shards clinked and rattled. The dim light being emitted from the walls and ceiling flickered then shut off. The only source of illumination the inner glow of the mana geode and the pile of shards at its base.

“It's time to go!” Sieg yelled as he ran his hand through the pile of shards, two dozen liquified and disappeared through the tips of his fingers. “Consume what we can’t carry! Marcus, where is the way out?”

“I need a minute!” The mage called as the room shook again. He closed his eyes and began to focus. The faint outlines of pathways and passages began to be traced in the air by an unseen stylus. Some sort of skill from the man's [Seeker] class.

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Leif stepped forward and plunged his hand into the mana shards.

Fusion of skills [Gilded Body] and [Iron Fists] 91/100%

Fusion of skills [Gilded Body] and [Iron Fists] 97/100%

Fusion of skills [Gilded Body] and [Iron Fists] 100/100%

Congratulations! Your fusion of the [Gilded Body] and [Iron Fists] skills is complete!

You have gained the [Amber Blight Spriggan] skill [Gold Iron Physique]!

===

Gold Iron Physique:

Aspects: Technique, Enhancement (Body)*

Your resilience to physical and thaumatic damage is increased as your body is tempered to be akin to iron. You are naturally more dense and can control your physique to become heavier or lighter at will.

Attacks you make with your body deal increased damage and have greater force behind them.

You may conjure golden ethereal limbs which count as your own body for any beneficial effects granted by skills and class perks while they remain physically attached to your form.

You may manipulate the shape of these limbs at will.

===

Leif had just picked up the newly filled tent bag when he froze. Blue energy flickered across his body followed by a surge in strength. He quickly read through the new skills description.

It’s not overly different than I had expected. He mused. I can adjust my weight, but nothing else seems new... Hang on. The line about the conjured limbs only being affected by half my physical attributes is gone.

He activated [Amber Awareness] to feel the changes to his body once again. There was a distinct difference, he felt even more solid, his steps were firm and sure. Not only that but the skill felt completely refreshed, as if he hadn’t been overtaxing it just to speak.

How much more control do I have now? Will speaking be easier?

“Bad news guys.” Marcus said. “There's a way out a little further down.”

“How is that bad?” Sieg asked.

“It feels. I don’t know, flooded maybe? It’s hard to tell. Also I just levelled up which seems to not be the greatest sign.”

“Didn’t you level when we first entered the Mythhold?”

“Yeah… Fast levels only happen if you repeatedly challenge yourself. I’m worried about what's ahead.”

“Won’t know until we get there.”

“I can’t swim…” Leif said, then paused. That was a whole lot easier than before. His voice was still raspy and hoarse but the clarity and speed with which he could speak… like night and day, as if he had been trying to use cutlery with his toes.

“Huh? Did your skill finish fusing?” Sieg asked, noticing the change.

“Yes.” Leif nodded, reshaping the temporary tongue in his mouth felt smooth and intuitive. He licked the roof of his mouth just because he could. There wasn’t any taste, he found that somewhat disappointing. “I am too dense, I will sink.”

“I don’t think it's flooded with water…” The mage said, his brow knitted in concentration. “But it definitely feels wrong somehow.”

The passageway they were jogging down shook violently. Spider web thin cracks began to streak along the ceiling, barely illuminated by Marcus’s purple sphere.

Sieg stumbled against the wall to steady himself. He was over encumbered with mana shards, his axe slung over his shoulder instead of tucked away someplace. Leif wanted to ask how the spatial storage worked but now wasn’t the time.

“If this place comes down, we’re all dead.” The slayer grimaced. “If your packs are too much, drop them, our lives are the priority now.”

Leif shrugged. He was carrying the most but didn’t feel too tied down. He was about to state as much when a malicious force came spooling from the direction they were travelling. Haunting whispers echoed through the hallway and the air grew thick and cold.

Sieg swore, Marcus winced and Leif hissed at the sensation.

“You know what guys? Let's find another way.” The seeker suggested.

Then the ceiling began to collapse behind them. Just one thing after another.