The Path of Ascension PoA The Concept of Death Chapter 4

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PoA The Concept of Death 4

linda cursed under her breath as Matts question ca through. He had joined the Kingdom and not the Queendom.

Her husband noticed her distress and wrapped one of his large arms around her. It was just what she needed.

Yeah, its unfortunate. But nothing we cant work around. This is a neutral city.

But-

He cut her off with another gentle squeeze and moved forward to the front of the group, where their guide was leading them forward.

Hey, quick question.

When the woman turned around, he flashed his charming smile, and when the woman gestured for him to continue, he asked, We have a friend whos fighting for the other side. Is that going to be a problem?

The woman looked startled, but answered loudly enough for all of the groups following to hear. No, the Empire made their stance on that very clear. This is a neutral city, and here no one is subject to our rules. We would prefer that you not fraternize with the enemy, but we cant stop you, or punish you for it.

Soone in the crowd called out, What if were spies? Isnt that dangerous?

The guide still seed unconcerned. We both have spies and various counterasures for that. In the end, neither side really trusts you Pathers. Were both treating you like rcs. Youll get your orders with minimum ti to give out the information, and for the most part, you wont know the full picture.

linda wanted to be hurt, but she didnt bla them for their caution. The gossip on the ship had revealed that the vassals were getting reimbursed for the war to encourage them to actually put a sizable effort into it. If the rewards were enough to get Tier 35s to move, they had to be substantial.

They were escorted to a suite, and were told that they would have the rooms available while they were in the city. But, an auction was being held next evening, so there wouldnt be much action in the coming days. Both sides were far more interested in the auction than continuing the hostilities, so they had free ti to explore the city.

With that in mind, they sent a ssage to Matt, saying that they could et up whenever.

He replied that they needed another hour or so for Liz to get ready. That reminded linda to talk to her team about the woman.

Guys, we dont know her. So be on your best behavior.

Vinnie chid in from beside her, We know that shes related to Aunt Helen.

Sam corrected him, Shes a phoenix like her, there isnt any blood relation.

Good point. What else do we know?

Tara added, Theyre dating, sort of.

linda thought that over before she added, I was pretty confused about what their situation is. They werent dating, then they were dating but with no sex. Now, Im not really sure.

The rest of her team could only shrug with her. None of them were entirely sure of the status of Matts relationship with his teammate, except that her presence was always felt in their ssages back and forth.

Their friend obviously cared for the woman, which was more than enough for them.

Look everyone, be on your best behavior. Thats all I ask. We need a good first impression no matter the details of their relationship. Shes officially a part of his team, so theyll be together for the long haul.

They lounged in their common room while they still had free ti. Mathew was kneading a knot out of her foot while he chatted with Vinnie and Sam about a few of their battle strategies for the war.

While she didnt actively participate, she listened carefully to their thought processes. They were Tier 6, which ant that they would be among the stronger Pathers fighting in the war, but weaker than the people from the vassal states. Those combatants could be up to Tier 7.

As the teams shot-caller, she had been putting in a lot of ti with an expensive AI trainer that she had gotten. But while she was learning, she also beca aware of her flaws.

She wasnt that bad with her simulated team, but as soon as the program threw her with an unfamiliar team, she failed repeatedly. When she didnt have a healer, her made-up teams were always killed before the fifth encounter.

It was sobering. She thought she was a good strategist, but in reality, she was proving Baxter right with each new simulation. It might have been more irkso than the actual losses. As much as she hated the idea, she intended to ask him for advice if their first battle went poorly. This war was a ga, but if she treated it as if it was real, and got her family to as well, they could grow a lot.

After a quick search with her AI, linda found that the war was expected to last at least a year, which was perfect. If she had her way, it would go on even longer, so they could milk out more experience. Their team's oldest mber, Tara, was twenty-one and a half, which ant that they had plenty of ti to progress. Thankfully, their team was all within four months of each other age-wise, so they had a little over five years before they had to reach Tier 7 to stay on The Path.

It would be hard if they waited that long to Tier up, but linda had a plan for that. Their guide had given them all one war contribution point for joining the Queendom. It let them access the War Contribution Market, and it ensured that they could co back into the fight if they got killed.

The single point was what let her plan out her familys next steps. They would take a mission and earn at least a dozen points each. With those, they would each buy essence stones. They were limited to buying one every three days, but the stones only cost 5 points apiece. Her team could advance and increase their powers in the short term, then leverage that to gain further rewards. All the while, they would be increasing their combat prowess by honing the skills and abilities that they already had.

Before she gave in to the craving and checked the more tangible rewards, the tir she had set went off, and everyone started moving to et with Matt.

She was nervous. It had been so long since they had seen each other, and she felt like she owed him so much. Without the shard of reality, she didnt know how long it would have taken her friends to start growing their own Concepts. A dark and pessimistic side of her whispered that with how long it had taken her husband to get his phrase, he might not have ever gotten it.

In the end, he had, and his phrase suited him. I am solid. It fit him, though he pretended to dislike it. He was and had always been her rock. He was more than their teams front liner, but their very foundation.

When things got tough, his carefree and jovial attitude slipped away, to show the firm and steady core of their team. She made sure to try and take care of his emotional needs, but he rarely needed anything more than a hug or warm presence. It had taken her ti with her own therapist to understand that he didnt need to verbalize things as she did, and he processed things on his own internally.

He was her anchor and their teams rock. His Concept only reinforced that. She had more than enough fun teasing him about it when they happened to be horizontal.

They ca outside and were waiting outside their building, when a white blur shot into her arms, causing her to stumble back. She was given long, cold licks accompanied with an AI ssage saying, Friend! Pet.

The fact that Aster could now talk, or at least communicate, completely slipped her mind when she finally saw Matt for the first ti in almost three years.

He was tall. Nearly as tall as her husband, but with a slightly slimr build and a more golden tint to his hair. His eyes also looked more green than she rembered, but none of that really grabbed her attention. No, it was what her Concept showed her that blew her away.

Her old friend looked more like a Tier 15 than the Tier 6. Her spirit told her much more than everyone elses eyes could see, as he moved in to hug them all.

Even perfectly healthy people had slight darkness around them, in the form of a mist of shadow, as aging took its toll. But no, Matt was near perfect. The only blemish was a reflection of a shadow that lingered over him out of the corner of her eye. It was a weird amalgamation of a Tier 15 and soone clearly under. Even a Tier 14 didnt look like this. She had seen and treated more than one.

She was unable to figure out exactly how exactly Matt had gotten that way, before her attention was drawn to the woman standing next to him.

The woman, Liz, was pretty in a sharp way. It reminded her of Aunt Helen. It wasnt just the red hair that was a mix of ginger and a deeper fla red,, or the sa yellow eyes. It was sothing about her face. It almost had a... sharpness to it.

The hard angles of her face reminded her of a hawk.

The hard edges were softened by the clear nervousness that lingered on the womans face, along with the wringing of her fingers. She looked similar to Matt in that she had less darkness around her but it wasn't as noticeable as Matts.

As she tried to pay attention to the introductions Matt was making, she internally smiled at Sam ntioning potions. It clearly put the other woman at ease, though linda didnt sll anything over the freshly bathed fox still in her arms, demanding rubs with a string of ssages.

Aster was adorable, and she whispered sweet things into her ear, which, when responded to, caused her to lose track of the conversation again.

When they were seated in a flying car, Matt called to the driver to take them to the restaurant. linda couldnt hold it in anymore and said, Matt, you look really good. Too good, really.

At his raised eyebrow, she realized he didnt know about her Concept and explained, I can see flaws in a persons spirit with my Concept. Its like monsters made of dark mist. The only people who dont have it are those who are Tier 15 or higher. You look like youre halfway broken through. Its weird. I cant really explain it.

It was hard to put into words, but he seed to understand and laughed it off. We t up with a seeker who pointed us to a Tree of Perfection, after we helped him out a little. It brings a single aspect of your body to Tier 15, or nearly so. I ate the body root. I guess youre seeing that.

She queried her AI, and found that the plant and its effects were as he said, which put her at ease. Both Liz and Aster looked fine, but she still wanted to ensure that they were ok, as she did with her own family. To that effect, she moved to heal them, saying, That makes sense. Let heal all of you, though.

Liz protested, Oh, theres no reason to waste your mana like that.

linda shrugged, not wanting to explain her Talent in the cab. There could be people listening. With a thought, she cast [Ranged Heal] twice at the humans, and then onto Aster, who was sprawled over her, Sam, and Taras laps.

The fox was liberal in her thanks and warm thoughts of love. Her ssages were a constant stream of: ahh and scratch higher. lindas youre welcos back were returned with a heart. She dug her fingers deeper into the snow-white fur in response which was returned with a rumbling purr.

Distractedly, she said, Im happy to help. Itll make sure you dont have anything wrong lingering with you. I dont see anything, but a heal a day will keep sickness away.

The rest of the ride was filled with idle chatter, and she had to smile at how her team made sure to include Liz in their conversation. anwhile, she worked on the indolent fox, who was in a bliss all her own.

Their conversation died out as they reached the restaurant, and linda imdiately protested the place after looking it up. It was an expensive restaurant ant for Tier 10s.

Matt, we cant afford this place.

He shrugged her concern away like it was no big deal, causing her to feel even worse until he elaborated. Im paying. And its only one dinner. We made more in the last few months here than you can imagine.

When Sam looked to reinforce lindas protest, Liz said, We sold more than one growth item while we were at Tier 5. Let us treat you to a nice dinner. Sha my Aunt isnt here. Now that would be a good dinner.

Tara seemingly teleported next to Liz and nearly shouted, Im gonna marry her!

While Matt and Liz looked at her in confusion, linda grabbed the archers arm and started to drag her along, debating if she should strangle the woman now or later. She had told them not to be weird. And what was weirder than hitting on soones million-year-old Aunt?

Ignore her. Shes delusional. It took all her effort not to growl the words out.

Tara protested as she was dragged to the door. Im not! Really, Im not. Shes amazing and Ill marry her one day!

Thankfully, in the reflection of the approaching door, linda could see Liz looked more amused than offended. Youre going to have your work cut out for you. Aunt Helens list of suitors probably spans the known well, everywhere. Shes broken a lot of hearts over the ages with unreciprocated feelings, and Im pretty sure shes accidentally started a war at least once.

Hearing Lizs comnt, Tara looked even more determined, so linda tried to crush her arm with her own, to little effect. Liz continued, But go ahead and try. Maybe youll be the one. How did you guys et her though?

That caused their procession to stop again halfway through the door, as Tara tried to turn and chat about her crush, but Kyle thankfully saw and grabbed linda, dragging them all forward.

When they were seated, linda thanked them. As I was trying to say, thank you for the shard. It got everyone else on the right track to discovering their Concepts. I dont know how to repay you.

ntally, she knew that they were friends, but the gift was too big and too important to her family. She wanted to do sothing for them, but didnt know what. It wasnt a debt that had to be paid off, and it was really one that couldnt be paid. Her family reaching Tier 15 and immortality was her most important goal. She hadnt learned how to heal old age yet, and didnt want to count on sothing so chancy.

When Matt and Liz looked like they wanted to protest, she held up a hand and stopped them. This is massive for us. Its not a small trinket, but my familys ticket to immortality. Not everyone can take that first step, and they eventually die. I just fell into mine without knowing what I was doing, and how much it would separate myself from them. Just... Thanks.

Vinnie smiled and lightened the mood as he bragged, I was the first to get my phrase. These dummies took a lot longer.

It was a day before the rest of us, which was over a year behind linda, you rube. Sams comnt cut Vinnie down, and in retaliation, he fell over on her and tried to smother her.

Their waiter ca over, her team followed her lead in ordering smaller and therefore cheaper entrees. But when Matt saw that, he just ordered what seed like the largest and most expensive platters in addition to their als.

When all of them tried to protest, he repeated his earlier statent about making a lot of money recently. linda still struggled with that. He was spending at least a Tier 10 mana stone on all of this food, at the very least. She rembered when Matt had complained about spending his hard-earned credits on a new pair of boots when he grew out of them. This seed in stark contrast.

Liz did sothing with her earring, which caused a bubble of air to harden around their table. As linda listened to the odd echo of their breathing, Matt reached into his bag and withdrew the two items, a bracelet, and a quiver. The second one was obviously a gift for Tara, but the first was a mystery.

As the guilt of taking more from her friend bubbled up, he said, Im glad I didnt send these to you the slow way. Otherwise, they might have missed you.

Tara looked at the quiver and asked, I can always use a new quiver, but this feels weird. What does it do? Also, thank you.

Matt was prouder than a mother hen as he said, Im proud to give you both growth items that are perfectly suited to each of you.

Vinnie nearly dropped his bracelet as Matt said that, but caught it at the last second. Man, this is too much. I cant afford this.

Its no big deal. I wasnt joking when I said we pulled more than one growth item. The casual statent only caused lindas guilt to increase.

Thankfully, Vinnie and Tara seed to agree with her assessnt, and pushed the items back across the table in unison.

Tara, with obvious strain in her voice, said, Its too much, really. You should sell them and propel your team to greater power. Buy so more skills or sothing.

Matt rolled his eyes like they were being purposefully oblivious, Guys, at least hear what they do first.

Tara looked longingly at the quiver, but linda was proud of her teammate as she said, No, dont do that! It will hurt even more knowing.

Matt seed exasperated as he said, Ok. Think about it for a minute. You guys know what my Tier 1 Talent does. Have you ever checked my Tier 3 Talent?

Everyone on her side murmured yes, but linda was confused as she reread it. Finding nothing new, she checked Matt, Liz, and Aster's faces. Matt looked like it should be obvious, while Liz looked amused, but not in a an way. Aster just watched everything with her paws on the table as she sat in between the two.

A quick glance at her own team showed that they seed to be just as confused. Taking the chance to look dumb for them all, Mathew whistled, saying, Sa as last ti. Its impressive as all hell, but I dont get it.

How are rifts made and powered?

linda paused and rembered the mnemonic from her childhood, Life makes mana. Mana makes essence. Essence creates rifts. Rifts convert all three.

It took a mont as she put the pieces together. Suddenly, it clicked, and she was in shock and awe, while Matt looked like a child getting presents on his birthday.

So you can just... Sam waved a hand around, pointing at the pair of growth items.

Yup!

And its just that easy? Kyles disbelief was obvious as he asked the question. It mirrored her own.

Yup!

Thats amazing... linda trailed off when she was interrupted by Tara and Vinnie lunged for their items in unison, scrambling to take them.

She couldnt bla them. Apparently, for Matt, they were worth nothing. Ascenders knew how many he had pulled out of his rifts before Tiering up. It must have been enough that they didnt feel the need to stay at Tier 5, which implied a shocking amount.

Okay, what do they do? I need to know! linda was curious as well, especially considering Matts claims of how perfect the items were for her teammates. Mathew patted her leg under the table, and she intertwined their fingers, taking comfort in his presence.

Matt laughed, clearly enjoying the sight of them cuddling their new items.

He pointed at Vinnies hand and said, That bracelet increases the range of all earth skills cast while wearing it.

Vinnie nearly dropped the tal and rope band as he tried to get his hand in it. It cinched down, and her spiritual sense noticed that the bond was now active. It really was perfect for him. The greatest weakness of any low Tier earth manipulator was their lack of range. He couldnt affect anything that was more than five feet away from himself. She didnt know how much the item would extend that range, but she was confident that any amount would help.

Tara was hugging her quiver and giving Matt puppy dog eyes, silently begging their friend not to make her wait any longer.

That... he paused as he pointed to Tara and as she nodded rapidly, almost quivering in anticipation. He drew out his silence. As her friend looked ready to explode, he finally continued, ...Is a quiver that acts like a spatial item, and it can create arrows over ti. It also enchants them if the arrows remain in the quiver while it gets fed mana. I thought it was perfect for your style.

Taras bouncing turned into a lunge as she tried to reach Matt over the table, knocking over two empty cups in the process.

Oh, thank you! Thank you! It is perfect! I love it.

The sa process repeated itself as Tara bound the item and started stuffing arrows into the quiver and pulling them out. Oddly enough, she didnt seem to have to reach inside the quiver, and they appeared far enough away. linda was pretty sure that her friend could summon them already notched on her bowstring.

linda thought the excitent was over, when Matt brought out a bucket. It was underwhelming after his shockingly expensive presents, until he added, We also got a ton of skills if you want sothing. Its mostly the ordinary ones, but a few might help. Take and trade anything if you want. We already kept what we wanted.

Mathew smiled and clapped Matt on his shoulder. You sure know how to give wedding presents!

Wait, you guys got married?

linda just nodded as she looked at the pile of skill shards.

Finally, she broke herself out of it and said, Matt, this is too much. Its... Its... Her voice trailed off as he shrugged.

Guys, take what you want. We already sold a bunch to the auction house. We dont really need them. Also, these are the more basic ones that we kept around to perform more rift experints on when we get more ti and privacy.

Seeing their confusion, he clarified, Rift making isnt just throwing mana into an area. Well, it is, but we learned that you can put stuff inside and use aspected mana to influence the rift and its rewards.

He pointed at Taras quiver. We made that by using wind mana and putting a bow and arrow set into the area where we created the rift.

linda was thankful for the barrier that kept Matts voice contained, because the man seed too excited to share. She was happy for him, but she was scared of what soone would do if they figured out that he could create rifts that made specific growth items.

Liz seed to be thinking the sa thing as she said, Youre getting a bit loud, Matt.

He looked sheepish, and said in a much quieter voice, But yeah, we learned a lot as we were able to experint. Got a lot of items and money from it. Even skills.

Liz added with a rye smile, And investigated for cheating.

lindas heart nearly stopped, and she felt a bone shift in her husbands hand as she tightened her grip. But after seeing their grins, she relaxed slightly.

Kyle asked what she was thinking, Wait, what?

Matt waved it off. Oh, it was scary as hell at the ti, but we got access to the Empire Market out of the ordeal. Its like the contribution point market for the war, but with a seemingly more universal currency. You can buy so amazing things. The investigator was reasonable and heard us out before making any decisions.

They were interrupted when the air bubble popped as their waiter ca in with two massive trays of food. linda thought that would be all of it, but server after server ca and dropped more food off, until there was no clear space left.

linda was mortified at the amount of food, but seeing how proud Matt looked, she held her tongue and enjoyed the al as they each shared their own adventures. They had a lacking amount of stories compared to Matt and Liz, but she comforted herself with the knowledge that her friend-

She corrected herself, friends. After seeing how Liz and Matt looked at each other, she knew they were in love. She saw herself and Mathew in the shared looks and glancing touches. It was just like when they were forced to wait per their Sponsor, Harpers instructions.

Liz was a friend. Just one she didnt know very well yet.

linda took comfort that her friends were ok.

As their al wound down, with most of the plates only half-cleared, Aster lapped at a bowl of strawberry ice cream despite her now extended belly. Matt had ordered it for her after she questioned the lack of cold food at the table.

Hearing stories about how Aster fell in love with the cold treat made linda laugh until her sides hurt.

They moved to a park and talked into the night as they continued to swap stories. linda smiled as Sam and Liz talked about various aspects of alchemy that went over her head, but they seed engrossed.

She sat with her husband and listened to him, Kyle, and Matt, talk about their favorite exercises. Why they all complained about their calves was more than she cared to understand, but she enjoyed the sounds of chatter as she held a napping Aster and looked to the stars.

As she sat there, the skill in her pocket spoke of future power. Matt only had Tier 8 skills. There wasnt anything really rare, but he had a [Bolt] shard. She finally took it after he threw it at her when he saw her put it back in the bucket.

She knew she needed a damaging spell as a healer. It wasnt as if she never fought, but they always prioritized giving the actual damage dealers in their party skills, so it was a first for her. A small part of her liked the idea of throwing lighting around, which is why she took [Bolt] over the more common [Fireball].

Vinnie took [Earth Spear], which would increase his range yet again. One of his most glaring weaknesses would essentially beco a strength, especially among earth mages..

At Matts insistence, everyone else took two skills a piece, to trade for sothing better suited to them at tomorrows auction.

As the moon crept over the buildings, linda stretched with a satisfied sigh. They had a long day, and the amazing food was taking its toll on her. Everyone else seed to take that as their cue, and they started getting ready to go.

Matt stretched and said, We should spar tomorrow morning. Like old tis. It would be great to see how you have all grown.

linda smiled and said, We'll spank you around like we did at Tier 3.

He waggled his eyebrows and said, Ah, but I was only Tier 2 then. In an exaggerated voice, he said, We are now the sa Tier! Now I have the power to defeat you!

***

The next morning, they were at a training field after a light breakfast together. They decided to simply call the nearest floating platform and let chance decide the terrain type they got.

To her chagrin, they got a rocky area with pillars of stone standing like faux trees. It was perfect for Vinnie, which made her feel a little bad and when she suggested a more neutral ground. Matt just laughed, saying, Neither of you were able to absorb the new skill into your inner spirit yet. It will be fine.

Not knowing where his confidence ca from, she shrugged and stepped onto the platform. There was an immortal man standing in the air above the field who asked, What type of match do you want?

He paused as he looked to his side, and as she followed his gaze, she found Baxter standing next to him.

After a brief exchange, Baxter said, Ill be refereeing this match.

Matt looked nonplussed when he asked, And you are?

Liz asked at the sa ti, What authority do you have to do that?

linda cringed at the pair. It wasnt like Baxter would hurt them, but it felt risky to speak to soone with the power to send the official ref away.

Baxter, as usual, didnt seem to mind, and calmly answered, Im Baxter. Over Tier 40 and a personal healer to the Emperor. I can keep any secrets you might reveal in a fight just that. A secret.

Matt looked satisfied at that but Liz, linda noticed, seed even more skeptical until a smile crossed her face.

She said, Oh, okay. Thats fine. Her grin turned positively wicked, and Baxters eye twitched, causing linda to wonder just what ssage the woman had sent. If she had to guess, she had threatened the man with her Aunt, which was the only other ti she had seen him so agitated.

linda readied up with her team as their platform rose up and turned opaque.

Seeing only Matt on the field, and Baxter landing in a neutral area opposite from where Liz and Aster stood, she questioned, Wait, you want to fight us alone?

With a sly grin, Matt responded, At least once, for old tis sake.

He then paused and looked at Baxter with a raised eyebrow. It was a long mont later when he seed to reluctantly nod after glancing at Liz.

Baxter called out, Fight starts when I reach zero. Full killing blows are allowed, as Ill intercept them. This match is not considered a part of the ongoing war, and death here wont an death outside.

Three.

She was given the three-second countdown to look at the only skill she had seen Matt use before. linda expected to see the sa fairly standard armor that was a perfect replica of normal armor, just with all the joints filled in with a lower layer. They always gave the appearance of eye and breathing holes, along with joints where the armor skill had one.

Where her older and taller friend was a mont ago, there now stood a white-blue armored form in ghostly plate.

No, this Matt was different. It was like soone had taken all of those little details and smoothed them over. His helt was still shaped like a helt, but it was now smooth and seemingly in one solid piece. Where the translucent armor had once appeared rough around the edges, and seed shoddily made, it was now smooth and steely. It was now the armor of a truly fearso warrior.

Two.

She considered her friend with what felt like awe mixed with pride. The child that she had t on the PlayPen was gone, replaced by this intimidating example of the best the Empire had to offer. A small part of her was anxious to see what Matt had beco.

One.

Zero.

When Baxter said zero, Matt seed to explode forward. She was totally unprepared for his speed.

He was even fasterthan Kyle, who was getting twice the effect of essence cultivated into strength. Matt moved like a peak Tier 7.

A sinking dread ca over her as she called out to Tara to end this as soon as possible. This Matt truly was different.

Her call ca too late as Matt closed the distance between them. A rain of ice centered on Tara poured down and pelted them painfully. It also knocked her arrow off course.

She looked to Vinnie to get him to immobilize Matt as he arrived at Mathew, and instead of him diving into the earth, she saw Baxter holding a crossbow bolt in front of his face. In the ti it took to blink, they were both gone.

The panic started as linda tried to think, but she had no ti before Matt was in front of her husband. She expected him to stop their friend in his tracks, but Matt ducked slightly, then lifted Mathew off his feet. He ran forward with her husband over his shoulder, as if he was a shield.

Taras arrow was snatched out of the air by Baxter, who took Mathew with him. Their archer had moved out of the still raining ice and launched an arrow, only for it to hit her teammate.

Did Matt plan to block Taras arrow with Mathew? How could soone plan that in the middle of a fight?

linda didnt have ti to process her shock. With an explosive leap, Matt was imdiately on her. She only had a mont to stare into the white-blue of neutral mana that made up his armored helt. Idly, she thought she saw swirls and lines hidden in the mana.

She saw the shock and pain in her reflection, and the first swipe of a sword that appeared from nowhere took both her legs and sent her tumbling. She watched the sword arc around, covered in her blood and moving to finish her off, only to be pulled from the field of battle. She looked down and found Baxter already reattaching her legs.

She took over and sighed as her overhealth dealt with the wound perfectly.

With her heart still racing, she stood and watched on in shock.

Matt was rushing Kyle and Sam.

linda looked to Baxter, who smiled at her.

What the fuck?

He ignored her and watched as Sam threw a poison vial down on the ground. A noxious green gas quickly spread and covered the surroundings as it broke.

Kyle would be fine, as Sam had practiced long and hard to not hurt her teammates, but Matt seed to ignore it, and instead started to duel Kyle.

How does poison gas not affect him?

Shed seen that gas take down Tier 6 monsters with ease, which made the contrasting result all the more jarring.

Where Kyles sword was almost as tall as he was, had a thick blade, and was as wide as his thigh, Matts sword was slimr. She figured that Kyle would win the fight through sheer weight alone, but his first blow was deflected, and Matt stepped around him. He was quickly intercepted by Sam and her dagger.

linda looked to Tara, who was trying to escape another ice field that was ruining her shots.

Matt punched out at Kyle as he slid under a blow, and Baxter said, Thats what a true Pather looks like. I dont know your friend, but hes good enough that he has a managent team at Tier 6, when most dont even get considered until Tier 10. Hes strong and fast. Look at how he steps. Its still a little sloppy, but with each step, hes anchoring himself with a bit of his Concept, letting him turn just that little bit faster, and brace for a little more power in his blows. I can see him refining it each step he takes. Magnificent.

linda tried to watch, but could only focus on her team being decimated. Kyle took a blow that severed his leg and caused him to stumble. She expected Baxter to step in, but he didnt. Just waiting.

If I were to give you fifty fifty odds against Matt in a one vs six, which I wouldn't, by the way. It's far too generous. But if I did, Id give you sixty forty for Liz, only because all of you can actually hurt her. But she would shred you like fresh beef. And I'd give you ninety ten for Aster. Congratulations, he said sardonically.You have good odds at beating a barely sapient fox. And shes still a child.

As Kyle fell, Sam drove her dagger into Matts lower back, with its tip glowing the sickly green of [Venom Strike].

To her mounting horror, it skittered down Matts side as he turned and grabbed her arm. He tossed Sam onto Kyle and thrust through both of them. Or he would have, if Baxter hadnt moved them to her side.

linda dropped to their side and re-attached Kyles leg, while Sam shouted, Fuck!

Looking up as Kyle stood on his now healed leg, she saw Matt chasing a retreating Tara through the stone columns.

She checked on her husband, who had a faraway look on his face, and a hole in his armor near the middle of his gut. She checked him over, only to find that Baxter had already healed him perfectly.

With a still blank stare on his face, he asked, What happened?

We got our asses handed to us.

No. I an, how did we slip so far? We were good. But Matt. He got better. He kept pushing himself. I... I dont know where we went wrong.

Her attention was drawn by the cry from her teammate. She expected to see Tara down, but saw Matt standing there with an arm raised and an arrow through his forearm.

With a lighthearted laugh, Matt called out, Well done, Tara! Ive taken blows from Tier 7s at Tier 5 that didnt punch through my armor like this.

His laugh and words caused linda to blanch even more. What Tier 5 fought Tier 7s? That was madness.

He reached up and broke the arrowhead off and pulled the shaft through his arm, dropping the bloodied piece of wood to the ground.

With a battlecry that scread that he was having fun, Matt launched himself forward into a newly appeared storm of ice and with even his sword now glowing.

Tara tried to escape the onslaught of thumb-sized shards of ice, but they fell like a solid wall more than individual pieces of ice.

As Tara tried to hide behind stone pillars, Matt shot forward and sent a crescent of mana at her cover, destroying it and sending rock spraying everywhere.

linda knew the end was decided when Tara slipped on so of the accumulated ice, loosing her arrow early.

To her credit, she didnt surrender, and lashed out ineffectually with her ankle dagger, only to get her hand stepped on.

Baxter called it. Good job and well fought. Thank you, Matt.

Matt helped Tara up as the ice stopped. Her face read as a mixture of grumpy and sad, a reflection of lindas own feelings as well.

They had been demolished by soone younger and weaker than them. Matt was only an early Tier 6, after all.

Liz ca over and kicked Matt hard. What the fuck? You seriously injured them! The redhead turned to Baxter and kicked him in the shin as well. And you! What the fuck as well!? You shouldnt have let them get limbs cut off. Theyll be out of commission for weeks with that healing downti. How amateurish are you? You should know better! Idiot.

linda ward up to the girl even more as she stood up to an immortal for them. To head off any more outbursts, she told Liz her Talent. Dont worry, my Talent is one that gives all healing spells I cast overhealth. Well be fine.

Liz looked shocked at that, but she was cut off by Matt before she could respond. He said, Speaking of that, let use my Concept to top everyone up.

With that, linda felt her mana pool being rapidly filled from the three spells she had cast after the fight.

Once again, a feeling of inadequacy overca her. Matt had a Concept that could give others mana? That was absurd.

How are we ever going to keep up?