As Mark entered the room with the little girl and Jor, he laid down on his bed and was about to pull out his phone, when the little girl tapped his shoulder. She had a nervous look on her face, as she shifted around in place.
"Mark... I think I feel comfortable sharing my name now..." She said as she squeezed her eyes shut.
"You don't have to force yourself you know. I don't quite get why you haven't told anyone yet, but it's your business. As long as you're comfortable, that's all that matters." Mark rubbed her hair affectionately.
The little girl eased quite a bit after that, taking a moment to ready herself. "My mommy always told me not to talk to strangers or give them my name, but you aren't a stranger any more! And... mommy and daddy aren't here now." She began tearing up as Mark pulled her into a hug.
"It's ok. How about this, we'll be a new family? I'll be the big brother, you be the little sister. We can look out for each other. How about it?" Mark rubbed her head as he spoke soothingly to her.
"Really?!" The little girl perked up immediately, as she looked up to Mark with a big smile on her face.
"Yep! If anyone ever tries to bully you let me know and I'll beat them up!" Mark declared, pumping his fist a little.
"Hehe! I will." The little girl chuckled, smiling wide as she hugged Mark once again.
"My name is Suzy." She told him softly.
"Nice to meet you, Suzy." Mark smiled warmly.
After Suzy fell asleep, Mark began researching vibration online, seeing the potential it held he decided to take the plunge after a full night's sleep.
...
Waking up the next morning, feeling refreshed after his morning routine, Mark sat the sword in front of him with a resolute expression. "Jor, can you web the sword for me real fast?" Mark asked. The little spider happily complied as it laid out an intricate design covering the whole sword.
Seeing the work complete mark gave a light smile and thanked Jor, before issuing the system command.
'Cast Life Bestowal' Mark thought, as the green energy surrounded his head.
{Casting [Life Bestowal] on object [Vibrating Sword]}
The green energy surrounding him dove into the midsection of the sword guard, causing noticeable changes to it.
A small mana core formed in the center, looking like an ornamental gem, as mana circuits began to spread along all four extremities. The intricate web design melding into the weapon causing the looks to change drastically.
Everyone in the cafeteria watched in wonder at the sword's ongoing changes.
The mist gradually was fully absorbed and Mark noticed the blade begin to hum as it vibrated on its own.
"Seems it was a success. I'll name you Vibra." Mark had a wide grin on his face, picking up his new weapon and sending it a party invite immediately.
{Invite sent}
{Accepted}
{Party}
{Members: (3/5)
Name: Mark Tellin
Health: 10/ 10
Mana: 10/ 10
Name: Jorōgumo
Health: 10/ 10
Mana: 10/ 10
Name: Vibra
Health: 10/ 10
Mana: 10/ 10
}
{Inspect}
{Weapon: Vibrating Drain Sword
Core Density: Hollow
Mana Circuit: Beginner (Stage 1)
Rank: F
Info: A sword given life through the talent of Mark Tellin. Has the abilities to vibrate rapidly, increasing slicing power, as well as a drain ability imparted by the spider Jor.}
}
Looking at his new weapon, Mark was extremely pleased.
"Welcome to the team, Vibra." A soft hum emitted from it, acknowledging Mark.
"So that's your talent at work, huh?" Rick asked, amazed at the changes in the sword.
"Part of it, yeah. There are just so many ways I can use it that I'm still exploring it. Unfortunately I'm out of uses until I get my core density or mana circuit to a higher stage." Mark frowned, understanding the limit but disliking it all the same.
"I'd say the fact that it has such a limit shows just how powerful it is." One of the others chimed in, mouth agape.
Soon, quite a few others agreed and everyone began talking again. The conversation shifted to today's plans, and what needed to be done.
"Since Mark cleared out another location last night, we can go and get any remaining items with use. I'd also like to get something to make some dividing walls so the place doesn't feel so communal." Ruby began, thinking out loud.
"While you guys work on that, I think I'll clear the dungeon one more time, then clear out the remaining territories on the way to terminal three. Hopefully there are people over there." Mark added in.
"If you plan to do that today, do you mind bringing me with you to the dungeon. Honestly speaking I feel safest with you leading the way." Rick asked, as Mark gave an affirmative nod.
...
Sometime later, Mark's party and a logistics team were standing in front of the dungeon entrance. Everyone was staring at the rift in awe. Mark walked forward with Rick, who was carrying two large suitcases. Rick hesitated at first, but seeing Mark enter confidently, he blew out the air he was holding, and stepped in.
"Same as last night Jor." Mark said, letting the spider down to the ground as he walked into the cavern. This time he didn't bother to sneak around the side. All he needed to do was wait for Jor to finish and he could begin.
He casually chatted with Rick for a while, and before long, Jor crawled back onto his shoulder and tapped his neck.
"All done?" He asked, looking at its handywork.
"Rick head to the entrance and wait there unless you wanna fight." Mark warned, as Rick pondered for a moment.
"I got a sword now, so might as well test it out. I'll handle the stragglers since I've never been in a real fight before." Mark nodded and added some advice.
"Their necks are incredibly weak, aim for it when you slash." He said as they went their separate ways.
A minute or so later Mark was standing in front of Rick, watching as the more than a hundred goblins made their way over.
"Quite a few of 'em..." Rick gulped, causing Mark to laugh.
"Don't worry old man, we've got this." Mark smiled wide as he pulled out Vibra and swung it around in front of him.
"Time for our first battle together!" Mark excitedly spoke as a loud hum reverberated around the cave.