Inside the pristine white medical chamber, a chilling symphony of machines played on. Lights flashed in rhythm with Dawn's faint heartbeat, while the constant hum of life-support systems provided an eerie backdrop. Each device, with its cutting-edge technology, held the promise of recovery, but also the looming shadow of uncertainty.
Roark's sudden gasp for air sliced through the mechanical orchestra. His eyes flew open, taking in the sterile environment. The sharp scent of antiseptics stung his nostrils, grounding him to the present. The weight of the chair beneath him, the tight grip of his hands on its armrests, and the cold touch of the metallic floor against his boots made it abundantly clear—he was back.
The first thing his eyes sought out was Dawn. Her young face, only 14 years, looked peaceful despite the maze of tubes and wires connected to her. Her chest rose and fell gently, each breath a testament to her resilience.
"Dawn..." Roark's voice was a mere whisper, laden with relief and disbelief.
Lena, with her characteristic calm demeanor, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "She's stable now," she said, her voice hushed but reassuring.
Kira, the ever-watchful sentinel, stood by the door, her gaze flitting between Roark and Dawn. "You did something incredible, Roark," she murmured, a hint of awe evident in her eyes.
Jace, usually the light-hearted one, simply nodded, his playful smirk replaced with a serious, contemplative expression. He didn't need words to communicate the depth of his feelings.
Kelor approached, holding a small device that emitted a soft, ethereal glow. "The energy readings from the both of you are like nothing I've ever seen," he began, clearly perplexed. "It's as if your souls resonated at the same frequency, creating a bridge of pure energy. But it's more... spiritual than anything I've encountered in our science."
Roark's gaze never left Dawn. He recalled the feeling of being adrift, the pull of her spirit, their souls entwining in a dance that defied the very laws of the universe. It wasn't romantic or passionate, but rather a profound connection, as if they were two parts of a singular entity, separated by flesh but united in essence.
"We've been through a lot, Dawn and I," Roark admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. "But this... this bond, it's something new. It's like we've unlocked a depth of understanding and connection beyond the physical realm."
Lena, always the voice of reason, interrupted, "We'll have time to ponder and understand this later. Right now, let's focus on recovery."
Roark nodded, appreciating Lena's pragmatism. But deep inside, he felt a newfound sense of clarity. He and Dawn had ventured into the abyss and returned stronger, their bond echoing with the whispers of souls long intertwined by destiny.
The soft glow from the monitors in the chamber illuminated Roark's face as he studied Dawn, the rhythmic beeping providing a backdrop to his thoughts. Every so often, a subtle shimmer would pass between them, a visual testament to the bond that they now shared.
A couple of days passed, and Dawn began showing remarkable signs of recovery. The bond between her and Roark, although not entirely understood, seemed to play a part. Whenever he was near, the wounds on her body healed at a faster rate, and the color returned to her face. The medical team, led by Kelor, was astounded by the phenomenon.
"It's like her cells are regenerating at an accelerated pace when Roark is around," Kelor observed one evening as they all gathered around Dawn's bed. "This bond might be aiding her healing process."
Lena, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow. "But for how long? We don't even know if this connection is permanent or if it has any side effects."
Kira interjected, her voice laced with hope. "What if it's a gift? What if the universe gave them this connection to balance out the harm they endured?"
Jace, always quick to lighten the mood, chimed in, "Well, I wouldn't mind a connection like that if it means quicker healing after a workout."
Roark couldn't help but smile, but his attention was soon diverted when Dawn's fingers twitched, and her eyelids fluttered open. Their bond pulsed strongly at that moment, and he felt a rush of emotions that weren't entirely his own: relief, confusion, and gratitude. He realized with a jolt that they could feel each other's emotions.
However, as the days went by, the intensity of the bond began to fade, becoming more like a gentle hum in the background. It was still there but not as overpowering. The bond had played its part, ensuring Dawn's recovery was rapid. Now it seemed to be retracting, allowing them their individual spaces. But the understanding and connection it forged would forever remain.
During this time, news came from the base that the other two teams had returned, albeit with a few minor injuries. They had successfully diverted the attention of the Mechanoids, giving Roark and his team the precious time they needed to escape.
The Mechanoid invasion, however, had escalated. With their advanced technology and sheer numbers, they posed a significant threat. But the resistance was gaining momentum. Dawn's recent rescue had boosted the morale of the entire base, and stories of their encounter began circulating, inspiring many.
Plans were laid out, strategies discussed, and new alliances formed.
The changes in Dawn were subtle at first. As she slowly started moving around and regaining her strength, Roark and the rest of the team began noticing them. Her once hazel eyes now sparkled with a hint of vibrant blue, reminiscent of the shade of the Planet's Shard. She would, at times, zone out, fingers delicately tracing patterns in the air as if sensing a force the others couldn't.
One evening, as the twilight painted the sky in hues of pink and purple, Dawn stood on the balcony, a slight breeze rustling her hair. Kelor approached her, his eyes showing a hint of recognition.
"The Planet's Shard," he began thoughtfully, "is not just a stone or a crystal. Among my people, it's believed that the Shard is the heart of the planet itself, holding within it the memories, energies, and life force of eons."
Dawn turned to face him, her newly-shaded eyes glinting with a curious intensity. "I can feel it, Kelor. It's like... like whispers of the past, present, and potential futures. I can sense the pulse of the planet, its pain, its hopes."
Kelor nodded, his expression grave. "Its attunement to you has granted you a deep connection to the planet itself. It's both a gift and a responsibility. The Shard chose you because it saw something in you. Maybe it's your resilience, maybe your heart, or perhaps it's something even deeper that we can't fathom."
Dawn looked down at her palms, imagining the energy lines of the planet coursing through her veins. "Does this mean I have powers now?"
"In a way," Kelor responded. "You won't be shooting lasers from your eyes or flying around. But you'll have an intuition, a connection to the planet's energies. You might sense impending dangers, feel the emotions of the land, or even communicate with ancient beings that once roamed this planet. But remember, it's essential to use this bond wisely."
Roark, having overheard their conversation, approached them. "This changes things," he mused. "With Dawn's new connection, we might have a chance against the Mechanoids."
Dawn took a deep breath, the weight of her new responsibility pressing down on her. "I'll do my best," she promised. "For the planet, for all of us."
The next morning, as dawn broke, Kelor bid his farewells. With heartfelt hugs and promises to stay in touch, he left to join his people, leaving the team with a newfound hope and a secret weapon against the looming threat of the Mechanoids.
With Dawn's newfound connection to the planet and Roark's strategic mind, the resistance began formulating a new plan, utilizing the unique advantage they had just gained. The battle was far from over, but with the Planet's Shard's energy now intertwined with one of their own, victory seemed a bit closer.
Inside Dawn, the connection to the Planet's Shard continued to flourish. This vast reservoir of ancient knowledge and insight became her secret weapon, something she kept close to her heart and away from the prying eyes of her team. She could sense layers upon layers of information, waiting to be tapped and utilized.
Late one evening, after hours of sifting through the memories and wisdom stored within her, a particular blueprint began to form in her mind. It was not a colossal structure or device, but rather a more personal instrument. This was the design of the Astral Gauntlet, a piece of wearable tech infused with the potent magic of the Shard.
The Astral Gauntlet was designed to be worn on the arm, extending from the wrist to just below the elbow. It was embedded with intricate circuitry powered by arcane runes. When activated, it would allow the wearer to tap into the raw energies of the planet, channeling them into focused blasts or protective barriers. The design combined the ancient magic of the Shard with the cutting-edge technology of their age.
Understanding the gravity of her discovery, Dawn set to work. She sourced materials in secret, using her night hours to construct the Gauntlet. The task was arduous, but Dawn's determination was unwavering.
One evening, as Dawn was engrossed in her work, Roark stumbled upon her secret project. He watched, fascinated, as she meticulously set a radiant blue gem – a fragment of the Shard – into the centerpiece of the Gauntlet.
"What is this?" he inquired, genuinely curious.
Dawn hesitated for a moment but then decided to trust him. "It's the Astral Gauntlet. It's... it's something I've been working on, a way to tap into the energies of the Shard directly."
Roark examined the design, awe evident in his eyes. "This could be a game-changer in our fight."
Dawn nodded. "That's the plan." The Secrets of the Shattered Shard mission was not just about harnessing its power, but understanding its potential and using it in ways no one has ever imagined.
She continued, her voice softening, "But this is just the beginning. There's so much more the Shard can teach us, so much more I can learn."
Roark placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll face it together. And with this," he gestured at the Gauntlet, "we've got a fighting chance."
.
.
Late at night, as she finished the last pieces on the gauntlet.
The Astral Gauntlet, when laid out on the workbench, resembled a masterpiece crafted by a jeweler and an engineer working in harmonious collaboration. Crafted from a silvery alloy that shimmered like moonlight, it was as strong as it was lightweight, designed to conform to the user's arm with ergonomic precision.
The main body of the Gauntlet extended from just above the wrist to a few inches below the elbow. The surface was adorned with a series of intricate circuitry patterns which glowed with a soft, azure light. These circuits were not just technological but also arcane, etched onto the Gauntlet using methods Dawn gleaned from the knowledge stored within her.
At its center, just over the forearm, was a setting that housed a radiant blue gem – a fragment of the Shard. This gem was encased in a protective, transparent cover, but its brilliance was undiminished. It pulsed softly, like a heartbeat, synchronized with the rhythms of the planet itself.
Tendrils of silvery metal spiraled out from the central gem, weaving around the arm in graceful patterns that echoed the flow of energy. These spirals, combined with the sleek design of the Gauntlet, made it appear both elegant and formidable.
While designed for combat and defense, the Gauntlet had an aesthetic beauty, echoing the merging of ancient lore with advanced technology. Subtle, embossed patterns adorned its edges, reminiscent of ancient symbols and glyphs, and whenever Dawn moved her fingers, retractable sections would seamlessly slide and adjust, ensuring that her movements were never hindered.
Late at night, in the solitude of her makeshift workshop, Dawn finally completed her creation. With a mixture of excitement and reverence, she gently slid the Astral Gauntlet onto her left arm. The cold touch of metal warmed quickly, almost sensing its master. As she flexed her fingers and rotated her wrist, the Gauntlet responded in kind, lights pulsing and circuits activating. The gem in the center resonated with her heartbeat, glowing brighter for a moment before settling into a gentle rhythm.
She raised her hand, watching as the ambient light caught the many facets of the Gauntlet, making it glimmer and gleam. It was an extension of her now, not just a weapon but a testament to her journey, her bond with the Shard, and the blurred lines between magic and technology.
While it wasn't uncommon for Mages to enchant the gear of Mechanics to increase the abilities of said gear. Something so interconnected between technology and arcane was rare, since a Mage and Mechanic would need to work perfectly together to achieve such a thing. Something Dawn was able to overcome, thanks to her unique abilities, as well as the new knowledge given to her.
The sun had risen to its zenith, casting a bright luminescence over the vast training grounds adjacent to the base. A gentle breeze swayed the long grass, creating ripples that resembled waves in an ocean. But Dawn's focus was solely on the Astral Gauntlet, which now encased her left arm. Its soft glow contrasted with the intense sunlight, yet there was a palpable power emanating from it.
She began with basic movements. Lifting her arm, she willed the Gauntlet to activate. Instantly, a shield of blue energy extended from it, encircling her. It was neither solid nor ethereal but somewhere in between, a blend of magic and technology that seemed to deflect even the rays of the sun.
With a flick of her wrist, the shield dispersed, and Dawn decided to test its offensive capabilities. A short distance away stood a series of targets: metal plates, wooden dummies, and stone obelisks. Taking a deep breath, she extended her fingers and focused on a metal plate. With a swift, deliberate motion, a concentrated beam of blue energy shot out from the Gauntlet's gem. It hit the target dead center, leaving a melted, smoldering hole.
Encouraged, Dawn moved to the next test. The wooden dummies were arranged in various combat stances. As she approached one, it mechanically lunged at her. Reacting swiftly, she used the Gauntlet to enhance her punch. A force, amplified by the Gauntlet's energy, collided with the dummy, sending it flying backwards, splintered and shattered.
The stone obelisks posed a different challenge. These were thick and dense, designed to withstand great force. Dawn, focusing her energy, envisioned a hammer of pure energy. The Gauntlet responded, and she swung her arm down. An ethereal hammer, shimmering and resonating with power, manifested and struck the obelisk, cracking it down the middle.
After several hours, as the sun began its descent, Dawn stood amidst the debris of her tests, breathing heavily but exhilarated. The Astral Gauntlet had not just met her expectations but exceeded them. The seamless integration of magic from the Shard and the technological prowess it offered made her a formidable force.
Yet, it wasn't just the physical tests that left her astounded. As she wielded the Gauntlet, she felt a deep connection with the very essence of the planet. The whispers, the knowledge that the Shard had granted her, became clearer with the Gauntlet, guiding her movements, enhancing her reactions.
As the day's trials concluded, Dawn knew she had not just acquired a weapon but had tapped into a legacy of the planet itself. The Astral Gauntlet was a testament to her mission, her determination, and the blurred lines of magic and machinery. The Mechanoids, or any other foe for that matter, would think twice before crossing her path.
As she headed back towards Vanguard. She heard the chime of the system, however ignored it for the moment. Ever since she had woken up, she had delved into the Shards knowledge and creation of the Astral Gauntlet, that she had been holding off opening the System, knowing that there was little reason in doing such until she could complete her advancement mission. However she had also done so much more rapidly then expected. As such, the time between looking through everything had shortened tremendously to what she was expecting.
Opening the system as she sat on the bed given to her at Vanguard, while she wasn't in prime condition, and she had been told she couldn't go back onto the frontlines. But she had managed to convince her team to let her back to the base, in order to use her Mechanic abilities to repair and assist.
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As the mission around the Shattered Shard was the first thing she looked at, she was glad that it was considered completed, rather then failed with the Shard shattering. Most of its energy now within her body.
A Legendary skill, that only few in the whole Galaxy would have, and a Unique skill only she had. To have gotten such so early was incredible. Usually only those at A-grade could hope of getting either with any real likelihood.
Closing the window, she looked at her advancement mission, that also showed completion. Rewarding her with three skill card draws, and her classes advancing.
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Name: Subject 4082; Dawn
Age: 8 months
Race: Biologically Engineered Human
EXP: 351,910
Level: 31 (E-Grade)
Stats:
Health: 1310/1310
Energy: 220/220 (Level 3)
Strength: 50
Dexterity: 62
Endurance: 80
Intelligence: 132
Mystery: 107
Charm: 21
Luck: 1
Free Attribute Stats: 38
Free Potential Points: 19
Major Classes: Arcane Artificer, lvl 1
Minor Classes: Close Combatant, lvl 10 (Max)
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Looking over her stats, she paused for a while. "What. The. Fuck?" She whispered to herself. Her stats were much higher then she felt they should be. As well as her Major classes had combined, into a new class tree... She wasn't sure if it was this was because of her Esper ability, or the ability of the Shard. But it most definitely wasn't normal. Something she would need to keep an eye on, even if there wasn't anything that seemed bad, with her stats being boosted. She would rather be safe then sorry.
Looking through her skills, she also saw a pair of unknown skills. Locked behind her low level, making her unable to inspect them or activate them willingly. This wasn't unheard of, but it was annoying to her, to have some skills right there, yet out of reach.
Shaking her head, she decided to focus on the three skill card draws she had gotten. These cards were rather rare, only gotten through certain quests or completing missions beyond the expected abilities.
As their name suggested, they gave skills. There were also Temporary Skill Cards, that would give skills for a limited time. Usually skills of someone who you interact with to print a random skill of theirs onto it.
Drawing her first card, three small piles of cards appeared before her. On the back of each was the category of skills that the cards in that pile would be, choosing one would show the three cards in that pile she could choose from.
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Knowledge
Trade
Physical
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Looking over the three, she couldn't help feel like this was a bad draw. The three were things that while could give good things for her later on, at the moment weren't the most helpful.
Thinking for a moment, she slowly clicked on the Physical pile, watching the other two disappear, as the three Physical cards flip over and are presented to her.
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Scavenging
Parkour
Void Breath
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Lazily looking over the selection, she stopped as she saw the last option, her eyes widening.
Void Breath. A rarer skill, that would allow one to breath even in the vacuum of space. While most Grade-A level Supers could survive in space with nothing but their body, making such a skill unneeded. It would give boosts while in the void. Making it a decent skill at any level, and she wouldn't need to fear pressure or lack of air with such a skill.
Selecting the skill, she suddenly felt like her lungs were burning. Clutching her chest, Dawn laid back on the bed. A few seconds that felt like hours as she struggled to breath before the pain slowly settled. A slight fear setting in as she looked at the two more skill cards she could draw. She knew skills changed the body often, but she had never heard of pain from such.... Was it because Players didn't have to deal with that? And NPCs didn't have the system to suddenly change in such a way?
Didn't that mean she would need to go through such pain any time she gained a skill like that? Even more so, she dreaded what it would feel like when the higher level changes to classes or eventually had to change race... She shivered slightly thinking about it, shaking her head to clear it of such thoughts, continuing to draw the cards.
The second the drew she chose Technical skills. Giving her the option of Star Navigation, Tool Crafting and Basic Cybersecurity. Choosing the last one, since although a Common skill, would come in for a great deal of help with her Mechanic class creations. A large amount of information entering her head suddenly over a few seconds, giving her a slight rush but thankfully no pain.
For the last one, she picked up Ritual Magic from Magic skills. That would aid her in spells that required long cast times and certain conditions or preparation.
However, for now she planned to place almost all her Experience into her main class, leaving some left over in case of needing to level any spells, blueprints or skills. Of the advancement, the biggest thing she might have gained from the evolution of her class was the Mechanical Efficiency skill.
Mechanical Efficiency was a rather basic skill, practically every Mechanic had it, considering a single advancement was all that was needed. It was considered the bread and butter for a Mechanic. Unlike most skills, it couldn't be leveled and was more of a passive skill. Showing a percentage that would increase the equipment's stats by how much shown.
This can sound both weak and over powered. If you had 100% you would double the effectiveness of a weapon, however since this is spread to all areas, the actual increase you would get is closer to 10% per stat. Making it seem slightly lackluster, since the stats of most other classes can give bonuses to their equipment that is more then the Mechanics stats plus the effectiveness. At least at low levels, causing many to shy away from the Mechanic playstyle.
However when you reach the higher levels of Mechanic class trees. Where you are able to increase the defense, attack speed and damage, movement speed, accuracy, and so much more of giant ships and mechs or fleets of robots or cannons that can force planets into a new ice age. These stat increases become incredible. Even more so with the army tactic, of making masses of robots to fight, since the increase can be applied to every one of them as long as you can spread it across the battlefield.
Dawns currently sat at 277%, not all that high considering what some Mechanics had out there in the billions. But it was a good start. Now, compared to before, everything was roughly 28% better in her hands.