End of an Era (Project Chrysalis Book 2) by John Gold (popular books to read .TXT) 📕

create that many charges at once, and your pet came across him and lived to tell the tale. Yep, the more powerful the being, the smaller the world seems.”

***

Talamei was the happiest god in the world. He’d met a human capable of wounding him at just Level 170.

“I’ll wait, Sagie. I hope you grow into a good god-killer…the best we have.”

The god laughed evilly.

“But if you slow things down, I’m going to come for your soul and put you to work on what I need.”

***

After almost three weeks of running across the water, we decide to relax in a city for a little while. Fem logs out of the game, and I collect information about the settlements floating along the River of Life. If my parents have moved again, somebody might know something.

The locals have put some serious work into their levels. None of them are less than Level 500, and I even come across dwarves and trolls. There are only a few elves. Mostly, they’re mages responsible for keeping the floating city capable of sustaining life.

I sleep for just six hours before coming back to the game, at which point we set off again. Sometimes, we swim to shake things up a little, other times, we dive, but we keep moving along the shining current. The water itself gives you survivability and stamina buffs when you drink it. The glittering plankton give you strength and morale.

We have to run to the other end of the Ocean of Terror to find the island we’re looking for, though we don’t stray into the Sea of Monsters. The old warrior was right; everything in it is brutal, the progenitors of all the other monsters in the world.

Monster, Flying Whale, Level 1431, raid boss

The beast is flying along in the clouds, and a shower of ice arrows rains down on us when it gets too close to one of them. The damage we’re taking skyrockets to the point that we’re almost killed by the accidental attack. The whale even gives out a cold aura that freezes part of the sky. Crazy! It’s three times stronger than anything I’ve ever faced.

Finally, two weeks later, we get to Fang Island, having stopped by all the cities along the way to replenish our supplies.

It’s a medium-sized island where the locals are happy to see new people and tell us where the fisherman and his seamstress wife live.

There’s a lone wooden hut right at the edge of the forest. Smoke streams from the chimney, one of the dogs is lying in the field in front of the house, and the second is sitting with father on the quay. He’s smoking his pipe as he fishes, and it hits me just how much I’ve missed him when I smell the tobacco.

“Fem, I’m going to be here for quite a while, just like I told you. If you want, head back to the continent. You can keep the sandals.”

“Hey, dummy,” Fem replies with a smile, “I already told you that I’m going to stay. You’re my chosen one.”

“I’m not your chosen one.” I’ve never understood girls’ jokes.

“That’s for me to decide,” she says, smiling again. This time, it’s a triumphant smile.

I step forward. I’ve waited for this moment for so long, pouring so much into my quest to find the people I care about. With a whine and a wag of their tails, they dash off to greet their old master. They jump up and lick his face.

“Hello, father! I’m home.”

***

Femida logged out of the game and opened the lid of her med capsule. Life had been exhausting recently. For three months, she and Sagie had traveled in search of his parents. He had no idea what he meant to her.

She covered her weary face with her hands.

“Stupid, stupid Sagie! You’re my chosen one. I’m positive. You just think that means something simple and insignificant even with that brain of yours.”

The girl pulled herself out of the capsule, took a shower to wash off the medical solution, and headed toward the kitchen. She was ravenously hungry.

Her parents were eating a homemade pie at the table.

“Hey, Fiji. How are things? Did Sagie find who he was looking for?”

“Yep. He needs time to enjoy them, so I’m going to take time to relax. Running across the sea has been rough.”

“You’re still in Project Chrysalis? Why so long? Are you sure you picked the right person?”

“Yes, father. He’s probably the strongest mage in the world, even though he’s still raw and doesn’t have a class.”

“Phew, sounds complicated. How soon do you think you’ll get to us?”

“In five years, I’m guessing. Depending on how Sagie advances, plus or minus a couple years. I haven’t looked at any other options for future development. They’re too far-fetched. Mom, where are you?”

“Still at the Crossroads of Worlds.”

Figiraldina Elmaro, citizen of Lunar and just Femida in the game, looked out at Earth through the enormous panoramic window in the ceiling.

“I’m not in a hurry, father. Everything has its time.”

Part TwoFirst Among Equals

***

It’s the smell of tobacco, stubble, and a constant smile. I’ve spent so many years dreaming of seeing him again! It was so much work getting out of Hell, and then wandering the world in search of my parents. Finally, I can die happy.

“Ca… Ca… Camelia!” Father can’t help but let out a happy cry. “Camelia! Sagie’s back! Camelia!”

He jumps up, his fishing pole drops into the water, and the dogs bark to welcome the reunited family. Father hugs me and bursts into tears. Mama runs out of the house, and tears run down all our faces. I’m so happy my soul could leave my body! All I hear is the sound of the ocean, my parents’ voices, the forest rustling, and