Lair by Carl Stubblefield (recommended reading TXT) 📕

effect in future items of a similar nature. If you change armor into a weapon, or vice versa, all bonus effects are lost,” Nick replied.

Scrolling through the weapons, Gus checked to see what could be fashioned at his current level. It would be nice to have something more robust than a weapon designed solely for training. A list of different classes of polearms was displayed, and Gus had to read through the descriptions and view examples of each class to understand what the difference was between a glaive and a halberd.

Thinking about his latest battle with the Mantids, he chose the glaive class, then specialized with the naginata form. The large blade to slash would do well with fighting Dark Nth. He was able to play with various modifications, adding a circular handguard between the blade and shaft, to catch claws and push them away. He chose the option to make the back of the blade serrated, allowing him to cut hardened carapace if needed.

Would you like to use the last saved body scan for weapon size and dimensions? (Y/N)

Would you like to repurpose Kroutonium to current weapon design? (Y/N)

Gus entered yes into the console twice, then left the control center and went down the metal mesh stairway to the indicated area. Peeling off the foam putty handle, Gus reverently placed Razorback in the hopper. A console beside the receptacle came to life and asked:

Are you sure you wish to sacrifice [Razorback]? (Y/N)

Pushing yes again, it was a done deal. The receptacle disappeared within the machine and began a low hum. Gus felt almost guilty. Making a new weapon was fine but knowing the metal was sentient made it harder to sacrifice it. He doubted his decision the moment he couldn’t take it back.

“Nick, would the Kroutonium hold a grudge if it doesn’t like its new form? Would it be resentful for losing the bonuses it evolved?”

“Anything’s possible, but I doubt it, if it’s becoming more powerful. I wouldn’t worry… too much.”

“Thanks… I guess,” Gus said in the same tone.

Heading back to the control center with questions on his mind, he checked the build queue and saw that the process would add six more hours to the queue.

He was almost ready to leave when he remembered the scanners. He opened the Defense tab and found what he wanted. He selected a dozen scanning pylons, and a dozen motion-sensitive smart turrets. The sensors would take only an hour to fabricate, while the turrets took a whopping six hours each. Woof. Gus entered his instructions into the queue; it would be a while before everything was ready. Fortunately, there were no material requirements. The manor must have some stock of basic crafting materials, and all that was required was to meet the FP cost.

For once, one less thing to worry about! Looking at the queue before leaving, Gus moved the naginata to the top of it. That done, he felt a small sense of relief.

Mischief managed. Next on the to-do list was his daily training. He headed to the arena, ready for some more punishment.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Electric Slide

Day 7 7:15 AM

7:05:19 remaining

As Gus entered the training arena, Chop Chop was in his usual stance and greeted him with a slight nod. Gus went to the control terminal and started the module.

Gus stood on the scanner, eager to see what new skills he would be able to unlock today. He also wanted to incorporate his new Dash ability into his fighting style. He was imagining different ways to combine it with his other skills to make combos and flank the quick Mantids.

Quest Granted: The Chain

Quest Conditions:

1) Learn the skills Slide and Dodge

2) Successfully utilize 5 different skills

3) Execute 5 Chained Attacks

4) Defeat 10 opponents

Quest Rewards: 1000 XP, 600 FP, retain new skills

Time Requirements: 3 hours

Do you want to accept this quest? (Y/N)

They were definitely raising the stakes! This training seemed like it was ramping up to another level in difficulty. Still, Gus was grateful he had a chance to practice his skills in a zombie-free environment. Plus he was eager to see his stat increases in action. One slip-up while learning a new skill against zombies would be the end of him, so it was best to get in as much practice as possible.

The holographic emitter kicked to life and three Mantids were displayed. Pillowbots assumed their positions within the holograms and froze, waiting for Gus to step into the arena. Gus found a naginata among the polearms, deciding to become more familiar with the weapon while he could do so in a controlled situation. He looked through a couple varieties until he found one with the metal guard in the middle. Once satisfied, he headed back to the arena and the simulation began.

Compared to fighting two enemies, three was a different ballgame. One of the Mantids was always trying to flank him and when two started to circle around from the left and the other from the right it required Gus to stay in motion to keep all the enemies in his field of view. Deciding to take the initiative, Gus rushed toward the Mantid on the right. He tried to sweep low and was able to trip the Mantid, but he overcalculated the length of the dash and was too far away to score a hit before the Mantid regained its feet and faced him again.

He attempted another attack on the Mantid on his right this time, but the center Mantid was ready for him and timed its attack accordingly. Gus received a clawless but powerful swipe right to the face before he could connect with his target. Gus’ vision burst with white stars as the force of the blow spun him around before he fell face first to the mat. His ears rang and he had to roll out of the way to avoid the pounce of one of the Mantids. He clambered to his feet just in time to block another swipe out of sheer reflex. Without thinking,