Chapter 38: The second coming of Tesla

Chapter 38: The second coming of Tesla

Time seemed to slow down as Stella unleashed her lightning. The tendrils of energy curved around the outcropping like the outstretched arms of a hungry god. They were sun-bright, and the battlefield was immediately lit in actinic tones by the incredible glare. That light should have blinded Nathan as it consumed the battlefield, but it didnt.

Apparently my magic immunity means light produced from magical effects cant blind me.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

Nathan could see Stellas magnetic containment fields for a split second as the unimaginable power of the lightning spell tried to find an outlet, forking through the air. Then the questing power touched the beams of light assailing Khachis shield. The electricity ceased its exploration, having discovered the path of least resistance. A tangible mass of lightning roared down the lines of the beams, following them back to their source.

I did mention electrolasers to Stella, didnt I? Those beams of light arent lasers, but I suppose they ionize enough air to make a conductive path.

The sound was beyond deafening - Nathan could feel the reverberation of the cataclysmic spell in every bone of his body. The lightning dominated the air overhead, the entire sky flashing white as incandescent bolts replaced the top half of the world. Streamers of power flickered down from the sky, crashing to the ground all around the battlefield. One struck right next to Nathan, blasting aside a charging strike-construct.

The spell that came for Nathan was like nothing hed ever felt before. It wasnt a fancy spell - it was barely a spell at all, just a raw outpouring of lightning mana. It was the sheer power that beggared the mind. By Nathans estimate, the bolt that struck near him contained about 1800 mana - the entire pool of a level 170 mage without any special skills. He gritted his teeth and leaned into the spell as if leaning into a high wind, healing through any damage that got through as the sand under his feet fused together.

Magic Absorption 10 achieved! Congratulations, you have maxed out this unique Talent! You must achieve Insight into the Talent to develop it further! As it is unique-tier, this will be very difficult, and the type of Insight will influence how the Talent develops.

That trunk of lightning was nothing compared to the bolts that impacted the huge constructs that had been the source of the light-beams. Each of the besieged machines manifested hexagonal shields of force that reflected the lightning, which lashed fractal bolts through the ranks around them.

Can they defend against that? We wont have a prayer.

The shields lasted a single heartbeat before shattering and exposing the giant brick-shaped constructs to the full fury of all the mana Stella could channel in ten minutes. They exploded as one, detonating like their entire building-sized bodies had been packed with plastic explosives. Whizzing projectiles filled the air, and Nathan heard the sound of a large piece of metal impacting the stone behind him.

A large piece of shrapnel took his leg out from under him, mangling the limb as it sent him cartwheeling to the ground. An enormous cloud of dust obscured everything, though Nathan could still see the glare of lightning playing through the cloud.

I guess her spells not over yet.

The flying sand itself was charged, and lightning flickered through the storm like it was alive, lighting the thick dust with hundreds of small jolts of electricity. A scout staggered into Nathans sight, and he saw it be electrocuted half a dozen times as the ambient charge grounded itself against the metal construct.

The lightning was also shocking Nathan, but not nearly as aggressively because he wasnt made of metal, and the lightning was still magical enough that his talent protected him. It was enough to completely refill his Stamina after he healed his leg and cautiously got to his feet.

Well thats an adventure. I think I'll go check on the Heirs and wait for the dust to settle. Heh. Ive never used that phrase literally before. Its a very charged atmosphere. Heh, good one.

Nathan shook his head, unsure if he was concussed or just a little stupefied by the grandeur of his friends spell. Regardless he turned to go find the protected dip where the Heirs had been fortified, hoping that he wouldnt find a red smear on the ground.

The first thing he heard was coughing, which was a good sign, followed by the sound of Khachis voice finishing a weak prayer. ... stand once more. By my own perseverance, I am healed.

Nathan stumbled over an obscured rock, nearly face-planting on ground littered with sharp metal. He caught himself and looked up to find Sarah propping up a wounded Khachi, who had blood dribbling out of his wolfish snout. The cleric's chestplate was crushed in, but it was suffused by a golden glow and popped back into place as Nathan watched. The wolfmans breathing started coming more easily and he slumped backward, taking deep breaths.

The fully-armored figure of Aarl was nearby, greatsword held at the ready. He gave Nathan a quick nod but continued standing guard. Occasionally a streamer of lightning would jump to his armor, but each time the armor would react, neutralizing the lightning with a blue flash.

Nathan looked around for a moment, unable to find Stella. Wheres?

Sarah pointed, and Nathan followed her hand. He caught a glimpse of slippers poking out from behind a large piece of jagged metal and rushed over.

Shit shit shit.

Nathan rounded the metal to find that Stella was unwounded except for a nosebleed. She had seemingly just collapsed on the ground behind the flattened chunk of shrapnel. He looked down at her in confusion.

She collapsed after the giant explosion. Sarah was helping Khachi to his feet, looking over at Stella with worry. Its probably mana overload. She was keeping the lightning away from us.

They looked up as a strike construct emerged from the cloud, jumping toward them with the scrape of damaged metal. Aarl bisected it with his disintegration-sword, and the halves clattered to the ground.

Nathan shook himself, looking out into the swirling sand. We dont know that we got them all. Khachi, can you heal Stella, or carry her if you cant? We need to get out of this dust cloud and get better sight lines. I dont want to get jumped by one of those spiders with a disintegration aura.

The cleric nodded and coughed up some more blood, though it seemed to be leftover from his injury. He reached down to grab Stella, hoisting her gently in a princess carry as they turned and retreated away from the battlefield. Nathan took the rear, tearing apart a slow stream of surviving scouts and retreating to let Aarl deal with the few strike constructs that were following them.

I just want to be sure Im the first to engage any of those spider constructs. I might be the only person who can take them out. Stella or Sarah might be able to deal with one from a distance, but not with this visibility. And Sarah would probably have to use an enchanted round for it.

Most of their enemies had some kind of damage, and were limping on malfunctioning legs or dysfunctional logic. Their disorganized attacks made them easy fights for Nathan and Aarl, who dispatched the staggering constructs as quickly as possible so they could ensure nothing slipped past them.

Theyve been pretty smart in groups previously - I wonder if they had some kind of networked intelligence that Stellas spell broke.

The dust started clearing after a few hundred feet, and eventually Khachi declared a halt and lowered Stella to the ground. He channeled some healing to Stella and Sarah, then held out a hand to Aarl, who shook his head.

I havent taken a wound. This armor is as impressive as adamant. In fact, there might be adamant in it. Though Ill need Stella to recharge it later. It takes basic mana right here. Aarl indicated a spot between his shoulder blades, which held a recessed metal port that looked a lot like an electrical outlet.

Khachi grunted, then leaned down to heal Stella again. She was still unconscious, and didnt respond. The cleric frowned, then slapped her lightly with his gauntleted hand.

Ow! Stella blinked sluggishly, lifting a hand to her cheek. She raised a hand to shield her eyes from the lightning still flickering through the cloud of sand and looked around in confusion. What happened? Why did you hit me?

Then her eyes fully focused past the wolfman and onto the cloud of dust. She spoke with a slight slur, clearly tired and barely focusing. The spell! What happened? Did it take out the army? Her eyes were flicking back and forth, clearly skimming prompts from Davrar. Hah! I developed [Mana Shaping]! And [Robust Spells]! She yawned, holding a hand in front of her face as her eyes slid nearly shut.

The big wolfman had also smiled at Nathans joke, but was gazing intently at the intact spider Nathan had taken down last. I appreciate your destruction of those particular foes, I do not know how we could have faced them without you. I gained twelve levels today - as I only struck down several attacking scouts. I am free of regret, but am surprised I earned so many levels.

Sarah slapped his shoulder plate. You blocked a lot of attacks there. Allowed Stella the time she needed for her spell. You earned those levels, same as us.

Khachi shook his head, dismissing the topic. Shall we proceed to the town of Tarren? I expect we will not have trouble now.

Nathan smirked. If there is trouble, I dont think well be on the receiving end of it.

Stella spoke up. I dont think Im ready to walk that far yet. I want a nap first. Then she frowned at where her hand met Aarls armor. This stuff is drinking mana like an ocean. How much energy did you spend, Aarl? What does this item use it for?

The wiry man held up his arm, inspecting the metallic gloves that had emerged from the sleeves. It spends mana to counter attacks, including magic. It can also spend stored mana to empower strikes, but Im not comfortable using it yet. Its a great piece of gear.

And its taken in nearly four thousand mana and is not even partway done. This is ridiculous. Im getting low. That never happens. Stellas tone made it clear this was a personal affront, even as she cracked a loud yawn and her nose started bleeding again.

Khachi hustled over to treat her. "Stop that. Do not worsen your mana-burn."

You know, I bet there are some intact crystals out there." Nathan looked around the battlefield. "I know the spider-constructs had these giant crystals to channel the disintegration spell through. Should I go grab those?

Yes please! Stellas voice was tired. While you guys do that I might take a nap. Wake me up when were heading down to Tarren.

Status of Nathan Lark:

Permanent Talent 1: Magic Absorption 10

Permanent Talent 2: Perfected Body 4

Talent 3: High-tier Slow Fall 8

Class: Implacable Antimage level 110

Stamina: 3064/3600

Antimages Impassivity

Antimagic Momentum

Raging Thrill

Implacable Inertia

Unarmored Resilience

Improved Antimagic

Strenuous Agility

Hand-to-hand Expertise

Utility skills:

Battle Meditation 4

High-tier Earnestness 8

Mid-tier Sprinting 10

High-tier Spellsense 8

High-tier Notice 3

High-tier Identify 4

High-tier Dodging Footwork 4

High-tier Enhanced Memory 7

Mid-tier Lecturing 8

High-tier Tumbling 1