Chapter 22

Chapter 22

In the midst of it all, I turned aroundthe original meand found a glowing chest. I stared at it, my mind immediately flashing back to the storage closet in the science building. That [Uncommon Chest].

This one was markedly different.

It was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, stylistic roots lined the entire thing, enough to be real themselves. Yet it retained a glossy finish that hinted at promised value. And it was larger too. Staring at it, I realized it was in the style of the [Rootmother Hivemind] and my thoughts caught up to what I was seeing.

Item: [Epic Boss Chest]

Chests are hidden troves of treasure, capable of holding great boons and riches. This chest is themed around the Field Boss [Rootmother Hivemind]. This chest has the potential to hold epic valuables, either in effect, rarity, or quality.

A strange object had appeared before me. My original self. It gave way to immediate caution, rather than joyous celebration. How had it known? That I was the one? No one else did. No one else could.

So how had it known to reward me? How had this chest gotten here? I was alone now, without any clones around me, vulnerable. Exposed. It was not a pleasant feeling.

And yet, the part of me that dared to stare at the apocalypse and question reality had already come to a tentative conclusion. Whatever governed my strange new abilities, my Skills, the attributes, and these notices? It was a neutral thing, objective and omnipotent, but not hostile. Nor friendly.

I relaxed, minutely.

I hadnt expected a reward and in hindsight, I probably should have. Thinking on the effects of my [Spidersilk Backpack] which had come from a regular [Uncommon Chest], I couldnt stopagainst my better judgmentthe shot of excitement that ran through me.

It was glowing purple. A soft light emanating from the chest itself. I opened it without preamble, intensely curious.

Item: [Ring of the Hivemind]

An elaborately crafted ring of grasping roots. It possesses the psychic energies of the [Rootmother Hivemind], greatly enhancing the wearers mental faculties. It is imbued with the essence of a hivemind, allowing the wearer to support an additional companion entity.

- INT, WIS, WIL and CHA increased by 5.

- [Never Alone] total clones increased by 1.

Item: [Regenerators Symbiote]

An organism that binds to a single host. Once bound the symbiote improves all biological functions, increases vitality, and enhances recovery effects upon the host.

- CON increased by 10.

- Natural regeneration and recovery effects increased by 80%.

Item: [Living Root Armor]

An armor of living roots that molds across the body. When the wearer is in danger, the roots adapt shifting to reinforce the wearers most vulnerable areas. The suit offers complete protection and coverage, controlled by the wearers will.

In order, a small jewelry box, decorated no differently than the chest itself. A small glass jar, corked, containing a moving blue liquid. And lastly, what looked to be a wooden gauntlet, though made of roots.

These were the rewards, along with the new Title, Skill, and levels that were deemed worth my effort. I couldnt say if I was compensated fairly, I truly had no benchmark. Instead well, I wondered if being smarter might help.

I slipped the [Ring of the Hivemind] on and felt my world expand. Things became immediately clear. As if Id had days to meditate on things. The ring.

Title: [Trailblazing Vanquisher of the Hivemind]

Class: [Solo]

STR: 16

CON: 17

DEX: 15

AGI: 16

PER: 19

INT: 20 + 5

WIS: 27 + 5

WIL: 29 + 5

CHA: 14 + 5

LUK: 14

Stat Points: 18

Skills: [Never Alone], [Low Profile], [Solos Instinct], [Solos Sanctuary], [Telepathy]

The last thing to check were the Skills. [Telepathy]. That was the reward for doing something so hopelessly against the odds that it was renowned worldwide. The notion sounded so fantastical. My other Skills so far I had no reference for. But telepathy? That was something people thought of when prompted with superpowers.

Skill: [Telepathy]

The capacity to perceive and interact with the mind, consciousness, and thoughts of both ones self and others. To sense, communicate, and influence other thinking entities.

As soon as I regarded the Skill, my mind was abuzz. Not uncomfortably, more like I was feeling something that Id never felt or sensed before. And I realized it wasnt me. Not the original me that is. But Second and Fourth down below sensing the minds of the survivors surrounding them.

They took to experimenting while I considered the other Skill.

Skill: [Solos Sanctuary]

A personal space tied to the soul from which one may enter or exit. The size, design, and amenities are directly reflective of ones level, abilities, and inclination. The sanctuary may only be entered by the owner.

I walked forward immediately, reality blurring around me. Two steps, three steps, and suddenly I was inside of a building. A modern home with a black palette, furnished with dark wood and cool glass. A kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom.

The result of thirteen levels. I couldnt even bother to question the nature of Skills, the reason behind this one, and why it was only this one. All I knew was that I deserved this. I fucking deserved it.

I nearly cried in the shower.

Then I had the best sleep of my life.