Chapter 21: Preparation and Final Stats
The morning came too quickly for Ethan's liking. The faint sunlight filtering through the grimy windows of his apartment did little to shake the weight sitting on his chest. The quest timer now hovered at just under 40 hours, the system's pulsing glow a constant reminder that they were on borrowed time.
In the center of the apartment, the group gathered for what Karis had declared a "pre-mission readiness check." Ethan had countered that it sounded like they were prepping for a corporate team-building seminar, but as usual, Karis ignored him.
The air felt heavier than usual, a mixture of anticipation and unease settling over them. Even Lucas's usual easy grin was subdued, replaced by a determined focus that didn't quite suit his normally laid-back demeanor. Naomi was perched on the arm of the couch, sharpening an arrow with a whetstone, while Karis stood by the window, her knife spinning between her fingers in restless motions.
"All right," Karis said, breaking the silence. "We've got one chance to do this right. Before we head out, we need to know where everyone stands. Stats, skills, strengths, weaknesses—lay it all out. If you're holding back, you're putting the rest of us at risk."
Ethan raised a hand lazily. "Quick question. Are we also sharing our hopes, dreams, and deepest fears? Because if so, I'd like to go last."
Karis shot him a look that could have frozen lava. "Ethan."
"Fine, fine," he said, holding up his hands in surrender. "But for the record, my deepest fear is that you're going to murder me in my sleep."
"Noted," Karis said dryly. "Now focus."
---
Lucas: The Shield
Lucas leaned his shield against the wall and stepped forward. "Guess I'll start," he said, his voice steady. "Here's where I'm at."
---
Stats:
Strength: 12
Agility: 6
Perception: 8
Intelligence: 7
Vitality: 16
Skills:
Iron Wall (Active): Temporarily doubles defense and reduces damage by 50% for 10 seconds.
Defender's Instinct (Passive): Automatically senses when an ally is in critical danger within a 10-meter radius.
Bulwark Slam (Active): A shield bash that stuns enemies for 3 seconds.
---
"Tank through and through," Lucas said, grinning. "I'll hold the line and keep you guys safe. Just try not to let me take all the hits, okay?"
"I'll do my best," Ethan said, smirking. "But you make such a good target."
Naomi chuckled, and even Karis's lips twitched slightly.
---
Naomi: The Scout
Naomi set her bow across her lap, her movements precise and fluid as always. "I'll go next," she said, her voice calm but focused. "Here's what I'm working with."
---
Stats:
Strength: 7
Agility: 14
Perception: 12
Intelligence: 8
Vitality: 9
Skills:
Shadow Mark (Active): Marks a target, increasing damage dealt to them by 20% for 15 seconds.
Silent Step (Passive): Movement doesn't generate noise, even on unstable surfaces.
Piercing Shot (Active): Fires an arrow that ignores 50% of the target's defense.
---
"I'm best at keeping a low profile and taking down targets from a distance," Naomi said, inspecting the tip of her arrow. "Just keep the big ones distracted, and I'll do the rest."
Ethan nodded. "Got it. You're the assassin, Lucas is the shield, and I'm… what? Comic relief?"
Karis didn't so much as glance at him. "You're next."
---
Ethan: The Bruiser
Ethan sighed dramatically, stepping forward and spinning his glowing pipe like it was a cane. "Fine, but don't judge me. I'm doing my best."
---
Stats:
Strength: 15
Agility: 8
Perception: 12
Intelligence: 5
Vitality: 10
Skills:
Ravager's Pounce (Active): Leap forward with explosive force, dealing critical damage on impact.
Shadowstep (Active): Phase through objects or enemies for 3 seconds.
Forge's Will (Active): Temporarily increases all allies' stats by 20% for 15 seconds. Cooldown: 5 minutes.
---
"I hit things," Ethan said, crossing his arms. "And sometimes I hit them really hard."
Naomi smirked. "Don't forget the part where you also talk a lot."
"That's part of the strategy," Ethan said, grinning. "If I keep the monsters entertained, they're less likely to kill you."
"Let's hope that works," Lucas said, though there was a faint glint of amusement in his eyes.
---
Karis: The Assassin
Finally, Karis stepped forward, the room seeming to shift as her presence took center stage. Her movements were sharp, efficient, and entirely devoid of hesitation. "Here's what I've got," she said, her tone as cold as ever.
---
Stats:
Strength: 10
Agility: 16
Perception: 14
Intelligence: 9
Vitality: 8
Skills:
Blade Dance (Active): Rapidly strikes up to three enemies within melee range, dealing critical damage to each.
Veil of Shadows (Passive): Reduces the chance of being detected by enemies when in dim light or darkness.
Vital Strike (Active): A precision attack that deals double damage if it hits a weak point.
---
"I'm best at staying out of sight and taking down targets quickly," Karis said, her knife flashing in her hand. "But if you screw up and draw attention, don't expect me to save you."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What if I promise to say something nice about you afterward?"
Karis didn't reply, but the faintest flicker of a smirk crossed her lips before she turned away.
---
With their stats and skills laid bare, the group sat in a loose circle, the weight of the upcoming mission settling over them. Ethan leaned back, his pipe resting across his lap, and let out a long breath.
"Well," he said, breaking the silence, "we've got a tank, an assassin, a scout, and me—the guy who hits things and occasionally inspires people. I'd say we're ready."
Naomi raised an eyebrow. "Inspire? Is that what you call your monologues?"
"It works, doesn't it?" Ethan shot back.
Lucas laughed, and even Karis seemed less tense, though she quickly stood and gestured toward the door. "Enough talking. We move in an hour. Be ready."
As they scattered to finish their preparations, Ethan lingered near the window, staring out at the city one last time. The timer in his vision ticked down steadily, its glow relentless.
"Chasm of Unmaking," he muttered. "Let's see what you've got."