After the meeting, everyone went to prepare, and Ben returned to the van. Before heading out in the morning, Ben wanted to get his van in order so he, too, was prepared for the battle ahead. He didn’t want to get caught out and have his companions suffer the consequences of laziness.

  Ben opened the upgrade menu once his butt hit the cushion of the driver's seat and scanned through the details.

  ***

  Vehicle: Valkyrie Level 2

  ***

  Bull Bar Mk.2: An improvement in effectiveness and protection compared to the Mk.1 variant. This bar also adds other contact points, such as spikes and hinges, to increase the damage inflicted when running enemies over. Cost: 2SP or 20GP

  Armor Plating Mk.2: Reinforce your vehicle's body with thicker armor. It will allow your vehicle to sustain more damage before depreciating condition. Armor Rating: +50. Cost: 2SP or 20GP

  ***

  [Bull Bar Mk.2 is now unlocked.]

  [Armor Plating Mk.2 is now unlocked.]

  [-40 GP.]

  [Vehicle Valkyrie is now Level 3.]

  ***

  Alternative Fuel Tank Mk.1: Your vehicle receives a fuel tank for MP. The system user may fill this so it can be used for class skills and abilities. It is also a prerequisite for other vehicle upgrades that require MP to be used. Tank Capacity: 200 MP. Cost: 5SP or 50GP.

  Radar Mk.1: Your vehicle will receive a radar system to detect hostile enemies. This radar can also automatically lock on enemies with other skills, abilities, and upgrades for increased accuracy. Range: 100M Radius. Cost: 5SP or 50GP.

  Turret Mk.1: Your vehicle will receive a turret that shoots magical projectiles, which can be set to produce different effects. This weapon system can be charged directly with MP or drawn from an MP fuel tank. Fire Rate: 60/M. Cost: 5SP or 50GP.

  Spatial Storage Upgrade 1: Increase the space available in your spatial storage by 100 percent, for 20 M^3—cost: 5SP or 50GP.

  ***

  These are not bad at all and could come in handy.

  Ben glanced at his profile screen and noticed his account was nearly empty. However, he still had a decent amount in his business account, but he knew that he couldn't afford to spend it all lest progress with the village be stalled after the battle.

  Ben was stuck between a rock and a hard place in his thoughts. If he didn’t purchase some upgrades, he knew their chances of victory could hang in the balance, and the village would probably cease to exist.

  Breathing out a heavy huff, Ben muttered to himself. “Let’s do two of them and see how it goes. I can always get the other two later on if the need arises.”

  [Spatial Storage Upgrade 1 is now unlocked.]

  [Alternative Fuel Tank Mk.1 is now unlocked.]

  [-100 GP.]

  Then, Ben opened his class screen.

  ***

  Mechanical Mage Level 2.

  ***

  Kunai Outburst Mk.1: Two chained Kunai are spawned and launched from the front of your vehicle, each targeting a nearby enemy. Once the enemies have been caught, the chains recede at speed, causing them to collide with the vehicle. The system user is advised to travel at a moderate speed to inflict the most damage.

  Skill Proficiency: 25MP per use.

  Skill Point Cost: 2

  Exponential Mass Mk.1: When an enemy is struck, your vehicle's mass increases exponentially without any drawback for a split second, increasing the damage dealt. Use this skill cautiously, as enemies may be launched a considerable distance.

  Skill Proficiency: 10MP per enemy struck.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Skill Point Cost: 2

  ***

  [Kunai Outburst Mk.1 is now unlocked.]

  [Exponential Mass Mk.1 is now unlocked.]

  [-4SP.]

  Once the magical specks of the upgrade magic had faded, Ben was eager to see how Val looked and jumped out.

  The bull bar, as stated, appeared twice as thick as the first variant. It had more points at the front and edges where the bar curved, while other parts had blunt edges. Ben knew it would cause serious damage to any enemies who met its touch.

  Walking up to one of the side panels, Ben squeezed his hand into a fish and used his knuckles to knock on one of the panels a few times. The metal didn’t make a hollow sound, but one that made it seem denser, as if its entire metallic makeup had changed.

  Ben patted the same panel and muttered. “I just hope it’s enough to get us through this.” Regarding upgrades, Ben had become as prepared as much as he could be. He figured the others would be neck-deep in making similar preparations. He was about to move into the back when he remembered the tank upgrade.

  Walking around the entire van, Ben couldn’t determine where the MP tank had been added. He dropped to the ground and glanced at the underbody to no avail before getting back up and scratching his head.

  I should see if there’s anything about it on the stat screen.

  ***

  Vehicle: Valkyrie, Level 3.

  Type: Camper

  Condition: 100%

  Fuel: 100%

  MP: 0/200

  Power: 140HP (Mechanical)

  Mass: 2168KG

  Armor Rating: 99

  ***

  The system had added a new section under the fuel level for MP, which read empty.

  Are you going to let me refill it?

  The moment he finished asking the question in his mind, another command appeared.

  [Refill MP? Y/N]

  Without hesitating, Ben used his magic pool to fill the tank till it was fifty shy. Feeling drained, Ben figured the battle ahead would be hard and unpredictable. The enemy and the numbers they would be facing pressed a weight down upon his shoulders as the reality of the situation hit him like a freight train. He felt tired, drained, and stressed out.

  “I should get some rest,” Ben muttered before exhaling a deep, drawn-out yawn. He made his way to the back of the van before dropping into the grasp of his comfortable bed. He had a feeling there was a chance he might not get another chance with what was to come.

  Ben awoke before the first rays of blue light pierced through the sky. He exited the van and completed his usual morning ritual of relieving and getting himself clean. Then, he wore clean clothes and the armor Jerry had gifted him.

  Within moments, the others had gathered near the side of the van, all wearing their battle gear and armed to the teeth with their respective weapons.

  Ben thought it would be great to show everyone how spatial storage works. When stepping inside, he noticed that each wall had been flawlessly pushed back to create the extra space. It was more spacious, and Ben felt that a dozen men could fit in with their equipment. He placed one of his flashlights for lighting and showed the others around.

  Jerry took a glance inside and scoffed. “If you think I'm going to stay in that thing, another thing is coming your way. It looked like one of those dungeons where those corrupt lords keep their dirty secrets. I’ll take my chances at the top of the van like we did at Dimmiwood.”

  Ben shrugged. “Well, suit yourself.” He then turned to Alfred and Hauxwell. “With him up there, that should leave enough space for the two of you to sit in front.”

  They nodded in agreement before leaving the storage. Once everyone had taken their place, Ben started the engine. He glanced at both the mine and the village before heaving a sigh. “All the time and effort spent building this place up from where it was is weighing down on me. I don't feel like leaving it like this.”

  Hauxwell patted Ben on the shoulder. “Ah, I know that feeling all too well. It never changes. I’m glad this will be my last battle before I retire from this life to chase my dreams.”

  Alfred turned with a chuckle. “You worry too much, Ben. I’ve ensured everything will continue to run. They know what to do, and if things turn sour, they will go to Feruswich to take refuge. The Hollow Moon garrison there will protect everyone.” He nodded, “This is the first time I’ve seen powerful warriors like Hauxwell and Le’Vieux fight together. If the fairies keep their word, then people will speak of this for centuries after we have passed.” He then gave Hauxwell a side eye, “He never seems to die, so I have a feeling he will still be here to confirm everything.”

  They all laughed when Jerry thudded the roof and shouted, “This darn thing feels solid like a bank vault. I don’t know what you’ve done to it, but we’ll be late if you don't set off now.”

  Ben shifted into gear and hit the gas. The van felt heavier than before, and the engine seemed to put in more work before moving towards the trail. The van was slowly transforming into a tank, and he knew if he kept going with the upgrades, he would soon need more power lest he be stuck at a snail's pace. Shrugging, he set off.

  Ben arrived at Robynhill and drove to the command.

  Le’Vieux stood leaning on the tent with his arms crossed as if he had been waiting for some time.

  Ben and the others exited the van while Jerry jumped off the top. Hauxwell ran towards his old comrade before the two exchanged a hug for the ages.

  Jerry shook his head with a raised eyebrow. “Just wait till they get on the battlefield. They’ll both be at each other's throats about the correct tactics.”

  “Is it that bad?” Alfred asked.

  Jerry sternly nodded. “It was before your time, but I've seen them break into an argument surrounded by enemies in the heat of battle. They started fighting each other, which funnily confused the enemy and gave the rest of us an opening to win the battle.”

  Both Hauxwell and Le’Vieux had overheard that before turning to look at Jerry with a deathly stare.

  Jerry raised his hands and shrugged. “Come on, we were scarred for weeks after that one.”

  “Yeah, you’ll be scarred for life if you don’t shut up.” Hauxwell scoffed, causing everyone to burst into a fit of laughter.

  Jerry took a couple of steps back. “So you know, I have a full quiver of enchanted arrows and won’t hesitate to defend myself.”

  Le’Vieux patted Hauxwell on the back before everyone burst into laughter. He shook his head, chuckling, “I’ve not laughed like this in years. The way you love and hate each other never ceases to amaze me. I never thought the three of us would fight another battle again.” He took a few breaths before continuing, “Alright, the time for joking is over. We’ll have a rather serious situation on our hands very soon. We should take this time to figure out the best tactics during the battle and how to implement Ben and his van to defeat the enemy.”

  Hauxwell nodded, “Let’s get to it, old friend.”

  Jerry chuckled under his breath with a wide grin. “Now you’ll see what I mean.”