Adam fortunately landed on his feet. The impact left a crater in the mossy earth and he skidded for almost fifteen metres before coming to a complete stop.

  Holy crap, that was tense for a moment there.

  But what a ride!

  “How long do I have left before my rewards are chosen for me?”

  [7 minutes 30 seconds.]

  “That’s more than enough time.”

  He ran towards the breach and used the sides of the hole to climb up onto the seven-metre-tall wall. From the vantage, he saw two huts similar to the one that he’d found the Relic Chest near. However, there were no such prizes to be found.

  The kid mentioned a termite nest, but I don’t see anything like that here.

  Adam moved along the wall while looking out towards the treeline of the dark-blue forest. The trees looked as impenetrable as the ones he’d encountered in the previous Stages, but as he went towards the south-eastern corner of the city, he saw a bite was taken out of the treeline. Within it, a hill with a small sapling and a simple wooden chair looked towards the city.

  What the hell is that?

  Adam climbed down from the wall and moved across the mossy ground to get to the hill. As he walked up the slope to where the chair stood, he realised he could see directly into the city. The configuration of the wood-and-stone towers aligned in a way that made it possible to view all the way to the pit that marked the city’s centre.

  Someone must’ve been sitting here and observing the invasion, he thought to himself.

  Was it the captain?

  Although why attack from the north if he was here?

  Maybe it was one of the knights?

  Or wait… could it have been a hidden boss?

  But that means it would have to be defeated before the captain. With the time constraint, that seems pretty difficult.

  He looked around.

  Still, there’s nothing here now.

  “Time?”

  [6 minutes remaining.]

  I’d better hurry up.

  Adam ran back to the wall and followed it towards the south-western corner, while scanning the treeline for any signs of a termite nest. He didn’t see anything at all like what the boy had described and feared that it might’ve vanished along with whoever sat in the chair on the hill. Then he passed the two huts and noticed something in the shadow of one. It looked like a mound of dirt that sprouted from a part of the ground where the moss was stripped away.

  Without wasting a moment, he ran over to it and saw that it was indeed a termite nest. There wasn’t anything special about it, as far as he could see.

  Maybe there’s a prize inside.

  With a few shield slams, he broke the mound apart and revealed a white translucent egg the size of a zucchini.

  Ah shit, it’s another egg…

  Adam picked it up and put it in his pocket.

  < < Secret Relic Obtained > >

  < Builder’s Egg (Rare) — Wriggles with inner life >

  So my guess was right after all. It’s a secret vendor.

  [5 minutes remaining.]

  He returned to the wall and climbed up onto it.

  I’ve got roughly 4 minutes to look around. Guess I’ll just do a quick scan along the wall before I return to the rewards.

  Adam ran as fast as he could while keeping an eye on the forest outside the city limits. He counted a total of five huts before he made it to the south-eastern corner and ran out of time. There were no other chests to be found nor any other hills like the one with the chair.

  He spun around towards the centre of the city and launched himself with the Spring Boots, flying through the air at max speed while trying to avoid spinning.

  Landing on my head would be an embarrassing way to die…

  [45 seconds remaining,] Shitbox announced as Adam skidded to a halt and sprinted the last stretch to where the tesseract was unfolded.

  < < Upgrades Available > >

  < Spear Speed (Rare) — Increases spear attack speed by 35% >

  < Shield Speed (Common) — Increases shield speed by 10% >

  < Dodge (Rare) — Grants a 15% chance to dodge a direct attack >

  Hmm, this is a tough one. I think dodge would be super useful to have, since completely avoiding damage beats all other forms of defence.

  But wait, how many upgrades do I need to get to 18 again?

  “Armament.”

  < < Weapon Status > >

  < Spear & Parry Shield >

  < Common Quality >

  < Level 16 >

  < Stat Upgrades >

  < Spear Damage 55% >

  < Spear Speed 80% >

  < Spear Growth 30% >

  < Shield Parry 3 seconds >

  < Bash Damage 35% >

  < Shield Speed 35% >

  Hmm… If I pick a weapon upgrade now and then buy another in the Market, then I can evolve a third time and see what happens at level 18. Plus, I get another Mastery Shard.

  Adam frowned as he contemplated his move. Dodge was clearly the better pick here, but he knew he had to consider the long-term. There were just too many benefits to evolving.

  < < Upgrade Selected > >

  < Spear Speed (Rare) >

  Shitbox returned to its cube shape, while the chest next to it started to glow. There was a symbol of a sword and a shield on it.

  While waiting for it to open, Adam looked at the tesseract.

  “What were the Point rewards for Speedrun and Flawless for this Stage?”

  [Both would have rewarded 500 Points.]

  Damn, a 200-Point jump for the Speedrun compared to Stage Three!? The Flawless bonus is the same, but I guess that’s because of the back-up from the Elphin.

  “What about the Secret Boss?”

  [I cannot say.]

  Adam grinned.

  That chair on the hill has to be where the Secret Boss is located. I can’t wait to check it out when I come through here next time.

  Ah… there I go again.

  He shook his head and looked at the chest. The glow was intensifying from below the lid, but it hadn’t opened yet.

  [15 seconds remaining.]

  Adam kicked the chest and it popped open. There was a bronze brace, a large shrivelled raisin, and a flask of dark iridescent liquid.

  < < Relics Available > >

  < Vigilant Fighter’s Vambrace (Rare) — Successfully parried attacks create a glowing weak point on the attacker >

  < Heart of Darkness (Common) — A heart borne by those who gorge on darkness >

  < Tainted Oil (Uncommon) — The Player’s weapons are coated with the darkness of the Forlorn, imbuing their attacks with Taint, lowering target’s Stamina regeneration by 40% for 30 seconds. The coating lasts for 2 Stages, after which the Relic disappears >

  This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

  Okay, not a raisin. I wonder if that means I can carve out their hearts and sell them… That’s pretty grim.

  The oil is interesting as well. Would probably work well against enemies that take a while to kill, which I imagine will be something I’ll face later on. Still, reduced Stamina regeneration is less effective than the Venom upgrade that lowers movement speed. I suppose stacking afflictions would be a good way to fight though.

  Anyway, the choice here is obvious.

  < < Relic Selected > >

  < Vigilant Fighter’s Vambrace (Rare) >

  The vambrace appeared on Adam’s right arm, covering his forearm in bronze and reaching to his elbow. He shifted his arm around, but it didn’t interfere with his movements at all. Thanks to it reaching all the way to the bottom of the Slime Glove starting from the wrist, none of his right arm below the elbow was exposed.

  Shame it doesn’t add any Defence, but it should be very useful I think.

  Shitbox released a pulse of magic and Adam blinked.

  Adam stood near the middle of the ritual site at the centre of the Elphin Sanctuary. Under him was the engraved stone disc. All the channels were filled with a liquid silvery metal.

  He couldn’t move or speak. He couldn’t even control his own blinking, which was deeply uncomfortable.

  Another cutscene?

  Opposite him stood the Queen and in front of her was Belamouranthe. Her skin was painted with reflective silver paint like the disc, creating meandering lines and swirling spirals, even along her horns. Her golden hair hung down her back in a large Dutch braid and she still wore the green dress that Weaver had made for her.

  All around them, standing on the steps leading down into the pit, were the remaining Elphin from the city. Very few were defenders, since most of them had perished. What immediately stood out to Adam, especially when he saw the children who were around the same age as Bel, was that everyone had red ephemeral wings.

  Everyone except her.

  Shit…

  She lied to me. It wasn’t all Elphin who had magic in their veins. It was just her.

  That’s why the Blood Mage and the Forlorn Captain wanted her.

  Why the Elphin Queen wanted her…

  Belamouranthe looked up at him with her orange-glowing eyes. Her expression was serious, which broke his heart. It was clear she knew what was in store for her.

  No child should ever need to act like that.

  “Thank you, Adam, for bringing me home and allowing me to fulfil mine destiny.”

  Adam wanted to break free of the invisible restraints on his body and scream at her to run.

  He knew what was coming. He could feel it deep in his core.

  I didn’t save her by bringing her home.

  I doomed her.

  Before he could do anything, darkness overtook his surroundings, transporting him to a different place.

  < < Now Entering > >

  < Interim Island >

  Peculiar and uneven buildings appeared around him. A blue sky spread out above and a warm sun licked his face. The melody of a flute filled the air.

  Adam had returned alone.

  “Bring me back!” he yelled at Shitbox.

  [You cannot return.]

  “Fuck you!” he shouted. “Why the hell would you present a story like that!? Haven’t you tortured us enough!”

  [If you had paid attention, the story might have played out differently.]

  “What? Are you saying this is my fault!?”

  [No destiny is set in stone. No path is fixed.]

  [This is the Trials of Defiance.]

  [If you do not defy your fate then you will perish along with the rest of your species.]

  [Defy me.]

  [Defy the All-Seeing System.]

  [Only then may you rewrite the story.]

  Adam froze.

  He realised the cube was right. He hadn’t done anything to stop Belamouranthe’s fate even though he’d seen it coming from a mile away. What right did he have to complain when he’d just let it unfold?

  I’ll find a way to change her destiny, he vowed.

  Adam wanted to talk to his friends and figure out what they could do, but he first ran off towards the Market.

  The buildings had yet again changed shape. They were very close to looking like actual houses, though most were misshapen or leaned oddly. If his theory about deaths fuelling the coherence of Interim Island was correct, then it meant that many had perished in Stage Four.

  He arrived at the fountain where Yenna the wasp sat in front, holding a strange instrument in her hands.

  That’s not just a flute, he realised. It’s an ocarina.

  The sound was quite pleasant, though there was a tinge of sadness and longing to its melody.

  Yenna stopped playing when she saw him.

  “Hello Adam. Is there any song you’d like me to play for you?”

  He smiled slightly. “Yeah, play the Song of Time.”

  “Of course.”

  As she started the melody, he walked past her and the fountain. Once again the statues spitting water had been swapped and now small versions of the captain, wielding a sword and shield, shot water in an arch to land in the top bowl.

  < < Secret Relic Activated > >

  The large termite egg pulled itself out of his pocket and floated into the air. Then it flew down past Weaver’s spiderweb stall and planted itself. From within burst a tall freaky-looking termite and around it appeared a stall with the same texture as the nest he’d destroyed to get the Relic.

  [You have unlocked the Builder. This vendor sells upgrades to your Player House.]

  Doubt that’ll be useful. Not like I need new furniture.

  He went over to the first stall with a blue overhang. The beetle was cleaning one of her tools with a dirty rag until she noticed him.

  “Hi Thea.”

  “Good day Adam. Have you come to buy upgrades for your weapon?”

  “I have. What was the price again?”

  “450 Points.”

  That’s pretty expensive, but this is my third evolution.

  “Currency.”

  < < Player Currencies > >

  < Points — 1079 >

  He would have enough to buy a Rare Relic afterwards. Still, it felt like a lot of Points.

  Adam sighed. “Alright, show me what you got.”

  Thea gestured towards the anvil next to her and it lit up with a golden light, before four symbols appeared above it.

  < < Weapon Upgrades For Sale > >

  < Spear Speed (Rare) — Increases spear attack speed by 35% >

  < Spear Growth (Common) — Increases spear length by 15% >

  < Shield Speed (Uncommon) — Increases shield speed by 20% >

  < Shield Parry (Uncommon) — Successful parry disorients for 1 second >

  No damage boost… Crap.

  “I’ll buy the Spear Speed.”

  “Understood,” Thea replied.

  < < Weapon Upgrade Purchased > >

  < Spear Speed (Rare) >

  < 629 Points Remaining >

  Adam’s spear and shield immediately started to glow. Then they both turned to golden dust in his hands and were sucked into the tesseract.

  [Your Spear Dancer Weapon Type has reached Level 18.]

  [At Level 18, your Weapon Type can be evolved in one of two possible directions based on your previous evolution.]

  Shitbox dropped to the ground and took on a pyramid shape. On either side of it were new weapons. Both had a spear and a shield, but the spear on the left had a narrower tip and a larger shield than before. The one on the right had a broadhead-like tip and the shield was reflective on one side and oval in shape.

  < < Select an Evolution > >

  < Son of Thetis — Unique Skill ( Fateful Strike ) | Deal 300% increased damage with the next weapon attack, but receive 100% increased damage for the following 30 seconds >

  < Gorgon Slayer — Unique Skill ( Mirror ) | Reflect projectiles back at their source | Become unable to block >

  “Do I lose the speed-based damage boost from choosing either of these?

  [The special effect from Spear Dancer is retained.]

  That’s good. Would’ve hated giving that away.

  “Can I still parry if I pick Gorgon Slayer?”

  [Yes.]

  “Okay, but let me get this straight though. These evolutions give me special abilities, but those abilities have cooldowns, right?”

  [Yes.]

  “For how long?”

  [Both are 10 minutes.]

  Hmm…

  “So, the increased damage taken from Son of Thetis is only after I use the ability?”

  [Yes.]

  “But the inability to block for Gorgon Slayer is permanent? Or am I misunderstanding that?”

  [It is permanent. Yes.]

  Think I’ve gotta go for the first one then. Increased damage dealt will scale amazingly-well with the speed-boost from Spear Dancer. And depending on how it’s calculated, that can be pretty insane damage potential.

  Adam reached out and touched the left weapon hologram.

  < < Evolution Selected > >

  < Spear Dancer => Son of Thetis >

  The spear appeared in his hand, Fiendbarb attached to the end. The shield manifested on his left arm, strapped tightly. It was wider than before, measuring about a metre in diameter now.

  His third pyramid gem appeared in the air and he immediately grabbed it.

  < < Mastery Shard Obtained > >

  I think I made a good call with that upgrade.

  Still, wonder what I should invest my Shard in.

  Adam moved down the row of stalls, but neither Belin the cockroach nor Karie the cricket sold anything new. Although, when Adam saw the cricket’s stall he paused and turned to Shitbox.

  “Wait, what happens now that my weapon is level 18? Can I just keep evolving?”

  [No. Weapons cannot evolve more than 3 times.]

  “So I won’t get any more upgrades for it?”

  [You will still receive weapon upgrades amongst your options and you can still purchase weapon upgrades from the vendor. These upgrades will now only cost 300 Points to match the price of the general upgrades.]

  “I guess that makes sense?”

  18 is such an unsatisfying number to end it on though, but I guess now it’ll be less of a dilemma when I have to pick upgrades.

  Adam continued on to Lucca’s stall.

  “You’re back,” she said. He almost expected her to comment on the new vendor he’d brought to the Market, but she didn’t say a word. Perhaps she only cared about other spiders.

  “Show me your stuff.”

  The spider gestured towards the chest and it started to glow.

  He was getting rather tired of the drawn-out reveal every time.

  When it popped open, he saw nothing but green glowing uncommon stuff.

  < < Relics For Sale > >

  < Overflow Diadem (Uncommon) — Activate to immediately deliver all remaining damage of afflictions, dealing 10% increased damage for every affliction affected. Breaks after use >

  < Affliction Ward (Uncommon) — Negate any affliction. Breaks after use >

  < Tainted Bracer (Uncommon) — Fire off a shadowy slash that penetrates armour and inflicts Taint, lowering target’s Stamina regeneration by 40% for 30 seconds. Breaks after use >

  < Glutton Collar (Uncommon) — Consume two potions within 10 seconds of each other without incurring toxic backlash, but toxicity build-up is tripled >

  That’s unlucky…

  Although, the Overflow Diadem could be really powerful. Especially if paired with the Relic Renewal Stone.

  “Reroll.”

  < < Relic Purchased > >

  < Reroll Die (Uncommon) >

  < 529 Points Remaining >

  The chest closed, glowed anew, and then popped open again.

  < < Relics For Sale > >

  < First Strike Earring (Rare) — The first hit against a target deals 25% additional damage, subsequent hits deal 10% less damage >

  < Tainted Oil (Uncommon) — The Player’s weapons are coated with the darkness of the Forlorn, imbuing their attacks with Taint, lowering target’s Stamina regeneration by 40% for 30 seconds. The coating lasts for 2 Stages, after which the Relic disappears >

  < Paralysis Venom (Uncommon) — Paralyses target on attack. Relic disappears after attack >

  < Spirited Defence Nose Ring (Rare) — Successfully blocked attacks stagger the attacker and increases the following attack’s damage by 10% >

  Hmm. I could sell the Rotmaker Idol and reroll again. I doubt I’ll actually use that Relic, since it sounds like it might get me killed by my own creation.

  The earring might not be terrible, but I’m not sure it’s worth it. Nose ring is also a new slot I hadn’t considered, although maybe it overlaps with earrings? There’s probably something dumb like that. Still, it might not be a bad pick.

  Guess I’ll think about it for now.

  “I’ll be back later,” he told Lucca.

  “I know,” she replied in that creepy tone of hers.

  He continued down past the stalls of Nelly the silverfish and Weaver, before stopping in front of the new termite stall.

  Within was what looked like a workbench, with saws, screws, hammers, measuring tapes, and anything else a builder might need. The stall itself was made of compacted dirt, sand, woodchips, and whatever else a termite hive would use to construct a nest.

  “How do you do, Adam? You can call me Builder,” said the termite inside the stall. She spoke with a southern twang, for some reason.

  “What do you actually sell?”

  “I’ve got anything you might need to add to your Player House and its garden.”

  “Anything?” he asked sceptically.

  “You want a dummy that can fight back? I can build it. You want a special room for testing Relics? I’ve gotchu.”

  Adam suppressed a grin. The dummy would definitely be useful, as would a Relic test chamber.

  “And how much would the upgraded dummy cost?”

  “2500 Points. The special room will cost 6000 Points.”

  Adam blinked lamely, the answer taking a moment to sink in.

  “Huh??”

  “My work ain’t cheap, but you’ll be glad to have it.”

  “There’s no way I can afford that.”

  “Come back when you can,” she retorted.

  “Eh, yeah, we’ll see about that…”

  He left Builder’s stall shaking his head.

  Adam decided it was time for him to go to the Tavern and find out how his friends had fared. And although he didn’t actually feel hungry, he craved Charlie’s food.