An Assassin's Anthem

Riley woke early the next morning. She stretched under her blanket and looked at her notifications.

[Your base level has advanced: 193 → 201!]

Clearing the message from the prior night, she smiled and looked at the rest.

[Assassin (C) has advanced: 120 → 122!]

[Bard (C) has advanced: 120 → 122!]

[Ranger (C) has advanced: 120 → 122!]

[Spell Thief (C) has advanced: 120 → 122!]

[Noble (D) has advanced: 200 → 201!]

[Maid has advanced: 16 → 20!]

[Infiltrator (F) has advanced: 1 → 10!]

Clearing them away, she sat up. What am I going to do to level up Poisoner? She frowned. Maybe I could hit vermin or use something that wouldn’t kill someone.

[Do it. Get the princess. ~Mischief]

Riley chuckled. “Is that a quest?”

[Quest: Poison a royal with something funny.]

[Sponsor: Mischief]

[Rewards: Who knows?]

Chuckling, Riley stood and walked over to her stash. She pulled up the floorboard and looked inside.

[Upgrade my skill first! ~Beauty]

Riley chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I don’t know, Beauty.”

[New Quest: Upgrade Pretty! - Be more glamorous than ever!]

Riley shook her head and looked at the gems. I do use it. She picked one up and pulled it to her chest, willing the energy to flow in and merge with the skill.

[Pretty (E) has advanced to Pretty (D). Use a mana to get Beauty’s help! She may provide it anyway. Oh, and you’ll stand out in a crowd! After all, everyone knows a Beauty.]

Riley groaned. Maybe I shouldn’t have done it.

[Nonsense! You’ll look fantastic! ~Beauty]

Riley chuckled and pulled another crystal to her chest.

[Psychic Strike (E) has advanced to Psychic Strike (D). Assault someone with mental energy. Variable cost.]

Examining the skill, Riley grimaced. I need to use it more or find something to combine it with. She frowned and looked through her skills. I’ve done nothing with Control Water. It won’t advance, and neither will Ice Blade. She looked back at Psychic Strike.

Grabbing another crystal, she willed Ice Blade into Psychic Strike. The two skills thrummed and pulled together into a vortex of energy.

[Psychic Strike (D) + Ice Blade (E) → Spirit Blade (D). Manifest an ethereal blade or imbue a blade with psychic energy. The blade lasts five minutes and will return to you after it is thrown. Costs 5 mana.]

That’ll be handy. Riley grinned. Still holding the crystal, she brought it to her chest and willed it to merge with Manipulate Storm.

[Manipulate Storm (E) → Conjure Storm (D). Manipulate or conjure up a storm. Mana cost varies.]

Riley studied it. Where can it go from there? A specific storm? She considered it. I need to get lightning or something for C-tier.

Grabbing another crystal, she willed it into her skills.

[Predatory Sight (E) → Predatory Sight (D). Your perception and insight are boosted by 25. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light. You may use 1 stamina to double this effect for 10 seconds.]

Riley paused and looked at her skills. What others do I try to combine?

Picking up a crystal, she willed Healing Song into Inspiring Presence. The skill surged, swirling and rotating up into a new structure.

[Inspiring Presence(D) + Healing Song(D) → Restoring Presence (D). Subjects regain 1 stamina and 1 mana every half hour; their healing is augmented by 10%. Allies within 50 meters count as subjects. You may use mana to send out a burst of healing. You may use inspiration to expand and increase the effect.]

With a growing smile, she willed Dominating Song into Dominating Presence. The skill surged, swirling and rotating up into a new structure.

[Dominating Song(D) + Dominating Presence(D) → Dominating Presence (D). Enemies within sixty meters of you lose 10 strength, 10 dexterity, and 10 speed. You may use inspiration to boost the range and the effect temporarily.]

A little better. Riley stashed everything, stood, and stretched. Then she looked around her room and spotted the two ribbons on her desk. Should I?

[Yes! ~Mischief]

With a growing grin, Riley changed, picked up the ribbons, and triggered Pretty. Her hair pulled up into two ponytails tied in red and black ribbons. She looked into the mirror and grinned. “Thanks!” She chuckled and stretched. Time for some exercise.

She walked out of the room, closing and locking it behind her. Moving silently down the hall, she left the dormitory and began jogging through the chilly morning air and waving at some nearby guards. One joined her, running a circle around the grounds.

Riley looked over at him. “Find the thief?”

“Not yet, but the seekers will,” the guard said. “What are you doing out this early?”

“I wasn’t that sleepy, and I wanted a run. And I am hoping to improve my movement skill,” Riley replied, smiling up at him.

The guard nodded. “And the ribbons? Those are a bold choice.”

“It’s my way of telling them that I’m not playing anymore.” Riley picked up the pace.

The guard chuckled and waved, jogging back to his patrol.

Riley continued loping around the ground, watching the guards patrolling the castle. Okay. I can sneak in. I need the right poison for this request, which means I need a book.

Slowing, she veered toward the castle, triggered Ambush, and appeared in the prince’s office. Turning to the books, she searched, rapidly skimming through titles before pulling out a book. He won’t even notice it’s gone. With a vow to return it promptly, she stashed it under her dress and used Ambush.

Appearing outside, she resumed her jog and arced the grounds, waving to the guards one last time before heading to her room.

Walking in, she sat at her desk and flipped open the book entitled The Poisoner’s Guidebook.

Some may say that the Poisoner is a dark and soulless class. For those wishing to pursue this path, there are two primary means of acquisition. One is done with pure chemistry. The other utilizes magic and conjuration.

Chemistry is acquired through zealous study and practice with chemicals. It can’t be contained in this book. However, the premise is simple. You must master these ingredients. By combining it with Student or Chemist, you may push it to become Toxicologist.

For the magically inclined, the Poisoner class is closely aligned with Alchemy. Combining anything except for Water Mage will result in the alchemist class rather than the Poison Mage class.

For those who walk the magical path, the core skills are Manipulate Water and Conjure Poison. Together, you may create and alter poisons. You may combine the two. If you wish the path of Poison Mage, it is advised.

This book will cover various chemical compounds that may be made through mundane or magical means…

Riley looked up. I’m turning this into Alchemist. That means I need Student or something.

Pulling out some parchment, a quill, and ink, she flipped the page and began studying the chemicals and corresponding runes needed to create some simple poison to kill bugs.

Minutes slowly ticked by. Her quill scribbled, and the shadows coalesced around her. Riley looked up. “Good morning, Dad.”

Roger smiled and looked at the book. “Poison? It’s useful stuff if you can stand the boring chemistry part.” He chuckled.

Riley smiled up at him. “How have you been?”

“Well, enough. I took care of a problem up north, snuck a dungeon run or two, and swung through to visit your grandparents.” Roger sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know about this plan of mine. Those two are pigheaded.”

Riley sighed. “What happened?”

“They are in debt. The territory’s on the brink of collapse, and the duke is threatening to remove them.” Roger shook his head. “I tried to get them to move on. They are refusing.”

Riley grimaced. “Are you going to pay it? How much is it?”

Roger shook his head. “No. There are multiple reasons why not. The first is that I’d reveal far too much.”

“Oh, yeah.” Riley laughed softly. “What level does the palace think you are?”

“C-tier,” Roger said with a chuckle and a wink. “I did make some progress recently.”

Riley’s mouth dropped open. She grinned. “Congratulations, Dad.”

“Thank you, and congratulations to you as well.” Roger sat on the desk.

“Thanks.” Riley smiled. “I cleared level four.”

“Impressive. I assume that’s the reason for the hair?” Roger asked with a quirked brow.

Riley looked back to the mirror and blushed; her cheeks turned a vibrant crimson.

“Riley, please,” Roger said. “If you enjoy it, that’s fine.”

Riley smiled. “I thought I’d cause a little havoc.”

Roger chuckled. “It will do that, and it looks good.” He looked at the ribbons. “How are things with the prince and princess?”

“That’s a disaster, Dad. The king met with me. I’m now working for Seeker Lucas. Oh, and we’re betrothed.” Riley sighed.

A burst of laughter slipped from Roger’s mouth. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.” He laughed.

Riley turned red, her blood surging through her cheeks. “It doesn’t mean anything. I’ll just refuse it when things calm down.”

Roger chuckled. “So, what happened?”

“Let me start from the beginning…” Riley rapidly recounted recent events, telling him of the king’s orders, the dungeons, Lucas, and the theft.

She finished and sighed. “Oh, and we’re about to go to war. Well, more war? I don’t know. The king wants to take over Shorove.”

Roger drummed his hands on the desk. “I see. I’ll visit with Althea and find out about the seeker.” He sighed.

Riley quirked her brow. “Is that a bad thing?”

“She’s upset with me,” Roger said, shaking his head. “I’m sure that she’ll get over it. For now, adhere to the king’s orders. That’s safest. If they send you to the front, demand an escort and notify Althea. She’ll contact me.”

“That bad?” Riley asked.

“Yes. Both sides will bring the strongest, and it will be lethal.” Roger paused. “Are you familiar with blood fields?”

Riley frowned. “I know that they spawn wraiths, but not much else.”

“There are sites of battle and slaughter. With every death, they grow and create abominations. They litter the front. If they send you near one, even to deliver things, run and find Althea.”

Riley nodded.

Roger stood and pulled her into a hug. “Be safe, and congratulations.”

“You too, Dad,” Riley said, hugging him back. She released.

“I’ll see you soon.” Roger turned and walked out the door.

Riley sat and resumed her early morning studies.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 201

Bard (C)

Level: 122

Dominating Presence D Enemies within sixty meters of you lose 10 strength, 10 dexterity, and 10 speed. You may use inspiration to boost the range and the effect temporarily.

Spirit Blade D Manifest an ethereal blade or imbue a blade with psychic energy. The blade lasts five minutes and will return to you after it is thrown. Costs 5 mana.

Restoring Presence D Subjects regain 1 stamina and 1 mana every half hour; their healing is augmented by 10%. Allies within 50 meters count as subjects. You may use mana to send out a burst of healing. You may use inspiration to expand and increase the effect.

Empowering Presence E Your subjects gain +3 strength, +3 dexterity, and +3 movement speed; allies within 20 meters count as subjects. You may use Bardic Inspiration to temporarily boost the range and the effect.

Assassin (C)

Level: 122 + 12

Assume Disguise S +30 charisma. Enhance your current disguise by altering your displayed information and taking on the disguised form. Grants +5 levels to the assigned class. Perception and Insight suffer -250 levels against your disguise and -50 levels against your deception or stealth. Penalty applied: Gods’ Oversight.

Dancer's Form B +10 speed. +2 levels to assigned class. You may use a charge of inspiration to boost your movement speed by an additional 5 for a minute.

Death's Cloak A Slain enemies will grant experience to your base level and active classes. +3 levels to the assigned class. Perception and insight suffer -25 levels against you. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Ambush B +10 speed. +2 levels to the assigned class. Costs one stamina to use. On use, you teleport to a shadow within 20 meters. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Ranger (C)

Level: 122

Predatory Sight D Your perception and insight are boosted by 25. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light. You may use 1 stamina to double this effect for 10 seconds.

Control Water E Manipulate the water around you. Cost varies based on amount.

Pretty D Your appearance is nice, but it could be so grand. Use a mana to get Beauty’s help! She may provide it anyway. Oh, and you’ll stand out in a crowd! After all, everyone knows a Beauty.

Music's Lute - You may summon this lute from the heavens. It will return to the heavens when you will it away.

Spell Thief (C) Level: 122 Inactive.

Noble (D)

Level: 208 Inactive.

Maid (F)

Level: 21 Inactive.

Poisoner (F)

Level: 1 Inactive.

Infiltrator (F)

Level: 10 Inactive.

- -

Conjure Storm D Manipulate or conjure up a storm. Mana cost varies.

Conjure Poison D Create a poison. Cost varies based on the poison type and requirements.

Dexterity 780

Strength 402

Speed 276

Intelligence 402

Charisma 554

Stamina 658

Mana 768

Inspiration 323