HC: Pacifist | Ch. 331 - 6 for 1

Rurik and Brunna had finished their work, leaving only Grimnir to complete his task. Focused on the thorax, Grimnir wielded his soldering iron with precision. Roth, anxiously tapping his foot, gulped as he waited. The dwarf lords had swiftly enhanced the set, but these final moments seemed to drag on endlessly. Was this armor truly his ticket out of here? Finally, Grimnir finished his task and approached, holding the thorax in hand.

Grimnir placed the final piece of armor onto the dummy. As the last component clicked into place, the entire suit seemed to come alive. Each piece was adorned with a golden acorn, and Roth’s carved light traps glowed in a square with a cross pattern. Intricate circuitry connected the acorns, emanating from three locations on the thorax, where the chips from the [Possibilator] shimmered brilliantly.

Curved segments from what had once been the [Affinity Orb] were embedded in the thorax, knee pads, and shoulder pads. Lua’s white hair glowed from the armor’s collar and the cape’s fringes. Although it wasn’t immediately apparent, Roth knew the helmet had been integrated with the crown; its centerpiece diamond glowed like one of the lizardmen’s eyes, while a golden acorn replaced the other.

“Woah! It’s amazing,” praised Godsfried.

“I can count with the fingers of one hand sets of armor as beautiful as this in the game,” agreed Jack. 

Roth couldn’t agree more. The set of armor was beautiful. “Is it done?” 

“Almost. You’ve asked a lot from us. To elevate such a mighty set to something even greater isn't easy. We can’t close the gap between an epic set of equipment and a legendary one with skill alone. Even after we've used some of your treasured artifacts, it’s not enough yet. We need more power.” Brunna replied.

“Where are we going to get it, then?” Roth asked, curiosity piqued.

Brunna turned to Lin. “It’s up to the little one.”

“Nyah? What are they talking about, human?” Lin asked.

Roth shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

“The Rain of Fire had a severe impact on most creatures, but the felines were hit hardest,” Rurik explained. “They are born sterile with nine hearts. As each heart stops, the others grow stronger.”

Brunna continued. “The cats’ hearts absorb the residual radiation from the Rain of Fire. If we can obtain the heart shortly after the kitten dies, we can use it to power the armor. The pieces of the [Affinity Orb] and the chips from the [Possibilator] should be able to channel the heart's energy into the armor, making it stronger.”

“Wait, what are you talking about?” Roth said, alarmed. “You want to kill my cat?!”

“No. We don’t want to kill anything,” Brunna said as she kneeled. “Hear me, little one. This must come from you. How many hearts are you willing to give for your master’s sake?” she asked.

Lin paused thoughtfully before looking up at Roth. “He’s my dad and my best friend. As many as needed.”

“One for each piece of armor,” Grimnir added. “That should leave you with a couple of lives to spare.”

Roth was furious. Did they want to kill his cat just for some gear? “Stop this nonsense. I don’t agree with this.”

Lin hissed at Roth, making him flinch. Jack and Godsfried, who were standing next to Roth, stepped back.

“L-Lin?”

“It’s not your call, human.”

“But Lin, I don’t want to—”

Lin’s fur bristled, and he snarled menacingly. Lin began coughing, and after a moment, a hairball emerged, and Roth’s vision went dark.

[Nine Lives] has been activated. Lin dies. You have died.

You lost a level. Penalty canceled due to your title [Martyr].

You lose three dexterity. The penalty was canceled due to your title [Martyr].

Roth awoke in Sapphira’s cemetery, finding Lin beside him. Compared to before, Lin exuded a new aura of strength. When he coughed that hairball, he had somehow killed himself and forcibly activated [Nine Lives]. That had to have hurt. “Lin, why are you doing this?”

“To save you.”

“Uh? What do you mean?”

“I know you need to reach the top 10 or whatever.”

Roth blinked. Was his cat referring to his real-world situation? “You know about that?”

“You talk about it all the time. You need to get stronger.”

“But I don’t want you to die… It’s hurting you.”

Lin regarded him for a moment before turning away, darting back toward the 82nd floor.

“LIN! Come back here!” Roth shouted, chasing his kitten. “I don’t want this! I’ll find another way. I can borrow the makeover tickets from Jack and Godsfried! Lin!”

Roth chased after his kitten, but he'd grown faster! Without the Lacertian set and with nighttime falling in the game, Roth’s speed was severely reduced. Just as Lin disappeared from his line of sight, he felt something hit him in the side, and the wind was knocked out of him.

-38

PegasusYillian has attacked you.

Roth gasped as he spotted Yillian approaching. A few more kinetic constructs kept assaulting him.

-24

-31

-51

In the meantime, a crowd of players surrounded him.

“Argh. What’s happening?”

A weasel-like voice cut through the confusion. “Well, well, well. Look at what the cat dragged in.”

Roth recognized the voice. “L-Loki?”

Loki marched in with a predatory grin, his eyes brimming with bloodlust. “I can’t believe it. I was attacking the dwarf’s camp with all my might, and all I had to do was to come to the cemetery.”

Roth paled. “So you were the one attacking the dwarves?”

“Yes. We’ve died twice already. But not anymore.  Good job overthrowing the slavers, by the way." Turning to his subordinates, he barked orders. "Set up a barrier. I don’t want this slippery idiot to get away again.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Loki, wait. I know what I did to you was wrong, and I can never repay you. But it’s been years. Can’t we just let this go and start over?”

Loki laughed. “Start over? Oh, Slayer. No, no. I’m going to kill you over and over again. Finally, after all this time, I will—”

[Nine Lives] has been activated. Lin dies. You have died.

You lost a level. Penalty canceled due to your title [Martyr].

You lose four strength. The penalty was canceled due to your title [Martyr].

Roth appeared on the other side of the cemetery, with Lin next to him. His cat had grown even stronger, now exuding the imposing presence of Oli or the terrifying dominance of King Zion.

Tears welled up in Roth’s eyes as he reached out to him. “Please, Lin. Stop!”

The cat vanished once more.

A cloud of dust rose as Loki and his goons charged toward him. Loki’s furious shouts echoed, “No one kills him! You hear me? Whoever it was that attacked him, I’ll find out and punish them. He’s all mine! All mine!”

Roth gulped at the imminent onslaught. This wasn’t how he thought his day was going to go. Just as Pegasus was about to arrive, Roth died again.

[Nine Lives] has been activated. Lin dies. You have died.

You lost a level. Penalty canceled due to your title [Martyr].

You lose two intelligence. The penalty was canceled due to your title [Martyr].

Lin was growing stronger with each death. In just a few seconds, he was completing the trip from the cemetery to the 82nd floor.

Roth's voice broke as he called out to the departing figure of his little kitten. “Lin, please. Stop this. Don’t go!” But the kitten had already run off again. His newfound strength left a sonic boom in his wake.

Before Pegasus could locate Roth, Lin had died again.

[Nine Lives] has been activated. Lin dies. You have died.

You lost a level. Penalty canceled due to your title [Martyr].

You lose two intelligence. The penalty was canceled due to your title [Martyr].

Again. And again until he had died a total of six times. Roth didn’t even catch sight of Lin after his sixth death. He had already taken off.

Roth gasped for breath, grappling with the reality that this was just a game. Yet, Lin was sacrificing one heart at a time, painfully providing the irradiated hearts that would power his armor. 

Loki and his team had time to close in on Roth this time. His constant porting about in the cemetery had made Pegasus’ players look haggard and disheveled. Loki stepped up again, even more angered than before. “Set up the barrier at once! I don’t want him to get away! For nothing!” he ordered.

Rogues quickly deployed, surrounding them with five red walls. Loki finally relaxed, turning toward Roth with a predatory smile. “Now, where were we?”

BOOOOOOOM!

As Lin landed with a shockwave, the brand-new barrier walls shattered like glass, sending everyone flying. His entrance was worthy of that of a member of the Table.

“L-Lin?”

Lin leaped toward Roth and licked him affectionately. The sensation was different from before. He didn’t feel like he was holding a little kitten anymore. It felt more like when Rexie, his T-Rex pet in New Earth, had licked him. Roth checked Lin’s stats.

Lin (Pet)
Pet Rating: S+
Lvl. 64
Alignment: Darkness (541/1000)
Affection: 94/100
Subterfuge: 711x4
Strength: 231x4
Dexterity: 411x4
Insight: 121x4
Perception: 131x4
Intelligence: 205x4
Wisdom: 312x4
Mischief: 341x4

Nine Lives (Pet Skill)
Description: Your pet has undergone a special mutation with nine hearts. Each time it dies, it loses one heart, unlocks a new stat, and gains incredible powers.
Effects:
2nd Life: +100% movement speed;
3rd Life: +100 subterfuge;
4th Life: +50 to all stats;
5th Life: Double all stats;
6th Life: All skills are empowered;
7th Life: Double all stats.
If you die, your pet dies. If your pet dies, you die.
Your pet can only respawn twice. After that, it will die for good.

Roth was stunned. Lin’s stats had always been extraordinary, partly because he had consumed nearly every rare stat-boosting delicacy in AstroTerra and had an S+ grade. But now, his [Nine Lives] skill quadrupled them. He'd become a beast. Roth glanced at the surrounding crowd. Despite Lin’s newfound power, he doubted they could withstand the onslaught of so many players.

“I brought you your new clothes, nyah,” Lin said, tossing the equipment to Roth. Seeing Lin’s intent, Roth activated his skill immediately.

Peace Decree!

The area around him grayed out. They would now be unable to deal him or Lin any damage. He had all the time he needed to equip his new armor. He also messaged Ogre and Mel urgently. It was now or never.

“Slayer! You keep using these little tricks, but you won’t escape this time. ATTACK!”

Skills rained down on Roth, but [Peace Decree] nullified them all.

"You can't do anything to me now, Loki," Roth said as he equipped his new armor piece by piece.

Sensing Roth's confidence, Loki's eyes widened, and he sent a barrage of skills. "Quick! Don't let him do whatever he's doing! STOP HIM!"

But it was too late. Roth finished putting on his armor.

Pacifist Helmet (Legendary)

Description: A masterpiece of dwarven craftsmanship, this helmet is fashioned from the skin of a fallen swamp lizardman warrior and lined with luxurious treeant silk. Infused with your cat’s love, it features an ancient crown frame crafted by the dwarves for the moles. Golden acorns embedded in the helmet channel the power of the [Possibilator], enhancing its effects. This is part of a set.

Effects:

+24% to your highest stat;

+23% to your second-highest stat;

+22% to your third-highest stat;

+20% status resistance;

+200 earth affinity;

+10% movement speed;

+5% weight carry capacity;

+5% subterfuge;

[King of the Moles] - Passive. You are the ruler of the molians. This effect works even if the item isn't equipped. Cannot be traded or dropped.

Light trap effect: 

+1% to equipment’s stats;

+1% to equipment’s highest stat.

Restrictions: Pacifists, lvl. 70.

Pacifist Pants (Legendary)

Description: Crafted with exceptional dwarven skill, these pants are made from the skin of a fallen swamp lizardman warrior and lined with fine treeant silk. Adorned with golden acorns and blessed by your cat’s affection, they feature pieces of the legendary [Affinity Orb] and integrate the power of the [Possibilator] chips. This is part of a set.

Effects:

+20% to your highest stat;

+15% to your second-highest stat;

+30% damage reduction;

+30 to all affinities;

+10% movement speed;

+5% weight carry capacity;

+5% subterfuge;

[Lift With your Knees] - Passive. +1000kg weight carry capacity.

Light trap effect: 

+1% to equipment’s stats;

+1% to equipment’s highest stat.

Restrictions: Pacifists, lvl. 70.

Pacifist Thorax (Legendary)

Description: This chest piece, a feat of unparalleled dwarven artistry, is made from the skin of a fallen swamp lizardman warrior and lined with leather from a tree lizardman. It’s blessed by a cat and adorned with Lua’s moonlight mane on the shoulders, it is enhanced by rare chips from the [Possibilator] and a substantial piece of the legendary [Affinity Orb]. This is part of a set.

Effects:

+15% cooldown reduction;

+100 to your highest stat;

+100 to your weakest stat;

+10% damage reduction;

+2500 hp;

+10% movement speed;

+5% weight carry capacity;

+5% subterfuge;

[Laser Focused] - Passive. Doubles the effects of light traps.

Light trap effect: 

+1% to equipment’s stats;

+1% to equipment’s highest stat.

Restrictions: Pacifists, lvl. 70.

Pacifist Greaves (Legendary)

Description: These greaves, expertly crafted by the dwarves, are made from the skin of a fallen swamp lizardman warrior and lined with luxurious treeant silk. Thin slices of the legendary [Affinity Orb] are embedded in the armor, showcasing the dwarves' skill. Each golden acorn reflects your bond with the Leafies. This is part of a set.

Effects:

+12% cooldown reduction;

+20% damage reduction;

+200 kg weight carry capacity;

+10% movement speed;

+5% subterfuge;

[Dwarven Touch} - Passive. +20% XP when crafting

Light Trap effect: 

+1% to equipment’s stats;

+1% to equipment’s highest stat.

Restrictions: Pacifists, lvl. 70.

Pacifist Boots (Legendary)

Description: These boots are crafted with exceptional dwarven skills, made from the skin of a fallen swamp lizardman warrior, and lined with fine treeant silk. Each boot features a golden acorn, symbolizing your connection to Lin, and is designed to enhance your speed and agility. This is part of a set.

Effects:

+150% movement speed;

+10% dexterity;

+5% resilience;

+50% damage reduction;

+100 kg weight carry capacity;

+5% subterfuge;

[Elemental Step] - Passive. There's a 0,001% chance that you gain an affinity point when walking on elemental terrain.

Light Trap effect: 

+1% to equipment’s stats;

+1% to equipment’s highest stat.

Restrictions: Pacifists, lvl. 70.

Pacifist Cape (Legendary)

Description: This stunning cape, a feat of dwarven craftsmanship, is lined with treeant silk over soft cotton wool and adorned with golden acorns and Lua’s moonlight mane hair. It reflects your bond with Lin and the dwarves' meticulous artistry. This is part of a set.

Effects:

+30% movement speed;

+10% weight carry capacity;

+10% subterfuge;

[Moonlight Step] - Passive. Movement speed doubles under the moonlight.

Light Trap effect: 

+1% to equipment’s stats;

+1% to equipment’s highest stat.

[Pacifist Set] Effects:

If three pieces equipped: [Affinity Overload]; Can be equipped at level 60.

If six pieces equipped: [United in Love]; [Peace Triumphs].

Affinity Overload (Legendary)

Description: The elements of creation harmonize through you and produce outstanding results.

Effects: Passive.

If you have four affinities, affinity bonuses double. {Active}

If you have eight affinities, affinity bonuses quadruple.

United in Love (Legendary)

Description: The unbreakable bond between you and your pets is reflected in your stats.

Effects: Passive. You receive 10% of your pets’ stats.

Peace Triumphs (Epic)

Description: The power of peace transforms your strength into unmatched prowess.

Effects: Passive. If you haven’t attacked anyone in the last 100 hours, you receive a +200 bonus to all stats.

Ch. 330 - Butchered

INDEX

Ch. 332 - Out