Healer Arc 2 -- Chapter 32

Chapter 32

An additional 300 points or so in his Celerity stat, which practically tripled what he had before he’d gone through his last round of messages, made a huge difference in how fast Thaden could move.  Of course, he couldn’t simply run down Glory’s Passage with abandon, where he might run into people at incredible speeds, but his additional speed and surefootedness certainly helped him to move through the crowds filling the thoroughfare without having to slow down one bit.  He was easily able to move at what would’ve been his top running speed if he was still back on Earth, and despite the speed, there was no chance that he was going to run into anyone because he was in full control. 

Because of his speed, it felt like he’d barely started running before he made it to the area where he remembered the shop he’d been thinking of was located.  Sure enough, as he slowed down and looked around, Vital Support was right where he thought it was.  He wasted no time in entering it, feeling same strange ward that apparently prevented theft, but he ignored the sensation as he began looking at the items for sale.  While there appeared to be a few things that had likely sold since the last time he’d been there, for the most part everything he remembered seeing before was still in stock.  He did a quick check around to see if he was missing anything, either new or overlooked before because it hadn’t been on his radar due to its Level Restriction, before he moved over to a display that held what he was probably going to end up getting.

As he looked over the display and did a count of what was available, seeing that it wasn’t a completely full set of equipment.  There were no accessories, which would include a ring, necklace, and armlet, but was something for all of his other “equipment slots”: robe, boots, gloves, belt, cape, headpiece, and mask.  He didn’t see any type of focus stone that he could hold in his hand, either, so he figured he would have to look in some of the accessory shops to round out his repertoire – or simply go back to the Coalition Market and spend a little more there to find everything in the same place.  He needed to unload a bunch of stuff from his Inventory, anyway, so he decided to simply make it easier on himself and head there after his purchases at Vital Support.

He quickly touched each item to confirm that they were the same as the last time he’d been in the shop, and he nodded in satisfaction with each one he looked at.

Black Manaweave Robe of Concentration

Rarity: Rare

Class Restrictions: Support

Level Restriction: 30

Physical Damage Resistance: 4

Magical Damage Resistance: 12

+15 Mentality

+5 Celerity

+3% Reduction in Support spell Mana cost

Dark Grey Infused Hide Boots of Swiftness

Rarity: Rare

Class Restrictions: Support

Level Restriction: 30

Physical Damage Resistance: 5

Magical Damage Resistance: 8

+5 Mentality

+15 Celerity

+18% Increase in Support spell casting speed

Black Manaweave Gloves of Manipulation

Rarity: Rare

Class Restrictions: Support

Level Restriction: 30

Physical Damage Resistance: 2

Magical Damage Resistance: 9

+20 Mentality

+9% increase in Support spell effectiveness

Gold-threaded Manaweave Belt of Healing

Rarity: Rare

Class Restrictions: Support

Level Restriction: 30

Physical Damage Resistance: 1

Magical Damage Resistance: 2

+10 Mentality

+10 Celerity

+30% increase to healing from spells and effects

Grey-striped Black Manaweave Cape of Protection

Rarity: Rare

Class Restrictions: Support

Level Restriction: 30

Physical Damage Resistance: 1

Magical Damage Resistance: 3

+5 Physicality

+5 Celerity

+5 Mentality

+3% Reduction in all damage taken

Black Manaweave Beret of Enduring

Rarity: Rare

Class Restrictions: Support

Level Restriction: 30

Physical Damage Resistance: 1

Magical Damage Resistance: 4

+15 Mentality

+5 Celerity

+18% increase in Support spell duration

Dark-grey Manaweave Mask of Sight

Rarity: Rare

Class Restrictions: Support

Level Restriction: 30

Physical Damage Resistance: 0

Magical Damage Resistance: 1

+10 Mentality

+18% increase in Support spell range

The effects on each item was different, ranging from spell effectiveness to range of his Support spells, but the most important one to him was the Mana cost reduction on the Black Manaweave Robe of Concentration.  He would’ve like to see it with a higher reduction, as it was only at 3%, but if he was to transfer the CAMP to it, he could boost that to a total of 18% once the effects were quintupled.  Nearly a 20% in Mana cost reduction for his Support spells would make a huge difference in what he could cast when it came to his Celestial-strength spells from Fortunate Catastrophe. 

As for the overall aesthetic of the set of equipment, it was almost entirely full of a black or dark-grey cloth that was apparently called Manaweave, and it gave whole look a very sleek and dangerous vibe, which was quite a bit of a departure from what he was used to seeing.  Usually, healing and Support-based gear was bright and flashy, as if it could somehow portray the purity and selflessness of someone in a Support Class; to have dark-grey and black as the main colors of the ensemble was a welcome change – and he thought it was just perfect for someone with a Thrall Commander Class.

“I see you are admiring the Manaweave set,” came a voice from behind him, and he wasn’t surprised to see the same older, hunched-over Netherine that had spoke to him the first time he’d been in the shop.  What did surprise him was how strong the crafter was, who he could now see was Level 103.

Thaden nodded, before turning back to the equipment he was planning on buying.  “I am.  From the prices posted, it looks like all 7 of these would set me back 280 Gold; is there any room to negotiate?” he asked, knowing that he still had some accessories and a focus stone to buy after these purchases.

“No; these prices are firm, as they are based on the materials used in their construction as well as my labor.  Do you know which effects you are looking for the most, as well as which color you prefer?  These are our technically our display models, giving you an idea of what is possible to add to each custom piece.”

“Oh.  That sounds much better, to be honest.  How long would it take for custom work?”

He could see the Netherine run back to the front counter, look at something in a book laid out on the countertop, before running back to him.  Without his increased stats, he probably wouldn’t have seen him move at all, as the older Netherine’s Celerity was obviously quite high.  “I’m currently booked for the next four weeks, but if I have any cancellations, I can possibly slide you in a little earlier.”

Four weeks!  I can’t wait that long.  “I can’t wait that long, unfortunately.  I’ll just take these,” Thaden said, waving at the equipment on display. 

“Are you sure?  The effects are quite varied and not as cohesive as they could be.”

He nodded. 

“Very well.  Unfortunately, as these are my display stock and I will have to replace these in order to have something to show, they will require an additional charge.  However,” he held up his hand to stop Thaden’s protest, “I’m willing to take some crafting materials in trade to offset some, or even all, of the cost.  Do you have anything that I might be interested in?”

Thaden smiled, glad that he hadn’t stopped off at the Coalition Market to simply offload all of the extra stuff in his Inventory before coming to the Vital Support shop.  “I’m not sure what you might want, but I have a fairly full Inventory of stuff that I can show you.”

The older Netherine, whose nametag actually read Master Threaver, took him over to the counter and had him start laying out whatever he thought the crafter might be interested.  Almost immediately, Master Threaver looked excited about the Beezard Thoraxes, Flower Petals, and even the glass vials of Beezard Honey (the acidic goo that the Spitters expelled) that he put on the counter – but he was especially enthusiastic about the quantity of what Thaden had available.  He wasn’t interested in any of the weapons or equipment that he’d picked up, so Thaden knew he’d be offloading it at the Market later, but he was more than willing to make a deal for all of other crafting materials. 

“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you acquire all of these materials?  From their quality, I would suspect that they came from monsters around 10 to 15 Levels higher than your own.”

There was miraculously no one else shopping inside the shop at this time of day, so Thaden bent over the counter and told the old crafter, “Let’s just say that I have a particular set of skills that makes me a nightmare for higher-Level dungeons.  In fact, just yesterday I was only Level 15,” he added with a wink.  He figured that word would get out about him at some point, as he made no pains to disguise his original Level when he arrived and what it was now – plus his Party members would also likely be showing off their rapid rise in Level, so there was very little point in trying to hide it. 

“Really?  My Accurate Negotiation ability tells me you’re telling the truth, but I find that hard to believe.” 

“It’s true, though I don’t necessarily want to advertise that fact.  Here, let me show you what I got off the Level 70 Boss,” he said, wanting to show off a little.  Thaden then brought out each piece he’d acquired from the massive bush Boss, each of which had a Level Restriction of Level 55.

“Amazing!  These give me a few ideas for my own work… but I can also see why you’re content with my display models.  If you’re telling the truth about how fast you can rise in Levels, then you’ll only need them for a short time before you can wear these.”  Master Threaver was silent for a moment as Thaden put away the items he was showing off.  “Tell you what, I’ll take these crafting materials in trade along with, say, 15 Gold, and they’re all yours.”

“Take the deal.  Those materials aren’t worth nearly that much.  You must have impressed him.”

Thaden pretended to think about it for a few seconds, before he nodded and pulled out 15 Gold from his Inventory.  Handing it over, his coinage along with all of the materials on the counter disappeared into the crafter’s own Inventory, and within the next minute he was wearing his new purchases.  It felt good wearing proper equipment again, and he wasted no time transferring Sadia’s CAMP from the Explosive Healing Ring to his new Robe so that he could take advantage of the Mana cost reduction for Support spells.

“What is that?” the crafter asked, having seen Thaden manipulating the Mimicry Plate during the transfer.

“Ah, that’s a bit of secret, but seeing that we’re friends, I’ll give you a little hint.  It’s a special item imprinted to me that enhances one of the items I wear.”  He didn’t really want to explain any more than that.

“I’ve heard of things like that existing, but I’ve never seen one.  How effective is the enhancement?” Master Threaver asked, curiously.  Thaden was a little wary of saying anything, but he didn’t sense any malice or greed in the old crafter.  It would also be the first time he’d told anyone about the Plate, but he felt like he could trust the Netherine.

“It, uh, quintuples the effects of any piece of equipment.”

Master Threaver took a step back and clutched at his chest, his mouth wide in shock.  “What?  How?  That shouldn’t be possible—”  The crafter suddenly froze as Thaden felt a pulse of energy coming from the CAMP on his Robe, before Master Threaver’s knees hit the floor and he pitched over toward his face.  Thankfully, Thaden was quick enough to catch him before the old Netherine could faceplant.

“Whoa, did he just have a heart attack?  Is that even possible for those with a high enough Physicality?”

“It shouldn’t be possible.  I wonder if it has anything to do with the Condensed Adaptable Mimicry Plate?” 

Regardless of how it happened, it appeared as if Master Threaver was dying.  Thankfully, Sadia helped him out by rapidly searching through his spell list and found that he had finally brought his Mana pool high enough to cast at least one of healing spells.

Celestial Regeneration (Single Cast): Grants a target continuous healing energy that replenishes Health for a limited time.

Healing Rate: 66% of maximum Health every 5 seconds; heals 198% [99%] of maximum Health after duration expires

Duration: 90 seconds

Number of Targets: 1

Range: 180 feet

Casting Time: Instant

Mana Cost: 5400 

There was a delay between him casting it and it taking effect, especially with his Delayed Satisfaction Advancement, but thankfully the old crafter didn’t die within the next 10 seconds.  As a result, his Celestial Regeneration spell – and old standby that he had missed having access to – was able to work, healing nearly 800% of the Netherine’s maximum Health every 5 seconds due to Thaden’s bonuses.

Even that didn’t completely cure him of what was happening, but Thaden could tell that his spell was making a difference.  It was almost as if the crafter was on the verge of death and his healing was gradually dragging him back; his Health was full, but that didn’t seem to make a difference in what was affecting him.  Over the next minute, however, Master Threaver recovered more and more, until he could move again normally.  Thaden could see that he would be fine after another few minutes.

“What… happened?  Why do I… why do I feel like I almost died?  Why are you holding me?  And how is your healing spell so powerful?”

Thaden brought the old Netherine back to his feet before he answered.  “You collapsed for some reason, and I was barely able to heal you in time to save you from death.  What do you remember?”

Master Threaver shook his head a few times, as if trying to clear it, before he answered.  “I remember concluding our deal at the counter and then bringing you over to your new purchases… but the rest is blank until I woke up with you holding me.”

That’s… interesting.  Perhaps Sadia is correct about the Plate doing this.  I guess this means I should never mention it again.  “That’s concerning.  How are you feeling now?”

Taking a deep breath, the crafter said, “Much better.  I don’t know what happened, but I thank you for saving my life.  If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.  If you want a discount or even your money back—”

“It was my pleasure to help you,” Thaden replied.  “Don’t worry about it; I was just doing what us Supports should be doing, right?”  He really didn’t need to take advantage of a situation that he likely caused in the first place by mentioning the CAMP.  That was extremely weird; yet something else to talk to Sadia about later, if she even knows anything.

The old crafter bowed low, which didn’t look comfortable given his normal hunched-over form, but fortunately he didn’t hold it for long.  “Thank you.  I will remember your kindness.”

Growing a little uncomfortable with the situation, Thaden quickly extracted himself and left the shop, still thinking about what happened.  At the same time, he learned that he now had enough Mana to cast at least one of his older Support spells; once he had time to stop and look through the rest of them, he was eager to see what kinds of capabilities he’d just gotten back. 

Both ecstatic over his recent purchases and confused over what happened with the CAMP and his mention of it to someone else, Thaden left the shop and made his way back down Glory’s Passage on a mission to unload the rest of his extra Inventory in the Market, where he would then pick up some accessories to complete his ensemble.

Now that his original panic at getting some equipment in time before a possible attack on the city came was largely alleviated, Thaden took his time walking back to the Coalition building.  With a more leisurely pace, he was able to think about what that attack might look like – and what he might be able to do about it.  While he could control monsters that were higher Level than him, possibly even ones that were over Level 100 by that point, he wasn’t sure if he could handle something like the Scorching Quizards that were mentioned having been what destroyed Felith.  If they were Level 200 or higher, the Level disparity and any resistances they had to his control would make it difficult to do anything to them.  Unfortunately, he was also aware that his main method of dealing damage on Tarth, Celestial Wild Health Leech, was still out of his grasp, as it required a little over 30,000 Mana to cast – and he didn’t really have any viable targets to control nearby.

He would rather not test controlling other people, as the jury was still out on the long-term effects of those he controlled, not to mention the image doing so would present to those who saw him basically enslaving others.  There had to be another solution, though he probably wouldn’t know what it was until he saw what they were up against.

He was just beginning to cautiously look through his spell list, looking for some older ones that he could now cast, when he heard something scrape across the ground behind him and Sadia shouted into his mind.

“Look out—!”

Unfortunately, even with his increase in Celerity, it wasn’t enough for him to react in time as he felt some sort of dark cloth slip over his head like a pillowcase – and he fell to the ground a second later, obliviously unconscious.