Havok Bringer

"Sherlock, how long have we been here?" I asked after finishing off what must have been the 20th swamp donkey since I had entered the first floor.

"It has been 11 hours and 46 minutes since entering the first floor. I am more than happy to provide the answers to any query you might have, but I feel that I must point out the clock that is conveniently placed in the upper left of your interface. Would you also like me to take pictures since you seem to think I am no more than an advanced smartphone?"

"Geez, man! I asked a simple question. I am the one doing all the work here, and I just wanted to know how long it has been." I responded, lifting my hands in the air, frustratedly.

"If by work you mean using an advanced alien battle suit, various weapons that have been provided to assist you, and daggers so powerful that you have no business wielding them to take down in your words…uugghumm," Sherlock cleared his virtual throat, "Literal Swamp Donkeys," He said the words with an air of superiority fitting the royal family, "then yes, I concede you are doing all the work. I am very proud of you."

I just shook my head, "Are you gonna be an ass every time I ask you a question? Also, when did you get a British accent?"

"I must confess it is a new development. While you were running around this god-forsaken swamp killing those poor donkeys, I decided to take some time to indulge in a few motion pictures from your home planet, namely Iron Man One, Two, and Three."

"So let me guess, you're trying to sound more like Jarvis?"

"I could never; Jarvis is such a star. Obviously, he was meant to carry the movies. I only made the decision to emulate a British accent since my name is Sherlock, I thought it was appropriate."

"Sssuuurree," I replied, obviously not buying it. "I'm gonna take a quick break and take a look at my stats. I have been mowing through these swamp donkeys, and I already got a couple of levels." I sat down at the base of a large tree and mentally opened my interface.

Name – Andrew Timothy Dawes

Race – Human

Level – P-45

Class – Havok Bringer

Stats –

Strength – P-46 – 65%%

Intelligence – P-45 – 43%%

Dexterity – P-46 – 54%%

Defense – P-45 – 12%%

Current skills:

Health stim activation

Stamina Stim recovery

Current abilities :

Pulsar Blast – Planetary class ability. Upgrade progress – 52%

Big Bang – Planetary class ability. Upgrade progress – 48%

Do Over – Galaxy class ability – Upgrade progress – 0%

Shield of Solaris – Planetary class ability. Upgrade progress – 12%

I stared in disbelief. I had gained five levels in less than a day on only the first floor of this tower. I had killed about 20 of the Swamp Donkeys and had taken time to use as many of my skills as I safely could to try and level them up along with my stats. Do-Over was a no-go, though. That skill was dangerous, and I couldn't chance using it on normal mobs. No, it would be a skill that I only used if absolutely necessary, so leveling it up was going to take a ton of time.

"Sherlock, do you have any insight into how my stats and abilities level up?" I asked as I sat there inspecting my updated stats. "I spoke with Tiff about it, and she gave me a summary explanation, but it really doesn't make much sense. It feels like my stats just level up randomly and way too fast. My abilities, on the other hand, only level up when I use them, and they really seem to be moving slowly."

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

"Seriously? After 45 levels, you have just now found the energy to learn about the weapon that could possibly alter the trajectory of the entire galaxy? Bravo, you intrepid scholar you! Seriously, Captain, you really must immerse yourself in the armor and become fully integrated with its functions and abilities. I dare say you have barely scratched the surface of what that suit is capable of after 45 levels."

"Hey, can you just give me some info or not? Like what the hell, man?" I sighed.

"Captain, your suit is not only possibly the single most powerful weapon in the galaxy, but it is potentially one of the most powerful weapons in the universe. I have been doing some data mining behind the scenes while you have been on your little... field trip. The origins of this weapon, while thought to be from the Havokium Empire, are actually in question. I cannot confirm the actual origins at this point, but I am working on it. As Tiffantrimore so eloquently educated you, there is also the fact that you are Scandare. I do not believe the original architects of the armor could have imagined that it would fall into the hands of a Scandare. I mean...the possible ceiling for your power... it... Well, it is mind-boggling." Sherlock said in reverence. "There is still much that I do not understand about your armor. What I can tell you is that the first phase of levelling will end somewhere between level 75 and 100. Since you are Scandare, you will then progress from Planetary to Galactic ranks. I hypothesize that once you are G-ranked you will have more control over your stat point allocation. P-rank is meant to be a sort of training wheels rank where you can get a feel for the armor and vice-versa. I implore you to get a better understanding of your stats and abilities so that you are not overwhelmed by the transition into G-rank, Captain."

"Damn, it can't just be simple, can it?"

"Captain, there is something else. As you grow in power, the armor grows with you. I do not yet understand the implications of this, but it is something you should consider."

"Yeah, I don't know what it means either. I do know, though, that this is more than just a suit of armor. I have some time to figure it out. Let's focus on the task at hand for now." I replied, getting up to get back on task. "Listen, we are making good progress with these donkeys, but I really think we need to find one of those safe zones soon. I need some time to let the suit fabricate some more health stims, and my overall suit stamina is getting low. It is sitting at less than 20 percent now. I have never had to use my suit for such a long period uninterrupted, so stamina has never been an issue before. I really don't want to be caught out here in the dark with no defenses."

"I have been consistently scanning the surrounding areas as you progressed through the swamp. I have identified an electromagnetic anomaly approximately 1 kilometer northwest of our position. I can not confirm with absolute certainty, but I believe that to be our safe zone."

I took a second to look in the direction that Sherlock was pointing us for all the good it did. Nothing but large trees, murky water, and underbrush as far as the eye could see.

"Okay, Sherlock, I am going to start working in that direction. Let me know when we are getting close," I said as I began sloshing through the swamp.

"I'll be catching up on the Avengers films if you need me; they must be more exciting than what you are doing," Sherlock replied.

I just shook my head again. This AI was proving to be a real ass-hat, but he was also consistently valuable. I had to remember to thank Elvis for programming an assistant in case he wasn't close to offer support.

I walked for about an hour before we got close to the disturbance, as Sherlock called it. The mass of vines and underbrush made traveling a slow affair, but we were finally here.

"You are approaching the disturbance now, Captain."

"No snarky comments?" I asked rhetorically.

"Your perception of snark is directly related to your feelings of inferiority, Captain. I believe that is something you should spend some time reflecting on."

"Asshole," I replied.

As I stepped around another large tree, I noticed a small clearing. In the middle of the clearing, a large vertical rectangle took the rough approximation of a door. There was no doorknob or hinges; instead, it was just a white glowing light.

"That has to be it."

"Bravo, Captain! If perception were a stat, yours would be maxed out for sure."

"I guess we just walk in?" I said questioningly

"I am not reading any signs of toxic radiation or other signs of danger. I would assume that since we were informed about the presence of safe rooms, it would be safe to assume that we can enter and exit at will, Captain."

I approached the portal/door and inspected it. It seemed to be made of pure light but gave off no heat. I walked around to the other side and saw the same exact portal.

"Well, here goes," I said as I took a breath and stepped through. "Well, this is a welcome surprise," I said as I looked around the room on the other side. It was a small military-style barracks. One cot was set up in the back left corner. The back right corner held a small kitchen area stocked with various foodstuffs. Mostly some sort of MRE. I wasn't going to complain since I was beginning to worry about what I would eat. The donkeys did not seem appetizing, but I was beginning to think I would have to make a meal of one. The front half of the barracks contained a small shower and toilet area, so I could wash off the smell of swamp muck.

"This will do just fine. I may have to check out one of those movies with you, Sherlock," I said as I deactivated my suit and sat down to start untying my boots.

"I can make that happen, Captain. Before you get too comfortable, however, you should be aware that your Comms link is now active. You have one accessible contact listed."

"Oh, nice. I didn't expect to be able to contact anyone. They must be losing their minds. Who is the contact?"

"XO Tiffantrimore," Sherlock replied.

I finished taking my boots off before laying down on the cot with a groan, "Great. I'm sure she wants to be caught up. Can you dial her up, Mr. Smartphone?"

"