NOVEL NEXT Chapter 108 - Kate - Week 4 Day 4
"Would you believe," Balance said, her golden eyes fixed on some point deep in the cavern, "that the original blueprint for this Universe was to serve as a perpetual world of peace for humankind? It would have been beautiful. Humans doing amazing human things. Pursuing art and science. Inventing and exploring. Living their best lives in Utopia. No monsters. No death. Just infinite time to become whatever you wished."
The implications of Balance's statement squeezed Kate's stomach.
Balance opened her mouth to speak, and paused for a moment. "During the creation of this Universe, something invaded. Some unknown entity. Dark. Impossible to catch. This 'thing' used its [Power] to warp our Universe into the hellish nightmare it is now." Balance's lips pursed. "We tried to eject it. We spent much of our [Power] in doing so. But it was not enough, and we failed. Its roots are too deep."
Kate wanted to ask what [Power] was, but Balance's face drew tight in anger. Her usual serenity was gone.
"I am aware," Balance said, "that you have observed the creature headed your way."
Kate thought of the giant four-eyed monstrosity. She swallowed, her mouth dry.
"That creature is not supposed to even exist yet," Balance spat. "It has multiple Small – or S-level – abilities, when most surviving humans only have XS spells. It is not balanced for this stage of the world. It is not alone either. There are thousands of unbalanced creatures being turned loose." Her lips peeled back from her teeth. "I have poured every fiber of my being into creating a fair and
balanced Universe, and to have these IMBALANCED creatures shoved into our world—" She stopped, trembling, her knuckles white as bone. "While I am not fully versed in human emotion, I do know I am FURIOUS."
The word echoed around the stone chamber like a clap. Kate felt it in her bones. It should have been terrifying: instead, Kate was reassured.
Caretaker Balance swung her arm out. Dozens of pairs of golden eyes turned to regard them from the darkness: other Caretakers. Kate had no idea there were so many.
"WE are furious," Balance said, her voice rising, "and we will not stand idle as our creation is warped and our charges are subjected to this fate." She slowly inhaled. "We are with you humans. While we did use a large portion of [Power] in our attempt to eject the invader, that was not nearly all of our [Power]. Since we cannot remove the threat, we will focus on helping humanity rise to meet the challenge."
Kate felt the attention of all those golden eyes pressing against her.
"I will unlock the [Caretaker Boon] ability for all those who have reached Level 4 or above," Balance announced.
"This is gonna be awesome!" said Loo from somewhere behind Kate.
Balance looked down at Loo and gave her a wink. "I will now explain what the [Caretaker Boon] will do. Currently, you are all at Level 6."
She made a broad gesture, and nine prompts flashed in the air, each marking a name: Chloe, Amber, Loo, and so on. Below the names, everyone's spells were listed.
"Each of you have five class spells, and five specialization spells. Two of you have more."
The words for [Mental Bastion] glowed bright under Chloe's list.
"Chloe has unlocked her [Class Ability]. These abilities are developed in your subconscious and are born during times of great need. Everyone has the potential to unlock their [Class Ability]. The rest of you just haven't yet."
Balance's gaze shifted to Amber; Kate's middle daughter practically glowed under the attention.
"Besides the [Class Ability], you all know about the [Dungeon Ability]. Amber has unlocked hers." The runes glowed brighter for [Spider's Grace] under Amber's name. "I hope, for the rest of your sakes, that you unlock these spells for yourselves. And soon."
The [Dungeon Abilities] were powerful. Brad's multiple mouths – mixed with his other musical buffs – had achieved XS.57, which was the highest Kate had seen yet. It also put into perspective the power of the creature headed toward them. If it took all of Brad's spells combined to hit that result, how would they deal with a creature that had multiple S-level abilities?
"So then," Balance continued, "while you are here, you will assign a stat point, and receive a [Caretaker Boon]. The Boon is not like your other spells. You will not be choosing it: I will. At this time, I will allow other Caretakers to donate more of their own [Power] to the spell, allowing them to modify and improve it. In the future, as you grow more powerful, I will allow further modifications."
Loo raised her hand. "Is there a limit to the number of times a Boon can be modified?"
Balance gave a soft chuckle and smiled. "Excellent question. Yes, the spell may be modified five times total. The cost in [Power] required by us grows accordingly."
Bo coughed. "So, to clarify, you're just going to assign us whatever spell you want? Any input from us?"
"Each [Caretaker Boon] is a custom spell, crafted to fit only you. I will do my best to merge your class, your specialization, your experiences so far, and what I perceive as your current need, into your spell's creation. You may or may not be asked for your input
during the process. In your case, I doubt it."
"What's that supposed to —"
"The spell's strength at the time of use will fluctuate depending on how much [Power] I, or other participating Caretakers, have invested in it at the time of use. It is a last resort. Use it only in times of true need. That is why I am creating the spell, so that I can balance it dynamically at the point of use. If you trigger it for trivialities, or in a situation where you could have resolved the problem without it, such as
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Balance's eyes swept across them. "This spell is intended to allow me to help bring balance to a situation," she said softly. "The greater the imbalance, the greater our ability to intercede."
"Thank you for helping us," Kate said.
"These spells must be used sparingly. Once the spell wears off, you will lose access to your powers for one full week."
"A whole week?!" Chloe said.
"It is a harsh price to pay, but giving you access to such powers at this early stage creates just as much of an imbalance as all the newly introduced creatures."
"Whoa! Can we discuss this—" Loo began, but all the family members were speaking at once. Their individual voices merged together and were unintelligible.
A knot lodged in Kate's throat.
Balance raised her hand. "There is no discussion on this matter. It is required to regain balance."
Their objections faded, though Kate's concerns did not. A week was a long time to be so vulnerable.
Loo's hand shot up. "Are there other special spell types out there to still be discovered? Besides [Class Ability],
[Dungeon Ability], and now [Caretaker Boon]?"
Balance's expression shifted through several micro-emotions: exasperation, fondness, then settling on something that might have been amusement. "Yes, Loo. There are more. But for now, focus on winning this upcoming fight."
"Oh, we got that." Loo grinned.
Loo thankfully didn't catch it, but Kate saw the flash of sadness on Balance's face.
"Now then," said Balance, "while you will not have much input on the Boon, we Caretakers are pressed for time and must get started. Myself and the others need to speak with you all individually about your stat choice and decide on your spell creation. Please head to your pools."
The dismissal was gentle but firm.
Tom had just pulled away from a hug with Loo. "I'm sure your new spell will be great." He winked at her.
Loo smiled and headed off to her pool.
Kate only had a second, but she needed to talk to him. "Hey!" The word came out louder than she intended.
Tom turned, wincing. "Yes, yes, I know. I'm sorry." He ran a hand through his short hair. "I just needed a spell like that to mentally deal with you and the kids risking your lives."
He looked so tired; not the tiredness of a long day at work or a hard session at the gym, but the deep grinding ache that came from stress and worry piling on, day after day, with no chance to breathe.
"I plan to take Constitution to help with pain management . . . as long as you think it's a good idea."
Kate stared at him, trying to decide whether she wanted to fight about it.
"I'm still pissed," she said.
Tom smiled, relief on his face. "Love you."
Before she could react, he pulled her into a hug. For a second, she tensed, afraid she'd hurt him, but his arms were tight around her, and for the first time in days she leaned in and hugged him back.
It was a good hug. A great one, actually. A real one.
She could have stayed there forever, but Balance's voice ruined the moment. "Lady Damascus, please proceed to your pool."
Kate locked eyes with Tom. "Nothing. Stupid," she said, emphasizing each word.
He grinned. "It's out of my hands, so I'm sure it won't be."
Kate squeezed his hands once more, then turned to her pool.
It glowed like a patch of starry sky. The water reflected her approach on its still surface. Beside it, her obelisk rose from the stone floor. She reached out and touched it. It was colder than the surrounding cavern air and it pulsed beneath her fingers: a heartbeat in sync with her own.
Kate turned at a cool whisper of displaced air. Caretaker Balance had resumed his male form, serious as ever, but now there was a second figure at his side: a kindly old brown-skinned man in a tan robe. He was stooped, but he radiated a quiet strength and calm.
"This is Caretaker Earth," said Balance. "He was present at your class selection. As I mentioned, I will create your spell, and Caretaker Earth has stepped forward to be the first Caretaker to modify it. Please allow us time to discuss how best to lend our [Power] to you."
Kate nodded and glanced around. From her vantage point, she could see three other pools. Finn's was nearest: he stood, leaning on his own obelisk. He slapped his palm against the stone: it looked like he was almost yelling. The same two Caretakers stood with him: Balance and Earth.
Tom's pool was farther off. He was in deep conversation with Balance and another Caretaker: a little White girl, maybe eight or nine. Kate didn't recognize her, but she reminded her of Loo.
Bo's pool was last. It looked like he was trying to argue with Balance and Epic, but they were ignoring him.
A prompt screen appeared before Kate, hovering in the air: her ability sheet. For the next twenty minutes, Balance and Earth reviewed her 'highlights': every moment of battle; every transformation; each time she had clawed through a monster; her chase to save Loo; her rage as she tore the Headless Boss to shreds, blood matting her fur as she roared over the broken body.
Kate watched it all: prouder and less mortified than she used to be.
Balance looked at her. "Kate, would you mind telling us how you plan to spend your stat point?"
She hesitated. "Um. I'd like to pick Strength? More Bear damage, right?"
Balance nodded. "That is correct. And what is your intention for the stat point?"
Kate bit her lip. "When the Bear wants out, but I don't want to let it out, we have a fight in my head." She blushed, hating how childish it sounded.
Earth was nodding along – perfectly serious – so Kate continued.
"Would my Strength point help me . . . battle the Bear in my head?"
"Hmmm," said Balance. "That sounds like willpower, which is more of an Intelligence or Wisdom thing. But since [Mother Bear] represents control as a literal fight taking place between you and the Bear, we can make it work. We will accomplish this by modifying your adrenal glands. The modification will fit nicely with the Boon we plan to assign." Balance's face softened. "I intend to assign you a [Caretaker Boon] of [Berserk]. For a short time, your damage will go through the roof. As with all things, I must strive for balance: the spell will draw on instinct, giving you even less control of the Bear. The week-long cooldown will act as a 'hibernation' period for the Bear to recover."
Balance paused. "Kate, I know you are concerned about losing control, but I think—"
"Will my family and friends be safe around me?"
Balance paused again. "There are no guarantees. However, protecting your loved ones has been one of your strongest instincts: Bear or not."
Kate took a deep breath. "Then I, um, I'm okay with it. Me and the Bear still argue on when it's appropriate to come out, but when she's out . . . she does a good job."
Caretaker Earth stepped forward. "YOU do a good job, Kate," he said, his voice kind. "You're a great Mom, and the Bear is still you. I plan to modify the spell by stacking my [Power] of the wild onto those instincts. I will modify the spell to [Frenzy]. It will draw on the . . . "
A new pair of golden eyes blinked into existence above Kate's pool. The air warped, and a third entity phased in, hovering just above the water. At first it looked like a bearded man, but his facial features refused to settle. The face melted to that of a creepy, smiling child; the air even changed and flickered orange like flames behind the girl. She held her smile, and gave a small wave at Kate as she floated toward the other Caretakers.
Every few seconds, the Caretaker's 'form' shifted like a stop-motion clay animation. The face and body moved and transformed until they took on entirely new forms. It was difficult to look at.
The new Caretaker leaned close to Caretaker Earth, whispering. Earth shook his head, his lips pressed tight. The new . . . person was currently Kermit the Frog sipping from a steaming tea cup. Kate recognized the faces: not personally, but from the endless, brain-rotting scroll of social media. They were memes. Each face was a viral image or a reaction GIF: a microsecond of internet immortality.
"I'll tell you what, Earth," said the newcomer, his voice changing with the forms. "I am seriously considering adding giant hanging testicles to the floating isles. Males aged thirteen to seventy-five around the world will laugh as they pass overhead. It's a win for morale and humankind."
Earth raised both hands in surrender, his robe flapping. He gave Kate a quick, apologetic bow. "Once you are strong enough for another modification to the [Caretaker Boon], you can count on me."
He vanished.
The new entity stepped forward, its face settling on a young boy barely older than a toddler. He held up a clenched meaty fist and gave her a determined nod. "Greetings, Lady Damascus. I am Caretaker Meme. I'll be modifying your spell after Balance has finished."
Kate blinked. "Nice to meet you . . . Caretaker Meme."
He beamed. "Likewise, and at your service. I take inspiration from the collective will of humanity. Their jokes, their fears, their ironies, their wildest dreams, all kinds of stuff. I've been studying humans for quite some time now. I am one of the first."
Meme shifted into a very grumpy looking cat.
Balance sighed.
Meme gave an over-the-top sigh back, then clapped his paws together and rubbed them. "This is art, you know. It's not easy to decipher the collective will of billions of anonymous people saying whatever they want."
Meme turned back to Kate. "Here's what I'm thinking. You know that moment of stunned shock and fear when you realize you've really fucked up and your Mom is about to spank your butt? All of a sudden, she's ten feet tall and the scariest thing on Earth? I want to add that shocked and paralyzing fear you experience when a 'Mom' goes full nuclear. As a student of 'what people want,' the payment for this modification will be small. I think the world will appreciate me changing the spell from [Beserk] to [Mom's Pissed]."
"Tick tock, Meme." Balance raised his wrist to look at a watch that was not there.
Meme gave a blobby wink as he shifted out of the cat. "It was lovely to meet you, Lady Damascus." Meme – now Leonardo DiCaprio in a tuxedo – raised a champagne glass and smiled. "Good luck out there, Lady Bear."
He faded out; his wide grin was the last thing to disappear.