Overpowered Wizard

As dramatic and funny as it would’ve been to come out clean about his fling with Ruvaria, Zarian felt something that sent shivers through his body. His tail moved swiftly behind him as he tensed up.

The change in his mood and the movement of his tail didn’t go unnoticed by his friends, who snapped to attention.

Gilbert stood, muscles rippling under his pristine dress shirt. The tears from Bianca’s eyes vaporized with a flash of glaring light. Hannah’s relaxed outfit switched into a runic bodysuit, her spectacles back on her face.

Dawson and Gisella missed the signs of something drastic happening for the first few seconds. Once they read the room further, they saw how all the Floridians grew tense, bracing themselves for something to come.

Dawson and Gisella braced themselves as well, one charging up lightning while the other raised two war hammers.

“There was one last part I wanted to touch on,” Zarian murmured, barely above a whisper. “The Funnest Granpapa was on top of the wall last night. You didn’t notice him because he didn’t let you notice. He only wanted me to notice, which came with a warning of sorts for us. We’re about to go into the deep end.”

Para appeared as one large python coiled around Zarian’s neck, arms, and torso.

Only then did the clear signs of something going wrong finally appeared, heralded by a red public notification popping up above their heads. More red notifications appeared, giving a detailed report of a harrowing situation.

<ALERT!>

<Outer System Invasion Imminent!>

Hannah groaned. “Why does my quest for the Forgotten Kingdom keep getting delayed?”

<The invaders are coming from the Doulos Enslavement System Universe!>

Bianca’s resplendent and beautiful wings burst freely into view from her back.

<Target: Somnigrav of Gravity and Dreams, a Dying Lesser World!>

“Is this what you meant by deep end, Funnest?” Zarian asked aloud.

<Calling all Freedom Leaders to respond to the first invading waves! [1] Lord Zarian Sainte-Darkrun! [2] Queen Bianca Garcia! [3] Hannah Townhouse! [4] Gilbert McDonald! [5] Naomi Washington!>

Zarian and the others froze at the last mentioned name.

That can’t be, Zarian thought. She’s in a coma!

The Star System kept going.

<Context: Other Outsiders across the Lesser Realm will be called upon to provide aid after the initial waves of the invasive force. However, you five will be the first to lead the defense.>

<Further Context: Initial negotiations for civility between the Infinita Star System and the Doulos Enslavement System have broken down. Greater powers above the Star System and Enslavement System are not intervening in the invasion posed by the Enslavement System.>

<Rules of Engagement: The Infinita Star System and Doulos Enslavement System have agreed to settle this between the best combatants from our lesser ranks. Gods from both universes may not intervene directly. The conflict will be waged upon a dying Lesser World within the Infinita Star System. You must hold a critical position from being accessed by the invaders, or the dying world could serve as a permanent beachhead for continuous invasion.>

<Reminder: The Freedom Leaders will be the first to launch and the last to leave. Outsider reinforcements will arrive after the first few waves along with the invaders’ reinforcements.>

<Hint: Do not let Zarian Sainte-Darkrun become enslaved by powers of the Doulos Enslavement System.>

“Why not send someone else, System? That’s an option, y’know?!” Gilbert yelled.

<More Context: While negotiations for peace and amnesty between Systems have fallen, rules of engagement, the parameters in which we can wage a structured battle between two Systems, are a must. It is because of the Star System’s weaker position compared to the Enslavement System and other larger Systems that our universe is more likely to be invaded and to follow the rules set by others. Hence, the Freedom Leaders must go first.>

Zarian slowly nodded. “So, the real cosmic ramifications of my actions are finally coming to rear their ugly head, huh? Answer me this? What happens when we win?”

<To be frank, peace and time, perhaps. The Star System is not in a position where it can capitalize on your victory very much. Whatever our universe earns from defeating the Enslavement System of Doulos won’t grant much other than improving the Star System’s growth by a negligible amount and keeping Infinita safe. However, it will certainly benefit you to defeat the invaders. The value of the experience they will give you will be potent.>

“I don’t like that answer. You need to get rewarded if you have skin in the game,” Zarian demanded.

The marriage ring on Zarian’s finger throbbed. A shadowy form appeared in Zarian’s peripherals. A gentle hand rested on his shoulder. Then the voice of his wife, magnetic, dark, alluring, whispered into his ear.

“I will ensure there will be retribution paid,” promised Luciana Shadowfell. “I will only need you to fulfill your obligation. The one that’s a minor inconvenience to you.”

Before Zarian and the others could respond, Ruvaria appeared while dressed in a simple white coat that looked like something found in a lab. She had with her a wooden table on wheels. On top of that table, laid someone Zarian couldn’t even look directly at without feeling tilted.

His heart raced. His blood pumped furiously through his body, sounding like roaring rapids near his ears. His vision turned into a tunnel on the source of his instinctive and wild love.

Naomi, the Tempering Cultivator, remained unconscious and mostly unaware on top of the table. Her body was naked except for the bands of white cloth covered in silver runes wrapped tightly around her impressive and dynamic physique. A silver and white owl mask covered her face, with silver coin-like ornaments fastened to her braided hair. Sorcery and enchantments ebbed and flowed from the cloth bands, mask, and coins, all part of a measure to help Naomi while she was unable to wake.

“The Star System told me to bring her to you despite her condition,” Ruvaria said, which Zarian could barely hear.

“She needs to stay safe,” Zarian growled throatily, like a lion. “Star System, go tell the fucking Enslavement System to back off or it will regret messing with us! Naomi needs to stay safe!”

<This is beyond my abilities at the moment. It is this or a widespread invasion across multiple realms that our universe will lose.>

“Dammit!” Zarian glanced down at the shadowy marriage ring on his finger.

Luciana’s presence remained on the peripherals, always sliding out of direct view. He imagined the others couldn’t see her directly either, as she remained a shadow in the background.

Despite that, she hadn’t made an appearance like this in a while. What could she want? And was it worth giving it to her?

The Star System sent another public notification.

<Our best chance is through you, the Freedom Leaders, and the Outsiders who will join you as reinforcements. Please do not delay. The Enslavement System is already making their breach.>

“Fuck other Outsiders, is there a way to end this in one go with just us?” Zarian asked.

<Yes, but I do not recommend it.>

“Then we’ll convince you.” Zarian looked around at everyone present.

His eyes lingered on Naomi the longest. An idea came to mind, one that seemed both fitting and unlikely to succeed. Still, he had to try.

Stolen story; please report.

“Para, possess Naomi,” Zarian ordered.

The Parasite Phantom’s description didn’t mention possession as a possibility. Zarian figured it could happen based on the way her powers worked.

The Parasite Phantom streamed away visibly from Zarian’s body. The more of her that streamed away as ghostly dark red vapors, the weaker and lonelier Zarian felt.

They reached a point where only a small part of Para remained inside him, rooted to his soul as his skill. Across from him, Para twisted like a malevolent dark red vortex around Naomi’s resting body.

The table rattled. The magic lights above flickered off. An icy chill seeped into the air.

Then Naomi’s body lifted off the table, limbs spread wide, while inside of the dark red vortex. Para’s dark red essence flowed into the Tempering Cultivator until the phantom packed herself all the way inside.

Remaining upright, Naomi’s feet touched down gracefully, silver coins clinking in her braided hair. Dark red energy wavered over the cultivator’s body. A voice that wasn’t Naomi’s spoke from behind the silver-white owl mask she wore.

“I’m inside. Naomi … has allowed me access to her abilities, but I cannot say for sure how they’ve grown or what is exactly what. It’s as if much of her profile and descriptions are hidden while I’m left to figure it out blindly,” Para explained.

“You’re lucky I like you, Para, or I would’ve called for an exorcist,” Gilbert muttered.

“Can you communicate with Naomi?” Hannah asked.

Para/Naomi tilted her head. “Yes, and no. It’s only through vague impressions. Her mind is mostly shut away while also occupied with something … I cannot quite understand. I will need time to adjust so I can use her abilities appropriately.”

Para/Naomi turned to Zarian. “My one true host, without me to enhance your body, you will be vulnerable. I can’t even work out spells like this. Everything that I’ve learned from you cannot come to fruition while I move as Naomi.”

Zarian nodded, feeling slow, feeling weak, feeling more vulnerable than ever before. His lack in Strength and Agility was going to become a bane for him now.

I’ll need to be more clever and careful, Zarian thought, investing 36 Free stats into his Agility. He summoned his Intense Arcana Hat +2 onto his head.

Another red notification appeared above them, forcing him to rip his eyes away from Naomi.

<You will be sent via Lesser World Beam Transmission to Somnigrav of Gravity and Dreams! Prepare yourselves in 10… 9… >

“Whelp. Time to rescue a universe,” Gilbert grumbled.

“We got this, guys,” Bianca said, wings fluttering.

“Let’s make this quick,” Hannah said.

Zarian looked from the shadowy apparition that was his wife standing in his peripherals. Then he shared a look with the elf woman he considered his lovely teacher. His eyes landed on Naomi last and stayed there the longest.

“Yeah, fuck it. Beam us up, System,” Zarian said as the countdown hit zero.

***

Para’s Journal Entry Notes – Late Autumn, 1533 D.E:

Thoughts: Everyone has succeeded in becoming Master Rankers. Everyone has their own mythical abilities and can fill their niche extremely well, making the Floridians a balanced party. There aren’t many challenges out there across the Lesser Worlds we can’t defeat in a somewhat fair fight.

However, there are a few mysteries.

We don’t know how much Naomi has grown since after the Dark Quarrel of Mountains and Moons. For now, I have her profile written in the journal based on her last updates.

We don’t know how we’ll all work together now that we’ve grown so much. Bianca can be anywhere she wants to be. Gilbert can be surprisingly strong as a bruiser. Hannah’s abilities can solve most problems from far away. And my host, Zarian, has answers for many issues.

I dare say whatever comes our way with the intention to defeat all of us should look elsewhere.

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Naomi Washington: Age 27, Born Early Summer, Super Outsider, Freedom Leader, Sigma Gnoll Elder, Lady Instructor, Sky Bringer, Hell Brawler, Master Ranker, Free For Real +5, Legendary Tempering Cultivator, Level 102.

Rank: Master (13892nd Fighter).

Traits (11 Total): Psionic Affinity (Rare), High Intimidation (Uncommon), Truly A Savage (Rare), Fatal Finisher (Rare), Thematic Concept/Even Further Beyond (Divine), Adventurous Breaker (Epic), Barehanded Sage (Epic), Aura Ignition/Second Stage (Legendary), Half Titan Warrior (Legendary), Dao of Power (Mythical), Undying Tyrant (Mythical).

Alpha Skills (6/6): Psychokinesis +3 (Level 75), Overclock +3 (Level 77), Mind Spike +3 (Level 68), Primal Huntress Form +3 (Level 62), Harmonious Meditation of Heaven and Hell (Level 9), Nascent Soul Robe (Level 9).

Beta Skills (0/18): …

Stats Per Level: +6 Willpower, +1 Strength, +1 Agility, +12 Free.

Stats (2,557 Total): 1126 Willpower, 610 Strength, 554 Agility, 128 Wonder, 139 Mysticism, 0 Free.

Total Achievements: 35 so far.

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Gilbert McDonald: Age 30, Born Early Spring, Outsider, Freedom Leader, Gnoll Elder, Troll Dominator, Hell Crusader, Master Ranker, Free For Real +5, Mythical Rescue Knight, Level 104.

Rank: Master (9th Healer).

Traits (8 Total): Health Affinity (Rare), The Sacrificer (Epic), Life Wellspring (Epic), Star Hero (Mythical), Exuberant Warrior (Legendary), The Realest Cowboy (Legendary), Rescue Drive (Mythical), Immovable Bulwark (Legendary).

Alpha Skills (6/6): Lasso of Hope (Level 8), Mega Healing Force (Level 3), Behavior Force (Level 4), Unified Monk Force +3 (Level 87), Sacrificial Blow +3 (Level 92), Summon Spirit Steed +3 (Level 54).

Beta Skills (0/18): …

Stats Per Level: +1 Willpower, +4 Strength, +2 Agility, +4 Wonder, +11 Free.

Stats (2,979 Total): 513 Willpower, 745 Strength, 399 Agility, 894 Wonder, 328 Mysticism, 0 Free.

Total Achievements: 29 so far.

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Hannah Townhouse: Age 31, Born Mid Spring, Outsider, Freedom Leader, Gnoll Elder, Knight Destroyer, Hell Solver, Master Ranker, Free For Real +4, Mythical Runic Artificer, Level 110.

Rank: Master (123th Crafter).

Traits (10 Total): Rune Affinity (Rare), True Architect (Epic), Armor Wrecker (Rare), Aura Generator (Epic), Aura Mechanic (Epic), Eldritch Analyst (Legendary), Mass Destruction Designer (Mythical), Savant of Runes and Crafts (Mythical), Impotence Seeker (Rare), Side Quest Monger (Epic).

Alpha Skills (5/6): Rune Craft Matrix (Level 8), Solid State Spectacles (Level 8), Cube Maker Magic +3 (Level 90), Mystic Rush Tank +3 (Level 62), Summon Magical Intelligence +2 (Level 33).

Beta Skills (0/18): …

Stats Per Level: +3 Willpower, +1 Agility, +2 Wonder, +5 Mysticism, +11 Free.

Stats (3,299 Total): 751 Willpower, 173 Strength, 301 Agility, 784 Wonder, 1290 Mysticism, 0 Free.

Total Achievements: 36 so far.

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Bianca Garcia: Age 20, Born Mid Spring, Royal Outsider, Freedom Leader, Gnoll Elder, Sunshine Heraldess, Hell Guardian, Master Ranker, Moon Eater, Free Good +8, Mythical Radiant Queen, Level 115.

Rank: Master (105th Rogue).

Traits (8 Total): Light Affinity (Rare), Twelve Step Killer Whirlwind Princess Style (Legendary), Thematic Concept/Para La Familia (Divine), Angel of Freedom (Mythical), Unrestrained Radiance (Mythical), Lesser Nirvana Warrioress (Legendary), Aura Dominance (Epic), Queen Virtuosity (Mythical).

Alpha Skills (4/6): Resplendent Lantern Magic (Level 8), These Boots Are Made For Dazzling (Level 7), Great Shining Territory (Level 9), Super Serene Rampage +3 (Level 85).

Beta Skills (0/18): …

Stats Per Level: +1 Agility, +9 Wonder, +1 Mysticism, +11 Free.

Stats (3,301 Total): 464 Willpower, 245 Strength, 315 Agility, 1678 Wonder, 599 Mysticism, 0 Free.

Total Achievements: 34 so far.

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Zarian Sainte-Darkrun: Age 22, Born Late Winter, Dreaded Outsider, Dungeon Master, Freedom Leader, Dark Lord, Aura Master, Alpha Gnoll Elder, Wizard Hunter, Hell Eater, Shadowfell Husband, Master Ranker, Dark Saint, Ultra God, Free Evil +7, Mythical Conquest Wizard, Level 123.

Rank: Master (31st Mage).

Traits (9 Total): Dark Affinity (Rare), Thematic Law/Floridian Mindset (Divine), Bearer of the Twenty Dark Locks Sealing Style (Legendary), Aura Mastery (Legendary), Overpowered Times Two (Legendary), Devourer of Secrets and Stories (Legendary), Eldritch Existence (Legendary), Outer Planar Scourge (Mythical), Aura Transcendence (Legendary).

Alpha Skills (6/6): Overwhelming Darkness (Level 65), Lion Prince (Level 28), Parasite Phantom (Level 3), Spectral Spider Network +3 (Level 92), Intense Arcana Hat +2 (Level 29), Wizard Body Conversion (Level 2).

Beta Skills (4/18): Advanced Grimoire of the Voidling Exile +3 (Level 67), Advanced Grimoire of Black Magic +3 (Level 59), Advanced Grimoire of the Hell Gator +2 (Level 43), Advanced Grimoire of Freaky Morphs +1 (Level 20).

Voidling Spells (5/6 Learned): Void Shout (Legendary), Void Madness (Rare), Void Acid (Epic), Void Domain (Mythical), Void Parade (Mythical), One Unlearned Spell (Unknown Quality).

Black Spells (4/6 Learned): Deploy Expert Skeletons (Epic), Arcane Artillery Platform (Legendary), Crucifying Storm Tower (Mythical), Burning Blood Blast (Legendary), Unfinished Gravity Spell (Unknown Quality), One Unlearned Spell (Unknown Quality).

Gator Spells (6/8 Learned): Quagmire Pit (Uncommon), Dread Mire Bite (Rare), Dread Mire Bellow (Epic), Dreadnought Hell Gator (Legendary), Hellish Breath (Legendary), Hell Gator Mega Slam (Legendary), Two Unlearned Spells (Unknown Qualities).

Morphs Spells (4/9 Learned): No Hard Walls (Uncommon), Water to Slime (Rare), Animate The Thing (Epic), Big Bad Polymorph (Mythical), Unlearned Hive Creation Spell (Unknown Quality), Four Unlearned Spells (Unknown Qualities).

Stats Per Level: +6 Willpower, +2 Wonder, +3 Mysticism, +12 free.

Stats (3,493 Total): 1110 Willpower, 135 Strength, 149 Agility, 1039 Wonder, 1022 Mysticism, 0 Free.

Total Achievements: 50 so far.

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