He looked left, then right, which gave much the same view, the red rock of the canyon flanking either side. There wasn’t much of a trail down here, and he and Atlas would have to do a fair bit of scrambling.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Atlas? “
The construct gave an affirmative chirp.
Justin looked back at the safety of the cave, but in the end, adjusted his top hat. "All right. Let’s get to it, then. “
The automaton clicked in agreement, bounding ahead to a nearby precipice before sliding to a stop.
"Not too far, boy," Justin said.
He wondered about the use of the word “boy.” It made Atlas sound like a dog, but the construct didn’t seem to mind.
They scrambled down the ledge, finding themselves at the canyon’s true bottom, where the walls rose at least two hundred feet on either side, striated in bands of russet, ochre, and amber. Millennia of wind and water had carved this place, though the water was absent now. Everything about Solanis spoke of a world adapted to drought, at least in this part.
Justin wondered what it was like in those green-tinted mountains they had seen. The rim of the canyon kept them from view for now.
He paused to examine a cluster of plants growing from a crevice in the rock face. Unlike the lush greenery of home, these were tough, waxy-leaved things with spines instead of branches. Their roots delved deep into invisible cracks, seeking what little moisture might exist beneath the surface.
"Amazing how life adapts,” Justin murmured.
Atlas whirred, extending one of his drilled appendages to probe at the plant. The moment he touched it, the entire cluster retracted into the rock with surprising speed. A cloud of greenish gas wafted from it.
Atlas chirped in alarm, grabbing Justin by his front appendages before leaping away. They flew a good twenty feet before landing, and Atlas scurried even further from the threat with Justin in hand.
The construct set him down, though Justin was jarred. He looked back at the plant, the poison gas dissipating in the air.
He looked at Atlas’s eye pieces, and the construct’s frame wilted a bit.
"We both have a lot to learn about this world, don’t we? It’s all right. Best not to touch anything. It’s safe to assume everything here has evolved to protect what little it has.”
Atlas hummed in agreement.
"Let's keep going. We're not going to give up because of one little mishap, right?”
Atlas perked up at that, scuttling ahead while Justin shook his head with a smile.
They followed the jagged line of the canyon, encountering more of Solanis’s unique ecology. Small reptilian creatures with six legs and diamond-patterned scales skittered away from their approach, which Justin’s monocle logged as Level 6 Sunscales. Justin spotted what looked like a bird, except its wings were translucent membranes stretched over bone, more like a bat. It observed them from a high perch before taking flight. A Level 15 Duskglider, according to his monocle.
The ecosystem made perfect sense. No standing water meant adaptations for water conservation. Life here stored water, protected water, and sought water underground. Even the predators seemed designed to extract maximum moisture from their prey, judging by the desiccated remains Atlas uncovered beneath a rock overhang.
"I wonder why these creatures don’t go to those mountains. There must be a lot of water there from how green they are. Maybe it’s too dangerous?”
Atlas didn’t respond; instead, he focused his attention on something ahead. The construct’s head tilted in curiosity.
"What is it?” Justin asked, moving to join his companion.
As they rounded the next bend, Justin saw it. A small cave entrance, unremarkable except for the faint violet shimmer that seemed to coat the opening like a soap bubble. The light played across the surface in iridescent patterns, forming lines of strange, indecipherable runes.
Atlas chirped, taking a step toward it.
A Vault? He’d never seen one that was purple, though. What could that mean? Green was for Vaults that were up to Level 20, red for anything above that.
Was it different here on Solanis?
As he approached, blue text materialized in his vision. His heart quickened.
Solo Vault Discovered: The Cistern of Karash Canyon
Recommended Level: 15
Your Level: 18
Risk Level: Acceptable. You are above the required level, more than a match for the challenges contained within.
Description: A hidden reservoir lies deep within Solanis’s parched Karash Canyon system. In years past, this canyon was a haven for life amidst the Dunes of Death. But years ago, a Desiccator Wyrm entered and claimed the wellspring for its own, hoarding the life-giving waters and leaving the canyon to wither. Can you defeat this creature and restore the flow of water to bring life back to Karash Canyon?
Rewards Upon Completion:
-
Experience: 5,000
-
Gold-Tier Ascension Crystal
-
A Power Class Core
-
Companion Core
[Do you accept the Vault’s challenge?]
[Warning: This Solo Vault is designed for a single adventurer. It will disappear as soon as another member of your party discovers it. Pet companions may go with you.]
Justin glanced back in the direction of the camp. He would tell the others, but then there was that line about it disappearing altogether if he did so.
From the way it was worded, it was an opportunity just for him. And the promised experience and rewards were tempting. Another 5,000 experience, enough to push him close to Level 20, or even over the finish line, and a new class core to expand his options, not to mention what seemed to be an upgrade for Atlas. The gold ascension crystal was a nice bonus, too. A gold-tier Ring of Hygiene?
"What do you think, Atlas? Ready to test our capabilities together? “
The construct’s eyepieces focused on him, then on the shimmering entrance. He made a sound that Justin could only interpret as affirmative.
"They did tell us to learn something,” Justin said. "I'd say a Vault qualifies.”
Before he could question things too much, he mentally affirmed his decision.
[You have accepted the challenge of the Cistern of Karash Canyon. May resolve be your guide and courage your shield. And remember, the bond between a pet and its owner is like water in the desert—essential for survival when all else fails. Good luck, Brave Adventurer.]
Justin frowned a bit at the message. Had it reversed the "courage and resolve" bit? Did that mean anything?
Nothing left but to go in. He adjusted his top hat, straightened his coat, and stepped forward. The violet shimmer parted around him like a curtain, and Atlas followed behind as they entered.
The violet shimmer parted like a curtain as Justin stepped through, Atlas close behind him.
But then something strange happened. Instead of the entrance to a cave, like Justin had expected, the shimmering surface clung to them like thick syrup, stretching and wrapping around both his and Atlas's bodies.
"What in the—"
Justin's words were cut short as the violet membrane constricted, squeezing the air from his lungs. Beside him, Atlas's metal frame creaked as the construct struggled against the tightening bonds, his drills spinning but unable to gain traction against the strange substance.
[You have been Petrified!]
[You have been Poisoned with Lithic Venom!]
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A searing pain erupted across Justin's skin, as though thousands of microscopic needles were being driven into every pore. He watched in alarm as his forearm began to turn gray, the skin developing a stony texture that crept upward toward his elbow.
Through the haze of pain, Justin examined the threat that was forming before his eyes.
What stood before them was a nightmarish creature. Its body was segmented and insectoid, with six long, spindly legs that ended in razor-sharp points.
But it was the face that commanded attention—a massive, pale visage reminiscent of a theatrical mask, stretched into an eternal scream.
The creature let out a high, discordant shriek that seemed to vibrate through Justin's body, causing fragments of his stony skin to crack. Atlas's eyepieces flickered, the construct seemingly disoriented by the sonic assault.
Justin's monocle logged it as Level 17 Vault Mimic of the Guardian Rank.
So, the entrance had been a trap to lure him in. And that was why the courage and resolve bit had been reversed.
This was a fake Vault.
Atlas recovered first, shaking off the effects of the shriek and charging with drills extended. But the mimic moved with surprising speed, sidestepping the tackle. Its eerie eyes focused on Justin as Atlas skidded to a halt, recalculating his approach.
Justin had to deal with the Petrification first. He activated Ulthara's Calm, his Water Affinity. Cooling relief spread through his body.
[Petrification has been reversed by Ulthara's Calm!]
The mimic shot toward him, jaws agape. Justin activated a hasty Gentleman's Sidestep, pivoting despite his weakened state. The creature's teeth snapped shut on empty air, mere inches from his coat. As the mimic lunged past, Atlas whirred in from the side, landing a glancing blow that sent sparks flying but seemed to do little damage against the monster's armored hide.
Justin toggled Lathalon's Grace, his Life Affinity, feeling the neutralizing energy spread through his bloodstream.
[Lithic Venom has been reversed by Lathalon's Grace!]
The mimic spun to face Atlas, a tentacle whipping out to catch the construct and send him tumbling across the ground. Atlas righted himself, positioning himself between Justin and the creature.
As the poison receded and a bit of healing spread through his limbs, Justin straightened his posture as he reassessed. The monster crouched low, hesitating. Most adventurers would not have had such a direct counter for both Petrification and Poison, and the mimic wasn't sure what to do.
Justin set his Insightful Gaze on the beast, noting the blend of rock and flesh. Glowing violet veins pulsed with magic throughout its body.
That had to be its weakness.
"Atlas!" Justin called out. "Target the purple veins!"
The creature shrieked and charged forward. Atlas stepped forward, extending his drills and tanking the attack. The construct’s metal frame groaned under the pressure but held.
Justin vaulted to the side, unleashing Poison Barb.
It was time to hit back with his own venom.
"A shameful mockery of a true Vault. You're nothing but a desperate predator with delusions of grandeur."
The creature recoiled as if struck. Its body took on a yellowish tint, something Justin understood to be his new “Salt in the Wound” debuff.
Triple damage time.
“Atlas, now!”
The construct didn’t hesitate. He leapt forward, his drills stabbing into the now-vulnerable veins of the Vault Mimic. The creature thrashed but was locked by the power of Justin’s verbal attack.
Meanwhile, Justin began wailing on it with his cane, aiming for the veins. The mimic shrank back against the wall. But pinned on both sides, there was no escape. Seeing Justin as the main source of damage, it turned on him.
A fact Justin had counted on. He activated the Sapphire Star, his body erupting in brilliant azure light as he drew the mimic's rage. The creature took the bait, abandoning all caution and mauling Justin's shield.
"Now, Atlas!" Justin shouted.
Atlas drilled into Justin's aegis, giving it everything it had.
It was all Justin needed. With mere seconds of Salt in the Wound remaining, he channeled everything into his ultimate skill.
"Time for a Proper Sendoff."
Time seemed to slow as Justin's cane transformed, sapphire energy spiraling up its length and coalescing at the tip. The air itself crackled with concentrated power.
In one fluid motion, Justin lunged forward, driving the radiant weapon straight into the mimic's exposed maw.
The impact was catastrophic. Sapphire light exploded outward from the point of contact, coursing through the mimic's violet veins like lightning through storm clouds. The creature's eternal scream became genuine as its false fa?ade shattered from within, its body convulsing before collapsing in on itself like a dying star.
What remained was nothing but a puddle of iridescent ooze, shimmering as it sank into the parched canyon floor.
[You have gained 5,000 experience points. Your experience stands at 25,400/17,000. Level-up available!]
Justin caught his breath as he shared a look with Atlas.
That had been far too close.
“Not what I expected from our walk, but it was educational nonetheless.”
Atlas whirred in agreement.
Justin reactivated Vorthak’s Flame to escape the sweltering heat. They were not in a cave at all, but rather in a narrow cleft of a canyon.
At the end of which stood a small, golden chest.
“That looks promising,” Justin said. “There's a reward for us after all.”
But what if the chest was yet another mimic? He wouldn't have Ulthara's Calm to break through it.
He realized he was probably being paranoid. The experience points had already been awarded, indicating that the combat phase was complete.
He would have to risk it.
They approached, and Justin kicked at the chest, the action being enough for it to spring open and reveal the contents.
Thankfully, it wasn't a mimic, but rather two items within. The first was what Justin recognized as a gold ascension crystal. That would be perfect for his Ring of Hygiene, since he had nothing better to use it for.
The other was a translucent golden sphere, about the size of a marble, with swirling energy patterns that resembled circuitry. His monocle logged it as a Companion Core.
“A treat for you, Atlas,” Justin said.
Atlas whirred as Justin picked it up.
[You have found a Companion Core. Use it to add a new skill or boon to your companion.]
Current Companion: Atlas the Guardian Construct (Gold-Tier)
Ether Units: 280/400
Current Skills:
Environmental Shield (50 Ether Units): Reduces damage from the Fire Element by 50% and all other Physical Elements by 25% for thirty minutes.
Twin Drill (40 Ether Units): A powerful attack with both drills that ignores enemy armor of gold-tier or less.
Current Boons:
Adaptive Carapace: Reduces all incoming damage by 20%. Stagger-proof.
Adamantine Drill Core: Increases the damage of all drill attacks by 30%.
[This Companion Core allows you to choose a new skill for Atlas. Each acquired Core alternates between granting skills and boons, creating a balanced progression path. Upon mastering eight abilities in total, Atlas will transcend to platinum-tier, enhancing his combat potential.]
Justin’s eyes widened at that. He had no idea that Atlas had skills and boons this whole time. Could he have been looking at his information this entire time, except he simply hadn’t thought to do so?
[Please select from the following skills:]
Kinetic Aegis (50 Ether Units): Generates a fifteen-foot energy barrier that absorbs 50% of all physical attacks. This shimmering defense matrix persists until its protective capacity is depleted or thirty minutes have elapsed.
Drill Charge (60 Ether Units): Launches a devastating forward assault with rotating drill arrays deployed, delivering double damage to all enemies in its path, with a chance to stun.
“So you’ve been holding out on me, have you?”
Atlas emanated a noncommittal whir.
“Kidding. That’s on me for not investigating your capabilities further, isn’t it? Live and learn."
Justin ruminated on the decision.
If it was Atlas’s skill to learn, it was best to involve Atlas.
“There seems to be two paths forward,” Justin said. “Kinetic Aegis would allow you to tank and take damage better. I know from experience that an aegis can be a game changer for neutralizing physical threats.”
Atlas chirped, his eyepieces brightening.
“But Drill Charge has its merits, too. That would make you more of a damage dealer. I’m already something of an evasion tank, but Drill Charge would allow you to fill in another important role.”
Atlas’s eyepieces dimmed, processing the options. Then, to Justin’s surprise, the construct began pantomiming both abilities in sequence.
First, Atlas extended his appendages outward in a protective stance, simulating the Kinetic Aegis. Then, he lowered his body into an aggressive posture, drills spinning with a high-pitched whir as he mimicked a charging attack.
Justin chuckled. “You want both, don’t you? Unfortunately, we only have one Companion Core right now.”
Atlas’s frame sagged in disappointment before straightening again. The construct launched forward in a controlled burst of speed, drills extended but stopping short of making contact with anything. He pivoted, facing Justin with his drills still spinning.
"Drill Charge, then?” Justin asked.
Atlas chirped affirmatively.
Justin nodded. “Aggressive approach, I see. The best defense is a good offense, after all. Not to mention it pairs nicely with your Adamantine Drill Core boon.” He tapped his cane against the ground. “That Vault Mimic might have overwhelmed us if we hadn’t struck so fast. And with you focused on dealing damage, it keeps the pressure off me, right?”
Atlas’s drills whirred in what Justin took for enthusiasm.
“Drill Charge it is.”
The golden sphere floated toward Atlas, orbiting him once before dissolving into streams of light that flowed into the construct’s frame. Atlas’s body hummed with golden energy, his drill appendages glowing with a fierce golden light as the power integrated into his systems.
[Atlas has learned Drill Charge!]
[5/8 abilities learned. Learn three more abilities to unlock Platinum-tier ascension!]
Justin turned to Atlas. “Care to demonstrate?”
Atlas chirped, turning toward a nearby boulder. He lowered his frame, drills beginning to spin with increasing velocity until they were nearly invisible. Energy built around his form, creating a visible ripple in the air. With a powerful surge, Atlas launched forward on all eight legs, his entire body becoming a projectile of concentrated force.
He struck the boulder with tremendous impact, drills piercing deep as fractures spiderwebbed across the entire surface. The rock shattered, fragments scattering across the canyon floor.
Atlas turned back to Justin, eyepieces glowing with pride.
“Magnificent,” Justin said, impressed. “That ought to make even Guardian-rank enemies think twice.”
Atlas scuttled back to his side with a satisfied whir, his drills still glowing from the exertion.
Justin reached for his own crystal and felt its power infuse into his body.
[You have absorbed a Gold Ascension Crystal! Please select one enchanted item of silver quality or lower.]
Then, a minute timer began ticking down.
He immediately willed it to go toward the Ring of Hygiene, the only real item of use.
[Your Ring of Hygiene has ascended to gold-tier! It now confers the following benefits:]
The Ring of Hygiene
Type: Accessory
Tier: Gold
Dapper’s Touch: Once a day, become perfectly clean in body and apparel, and get your hair cut and groomed to your exact specifications.
Wardrobe Shift: Instantly change into any clothing you own, so long as it is within five feet of your person. This enchantment cannot be used in combat. (Cooldown: 5 seconds.)
Inner Purity: Cleanse your body of non-magical toxins, diseases, and impurities at a greatly increased rate. Magical afflictions may be slowed, depending on their strength. (This enchantment does not halt or reverse aging.)
Justin nodded in satisfaction. A ring like this would be worth billions in his own world. Though it didn’t stop aging, having something that neutralized disease would naturally extend his life. Even the partial effectiveness against magical afflictions had considerable value.
“Not bad,” he said. He looked at Atlas. “About time we headed back to the cave, wouldn’t you say?”
Atlas chirped in agreement, but paused to scan the canyon one last time, as if cataloging their adventure. The construct’s eye pieces lingered on the shimmering heat waves rising from the ground, then shifted to the Vault Mimic’s remains, now almost completely disintegrated into dust.
With a satisfied whir, Atlas extended one of his appendages to Justin, almost as if he were offering a hand.
Justin smiled, adjusting his top hat before accepting. “We make quite the team, don’t we? A Gentleman and his construct companion. Wait until we tell the others about our misadventure.”
They made their way back to the cave.