The hive fell like all the others before it.
It collapsed.
There was the noise of the crunching of delicate internal crystal structures as with the outer shell support knocked out it imploded under the impact of gravity and its curious architecture that meant once it started falling, the splintering of crystals created a killing field for any wasps caught with in.
The chimes of success went off, but he did not relax immediately. Occasionally King and Solider wasps still attacked at this point. Usually they were all killed in the collapse, but infrequently one of the larger tunnels survived and they would crawl out of them. Shards of resin embedded in them that would often inhibit their movements, but never enough to stop them from flying.
For thirty seconds, Tom watched the rubble intently.
Nothing moved
It was done.
He turned back to the cesspool of testosterone that his wait area had been transformed into. His eyes swept over the sprawled group. There were no bodies. Relief washed through him. That such a small prize as a first clear title might cause deaths was horrifying, but that was the nature of the people DEUS’s inhuman trial selected. They were broken, stunted loners who had no issue with violence. Luckily, nothing had blown up while he worked. Better still, the opposing groups had settled into an uneasy truce. With a feeling of relief, he walked back to them.
Everlyn looked subdued and now that he got close, Tom saw charred grass along with multiple areas of more mundane damage. Tiny also had dried blood on his side around a section of broken chain-mail.
“It’s lunchtime, Tom. Let’s go get food.” Michael called out loudly.
“Great, I’m hungry enough to eat bugs.” He answered back. Everyone was so silent that it felt like his voice echoed, but that was clearly ridiculous. After all, they were outdoors with nothing for his words to echo off. The effect was his paranoia. He felt like the entire world was watching.
His group closed around him, and none of the gathered watchers moved.
Everlyn’s hand squeezed his. “We’re protected from eavesdropping.”
“What happened?” He stopped himself from looking at the obvious signs of combat.
“Jeffrey’s number one team tried to put Tiny in his place and Tiny showed restraint.”
“Really?” Tom asked in surprise.
“Don’t be like that, Tom. You know he’s not that bad.”
“Maybe Tiny’s not… But I’m thinking if we influenced the trial… we might avoid it exploding?”
Everlyn looked at Tom with interest. “Using Fate.”
He nodded.
“I don’t think so,” Michael interrupted, sounding tired.
Tom glanced at him in surprise. “It would absolutely work. Ten fate from everyone should be able to force the trial to whatever configuration we want.”
Michael shook his head. “A couple of hundred from us straight away would have managed it.”
“We could do it now,” Everlyn suggested cautiously. “If you’re worried about no one cooperating.”
Michael massaged his brow. “I kind of started canvassing opinions on what the best trial would be. Getting opinions from people. The view was pretty divided. Everyone wanted different things from individual to group.”
“A raid,” Tom interrupted, “would make most of the problems go away.”
“Yes, I know that now.” Michael ground the words out. “But I was bit slow, and I asked opinions and people argued loudly and…” he stopped talking. “There was a lot of anger at the idea of a crafter or a skill challenge.”
“What?” Tom exclaimed simultaneously with Everlyn. They looked at each other briefly in amusement.
“I didn’t think of a Skill trial. They’d be the best.” Tom finished. “Probably better than a raid.”
“Most people wanted a fight.” Michael continued. “Then some idiots suggested it should be left up to the GODs.”
“They didn’t,” Tom asked in disbelief.
“They did and I’m nowhere near as sensitive as you, but a chunk of fate was expelled when they proclaimed that.”
“Spoiler fate,” Tom said in disbelief. “I don’t even know how that works.”
Michael shrugged. “I don’t either, but even if everyone throws in ten points, it might not work anymore.”
“Shit,” Tom repeated. “So we’re back to random chance.”
“Yep, and I’ve been kicking myself for not just applying the fate before opening my big mouth.”
“Well, if the GODs are deciding it then the trial’s bound to be great.” Everlyn said cheerfully.
They both stared at her.
“What?” she said with an innocent expression. “If you don’t laugh about it, you’ll cry.”
They sat down outside the shelter as was traditional. A plate filled with larvae and a fried adult wasp was handed to him. “I almost wish I was less cheap so I didn’t have to eat this.” Tom grumbled, earning laughs all around.
“It’s not completely inedible.” Everlyn told him with fake cheerfulness. “The cooks do an amazing job.”
The meal went down quickly and his eyes glanced anxiously back the way came. “Are we protected Evie?”
She nodded.
Tom faced the group seriously. “We need to consider access to the trial. If I knock down a clear path, we’re going to get a stampede.”
“Agreed.” Michael said. “The only thing stopping something crazy happening is the threat of soldiers coming out if they try to sneak past.”
“And no one wanting to turn their backs on the other groups.” Everlyn pointed out darkly.
“The best way to diffuse is to get access to the GOD’s trial.” Tom continued. “If it’s not a useful one or if it’s already been cleared, then the heat will drain out really quickly.”
Michael got thoughtful.
“I’m going to find out.” Tom told them.
“That’s dangerous.” Michael observed.
“I know, but I promise I won’t enter it. I’m not giving warning I’m just going to do it. And I need you to talk them down.”
The healer nodded. “Do it subtly. Act like you’re focused on destroying it and then walk right by. They won’t realise till it’s too late and then with me assuring them you won’t attempt the trial should placate them.” Michael threw his hands angrily up in the air. “I can’t believe the prospect of a first clear is causing so many issues.”
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“Humans.” Tom responded flatly. “It shouldn’t surprise us that much. But back to me checking, are you comfortable with this plan?”
Michael nodded along with everyone else.
Tom bit into the wasp… it was… crunchy… maybe bits were a little chicken like, and that was the best he could see about it. If the cooks were doing a good job, he would hate to be in a situation where he was by himself, and this was his only food source.
He went to take his plate over to wash it, but Everlyn grabbed it from his hands with a sympathetic smile.
“You’re doing great.” She squeezed his arm. “This will be over soon.”
With that, making him feel a smidge better, he stalked away. Tom stamped in a straight line towards the hive that directly separated them from the trial. To everyone watching it looked like he was determined to destroy it.
As he approached, the wasps boiled out. There were almost too many of them to see through, but Tom shut his eyes and kept moving. The steam elemental went to work, boiling the brains of all the surrounding insects. Tom could feel the diligence and efficiency of its actions. Despite its dumb nature, it had learnt exactly what to do.
By the time he passed, the density of the wasps had fallen to the point he could see through it. When he glanced behind him, there were dead soldier wasps amongst the host of deceased workers. Beyond them, the mass of watchers were on their feet. Tom trusted Michael. He would be there diffusing the situation.
Tom focused on the sphere he had seen in the distance. His first impression had been correct.
It was definitely a trial.
As he got closer, the dimensions became clear, not that dimensions mattered. The entrance could be a 100 m tall or coming up to your knee. They all worked the same. How it was structured was irrelevant. Once you touched it, you’d be given the opportunity to accept the trial.
He stopped in front of it. This entrance was slightly higher than him and a perfect sphere. Beneath it there was a gap of air and then standard grass ground cover.
It cast no shadow just as he had known.
It was time to find out what it was. Tom reached out and touched.
Trumpets went off and text flashed up.
Trial of Giant Wasps (Uncleared)
Type: Monster Permanent Teams of Four Single Attempt Rank 7
Do you wish to enter as a team of one?
Yes/No
Tom lowered his hand while mentally selecting no.
Collectively for the group, the trial was perfect.
It was an appropriate rank. A straight hack and slash till all the enemies were dead format, which would suit them perfectly given they had all come from the trial. Teams of four theoretically would allow them to tailor the groups. They could construct groups easily. A couple of dedicated fighters to carry crafters and also ensure every group had sufficient healing and killing capacity.
It was the addition to the heading that was the problem. No matter how you cut and diced it, Uncleared meant a title was on the line and if you survived ten plus years in the tutorial, you had a mentality that didn’t accept failures and the expectation that you were the best and deserved every available title out there.
Over half of them would want the title and assume that they had a right to it.
Tom stood there in front of the trial, wondering if he should attempt to do it himself. If he dumped his fate, he knew that he could finish it, but what would happen if he vanished?
How would everyone else react?
Would they turn on Michael?
Would they stampede over here?
Would people die?
Biting his lips, he decided the lesser evil was to continue with the original plan. Without hurrying, he walked back towards the group. More wasps swirled from the hive he was passing. It turned day into night and then there was the sound of wasp bodies falling like the patter of hail and the thick cloud thinned as the stupid creatures died.
“And,” Tiny bellowed immediately after he passed the wasp hive even as he used his hammer to bash away one soldier wasp which the other one landed a sting and was killed almost instantly by the elemental.
Tom ignored him and kept walking closer.
“Well!”
“I’ll tell everyone at once.”
Tiny nodded, shooting angry glances toward Legan.
“We need a decision before I do.”
“And what’s that?” Tiny asked still shouting even though Tom was now close enough to talk normally.
“We agree no one attempt the trial if the majority hasn’t agreed.”
“No ninjas,” Tiny said, laughing. “I can get behind that. And a permanent exile if they do.”
Tom nodded.
Tiny grinned in excitement. “Well.”
Pointedly, Tom looked in Legan’s direction. If both Tiny and the other man agreed on terms, then everyone else would respect it.
“Agreed.” Legan ground out.
He wished he did not have to admit this, but he guessed he had no choice. The next person to touch would find out, anyway. “It’s uncleared.” Tom pronounced, projecting his voice loud enough for everyone who had gathered to hear.
“Yes, a title,” Tiny yelled, throwing a first in the air. “I’m first.”
“It’s a single attempt trial,” Tom reported. “Called Giant Wasps with a monster type designation, teams of four.”
“Not the best combination, but it’ll do,” the big man rumbled. “None of us have played together. We should construct the most effective team possible. I’m open to recommendations for a healer and two damage dealers to attempt first clear.” He yelled. “I’m willing to tank to maximise damage per second.”
“Tiny you were assigned to the second team,” the earth mage who had been number two said quietly.
The giant man waved his hands dismissively. “Jeffrey did not know what he was doing, and they were teams of five. We form the best team now to get first clear. I’m first you are welcome to join my team, Keikain.” Tiny said, speaking to the earth mage and the only other person who had lasted longer than Tiny in the tutorial.
“Wait,” Michael called out. “Let’s think this through. It’s rank seven. The better fighters should shepherd through crafters.”
“Not first clear,” Tiny rumbled. “That goes to the best warriors.”
“Agreed,” Keikain said. “We do however need consensus on who that is.”
“Anyone but Tiny,” Legan sneered.
Tiny drew his massive sword. “I’m the most powerful. I’m included. Plus, unlike everyone else, I’ve been putting in with the council.”
“Legan, Tiny’s right,” Michael said without hesitation. “We might butt heads occasionally, but Tiny’s been doing a lot behind the scenes.”
Legan snorted dismissively. “I don’t care what administrative stuff he’s done. I’m the best tank and it’s the tank’s right to form a team and that fuck head’s not coming.”
“Tiny’s apologised.” Michael tried desperately.
“Apologies don’t do shit. I’m not including him on my team.”
“That’s fine. Legan,” Tiny swung the sword to rest his shoulder. “For a rank seven dungeon I’m a better tank, anyway. If you’re worried, we can settle it like men.”
“That’s not how we operate,” Michael said calmly.
“Shut up.” Legan snapped at Michael. “This is not an issue for healers. This is an issue to be decided by warriors.”
“These things get decided by vote.” Michael repeated. “We’re not a barbarian tribe.”
Tiny shifted. “I’m happy to decide with blades.”
Michael could see where the was going and stepped in front of Legan to defuse the situation. The tank pushed him violently and Michael lurched away barely keeping his feet. Weapons throughout threatened to be drawn.
“Wait,” Michael yelled, stepping between them once more. He faced off against everyone, his eyes roaming between the men he was separating, his head on a pivot while his hands were wide clearly saying ‘if you want to get blood on my behalf you need to go through me’. “This is not how we deal with things.”
“Listen to the healer,” Tiny said. “There’s no need for violence.”
“Then withdraw your claim and there won’t be any.” Legan instructed.
Tiny stared at Legan. “No. The powerful need the good titles. And I’m the strongest, so it’s my right. Plus, if I go the title will probably be upgraded because of exemplary performance.”
Legan chuckled at that. “I think most of us disagree with that. They want someone competent to get it.”
Tiny laughed uproariously. “We all have identification. I’m the only rank ten here.”
“There’s more to a build than rank. Look at Useless.”
Tom bristled at the two of them using that term on him, but with their heat he did not want to pour oil on the fire. But all he could think was that he had only just had this conversation with them not to use that nickname, and they had forgotten. Maybe he needed to be more forceful.
“Legan, if you’re so sure you’re superior I’m happy to duel.”
“You’re missing the point, Tiny.” Tom tried. “I’m not saying you don’t qualify, but it should be potential, not current power.”
“Don’t get involved Useless.” Tiny growled.
“Useless has got a point,” another tank Tom did not recognise piped in. “First titles should be awarded on potential.”
A shrill whistle cut the air. Everyone turned to stare at Everlyn. “It’s Tom. Give some respect for the person who has kept your worthless arses alive.”
She glared at everyone gathered.
“No offense,” Legan apologised, then turned back to the bigger man. “Tom is right Tiny.”
“Tom can fight me too if he wants.” Tiny smirked. “Or prove he’s good enough to be on the team, but I’m first clear.”
“We should do a vote for each of the four positions.” Legan continued.
“No!” Tiny roared. “Popularity contests are stupid.”
“You’re saying that because you’re an oaf.”
“Take that BACK!”
“No one likes you and you stink.”
“I use CLEAN.”
“Says something when magic can’t unstench you.” Legan smirked. “I bet deodorants didn’t work for you on earth.”
Tiny activated a charge skill that had him crossing the five metres that separated them in moments. The giant lowered his shoulder and slammed it into Legan’s solar plexus. The man did not even have time to pull out his shield and was lifted into the air and thrown almost two metres backwards.
Legan landed and gaped like a fish as he struggled to get air into him.
Tiny’s momentum had been stopped by the collision, and he had even taken a step back. He recovered quickly, sprang forward, and then his huge sword dipped and slammed into Legan’s shoulder.
The noise of the secondary blow echoed.
“Yield or DIE!”
Tiny’s sword was embedded in the ground via flesh, blood was spreading out from the wound.
There were sounds of weapons being drawn. An axeman launched forward to attack Tiny.
The mob ignited.