EdgeCases

Chapter 4 - A Lack of Oversight

"Has he... always been able to swim through the ground like that?" Vex asked, glancing at Sev with only the faintest hint of awkward incredulity. He was pretty proud of himself for that, actually.

"No," Sev said. To his relief, the cleric sounded about as confused as he did. "...Doesn't matter right now, though. Stay focused."

Right. They were still in a fight for their lives; a horde of upper Bronze-ranked monsters were beyond the scope of something their party was built to deal...

Chapter 3 - Skills

Derivan struck down the last of the Crystal Mimics, his sword slowing as it shattered. He didn't have the muscles to feel the ache of acid or the soreness of prolonged battle, but his movements were beginning to feel sluggish. It took more effort for him to move and react, even to speak.

Conveniently enough, that meant that he sounded out of breath when he spoke, just like a human would. "That is... the last of them. [Monster Sense] has faded again. I believe we are due...

Chapter 2 - Tower Defense, Kind Of

The trek to the Mana Nucleus was one that would take a few hours of walking — not that they had much of a choice, given there were no caravans available for hire that were headed in that direction. They walked in the standard formation they'd adopted after being ambushed one too many times. Derivan and Vex were side by side at the back, behind Sev; Misa led the way in front, setting a steady pace for their travels.

As was standard practice for them, they were each training their skill...

Chapter 1 - Setting Off

"Come on, we're celebrating!" Misa grinned at Derivan. The half-orc's hand held a full tankard of beer that threatened to slosh out of the sides as she gestured at his helmet; it was only the weak enchantment on the mug that prevented it. "Take off the damn helmet already. I've never seen you once without that thing."

"I cannot," Derivan said. He sat at his corner of the table, back leaning against the tavern wall. A faint light flickered within his helmet, the only indication of his a...