Ultimate Level 1: New Freedoms (Ultimate Level 1, #5)

by Shawn Wilson

“A hundred strength and dexterity if both are used at the same time,” Max said as he pointed at the one he finished first. “Tell me that isn’t something to be excited about for a normal climber.”

Damn, the stats stack...

The illusion of monsters in your mind is actually just like you on their own worlds. There are planets filled with ogres and orcs that build cities, raise children and slaughter dungeons full of humans that seek to kill them. Max felt confused for a moment as his mind considered what his skill was telling him. To learn about other worlds from Tanila had been a lesson in gods and power, but to hear what they considered evil and a monster was normal elsewhere eroded at his beliefs about everything he had ever learned. Worlds of monsters—

“If Fowl can hold its attention and not die, I’ll come up from behind and use my one attack, seeing if I can get through its armor.” “I love when he says that like I’m not here,” their dwarven warrior said. “Almost makes me feel like I’m part of the team.” Everyone chuckled and started moving toward the dwarven creation from stories, unsure just how well this was going to go.

“Remind me again who gets the task of harvesting those?” Max and Fowl both immediately shook their heads. “We’ve done our share. It’s someone else’s turn,” Max replied. “You three can figure that out while I scout a little.” Groans came from the three women, and Max laughed as he began moving toward the town and the next pack of giants. I’m glad for once I don’t have to harvest those ball sacks… then again, I’ve never seen someone so excited at how many we bring. Alfreda is always ecstatic when we bring back sacks of them. Putting the thought of the older elf woman and what she must be making with all the testicles they retrieved out of his mind, Max focused on the scouting ahead.

“You’re fine. We’ve all had those moments. Ask Batrire or Fowl what a near death experience was like. Let them tell you their struggles and how hard it was to overcome. We get that. We really do. But living in fear will never allow you to truly live.”

The boss was thirty feet tall, its horns on its head and back adding another seven feet. Two massive horns came from the thick armored plates as the bright glowing red eyes watched them approach. A smile of fire came from the maw of the beast. Its back had four giant spikes sticking off to the sides, curling upward slightly, almost looking like wings. Massive claws were on its armored hands and its feet had matching weapons of destruction where its toes were.

https://archive.org/details/tsr02011advanceddungeonsdragonsadd1steddungeonmastersguide/mode/2up

“It’s ok… he can ask. Sometimes I lose control and give in. That was one of those moments,” Max said. “I feel like I satisfied a longing inside me and should be good for a while. I guess… no, I know, those elves and what they did really pissed me off.” Max looked at each of them and then turned to see the frown on Tanila’s face. “I’m tired of people being ugly to others because of what race they are or who they like or whatever. If you’re my friend, your family and I’m going to make sure no one hurts you.” “Your eyes seemed different,” Cordellia said after a moment. “Like you were possessed. I can’t imagine what that felt like.”

Fowl grabbed a bag full of testicles and held it up. “Does that mean we can stop harvesting these?” “Gods no,” Alfreda replied. “We make so much money off the potions those create.” Moaning, Fowl ignored the laughter that echoed in the room.

“I was always this way,” Max replied. “I wasn’t this strong but everything I do is for my friends and family. I’m not here to be the best so I can make others bow before me or praise my name. All I want is to protect those who I care about. Sadly, in our world, the only way to do that it seems is by being the strongest and not backing down.”

A trio of attacks came close to hitting him as they boxed him in, yet an air wall gave him the ability to escape as he jumped onto it, leaping off it and onto one tentacle. His halberd was out, and he ran, digging the axe head into the flesh and opening up a long furrow of damage, like a farmer tilling the soil. Only a few seconds of running on the flesh took place before the boss jerked it underwater, but he cut a wound over fifty feet long in that time. Two black eyes glared at him. Max was almost certain it was wishing some sort of magic would fire from its eyes.

Cordellia raised her hand and Tom gave her a puzzled look. “Can I just say thank you again to the both of you for choosing me to join this party? I’d never have imagined being where I am today… this party… this family…” Tears formed as the ranger received a gentle squeeze from Batrire, who sat next to her on the couch. “They don’t see someone new, they treat me like I’ve always been one of them, and…” sniffing, she wiped a few tears and then took a deep breath. “No one lets Fowl make fun of my voice anymore.” Laughter came from them all, resetting the mood from one that threatened to turn misty in a moment. “I understand,” Everett said as he leaned forward. “Our Faction is better because of you five and we are grateful for that. Just know we are a family and as such, I’ll do anything I can to help.” Stretching, Max yawned and ignored the chuckles that came from the others.