66 Rift City

We weren't allowed inside of the rift city sanctuary until tomorrow anyways so why not get some sleep in. I wasn't able to fall into a deep sleep because I was camouflaged. I was able to get in some decent sleep before Goliath started getting us up around four am. I rolled out of bed like I was told to. On went the uniform.

Then my gear went on, and last my backpack with med gear. Both flares, and my bonus clips were secured tightly next to a spare uniform. Just in case. My bag was set up for my specific brand of emergency. I was one of the first ones to be done dressing so I was the first one to pick up my weapon.

Savannah rounded heading my way quickly. We ended up standing side by side by the door as the first ones ready. Neither one of us felt like rushing anyone. I wanted to go back to bed. Goliath gave us a knowing nod before he chastised the other club members.

We were all supposed to know how to get ready for combat quickly and efficiently. Savannah came from a military family, and I was just physically faster then the others. Even with my reduced speed and strength. We continued to wait patiently for a good twenty minutes before the rest of the club were all ready. Savannah, and I got the front position of the line, and everyone else was paired up with their slower partner in line.

Goliath went down the line giving Savannah, and I a hundred points at the front of the line. Knocking off five points for each position down to the back of the line. The last two to be ready only got fifty-five points for the exorcize. Finally we were ready to move out. Goliath took his position in front of the students and got us moving in true military fashion.

I yawned as I tried to ignore the lack of rhythm in our walk down to the gates. They were truthfully nasty looking pieces of work. The gates into rift city itself. Five foot thick enchanted self repairing steel. From what I read about rift city the whole inner wall looked just like the imposing gates before us with a life screen display plastered along the inside.

The life screen display kept rift city thriving under a false sky. Otherwise this place would have been nothing but dead bare ground years ago. Savannah kept quietly watching me as if she wanted to say something, but she didn't say a thing. Whatever she wanted to say was probably magic related. Unluckily for us though we were not the first club to get to the gates this morning.

Goliath didn't look surprised either. Everyone in the club ahead of us had a minimum ranking of four. I could feel a frown forming on my face as I spotted three familiar faces I didn't like. Luke, Conrad, and that water dude were all in the same club. I really need to learn that guys name.

Ahead of us in line. Savannah noticed the slight change in my expression, but didn't say anything. Ethan felt like he was still a good five hundred feet away so I probably wouldn't see him today unless we decided to seek each other out. The club ahead of us was let out into rift city with two seasoned soldiers. Another club lined up behind us as we waited through the twenty minute required time gap.

Then it was finally our turn. Savannah, and I were the first students in the club to step onto the grass of the forest floor. Goliath walked us into the woods a ways before stopping us, and our two escorts.

"Remember," Goliath bombed, "Stay near the paths whenever possible. The piles along the paths keep the area around the path fairly stable, but off the path is unstable territory where rifts can, and will open. Stay within line of sight, and don't engage any enemies stronger than you can handle. This is a practice exercise. I don't want any of you coming back in a body bag from a relatively safe excursion."

"Yes sir," we all called out in unison.

I flipped my safety off, and smiled as Goliath let us do as we wished. I switched to infrared, and spotted two small creatures right away. I raised my gun, and fired two shots.

First blood bonus 5 xp. Two Snek killed 40 xp. 45 xp awarded. 70/800 xp until level 8.

The speed at which I shot at my two targets, and the sudden break in the silence of the forest startled everyone close enough to hear the shots. I could sense the mana coming from the crystals embedded in the Sneks. Savannah followed close behind me as I went, and dug the crystals out.

You have found mana crystals. Would you like to consume them? Reward 5 xp per crystal, and camouflage form Snek.

(yes) (no)

What?

What!?!

System I can consume mana crystals?

User can consume any mana crystal with less than users maximum mana level with no negative effects.

I stared at the two crystals in my hand. Neither one was any bigger than a marble, but each one was five xp if I consumed them.

"What are you doing?" Savannah hissed out from between her teeth, "Just pocket them, and let's go."

System I'd like to consume the mana crystals. Why not go for the easy xp?

Consuming mana crystals.

The crystals in my hand started melting into my skin. I had to fight the urge to throw them off of me. My last experience with something like this hadn't ended so well.

"What the hell?" Savannah tried to grab the crystals before they finished sinking into me.

Safe to say that she failed miserably.

"What did you just do?" Savannah grabbed my hand as she looked at it carefully.

"They just melted," I tried to pull my hand away.

Two mana crystals absorbed 10 xp awarded. 80/800 xp until level 8.

"We need to get you checked out," Savannah pulled on my arm.

"No," I tensed my muscles.

Savannah tried pulling on me again, but this time I didn't budge.

"I said no," I snapped.

"People can't just absorb mana crystals like that," Savannah pleaded.

"Apparently I can," I yanked out of her grip.