Chapter 24

There were a couple of problems at the Williams house. James was still processing what happened last night and Anthony was just glad that he was alive. Sarah was mostly unbothered by the whole thing. From her perspective everything turned out fine, so she just did her usual things while trying to comfort James.

Meanwhile, Peter was trying to get information out of the system. Not just about the whole Night Guardian thing but also about another thing that happened that night.

[You have completed the path: Star Hunter!]

[Rewards: Divinity attribute unlocked, Information about stars and the ability to collect them.]

[You have collected a Star of Perception.]

[Reward: All physical attributes +0.2, MGC +0.1, DVN +0.05]

He didn't bother reading it at the time but now it was adding to his already numerous questions. Fortunately, he was allowed to ask questions.

"First, let's start with what are these stars?"

[Patrons are restricted to having only one representative, but they might wish to influence what happens in other areas. In these cases, they might give away a portion of their power in the form of stars allowing them to have influence in a region without direct interference.]

The answer was sufficiently detailed with just one little thing missing.

"What happened to Anthony's star?"

[It's gone.]

It was short and clear, with no chance for a misunderstanding. There was not much else to ask so Peter wen to the next topic.

"What is a path? And because I have feeling they are connected, tell me about this divinity as well."

[Completing a path allows users to improve their attributes independently of the abilities given by their patron. It allows users to gain divinity.]

[Divinity: An attribute gathered through the user's path. Used as a defense from divine abilities or to increase the effect of divine abilities. It can also be used as general enhancement. ]

It was clear what the purpose of a path was, the issues started with the divine things. As far as he knew, he didn't have any abilities it might be useful for and he guessed that he hasn't seen anyone else use one.

With most of his other questions answered, there was only the problem of Anthony. The man seemed to be doing fine despite not having a heart, and he also got himself an interface that both Peter and Sarah could look at.

[Name: Anthony Williams]

[Strength: 2.20]

[Agility: 2.20]

[Endurance: 4.00]

[Intelligence: 1.35]

[Magic: 0.65/0.90]

[Abilities: Shadow body LV1, Bone armory LV1]

There were numerous problems with this profile, most important of which was the complete absence of a couple of lines.

"Why doesn't he have health, or either forms of stamina?"

[Familiar created by Monster in the dark cannot die from physical injuries. All damage received by the familiar is recovered within 24 hours. Health indicator has become irrelevant.

Undead guardian turns its target into an undead. Undead cannot tire out. Stamina indicator has become irrelevant

As a combination of the two prior statements, the stamina attribute has become irrelevant and its value has been redistributed]

"Then what about the low numbers? He's supposed to be a lot stronger than that."

[Both abilities used determine the familiar's strength using the users' MGC attribute.

Prior condition is irrelevant.]

It was convoluted but it made sense. Giving up for now, Peter asked one last question before speaking with the others.

"What class does this make him?"

[Anthony Williams cannot be accurately classified. Estimated value: Class 6]

"Why not?"

[There is no reference for immortality.]

He went to Anthony to check up on him. The man seemed to be having fun with the interface, he even discovered a few functions that the kids had no idea about, like a built in calendar or a diary. His enthusiasm was understandable, since this is what he has been investigating for weeks now.

"Dad, how are you feeling?"

"Great, to be honest. It's unbelievable how quiet it has been since I died. And if I understood thing correctly I'll never get tired again!"

It was good to hear that the most affected person was taking things so well. He was speaking like true optimist even though he would vehemently deny being one.

"Do you have any idea why you were attacked?"

Anthony just sighed at the question. The most noticeable emotion he was displaying was disappointment.

"I don't know the specifics but it's kind of obvious. That moron of a police chief let go of the pyromaniac, who then somehow found enough money for a proper assassin. However, there won't be any problems for the foreseeable future, with the previous guy in the state he's in there won't be too many volunteers for the job.

Unfortunately, I can't keep my promise to Alex in the state I'm in, but there might be a chance in the future"

Peter felt horrible at the moment. He blamed himself for what happened and wanted to make things right but he had no idea how, until he remembered what the interface said and what he's been doing before getting injured.

"Do you want to come hunting sometime?"