Tyrants of Earth - The Legend of Artigan

Sometimes a good night’s rest really did change your perspective of things. The people he had failed still hurt of course. But things were different without a cloud of exhaustion hovering over him. It was a clear reminder that he wasn’t a machine that could keep going without pause. Quasi-Legendary title or not.

“Ryan, it’s only been like three hours. You should sleep a little more.”

“That’s one more hour than needed at my realm, it’s fine.”

They were all back at the table after his nap. Clara was more than a little annoyed at her lack of sleep. Barry was still Barry and Milo… his friend also had bags under his eyes. Ryan had probably been worrying him a little too much.

He grinned.

“So… did I mention I got a quasi-Legendary title?”

That did perk everyone up at the table. The fact that he had missed that out was the biggest reminder that he’d failed the previous after-action report.

Barry was the most impatient of the three. “Spit it out.”

“It’s the [Undisputed Apex of the Fourth Realm]. It only provides a massive buff to literally every single aspect, physical and metaphysical. Skills and no skills.”

Milock’s tone was a little less excited than Ryan expected. “By how much? Give us some comparisons”

“Even without my right arm I’m like a peak fifth realm [Warrior] and [Rogue] combined. I might even be as strong as a regular sixth realm. Include my arm into the mix and even average conditions and I’m probably fighting at the eighth realm.”

Clara seemed a little confused at that. “Didn’t you destroy the Witch Tyrant’s hex? Everyone’s saying that’s a dragonslayer level feat.”

“The difference is peak ability vs average ability.” Ryan elaborated “That was near perfect conditions and the strike was real slow. I wouldn’t expect to defeat a proper eighth realm [Rogue] that’s not willing to let me build up either.”

Barry grunted. “That fourth realm to fifth realm jump isn’t a small grade either. That’s where people go from being an enhanced human to being nearly impossible to stop by conventional means.” The orc explained to Clara, then turned to Ryan. “Hope you’re not overestimating yourself. The fifth realm is when you go up against more and more unexpected skills. Not to mention squads–teams of adventurers with more synergistic skills.”

Ryan saluted the orc. “Sir, yes sir.”

Barry huffed but didn’t respond to the taunt.

Ryan moved on. “Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. I got a Legendary upgrade quest for that title as well.”

Barry quickly tried to hide his surprise but it was too late. Ryan had seen the surprise and was grinning at him already. The orc just crossed his arms, pretending to act like he wasn’t interested.

Clara just blinked in confusion. “Isn’t that crazy? Aren’t legendaries what separates the Tyrants from everyone else?”

“It’s more than crazy.” Milock said. “I don’t think anyone has a Legendary title other than the Chieftain and the Passive Tyrants. Those might be rarer than Legendary skills.”

Ryan made a face. “If the Witch Tyrant doesn’t have a Legendary title I’ll eat her fucking hat.”

Clara looked at him weirdly. “I think that’s the wrong saying Ryan.”

“I said what I said.”

Barry the ex-[Berserker] lost his patience. “Out with it. What’s the quest?”

Ryan considered continuing to banter but even he couldn’t hold back on sharing his Legendary quest.