There were 10 known species of intelligence associated with the Galaxy Federation. Human, Manthra, Tantan, Sentori, Elryn, Hanann, Zerphil, Sandarian, Flaniji, and lastly the rarely seen Gerthier.
The Tantan came from a solar system whose star and the natural habit created a vastly diverse bi-pedal species in terms of their size. They ranged from 2 and a half tall to 10 feet tall. They all had the same color skin, it was the darkest skin tone anyone could have, a jet black. Their eyes and hair would always then be a neon color that also corresponded with the element they tied closest to.
White hair and eyes were masters of Wind, Red hair and eyes were masters of Fire, Green hair and eyes were Masters of Nature, Blue hair and eyes were masters of Water, Yellow hair and eyes were masters of Lightning, and finally Purple hair and eyes were masters of Biotics.
They were masters of the elements, naturally attuned to elemental powers, they had a massive military presence. What was scary was meeting a Tantan who had multi-colored hair and eyes. Their leader King Fhordin had all the colors running through his long hair as well as the colors swirled in his eyes. He was considered to be the most powerful elemental user in the Galaxy, no one who ever challenged him came out alive. The Federation is glad he was not born when the Tantan were discovered and joined the GF as he might have been able to conquer the GF if he was leading their armies in the first contact war between the two.
The Sentori had taken a small region of the Galaxy before joining the federation. They are a bi-pedal species but they have an incredibly diverse amount of tails on their bodies. Their skin color varies from a light tan to a dark red. The tails can be long, thin and wiry or they can be short and thick with also many variants on the tail itself like spikes, plates, fins, wings or the lack thereof.
Having a third arm in battle essentially with their tails they are an extremely deadly force in combat and have many different powers. They are not limited to the elements like the Tantan but the Legendary Heroes of the Tantan are the best in the Federation in the Elements.
The Elryn came from a solar system where the planets are more alive than anyone could imagine. Their attunement with Element Nature is beyond anyone else's. They are a pi-pedal species with a golden tint to their olive skin tone. Their ears were elongated and had a point on them. Their noses were long and thin which also came to a point. They also tended to be on the shorter side ranging from 3 to 5 feet tall.
The Hanann came from a solar system whose planets feature huge massive canyons that the only way to survive is to be able to fly. The Hanann have two sets of wings, the usual set around the shoulders but then a second set on their calves. They dominate all aerial battles as their control over flight gives them an edge over other winged species. The species ranges in size from 5 feet tall to 7 feet tall. The Hanann are sensitive in all the elements.
The Zerphil are a reclusive race whose only existence in the GF is the fact that they are the inhabitants of the only known source of natural Focaine. Focaine is a substance that when taken will heal the being back to their original 100% self. Upon discovering Focaine there was a mad rush to take over the planets that the recluses lived on but that turned out to be a bad idea. Part of why they are reclusive is that they believe their planets are gods and will provide for them. The invading forces were never heard from again. It is rumored they are Biotic specialists.
The Focaine is the only thing they trade with the GF asking only for rare metals not native to their solar system that they can use for their own purposes. After losing so many allies that foolishly attacked the Zerphil the GF accepted the trade proposal and have been in those terms since. Most don't remember this happening since it was over 1500 cycles ago, but the planets still remember and any unknown entities that try to attack them have always failed. Most have never seen or interacted with the Zerphil, just are known to be the owners and creators of Focaine.
The Sandarian are a quadruped species that has four arms as well. Their total length is around 12 to 14 feet full grown and have a scaly back. Their arms and legs can have scales and their tails always have a spike if not multiple. They do not have a home solar system that they are aware of as they have been a warring race and they don't have a central system of government. A female or "queen" Sandarian can have up to 1,000 children from one mating session and so when born they become their own little army.
The Sandarian are rumored to be the original species to conquer GF until they ran into Humans. Humans and Sandarian are the only two species that seem to not have an origin solar system known to the Galaxy. Sandarian are the most common mercenaries in the Galaxy as well as security forces. Some think they are one in the same but the job titles distinguish the two from each other, mercs attack while security defends.
The Flaniji are an aquatic intelligence that when seen on land they have what humans would wear when diving deep into oceans, only the Flaniji would have theirs filled with water. They were the masters of Element Water and on any ocean world they were a formidable force. Technology has helped them go across the Galaxy but without water their bodies suffocate. They look like normal humans except for their gills on their necks and the webbed feet. As well as their grey to blue skin colors. They also had various markings like stripes and spots.
The Gerthier have very little known about them. They only have a space portal to their solar system. They are rumored to be bi-pedal but they wear so much armor that no one has ever seen their skin. The few that know what they are under the armor are sworn to secrecy to the Gerthier that showed them.
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That night sleep hit hard for Andrei, once his mind stopped racing with the possibilities it then felt like he got the best sleep of his life. Truth was his sisters were concerned that their brother was not waking up.
All three had entered his room concerned about the noise he made. Andrei didn't realize that he had closed his eyes to look at the system and thus appeared to be asleep so his sisters had initially left him alone seeing him looking so peaceful. 2 days later and Andrei still had not moved a muscle, still looking happy and peaceful on his bed.
Julia being the fire cracker that she was, went to shake her brother multiple times and he just rested back peacefully smiling. The smiling started to creep the sisters out as it almost seemed unnatural. Lauren came in with a glass of water that used his manipulation powers to make the water just above freezing cold and splashed it on Andrei's face, still not a change.
Andrei's eyes shot open and he gasped for air as if he had not taken a breath for hours. His body jolted up and quickly Andrei was grabbing at his neck wildly. He looked around and noticed he was in his bed and his sisters were all standing across the room holding onto each other looking absolutely frightened by what they just witnessed.
"Sorry I had a crazy nightmare that I was getting bit by a beast on the neck but the beast was a guy" Andrei informed his sisters to get them to relax. He then proceeded to explain to them his power had manifested itself in the form of "Skill Sap". The triplets were both happy and quite curious as to what "Skill Sap" really meant. Andrei explained how already he could tame a beast as well as use multiple elements.
Hearing that he had been asleep for two days Andrei decided that he needed to seek professional help and the only way he knew how to do that was to go to the Military. The GFM had an Academy on each of the "White Portal Planets" of the Galaxy. These Academy's were constantly taking in any and all applicants as it was required to at least have graduated from University or the Military before you can exit the major cities to explore and go beast hunting.
If you never needed or wanted to leave the massive cities that existed on all the major planets you could go many lifetimes and still not see them all nonetheless leave the cities to explore so many people were fine never needing to graduate from either.
Andrei had decided that the Military was the place to go and his mini map was telling him to go to the recruiting center ever since he woke up. Looking to his the area that had the previous Quest he noticed had a new one.
[New Quest: Join the Military]
[Rewards: ?????]
He said his farewells to his sisters who gave him a concerned goodbye and he proceeded to the recruiting center. He followed his yellow arrow on the mini-map and after a brisk walk he arrived at the center.
Andrei walked into the recruiting center and was immediately greeted by a tall middle aged man who noticed Andrei's build and instantly went up to him. "Do you have what it takes to be the best?" The man quickly interjected towards Andrei. Andrei figured this guy was just pulling his leg so he just responded with "I will be the best".
The gentleman chuckled out loud and with a slap to Andrei's shoulder he said "Of course you're the best, let's make sure you get there!" He handed Andrei a tablet that asked him to input his information. Andrei filled it out and the man took him over to a desk he had over in the corner of the building. The man had a multitude of multi-colored bars on his chest and Andrei kept looking at them wondering what they might stand for.
"Petty Sergeant is my formal rank, Thomas Hillman at your service. I am just going to review your information and then we will discuss your next step after that." Thomas then studied what was in front of him and looked Andrei up and down.
"Care to specify what you mean by "Many" when asked what Powers you have" inquired the Petty Sergeant.
"I won't be able to hide it so the easiest way to describe it would be my ability "Skill Sap". When I use that on a new enemy I learn something new from them if there is something to learn. Yesterday before I started playing Duel for the first time I only knew how to kick people. Now I can master the five elements of Wind, Water, Lightning, Fire, and Nature."
The Petty Sergeant let out a boisterous laugh hearing this response. He was used to confident kids showing up just having learned their new power and it being combat related, but to hear this load of crap. If that was the case he would be a 25 star recruit which would put him in prime position to do whatever he wants going forward.
Thomas could only think of one thing, the bonus for finding a 25 star recruit. Not only were they rare to find but the commission on being the recruiter is said to help some retire. But he did not want to jinx himself by thinking of the unthinkable before it happens. He cleared his throat after realizing he was the only one laughing.
"Why would I believe that? Do you understand the target you are putting on your own back?" inquired the Petty Sergeant.
"I have a responsibility to a friend, his dying wish was for me to save everyone. The best way to do that is to join the Military to where I can one day run it." Andrei confidently responded to the inquiry.
"Well kid I have never heard a recruit tell me they were going to run the whole show before, so all I have to say is Welcome to the Galaxy Federation Military Academy. Class starts in 2 days for new recruits. You will have 3 weeks of introductory courses where you will be assessed and then assigned to an appropriate unit to which you will then remain a part of till you graduate or drop out. There is no dying while attending the academy. Do I make myself clear?"
"Sir Yes Sir!" Andrei responded, only hoping that was the correct response since he had seen it in movies at times when military lingo was involved.
A smile grew on the Petty Sergeant's face "We will teach you how to solute but that is one hell of a response. Now be at the Hathin Military Academy in two days time at 0500. Show this to any military personnel on or around the campus and they will direct you to the correct location.
Exiting the building Andrei stood for a few moments reading his quest for joining the military. The quest was not complete so he figured that meant he needed to show up in two days in order for that to happen.
Andrei was told to report to a specific platform at the monorail station that helped traverse the expansive major cities. The Military Academy had their own monorail from each of the stations that would run once every 5 hours to and fro. He was also told he had one more day before the Academy started so he decided to blow his last 90 GFCs on Duel.
This time he ended up getting a lot more EXP than anything else leveling up 3 times. Looks like the Skill Sap had learned everything it could from most of the opponents that Andrei was facing. He had not paid close attention to their names but if he had he would see that he was facing a lot of the same people he had already faced.
[Level 5 now achieved: +1 Stat point allotted, +1 HP, +5 Spirit]
[Level 6 now achieved: +1 Stat point allotted, +1 HP, +5 Spirit]
[Level 7 now achieved: +1 Stat point allotted, +1 HP, +5 Spirit]
Taking a break and looking at his current profile page Andrei had noticed that his body was glowing different colors and the colors represented the different Abilities he was using and from where they would exit from him. Thinking about what it meant he thought "Shock Armor" and his profile body lit up around him in the Element Lightning color of yellow. He then thought "Meteor" and one appeared in front of him hitting the floor and leaving the floor on the fire for 5 seconds.
YO! That meteor was awesome! But I am still too weak to use it, Andrei pondered, looking that he only had 40 Spirit and the Meteor cost 50. Then he thought about the other abilities he could not use and "Overlord" popped in the lower part of his vision and had a timer below it counting down from 60 minutes. Checking his stats his Stamina was now 6 instead of 5.
He had been focused on the fighting and had not noticed that his "Golem Fist" and "Wind Hammer" had both leveled up. This also unlocked a new skill in each Element.
[New Skill learned: "Wind Slash" LVL 1]
["Wind Slash" can be added to any Skill that uses Stamina. "Wind Slash" adds Element Wind to extend the attack range of the Skill it is applied to. +5 yards]
[-2 Spirit per use]
Andrei decided that it made the most sense to currently add it to his "Snap Dragon Kick" while giving the Element Lightning to the kick he could extend the attack with the "Wind Slash". He tested this out in the lobby and was even more surprised to see the lightning extend out with the "Wind Slash". He now had an even more ranged kick.
He decided to test out each of the Elements being assigned and sure enough each would go out with the "Wind Slash" creating different effects as the fire element went in the shape of a dragon's head. The lightning element made a tree of forked lightning extending out. The water element made the shape of a wolf head. Nature Element produced a python's head. He could not see the Element Wind but it actually doubled the range.
[New Skilled learned: "Sledgehammer" LVL 1]
[Two Handed mace made out of the materials surrounding the user. Will persist till cancelled or destroyed.]
[Sledgehammer reserves 20 Spirit while summoned.]
Now having upgraded his Abilities he entered another quick play and was matched against a familiar foe, Skin2Win. The one guy Andrei had been praying for all day to get matched up with. When they first appeared Skin2Win boisterous laugh was heard. "Haha, TheAnswer is back guys! He was the easiest win I have ever had, should I try to break my own record?"
Once again Andrei could not see who he was talking to but did not care. "You might want to use more than your fists this time, because the only record you're breaking is how quickly you will lose."
Skin2Win's smile disappeared, not from what Andrei had just said but when he had finally looked at the record, his opponent was on a 25 game win streak. How is this guy on a 2 game win streak nevertheless 25? Skin2Win's face got serious, "You think a win streak at Bronze is special?" trying to taunt his opponent before the match begins to get him out of his element.
"I knew at some point I would run into you, if this game has the ability to read one's mind then it was the game that made sure I ran into you. You were my first loss and now you will be the biggest victory of mine before I start my combat training at the Military Academy" Andrei confidently stated to his opponent.
"3,2,1 Fight!"
Andrei wasted no time and activated his "Shock Armor" , something that had become second nature at this point; he had also run "Skill Sap" out of habit but got the usual "duh duh" sound. "Sledgehammer" and a two handed mace appeared in his hands made from the arena's virtual diamond world. Andrei wasn't sure if this would make it better or not but it looked cool.
Something Andrei figured would not be expected would be for him to throw this huge two handed mace but that is exactly what he did. The action caught Skin2Win surprised but was not a fast enough attack to land home. The sledgehammer shattered and Andrei's Spirit started to restore from the 20 he had lost.
"Ice Axe" was his next thought and since he wasn't focused on defending anything he noticed the notification.
[Ice Axe has increased a level, it is now LVL 2]
[Now can summon two, one per hand]
Yahtzee! Thought Andrei as he then summoned a second "Ice Axe". What was Yahtzee! he thought to himself, then focused back on his task at hand.
Skin2Win closed the distance once again, attacking with "Wind Slash" from his fists at a distance. Andrei knew what was coming and wanted to try an idea he had about the Elements, "Wind Hammer" and his fist chopped down and massive force wind shot out and a loud "POP!" was heard as the two attacks collided mid air and Andrei took no damage.
Seeing this Skin2Win's face went from confidence and determination to frazzled. No one had stopped his attacks mid air before and also summoned a weapon. Was this guy a multi power user? Did he just run into someone that was actually more powerful than him at the Bronze level of Duel? All these thoughts quickly entered his mind and took him completely out of focus on what he needed to be doing.
Andrei thought maybe his "Wind Hammer" had stunned his opponent so Andrei went on the offensive and sent a "Fire Snap Dragon Kick with Wind Slash" that upon seeing the dragon's head and the amount of fire coming at him Skin2Win knew he was going to lose. But how did this guy go from so bad to this good so quickly? Skin2Win's taunts were no longer flowing from his mouth as he was now concentrating on staying alive in a fight he could not win.
Andrei kept attacking with the infused Snap Dragon Kicks as the fire would at times singe his opponents body and take off HP. That was the first time Andrei had actually used up all his Spirit and Stamina in a fight and was caught huffing and puffing. The only saving grace was Skin2Win was in the same state only he had 1HP and was being cautious as well as trying to get his Stamina back from dodging.
There was an awkward pause of only heaving breathing. Both combatants are unable to finish the other off currently. That is when Skin2Win's laugh could be heard again. "You didn't break my record for quickest defeat, but you win" and then the two were in their respective lobbies.
Andrei was really disappointed to not get the knockout as he had a 25 game streak of KO's and no forfeits. Andrei had learned that if you forfeit before losing all your HP in the game it would count as a loss and you can't play for 20 hours or a standard Galactic day. He then received a message in the game on the monitor as it was beeping.
"New Teammate request from Skin2Win"
Andrei had never thought about teaming up with people, there was the option to play with others but Andrei had focused on the solo aspects of the game thus far. With really nothing to lose he accepted the new Teammate. Then he got another request that popped up after accepting the new Teammate, Squad invite. Squad was what they called teaming up with up to 5 people in a Squad. Skin2Win had requested to join Andrei's Squad so Andrei selected Yes and Skin2Win appeared.
From an outside perspective one would have expected these two teammates had known each since they had the same exact shirt and shorts on. That was where the similarities ended and Skin2Win was now looking around the lobby of his new Teammate to see what he had accomplished so far and was shocked to see he really was a beginner.
"You really did just start playing this game, tell me something, why were you so easy before and now you have so many abilities, where were those abilities the first time?"
Andrei did not want to give out his secret especially to a complete stranger but he just said that still has not figured out the extent of his abilities but he is using Duel to get better. Skin2Win stood there pondering what to ask next. He was wondering if he was looking at the birth of a new immortal.
"I'm Paul, nice to meet you. When we first fought was that the reason you got so excited is that you just figured out a power?"
Andrei's cheeks turned red, getting caught red handed like that was unexpected. That was the first thing Andrei responded with "How did you know?"
"You seemed so distracted and excited that it only made sense. Can I ask you what you learned?"
Andrei was in his own lobby and his system was still reading his mind so it instantly performed a "Wind Hammer" in front of Paul's eyes. Paul stepped back and looked at his new teammate in awe.
"Please tell me who you are! I have to protect you!" pleaded Paul.
Andrei stood there stunned, he never expected something so blunt and forward from a complete stranger.
"Can I ask why that blunt of a statement? And protect me from what exactly?" Andrei retorted.
"If you learned Wind from me and I was your second fight and you have been winning ever since basically learning more Elements then there is a prophecy in my culture that states one day the chaos will be controlled through one that controls all. We firmly believe that King Fhordin does not control all the Elements as he does not control Element Death"
Andrei, shocked at what he just heard but also denying that he was this prophecy he simply stated his name to Paul. "Andrei Ierdna" and Paul dropped to his knees.
"Please do not tell anyone your last name again. You are the prophecy as the part that is seldom talked about is the synergy of the name of the one to save the Galaxy. Many are going to come for you if they ever find out that the prophecy has come to fruition, your name will make you an instant target."
"Also please, stop playing this game till you get stronger, you might not know this but you are becoming quite popular on the forums. People are claiming you must be cheating, while others are pretty positive they are seeing the next coming of the Supreme Commander of the Military. Meaning you are a hot topic so you need to lay low"
"That is easy as I go to Military Academy tomorrow anyways" Andrei responded without thinking. His mind was racing, not only has he now been told by two people he is the savior but what that means is that he is nowhere near ready to be said savior.
"Which MA are you attending?" Paul inquired with conviction.
"Hathin is my homeworld" Andrei responded but then realized he might have just given out too much information. Andrei had a slightly cringed look on his face and Paul smiled lightly to ease the tension.
"See you tomorrow soldier" Paul saluted Andrei and Andrei did his best to give one back, not sure if he did correctly or not. Paul then left the lobby and Andrei was left to think over a lot of things.