Utopian System

Elio found Lucien in one of the wall's upper corridors, where the Summoner was supervising training for new defensive measures.

The flying salamander vanished into his book as he approached.

"Elio?" Lucien turned, his frog familiar blinking with curiosity. "I didn't receive any report of surface disturbance. How...?"

"I climbed up the opposite side, didn't disturb the surface either," Elio explained, approaching him. His voice carried a weight that made Lucien study him more carefully. "I've discovered some things you need to know... But first, I'll give you the extended information about level 10."

Elio proceeded to explain every detail about the challenge and how to overcome it, making it clear there was risk despite knowing the method.

This information was too important to be lost.

Then he spoke about his statistics more extensively as well, his words measured and precise, each detail potentially crucial for those who would follow this path in the future.

Lucien's eyes narrowed with interest, the frog on his head leaning forward slightly. "The notes we exchanged mentioned something about an improvement in perception..."

"It's more than that," Elio leaned on the parapet, his eyes scanning the horizon while speaking.

The endless sea of monsters below seemed different now, more like a tactical challenge than an insurmountable threat.

"Level 10 allows exceeding normal limits. I can increase my strength up to 19.9 points without significant damage, my perception up to 3.9 too... Even more but at a cost." Explore stories at m,v l'e-m|p| y r

"Are those the side effects you mentioned? The bleeding?"

"Exactly. It's like... a precise threshold. And there's more."

Elio proceeded to explain about the improved magnetic control, increased resistance, and the new capabilities he had discovered.

His voice carried both pride and urgency. "The city needs to know this. When others reach level 10..."

"Elio," Lucien interrupted, noticing something in his tone. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"Forget the reason, first... I need your help," Elio responded, turning to face the Summoner. "I need you to gather all level 5 or higher you can find right now. I'm going to build two carbon towers."

"Towers of...? Wait," Lucien raised a hand, frog shifting uneasily on his head. "Why the urgency? What are you planning?"

"There's no time for explanations," Elio insisted. "Just... trust me. I need them next to one of God's punishment towers."

"Elio," Lucien's voice turned serious, concern evident in every word, "as your friend, I can't simply..."

"Please," the word came out almost as a plea. "I know you have questions. I know this seems rushed. But I promise there's a reason."

Lucien studied Elio's face for a long moment. The frog on his head croaked softly, as if sharing its master's concern.

"You've changed," he observed finally. "Since you returned from the deposit... there's something different about you."

"Many things have changed," Elio responded, his voice barely a whisper. "And more will change soon."

Another long silence stretched between them, broken only by the constant roar of monsters on the other side of the wall.

"Alright," Lucien finally yielded. "I'll gather the people you need. But after..."

"After," Elio interrupted, "you'll understand everything."

Lucien nodded slowly and turned to fulfill the request, leaving Elio alone for a moment. The flying salamander materialized again, its comforting warmth against his shoulder while he watched the Summoner walk away.

'I'm sorry, Lucien,' Elio thought. 'But some explanations have to wait.'

♢♢♢♢

Elio met with Lucien on the parapet after a while; he had gone to collect provisions, like oxygen stones that were running low and food.

Lucien finally saw the creature that Elio didn't want distracting him from his request.

But construction had already begun, so he took a moment to explain.

"It's a combination of Ember and Gust, you can choose any 2 summons for yours once you hit level 10," Elio explained while directing the builders, ensuring they formed the precise structure. The winged salamander floated nearby, its wings creating soft currents of warm air.

"A fusion of fire and wind?" Lucien asked, observing the creature with professional interest.

"Ninety points of additional magical damage," Elio responded distractedly, more focused on the growing structure before them. "Higher, we need it to exceed the punishment tower by a few meters."

The level 5 and higher builders worked in synchrony, but Elio could feel their nervousness as the structure approached the barrier's limit.

"Are you sure about this?" one of them stopped, looking up where the barrier glowed faintly. He feared that if he extended his hand outside, something might drag him out. "If the Artromus..."

"You won't leave the barrier," Elio assured, adjusting the construction's angle. "We just need the towers to extend slightly above, connected by a bridge. You can control the carbon part that remains outside from inside the barrier."

"A bridge over the god punishment tower?" Lucien frowned, studying the design taking shape.

"Exactly. The towers will be the pillars, but the bridge is the key." Elio requested another layer of carbon upward. "Keep the layers thin but resistant."

The builders continued their work, though their occasional glances at the sky revealed their constant concern about the Artromus.

The winged salamander seemed to sense their unease, flying in protective circles over the group as they worked.

"There's something you're not telling me," Lucien murmured, observing Elio's almost frantic determination.

"There are many things I'm not telling you," Elio admitted, without stopping work. "But right now, all that matters is finishing this before the emblems..."

"The temporary emblems," Lucien completed Elio's interrupted phrase. His eyes narrowed with understanding and concern. "You plan to face it now."

It wasn't a question.

"Elio, this is madness," he continued, lowering his voice so only they could hear. "Even being level 10... wait a bit longer. Selene and I already reached level 8 thanks to your information. With just a little more time..."

"There is no time," Elio cut in. "This could be my only real chance."

"The barrier still holds." Lucien pointed to the energy field above them. "We can prepare better, plan a safer strategy."

Elio finally stopped giving orders to the builders, turning to face the Summoner.

"What if it fails tomorrow? Or when I'm not here?" His voice trembled slightly with contained emotion.

"My mother, my siblings, the entire city... what will happen if the Artromus decides to attack while I'm below?"

"As we had planned we can send you a warning if something..."

"Do you know how long it would take me to climb up? Almost an hour, I would also have to spend some mana to arrive sooner... How many people would die while I arrive?"

Elio shook his head.

"No. I can't risk it. Not when I have the chance to end this now."