Too Stubborn to Die Chapter 42

“Wait, so we’re graded on our overall performance and get points based on how many trial quests we complete in this place? And then we gain access to another special store where we can spend those points before leaving the trial?”

“Yes, A-ran! Strange Douglas didn’t mention this. He wouldn’t stop talking when I arrived.”

Yeah, that sounds about right. That bastard treated me like talking to me was a waste of his time when I arrived.

“Well, thanks for letting me know,” Aaron said, not that the knowledge really changed anything. It was another motivator to work hard completing the trials, but he was already doing that anyway.

“Oh, I’m so going to show you my world!” Mo’han rocked with excitement. “You’re going to love this, A-ran. This is my homeworld, Aximos Prime. Sharing this with an alien is so strange. I grew up watching programs that portrayed aliens visiting our world in flying saucer-like spacecraft with gray, clammy skin. And now here I am, sharing my world with an alien,” Mo’han said as they got comfortable on the sofas.

“You don’t say,” Aaron replied as he took a seat beside him.

Mo’han’s people were known as asuras, both on his homeworld and throughout the multiverse, just like humans. Unlike humans, asuras were considered one of the strongest natural races found in the multiverse and didn’t hit bottlenecks until trying to pass from C grade to B grade, which meant that their worlds were commonly packed with extraordinary powerhouses.

It wasn’t unusual that an asura was the first to reach the trials. But for all their strength, their numbers were quite thin and not found in many sectors.

But ultimately, they were just one of many threats throughout the multiverse. And despite some races generally being seen as stronger than others, it didn’t guarantee their spot at the top of the food chain. The System provided opportunity to all who were willing to reach for it, and it was not uncommon for races who were commonly looked down upon to rise to the top.

Just like on Earth, Mo’han’s world would be shared with two other races once the Tutorial had finished, though the insectoids and elves shown on the screen looked like they were the ones in for a world of trouble. Because it certainly wasn’t just Mo’han who was powerful. Every Tutorial across the multiverse had started at the same time, and yet the asura top rankers were the highest-level individuals Aaron had yet to see.

If Earth’s top rankers were superhuman, these were basically gods in comparison. Aaron found himself gasping in amazement the entire time, and as much as he liked a challenge, it brought forth a troubling thought. It wasn’t just people like the necromancer or the thal’kesh that he needed to be worried about. He still had no idea how many monsters were out there, spread across the stars. Monsters that might come looking for prey on Superearth once the Tutorial was all said and done.

This is a bit of a bummer, ain’t it? It doesn’t look like I’ll be relaxing anytime soon. I’m going to have to take every opportunity to get stronger I can. So does everyone. Aaron reaffirmed his commitments as he watched the screen. His thoughts were no longer just about keeping himself out of slavery or worse, but all of Earth.

“That was entertaining, don’t you think, A-ran?” Mo’han clapped with all six hands. “How was it to take a glimpse into another world for your first time?”

“Yeah, it was fun,” Aaron grimaced.

“So then, shall we take a peek at your world? I am dying to see what your people are capable of. I can’t wait to see other aliens.”

“Sure, why not?”

Maybe it wasn’t wise to invite some alien powerhouse to view his weaker world, but it wasn’t like Mo’han couldn’t do so on his own if he chose to, anyway. Besides, despite the power difference, Aaron got a good feeling from the guy. He actually enjoyed his company, unlike some of the assistants he had met since arriving here. And besides, he liked having goals. Being an underdog hadn’t stopped him from beating trials, and it wasn’t going to stop him from trying to reach higher goals in this so-called multiverse. If there were beings naturally stronger than himself, then he’d just have to bridge the gaps between them with pure skill, just like he was currently trying to bridge the gap between his power and the top rankers of Earth, currently blasting their way through the Tutorials. It was the same thing, just on a grander scale, and he invited the challenge.

Why the fuck is this exciting me? I really am going crazy, aren’t I?

The screen flicked over from Mo’han’s world to his own, showing the two top-ranking thal’kesh. They had gained almost 20 more levels each since he had last seen them and looked just as terrifying as before.

“Those are the aliens you’re going to share your future world with? SO INTERESTING! This multiverse is fascinating beyond belief. Oh, how I hope we get to see each other again after all of this.”

“Yeah, same,” Aaron said.

The screen flicked again, switching to the top-ranking humans.

Aaron’s thoughts temporarily drifted to the level gains he had witnessed so far. They were pretty minor, all things considered. Certainly not as fast as they had been. Sure, all the top rankers had already eclipsed him, but at least they shouldn’t get too far ahead if their gains were already slowing this much.

The first human to be shown was Darius Nessar, the necromancer. He had hit level 62 and was marching with his army of undead as he slaughtered monsters on the screen, the assistant—Rudolf—explained that no other Tutorial takers still lived in his Tutorial.

“Man, that guy is a creep, A-ran. This behavior isn’t normal for your kind, is it?”

“No,” Aaron said. “We’re not normally that bad.”

“That is a relief to hear. As much as I revel in the glory of battle, I find this man quite distasteful. That foul magic and his foul Class is a scorn on my senses. I’m glad I share this place with you, and not him.”

“I’m glad too,” Aaron smiled. “Hey, what about a meal to go along with this?”

“A meal? I already ate in the dining hall, but I can always eat again. An asura always has room for more!”

“Sounds like we’re going to get along great. Let me go cook something up!”

Aaron returned moments later with a spread of fried meats. It was his version of fried chicken, one of, if not his, favorite foods before the Integration. Though there was no chicken, the batter was greenish, and there was an odd smell permeating from it.

“You cooked this?” Mo’han raised a concerned brow.

“I did. I got a cooking Profession, so I figured I’d throw something together. What better way to enjoy this entertainment?”

“Cooking? Splendid! There’s something beautiful about the simpler things in life, unlike my wormhole builder Class. You know what, A-ran? I wish I had something more charming like this. A simple cook making delicious food. Wormholes are so… extra.”

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Wait, wormhole builder? Talk about a humble brag.

“This is, it’s something alright,” Mo’han blanched as he took a bite of the green chicken. “My lords! Blech! Elgora, queen bitch of ball kicking! I mean, keep it up, little guy. Give me one moment,” Mo’han raised a finger as his face turned green and he rushed from the room.

A moment later, Aaron heard the echoed sounds of the alien expelling his guts.

Oops. Perhaps I should stick to feeding ogres.

“Back!” Mo’han exclaimed, wiping his mouth and panting as he re-entered the room.

“Sorry about that,” Aaron grimaced.

“About what? It’s fine. I’m fine. Though I think I might have eaten too much. Excuse me, but as delicious as your food is, I don’t think I’ll be able to fit any more in.”

This guy is terrible at lying.

“However, I thank you for the effort and consideration, A-ran. May your cooking take you to great heights!”

“Thanks…”

“Shall we continue the program?”

“Yeah, why not?”

Well, at least Aaron enjoyed the food. It didn’t look like much, but to his broken taste buds it was better than Popeyes.

Next up was Johan Svensson, who had pushed all the way to level 58 and taken the second-place spot. It was a beyond impressive level gain, and thanks to his whopping number of tutorial points, he was closing the gap between himself and the necromancer.

“Quite impressive, isn’t it?” Rudolf strummed his fingers. “I like this one. He might actually be the first human from your world to arrive here. He is very far along on his main quest line.”

“Really?”

“Not only that, but I hear he has a budding harem of beautiful young ladies he has hand-picked from his followers. They live in a place he called the Flower Den. Shall we take a peek? It’s quite the spectacle."

“So, he’s a creep?”

“Oh, don’t be so harsh. The way I see it, he’s making the most of the Integration. Like you could be,” Rudolf said with a creepy, suggestive undertone.

“Of course you’d see it that way. And no, I’m happy not spying on anyone.”

“You sure? C’mon, let’s take a look? He’s got all sizes, doesn’t he, Sooty?” Rudolf licked his thick lips.

“No! And Sooty, what have you been up to while I’ve been gone?”

“What? Why’d I get roped into this? I ain’t done nothing! I swear, bossman!”

“It sure doesn’t sound like nothing to me. I’m keeping an eye on you,” Aaron pointed a finger at Sooty. “You’re my helper, and your actions come back to me.”

“I, too, shall keep an eye on Sooty,” Mo’han thundered in agreement.

“I swear, bossman, I ain’t done nothing wrong,” Sooty raised his hands.

“Whatever. You’ve been warned. Now, let’s keep on topic, shall we?”

“Love to,” Sooty sighed and wiped his forehead, but Aaron’s narrowed gaze didn’t immediately leave him.

“Do your master proud, little guy,” Mo’han said to Sooty.

“So, anyway. This Johan Svensson guy basically has a cult?” Aaron said, trying to drag the conversation back to its primary topic.

“I never said that,” Rudolf replied. “He does have thousands of loyal followers, though. Who knows, maybe the girls just like him? Why’s everything got to be a cult with you humans?”

The screen panned over Johan’s army. It was quite impressive, Aaron had to admit. Many of his troops had quite valuable-looking gear, and he had all kinds working for him. Not only that, but the screen did him the pleasure of inspecting several of the man’s bodyguards and elites for him—they were all either level forty, above, or very close to hitting it.

Damn, he’s got some serious firepower. I have a feeling this guy is going to be powerful in our new world.

After inspecting their camp, which had homes built into ruins, as well as tents that spread across an entire field, the assistant switched the screens to the next ranker.

Talia Rhineheart had held her position and pressed on, gaining several more levels. However, that only put her at level 57, meaning that Johan had actually overtaken her since he last checked in with the viewing room.

I guess things are bound to change. I’ll need to keep track of this so I know who is actually the strongest once this thing ends.

Talia was making short work of a few monsters, and this time, there were actually a few others around, joining in on the battle. That said, she still clearly worked alone, and none of her battle strategies seemed to take into account any of the others.

Working with others means she probably isn’t evil, at least… probably. I guess that’s reassuring.

Aaron didn’t know if he was just trying to make himself feel better or if he truly believed that. However, something about the girl told him that she was well-meaning.

Despite Johan’s concerningly quick rise, Aaron had to admit that it was probably better that he was the top ranker, rather than the necromancer. The other rankers didn’t seem to be catching up to the deathly mage, and it was in Superearth’s best interests that the necromancer wasn’t the strongest human alive.

Next up was Ernest Sheridan, another ranker who had jumped multiple ranks. He was currently level 55, which was impressive, and if not for Johan stealing the spotlight, he would have caught Aaron’s attention more. There was also another similarity between Ernest and Johan. Ernest had also taken over his Tutorial, although his forces looked like rag-tag apocalypse survivors, rather than an army of coordinated and well-equipped troops, like Johan’s did. That being said, Ernest himself was a skilled fighter; Aaron had seen that much for himself. So, maybe the gap between them wasn’t as big as it might seem on the surface.

After that was the goblin leader, Erdek Foulbreath, the little gobliness now rode atop a throne she had her minions carry. Two dozen goblins were literally carrying a platform that her lounge throne was atop into battle, and she cast spells at her enemies whilst lounging across cushions. She even had two goblins fanning her with giant, colorful feathers.

Well, at least she’s creative, Aaron thought.

“You certainly have strange aliens in your Tutorial, A-ran. These little, green things are fascinating.”

“Tell me about it.”

The screen flickered, and Joseph Lefiti, the muscle-bound Samoan, appeared. He fought some kind of sea monster underwater. It was an impressive bout, but at level 55, he had fallen a little behind. Still, he was worth keeping an eye on, and he made short work of the monster.

While all this was happening, Aaron thought that perhaps more intriguing than the screens themselves was all the information he was learning in the process. Rudolf, Sooty, and Mo’han were all chatting as the reels of top rankers played, and they were sharing a bunch of factoids Aaron had no idea about. Namely, not all races received the same amount of Stat points per level. Not only that, but they didn't necessarily have the same effect. For example, asuras like Mo’han had absolutely ludicrously large mana pools, as well as superior health points, even if they had equal Stats to a human.

Humans were seen as a bit of the jack of all trades of the multiverse. They were also the most widely spread, although not the most populous. That honor was competed for by several insectoid races, a particularly numerous species of rat people, and species of humanoid bunnies with an addiction to copulation.

As for what to expect on Superearth after the Tutorial, he learned that goblins were generally considered one of the weaker races of the multiverse, but they still had powerhouses amongst their kind, and had a habit of forming huge, galaxy-spanning empires.

The thal’kesh, on the other hand, had relatively small populations. They could be nasty to deal with, and we're brutal warriors, but generally weren't seen as the most troublesome race to deal with as long as you avoided ocean planets that they ruled. Then again, humans weren't considered the most difficult race to deal with either.

Obviously, Aaron didn’t need to worry about the larger multiverse for a while, unless he managed to get hold of a portal or spaceship. Still, it was good to know what was out there amongst the stars. It puts things into perspective. Yeah, there were big challenges ahead of him on Earth, likely as many amongst his own kind as there were amongst others. But there were bigger fish to fry beyond that, and he had to remain wary of that.

“Excuse me,” Aaron rose from his sofa. “This has been great, but I really must continue my training.”

It bothered Aaron that he was falling behind. Sure, the trials might not provide enough experience to bridge the level gap, but at least he could learn as much as possible.

“Training!” Mo’han bounced to his feet. “You are an inspiration, A-ran! In that case, I, too, shall train. Come at me, trials! For I am Mo’han, Slayer of giants, and a wrecking ball of force shall break you! Let me see what you have! Show me this pantheon of gods, and I shall show you my might!”

Great, I inspired him to get even stronger.

With that, Mo’han shot toward the trials at incredible speed.

He's quite the theatrical one, isn't he?

But despite the worrying revelations, a smile crept across his face. He had a feeling the next few months in the trials with the big brute were going to be more fun than they had been.

But I better not let him get too far ahead.