Free Origin A.R.S. by Scottie Futch Page B

monsters with a shout!
    Arne smiled. “Reincarnation, few manage to make it the first time. Those who do will tend to get addicted. Each reincarnation is easier afterward because you are a little stronger. It’s almost necessary anyway.”
    “Necessary? Why?” asked Scott.
    The guard sergeant sighed loudly. “You haven’t faced stronger monsters and opponents yet, but I suspect that you will. I recognize that eagerness in your eyes, lad. You should know that after level one hundred monsters become obscenely powerful.”
    That tidbit of information chilled Scott a little. “How obscenely powerful?”
    “It would take a powerful group of level one hundred adventurers to take down each monster, even if they are only one level higher. If you have any notion in your head about being strong enough to fight such monsters alone, get them out. You would need to reincarnate repeatedly to become that strong, or you’ll have to unlock some incredible class. It’s possible either way, just not easy.”
    Honestly, Scott did not mind the idea of repeatedly reincarnating. He could try all of the classes! Why not, right? “Someone once told me that a truly dedicated adventurer could reach level one hundred in a year. Is that true?”
    “A year to reach level one hundred? Lad... Possible is one thing, but you would have to have an incredible bloodlust and you would need to take terrible risks. Most dedicated adventurers who don’t die can make it in a few years the first time.”
    Scott rubbed his chin. “Hey, Arne. What’s the highest level you have ever reached, if you don’t mind me asking?”
    The man squinted at Scott then laughed loudly. “Lad, that’s quite a question to ask someone who you hardly know. Most people would be highly offended.”
    “Ah, I did not know that. I’m sorry.”
    Arne waved his hand dismissively. “Its fine, its fine. The highest I have ever made it is level one hundred twenty-two. The lure of reincarnation called to me. Besides, I probably need to reincarnate two or three more times before I will attempt to reach the higher levels.”
    The process sounded fascinating, but tedious. In order to fight higher level monsters, he would need to have stats equal to multiple life-times. It could take years to acquire a special class. “I wonder who has the highest level.”
    “Highest level... hmmm.” Arne considered the question for a moment.
    Scott waited patiently to see what the man would say. Several guardsmen drew close as well. They were suddenly interested in the conversation. Few people revealed anything about their level to others. It was sometimes taboo to even speak of them.
    “I think the gods have the highest level, maybe some of the ancient dragons, or demons in the abyss. Us mortals, it’s probably one of the six great kings.”
    Scott wanted to ask about the six great kings, but Arne anticipated the question. He waved Scott of with a laugh and a smile.
    Arne said, “The six great kings are the rulers of the six strongest countries in the known world. Of course, two of them are actually queens.”
    “Ah, it would take a high level to be a king?” asked Scott.
    Arne laughed. “Oh yes, lad. If the king is not at a high level, he could be over thrown. I think all of the great kings are around level four hundred or so.”
    Scott nearly had a heart attack. Level four hundred? He could flash freeze several rats at level one. Could you even consider someone at level four hundred to even be a human being anymore? They would be more like a walking extinction level event!
    “That look in your eyes, I know it well. Yes, they are beyond normal human existence. They hold sway over most of the world because of their great power.”
    So, power was everything in this world. It was just as Scott had thought. Further news about reincarnation was useful, but he now knew that he had a long road ahead of him. How many opponents with multiple reincarnations under their belt would he fight in his