Read Online Ultimatum: The Proving Grounds by Wade Adrian - Free Book Online

and that was before Miller decided to make it his clubhouse. We don’t know what’s in there now.”
    “Bummer.”
    “Yes, bummer.”
    Paul returned a few moments later. “Okay, we’re going that way.” He pointed to the goblins north of the camp. “Group two is heading south, groups three and four are going to try and thin the resistance on the way into the camp.” He nodded to the two most recent additions. “The alternates are involved in this, too. We should all get a few levels here. Once it’s clear, we’re going to split into two parties, each with two groups and four alternates.”
    They nodded and Paul started them moving down the hill as he drew his sword.
    “Confession time,” Toby leaned aside to Claire. “I didn’t actually get to play this morning, and you know I wasn’t in the beta. So… the hell am I doing?”
    She gave him a level stare as they walked. “Okay… everyone has four basic abilities as part of their class. I think all of yours involve hitting things, but that isn’t surprising. If you still had your controller, you probably wouldn't be surprised to find the four face buttons issued those four commands. But here with us, with those gloves on, it’s based on your movements.”
    She lifted her hammer and moved it slowly. Nothing happened. Then she raised it over her shoulder and swung it swiftly straight down in front of her. Light appeared before the hammerhead as it moved, and a burst of air shot out when it stopped.
    “An incorrect movement gets you nothing. A correct movement keys the ability. As you advance, how you use those four together can create additional effects, but for right now just concentrate on hitting things.”
    He held up his sword and took a swing. Nothing happened.
    “Before I was duped into rolling a cleric…” She muttered, “I used to run a warrior. For them, horizontal, vertical, and stabbing were the keys. Bringing up the shield set off the final ability.”
    Amos leaned in. “Without a shield, his forth ability will probably be keyed to diagonal attacks. Not the same as horizontal or vertical, so you need to get good at having your intent come across to the censors. It takes some practice.”
    Paul’s voice could be heard from the front. “Well good news. There’s plenty of practice just ahead.”

6
    Goblin eyes turned to them as they approached. They lifted crude weapons and gave wordless cries as they ran headlong at the party.
    A window popped up in front of Toby. “The Goblin Menace: Rank 1.” Huh, it offered him boots once the camp was cleared out. Neat. He hit “Accept.”
    Paul held his shield high, his sword standing out over the top. “Claire and Jesse, keep an eye on Tobin’s health. Barbarians don’t start with much. He’ll get better, but he needs to live long enough to get there.”
    The druid nodded. “Ayup.”
    Claire rolled her eyes as she hefted her hammer. “Fine.”
    Toby readied his sword. He’d never actually used it… but he felt a smile creep onto his face just the same as the dark metal gleamed. “Soulbreaker hungers.”
    The rogue beside Toby shook his head. “Don’t start that shit. We’re supposed to be the good guys.”
    “That’s not what everyone else out there thinks.”
    “Hmm. You have a point.”
    The druid shook her head. “I don’t know about you, but I’m not evil. Chaotic neutral at worst.”
    “That’s still really bad.”
    “But it’s more fun.” She smiled as she made a quick gesture with her fingers and the nearest goblin burst into flames. It screamed… but it kept coming.
    Toby stared at her for a moment. “Wow, glad I didn’t pick a caster. I’m not sure my fingers can do that.”
    “You get used to it.” She repeated the gesture, throwing fire at each goblin as it moved into range. “Less carpal tunnel issues than all the clicking.”
    She was probably on to something there.
    Toby leveled his sword as one of the flaming goblins charged in screaming. He raised his