Metatron, how much time is left for conversion?

" In the beginning it took 26H39M57S to convert absorbed psyn energy into 320 EP.  You now have 25H58M32S remaining. "

If I fought my Shadow again would it be harder than before?

"You have obtained more skills and abilities, and there is more time remaining in conversion than before. The Shadow will reflect these changes with greatly increased strength."

*Sigh*

Better not risk it right now, even though I recovered all my HP and SP, I still feel mentally fatigued.

"That would be for the best. As of now your odds of survival are 11%."

Van laughed as he refocused on the crossroads and the new paths created. 

Aura (lvl1) Envelop oneself in light to double all stats. Active. Cost: 25 EP per second.

Unlock: Lux x2

Requirements: Barrier, Charge

Halo (lvl2) Exchange EP to heal others. Active. Cost: 3 EP per HP healed.

Upgrade: Lux x2

Requirements: Barrier (lvl2), Laser (lvl2)

Flash (lvl1) Inflict a blinding light that stuns and weakens targets, all targets are weakened even if they are not blinded. Active. Cost: 50 EP.

Unlock: Lux x2

Requirements: Charge, Laser

3 of the paths that joined the western most path were still dark and illegible. 

I need to unlock this ability to see the rest, huh? Metatron what skills do I need to unlock this path?

"I cannot tell you what is beyond your own capabilities. But I could guess that from the skills you already possess, you need only improve them to find out."

Van studied the description of the path.

"Refract Light. Glimmer like the calmest waters and shroud yourself in mysterious light."

Calm waters. What skills do I have tnow that are like calm waters?

Hmm, no. The water part refers to the nature of the light, not the function of the skill. 

Van was employing his triple digit intelligence stat.

I got Charge from 2 attack based skills, Barrier from defensive skills and Laser from utility skills focused on aiming. So this final skill must be a different utility possibly focused on evasion.

Making my reflex skill and 1 other requirement. But which 1?

" Most likely a skill you have not been using very often? Possibly a skill you have completely stopped using."

I use all my skills, all the time. Van scrolled through his now lengthy list of skills until one stood out.

Sneak?

[NOTICE

You have discovered the requirements to unlock the ability Camo. You do not meet the requirements to unlock this ability. ]

The final path lit up for Van to see.

Charge (lvl1) Channel light into hands and strike with elemental damage. Spend additional EP to increase damage. Active. Cost: 20 EP ]

Upgrade: Lux x1

Requirements: Force (⁴/⁴) , Melee (⁴/⁴).

Barrier (lvl 1) Construct a hard light defensive bubble, able to block and reflect incoming attacks. Spend additional EP to increase the damage threshold. Active. Cost: 2 EP per second.

Upgrade: Lux x1

Requirements: Grit (⁴/⁴), Armorer (⁴/⁴).

Camo (lvl 1) Cloak oneself in refracted light to attain invisibility. Spend additional EP to extend range to others. Active. Cost: 2 EP per second.

Unlock: Lux x1

Requirements: Sneak (¾) or above, Reflex (¾) or above.

Laser (lvl 1) Concentrate blasts of light projectiles for long range elemental damage. Spend additional EP to manipulate the size, shape and force of the light. Active. Cost: 5 EP.

Upgrade: Lux x1

Requirements: Marksman (⁴/⁴), Focus (⁴/⁴).

Might as well upgrade Charge and unlock Aura and Flash, then figure out how to level up my sneak skill. 

Van watched as the Charge ability updated in real time.

Charge (lvl2) Channel light into hands and strike with elemental damage. Spend additional EP to increase damage. Active. Cost: 15 EP ]

Upgrade: Lux x1

Requirements: Force (⁴/⁴), Melee (⁴/⁴), Martial Arts (⁴/⁴), Overpower (⁴/⁴).

Looks like abilities can keep growing with me.

"Van?"

Uh, yeah Metatron?

"In recognition of your previous questions, I have come up with the best answer given our current situation."

You mean when I asked about your name and why it seemed familiar?

"Indeed."

Ok, I'm listening.

"As you may have already surmised, the origins of my name come from the angel who was once human then came to serve God directly. Our creator chose these names because angels, like us, were created to serve, protect, guide and benefit humanity and our creator."

When you say us, how many are we talking about?

" We were many but only half remain. As for our expressed purposes, just know that I exist within the system and aid those who can manifest the system."

But what exactly is the system? Who are the others? Where-

" I understand that you have many more questions, but please accept that telling you more would only put you in danger. You must become much stronger for what lies ahead."

After that, Metatron went silent. Van tried coaxing and yelling but got the same response. So in turn he went silent and waited.

When the conversion was complete, Van motioned to leave but stopped when Metatron called out once more.

"Do not tell anyone of this, or they too will be a grave danger."

…

Since an entire day had passed, he was starving. So he left his quarters to find food. While walking he got the idea to train his Sneak skill at the same time.

But the puzzled looks of guards and settlers was too much embarrassment to endure. 

In the common areas inside the stadium there were restaurants set up where the old food court used to be. Across the way was an eating area with tables and chairs already set up.

Van decided he would have a cooked meal for the first time since waking out of stasis. After all, the Commander was thoughtful enough to send his pay from the last job to his doorstep.

After browsing the menus he decided on the house special. Settlement Stew: Farm fresh rabbit, farm fresh veggies, filtered water , canned stock served over rice with a side of freshly squeezed juice.

2 hot bowls were delivered to his table, but just as Van was about to speak, a woman sat down across from him.

"I figured you were in a coma after that last fight." Juni blew on a spoonful of stew.

"Yea, I was exhausted." Van replied.

"Did you get a chance to meditate? I know a great spot-"

"Yea, I did that too." Van replied. He had almost forgotten that all Unturned meditated to process psyn energy.

Both became silent for a moment. intently eating their soup and exchanging nervous graces. 

Van hadn't noticed it before, but Juni was really cute outside her armor. Of course she was still in uniform. Hair tied back neatly in a bun but a few rebellious curls managed to escape. Her body was tone and fit but her long legs still looked shapely and soft. 

Juni was taller than most women Van had seen around but not by much. Her torso seemed to be average length but her legs were much longer and bigger than one would expect. She sort of resembled a certain street fighting game character who was famous for the same assets. And she had very gentle eyes 

"Sorry didn't mean to interrupt." Van cut the silence while making unintentional eye contact.

"No it's ok." Juni smiled.

"Hey, can I ask you a personal question?" Van spoke between sips of juice.

Juni gulped down a mouthful quickly, "Sure!"

"When you meditate, what's it like?"

Juni shifted in her chair a little. She seemed disappointed.

" Well, that is personal, but I don't mind telling you." Juni smiled again. "Sometimes I forget how recently you got your Variant, your just so strong already."

Juni went on to explain meditation in the simplest way she knew.

Essentially all Unturned enter a state of intense focus within their subconscious. An inner world if you would. Within that world they actively reflect on their experiences to metabolize the psyn energy they absorbed and increase their capacity for it.

Van was able to follow along well, it was very similar to his own method of conversion.

"What's it like in your inner world? Is there a voice?" Van urged.

"A voice? No. I've never heard of someone having a voice." Juni pondered. "Do you?"

"Me? No. Not me. Mine is just really dark. Dark and quiet. No voice." Van quickly explained.

"Makes sense. The Commander says that everyone's inner world is created from what they lack and need to build upon. Yours is dark because you make the light shine the way. Mine is a series of cliffs, full of broken bridges, and I use my vines to make connections."

Van sat and absorbed the knowledge while finishing his food.

Juno changed the subject before he could leave.

"So are you planning or resting or doing work before the Blackguard returns?"

"The Blackguard?" Van stopped clearing up his space.

"Yea, they've been summoned back for the trials. There's supposed to be a big mission coming up."

"Hmm. I do remember the Commander mentioning something about that. He said our job was just a temporary fix until the Blackguard returned."

"I'm guessing your going to participate in the trials. Right? I know I am."

"The trials?" Van questioned.

Juni leaned in to explain it all. 

" To join the Blackguard you need to complete certain criteria. Mainly you need to either complete jobs of high difficulty or rank up in the guards. You and I have done both! Next you have to complete tasks assigned directly by existing Black members. Pass at least half of them to join. It's that easy. We just have to pass 3 of the 6 challenges they throw our way."

Juni was standing over the table, unable to contain her excitement.

Van wondered if he should join the Blackguard or remain free as a Scav. But before then he wanted to get stronger.

"Hey Juni." 

"Yea?"

"Do you know of any jobs I can do that require some degree of stealth?"

Juni smiled, " Great minds think alike. I've been doing combat drills with the Night Guard Commissioner, Blackguard Isa to prepare for the trials. If you want stealth training, go over Commissioner Syren. Tell her I sent you!

Van stood up to leave and clear off his space but Juni quickly placed her empty bowl inside of his.

"Um, thanks" Van replied sheepishly as their hands touched.

"Your welcome and good luck!" Juni replied while she walked towards the food court to return the dirty dishes.

Van left the food court and went towards the guard office. Before opening the door he came to a stunning revelation.

Did I just have my first date?