—— ? ——
Simon barely got through the first prompt before dozing off.
His body was bone tired and sitting down had been a mistake. Minutes later, adrenaline surged through him as the wind blew louder, pulling him from his slumber. He dragged himself to his feet and tried to shake the weariness from his foggy brain.
He clenched his teeth and pulled on his skill to help bring his mind back to clarity. For a minute he thought it wasn’t going to work, but then sweet sweet clarity snapped his mind to focus.
He dug into a bag, searching for a potion.
The potions were still helping, and he had been taking another whenever he felt the warm energy inside him fade.
You could just chug them back to back, but the effect of taking multiple was limited. It all depended on how badly you were injured. Someone with deadly injuries would benefit from having potion after potion dumped on them and consumed.
But if you just had a singular injury, or one broken limb, multiple potions didn’t help. At the end of the day, your body only had so many ‘paths’ the healing energies could take.
That was why Marden’s potion was effective. The divinely infused potion could travel along paths that were not easily used. They could also–apparently–just bypass paths entirely and move outside of the person before diving back into them.
Kind of creepy honestly. Brian had described them as ‘smart’ potions. If normal potions took a shotgun approach, then the potions of the Church of Sylira were like guided seeker missiles.
“Not like I’m ever using those damned things.” Simon grumbled as he chugged a normal red potion. “HIPAA lawyers would have a field day with those shmucks.”
He shook his head, then went back to reading the notices now standing.
—- SYSTEM NOTICE —-
> You have slain a Aurora Stalker
> Experience has been earned
> Level Up!
> Level Up!
> You have reached level 10!
> Further levels withheld, pending class selection.
——————————
Simon rolled his eyes.
“Sure, why not. Damned system.” He grumbled to himself. “If something went right for me, the world would screech to a halt.”
He pulled up the next prompt.
—- SYSTEM NOTICE —-
> YOU HAVE LEVELED
> Level: 8 -> 10
> You have gained:
>> 20 Stat Points.
>> 2 Skill points.
>Skill Point Allocated:
>> Theodia’s Instrumental Summon has consumed available skill points.
>> Theodia's Instrumental Summon’s hunger has been sated. Additional effects have been earned.
Harmony is offered. Growth is earned. Limits are unknown.
——————————
“Oh?” Simon looked at the prompt, rereading the new line about Theodia’s Instrumental Summon. He mentally probed for the notices related to that skill.
—- SYSTEM NOTICE —-
> SKILL GROWTH
> Skill: Theodia’s Instrumental Summon
>> Rarity: Inferior → Common
>> Modifiers:
>> Growth, Ravenous → Sated
>> Level: 1 → 3
> Use: Summons up to two random instruments for the user. These instruments will persist for 14 minutes.
> Cooldown: 25 seconds per slot.
> New Effect:
> Instrumental Summon Slot
> Description: Unsatisfied with only one instrument, Theodia enhanced her skill to allow for even more variety.
> Effect: Summoning random instruments now relies on slots that have their own cooldown. Each slot can be independently controlled by the skillholder. When an Instrument is summoned, the slot is filled, beginning its cooldown timer. Other slots can be used at any time and are independent from each other.
Note: This skill is a Growth skill; it can grow in rarity. Theodia’s desire for the skill remains, causing it to be Ravenous. Ravenous skills will consume all skill points available until they reach their potential. The skill has been sated. While sated, the skill will advance at an accelerated pace until its potential for this rarity is consumed.
——————————
“Hot damn.” Simon clapped his hands, then winced at the ache. “About time.”
He focused on the skill and felt his mind catch on it. That part that he pulled on to begin the energy pouring through him felt like it had been duplicated.
It was like he had two skills instead of one, both copies of each other.
“That would have helped so much.” He grumbled. “But, can’t complain.”
His mind flipped to the next skills.
—- SYSTEM NOTICE—
> SKILL GROWTH
> Skill: Unshakeable Resilience (Unique)
>> Level: 4 → 5
> Skill: Adaptive Physique
>> Level: 1 → 2
> Pain Resistance (Common)
>> Level: 1 → 4
> All above skills have been slightly enhanced.
> Skill: Anima Control (Rare)
>> Level: 1 → 3
>> The cost of using this skill has been reduced.
>> Reckless Retreat (Epic)
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
>> Level withheld pending achievement and skill holders choice
——————————
“Pending achievement and… skill holders' choice?”
Simon pulled the next notice to his vision.
—- System Notice —-
> ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED
> Name: Out of Your League - (2)
> Description: You survived an encounter with an enemy over twenty times your level. You should have died, yet you lived. Instead of caution, you chose to charge forward and teach the foe that dared to challenge you a lesson. Without substantially closing the gap between the two of you, an ill advised action.
Despite all odds, you succeeded and the foe that hunted you now lies dead at your feet.
> Reward: +4 Willpower, + Passive Skill.
> New Passive Skill: Reckless Advance - Epic
> Effect: Increases invasion and speed when advancing and attacking enemies stronger than you. This effect increases based on the disparity between your enemy and you.
… Synergy Detected.
——————————
> Skill Synergy
> Reckless Advance (Epic) + Reckless Retreat (Epic)
> These two skills have innate synergy with each other. Would you like to combine them? Combination of skills can have negative or positive results based on their compatibility.
> Fusion Compatibility: Harmonized, Perfect attunement.
> Combine? Yes – No.
——————————
Simon squinted at the window. “I don’t trust it.”
His mind went through the possibilities. Would he lose the effect from Reckless Retreat? That skill had been invaluable.
But… the word ‘Harmonized’ had to be a good thing… right?
“What would Kaelalin do?” Simon asked aloud.
Duh, fuse the skills, dumbass. He thought to himself.
Simon still paused, trying to decide if it was the right choice. So far, he hadn’t exactly ‘followed’ what the ‘System’ directed him towards.
He stared at the description for his new achievement. If only he had this skill when the monster was running from him.
If only.
Simon sighed.
He was over thinking this.
“Sure, what the hell. Fuse it.” He spoke to the notice.
*Ding!*
—- System Notice —-
> SKILL FUSION IN PROGRESS
> Good luck.
——————————
His heart dropped at the message. “Oh, come o–”
Simon’s words died in his throat as he doubled over in pain. It felt like something had just reached into his body and ripped out a kidney.
“GAHHHHHHH!”
His internal temperature spiked and sweat started to pour from every pore. The pain was unlike anything he had experienced and nothing he did lessened it.
Someone could have TOLD him Pain Resistance did nothing for this.
Agony swept over him in waves as he trembled on the ground. Simon felt sick, as his insides twisted and turned.
*Ding!*
Just like that, it was over.
His entire body quivered and shook as he sat up.
—- System Notice —-
> SKILL FUSION COMPLETE
> Results:
>> Reckless Advance (Epic), Reckless Retreat (Epic) have been lost.
>> Flawless Fusion. An additional effect was added. Previous skill levels added.
> New skill!
> Skill: Reckless Momentum - Epic
> Level: 3
> Description: When engaging with foes far above your level, your body and instincts shift into a state of adaptive overdrive.
Effects:
> Retreat
>> While disengaging, your evasion, reflexes and movement increase. This increase is proportional to the level disparity between your foe and you.
> Advance
>> While engaging your target, your strike speed, reflexes , and movement increase. This increase is proportional to the level disparity between your foe and you.
> Momentum Carryover
>> Changing from retreat to advance (or vice versa) temporarily boosts both effects.
——————————
Simon pumped his fist in the air. “Hell yes!”
A feeling surged through him. One he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Hope.
Of course, he still had more notices to dig through. The next one made him spit on the ground in contempt.
—- SYSTEM NOTICE —-
> WARNING - SKILLS HAVE BEEN BLOCKED
> Skill: Firm Grip ( Common )
> Skill: Brutal Bash ( Uncommon )
> Skill: Unending Strikes ( Rare )
> Source: Curse - Varrax the Unyielding
> Explanation: These skills fall under the martial domain. The curse has prevented you from learning these skills.
> Features Gained: Brand of Refusal x 5
> Total: 10 / ?
Brand of refusal has reached the first stage. Reaching this stage has granted you a class option.
Class Options: 4 → 5
Visit a hub to view your newest option.
——————————
“Asshole.” Simon spat. His eyebrow raised as he read the part about classes.
Level ten meant he could take a class right? So… How did he…
He pulled up the last notice.
—- System Notice —-
> THRESHOLD REACHED
> Through your efforts, you have grown. While not all thresholds are equal, none are to be taken lightly. By choosing a class you begin on a long journey. All classes begin as converged and may be divided to fit your goals.
> Growth is not given freely. Choose wisely.
> Threshold: First Class Selection
> Requirement to Pass: Reach level 10.
> You currently have 5 class options available to you.
>> Option 1: ???
>> Option 2: ???
>> Option 3: ???
>> Option 4: ???
>> Option 5: ???
> Note: Visit a hub to learn more and choose. More options may come available based on effort and achievement.
Harmony is offered. Growth is earned. Limits are Unknown
——————————
“Of course." Simon grumbled. “Yeah, just get level 10! It’s easy! Then you can pick your class.”
He kicked the ground causing snow to explode into the air.
“But nooooooooo. Had to get thrown into a valley where everything wants to murder me, banish me, or just fuck with me. “
His eyes turned to the sky. “Thanks a lot! Melodian the Miniscule. Like, I know I may have deserved getting cursed by you… but really?!”
Simon’s eyes read over the prompt again.
“God. DAMNIT!”
He dropped to a sitting position, his face screwed into a frustrated scowl. “At least there might be “more” options.” Simon cocked his head. “Hey System! The least you can tell me is if I could use the damn hub in Varnholt. Not sure how me strolling back into town would work out, but at least–”
—- SYSTEM NOTICE—-
> Area: Varnholt Artisan Enclave
> Subject: Simon Starfall
>Status: Banished.
> Effect: All system controlled features within the Area will not function for you. If you attempt to enter the town, security forces will be notified. Defensive measures will repel the holder of this status.
——————————
Simon squinted.
“... well fuck you too.” He sighed. "Also… Thanks… I guess.”
He leaned back into the snow.
Well that settled it. It was time to get the hell out of dodge. There was absolutely nothing here for him.
He glanced at his final notice. He had just slammed in stats when he was trying to recover from the fight with the Stalker.
That had to go on the list of “Don’t be a dumbass.”
—- STATUS —-
> Stat Points assigned.
— Body —
>> Endurance: 20
>> Vitality: 50 –> 60
>> Dexterity: 25 –> 30
>> Strength: 35
— Mind —
>> Wisdom: 8
>> Intelligence: 8
— Soul —
>> Willpower: 34
>> Charisma: 7
— Essence —
>> Luck: 13
——————————
Well. It was what it was.
For better or worse, this was who he was at the moment. All quantified in neat little boxes.
That thought pissed Simon off. He was more than a bunch of text on some page.
Well… he would become more. He would be more than just some number. A cosmic rounding error.
Simon just needed to take the first steps.
The valley began to glow and lighten as the hidden rising sun began its journey.
The first order of business was to watch a funeral…
Then he would leave and never look back.
Find a hub. Get his class.
Grow stronger.
Simon had a plan.
—— ? ——
The jet black metal table shone in the flickering lights of the expansive room. If one looked at those lights, they would almost believe that someone had reached into the heavens and dragged down the stars.
They wouldn’t be far from the truth.
Another shadowy figure swirled into existence as another member of the table arrived.
“I hope we will soon hear what is so important to beckon us all in such fashion.” The figure in the verdant seat spoke. Their voice was distorted, the magic of the place warping the sound to be unidentifiable.
“You grow bold, Verdant. Perhaps your time would be better spent elsewhere then?” the holder of the amber seat answered.
“And you are as quick to speak as ever.” Verdant replied. “I wonder how candid you would be if your identity was not so thoroughly hidden.”
Amber scoffed. “The same could be said to you.”
“Yet, I do not fear discovery.” Verdant stated, their voice stern despite the warping. “Merely name the place and I will gladly speak to you face to face.”
“Oh?” Amber replied. “Shall we mee–”
“Enough.”
All of the figures at the table froze as a colossal being covered in shadow shimmered into existence at the head of the table. The shrouded throne had arrived.
“Your petty squabbles can be resolved outside of this chamber.”
The verdant and amber seats bowed their heads. None dared to break the silence at the table
“Holder of the Sapphire Seat.” the black cloaked figure said. “You said you had news.”
Far down the table, Sapphire stood. The cloak surrounding them glowed with light, casting soft shadows.
“I do, Shrouded One.” The figure's hands emerged from their cloak. They were covered in mirage, their distinct figures clouded. Glowing energy pulsed from them, then an arcane script flowed outwards.
The symbols moved and arranged themselves into distinct shapes.
Table members gasped as they read the shapes, discerning their meaning.
At the head of the table, its leader leaned forward. Their hood pulled back slightly, exposing grinning teeth.
“So, the event we have been waiting for has finally come… ”
Their head moved and their gaze swept over the assembled beings.
“At long last, it is time to begin.”
—— ? ——
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