The new Title, and extra +3 to All Stats were an unexpected bonus, yet Alan wasn't really surprised. What was different about the abrupt Stat gain, however, was the fact that he could feel the increase to his Stats taking effect. His muscles bunched up into uncomfortable knots, and his perception of the world spun about in drunken circles. It was odd, but the sensation only lasted for a few seconds before his body readjusted to the new norm.

Having just gained his nineteenth Title, the gains were really starting to pile up. It had long since become apparent that if nothing else, there were an abundance of Titles to accrue in the Tutorial. Although the era of gaining first in (G-Stage) Titles had come to a close with his evolution, Alan was determined to pick the Tutorial up by its ankles and shake the fucking thing about until a few more good ones fell out.

Secretly, Alan had been hoping for something special to happen upon gaining ten Titles in the Tutorial. When that failed, he hoped the lucky number would be fifteen. And now he was holding to the idea that number twenty had to be the one. Not wanting to jinx it, he was refraining from speaking of his hopes out loud. Yet if he could gain Titles for accumulating a certain number is Stats, earning a Title for a set number of Titles seemed to be an obvious possibility.

I wonder if Su'ong knows any potential Titles that I could pick up… If not, surely she can point me in the right direction. Which, likely, will involve going to the Tutorial Town… It always comes back to that damned town… Rexus, you'd better be there. Prying himself away from the grasping hands of his negative emotions, Alan sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

It was with equal doses of jittery anticipation and frayed nerves that Alan returned his attention to his PSA and navigated to his newly-acquired Class Skills tab.

***CLASS SKILLS***

[Pathogenic Accumulation] Lvl 1: 0%

[Light Weapon Mastery] Lvl 1:0%

[Crossbow Mastery] Lvl 1: 0%

[Blighted Sense] Lvl 1:0%

As expected, Alan's Class Skills were listed out in the order they had been received. One after another, he focused on each of them, yet try as he might, Alan couldn't get a reaction of any kind. “What the fuck am I supposed to do with these Class Upgrade Points?!“ He demanded of his unresponsive PSA. His irate questioning was all it took for a new prompt to appear.

Class Upgrade Points detected! Navigate to Class Upgrade tab? Yes/No?

“A tab that can only be accessed when I have unused Class Upgrade Points huh? That's… Odd.“ Mentally selecting Yes, Alan scanned the provided information multiple times.

***CLASS UPGRADES***

SKILLS

[Mycelial Manifestation]- With the guidance of the Ancestral Spirit, A Warden of Blight has learned to harness the Mycelia from [Pathogenic Accumulation] to spread their corrupting influence. This Skill grants the ability to imbue accumulated Fungi into Class Skills and any weapons in their arsenal. This adds a new depth of potency to a Warden of Blight's combat capabilities, increasing their formidability and versatility in a fight. Passive increase to effects of Constitution and Endurance when using this Skill, allowing for increased resilience in battle. (Cost: 1)

[Bacterial Manifestation]- With the guidance of the Ancestral Spirit, A Warden of Blight has learned to harness the Bacteria from [Pathogenic Accumulation] to spread their contagious influence. This Skill grants the ability to imbue accumulated Bacteria into Class Skills and any weapons in the Warden's arsenal. This adds a new depth to their combat capabilities, increasing their formidability and versatility in battle. Passive increase to effects of Constitution and Endurance when using this Skill, allowing for increased resilience in battle. (Cost: 1)

[Pathogenic Inoculation]- A Warden of Blight must not only be able to harness and spread a diverse array of Pathogens, but they must also be able to protect their allies from the effects. This Skill immunizes allies to the effects of any active Pathogens from [Pathogenic Accumulation]. This can be a crucial advantage in combat, allowing the Warden to focus on spreading the Blight to enemies while protecting their allies from unintentional harm. Passive increase to the effects of the Endurance and Resistance of any effected allies, making them more resistant to the effects of pathogens, allowing for prolonged pathogenic exposure between inoculations. (Cost: 1)

[Blighted Guardian]- Having earned the favor of the Ancestral Spirit, A Warden of Blight is permitted to lead (1) of the Five Guardian Beasts of the Blighted Realm into battle when deemed necessary. This Skill calls forth Fenrir, the powerful wolf spirit to defend the Warden and their allies. Although he cannot be controlled, Fenrir's ferocity is unmatched among the Guardians of the Blighted Realm. The presence of a [Blighted Guardian] serves as a testament of a Warden of Blight's power. Passive increase to the Strength and Willpower of all allies within Fenrir's Aura. (Cost: 1)

[Rune of Subjugation] Lvl 1- Through the guidance of the Ancestral Spirit, A Warden of Blight has learned to channel their power into the formation of mystical Runes. This Skill grants the ability to brand a permanent [Rune of Subjugation] on the Souls of wild beasts, placing them under permanent command, and adding beasts to the Warden's expanding arsenal. The effect of this Rune is more potent on beasts of a lower level. Passive increase to the effects of Resistance and Willpower when attempting to subjugate beasts. Successfully subjugated beasts recieve a passive increase to the effects of their Strength and Endurance

This Skill has a current limit of (1) [Rune of Subjugation]. Cooldown: 72 hours. (Cost: 1)

UPGRADES

[Wardens Wardrobe] Lvl 1- Through the benevolence of the Ancestral Spirit, A Warden of Blight has been gifted a unique set of Class-Bound Armor and learned that protective measures are just as important as their ability to spread and control the Blight. This Class Upgrade grants access to the the first tier of their Class-Bound Armor, specifically designed to enhance their abilities and offer protection. This Armor is made of a unique blend of organic materials, imbued with the essence of Blight and strengthened by the Warden's own Willpower Stat. Once equipped, the Warden's Armor Provides a +1% bonus to All Stats, making the Warden stronger, faster and more resilient. In addition to it's protective properties, the [Warden's Wardrobe] Class upgrade also enhances the Warden's connection to their [Pathogenic Accumulation] Skill. The Armor amplifies the Warden's ability to detect and manipulate pathogenic organisms, allowing them to spread the Blight more effectively. Passive increase to the effects of Intelligence, allowing for better understanding and control over the complex workings of pathogenic organisms. (Cost: 1)

[Warden's Arsenal] Lvl 1- Through the benevolence of the Ancestral Spirit, A Warden of Blight has been gifted a wide array of Class-Bound weaponry and learned that the weapons at their disposal are just as important as their ability to spread and control the Blight. This Class Upgrade grants access to the first tier of their Class-Bound Weaponry, specifically designed to enhance their abilities and offer additional offensive options. The Class-Bound Weaponry includes a variety of options, each with their own unique properties and strengths. This Weaponry is made of a unique blend of organic materials, imbued with the essence of Blight and strengthened by the Warden's own Willpower Stat. In addition to to its offensive capabilities, the [Warden's Arsenal] can be imbued with the [Pathogenic Accumulation] Skill to further enhance their destructive power. (Cost: 1)

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

PATHOGENS

Fungi

[Blister Cap]- These Mushrooms releases spores that cause minor burns and blisters on the targets skin. (Cost: 1)

[Spiny Caps]- These Mushrooms release spores that form razor-sharp spines on the target's skin. (Cost: 1)

[Mycorrhizal Acceleration]- This Fungus accelerates the growth of nearby plants, causing them to grow faster and stronger. (Cost: 1)

[Soothing Spores]: User emits spores that promote healing in nearby allies. (Cost: 1)

Bacteria

[Diminish]- This Bacteria attacks the target's immune system, making them more vulnerable to further pathogenic effects. (Cost: 1)

[Digestive Disruption] This Bacteria infects the target with a mild illness that causes temporary intestinal discomfort. (Cost: 1)

[Adrenal Surge]- This Bacteria releases a surge of adrenaline that provides a temporary boost to the effects of Strength, Endurance and Perception. Leaves user in a weakened state. (Cost: 1)

[Regenerative Secretion]- This Bacteria produces an edible toxin that stimulates an immediate healing response in the targets immune system. (Cost: 1)

Only when Alan was sure that he had the descriptions memorized did he even contemplate making a selection. When faced with so many options, two Class Upgrade Points had gone from an exciting prospect, to something more in line with a pittance. It wasn't helping that he had no leads on how to accumulate more Upgrade Points. All things considered, Alan knew he was going to have to choose wisely.

In order to make the best possible decision, Alan first considered the Class Skills he already possessed. [Pathogenic Accumulation] seemed to be a Skill that would give a villain wet dreams. It was a fairly straightforward Skill, and easy enough to understand when taken at face value. The main problem; it was exceptionally costly to get access to.

At Level 1, all it had provided access to were two pathogens. Neither of which were very exciting. Being able to create a restorative mushroom was a novel idea, but unless they could be stored away for future use, Alan couldn't really see them being of much value. The [Repulsive Secretion] was even worse.

Aside from some kind of defensive measure to make himself smell like shit to avoid being eaten, the only way he could imagine a foul-smelling substance coming in handy once again came down to whether or not it could be stored. The idea of turtling up and defecating on himself in a last ditch effort to sour the appetite of a potential predator was a sobering thought, but if that was what it took to survive, Alan was going to tuck his head, and shit as hard as he could.

This is some bullshit right here… Alan frowned at his unintended pun. I don't even know for sure how these damned pathogens work! I guess it doesn't make much of a difference at this point… [Pathogenic Accumulation] is a passive Skill, so I can't even access any of my pathogens until I spend a point on either [Bacterial Manifestation] or [Mycelial Manifestation]!! And I'll obviously have to purchase both if I want to gain access to my full capabilities… What a load of shit…

Alan's fears were proven true, when in an attempt to ease his worries, he tried to activate [Pathogenic Accumulation] and as expected, nothing happened. He felt a slight tingle from head to toe that passed so quickly that he had to try again just to make sure the first time wasn't his imagination.

There were eight more pathogens listed on the Class Upgrade tab, many of which had definite potential, and Alan had an instinctual feeling that those were only the tip of the iceberg. It sucked to admit, but at least for the time being, the pricetag was simply too much of a drawback. At an additional 1 Class Upgrade Point each, on top of the cost to purchase the requisite Skills needed to access them in the first place, learning how to use [Pathogenic Accumulation]'s ability to absorb and nurture his own pathogens was going to have to be moved to the top of the priority list.

Alan knew what he was signing up for, yet he didn't relish the idea of ingesting a plethora of pathogenic microorganisms any more than he enjoyed being a walking mushroom and secretion factory. But until he had a pile of Class upgrade Points sitting around, stocking up on free pathogen options was going to be his best bet.

“I really hope it doesn't make me buy the pathogens I absorb…“ Alan sighed and rolled his shoulders, shoving the unnecessary worries to the back of his mind. While Pathogenic abilities were going to have to be left off the table for now, it was only a matter of time before he had the Upgrade Points to spare on [Mycelial Manifestation] and [Bacterial Manifestation]. Building up a stockpile of pathogens for [Pathogenic Accumulation] was going to have to be done eventually, so getting an early start would be a boon in both the short, and long-term.

Although it was difficult to test his theory without something to fight, Alan had little doubt that [Light Weapon Mastery] and [Crossbow Mastery] were going to be the Skills that saw the most use for however long it took to escape the Dungeon. And thankfully, they weren't going to require additional purchases to be accessable. It was a shame that the [Warden of Blight] Class had a weapon and armor lock, but between his Claws, daggers, and the Crossbow that was sitting in inventory, he was confident that he possessed at least the bare minimum equipment to utilize both Skills.

That left [Blighted Sense]. While at first glance it seemed to be an absurdly useful Skill, the reality was far more overwhelming that the description had led him to believe. Unable to stop himself, Alan activated it, and was nearly knocked off his feet. Swaying in place, it took every ounce of his Perception to handle the flood of information that was pouring into his mind.

“What the fuck!“ Alan shouted, gritting his teeth and deactivating [Blighted Sense] as quickly as the Skill would allow. The moment it was activated, Had he wanted to, Alan could've counted every individual blade of grass within twenty feet in all directions. He could sense so many sources of life that when he tried to get a handle on his newfound capabilities, and caught a brief glimpse of some kind of a small rodent and tried to isolate its presence, it all became too much to handle.

That… sucked balls… Alan rubbed his temples, trying to massage away the headache that was slow to recede, and turning his attention back to his upgrades.

[Pathogenic Inoculation] was another Skill that Alan was going to need down the line, but until he had access to pathogenic abilities, there was little use in even giving it a second glance.

Being able to summon a Guardian Spirit to lend aid in desperate times was an option that Alan considered long and hard. It was a shame that the beast couldn't be controlled, but the Stat boost provided by its Aura was enough to make up for any shortcomings. While [Blighted Guardian] would surely be of immediate use, the description of Fenrir was enough to bring up a storm of dark emotions. If that was the Moss-furred wolf from the Class Trial, Alan couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't try to kill the fucking thing on sight.

No, he was going to need a bit more time before dealing with that one.

With time slowly coming to a close on the Safe Zone clock, [Rune of Subjugation] was a no-brainer. In order to insure the Roc wasn't going to get left behind, a taming Skill was likely going to be necessary. The seventy-two hour Cooldown was also something to consider. With less than three days left in the Safe Zone, not only would Alan only have a single opportunity to get it right, but he couldn't know for sure if taming abilities would even work on a Dungeon Born Monster without first discussing it with Reggie. The one thing he had going in that regard was that Reggie would most likely be willing to alleviate any conflict of interest that the Dungeon might have.

Mind made up, Alan selected the listing for [Rune of Subjugation] and was greeted with a small dialogue box materializing directly on top of the Skill description.

Caution! Consume 1 Class Upgrade Point to unlock [Rune of Subjugation]? Yes/No?

It was with conflicting emotions that Alan selected Yes, and sacrificed the first of his Class Upgrade Points.