Once inside the city, they made their way to the adventurer's guild to report their success and claim their reward. The guild hall was as bustling as ever, but when the group entered, a hush fell over the crowd. Eyes followed them with curiosity and respect, the tale of their triumph over the lich spreading quickly.

They approached the registration desk, where the stern woman from earlier gave them a rare smile. "Congratulations on your success. The guild acknowledges your achievement and rewards you accordingly." She handed them a pouch filled with gold and a certificate of completion.

Dorian took the reward, distributing the gold evenly among the group. "Well earned, everyone. Drinks are on me tonight!"

The guild hall erupted in cheers as they headed to a nearby tavern. The Flower Fox Inn was filled with adventurers celebrating their victories and sharing their stories. Dorian, Lyra, Thorne, and Zachariah found a table and settled in, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement.

As they enjoyed their meal, Zachariah couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. These people understood the life he was beginning to live, and the risks and rewards that came with it. He felt a surge of determination to continue growing stronger and making his mark on the world.

Later that evening, after the festivities had wound down, Zachariah found himself alone in his room at the inn. He pulled out the ancient tome he had found in the lich's sanctum, feeling its power thrumming beneath his fingertips. He opened it carefully, revealing pages filled with complex runes and spells.

As he studied the tome, he felt a strange resonance, as if the magic within was calling to him. He focused his mana, letting it flow through the pages. The runes began to glow, and he felt a surge of knowledge flood his mind.

Skill Gained

Arcane Lore (Uncommon)

You understand magic on a fundamental level

Level 1

Excited by his new skill, Zachariah continued to study the tome, practicing the concepts it contained. Hours passed, and by the time he finally closed the book, he felt a new level of mastery over his magic. The new knowledge even leveled up his skills.

Ice Affinity (Common)

9%

Mastery over ice

Increased damage, control, resistance, and more

Lightning Affinity (Common)

11%

Mastery over lightning

Increased damage, control, resistance, and more

Arcane Affinity (Common)

12%

Mastery over Arcana

Increased damage, control, resistance, and more

Arcane Manipulation (Common)

You are able to control your arcane mana

Level 15

Ice Manipulation (Common)

You are able to control your ice mana

Level 9

Lightning Manipulation (Common)

You are able to control your lightning mana

Level 10

He knew he still had much to learn, but the progress he had made filled him with confidence. As he drifted off to sleep, his mind buzzed with possibilities for the future.

The next morning, Zachariah woke early, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the window. He felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. Today, he would begin training in earnest, honing his skills and preparing for greater challenges.

After a quick breakfast, he made his way to the guild hall to find Dorian, Lyra, and Thorne. They were already there, discussing their next move.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Morning, Zachariah," Dorian greeted him with a grin. "Ready for more adventure?"

"Always," Zachariah replied, his eyes gleaming with determination. "What's next?"

Lyra unrolled a map on the table. "We've got a few options. There's a nest of goblins causing trouble to the west, a haunted forest to the north, and reports of bandit activity near the eastern trade routes."

Thorne nodded. "Each has its own risks and rewards. But first, we need to make sure we're fully equipped and prepared."

They spent the next few hours gathering supplies, upgrading their gear, and preparing for their next quest. Zachariah used some of his reward money to purchase new robes enchanted for better mana control and a set of potions for emergencies. He also found a blacksmith who enhanced Zoran's Staff, increasing its power.

Zoran’s Staff (Common)

A basic staff that slightly boosts storm magic

Level 10

Once they were fully equipped, the group reconvened at the guild hall to choose their next quest. After some deliberation, they decided to tackle the haunted forest. The reports of restless spirits and strange occurrences intrigued them, and the potential for rare items and high experience made it an enticing choice.

The journey to the haunted forest took a day, giving them plenty of time to discuss their strategy. As they neared the forest, the air grew colder, and an unnatural fog began to envelop the trees. The atmosphere was thick with unease, and even the sounds of wildlife were muted.

"Stay close," Dorian advised, his voice low. "We don't know what we're dealing with yet."

They entered the forest cautiously, weapons and spells at the ready. The trees loomed overhead, their twisted branches casting eerie shadows. As they ventured deeper, they began to hear faint whispers, and the fog grew thicker.

Zachariah felt a chill run down his spine, but he pushed forward, his senses alert. Suddenly, a ghostly figure materialized in front of them, its hollow eyes staring into their souls.

"Leave this place," it intoned, its voice echoing through the trees. "Or face the wrath of the spirits."

Dorian stepped forward, his sword raised. "We mean no harm. We're here to investigate the disturbances and put an end to them."

The spirit let out a wail, and more ghostly figures began to appear, surrounding them. Zachariah summoned his magic, feeling the familiar surge of power. "Get ready!" he shouted.

The battle with the spirits was intense. Zachariah's storm magic proved effective, his lightning and ice spells striking the ghosts and disrupting their ethereal forms. Dorian and Thorne fought with precision and strength, their weapons glowing with enchanted light. Lyra moved swiftly, her arrows piercing the spirits and dissipating their energy.

Despite their efforts, the spirits kept coming, their wails growing louder and more piercing. Zachariah knew they had to find the source of the disturbance. He focused his mana, extending his senses to search for the center of the haunting.

"There!" he shouted, pointing to a large, gnarled tree at the heart of the forest. "That's where the energy is strongest!"

The group fought their way to the tree, the spirits growing more aggressive as they approached. Zachariah channeled his magic into a powerful Storm Blast, striking the tree with all his might. The bark splintered, revealing a hidden chamber within.

Inside the chamber, a dark crystal pulsed with malevolent energy. It was the source of the haunting. Zachariah could feel its power, dark and corrupt. He knew they had to destroy it.

"Cover me!" he shouted to his companions. "I need to focus my magic on the crystal!"

Dorian, Lyra, and Thorne formed a protective circle around him, fending off the spirits as Zachariah concentrated. He summoned all his mana, feeling the storm within him reach a crescendo. Lightning crackled around him, and the air buzzed with energy.

With a final, powerful incantation, he unleashed a devastating Cyclonic Crusher directly at the crystal. The dark energy shattered, and the crystal exploded in a burst of light. The spirits let out one last wail before dissipating into the air, their presence finally laid to rest.

The forest grew quiet, the fog lifting as the sun's rays filtered through the trees. The group stood in the aftermath, breathing heavily but victorious.

"We did it," Dorian said, a smile spreading across his face. "The forest is at peace."

Zachariah felt a sense of accomplishment and relief. They grabbed a few items dropped by the core to be appraised later, then the group began their way back to Flavion, newly leveled up.

Zachariah Jax

Age 16

Human (F)

Level 5

Avatar of Storm

Health Points: 440

Mana Points: 1000

Stamina Points: 455

Strength: 17

Dexterity: 18

Constitution: 16

Intelligence: 120

Wisdom: 94

Charisma: 13

Perception: 20

Will: 71

Title: First of Class

9% Ice Affinity

11% Lightning Affinity

12% Arcane Affinity

Level 5 Achieved

New Skill Option and Upgrades Available

IDEAL UPGRADE

True Storm Affinity (Epic)

32%

Mastery over Lightning, Ice, and Arcana

Increased damage, control, resistance, and more

You are the storm

Or

IDEAL UPGRADE

True Storm Manipulation (Epic)

You are able to control your Lightning, Ice, and Arcane mana

You control the storm

Level 34

With the choices in front of him, Zachariah deliberated himself and asked his new party for advice. After some thought, he decided on the affinity skill due to it having more tangible effects of damage, control, and resistance, while the manipulation skill seemed a little bit too intangible. The items received this time were of no use to him, and they were eventually sold; the profits split between them.