CHAPTER 14: THE SIEGE OF FROSTHOLM
The morning sky hung heavy with clouds, the faint light of the sun casting an ethereal glow over Frostholm’s snow-covered rooftops. The villagers gathered in the central square, their breath visible in the frigid air as they whispered to one another. Freya stood near the edge of the crowd, her arms crossed, her sharp gaze fixed on John, who stood before an arrangement of three artifacts placed carefully on a stone pedestal.
The Heartstone, pulsating with a steady crimson glow, seemed to radiate warmth even in the icy chill. Beside it, the Soulflame flickered like a trapped azure fire within its crystalline shell, its light casting eerie, dancing shadows. The Graven Crown, dark and ancient, rested between the two, exuding an aura of deep power that seemed to whisper promises and warnings in equal measure.
John’s voice broke the murmurs, steady and commanding. “Frostholm has endured much, raiders, shadows, and storms. And now, we face the Warden’s army. But this time, we will not just endure. We will stand stronger than ever.”
The villagers leaned in, their attention rapt. Behind John, Bjorn nodded solemnly, and Freya allowed a faint smile to flicker across her face. John’s tone hardened, his voice carrying over the wind. “These artifacts are more than relics, they are tools of transformation. And today, we will use them to forge a future where Frostholm is unbreakable.”
He raised his hands, and the system interface flared into existence, visible only to him but felt by all as the air grew heavy with power. With a flick of his hand, John selected the first upgrade.
[Upgrade Initiated: Stone and Bone Walls]
A deep rumble shook the ground beneath their feet. The wooden palisade that had long encircled Frostholm began to quiver and groan as planks were wrenched from their bindings. The crowd gasped as bones,hundreds, perhaps thousands, rose from the stockpiles scattered around the village, swirling like a white blizzard toward the perimeter. Stone fragments, too, lifted into the air as if summoned by an unseen force, joining the vortex of bones.
The villagers stepped back, clutching one another as the wall transformed before their eyes. The bones wove themselves seamlessly with the stone, forming a towering barrier that glowed faintly with necromantic energy. Jagged spikes jutted from its surface, gleaming like the teeth of some ancient predator. Pale green runes flickered to life along the length of the wall, humming with power and instilling an unnatural strength into the structure.
The crowd erupted into awed murmurs, Bjorn nodding appreciatively. “That’ll hold,” he muttered. Freya smirked, her eyes glinting. “It’s more than a wall, it’s a warning.”
John wasn’t done. His gaze turned to the towering skeletal structure at the center of the square, the foundation of what would become the Soulforge Nexus. He placed a hand on the artifacts, the Heartstone thrumming under his palm like a heartbeat. Freya and the villagers held their breath as he activated the next upgrade.
[Upgrade Initiated: Soulforge Nexus]
The artifacts flared to life, their light brightening until the entire square was bathed in a dazzling glow. The Heartstone’s crimson radiance spilled out like liquid fire, melding with the azure flames of the Soulflame and the dark energy of the Graven Crown. A beam of multicolored light shot into the sky, splitting the clouds and illuminating the entire village in an otherworldly brilliance.
Bones and stones lifted from their places around the square, swirling upward to join the beam. The structure at the center pulsed as though alive, growing and shifting with each heartbeat. The villagers gasped as the Nexus began to take form, a towering obelisk of bone and obsidian, etched with runes that glowed in the same eerie colors as the artifacts.
The light intensified, the air vibrating with raw power. A pulse of energy exploded outward, washing over the village. The cold, biting air was momentarily replaced with a strange warmth, and a shimmering barrier of green light enveloped Frostholm. The villagers gaped as the Nexus’s energy settled into a steady rhythm, its pulse audible in their ears like a heartbeat.
John staggered slightly, catching himself on the pedestal as the system chimed softly in his mind.
[Soulforge Nexus Activated]
Effects:
* Necrotic Ward: Reduces the effectiveness of enemy necromancy within Frostholm’s boundaries.
* Soulflow Connection: Enhances mana regeneration for John and his minions during combat.
* Minion Synergy: Strengthens all summoned constructs when within the Nexus’s radius.
The villagers erupted into cheers, their fear momentarily replaced by hope. Freya stepped up beside John, her voice low and impressed. “You’ve built us a fortress, Bone Caller. And a damned impressive one at that.”
John nodded, though his eyes remained on the Nexus, its light casting long shadows across the square. “It’s more than a fortress. It’s a promise. Frostholm will stand.”
But as the Nexus pulsed, John felt the artifacts’ power lingering in the air. They were not silent, whispering warnings only he could hear. For now, though, the villagers needed hope, and he would give it to them.
The snow crunched beneath John’s boots as he walked alongside Freya and Bjorn, the three of them surveying the perimeter of Frostholm’s newly fortified walls. The towering barrier of bone and stone now gleamed faintly in the pale winter sunlight, its necromantic runes casting faint flickers of light across the snow. The transformation had bolstered more than just the village’s defenses, it had given its people a renewed sense of hope, albeit tempered by the looming threat of the Warden’s army.
Bjorn squinted at the distant treeline, his massive arms crossed. “They’ll come from there. Mark my words. Shadows prefer cover, and those woods will hide an army.”
Freya nodded, her eyes scanning the horizon with a predator’s intensity. “We need to hit them before they get too close. Traps here, here, and here.” She gestured to patches of snow where the terrain dipped slightly. “Pitfalls reinforced with skeletons. Bone spikes under the snow. Barricades at choke points.”
John nodded thoughtfully. The system interface floated before his eyes, outlining the allocation of resources and the deployment of his constructs. “We can make that work,” he said. “The skeletal garrison will handle the heavy lifting. I’ll position the Soulfire skeletons near the village center, they’ll act as the last line of defense.”
Bjorn grunted approvingly. “And the villagers?”
“They’ll be ready,” Freya interjected firmly. “We’ve trained harder since the last attack. With the new Shadow-Steel weapons, they’ll stand a chance.”
John cast a glance toward the training grounds, where a group of villagers was sparring under Freya’s watchful eye. Shadow-Steel axes gleamed in their hands, their edges glowing faintly with necrotic energy. Nearby, a group of Soulfire skeletons stood at attention, their flickering blue flames casting an eerie glow on the ground.
Freya’s voice was sharp as she barked orders to the villagers. “Keep your stances wide! Don’t swing too early, let them come to you!” She corrected a younger fighter’s grip, her movements swift and precise. Despite the tension in the air, there was a confidence in her bearing that seemed to infect the others.
Satisfied, John turned his attention to the Bone Golem standing motionless near the training grounds. Its hulking frame loomed over the skeletons and villagers alike, its spiked armor and glowing runes a testament to the recent upgrades. John extended a hand, willing the creature to step forward.
“Let’s test you out,” he muttered.
The Bone Golem moved with surprising agility for its size, each step shaking the ground. John directed it toward a line of hastily constructed dummies, motioning for it to attack. The golem raised one of its massive fists, but instead of striking directly, it reached down and scooped up a chunk of earth and stone, hurling it at the targets. The boulder smashed into the dummies, scattering debris across the field.
Freya let out a low whistle, her smirk unmistakable. “I think your giant just learned a new trick.”
“Useful,” John said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “The taunting aura should draw attention away from the villagers, too.”
Bjorn chuckled, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. “Let’s hope it works. That thing’s enough to make even me think twice.”
John turned to face the gathered villagers and skeletons, their eyes, or sockets, fixed on him. He took a deep breath, summoning the same determination that had carried him this far.
“Frostholm has faced countless trials,” he began, his voice steady and clear. “Raiders, shadows, storms, we’ve survived them all. But the Warden’s army is unlike anything we’ve seen. They come not just for our lives, but for our hope, our future.”
The villagers murmured, their fear palpable. John raised a hand, silencing them. “And yet, here we stand, stronger than ever. Look around you. These walls, these weapons, this village, they are proof of what we can achieve together.”
His gaze swept over the crowd, meeting their eyes one by one. “The Warden may bring an army, but we are not alone. We have bone, fire, and resolve. And today, we show the Warden what Frostholm is made of.”
The villagers erupted into cheers, their voices echoing against the towering walls. Even the Soulfire skeletons seemed to flicker brighter, their flames responding to the surge of energy in the air.
Freya clapped him on the shoulder, her grin wide. “Not bad, Bone Caller. You might actually be getting good at this.”
John smirked, his focus already shifting to the horizon. “Let’s hope it’s enough. They’ll be here soon.”
The group dispersed, each person and construct taking their positions as the village braced for the coming storm. Above them, the Nexus pulsed steadily, its energy radiating like a heartbeat. Frostholm was ready, or as ready as it could be.
The Warden’s army was coming. And John intended to meet it head-on.
The icy wind howled through the trees as the first glimmers of movement stirred at the edge of the forest. John stood atop the wall, the Nexus’s faint glow casting his features in an otherworldly light. Freya was beside him, her Shadow-Steel dagger gleaming in her hand. Bjorn was further down, barking orders to the villagers who gripped their weapons with trembling hands.
“They’re here,” Freya said, her voice calm but edged with tension.
John nodded. His voice carried across the wall. “Hold the line. Let the traps do their work.”
From the treeline, a tide of twisted figures poured out, undead abominations and corrupted raiders, their forms glowing faintly with sickly green light. Their moans and guttural growls echoed in the cold night air, sending shivers through the defenders.
“Cheerful bunch,” Freya muttered, gripping her axe tighter. “Maybe they just want to borrow a cup of sugar.”
“If they ask nicely, we can discuss it,” John replied dryly, raising his hand. “Until then…”
With a thought, the traps John and Freya had meticulously planned sprang to life. Pitfalls hidden beneath snow collapsed beneath the first wave of attackers, sending them tumbling into jagged pits where skeletal hands erupted to drag them down. Bone spikes shot up from the ground in a line, impaling the next wave with brutal efficiency.
Bjorn let out a satisfied grunt. “That’ll teach ’em.”
John smirked but kept his focus. He gestured again, commanding the Soulfire skeletons to advance. The flaming constructs moved with eerie precision, their burning swords slicing through the stragglers.
“Freya,” John called, nodding toward the fray. “Your turn.”
Freya didn’t hesitate. She vaulted over the wall, landing with a thud among the chaos. Her Shadow-Steel dagger flashed as she carved through the corrupted forces with deadly efficiency. One raider lunged at her, only to have its arm severed before its body crumbled to ash.
“Come on!” she shouted, rallying the villagers. “They’re not invincible, just ugly!”
The villagers surged forward, their Shadow-Steel weapons striking true. The enhancements glowed with faint necrotic energy, each blow carving through the attackers with unnatural ease. Confidence replaced fear as they began to hold their ground.
John, still atop the wall, scanned the battlefield. The Necrotic Ward radiating from the Nexus was working as intended, shadow creatures slowed, their movements hindered by the oppressive energy. It wasn’t enough to stop them completely, but it gave Frostholm a fighting chance.
Just as the defenders began to gain ground, the forest shifted again. Massive shadow-infused beasts emerged, their hulking forms dwarfing the other attackers. Each step they took left the ground blackened and cracked, their glowing eyes locked on the village.
“Well,” Freya called back, dodging a swipe from one of the beasts. “This complicates things.”
John didn’t reply immediately. He extended his hand, summoning the Bone Golem. The towering construct strode forward, its spiked armor catching the light of the Soulfire skeletons. With a roar, it hurled a massive boulder at the nearest beast, the impact sending it reeling.
The Bone Golem’s taunting aura kicked in, drawing the creatures’ attention. They charged at it, their massive claws raking against its armor. The golem held firm, its runes glowing brighter as it slammed its fists into the ground, sending a shockwave rippling outward.
John raised his other hand, activating Soulfire Cascade. A wave of necrotic energy surged forward, cutting through the smaller enemies and buying the defenders precious time to regroup. The villagers cheered as the tide momentarily shifted back in their favor.
“Nice trick,” Freya called, slicing through another raider. “Think you can teach me that one?”
“Sure,” John replied, directing a group of Soulfire skeletons to cover her. “Just spend a decade learning necromancy and strike a deal with an otherworldly system.”
Freya barked a laugh. “I’ll pass.”
The battle raged on, the shadow beasts pressing hard against the Bone Golem and skeletons. Freya’s warriors worked in tandem with the constructs, their strikes coordinated under John’s Command Aura. The synchronization was almost uncanny, an axe swing followed by a skeleton’s stab, a villager’s shield block creating an opening for a Soulfire projectile.
Despite their best efforts, the enemy forces showed no sign of relenting. The defenders were growing tired, their movements slowing.
Then, the shadows shifted unnaturally. The air grew colder, heavier, and a dark figure appeared outside the Nexus. The Warden’s projection loomed tall and foreboding, his hollow eyes glowing like smoldering embers.
“Bone Caller,” the Warden’s voice echoed, low and mocking. “How valiant of you to resist. But resistance is futile. Your strength is borrowed, your power fleeting.”
Several villagers faltered, their weapons trembling in their hands. The aura of fear emanating from the Warden seemed to pierce their very souls.
“Hey!” Freya’s voice cut through the dread like a blade. “Ignore the overgrown shadow puppet. We’ve got a fight to win!”
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John seized the moment. “She’s right. Hold the line! This is our home, and we’re not giving it up!”
The villagers rallied, their fear replaced with renewed determination. The battle turned once more, the defenders cutting through the enemy forces with devastating precision. The Bone Golem unleashed another boulder, crushing one of the shadow beasts, while Soulfire projectiles rained down from the newly stationed Bone Sentinels on the walls.
Freya glanced back at John, her smirk returning despite the chaos. “Not bad, Bone Caller. Not bad at all.”
John allowed himself a brief smile before returning his focus to the fight. The battle was far from over, but for the first time that night, victory felt within reach.
The battle raged in the shadow of the Nexus, the ground littered with the broken remains of skeletons, raiders, and corrupted creatures. Frostholm’s defenders fought valiantly, but exhaustion was beginning to creep into every swing of a sword, every block of a shield. Above it all, the Nexus pulsed faintly, its power a steady beacon in the chaos.
Then, the air grew heavier, colder. A deep, unnatural silence fell over the battlefield, the kind of silence that made breaths seem deafening. John felt the shift before he saw it. The shadows at the forest's edge twisted unnaturally, converging into a single, towering figure.
The Warden’s projection emerged, a colossal form of shadow and bone. Its hollow eyes burned with a malevolent green light, and its voice, deep and resonant, rolled over the battlefield like thunder.
“You fight well for mortals,” the Warden mocked, his tone dripping with disdain. “But your efforts are meaningless. Frostholm will fall, and with it, your pitiful resistance.”
An oppressive aura of fear swept across the battlefield. Villagers hesitated, their weapons faltering in their grips. Some stepped back, their eyes wide with terror. Even the skeletons seemed to flicker under the weight of the Warden’s presence.
“Pathetic,” the Warden sneered. His gaze shifted to John, standing atop the wall, spear in hand. “And you, Bone Caller. Do you truly believe your borrowed power can stand against me? You are a child playing with tools you cannot comprehend.”
John gritted his teeth, gripping his spear tighter. “If you’re so confident, why don’t you show up in person?”
The Warden’s laughter was a low, chilling rumble. “Soon enough, Bone Caller. For now, enjoy the illusion of hope.”
Freya’s voice cut through the tension. “Hey! Big shadowy jerk!” She stood in the fray, her Shadow-Steel dagger glinting as she waved it defiantly. “If you’re trying to scare us, you’re going to have to do better than bad breath and empty threats.”
The Warden’s hollow gaze turned to her, and for a moment, the air seemed to crackle with restrained malice. “Ah, the hunter. Brave words for one who will fall first.”
“Try me,” Freya growled, lunging at a nearby raider and cleaving it in two. She glanced back at the faltering villagers, raising her voice. “Frostholm doesn’t bow to cowards, and neither do we! Stand up, fight, or let your children ask why you didn’t!”
Her words pierced through the haze of fear. The villagers straightened, their grips tightening on their weapons. The skeletons, seemingly bolstered by the defenders’ resolve, advanced with renewed vigor.
John seized the moment. He activated Command Aura, the Nexus responding instantly to his will. A faint golden glow radiated outward, weaving through the defenders like a thread of unity. Skeletons and villagers moved as one, their strikes synchronized, their defenses impenetrable.
“Freya, lead the charge!” John shouted, his voice carrying over the battlefield. “Bjorn, anchor the left flank. I’ll reinforce the center.”
Freya grinned, slashing through a corrupted beast. “Now you’re speaking my language!”
The Bone Golem roared, its taunting aura drawing the largest shadow creatures toward it. It hurled boulders with devastating precision, smashing through clusters of enemies and scattering their ranks. Meanwhile, the newly stationed Bone Sentinels on the walls unleashed barrages of Soulfire projectiles, their accuracy deadly under the Nexus’s influence.
“Now, hit them hard!” John commanded.
The defenders surged forward, their strikes empowered by the dark steel weapons. A villager’s axe glowed as it cleaved through a shadow beast’s thick hide. A skeletal champion wielding a flaming sword leapt into the fray, cutting down three raiders in a single swing.
Freya, her own dagger now glowing with spectral energy, carved a path through the enemy lines. “This,” she shouted, grinning, “is how you throw a party!”
The battle shifted. The Warden’s forces faltered under the relentless assault, their ranks thinning as the defenders pressed their advantage. The Bone Golem, bolstered by the Nexus, smashed the last of the shadow beasts into the ground, its spiked fists leaving craters in their wake.
The Warden’s projection watched silently as his forces were pushed back. When only a handful of raiders remained, he spoke again, his voice colder than ever.
“Impressive, Bone Caller. But this is only the beginning.”
The projection dissolved, the shadows retreating into the forest. The battlefield fell silent except for the labored breaths of the defenders. Frostholm had held, but the victory felt fragile, the threat far from over.
Freya joined John atop the wall, her face streaked with soot and blood but her grin unyielding. “That was… intense.”
John nodded, his exhaustion catching up with him. “We won’t get a second chance. We need to prepare for what’s coming.”
Freya clapped him on the shoulder. “Then we’ll prepare. But first… maybe a drink?”
John chuckled despite himself. “You’ve earned it.”
For now, Frostholm stood, but the shadow of the Warden loomed larger than ever.
The battlefield was eerily quiet, save for the crackle of flames from shattered barricades and the occasional groan of a wounded villager. Frostholm stood, battered but unbroken. The once-pristine snow was now churned into a muddy battlefield littered with remnants of the Warden’s twisted army: shards of bone, fading wisps of shadow, and the occasional smoldering pile where Soulfire had done its work.
John leaned heavily on his spear, the Nexus's residual energy still humming faintly through him. He scanned the field, counting survivors and taking stock of the damage. Freya approached, her armor streaked with soot and ichor, her Shadow-Steel dagger still glowing faintly from the Nexus's power.
“Well, Bone Caller,” she said, grinning despite the exhaustion in her voice, “looks like we’re still here. Mostly.”
John gave a tired nod. “Barely. We lost a lot of skeletons.”
Freya raised an eyebrow. “You’re seriously prioritizing the skeleton count?”
“They don’t grow back,” John quipped, gesturing to the broken remains of his skeletal garrison. “That was weeks of work, gone in a single night.”
Freya smirked. “You know, I heard Bjorn say once that your skeletons are better conversationalists than you. Now I see why.”
Before John could respond, Magnus, the skeletal guard captain, marched up. Or, rather, limped. His armor was scorched, and one of his ribs had clearly snapped, leaving it dangling like an unfortunate afterthought.
“Report, Magnus,” John said, trying to suppress a grin at the skeletal captain’s state.
Magnus saluted, though his broken arm made the motion more of a jerky wave. “Sir, we held the line. Though, regrettably, the enemy forces were… difficult to pulverize.” He paused, his jaw creaking. “Also, I appear to be missing a leg. If anyone sees it, I’d like it back.”
Freya snorted, doubling over in laughter. “Magnus, you’re a legend.”
The skeleton tilted his skull toward her in what could have been interpreted as a dignified nod. “Thank you, Huntress. Though I must say, I much prefer being a complete legend.”
John sighed and rubbed his temples. “Priorities, Magnus. We’ll find your leg later.”
A shout from the far side of the village broke the moment. A group of villagers had gathered around something near the remains of a corrupted raider. John and Freya exchanged a glance before making their way over, with Magnus hobbling behind them in his best one-legged march.
The villagers parted as John approached, revealing a strange artifact clutched in the remains of the raider’s hand. It was a jagged shard of blackened crystal, faintly pulsing with an ominous light. The moment John stepped closer, the Nexus flared behind him, its protective barrier shimmering as if in response to the artifact.
“Okay, that’s new,” Freya said, staring at the shard. “What is it?”
John knelt beside the shard, not touching it. The system interface flickered into view, offering a terse description.
[Corrupted Artifact Identified]
Type: Warden’s Echo
Properties: Enhances necromantic abilities, but risks spreading corruption.
Warning: Proximity to artifacts like the Graven Crown amplifies instability.
John’s stomach sank. “It’s connected to the Warden,” he murmured. “It’s like a piece of his influence, left behind.”
Freya’s expression darkened. “So, what do we do with it?”
John straightened, his gaze fixed on the shard. “We’ll need to study it. Carefully. If it’s tied to the Warden, it might be the key to figuring out his next move.”
Magnus leaned over to inspect the shard, his hollow eyes flickering with blue Soulfire. “Sir, it’s humming.”
“It’s a shard of malevolent power, Magnus,” John said dryly. “Of course, it’s humming.”
Freya nudged Magnus with a grin. “Maybe it’s singing a little tune just for you.”
Magnus tilted his head thoughtfully. “If it is, it’s off-key.”
The humor was short-lived as the Nexus flared again, this time with a more aggressive pulse. The artifact seemed to react, its light growing brighter for a moment before dimming again. The message was clear: this was no ordinary find.
“We’ll secure it in the Nexus’s vault for now,” John said, gesturing to the villagers. “Wrap it in something sturdy and don’t let anyone touch it directly.”
The villagers nodded, one of them muttering, “I didn’t sign up for handling cursed rocks.”
As they worked, Freya turned to John. “So, we’ve got a temporary win, a creepy artifact, and Magnus missing a leg. What’s the plan?”
John stared out at the battered defenses, the smoke rising from the ruined barricades, and the villagers working to salvage what they could. “We rebuild. Strengthen the defenses. And figure out how to use that artifact without it using us.”
Freya placed a hand on his shoulder. “You know, for a guy who plays with bones, you’re not half bad at keeping people alive.”
John glanced at her with a faint smile. “High praise coming from someone who’s still covered in shadow guts.”
Freya smirked. “Let’s call it even.”
As the sun began to rise over Frostholm, the village took its first deep breath since the battle began. The Warden’s forces had retreated, but the shadow of his threat loomed larger than ever. John and Freya stood side by side, watching as the villagers rallied to repair their home.
Magnus, still missing his leg, tried to assist in the cleanup, only to trip and fall into a snowdrift with a resigned clatter. Freya burst into laughter, and even John couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Magnus,” John called, shaking his head, “just… take a break.”
The skeletal captain raised a hand from the snow. “Permission to rest, sir.”
“Granted,” John said with a sigh, turning back to Freya. “One victory at a time.”
And with that, Frostholm braced for what was to come.
Enemy Defeated: Shadow Infantry (25 Total)
* Base XP per Infantry: 100 XP
* Tactical Bonus: +25 XP (for strategic trap usage)
* Total: 125 XP × 25 = 3,125 XP
Enemy Defeated: Shadow Elites (10 Total)
* Base XP per Elite: 250 XP
* Leadership Bonus: +50 XP (for coordinated group effort)
* Total: 300 XP × 10 = 3,000 XP
Enemy Defeated: Shadow Beasts (5 Total)
* Base XP per Beast: 500 XP
* Teamwork Bonus: +100 XP (effective utilization of Bone Golem and villagers)
* Total: 600 XP × 5 = 3,000 XP
Combat Strategy Bonuses
* Effective use of Command Aura: 500 XP
* Tactical use of Soulforge Nexus: 750 XP
* Crowd control and use of upgraded Bone Golem: 500 XP
Total XP Gained: 7,950 XP
[LEVEL UP!]
* New Levels Achieved: Level 11 → Level 13
* Level 11 → 12
* Level 12 → 13
Rewards for Level Progression:
* Attribute Points Gained: +4 (2 per level)
* Skill Points Gained: +6 (3 per level)
The sound of hammers and hurried footsteps filled the air as Frostholm’s defenders rushed to shore up barricades and check traps. John stood near the Soulforge Nexus, its steady hum resonating through his body. The battle wasn’t over, far from it. He could feel the Warden’s looming presence like a shadow on his soul.
Freya approached, her axe slung over her shoulder, her expression as tense as the air. “You’ve got that look again,” she said. “What’s the plan this time?”
John pulled up the system interface. “I need to level up now, before the next wave hits. Every second counts.”
She gave him a nod and stepped back, watching as the faint glow of the system enveloped him.
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[ATTRIBUTES AVAILABLE: +4]
John funneled all four points into Intelligence without hesitation. The need for raw magical power and efficiency outweighed everything else.
* Intelligence: 19 → 23
* Mana: 180 → 230
The rush of power sharpened his senses, his connection to the undead constructs deepening. The Nexus pulsed in response, almost as though acknowledging his decision.
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[SKILLS AVAILABLE: +6]
Available Skills and Upgrades:
* Minion Cap Expansion (Upgrade):
* Effect: Increases active minion cap by +5 (No maximum cap).
* Cost: 1 Skill Point.
* Gravebind (Upgrade):
* Effect: Increases the area of effect and duration of immobilization. Adds a minor damage-over-time effect.
* Cost: 1 Skill Point.
* Bone Wall (Upgrade):
* Effect: Adds piercing necrotic spikes that lash out at enemies who come into contact. Further increases durability.
* Cost: 1 Skill Point.
* Bone Golem (Upgrade):
* Effect: Grants the golem "Necrotic Furnace," a passive ability that boosts nearby minions' damage and regeneration when within range.
* Cost: 1 Skill Point.
* Soulfire Arsenal (New):
* Effect: Summons spectral weapons infused with necrotic fire for the user and nearby allies, temporarily boosting attack power.
* Cost: 2 Skill Points.
* Tactical Bond (New):
* Effect: Links all minions in a shared damage reduction network. Damage taken by one minion is partially distributed among others.
* Cost: 1 Skill Point.
* Shadowflame Barrage (New):
* Effect: Unleashes a volley of necrotic and shadowflame projectiles in a targeted area, dealing massive AoE damage.
* Cost: 2 Skill Points.
* Command Aura (Upgrade):
* Effect: Extends aura range and increases combat bonuses for minions by an additional 10%.
* Cost: 2 Skill Points.
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John scanned the options, his mind racing. The minion cap upgrade was critical; more skeletons meant holding the line longer. But he also needed versatility. He made his decisions quickly, urgency driving his choices.
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SKILL POINT ALLOCATION:
* Minion Cap Expansion (Level 5 → Level 9): (+20 minions, Max: 50)
* Cost: 4 Skill Points
* "Numbers will win this battle. We need more to hold the line."
* Bone Wall (Upgrade):
* Cost: 1 Skill Point
* “Reinforcing the defenses will buy us time.”
* Bone Golem (Upgrade – Necrotic Furnace):
* Cost: 1 Skill Point
* “The golem needs to do more than fight, it’ll anchor the forces and keep them strong.”
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[UPDATED CHARACTER SHEET]
Level: 13
Attributes:
* Strength: 5
* Dexterity: 5
* Intelligence: 23
* Charisma: 8
* Mana: 230
Skills:
* Death Lash (Level 1)
* Gravebond (level 1)
* Gravebind (Level 1)
* Tactical Spearplay (Level 0)
* Bone Armor (Level 0)
* Mana Regen (Passive, Tier 1)
* Bone Wall (Level 3): Piercing necrotic spikes and increased durability.
* Soul Anchor (Level 0)
* Minion Cap Expansion (Level 9): Active Minion Cap: 50.
* Bone Armory (Level 1)
* Bone Sentinel (Level 0)
* Bone Golem (Level 3): Gains Necrotic Furnace – boosts nearby minions’ damage and regeneration.
* Necrotic Reclamation (Level 0)
* Command Aura (Level 0):
* Necrotic Surge (Level 0):
* Soulfire Volley (Level 0):
* Soulfire Cascade (Level 0):
* Shadowflame Barrage (Level 0):
Exp to level 14 = 1050 Exp
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The system faded, and John exhaled sharply, feeling the weight of his choices settle over him. The Bone Golem rumbled nearby, its aura already bolstering the skeletons in the immediate area. He turned to Freya, determination etched across his face.
“We’re ready,” he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Freya grinned, twirling her axe. “Good. Let’s show the Warden why Frostholm isn’t just another graveyard.”