Chapter 16: Choices, choices and more choices
The last light of day was casting long shadows, painting the Lakeside Homestead in hues of gold and amber. Having completed the second cabin, Deo felt a pleasant exhaustion tugging at him. Lena, with a sense of pride in their collective effort, went to explore her new abode, her footsteps echoing softly as she ventured inside.
Deo, seeking a moment of solitude and reflection, returned to his own cabin. The gentle crackling of the fire welcomed him back. He moved to his table, pulled out a chair, and sat down. As the flickering flames danced in his periphery, he thought of the progress he'd made and decided to delve into his status to get a clearer picture.
The familiar, translucent interface shimmered into existence before him, lines of data glowing with a soft luminescence:
[Status Page]
Name: Deo Mitchell
Race: Human (Outworlder)
Class: Green Mage (Uncommon)
Level: 9
Experience: 8151/8910
Titles: Whisked by Fate's Winds, Cosmic Newcomer (Temporary), Ironbark’s Kin, Giant Slayer, Daring Pioneer
Stats:
* Agility: 19
* Endurance: 25
* Intelligence: 38
* Strength: 18
* Vitality: 33
* Wisdom: 37
* HP: 165/165
* Mana: 190/190
Skills:
Botanical Knowledge (Level 11), Flora Communication (Level 5), Verdant Growth (Level 8), Nature’s Essence (Level 4), Ironbark Armour (Level 3), Leaf in the Wind (Level 6), Sylvanus' Grasp (Level 3)
Territories:
* Lakeside Homestead
* Population: 3
* Buildings: 2
* System Points: 15
Quests:
* Champion of the Wilds
* In the desolate wilds, life clings to existence, struggling to flourish amidst oppressive forces that hinder its expansion. As a guardian of growth, confront and neutralise these challenges to revitalise this troubled dominion.
* Progress: 1/?.
* From Homestead to Hamlet
* Upgrade your homestead to the level of a hamlet.
* Progress: 1/4.
* From Seeds to Harvest
* The soil beckons, and nature's call is clear. With your newfound tools and knowledge, it's time to begin your farming journey. Cultivate, nurture, and see the fruits of your labour grow.
* Progress: 3/4.
* Builder’s Beginnings
* With tools in hand and potential all around, lay the foundation for the future. Every great construction starts with a single brick or plank. It's time to shape your home beyond a basic shelter and craft something that stands as a testament to your efforts.
* Progress: 2/2.
* Would you like to complete this quest and receive your reward? [Accept]
As Deo peered into his status, the illuminated figures seemed to come alive, recounting his recent experiences. His eyes widened slightly as they trailed to the 'Skills' section.
He nodded appreciatively at Botanical Knowledge reaching Level 11. The continual exploration around his homestead had certainly bolstered this skill. Next, he observed Verdant Growth, which now sat at Level 8. His morning ritual in tending to his budding farm and nurturing the plants, had paid dividends here.
His gaze then settled on Leaf in the Wind, marked at Level 6. While it wasn’t his most potent skill, its rapid growth was reassuring. "Its quick maturation means it'll hopefully become a significant asset sooner than anticipated," Deo mused.
As Deo's gaze landed on the 'Territories' section, a smile tugged at his lips. The system points for the Lakeside Homestead now read 15, a noticeable increase from before. "Every addition counts," he thought, reflecting on the new shed and cabin he'd built. While 15 points might not seem like much, but considering the vast potential applications of system points, the steady growth was reassuring. "It's a humble beginning, but we're getting there," he mused, feeling a budding sense of pride for his budding territory.
Satisfied with the progression, he turned his attention to the 'Quests' section. The 'Builder’s Beginnings' quest awaited completion. Feeling a surge of anticipation, he mentally tapped on the [Accept] button, eager to claim the fruits of his labour.
[XP Gained: 1200]
[SP Gained: 35]
[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 10]
[Congratulations! You've earned a new title: "Settlement Shaper" for completing the quest Builder’s Beginnings. With this title, you gain a 10% discount when purchasing from the Structures and Buildings category within the Territorial Marketplace.]
Bright, ethereal light washed over Deo, encapsulating him in its embrace. Every strand of his being seemed to resonate with an unfamiliar, yet calming frequency. The cabin's rustic surroundings momentarily faded away, replaced by a vast, starry expanse. A chime, distinct from any he had heard before, echoed around him. It was more resonant, more authoritative, as if signalling a momentous occasion.
The sensation was overwhelming yet invigorating. Waves of warmth coursed through him, emanating from his very core, making every fibre of his body feel awakened and alive. It was as though he was experiencing the very essence of life and evolution itself.
Then, as abruptly as it began, the brilliance receded, and the cabin's familiar ambiance returned. Deo felt changed, bolstered, and more connected to the system and the world around him.
[Congratulations! Upon reaching Level 10, you have unlocked the opportunity to select a subclass. This subclass will supplement your main class, further defining your path and abilities. Choose wisely, as this decision will shape your future advancements. Would you like to view available subclasses now?]
Curiosity spiking, Deo tapped the prompt to view the available subclasses. As he did, the screen expanded before him, revealing a glut of choices, each shimmering with its own distinct hue of green. It was almost overwhelming, the sheer variety and potential each subclass offered.
After a moment of awe-inspired contemplation, Deo decided to streamline his options. He downselected, narrowing his focus to 12 subclasses that particularly piqued his interest. These, he felt, resonated most with his journey so far and the path he envisioned for himself moving forward:
Forest Warden
Description: Forest Wardens stand as guardians of the ancient woodlands and dense groves. Their bond with trees allows them to channel the deep-rooted wisdom of ancient oaks and the agility of willowy branches. With the ability to summon treants, manipulate forest terrain, and create protective barriers from interwoven branches, they ensure nature's sanctuaries remain unharmed.
Verdant Alchemist
Description: Drawing from the very lifeblood of the green world, Verdant Alchemists can distill nature’s essence into powerful elixirs and solutions. Their craft goes beyond traditional alchemy, as they're able to amplify, redirect, or even transform natural energies. With a vial or potion in hand, they wield the secrets of nature’s most profound mysteries.
Mystic Arborist
Description: Mystic Arborists delve deep into the secrets of seeds and saplings, nurturing them with enhanced magic to grow into wondrous, often otherworldly trees in mere moments. These special trees can serve as fortifications, magical reservoirs, or even temporary allies in battle. By understanding the core essence of growth, Mystic Arborists can bring forth nature's grandeur at an accelerated pace.
Moss Guardian
Description: Deep within the darkest parts of ancient forests, mosses and fungi reign supreme. The Moss Guardian understands the resilience and adaptability of these often overlooked flora, using them to create dense, regenerative barriers or spread spores that have various magical effects on friends and foes alike.
Blossom Dancer
Description: The Blossom Dancer finds magic in the delicate beauty of flowers. They can accelerate blooms, use petals as ethereal weapons, and harness the unique fragrances of different flowers for a plethora of effects, from sedation to invigoration. When in a field of blossoms, they're in their element, drawing power from every petal.
Life's Harmony
Description: The Life's Harmony subclass prizes all forms of life, from the smallest blade of grass to the most majestic of creatures. With a balanced understanding of both flora and fauna, they can bond creatures and plants in tandem, weave spells that benefit both, and act as mediators, ensuring every living being's needs are acknowledged and met.
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Leafsong Bard
Description: Where others see magic in the form of grand spells and dazzling displays, the Leafsong Bard finds it in the subtle rustle of leaves and the melodies of the forest. They harness the songs of nature, using them to heal, inspire, or bewitch. Their magic is as much about rhythm and harmony as it is about the raw power of nature.
Rootweaver
Description: The Rootweaver's mastery lies beneath the surface. They call forth gnarled roots to entangle foes, create intricate underground pathways, or even communicate through the vast root networks that interlink trees and plants. Their magic is grounded, and they often find themselves acting as the backbone of a team, providing stability and connection.
Verdant Bulwark
Description: Embodying the endurance of ancient trees and the impenetrability of dense thickets, the Verdant Bulwark becomes a living tank. They can absorb vast amounts of damage by transforming their skin into bark, grow defensive spines, or even take on a treant-like form, becoming a colossal force of nature on the battlefield.
Thornshaper
Description: The Thornshaper knows that beauty can often hide danger. They manipulate thorns, brambles, and other natural defences, turning them into formidable weapons or barriers. Their magic is both seductive and lethal, as they blend the allure of roses with the deadly edge of their thorns.
Feral Whisperer
Description: The Feral Whisperer has an innate connection with the beasts of the wild, understanding their desires, fears, and needs on a profound level. This bond enables them to summon, command, or simply befriend creatures of the forests, jungles, and other natural habitats. Whether it's calling upon a bear for protection, communicating with elusive forest critters, or harnessing the primal instincts of wild predators, this subclass allows its user to embody the untamed spirit of nature.
Tidal Druid
Description: While most Green Mages focus on the terrestrial, the Tidal Druid has turned their attention to the shores and deep blue abyss. They can command seaweeds, corals, and aquatic plants, and even influence the tides with their magic. With the vastness of the oceans at their beck and call, they bridge the gap between the terrestrial and marine realms.
[Please select your desired subclass or opt to decide later.]
Deo's eyes scanned the list, finding himself torn among the wealth of tantalizing paths laid out before him. Each subclass held its own allure, promising a unique path and a myriad of new abilities. This was a decision he couldn’t take lightly, for it would undoubtedly shape his journey ahead. The weight of the decision loomed heavily, but it was a thrilling kind of weight, ripe with potential.
Deo found himself lost in thought, his mind racing as he contemplated each subclass. Visions of Forest Wardens walking alongside ancient trees, Verdant Alchemists crafting elixirs from the very essence of the earth, Mystic Arborists commanding towering oaks, Moss Guardians entwined in symbiosis with their surroundings, Blossom Dancers swaying to nature's secret rhythm, and those embodying Life's Harmony connecting deeply with all living things—both flora and fauna. Thoughts of becoming a Leafsong Bard creating music that could make leaves dance and buds bloom, or a Rootweaver, controlling the very foundational veins of the earth, were overwhelmingly enticing.
The possibilities seemed endless, each more alluring than the last. The idea of each subclass stirred a different emotion within him, a different aspiration.
Yet, as the moments turned to minutes, he realized that this was not a decision to be made in haste. This choice would shape his destiny, and as such, he needed time to ponder, to reflect, to weigh the pros and cons.
Sighing softly, he exited the status menu, the ethereal screen folding back into the ether. "Pyro?" he called into the thickening evening.
The rustle of bushes signalled Pyro's arrival. The hellhound emerged from the thicket, where he'd been sniffing curiously at some of the local flora, his eyes glinting red in the dying light of the day.
Deo smiled, scratching behind the ears of his faithful companion. "Bedtime, buddy."
"Goodnight, Lena!" Deo shouted toward the newly built cabin.
A muffled, "Goodnight!" echoed back, reminding Deo of the community he was slowly building.
Together, Pyro and Deo made their way back into the cabin.
"Dragged your bed closer to the hearth, I see," Deo chuckled, noticing Pyro's makeshift adjustments. Pyro headed over to his new favourite spot near the hearth, curling up as he let out a contented sigh. Deo prepared for bed, the enormity of his impending decision still a humming undercurrent in his thoughts. Yet, he felt sure that a good night's sleep would provide the clarity he needed.
And so, amidst dreams swirling with the many paths of a Green Mage, Deo let sleep claim him, hopeful that dawn would bring decision.
The chirping of birds mingled with the gentle rustling of leaves signaled the dawn of a new day, but the peace of morning eluded Deo. The blankets twisted around him were testament to a night of fitful rest, his subconscious grappling with the weight of his looming choice.
A gentle knock on the door disrupted his contemplative trance. "Deo?" came Lena's familiar voice. "Mind if I come in and prepare breakfast?"
With a groan, he managed to push himself up into a sitting position, running a hand through his dishevelled hair. "Sure, Lena," he replied, voice raspy from sleep. "Come on in."
The door creaked open, and Lena stepped in, her chestnut hair, streaked with strands of silver, tied back into a tight ponytail. She gave him a sympathetic glance, catching the exhaustion in his eyes. Without a word, she busied herself in the small kitchenette, the sound of crackling eggs and sizzling vegetables soon filling the air.
After what felt like mere moments, the aroma of a freshly prepared meal wafted over, drawing Deo from his thoughts. "There's some food on the table whenever you're ready," Lena called out, setting out plates and utensils.
Pushing the blankets aside, Deo began to rise, his joints cracking in mild protest. "Thanks, Lena," he mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
She eyed him with a mixture of concern and curiosity, taking in his slightly worn-out appearance. "Something keep you up last night?" she inquired, an inquisitive glint in her eye.
Sighing heavily, Deo nodded. "I reached a milestone in my Green Mage journey. Now, I have the option to choose a subclass, a specialization. And there are just so many choices," he confessed, a hint of frustration evident in his voice.
Lena's eyebrows raised in understanding. "Ohhh, that makes sense. Mages have so many avenues to explore and specialize in. For cooks like me, the paths are somewhat more... straightforward."
Deo chuckled lightly, "It's both a blessing and a curse, I suppose."
Deo paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You've had your fair share of experience and growth in this world. If I may ask, what was your subclass? And do you have any advice on how to go about making such an important decision?"
Lena leaned back against the counter, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of a wooden bowl. A gentle smile tugged at her lips. "You know, not many ask about the journey of a cook. Most are more interested in the tales of swordsmen and sorcerers," she began, her gaze warm and full of understanding.
"After I reached a certain level with my cooking skills, I had the option to specialize. I mean, technically, my main class is 'Cook', but my subclass is 'Head Cook'," Lena corrected with a hint of amusement. "It might sound plain, but it's a specialization about mastery, efficiency, and leadership. Running a noble's kitchen required a unique set of skills, not just in terms of preparing exquisite dishes, but also in managing staff, resources, and satisfying the discerning palates of the nobility."
Deo's eyebrows shot up in admiration. "That sounds incredible and challenging. Leading a kitchen, especially for the nobility, must have been quite the responsibility."
Lena's gaze drifted, and her demeanour shifted to a more sombre tone. "It was," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and sorrow, "and while it was rewarding in many ways, it also had its challenges. Memories of those times... they're both fond and painful."
Sensing the change in mood, Deo nodded with empathy. "Thank you for sharing that with me. I can imagine it must've been a significant part of your life."
She took a deep breath, shaking off the heavy emotions. "It was, but life goes on. As for advice," her gaze met Deo's, sincere and thoughtful, "I'd say, think deeply about what resonates with you the most. Reflect on your experiences and your desires for the future. And, maybe more than anything, which one feels right? Trust your instincts."
Deo took a moment to process her words. "Thank you, Lena. I truly appreciate it. I'll ponder over it and hopefully come to a decision soon."
Lena offered an encouraging smile. "Whatever you decide, I'm sure it'll be the perfect fit for you."
"Alright," she said, rising from her seat, "I'll leave you to your thoughts." With a gentle nod and an understanding smile, Lena exited the cabin, leaving Deo in the embrace of his contemplations.
Deo sat still for a moment, the weight of the decision pressing on him. The aroma of the breakfast Lena had prepared beckoned him, so he decided to finish his meal before anything else. The food was, as always, delightful and served as a pleasant distraction.
Once he'd had his fill, he pushed his chair back and stretched. Taking a deep breath, he decided that a change in scenery might help clear his thoughts. The tranquil shores of the lake seemed like the perfect spot.
As he prepared to head out, he looked over at Pyro, who was lounging nearby, his vibrant amber eyes watching Deo with an expectant look. "Hey, big guy," Deo began, "Why don't you go have some fun somewhere? I'm going to sit by the lake and do some thinking."
Pyro seemed to understand and gave a low, playful growl, tail wagging, before dashing out of the cabin with an excited bound.
Deo watched him go with a smile before making his way down to the lake, the soft lapping of the water already serving to soothe his restless mind.
The shores of the lake presented a panorama of natural beauty that Deo found hard to resist. The surface of the water shimmered as sunbeams danced upon it, reflecting the cerulean sky above. The lake, vast and serene, stretched out before him, its edges kissed by verdant reeds that swayed in gentle synchrony with the whispers of the breeze. Occasionally, a fish would leap out, sending ripples across the placid surface. Birds flew overhead, their silhouettes casting fleeting shadows upon the water while their songs echoed harmoniously, intertwining with the murmurs of nature.
As Deo approached, he found a spot shaded by an ancient willow. Its drooping branches caressed the water's edge, and its leaves formed a green curtain that fluttered and rustled, offering a sense of seclusion. Deo settled himself beneath its embrace, feeling the slightly damp earth beneath him, its coolness providing comfort.
He looked across the water, losing himself in its vastness. His thoughts drifted to the subclass choices that lay before him. The Mystic Arborist, with its profound connection to the very heart of trees. The Verdant Bulwark, a sentinel that embodied the endurance of nature. Blossom Dancer, who could draw upon the delicate power of flowers, and Life’s Harmony, intertwining both flora and fauna in a beautiful dance of coexistence. Each one held promise and potential, each one a different path that could shape his abilities, and in turn, his destiny in this world.
As the hours ticked by, the sun tracing its path in the sky, Deo wrestled with his options. His thoughts wandered to the terrains he'd traversed, the challenges he'd faced, and the vision he held for the future of Lakeside Homestead. He considered his role and his responsibilities – not just as a mage, but as a guardian of his land and a beacon of hope for its people.
The more he reflected, the more one path began to resonate with him, aligning with his aspirations and the path he foresaw for himself. By the time the sun started its descent, casting golden hues over the lake, Deo felt a deep clarity within. The weight of indecision had lifted.
With a newfound sense of determination, he accessed his status screen and selected his choice. The world around him seemed to pause for a split second as the ethereal light from before enveloped him once again, sealing his decision.
Deo had chosen his subclass. And with it, he embraced the future that lay ahead.