Chapter 42: Ascension
Suddenly, his vision was filled with a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues, each colour representing a unique rarity of potential classes. They danced before him like a cascade of shimmering waterfalls, beckoning him with their allure. Deo slowly scanned through the options, first bringing up a rare option:
Rare:
1. Ironbark Bulwark: Embodying the sturdiness of ancient trees, Ironbark Bulwarks are known for their formidable resilience and strength. They can summon barriers of dense foliage to protect themselves and others, and their magic enhances their physical capabilities, allowing them to stand tall against adversity. Unlocked due to your achievement Ironbark’s Kin.
Memories of his first encounter with the Ironbark Tree in this new world flooded Deo’s mind, the vivid recollection stirring a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. He remembered the gentle compassion of the tree, the way it had reached out to him, a stranger in a strange land. The Ironbark had offered him protection when he needed it most, a gesture of kindness that had left a lasting impact.
“Its decision to help me is still paying dividends,” Deo thought, smiling wistfully. “I would never have made it this far without the bond it shared with me.”
However, Deo knew he had other options to consider, options with potentially greater potential. With a grateful heart, he acknowledged the Ironbark Tree’s role in his journey thus far, realizing that its influence would always be a part of him, no matter which path he chose. With that thought, he delved into some of the Epic options available to him.
Epic:
1. Hearthglen Sage: Serving as the protectors of small communities and rural settlements, Hearthglen Sages wield magic to nurture crops, heal the land, and defend the vulnerable. They specialize in skills that promote growth, harmony, and healing, creating thriving communities wherever they go. Unlocked due to the founding of Harmony’s Refuge.
2. Meadow's Embrace: Meadow's Embrace mages specialize in empowering the meek and overlooked, using their magic to uplift and protect. They draw strength from the gentleness of nature, channeling it into powerful protective spells and enhancements that bolster the resilience and capabilities of those in need. Unlocked due to your assistance provided to smallfolk.
As Deo reflected on the Hearthglen Sage class, he couldn’t help but reminisce about his humble beginnings in this land. He remembered arriving with nothing more than his ship's uniform, and how he had first built a makeshift shelter, a solitary refuge in the wild. From those initial, uncertain beginnings, it had blossomed into Harmony's Refuge, a flourishing hamlet that emerged from nothing, marking a significant chapter in his journey. The Hearthglen Sage class, with its focus on nurturing and protecting communities, felt like a fitting tribute to his efforts and could help him enhance his territory further still.
His thoughts then drifted to the Meadow’s Embrace option, and he considered the time he had spent aiding the halflings and the dwarves. He recalled the critical moment when he had earned the title "Stoneheart Champion" after saving the dwarven town of Embercore Hold. That title had elevated his standing among the dwarves, bestowing a reputation as a revered ally. It was a reminder of the impact he had made, and how his actions had resonated through the communities he had helped.
These classes, Hearthglen Sage and Meadow's Embrace, represented the culmination of his efforts, the tangible rewards of his dedication to aiding those in need. Deo felt a sense of pride as he considered them, recognizing the reflection of his own journey in their descriptions. Yet, as compelling as these options were, his gaze inevitably drifted towards the mesmerizing magenta glow of the Mythic tier, captivated by the promise of even greater power and potential it held.
Mythic:
1. Celestial Botanist: Celestial Botanists possess a rare and mystical connection to both the cosmic forces of the universe and the verdant power of plants. They have the unique ability to channel stellar energies into their botanical magic, causing plants to grow at an accelerated rate, bloom out of season, or even manifest properties they wouldn't naturally possess. Unlocked due to your experiences with the Celestial.
2. Crimson Grove Mystic: A harmonious blend of life-giving green magic and destructive red magic, Crimson Grove Mystics are masters of balance. They utilize their dual affinities to both stimulate growth and command the elements, adeptly navigating the delicate balance between creation and destruction. Unlocked due to your bond with the hellhound Pyro.
The allure of the Mythic options was undeniable, their magenta hues casting a splendid glow that seemed to dance before Deo's eyes. This was a realm of power that went beyond the previous options.
The title alone of Celestial Botanist resonated with a mystical charm, and Deo couldn't help but be intrigued by the unique combination of cosmic forces and verdant power it represented. His mind drifted to the World Tree Yggdrasil, recalling the profound engagement he had with its ancient presence. The Celestial Botanist's ability to channel stellar energies into botanical magic was undeniably powerful, promising a mastery over life and growth that was almost divine in nature. However, despite its apparent strength and the clear connection to his experiences, Deo couldn't shake the feeling that this class, as fascinating as it was, didn't resonate with him on an instinctual level.
The Crimson Grove Mystic, however, spoke volumes to Deo's soul. Deo’s thoughts drifted to his unexpected first encounter with Pyro, as he saved the hellhound from the grips of the treacherous Carnivora Sylvanum. From that moment, Pyro had grown to become his most trusted companion, fighting alongside Deo through thick and thin. They had weathered countless challenges together, and their journey had brought them closer than Deo could have ever imagined. The Crimson Grove Mystic felt like a tribute to their unique bond, a path that would allow them to grow even stronger together.
Yet, amidst the brilliant spectrum of options laid before him, a particular shade broke through his reverie. An enchanting amber hue, the only one of its kind, shimmered with an unmatched opulence at the very top.
Legendary:
1. Yggdrasil’s Chosen: Bestowed with the ancient power of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, Yggdrasil’s Chosen are the ultimate guardians of nature and life. They can tap into the vast network of roots and branches that span across realms, summoning the tree’s power to heal, protect, and rejuvenate on an unparalleled scale. Unlocked due to your achievement Marked by Yggdrasil.
Captivated by the luminescent amber glow, Deo couldn't help but be drawn to the singular legendary option presented before him, Yggdrasil’s Chosen. Memories surged within him, recalling moments when he had witnessed nature’s corruption at the hands of unnatural forces. He remembered the anger that had welled up inside him, the burning desire to protect the sanctity of life and the balance of nature. It was then that he realized he needed to become the best version of himself, a guardian strong enough to combat these threats and preserve the delicate harmony of this world.
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His thoughts momentarily flickered back to the Crimson Grove Mystic option. It was a tempting option, one that promised power and balance, especially considering his bond with Pyro, and how it could enhance their partnership even further. However, as he weighed his options, Deo’s heart and soul leaned decisively towards Yggdrasil’s Chosen. This was not just a class; it was a calling, a sacred duty to protect and nurture. It embodied everything he held dear, aligning perfectly with his desire to become the ultimate guardian of nature and life.
With his decision firmly made, Deo mentally selected Yggdrasil’s Chosen from the array of options before him. Instantaneously, the space around him was consumed by a warm, radiant light, its golden hue reminiscent of the enchanting amber that had captivated his attention just moments before. The light enveloped him completely, cocooning him in its brilliance, as it welcomed him into a sacred communion.
The intensity of the light grew, becoming almost palpable, and Deo could feel the raw power of Yggdrasil coursing through his veins, weaving its way into the fabric of his being. He felt an extraordinary sense of grounding, as though his very soul was extending roots deep into the fertile earth, connecting him to the lifeblood of the planet itself. Simultaneously, he experienced an overwhelming surge of vitality and energy, akin to the blossoming of a thousand vibrant flowers, their petals unfurling to greet the dawn. His senses were heightened, and he could feel the life force of the surrounding flora and fauna, their rhythms and pulses intertwining with his own.
The brilliant light pulsated in perfect harmony with Deo's heartbeat, each throb sending waves of transformation through his body and soul. He could sense the ancient wisdom of Yggdrasil embedding itself within him, bestowing upon him the knowledge and strength to fulfil his new role as a guardian of nature and life.
He felt his very essence being reshaped, moulded into something greater than he had ever been. His connection to the natural world deepened, and he felt a profound sense of responsibility and purpose take root within him.
And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the light began to recede, gently withdrawing and leaving Deo transformed. He stood there, a conduit of Yggdrasil’s power, his body and soul irrevocably changed.
Lost in the overwhelming flood of information and sensations from his class ascension, Deo was abruptly brought back to the present moment as he felt the wet, rough texture of Pyro’s tongue eagerly licking him. The sheer vitality and warmth of his companion’s affection pulled him out of his trance-like state, grounding him back in reality.
“Okay, okay, I get it!” Deo laughed, pushing Pyro’s head gently away as he wiped his skin, now damp from the hellhound’s slobbery display of affection. His heart swelled with gratitude for his loyal companion. “Looks like I’m the same tier as you now, Pyro!” he said, a grin spreading across his face.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a series of system notifications began to appear in his field of vision:
[Congratulations! Your class has Ascended to Yggdrasil’s Chosen!]
[New Skill Acquired: Celestial Bloom - Draw upon the cosmic energies that flow through Yggdrasil to supercharge your spells, increasing their potency and effects for a limited time.]
[New Skill Acquired: Verdant Surge: Unleash a burst of life energy, instantly rejuvenating yourself or an ally. This skill can heal wounds, dispel toxins, and even counteract aging for a short period.]
[New Skill Acquired: Sylvan Step - Teleport short distances by stepping through the roots of Yggdrasil, appearing and disappearing amidst a swirl of leaves.]
[Skill Upgrade: Nature’s Symphony has evolved into Whispers of the World Tree – This skill allows you to connect your consciousness directly with Yggdrasil, allowing you to sense the location of rare flora and fauna, as well as detecting any disturbances in the natural balance of the world.]
[Class Mission: As the newly anointed Yggdrasil’s Chosen of this world, your sacred duty is to purify the realm, eradicating the unnatural corruption that seeks to defile it. Traverse the lands, seek out the sources of contamination, and restore balance using your unparalleled connection to the ancient power of Yggdrasil.]
[New Class Quest: Reach Level 30 to unlock]
Deo stood in awe, his eyes scanning through the series of notifications that floated before him. "Wow, this is incredible," he whispered, feeling the newfound power coursing through his veins. The connection to Yggdrasil, the World Tree, granted him abilities beyond his wildest dreams, and he couldn’t wait to explore the depths of his new skills.
Shaking his head to clear the remnants of his trance, Deo realized it was time to get back to the task at hand. “We need to head back to Embercore,” he mumbled to himself, ready to share the good news with the others.
Snapping back to reality from the overwhelming wave of notifications and the excitement of his new powers, Deo almost forgot about the tangible rewards from his quest. But there, right in front of him, were two chests that held the spoils of his journey.
Pyro, sensing his companion’s shift in attention, trotted over with a curious tilt to his head, his eyes resolutely fixed on the larger of the chests.
The smaller chest was intricately designed, adorned with depictions of lush foliage, blooming flowers, and intertwining vines. It seemed to radiate a gentle warmth and an aura of growth, as if the very essence of life was captured within its wooden confines.
The larger chest presented a stark contrast, with fearsome hellhounds carved into its surface, their eyes gleaming with a ferocious light. The wood seemed to pulse with an inner fire, a reminder of the wild and untamed nature of Deo's companion and the fiery trials they had faced together.
“Almost forgot about these,” Deo chuckled, patting Pyro's head as they both looked down at the chests. “Let’s see what we've got here.”
With a sense of eagerness, Deo decided to start with the smaller chest, his hands feeling the intricate carvings as he lifted the lid. Upon opening the smaller chest, Deo was greeted with the sight of an exquisite pouch, intricately embroidered with golden threads that formed the image of a flourishing tree. The pouch was filled with a variety of exotic seeds, each clearly of a rare magical nature, glowing softly in an array of enchanting colours. The potential for growth and discovery held within this small pouch was immense, and Deo resisted the urge to start identifying each and every seed with Botanical Knowledge on the spot, as he instead stashed the pouch into his robes.
“I’ll need to catalogue these when we get back home, Pyro. Who knows what incredible plants we can grow with these,” Deo mused, excitement in his voice as he imagined the possibilities.
Turning his attention to the larger chest, he noticed Pyro’s tail wagging in anticipation. As the lid was lifted, a single, beautifully crafted harness lay nestled within, designed specifically for a creature of Pyro's stature and fiery nature. The harness was made from a series of interlinking chains, glowing with a soft green luminescence. Interwoven throughout the harness were delicate strands of ember, flickering with a fiery intensity that seemed to dance in sync with Pyro's own flames. It was adorned with intricate, interweaving patterns of leaves and flames, symbolizing a harmonious balance between fire and nature. It was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, seamlessly blending the wild, untamed essence of fire with the nurturing, life-affirming energy of the natural world.
"Wow, Pyro, take a look at this!" Deo exclaimed, holding the harness up for his hellhound companion to see, as he used his identify skill on the item:
[Legendary Item: Verdant Ember Chains]
This harness is a unique fusion of nature’s resilience and fire’s ferocity, specifically crafted for Hellhounds. It boosts the wearer's physical abilities, provides steady regeneration of minor wounds, amplifies their inherent fiery nature and offers robust protection whilst ensuring flexibility. Upon reaching a critical health threshold, the Wildfire Resurgence effect kicks in, temporarily increasing speed and strength for a swift retaliation.
Pyro wagged his tail vigorously, clearly sensing the powerful energies emanating from the gear. Deo carefully outfitted Pyro with the Verdant Ember Harness, watching as it adjusted itself to fit Pyro's form perfectly. As the last strap clicked into place, the harness appeared to integrate seamlessly with Pyro, becoming a part of him. In response, Pyro couldn’t contain his excitement and immediately began zooming around the cavern at an incredible speed, clearly enjoying the newfound burst of energy from his new outfit.
Chuckling at Pyro’s enthusiasm, Deo couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness. “Alright, buddy, we’ve dallied here long enough. We really need to head back to Embercore,” he said, his voice filled with warmth as he called Pyro back to his side, ready to make their return journey.