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Chapter 5: Path Tree

You have begun your journey.

There are now three paths before you, but you may choose to walk only one.

The three paths lead in different directions and will greatly affect your future, so step carefully.

Right path.

Left path. Middle path.

That's not a lot to judge by, is there nothing else? Prometheus sat in the high grass, the splashing of the stream and background noise fading away as he stared at the options in front of him in silence. As if in response to his inner dialogue, more blue boxes popped up. So, not only does it respond to my conscious will but also to my thoughts and wants... I see.

Right path: The path of the physical. This path will greatly enhance your Strength, Speed, Toughness, and Vitality and branch in that direction.

Would you like to walk this path? Y/N]

Left Path: The path of the mind. This path will greatly increase your Mind, Perception, Resilience, and Vitality and branch in that direction.

Would you like to walk this path? Y/N]

Middle path: You walk upon the path of the duality. This path will enhance your Strength, Speed, Toughness, Mind, Perception, Resilience, and Vitality and branch in that direction.

Would you like to walk this path? Y/N]

Prometheus studied the three paths before him with intense concentration. The right path promised enhanced physical prowess, while the Left promised an enhanced mind and, most likely, sorcery in one form or another. Both could be formidable perks, and he was drawn to each equally. But then his gaze shifted to the middle path - one of balance between body and mind - and his heart skipped a beat.

The best option seemed to be this middle path, as it offered him the ability to walk in both directions. But was it so simple? Prometheus did not understand the blue core and nor the path he was to walk. But he did understand how the world worked; if something was too good to be true, it often wasn't. His title, [Destroyer of the blue core], had in its description a sentence that spoke of path points. These path points were likely limited, which meant that one could only focus so much on any different thing if one wanted to truly excel in an area.

I will receive an additional path point per level from my title... Then again, if I receive, say, ten points for each level, this bonus is just a drop in the ocean... He glanced at his titles, skills, and bonuses; they were all diverse, and he judged them to split about equally to both mind and body. He didn't know how the titles and bonuses of others were in comparison, but he felt confident that he was special considering blue core's very praising descriptions.

As Prometheus considered all of this, he realized he already knew what to choose - he would take on the duality path. It was the more logical choice, after all. He had incredible bonuses for both the right and left path, but choosing only one would mean the neglect of the other half. And it would not do to waste such valuable skills and traits. Yes, only by walking the middle path would he be able to utilize all of his inherent talents.

You have stepped upon the path of duality. You have gained one point in Strength, Speed, Toughness, Mind, Perception, Resilience, and Vitality.

Error––Resilience attribute N/A. You received one free attribute point in return

Loading your path tree...

Prometheus felt a rush of air entering his lungs after the blue prompts. At that moment, as if struck by lightning, he felt clarity and revival sweep through him. His muscles twitched and flexed as new energy raced up and down his limbs. It was like drinking divine ambrosia but more lasting in its effects.

Your path tree has been generated, and you are currently at its roots. Each Root contains a crossroad of three paths. No matter which path you choose to walk, you will end up at the same place in the end, but who and what you are will depend on where and how you step.

A multitude of different roots appeared in his vision like a blue map of crisscrossing and intertwining lines that moved upward, toward a thicker, more robust line in the uppermost center, like a maze of white lines. He could only see the individual names of each Root at their starting point, but not the selection inside, higher up, nor the names of each path as they diverged. Neither was there a description of the roots themselves, only vague names and accompanying symbols.

He carefully inspected the various roots and decided on the one marked with a fiery symbol, [Root of fire]. It felt like a natural choice for someone attuned to fire, and he hoped this Root could give him the power to manipulate the element itself.

You have selected the Root of fire.

There are now three paths in front of you.

Fire Resistance (Passive) You become more resistant to fire. Cost: N/A

Fire familiarity (Passive) You become more sensitive to heat Cost: N/A Torch (Active) Summon a small flame. Cost: 5 Mana/cast. Additional cost: 1 Mana/60 seconds

The three options were... underwhelming. Of course, Prometheus didn't expect much at this stage, so it made sense for the selections to be very minor. He looked them over and selected the third one. It was the only active spell, and he'd need every advantage he could get. The enemies were unlikely to use fire as a weapon and to be more sensitive to heat... he had no idea what this would do. At least the torch might distract the hounds for a short time.

You have received the skill Torch (Active). To increase skill rank, consume additional path points (0/2) or increase your understanding and proficiency of the skill.

The second choice was Root of the undead warrior. He was undead, and he needed combat abilities. There were some other options, but this seemed most suited to him.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

You have selected the Root of the undead warrior.

There are now three paths in front of you.

[1. Swordplay (Passive) The art of swinging a sword. Cost: N/A

[2. By tooth and nail (Passive) An art of unarmed combat. Cost: N/A [3. The art of the Spear (Passive) An art of using a spear. Cost: N/A

Ezra's probably more skilled using the sword than me, so he should wield his own, and I don't have a spear at the moment...

Prometheus had no weapons, but he was not unarmed. He was a black ghoul with claws and teeth like razors. He curled his fingers into fists, then unclenched and dug his nails into the ground, feeling the earth break and crumble beneath them. His jagged teeth dripped saliva as he grinned, knowing the boost to his physical stats would be significant. With the confidence of a titan, Prometheus selected [By tooth and nail].

As he ran his finger down the list, his eyes glittered with excitement when he spotted two of the roots - [Root of Illusion] and [Root of Manipulation]. The two roots would synergize with his [Supreme trickster] and were roots that were perfect for him. His personal way of doing things was often a combination of deception, trickery, and savage but surprising and relentless force. This style alone had saved him from being devoured in the most famous battle of his pantheon, Titanomachy, also called the battle of the gods.

But they wouldn't be of use now. His focus was survival, and not further down the road. That's why his final choice became the Root of bone.

Sturdiness (Passive) Increases the sturdiness of your bone tissue. Thickness (Passive) Increases the thickness of your bone tissue Absorption (Passive) Increases your bone tissue's force absorption ability.

All three are good, but with my consumption skill, I can survive as long as I don't die instantly. Prometheus debated internally which skill to select and ended up with the third. The thickness of his bones seemed irrelevant as it would make him slower than he already was, as thickness meant weight. And the sturdiness, although better on the surface, would still crack against mightier foes, while absorption seemed most probable to increase his survival chance the most against these kinds of opponents. He didn't understand each word, but the meaning was clear enough. They lessened the chance of his bone breaking from overwhelming force.

Finished, he stood up from his sitting position on the ground and stretched his body. He then willed his status to appear and looked through the changes.

Name Prometheus Path Middle (Duality) Race Black Ghoul Level 2 Mana 420

Titles Supreme Trickster, Titan-born, God of fire, Shunned, Destroyer of the blue core, Twice-Traitor, Prisoner, Forgotten.

Strength 17 (+6) Speed 11 Vitality 17 (+6) Toughness 17 (+6) Mind 11 Perception 11 Resilience Error

Free attribute points 1

Active skills Consume, Torch,

Passive Skills Absorption, By tooth and nail, Divine soul, Fire-touched, Mana-blessed.