In the art of warfare, victory is not simply a matter of winning a single battle; rather, it is a sustained effort that encompasses the entirety of a conflict. A battle may indeed be decided by who wins the field on a given day, but the outcome of a war is ultimately determined by a more fundamental principle: the willingness of a side to continue the fight.

A wise strategist understands that there are many factors that can influence the outcome of any campaign, and even the most carefully-crafted strategy is no guarantee of overall victory. Unexpected events can turn the tide of the conflict in an instant.

And yet, despite the many uncertainties of war, there is one constant that can never be overlooked: the power of determination. To succeed in war, a wise leader must cultivate this spirit of determination within his people. He must inspire them with a sense of purpose, a belief in the righteousness of their cause. He must instill in them a sense of discipline and loyalty, so that even in the face of adversity, they will not falter.

In the end, it is the side that possesses this indomitable spirit that will emerge victorious. For though battles may be won or lost, war is ultimately a test of willpower. And it is the side that refuses to ever admit defeat, that refuses to give up the fight, that will ultimately prevail.

- The Principles of Conflict by General Damien de Savant circa 234 AC.

When I had been a slave in the mines, I had positively thrown myself into work. Now, as we waited for Gelgor's company of the Crows to catch up to us, I did so again. I helped wherever I could, no matter the task, in my pursuit to grind up some experience and perhaps new skills. Whether this was gathering up Ruar dung for the fires, or helping to change a wheel of a wagon, no task was beneath me in my bid to reach my next level. The people of the Raven were deferential to me at all times, and with no little surprise on their faces to see what they viewed as an ‘Honored One,’ to be going about such humble tasks.

One of the chores I frequently engaged in was splitting firewood, and I spent hours hacking away at wood with a borrowed axe. I made sure to Power Strike each and every time, waiting for the ‘cooldown’ of the skill to finish before launching another strike. Power Strike could still be used during the ‘cooldown’ of the skill, but activated this way it used a lot more Stamina. After what seemed like an eternity, I was given a much-welcomed notification.

You have learned Power Strike (lvl.3)

You have learned Axes (lvl.2)

The caravan might be at rest; however, that did not mean that I could escape my lessons. Under Arik’s instruction, I learned how to control my mount, Mouse, more with my knees and legs, and I gained a better seat in the saddle. Unlike the others, Arik’s treatment of me was no different than before, and he was as gruff as always. Perhaps it was a cultural thing - a teacher holding a position of authority over a student, rather than just a mere instructor. More importantly, my diligence and perseverance rewarded me with an increase in my newest skill.

You have learned Riding (lvl.2)

Perhaps it was due to the combination of my armor pieces, my recent increase in Riding, or for some other mysterious reason that escaped me, but I also gained a skill level in Medium Armor. It all seemed so very arbitrary at times.

You have learned Medium Armor (lvl.3)

I also took the time to continue with my journal, recording some of my thoughts and experiences thus far in this new world. It was a way for me to deal with some of the as-yet-unpacked emotions I had been carrying around. I had come far in this world, and had overcome challenges that would have broken a lesser man. I felt proud of myself as I wrote. The journal also served as a reminder of promised vengeance. All would be crushed under my iron heel! Hah! A man could dream after all. Also, in a moment of vanity, and remembering Durhit, I decided to name the journal after one of his more-colorful curses.

All of this and, surprisingly, writing the journal, earned me a modicum of experience. However, it was still not enough to get me to the next level, the next height of my power.

One evening, feeling that the menu for my list of skills was getting a little cluttered, I decided to brave the pain to strike off the Herbalism skill.

Icy daggers stabbed about inside my brain and forced me to my knees, but as it turned out, this was what it took to finally get my Pain Nullification to the next level.

You have learned Pain Nullification (lvl.3)

I remembered shaking, and hoping that no one noticed my temporary moment of weakness. I remembered taking quick, desperate lungfuls of air before stilling my breath. Distancing myself from that moment, I boxed the memory in and reviewed my Status. My path to power.

[STATUS] Calling: Gilgamesh lvl.11 Paladin/Reaver

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Strength: 27

Dexterity: 22

Constitution: 39

Intelligence: 21

Wisdom: 22

Charisma: 13

Luck: 18

SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES

Pain Nullification (lvl.3)

Power Strike (lvl.3) 10

Endure (lvl.3)

Stealth (lvl.1)

Rest (lvl.3)

Backstab (lvl.2)

Dodge (lvl.3)

Polearms (lvl.2)

Dual Wield (lvl.2)

Critical Hit Mastery (lvl.2)

Improved Unarmed Combat (lvl.1)

Hammers (lvl.2)

Flails (lvl.3)

Maces (lvl.3)

Shields (lvl.3)

Medium Armor (lvl.3)

Heavy Armor (lvl.4)

Axes (lvl.2)

Daggers (lvl.4)

Throwing Weapons (lvl.2)

Double Throw (lvl.1) 5

Shield Bash (lvl.1)

Riding (lvl.2)

Dash (lvl.1)

SPELLS & MAGIC

Heal (lvl.5) 5

Rust (lvl.3) 2

Identify (lvl.3) 1

Silent Casting (lvl.2)

Mana Regeneration (lvl.2)

Purify (lvl.2) 3

Greater Heal (lvl.2) 10

Holy Aura (lvl.2) 2

Decay (lvl.1) 1

Drain (lvl.4) 2

Entropic Aura (lvl.2) 2

GIFTS

Curse of Entropy -20% to all starting attributes.

Mark of the Paladin 10% resistance to Dark/Holy magic. 5% resistance to Physical.

Touch of the Void 10% reduced resistance to Holy/Fire magic, 20% resistance to Mental Effects, 15% immunity to Mental Effects.

Experience to next level 3187/3202

Health: 285/288

Stamina: 62/63

Mana: 16/16

I had made no gains to my base attributes, but I was pleased with the increase in my skills. Close, I was so close to getting to level twelve. Only a mere fifteen experience points from my next power boost, and one more step down the road to my apotheosis.

Whatever should I spend my bonus points on next? I wondered, as I reported in to take my turn at the watch.