As Sinclair trailed behind Garret, he motioned for Chewy and Leia to join him, relaying all the updates in real-time. Their collective enthusiasm about the racial upgrade was palpable.

It took a few minutes to get everything setup but now a makeshift setup awaited them — a partitioned section tucked away from prying eyes. On one side stood a generously sized bathtub, tendrils of steam wafting from the warm water, and opposite to it was a peculiar chamber, its floor dramatically modified.

"Some of our priests have a collection of things in their storages for events just like this. So it's not completely uncommon for this to be something we do for a young warrior." Garret stated

Sinclair eyed the floor curiously, noting a 4x4 ft square entirely composed of one-inch drain holes. Raising his gaze to meet Garret's, he was met with her enigmatic smile as she gestured for him to step inside.

"First, shed your armor and any items you don't want sullied; the process can be a tad messy. Also, allocate your skill points to complete levels 1-25. After that, a new prompt should appear for a racial upgrade. Choose 'yes' and try to stay calm," Garret instructed candidly.

With a raised eyebrow, Sinclair responded, "That's it? What about the skills accompanying those levels? Can I handle those post-upgrade? You seem keen on having me dive into this with minimal intel; a bit sadistic, don't you think?" He flashed a playful smirk to signal he was jesting.

With a shrug, Garret answered, "Honestly, I'm not certain about the skills. Your leveling progression—or lack thereof—is unlike any we've witnessed. So, our best bet? Go with the flow and hope for the best."

Sinclair consulted his interface, stripping down to only his under suit. Given its resilience, a mere act of will could cleanse it, so he wasn’t overly concerned. After a quick check, he confirmed he had six race skills and three class skills awaiting allocation, once he assigned the 108 points to his stats. The dilemma was where to bestow them.

His current base stats read: Strength 211, Agility 178, Constitution 147, Intelligence 110, Willpower 169, Endurance 186, and Luck 60. Notably, 'Luck' was the sole stat without an accompanying plus or minus symbol. Puzzled, he posed a question to Garret, "Why am I unable to allocate points to 'Luck'?"

Garret let out a chuckle before responding, "A 'Luck' value over 15 is unheard of, so I believe you're in a good spot. Direct allocation to that attribute isn't possible. To understand its intricacies, you'd need to consult a high priest with the capability to commune with a God, or just directly seek a God's wisdom."

With this tidbit in mind, Sinclair stored the information for future reference and redirected his attention to strategizing his stat allocations.

When Sinclair's base strength reached 200, he noticed that instead of bulging, his muscles began to compact, becoming denser. He surmised that 200 seemed to be a defining threshold. The quandary was that each of his attributes was vital in its unique way. His speed was dependent on agility, his physical prowess on strength, spellcasting required both intelligence and willpower, and his tendency to absorb significant amounts of damage demanded a robust constitution and endurance.

Prioritizing the more immediate gains, he decided to elevate his Agility, Willpower, and Endurance to the 200-mark. This expenditure consumed 67 of his available points. With only 41 points remaining, he realized he couldn't achieve the 200 threshold for both Constitution and Intelligence. However, he could push his Constitution closer, leaving it just 12 points shy of 200. This would bolster his health significantly. As for his Intelligence, he resolved to find equipment or other means to compensate in the interim.

Sinclair hesitated for a moment, then pressed the save icon at the bottom of the screen. A jolting sensation surged through him, feeling as if a cold and fiery concoction was coursing through his veins. Pain prickled every part of him, making him feel as though he was being torn asunder. An involuntary groan escaped his lips, catching Garret's attention, who asked with concern if he was alright.

It took a moment for Sinclair to regain his composure, the intense sensations making him feel almost lightheaded. Panting slightly, he managed to reply, "Just give me a moment. Distributing 108 attribute points all at once isn't pleasant. I'm about to approve the race upgrade."

Garret offered a sympathetic nod. "Take your time and remember to breathe. This next part, though? That's the thrilling bit." However, as she spoke, a realization dawned on her, her eyes widening in astonishment. "Hold on... did you just say you allocated 108 points to your base attributes in one go?!"

Garret's warning came too late. As Sinclair acknowledged his race upgrade, he began to glow intensely, his entire being radiating with an ethereal light. The sudden sensation of burning surged through him once more, making him inwardly groan at its familiarity. He clenched his teeth, trying to stifle a scream, and focused on breathing rhythmically, as his meditation skill had taught him. While the breathing did little to alleviate the pain, it did provide a mental anchor amidst the overwhelming sensations.

A bizarre sensation enveloped Sinclair's body, making him feel as if countless tiny creatures were crawling just beneath his skin. His veins became prominent, writhing as though animated, giving the eerie appearance of worms or slugs tunneling beneath the surface.

Simultaneously, Sinclair felt a strange levity, as though his body was weightless. An all-consuming luminance surrounded him, making it challenging to discern his surroundings. However, in the midst of this brilliance, an image began to take form: a tree, its roots and branches intricately entwined, enmeshing into a harmonious embrace. The vision slowly contracted, drawing closer and more intricate with each passing second.

As the intricate design shrank, Sinclair could feel its weight gravitating towards his core, just beneath the familiar wolf mark on his skin. Slowly, the image integrated with him, pushing its essence through his flesh, and finally, settling deep within his stomach, its presence both foreign and yet unmistakably a part of him.

However, the serenity was short-lived, and was quickly replaced by a fresh wave of agony. A sensation akin to an internal explosion radiated from his stomach, sending fiery tendrils coursing through every inch of his being. It was as though a blazing phoenix was reborn within him, its wings stretching and caressing every corner of his anatomy: his heart pulsed with an unfamiliar rhythm, his brain felt like it was being rewired, and every extremity tingled with both torment and vitality.

Overwhelmed by the intensity of the transformation, Sinclair's stomach revolted, expelling its contents. His vision blurred, but he could discern a viscous liquid, glowing faintly, trickling down from his face. The inability to comprehend or control what was transpiring rendered him helpless, only amplifying the visceral disorientation he felt.

Sinclair's mind churned in confusion. Every fiber of his being screamed for relief, for the solace of unconsciousness, but it eluded him. His internal tirade was already crafting a litany of complaints for Garret. The ebbing pain, though receding, still maintained a ghostly presence, as if to remind him of the ordeal.

As the weight of the transformation's aftermath began to settle, a profound exhaustion gripped him, the likes of which he'd never known. But paradoxically, alongside that weariness, he felt an unfamiliar vitality. His body seemed fuller, more present, as if his very essence had expanded, stretching the confines of his skin.

The putrid aroma that suddenly invaded his senses jarred him from his introspection. It was a visceral, rank stench that seemed to originate from him. Garret's voice, sounding oddly strained, directed him towards a semblance of cleanliness. Following her instruction, Sinclair doused himself with several buckets of water, each splash acting as a tiny respite from his tumultuous thoughts. Feeling somewhat refreshed, he then sank into the bath, allowing the warmth to soothe his beleaguered body. With each moment, clarity inched its way back, and he steeled himself for the forthcoming conversation with Garret.

It took him about 15 minutes of washing and bathing before he felt well enough to get out and dry off. He donned some simple pants as he just didn't feel like putting his armour back on yet. Stepping out he was met with City Lord Garret, Chewy, and Leia patiently waiting on him to appear. When they saw him though they all went still. Not moving a muscle.

Garret whispered, but everyone there had super hearing basically and heard it, "What in the gods names?"

Sinclair had not put his shirt on yet as he was wanting to find a mirror to check out his torso. What he didn't count on was the reaction he would get. Garret, Chewy, and Leia all kneeled immediately. Causing everyone else to kneel.

Feeling slightly overwhelmed and exposed, Sinclair's voice faltered with confusion. "Why are you kneeling?"

Without raising her head, Garret responded with reverence, "Your markings, Sinclair. They are symbols not just of transformation, but of divine connection in our world."

Sinclair's heart raced, attempting to fathom the weight of Garret's words. He felt the urge to see these markings for himself. His eyes darted around, searching for a reflection.

"Is there a mirror?" he inquired, the impatience evident in his tone.

Leia gestured to a polished shield nearby, which was reflective enough to serve the purpose. Approaching it cautiously, Sinclair gazed upon his belly. The markings were intricate, glowing with a subtle luminescence, and seemed to have a life of their own. They resonated with power and seemed familiar in an ancestral way.

Turning back to Garret, he sought more information. "What do these signify exactly?"

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Garret, now standing, explained, "My Lord, in our legends, such markings appear on beings of great destiny, touched by the gods themselves."

Sinclair took a moment to let the weight of that sink in. "Well, no pressure then," he remarked with a faint smile, trying to ease the palpable tension in the air.

"Look, Garret," Sinclair began, trying to regain the previous dynamic, "I get that these markings mean something significant here. But remember, where I come from, I'm just a regular guy trying to figure things out. I don't want to be put on a pedestal. I need you to be straightforward with me, just like before. Can we go back to that?"

Garret hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Of course, Sinclair. It's just... those markings have a profound meaning in our culture. But I understand where you're coming from. We'll adjust."

Sinclair smiled gratefully. "Thank you. Now, can someone fill me in on what exactly has changed? And maybe get me a shirt?"

Garret chuckled lightly, the familiar camaraderie slowly returning. "Of course, let's get you dressed and then discuss everything step by step."

He could sense the shift in her demeanor, a newfound caution that hadn't been there before.

"Let's adjourn to the command tent for privacy," Garret suggested. Once they were settled, with guards stationed outside, she placed a small obelisk on the table, activating it with a whispered word. "This will ensure our privacy. No one will be able to eavesdrop, by any means. Anything we discuss here will be protected by our previous agreement."

Sinclair sank heavily into a chair, the wood groaning under his unexpected weight. He glanced down, startled, then back at Garret, a silent plea in his eyes. "I need to understand what's happening. Why are these markings causing such a reaction?"

Garret hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "These markings... they're ancient symbols, linked directly to the gods. They are rarely seen and are considered the stuff of legends. City Lords like me are made aware of their existence and their significance. They can indicate a chosen champion of the gods, a favored individual, or even a herald of something more profound. The ambiguity surrounding them is vast, and interpretations vary."

Sinclair rubbed his temples, processing. "So, there's no concrete answer to what they mean or what they could bring?"

"Correct," Garret replied gently. "But know this: carrying such symbols will mark you as someone extraordinary, drawing both reverence and scrutiny. It's a double-edged sword, Sinclair."

Sinclair sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose with his fingers. "Of course, it's never simple. So, this mark is tied to the gods, but there's no clear definition of what it entails?"

Garret shook her head. "Exactly. The markings have been referenced in ancient texts and depicted in age-old artworks. But they're rare. So rare, in fact, that many considered them mere legends or symbolic representations. Seeing them on you, so vivid and clear... it's like witnessing a myth come to life."

Sinclair looked down at his chest, tracing the intricate patterns with his fingers. "So, what you're saying is that there could be multiple interpretations of these marks. And it's unclear what they signify beyond a strong connection to a god or gods."

Garret nodded, her gaze intense. "Yes. But what's clear is that they grant you a status that is both revered and, possibly, feared. You have been marked in a way that has deep roots in our culture and history. How it will manifest or what it will require of you, I cannot say. But I suggest you tread carefully, for with great power and attention comes great responsibility."

Sinclair leaned back, feeling the weight of the revelation. "I just wanted to find my way home, to help my friends and navigate this world. Now it feels like the stakes have been raised tenfold."

Garret placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll help you navigate this, Sinclair. Remember, you're not alone in this journey."

Continuing, City Lord Garret offered her expertise. As they sat together, sharing a meal pulled from storage, the conversation shifted to Sinclair's pending skills selection.

"Let's delve into your notifications. Perhaps there's some clarity there," Garret suggested. "Typically, the initial options have a natural synergy with your previous actions and decisions."

She added with a cautionary tone, "Bear in mind, if you bypass a skill twice, the system won't present it a third time."

Sinclair nodded, appreciating the guidance. He tapped into his interface, bringing up the myriad of notifications. He noticed a range of new skills available for selection, and though some seemed simple, their potential was evident. For each level it looked like he was going to be given 3 options.

Garret leaned in, scanning the list with practiced eyes. "Start with the basics. Look for any skill that complements your current strengths and abilities. Consider your combat style, your magic proficiency, and any other unique attributes you've developed. Synergy is key."

Sinclair accessed his notifications, feeling momentarily overwhelmed by the barrage of information. His first skill choices seemed surprisingly basic.

He mused aloud, "Riposte? Really? When have I ever shown any inclination for swordplay? Maybe it's just a default suggestion because I haven’t specialized enough yet."

Skimming through the options, he continued, "Cooking could be handy, but not a priority right now. Ah, Ranged Weapons. Now that's something I've been lacking."

He pondered for a moment, reasoning with himself. "Given how most of my skills are close-quartered, having a ranged skill could balance my combat approach. And besides, there have been situations where a ranged option could have come in handy."

Riposte and Cooking, while possibly valuable in other contexts, didn't seem immediately critical to Sinclair. His strategy always leaned towards preparation and versatility, and strengthening his ranged capabilities seemed a natural choice.

Making up his mind, he declared, "Ranged Weapons it is. It's time to shore up that deficiency."

Ranged Weapons (Common) - Ranged Weapons Proficiency grants the user adeptness with a variety of distance weaponry. From traditional bows and crossbows to slingshots, throwing knives, and even modern firearms, this skill provides the foundation for effective and accurate ranged combat. As the user gains experience, their familiarity with the nuances of different weapons grows, allowing for quicker aiming, reduced reload times, and the ability to make challenging shots with increased precision.

Sinclair continued scrolling through his notifications and soon arrived at the options for Race Level 5.

He chuckled, "Ah, Riposte and Cooking make a comeback. The system really seems to want me to pick one of those, doesn't it?"

However, his gaze lingered on the third option. "Trap Detection? Now that sounds intriguing," he murmured.

Weighing the options in his mind, he reasoned, "Given our recent run-ins in the dungeons and my inclination to explore unknown places, having a knack for detecting traps could be life-saving. As much as I appreciate a good meal, I think Cooking can wait. And Riposte... well, I still don't see the immediate need for it."

He felt a certainty in his choice, "Trap Detection it is. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Besides, Chewy, Leia, and I will benefit immensely from this, especially if we're delving deeper into unpredictable territories."

Trap Detection (Uncommon) - Trap Detection is an invaluable skill for those navigating treacherous terrains, dungeons, or any environment laden with hidden dangers. The user hones a heightened sense of awareness, allowing them to perceive subtle cues, disturbances, or anomalies in their surroundings that suggest the presence of traps. This might range from sensing tripwires, detecting pressure plates, noticing irregularities in walls or floors, or even feeling the ambient magical energies of enchanted snares.

Sinclair scanned the choices once more, his fingers hovering above the interface.

"First Aide, huh? Given how quickly things can turn south, and how often I find myself or one of my companions in a bind, it might be wise to have some knowledge on immediate care," he reflected aloud.

He remembered the times when they were out in the field, far from any healer, with injuries that needed immediate attention. "I heal fast, yes, but not everyone does. And if I can prevent something from becoming more severe or even fatal..."

Garret, watching Sinclair's contemplative state, offered her perspective. "Sometimes, it's not the flashy combat skills that make the difference but the ones that ensure you and your team survive to fight another day."

Sinclair nodded appreciatively, "You're absolutely right. First Aide it is. It might not have the appeal of a heavy combat skill, but its value could be immeasurable when it counts the most."

First Aide (Uncommon) - First Aid is an essential skill for providing immediate care to those injured or in distress. The user possesses knowledge of basic medical techniques, from dressing wounds and setting broken bones to performing CPR and addressing other emergencies. As the practitioner's experience grows, their ability to treat more severe injuries and stabilize patients in critical conditions improves. This skill is invaluable in situations where medical professionals or facilities are not immediately accessible.

Scanning the next set of options, Sinclair mulled over the choices.

"Tracking could be useful in hunting and avoiding ambushes. And more survival skills could always come in handy, especially in unfamiliar terrains. But," Sinclair's finger hovered over the 'Savage Strike' option, "I've been in enough fights now to recognize when I need a bit more firepower."

Garret leaned closer to the interface, her gaze fixated on 'Savage Strike'. "That's a potent skill, even more so when paired with the right strategy. It provides a devastating attack with the right timing."

Sinclair nodded, "Exactly. I need something that packs a punch, something to turn the tide when things get tight. Tracking and survival can be learned through experience, but this... this is an edge I don't want to miss out on." Without further hesitation, he selected 'Savage Strike'.

Savage Strike (Rare) - Savage Strike commences with a blank slate, its critical damage chance at 0%. With each non-critical strike executed by the user, the skill steadily accumulates critical damage potential. As the combatant tirelessly presses on, the critical damage chance incrementally rises, promising a surge of devastation. Once released the increased chance returns to 0%.

Garret smirked, "Well, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that. Good choice."

As Sinclair continued to peruse his new skill choices, his eyebrows lifted in astonishment. Mental skills? This was an unexpected turn.

"Telekinesis and Telepathy?" Sinclair murmured, his finger hovering over the two intriguing options. "I didn't anticipate delving into mental powers so soon."

Garret, noticing his intrigue, remarked, "Your mental attributes might have crossed certain thresholds, prompting these skills to become available. Or, during some of your actions or predicaments, you could have nudged close to triggering such abilities. The system tailors itself around you, Sinclair. It senses potential."

Sinclair pondered, trying to recollect any instances where he might've unknowingly tapped into such latent powers. "Telepathy has its own allure, allowing for silent communication. But Telekinesis... the ability to manipulate objects from a distance? That has myriad applications, both in and out of combat."

Garret nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Telekinesis provides versatility. From retrieving distant objects to creating barriers or even enhancing your combat maneuvers, it's a skill with vast potential."

Weighing the options and potential strategies, Sinclair finally decided. "I'll choose Telekinesis. The tactical advantage it offers is just too tempting to resist."

Telekinesis (Rare) - Telekinesis grants the user the mystical ability to manipulate objects and matter solely with the power of their mind. Through concentration and intent, practitioners can lift, move, rotate, or even intricately manipulate objects without any physical interaction. As users grow more adept with this skill, they can handle heavier objects, control multiple items simultaneously, or even influence finer details with greater precision.

Garret smiled approvingly, "A wise choice, Sinclair. The battles ahead will surely be altered with this newfound ability in your arsenal."

With the experience of his prior choices aiding him, Sinclair confidently moved on to the next tier of skills. As his gaze traveled over the three options presented to him for Level 25, one particularly caught his attention: Sunder.

"Over Powered Strike... that's a mighty sounding blow," Sinclair mused, talking through his choices. "But Sunder... it's not just a physical assault, it's a strategic advantage."

Garret leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Sunder? It's not a common choice. What does it do?"

Sinclair scanned the description, "By slamming my foot down, I can send shockwaves through the ground. This can disrupt enemy formations and hinder their movement. It's more than just an attack; it's control over the battlefield."

Garret's eyes shimmered with understanding. "Crowd control. A vital tool in any larger battle. If you can dictate enemy movement, you're not just a warrior; you become a battlefield conductor."

Sinclair nodded, clearly seeing the potential in his mind's eye. "With the challenges ahead, I think controlling the battlefield might be more beneficial than just one powerful strike. I choose Sunder."

Garret clapped him on the shoulder, her smile genuine. "Every choice you make Sinclair when backed with solid decisions and confidence makes for a stronger foundation. The road ahead is long, but with these choices, I believe you're more than equipped to face it."

Sinclair had one question as he prepared to delve into his class skills. "Why do my class skills have their own levels? I thought they would be integrated with my regular level. Since I acquired my class at class thirteen, I assumed I would have received an extra skill."

Garret nodded in understanding. "Honestly, that's just the way the system works. I can't provide a definitive reason for it. But it is indeed accurate. Your class skills will level up concurrently with your race level because your class represents your identity as an individual, so experience is experience."

Sinclair pondered this for a moment, letting Garret's words sink in. "So, essentially, even though I acquired my class at a later level, the system recognizes my overall experience and compensates for it. That's an interesting way of ensuring that no experience goes unrewarded."

Garret replied, "Exactly. Think of it this way: while your race level reflects your physical and innate abilities, your class level embodies your skills, knowledge, and your personal growth in a particular profession or archetype. They develop in tandem."

Sinclair scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Makes sense. Though it can get a bit confusing trying to balance the two. Especially when choosing skills, as each one can impact the other."

Garret gave a sympathetic smile, "Welcome to the complexity of the system. But remember, it's designed to help you grow in every aspect. Both your race and class play important roles in your overall development."

Sinclair chuckled, "Well, as long as I keep leveling up and getting stronger, I won't complain too much. Time to see what these class skills have to offer."

Delving back into his screens with the ever helpful City Lord sitting next to him he prepared to make more changes that would shape the path of his life and secure his future going forward.