They all stood on the steps of the town hall, poised to enter, when an unsettling sound rolled over them. Heads snapped toward the direction from which it emanated. Even before the echo died away, General Valthorn descended nearby.
"Can anyone see anything?" Bruce inquired, scanning the faces of those assembled.
"As far as I can tell, there's no movement. I can see all the way to the tree line to the south, and nothing is stirring there," General Valthorn announced. "I'll dispatch scouts and take to the air for a closer look."
Rose, her eyes following Valthorn as he sprinted into town to send Centaurs on their reconnaissance mission before launching himself skyward, posed a question: "Should we continue inside or wait for their reports?"
Elder Dolgran, who had been peering intently into the distance, leaned back and refocused on the group. "There's nothing more we can do but wait for their return. Our people are already taking up defensive positions. The information we discuss here could be life-saving; let's proceed until we hear back."
The tension was palpable as they exchanged quick nods of agreement and made their way into the Town Hall. Inside, the grand space was silent, an echoing contrast to the flurry of activity that was undoubtedly taking place outside its walls. Every pair of eyes would occasionally dart to a window or doorway, half-expecting to see a scout bursting in with urgent news.
"Very well, let's make the most of our time," Elder Dolgran said, breaking the silence as he led them to a large table strewn with parchment and quills. "While our warriors are prepared to face whatever comes our way, we too have a role to play in strengthening our community."
Once everyone was seated around the table, Elder Dolgran adopted an almost lecture-like tone and began laying out some foundational expectations for their character progression.
"Under normal circumstances, you'll level up and acquire a starter race skill at level 1, followed by additional skills every 5 levels until you reach level 50. The same applies to your class levels. Now, you can also earn, learn, or craft other skills independently of this, and it won't impact this base number. The system only provides these as a minimum baseline. As you level up skills, you'll find they can grow, evolve, and even change in various ways. There's no one-size-fits-all approach; two individuals could tread the same path but end up with radically different results, all depending on their intent."
Amelia, intrigued, interjected with a question: "What happens if you have skills that are similar to each other? What's the point of that?"
Elder Dolgran continued, "Ah, in such cases, you have the option to fuse them. Though there's a percentage chance it could occur naturally, most often, you'll have to make an active choice for fusion to happen. The more similar the skills, the higher the success rate and the fewer levels you'll lose post-fusion."
He elaborated further, "For instance, if you have a 'Leap' skill and another called 'Leaping Strike,' merging those would likely have over a 90% success rate, meaning you shouldn't lose levels from the original skills. On the other hand, if you tried to fuse something like 'Water Strike' with 'Sweeping Leg,' the synergy would be far less—perhaps around 30%. In that case, if they did combine, you'd likely lose most or all levels, and the resulting skill wouldn't be particularly powerful."
Dolgran went on, "When you're presented with your skill options, you typically get three choices. You select one, and the others are shelved for future consideration. The next time you level up, those remaining two options will still be there. However, they won't appear a third time. Given your unique approach of delaying leveling up, you've already discovered that you can create skills through other means. So just because a skill doesn't get selected from your list doesn't mean you can't acquire it in other ways."
He then turned his attention to Alice. "Alice, let's use your first set of choices as an example. Would you please read them off to us, along with a brief description of what each does?"
Alice pulled up her list and glanced at the screen, which displayed her 'Race Level 1 Skill Selection'. As anticipated, there were three options, all relatively straightforward with names that essentially described their functions.
"'Quick Dodge' enables me to swiftly evade an incoming attack. 'Palm Strike' allows me to coat my palm with energy and deliver a powerful blow. And 'Sweeping Kick' is designed to immobilize enemies by sweeping their legs out from under them," Alice explained.
Dolgran nodded, "Excellent. Each of these skills has its own unique utility, and choosing one over the others will depend on your preferred combatstyle, your current skill set, and what you foresee needing in the future. Remember, there's no definitive 'right' or 'wrong' choice here; it's all about what fits you best."
"After observing you in combat, I gather you specialize in agility-based, hand-to-hand fighting. Is that correct?" Elder Dolgran inquired, his voice imbued with the resonance of years of wisdom.
"Yes, my training before the System was primarily in punching and kicking," Alice confirmed.
"Most, if not all, of your current skills are oriented toward offense, and are quite aggressive, aren't they?" Dolgran's perceptive eyes seemed to peer into her soul.
Caught off guard by his uncanny insight, Alice simply nodded in agreement.
"That's a common trend on newer worlds," Dolgran explained, his voice deep and soothing. "Faced with formidable challenges, newcomers often prioritize aggressive skills for survival. However, have you considered that evasion could be as crucial as another form of attack?" His words dispersed the mental fog Alice hadn't even realized was clouding her judgment.
Grasping the wisdom in his counsel, Alice nodded and chose the skill 'Quick Dodge' without hesitation. "I've selected Quick Dodge. Now, 'Chopping Hand' has been added as a new skill option."
Dolgran nodded approvingly. "In your role, dealing damage is essential, which explains your list of primarily offensive skills. But never forget, this isn't a game. Your first priority must always be to stay alive in order to deal that damage."
As Alice continued to read aloud her choices, the room listened intently, absorbing her decision-making process.
"For my Race Level 5, I had all offensive options, so I chose Palm Strike. It just felt the most in tune with my style," she said, still scrolling through her virtual interface.
When she reached Race Level 10, the options were Meditative Focus and Serpent Strike, among others. "Serpent Strike caught my eye because it's a speed-based attack that targets an enemy's vulnerabilities for added damage. It felt like a natural extension of my fighting style."
By the time she got to Race Level 15, a new skill called Harmonious Step had appeared. "Although Harmonious Step appealed to me, I chose Meditative Focus instead. It's a skill that enhances my balance and internal strength, and I think it will be more beneficial for my overall development."
Elder Dolgran listened carefully, nodding along as Alice elaborated on her choices. "You're making thoughtful selections, prioritizing both offense and personal growth. Skills that bolster your internal balance will serve you well in the long run, as will those that expand your offensive capabilities. Remember, the most versatile fighters are often the most successful."
Moving on to her Race Level 20 skill selection, Alice chose Harmonious Steps this time. "This skill involves practicing 75 different forms to unlock a new fighting style. Once I advance it to Level 20, even more steps will become available," she explained, her eyes scanning the text on her interface.
"That's an excellent choice, Alice," Elder Dolgran commended. "The skill has a growth potential that can serve you well for an extended period."
Alice then moved on to her final Race Level upgrade, clearly grappling with a tougher decision this time. Her options were Furious Fists, which unleashed a dizzying flurry of punches in a concentrated area and ended with a 'confused' debuff; Counter Stance, which improved her counter-attack abilities; and Pressure Points, which enabled her to strike nerve clusters for stacking debuffs on specific targets. Given their recent encounters—like the rock troll they had faced—she doubted the utility of Pressure Points.
After a moment's consideration, she opted for Furious Fists. "I've found myself in numerous situations where being able to deliver a rapid series of punches could make a real difference," she rationalized.
Elder Dolgran nodded in approval. "Adapting your skill set to the challenges you've encountered is wise. Furious Fists not only augments your offense but provides a tactical advantage with its debuff. A well-rounded approach is essential for survival and growth."
"How many class choices are available to you?" Dolgran inquired, looking intently at Alice.
"I've received three notifications," Alice began. "The options include Whirling Dervish, which is similar to Furious Fists but integrates footwork and has more endurance; Temple Rush, which enables me to charge and strike from a distance; and Vortex Kick, which allows me to channel Vortex energy—whatever that may be."
"Don't underestimate that kick," Dolgran advised, his tone carrying a note of caution. "For combatants like you, infusing your attacks with energy can significantly enhance your threat level."
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"I'm intrigued by it, but for now, I'm leaning toward Whirling Dervish," Alice said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Fair enough, that's your path to choose," Dolgran conceded. "After you select it, consider combining it with your Furious Fists skill. I suspect they'll have a high synergy."
Alice followed his suggestion and selected Whirling Dervish. Issuing a mental command, she initiated the process to combine the two skills. A screen materialized before her, displaying a 95% synergy rating. She relayed this information to the group.
Dolgran's grin widened. "That's promising. You can proceed to fuse them, but be cautious. If the fusion fails, both skills will be locked and unusable for 24 hours. You'll have the option to level them up and try again later, but losing access to two skills could be perilous."
Nodding her understanding, Alice touched the 'Fuse' button on the screen. A moment of anticipation stretched out before her, and then the words 'Success' flashed boldly at the top of the screen, unveiling her newly-minted skill.
Elemental Dervish - Epic: Melding the relentless, devastating assaults of Furious Fists with the nimble, graceful motions of Whirling Dervish, Elemental Dervish morphs its user into a whirlwind of elemental rage. It liberates a dazzling fusion of martial arts and elemental sorcery, empowering the user to spin, kick, and punch in a cyclone of elemental forces—alternating between the fervor of fire, the chill of ice, and the jolt of electricity. This extraordinary skill not only elevates the user's attack speed and agility but also infuses each blow with elemental potency. Elemental Dervish wreaks havoc on any adversaries caught in its maelstrom, leaving an indelible elemental spectacle that astonishes both allies and enemies.
For her subsequent class selection, Alice examined the new skill option: Serpentine Dodge. While intriguing, it didn't resonate with her current needs. Her eyes then settled on Temple Rush. This skill offered her the advantage of rapidly closing the gap between her and her enemies, culminating in a powerful strike. It was exactly what she needed to complement her existing skill set.
As Alice reached her final Class Level, she was presented with two intriguing options: Resonant Chant and One with the Wind. The former would allow her to channel her energy into a pre-fight ritual, providing a modest boost to her speed and reflexes. The latter, however, shimmered with a golden hue on her screen, signaling its legendary status. Without hesitation, Alice tapped on One with the Wind, eager to read its description and effects aloud to everyone in the room.
"One with the Wind transcends the very boundaries of mortal agility and perception," she began, her voice tinged with awe. "Upon activation, the user's body undergoes a miraculous transformation, becoming as ethereal, light, and invisible as the wind itself. This grants an unparalleled range of movement abilities, rendering the user nearly imperceptible—immune to even the keenest traps or the most vigilant foes."
She paused to let the weight of the skill's promise hang in the air before continuing.
"The effects include Windform, which temporarily alters the user's physical form into something wraith-like, enabling almost silent and near-invisible movement. Then there's Evasion Mastery, which massively boosts your chances of dodging attacks and eluding traps. Trap Nullification negates most traps you approach, making you too ethereal to trigger them. Aura of Silence creates a zone of quietude around you, making your movements and actions completely silent. Lastly, Phase Walk allows you to phase through physical barriers like walls for a brief time."
The room was thick with anticipation as Alice concluded the description. There was a collective sense of awe, as everyone pondered the transformative power this legendary skill could provide, elevating her capabilities to a level few could even comprehend. With a sense of reverence, Alice finally confirmed her choice, forever embedding One with the Wind into her repertoire of extraordinary abilities.
Elder Dolgran wore a knowing smile as he observed Alice's reaction. "It has quite a long cooldown, doesn't it?" he said, his voice imbued with wisdom. Seeing Alice nod in agreement, he continued, "Skills of that magnitude always come with a balancing act. Keep that ace up your sleeve, and don't squander it frivolously."
Alice nodded again, her expression one of deep contemplation. A wave of exhaustion washed over her, as if she had just completed an intense workout. The gravity of her choices, the weight of her newfound abilities, left her mentally fatigued. Yet, beneath that weariness was a layer of exhilaration—she had just taken a monumental step toward becoming an even more formidable force in this perilous new world.
As Alice took a moment to recover, Elder Dolgran shifted his imposing frame to focus on Rose. With a gentle nod, he encouraged her, "It's your turn, little one."
Engrossed in her own interface, Rose had been diligently evaluating her existing skill set, seeking to identify her strengths and gaps. She possessed an arsenal of offensive magic: Firewall, Lightning Lance, an area-of-effect Ice Storm, and the Emolation skill. Yet, she lacked any defensive or passive abilities.
When the first batch of skill options appeared for her Race level one, she was unsurprised to see Wind Blade, Firebolt, and Water Jet. Recognizing immediately what each ability offered—thanks to their straightforward names—she chose Wind Blade without hesitation. She lacked any wind-based attacks so far, and her class specialization revolved around harnessing the full spectrum of elemental powers.
Rose shared her selection with the group before moving on to reveal her next skill choice, Ice Armor. Though the name was rather straightforward, the skill represented her first foray into defensive abilities. She read out its description: "Ice Armor encases the user in a thin but durable layer of hardened ice, reducing incoming damage by 25%."
Elder Dolgran nodded approvingly. "Ah, a wise choice, especially since you previously lacked any defensive skills. Balancing offense with defense often spells the difference between victory and defeat."
After discussing her previous selection, Rose turned her attention to her third set of options, all of which were entirely new skills. She read out the choices to the group:
"Volt Dash allows me to instantly relocate to a new position while discharging an electrical blast that stuns nearby enemies. Shockwave is an earth-based skill that disrupts the stance of anyone caught within its radius. Thunderclap, on the other hand, is a sonic attack capable of rupturing eardrums and disorienting opponents, leaving them with a debuff."
Elder Dolgran stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Fascinating options, each with its own unique advantages. Remember, in the chaos of battle, the right skill at the right time can turn the tide in your favor. Choose wisely."
Rose didn't hesitate. The importance of mobility in battle wasn't lost on her, especially given her lack of defensive skills. "I'm going with Volt Dash. It gives me the quick movement I've been lacking," she announced before moving on to the next set of choices.
As she scrolled through, one skill immediately caught her eye: Mana Regeneration. A passive ability that she knew would be invaluable. "This one is a no-brainer," she said with a hint of excitement. "Mana Regeneration increases my passive mana recovery by 30% when I'm out of combat and even allows for some mana regeneration during battle, although at a reduced rate."
Elder Dolgran nodded approvingly. "A wise choice, young Rose. The essence of magic lies in the ability to sustain one's power. Mana is your lifeblood as a spellcaster, and this skill ensures you'll have the resources to cast your spells when it matters most, reducing your reliance on consumable items like mana potions."
Rose felt a surge of anticipation. With these new skills, she was becoming a more rounded and capable adventurer. Now she just needed the opportunity to put them to the test.
Faced with a trifecta of new skills to choose from, Rose found herself at a crossroads. The options before her were intriguing but complex: Scrying, which offered the ability to spy on distant places or people through reflective surfaces; Runecraft, a mysterious skill that seemed almost like a profession, promising the storage of magical energy in engraved runes; and Barriers, a straightforward defensive skill that had lost some of its appeal since she acquired Ice Armour. Uncertain, she turned to Elder Dolgran for guidance.
Dolgran stroked his beard thoughtfully before speaking. "In my experience, Scrying offers flexibility. You can either focus on a specific target or scan a familiar area; your proficiency determines the skill's effectiveness. Runecraft, on the other hand, is something I know quite intimately. During my time with the dwarves of our homeworld, I witnessed the depth of this craft. For a human to possess this skill is a rare privilege."
He continued, detailing the intricacies of Runecraft. "It is the mystical discipline of infusing tangible inscriptions with magical properties. By using ancient symbols, known as runes, you can forge stable, semi-permanent magical effects activated at will. While it lacks the spontaneity of traditional spellcasting, Runecraft compensates with its utility; you can set up magic in advance for a variety of situations."
Finally, Dolgran spread his arms as if unveiling a grand tapestry of possibility. "With Runecraft, you could craft anything from ward stones and binding runes to communication stones linking distant cities. Your imagination is the only boundary."
Rose's eyes gleamed with enlightenment. Each skill had its merits, but Runecraft offered an enticing blend of creativity and tactical advantage. It seemed the perfect complement to her evolving skill set.
Rose pondered her choices, her mind racing. Scrying offered a kind of situational awareness that could be incredibly useful for recon or tracking. But Runecraft, with its depth and versatility, appealed to her innate love for creative magic. After hearing Elder Dolgran elaborate on its potential, her decision became clearer.
"I think Runecraft resonates more with me," she finally declared. "It seems like a skill where I can really dig deep and continuously discover new applications. It offers both utility and tactical advantages."
Elder Dolgran smiled warmly, the crinkles by his eyes deepening. "An excellent choice, Rose. Runecraft is an ancient practice steeped in tradition and boundless potential. With it, you can tailor your magic to suit any circumstance, turning your creativity into a tangible advantage on the battlefield. It's a skill that will grow in power and utility as you grow in wisdom and experience."
A sense of satisfaction filled Rose as she selected Runecraft from her skill tree, cementing her decision. She could almost feel the ancient arcane knowledge settling into her consciousness, like a book long left unread suddenly flung open to reveal its secrets. This was more than just an acquisition of a new skill—it was a step toward becoming a more versatile and self-reliant adventurer.
She looked up at her companions, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I can't wait to see what sort of runes I can craft. I have a feeling this is going to open up a whole new world of possibilities for us."
Turning her attention back to her available skill choices, Rose found that Elemental Burst had appeared in place of Runecraft. While intriguing, it felt somewhat redundant; she had already begun mastering multi-elemental attacks on her own. Her eyes lingered on Scrying. A soft, almost nostalgic feeling welled up within her. The skill offered her a chance to assuage a lingering concern: the well-being of Sinclair.
With a resolute click, she selected Scrying, internally yearning to soon use this newfound ability to check on him and ensure he was safe. It wasn't just a skill to her; it was a tether to those she cared about, a magical link stretching across the distances that separated them.
Elder Dolgran greeted Rose's decision with a warm, approving smile. "Ah, so you're finished with your Race skill selections. Do you have three Class levels to pick as well?"
"Yes," Rose replied, her eyes alight with newfound knowledge. "For my initial choices, I have Volt Shield, which grants me a compact, arm-mounted shield capable of repelling attacks with a two-foot radius of electrified spikes. Then there's Elemental Scrying, which appears to be quite similar to my standard Scrying ability, though it doesn't seem to offer any additional benefits. Lastly, there's Static Sense, which allows me to emanate a static field to detect any movement around me."
"I've decided to opt for Volt Shield," she continued, her tone reflecting her inner confidence. "It adds a new layer to my defense, making me not just the protector of myself, but potentially of others as well, should the need arise."
"A well-considered choice, young Rose," Elder Dolgran commended, nodding appreciatively. "And what have you in mind for your subsequent skills?"
"For my final options, the new skills are particularly intriguing," Rose began, her eyes twinkling with the allure of new possibilities. "First, there's Hearthstone, which allows me to designate a specific area as a sanctuary, effectively shielding us from monsters while also enhancing our regenerative abilities within its radius. Then we have Hellfire Vortex, a whirling inferno that's as dangerous to our allies as it is to our enemies. And lastly, there's Pyroclasm—essentially fire bombs that you set and forget, according to its description."
"So, which one will it be?" Elder Dolgran asked, leaning forward in anticipation.
"I'm choosing Hearthstone," Rose said, the determination clear in her voice. "Its utility in establishing a safe zone for longer journeys and enabling rapid recovery seems invaluable. Plus, it fits more with my tendency to plan strategically rather than rely solely on brute force."
"A wise choice, indeed," Elder Dolgran nodded, visibly pleased with her thoughtful decision-making. "With such a diverse array of skills, you're shaping up to be a formidable adventurer."
Just as Elder Dolgran was about to offer some final words of wisdom, a sudden gust of wind blew through the room, carrying with it a sense of urgency. The door burst open, and a trio of scouts, their faces lined with dirt and exhaustion, staggered into the chamber.
"Elder Dolgran, urgent news!" one of the scouts panted, struggling to catch his breath.
"Speak, what has happened?" Elder Dolgran demanded, his tone shifting from mentorship to military command in an instant.
"It's the Orcs, Elder. Patrols of them, heavily armed, are heading in this direction. And from what we could gather, they're not just passing through. They're organized, and they mean to attack," the scout revealed, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and resolve.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the room, as everyone absorbed the weight of the scout's words.
Elder Dolgran stood, his face hardening like a slab of granite. "Prepare yourselves," he declared, locking eyes with Alice, Rose, and the others. "It appears we'll be putting your new skills to the test sooner than we'd all hoped."
As the scouts rushed back out to spread the alarm, the atmosphere grew tense, each individual lost in their own thoughts and fears. The room seemed to close in, as if echoing the impending danger. This was no longer just about skill choices and individual paths; it was about survival, it was about war. And as they all stood there, it became abundantly clear that their lives were about to change in ways they could not yet even begin to fathom.