The rapidity of their response was impressive, taking little more than a minute, far quicker than Sinclair's anticipated five to ten minutes. The sudden appearance of General Valthorn, alongside the rest of the team, lent an air of immediacy and authority to the scene. The General, towering above the others, took to the air for an aerial survey, while the fifteen soldiers, now under Sinclair's command, fanned out in a strategic formation around his father at the center. The sight was a striking display of coordination and strength, a reassurance of their readiness and capability, an impressive feat that Sinclair hadn't entirely intended but appreciated nonetheless.
Everyone stepped back in total shock. Uncertain what was actually going on. Bruce stepped up, "Son what is going on?"
"I found this village and couldn't just leave them. They seemed like good people dad so I figured we could take those who wanted to back to Wolf's Run and swap out fighters. There are some higher level beasts if anyone is ready for that level of fighting." Sinclair stated
Bruce smiled, his son was intent on saving the world it seemed. He wouldn't fault him the drive. He would just continue to find the support his son needed to complete his missions. The role of a father was never over no matter how old they got. "That is a great idea son."
"The teleporter is restricted right now. And, anyone from here will need an escort or permission to use it. I will leave it up to you and the council to vet them further. I have to continue on from here quite urgently it feels." He said this last rubbing his chest where the burn was.
"I understand son. Go, we have this well in hand." He said this shooing his son away as he walked up to Chris introducing himself. As he turned to the gate he changed back into his Visage of the Wolf with no thought to the locals and focused on his task. "Chewy/Leia let us run some more!" With a loud howl they all three shot away like the bullet from a gun. A large furry bullet with significantly more destructive power.
They sped away the village getting smaller and disappearing in the trees almost immediately. Now that he was moving the pull wasn't so bad, more directional instead of urgency based. It seemed he was being punished for being slow.
As they journeyed onward, Sinclair engaged in casual conversation with Chewy and Leia. Opportunities for such relaxed talks were rare, and the steady pace of their run provided an ideal backdrop for these moments of camaraderie. Sinclair's ability to partition his focus allowed him to maintain the conversation effortlessly while navigating the terrain, a skill he found invaluable for balancing the demands of his journey with the need for lighter, more personal interactions.
The landscape ahead was dominated by mountains of colossal stature, dwarfing even the majestic Rockies he had visited on a skiing trip back on Earth. Their snow-capped peaks soared into the sky, a spectacle of natural grandeur. Taking a brief respite from their relentless pace, Sinclair climbed one of the Sentinel trees, relieved to find the tree spirits benign during his ascent.
From his elevated viewpoint, the mountain range unfolded before him, confirming the direction of the internal pull he felt. To the right, he spotted a clearing and the tips of a wall, meticulously noting these features on his map, including a river that snaked its way between the peaks.
Resuming their run, they approached the mountain range, bracing for the heightened challenges it presented. The local fauna, significantly more formidable than what they had encountered earlier, engaged them in frequent skirmishes. Their most daunting encounter was with a manticore, a creature Sinclair had only read about in Persian folklore. Facing the beast, a nightmarish amalgamation with a human head, lion's body, and scorpion's tail, was a harrowing experience. The manticore, at level 78, demanded Sinclair's utmost focus and strategy. In response, his Rapid Regen ability, still benefiting from its placement in the Eye of Colossus, which expedited its experience gain—gained several levels, which was a crucial advantage in this intense battle.
Rapid Regeneration +3
Throughout their expedition, Sinclair found opportunities to refine his Telekinesis skill, another ability he had strategically placed in the Eye of Colossus to benefit from accelerated experience gain. The journey had turned into an impromptu training ground, with Sinclair testing his precision and swiftness by targeting various objects along their path. This consistent practice, albeit on smaller, non-threatening targets, contributed to a modest but valuable increase in his skill level.
However, it was during the intense skirmish with the manticore that Sinclair's Telekinesis skill truly advanced. The encounter with the formidable beast necessitated rapid and tactical deployment of his abilities. The manticore's blistering speed and deadly agility made close-quarters combat perilous, forcing Sinclair to rely heavily on his Telekinesis.
He had purchased bags of steel balls from the shop for a pittance. He could effectively turn into a machine gun at this level when he needed distance form an enemy. He would see about getting someone to enchant them for different types of damage. Picturing in his mind that he had become a walking magic grenade launcher.
Telekinesis +4
The level up was nice too. He had been creeping towards his next level as he watched the experience bar go up every few wins. He was now holding 2 levels of stats for later. It was nice having some stats in his back pocket for emergencies.
System Message - Level UP!
When Ulfhednar level up they receive the following stat changes automatically.
+ 5 Strength
+ 3 Agility
+ 4 Constitution
+ 3 Intelligence
+ 4 Willpower
+ 5 Endurance
+ 4 free stat points per level
To complete the process of leveling up please assign your points.
Reflecting on his journey, Sinclair couldn't help but be astounded by his progress. His base stats had soared to over 1700, a figure that didn't even account for the enhancements from his gear or the multipliers from his titles. It seemed unlikely that any three individuals combined could match his statistical prowess, even considering his companions, who themselves were likely 20 to 30% ahead of other System participants on the planet.
A curious thought struck him about his high intelligence stat. Despite its impressive level, he didn't perceive any noticeable increase in his intellectual capacity, which was contrary to his understanding of how the stat should manifest. He mentally bookmarked this anomaly for future investigation, storing it away among other curiosities to ponder at a later time.
Refocusing on the immediate task, Sinclair and his companions continued their approach toward the mountains, drawn inexorably closer by the mysterious pull he felt in his chest.
They discovered a narrow trail winding its way between two towering mountain ledges. The path, barely discernible, zigzagged upwards, leading to a dark opening perched over a thousand feet high. Sinclair's keen vision scanned the route, confirming it was devoid of any living threats.
As they ascended the steep incline, the view of the valley they had traversed opened up before them, revealing miles of landscape stretching to the planet's distant horizon. The curvature of the planet, now more pronounced due to its increased size, added a sense of grandeur to the vista.
Reaching the mouth of the dark tunnel, Sinclair paused, his curiosity piqued about what lay ahead. The tunnel, devoid of any tracks or distinct scents apart from the earthy dampness of stone, held a peculiar comfort for him. With a sense of anticipation and readiness for whatever challenges awaited, he stepped into the shadows, eager to uncover the secrets of this new path.
As they ventured deeper into the tunnel, its meandering path dipped and twisted through the mountain's heart. Sinclair's Shadow Sight, a skill adept at piercing the darkness, activated when the natural light faded, painting his surroundings in stark shades of black and gray. They proceeded with caution, the journey through the tunnel consuming a careful twenty minutes before hints of light began to seep through from the other end.
Shadow Sight +1
The trio advanced slowly, hugging the tunnel walls, as a discordant symphony of noises echoed ahead. The anticipation grew with each cautious step.
Finally, the tunnel's end came into view, revealing a breathtaking sight. Beyond the ridge of a distant mountain lay a vast canyon, but the scene was far from idyllic. Below them sprawled a nightmarish tableau of monsters, each more grotesque and twisted than the last. Sinclair's internal guidance, a constant presence until now, fell eerily silent, signaling that they had indeed found the epicenter of the disturbance.
The valley was teeming with thousands of creatures, stretching as far as the eye could see. Sinclair's earlier curiosity about the absence of wildlife in the area was chillingly answered. These creatures were not merely present; they had been transformed into the monstrous horde before them.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
A specific area within the mass of creatures drew Sinclair's attention irresistibly. As he focused, he noticed the density of monsters increasing towards that point. After several tense minutes of observation, a colossal figure rose from what he had mistaken for part of the landscape. Towering over 15 feet tall, it uncoiled with a daunting presence. As it moved among the lesser beasts, it seemed to command and reorganize them with purposeful intent, resembling a sinister shepherd guiding its twisted flock. The sight was both mesmerizing and ominous, marking the beginning of a confrontation Sinclair knew he could not avoid.
Sinclair's mind raced as he assessed the dire situation. The sheer number of monsters, even if individually weak, posed a significant threat. Sheer force alone wouldn't suffice; he needed a strategic approach, possibly leveraging the terrain to create choke points to prevent being overwhelmed. His impressive stats were formidable, but in the face of such numbers, they might not be enough to prevent a swarm attack.
As the sun reached its zenith, casting a bright glow over the landscape, Sinclair resolved to seek help. The nearest potential ally was the town he had spotted earlier, perilously close to the monstrous horde's domain. The natural lay of the land suggested a possible path between the mountains and the town, potentially funneling the creatures directly towards the settlement.
Feeling a sense of responsibility, Sinclair decided to warn the town's inhabitants. They retraced their steps through the tunnel and descended the precarious trail, making their way stealthily toward the town, skirting the edge of the woods.
Approximately two miles from their destination, they encountered scattered groups of the twisted creatures. Each encounter was a grim reminder of the perversion of nature, filling Sinclair with a profound sadness. Together with Chewy and Leia, they engaged and eliminated these pockets of corruption, ensuring to incinerate the remains to prevent any further contamination.
As they neared the town, their hearts sank at the sight that greeted them. The settlement was under siege, with hundreds of the grotesque monsters assailing its walls. Despite the grim scene, the town's fortifications were impressive: towering walls standing 20 feet high and stretching 300 feet across, manned by numerous defenders.
Emerging from the forest, Sinclair and his companions quickly dispatched the last group of monsters they encountered. Taking in the scene, they realized the strategic value of the town as a stronghold. The relief of finding a defensible position, a fallback option in case their upcoming counteroffensive faltered, lifted a weight from Sinclair's shoulders. However, the immediate need to aid the besieged town loomed large in his mind.
As Sinclair surveyed the monstrous horde, a fierce determination surged within him. Clutching his Axe of the Valiant Skies, he yearned for the support of his distant friends, especially Rose, whose image briefly flickered in his mind. Shaking off the distraction, he readied himself for the onslaught.
"Stay alert and close," he instructed Chewy and Leia, his voice tinged with urgency. With a burst of speed, he closed the gap to the enemy, utilizing Focused Charge to bridge the final 40 feet in a blink. Plunging into the heart of the fray, he swung his axe in a wide arc, its blade singing as it cleaved through the mass of foes.
The axe, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, seemed an extension of his very being. He let out a resonant howl, the sound echoing across the battlefield, vibrating through the walls of the besieged town. Activating Primal Resonance, he drew the attention of every monster, beckoning them like a siren's call.
Sinclair stood unflinching as the creatures surged towards him, their levels no match for his prowess. He unleashed Savage Cleave repeatedly, each spin sending deadly blades of red energy slicing through the horde. His Telekinesis skill, deftly controlled through his partitioned mind, launched metal projectiles at a relentless pace, each strike claiming another enemy.
The battlefield resonated with the increase in his Mental Flexibility and Telekinesis skills, their levels climbing amidst the chaos.
Mental Flexibility +3
Telekinesis +2
Sinclair reveled in the battle's rhythm, his blood thrumming with the thrill of combat. But soon, he noticed the tide of enemies waning, a development he couldn't accept. With relentless energy, he dashed along the wall, leaping and charging into clusters of beasts, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. He rotated through his other skills, ensuring they too gained experience in the fray.
One by one, the creatures fell until the wall was cleared, each jump and flash of red marking Sinclair's unyielding advance. The town's defenders watched in awe as this lone warrior turned the tide, a whirlwind of fury and power that single-handedly broke the siege.
Chewy and Leia had been far from passive during the skirmish. They began their assault from the opposite flank of Sinclair's charge, methodically working their way towards the gate. By the time they reunited with Sinclair, he was in the midst of a conversation with the gate guards.
"You've witnessed just a fraction of the horde," Sinclair was explaining. "Allow me to speak with your leaders. United, we stand a better chance against this threat."
The guards, however, were visibly hesitant. One of them, shifting uneasily, voiced their concern. "We're grateful for your help, sir, but we can't just open our gates to strangers, especially when we don't fully understand what you are."
Sinclair turned to his companions, issuing swift orders. "Scout the perimeter, gather what intel you can. Keep in touch unless there's trouble; then head back here immediately."
With a mutual nod, Chewy and Leia disappeared into the forest, their large forms surprisingly agile as they stayed low to the ground.
The guard, eyeing their departure, queried anxiously, "Where are they off to?"
"They're scouting to anticipate any further attacks," Sinclair replied, his tone edged with impatience. "Now, will someone come to discuss this situation, or shall I enter to facilitate this discussion myself?" His question hung in the air, a clear indication of his dwindling patience and the urgency of the situation at hand.
"I cannot open the gates…” the guard began, but his words abruptly trailed off. In that moment, Sinclair, seizing the opportunity, activated his leap skill and soared effortlessly over the gate. Landing on the rampart, he took in the view of the town, which was markedly more advanced and populous than his own.
Upon his arrival, the soldiers on the ramparts instinctively pointed their weapons at him, though their demeanor suggested a lack of real intent to engage in combat. The soldier he had initially been speaking with turned ashen, stammering out what sounded like a mix of an objection and an apology. Sinclair, however, was focused on his objective.
"Where are your leaders? Get me an escort or bring them here, NOW!" he demanded, his voice laced with a growling undertone that underscored the urgency of his request.
At that moment, a calm voice interjected, "There's no need for that, friend." A man emerged from the nearest stairwell, approaching with a friendly smile. "I am the leader here, for the most part, anyway. My name's Clarence Husted. We're thankful for what you did, but what brings you here with such urgency?"
Clarence's demeanor was amiable, perhaps overly so, which gave Sinclair a moment's pause. He recognized the man's ability to handle tense situations with ease. Regaining his focus, Sinclair responded, "My apologies for the abrupt entrance. The adrenaline from the battle is still with me, and I don't appreciate being stonewalled. I've come from the mountains on a quest. My name is Sinclair, and I'm the lord of a town a few days' travel northwest from here." His explanation was straightforward, aiming to establish a connection and convey the gravity of the situation at hand.
Sinclair took a moment to compose himself, drawing deep breaths to calm his temper. He sensed Clarence's patience, no doubt earned by his recent solo endeavor against the menacing monsters.
"Do you have a private place where we can talk?" Sinclair inquired, his tone now more controlled.
Clarence regarded him with a contemplative gaze before responding. "Yes, there's a guard room nearby that should suffice." He led the way to a modest room, its simplicity marked by a roughly hewn table and a handful of chairs.
Once inside, Clarence gestured toward a chair, taking a seat himself. "Would you like something to drink or eat?" he asked. Almost as if by magic, a small feast materialized on the table in the blink of an eye, an array of dishes and refreshments laid out invitingly.
Sinclair, declined the offer casually. "I usually carry my own provisions. Consider it a token of apology for my earlier aggression. I prefer to avoid hostility whenever possible." He began selecting a few items from the spread, his recent exertions having stoked his appetite.
"Understood," Clarence said, settling into the conversation. "Now, please share what you felt needed privacy from prying ears." His demeanor was attentive, signaling his readiness to delve into the heart of the matter that had brought Sinclair to him.
Sinclair, maintaining a semblance of composure, addressed Clarence directly. "The situation is dire. I'm on a quest to defeat a creature in the nearby valley. It's the source of the monsters attacking your town. There's an extensive backstory, but time is short. I lead a town myself and protect others. I can't confront what lies in that valley alone, and your town is the nearest to the threat. By the way, what's the name of this place?"
Clarence shifted seamlessly to answer, "Acrovney. We inherited the name when we arrived here. Its origin is unclear to me."
Sinclair internally connected the dots; Acrovney was a familiar name from his teleport list.
"Ah, Acrovney," Sinclair noted aloud. "I saw it listed when registering my towns' teleports. I come from Wolf's Run, a name that's evidently in theme," he said, gesturing subtly to his wolf-like features.
Clarence nodded, his curiosity piqued but his focus remaining on the pressing matter. "I surmised as much. Many questions, but little time. Please, continue."
Sinclair leaned forward earnestly, "In that valley, there are thousands of those monsters, all of them high-level, ready to overrun the area. And there's the Myrkr, the creature I'm tasked with defeating. It seems to be controlling them in some way. That's part of the longer story I'll share later. We need to collaborate to withstand this onslaught." He punctuated his explanation with a bite of roast beef, hoping his urgency came through despite his mouthful.
Clarence responded to Sinclair's urgent demeanor with a hint of humor. "Quite the appetite, eh?" he remarked, sampling some of the provisions Sinclair had brought. "Our scouts reported similar observations about the pass you mentioned, which is why I'm inclined to trust your account. There's a growing list of questions, but for now, let's focus on the immediate situation. What assistance do you require from us?"
Sinclair outlined his plan swiftly and succinctly. "Firstly, we need a non-aggression pact. Once that's established, we can open teleportation links between our towns. I'll need to contact my general to bring in reinforcements, and in the meantime, your non-essential personnel can take refuge in our barracks. After the threat is neutralized, your people can return, hopefully paving the way for ongoing peaceful relations."
Clarence appeared agreeable to the proposal, his only concern lighthearted. "I'm on board with your plan, as long as you're not aiming for my position," he said with a chuckle.
Sinclair shook his head, "No, ruling isn't my ambition. My duty to protect the planet is overwhelming enough. Odin has me traveling far and wide to clean up lingering chaos. I'm more than content to let people govern themselves, as long as we can collaborate peacefully. I'm not here to force anyone's hand."
Clarence's expression turned contemplative, "Intriguing, every word you say opens up more mysteries. Do you come with an informational brochure or something? It might be useful. Otherwise, you'll find yourself repeating these explanations quite a bit."
Sinclair, recognizing the practicality of Clarence's suggestion for an information guide, acknowledged its value. Given the complexity of the situation and his limited time, a comprehensive guide would be instrumental in conveying the necessary details without the risk of omitting important information. "That's a good idea. Thank you. Let's get started on..." he began, but his words were abruptly cut off by a sudden, panicked message from Leia.
The situation was dire. Leia's mental shout conveyed that they were being pursued by an even larger and more powerful horde than before. The destruction they had inflicted earlier had clearly drawn unwanted attention, and now a formidable threat was bearing down on them.
"Sinclair! They are coming, and we only have a few minutes at best. We need the gate open, even if just for a moment," Leia's urgent plea echoed in his mind.
Springing into action, Sinclair quickly informed Clarence of the impending crisis. Together, they rushed outside, heading straight for the gate. They arrived just in time to see Chewy and Leia racing towards the gate, with an overwhelming enemy force in hot pursuit, mere hundreds of yards away.
Realizing the gate wouldn't open in time, Sinclair quickly devised an alternative plan. He threw two heavy ropes over the wall, preparing for a swift rescue. Mentally communicating with his companions, he instructed, "Head for the ropes. As soon as you reach them, bite down and hold on. I'll pull you up and over."
The tension was palpable as Sinclair waited, ropes in hand, ready to haul Chewy and Leia to safety. The fate of his companions hung in the balance, with the monstrous horde closing in rapidly, threatening to overrun them at any moment.
Sinclair's muscles tensed as he pulled Chewy and Leia over the wall using the ropes, surprised by the effort it required. "You two are heavy," he remarked through their mental link, a hint of strain in his voice.
Leia's response was quick and tinged with humor. "Pot and kettle, isn't it, mountain man?" she teased, lightening the moment as she cleared the wall.
Sinclair allowed himself a brief chuckle at Leia's quip before turning his attention back to the looming threat. Standing at the front of the gate, he assessed the situation with a determined gaze. "Well, no time like the present to get things started," he declared.
With a resolute jump from the rampart, Sinclair charged towards the advancing enemy. His decision was clear: he would confront the horde head-on, refusing to let them reach the walls of the town without a fight. His final thoughts before contact were of his friends and wishing they could be by his side.