Name: Max
Class: Mage
Level: 23
HP: 170
Mana: 160
Spells:
* Fireball (Level 2):
* Description: Launches a fiery projectile towards a target, dealing 25 fire damage on impact.
* Mana Cost: 20 mana
* Additional Effects: Targets hit may suffer from burning effect, dealing 15 fire damage per turn for 10 seconds unless extinguished.
* Ice Lance (Level 1):
* Description: Summons a shard of ice that pierces through enemies, dealing 30 ice damage and slowing their movement for 3 seconds.
* Mana Cost: 15 mana
* Shield Spell (Level 2):
* Description: Creates a resilient barrier around the caster, providing enhanced protection against physical and magical attacks.
* Mana Cost: 30 mana
* Healing Light (Level 1):
* Description: Emits a gentle glow that heals the caster or an ally for 30 HP.
* Mana Cost: 25 mana
* Teleport (Level 1):
* Description: Instantly transports the caster to a nearby location within 10 meters.
* Mana Cost: 40 mana
* Brazilian Agony (Level 1):
* Description: Unleashes a targeted wave of magic that instantly removes all hair from the area it strikes, causing a lot of pain, discomfort, and distraction to the target.
* Mana Cost: 35 mana
Attributes:
* Vigor: 140 (increased by 35 points)
* Increases HP
* Increases Fire and Poison Resistance
* Increases Immunity
* Mind: 130 (increased by 15 points)
* Increases MP (Mana Points)
* Increases Focus Resistance
* Endurance: 110 (increased by 15 points)
* Increases Stamina
* Increases Robustness
* Increases Equip Load
* Strength: 95 (increased by 15 points)
* Increases Physical Defense
* Increases Physical Damage
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
* Dexterity: 90 (increased by 15 points)
* Increases Physical Damage
* Shortens Casting Time
* Softens Fall Damage
* Intelligence: 120 (increased by 15 points)
* Provides access to more Sorceries
* Increases Magic Damage
* Increases Magic Defense
* Faith: 70 (increased by 10 points)
* Provides access to more Incantations
* Increases Magic Damage
* Arcane: 65 (increased by 10 points)
* Increases Item Discovery
* Increases Death and Holy Resistance
* Allows use of certain Sorceries and Incantations
Max sat in the inn/adventurers’ guild, with a large piece of roasted meat in front of him. The nice smell of the perfectly cooked meal spread in the air, but Max’s attention was elsewhere. He stared at his status screen, thinking of what to focus on.
Boorg, however, was not thinking about anything at that point. He was devouring his meal with such a speed that Max found it impressive when he noticed him tearing into the meat with his sharp teeth. Chunks of it disappeared very fast, and he barely paused to chew before swallowing. At one point, he began to choke, his eyes widening as he tried to force down a particularly large piece.
“Slow down, Boorg,” Max said absentmindedly, his eyes never actually leaving the status screen. He re-read it thousands of times, thinking of each attribute carefully.
He had increased Vigor by 35 points. The increased health and resistance had been vital in recent battles. He was pleased with the progress, but he wondered if he should boost it further, it might help him in the future with tougher enemies.
Mind, he increased it by 15 points. In the past, he put some points there as well but his mana never increased. He tested it again, and still, it showed the same. He will need to increase it somehow, more mana is definitely needed, especially when fighting for longer times.
In this world, leveling up allows Max to gain attribute points which can be distributed to enhance various stats. Max realized very late, that the number of points gained per level varied. Especially under certain circumstances like leveling in dungeons, getting artifacts, or unique encounters.
Max recently experienced a big boost thanks to the dungeon Boorg dragged him in. This resulted in a much larger than usual number of attribute points.
Endurance, increased by 15 points, and Max knew it needed improvement. The additional stamina helps when fighting long battles and carrying heavier gear. He made a mental note to work on this.
Strength, which he increased by 15 points, had never been his primary focus, but the increased physical defense and damage were useful. He thought about if it would be smart to invest more into it, maybe even learn some sword skills, because of his lack of mana pool. He might be forced to fight with swords one day.
Dexterity, increased by 15 points, had its benefits, mostly in speeding up his spellcasting and reducing fall damage. Max knew the importance of being more agile and quick with his magic, but it wasn’t his top priority.
Intelligence, increased by 15 points, was his strongest attribute. It gave him access to more powerful spells and boosted his magic damage and defense. It wasn’t his top priority as of now, because he was happy with his level of intelligence, but soon he will need to boost it up even more.
Max wondered on what to focus on next, it was time for him to decide his type of fighting, what was the priority, and what to focus on.
Meanwhile, Boorg finally managed to swallow the piece of meat that he choked on, gasping for breath. He took a big gulp of ale to wash it down and looked at Max. “Good meat,” he said, patting his belly with satisfaction.
Max smiled faintly at his companion, then he returned to his thoughts. He needed a plan. Merlin might know the secret of lifting the curse or at least understanding it better. He also needed to consider how to train and improve his stats effectively.
The tavern around him continued to breathe. Adventurers laughed and shared stories, the clinking of mugs and the murmur of people talking were all around Max. He could feel the energy of the place, but he couldn’t enjoy it. His focus was on the numbers before him, a puzzle he needed to solve to become the hero everyone expected him to be.
A scroll ended up on Max’s knees, and he jumped. “Wh-”
Next to him stood Isidora, the elf with the long, silver hair running freely down her back like a waterfall in the moonlight. Her green eyes looked at Max, but Max couldn’t return the favor. “Take it,” she said, her voice sounding irritated as if she had been forced into this task against her will. Her expression remained cold as she glanced at him, her lips just a thin line.
Max took a small glimpse at her, sensing that any attempt at small talk would be counter-effective, he simply nodded and picked up the scroll.
As Isidora turned to leave, she shot him a final glance. “Don’t waste my time,” she muttered before disappearing into the crowd.
“What does she mean? She approached me!” Max said silently so she wouldn’t hear.
He unrolled the scroll, details of a quest were written on it.
Quest: Gather the Valerian Root
Objective: Collect five Valerian roots from the Enchanted Forest just outside Kingsport. These rare herbs only bloom under the light of the full moon, their petals glowing with a soft light.
Reward:
* 5 Gold Coins
* A potion of Mana Restoration
Valerian Root is needed for a powerful healing potion to be brewed by the local alchemist. Be careful, as the Enchanted Forest is home to many magical creatures. While it isn’t dangerous in most cases, they can be tricky to deal with. Gather the herbs and return them to the alchemist in Kingsport.
Max rolled the scroll back up, tucking it away. He turned to Boorg, who was playing with Piggy now. “Looks like we’ve got our next task. Let’s head to the Enchanted Forest and get those herbs.”
Boorg nodded, excited for another adventure. Together, they left the inn, ready to get their hands dirty.