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"Congratulations Santa, you’ve chosen wisely! As a level one Festive Enchanter, you have received your first basic spell."
Santa glanced at the text appearing before him and nodded. "Mistletoe Missile," he read aloud.
S.E.R.G. grinned. "There's no time to waste. Let's get the tutorial out of the way so you can dash off to complete your first quest!"
Santa nodded. "What exactly must I do?"
“Follow, follow…” S.E.R.G. directed him outside and pointed towards a snow carved statue just beyond the stables. “Practice.”
Santa eyed the snowman standing sentinel, its button nose and coal eyes seeming to accuse him. It wasn’t unusual to find such creations outside his house, as the elves often spent their time on arts and crafts. A pang of regret tugged at him—targeting something so innocent felt wrong. But he steeled his heart, knowing he had to master his newfound ability, no matter the cost.
“Are you ready?”
Santa nodded.
"Okay, well then. Position yourself there in front of the target, and when you’re ready, unleash the spell by holding out your hand and chanting, ‘Mistletoe Missile’.”
Santa took his position as instructed and held out his arm. With a clear and decisive voice, he commanded, "Mistletoe, Missile!"
Santa felt a rush of energy as a vibrant green and red orb materialized from his outstretched palm. Suddenly, it shot out, trailing a festive scent of pine and winterberries, and struck the snowman square in the chest. As the missile erupted, he flinched, startled by the sudden festive explosion of glistening snowflakes and mistletoe.
His white, bushy brows furrowed as he observed the target. The massive holiday explosion had barely scratched the snowman.
Unperturbed, S.E.R.G. encouraged him to try again. Santa repeated the incantation, but this time nothing happened. "Lesson one! Your powers are bound by time. Some spells can only be cast intermittently and must wait for a cooldown period," explained S.E.R.G.
Santa grumbled in frustration. How could this kind of magic save Christmas? “S.E.R.G. how can I say this… This magic, it’s useless.”
S.E.R.G. eyed the target and then the look on Santa’s face. “You are, of course correct, but don’t worry.”
“Don’t worry? How can I rely on such an ability? If I am to save the others, I need abilities that are dependable.”
S.E.R.G. smiled with empathy and floated closer. "Master Santa, please. Like any other skill, magic develops over time. All you need is practice. And with Twixy’s system, spells can grow."
Santa sighed, the furrows easing from his brow as he nodded. "Of course, you're right. I’m sorry. It's just that I'm not accustomed to such... limitations."
"There is no need for apologies. Now, prepare yourself, the cooldown should soon end," S.E.R.G. said, its digital form pulsating with encouragement.
Taking a deep breath, Santa focused and once again extended his hand. "Mistletoe Missile!" he commanded with newfound conviction. The spell shot forth, striking the snowman with a slightly greater force than before. As the frost flew like confetti, a brilliant flare signalled.
🪄 Mistletoe Missile Mastery has increased!
S.E.R.G.’s eyebrows shot up. "Ah! There you go. The spell’s reached rank two." Its pixels seemed to dance with excitement. "See. With every use, your proficiency grows."
The guide affirmed with a nod and floated closer, its wings fluttering rapidly as it tapped invisible keys, bringing up a display before them.
🪄Mistletoe Missile: Rank 2
Description:
Unleash the festive fury of the Yuletide season with Mistletoe Missile! This spell conjures a radiant, green and red energy orb that embodies the joy and vigour of Christmas. When launched, the missile seeks its target with the precision of a well-guided sleigh, exploding on impact in a burst of sparkling holiday magic. The enchanting mistletoe energy is not only a sight to behold but also packs a considerable punch, capable of stunning foes and spreading a touch of festive cheer even in the heat of battle.
Effect:
Deals low to moderate magical damage depending on the caster's level and magical power.
Has a chance to stun the target for a brief period.
Leaves a trail of glittering light, embodying the spirit of Christmas.
Damage: 0 – 3
Spell incantation: “Mistletoe Missile!”
Cooldown: 28 seconds.
As he examined the details, he was pleased to see the cooldown had slightly decreased, and the spell now had the potential to inflict up to three points of damage. Though still grappling with the strangeness of it all, Santa could not deny the stirring of pride at the small advancement. It was as if a switch flipped in his mind—he realized this was just the first step on a long path to mastery.
Santa's lips curved into a grin as satisfaction lit up his eyes. "Well then, let's not stop improving this glowing magic ball thingy. Christmas waits for no one."
With a persistent chant, for what seemed hours Santa tirelessly recited the incantation for the Mistletoe Missile, each repetition a step closer to mastery. As the spell's rank increased, its potential potency grew; the cooldown period shortened, and its potential damage swelled. When it finally reached rank 10, the cooldown had been whittled down to a mere twenty seconds. Santa, to his surprise, felt no weariness. His reawakened form, unnervingly energetic, sustained him, propelling his efforts beyond his normal limits.
🪄 Mistletoe Missile: Rank 10 (Max)
Description:
---
Effect:
---
Damage: 0 – 12
Spell incantation: “Mistletoe Missile!”
Cooldown: 20 seconds.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
S.E.R.G., having observed the rapid progression with a mix of astonishment and curiosity, finally voiced its thoughts. "Sir Claus, your advancement with the Magic Missile is... extraordinary. Normally, such progress would take… days."
Fluttering through its digital database in a frantic search for an explanation, S.E.R.G.'s lights blinked rapidly before stabilizing with a gentle glow, akin to a contented sigh. "Ah, here lies the secret to your success," S.E.R.G. pointed towards yet another glowing text box. “Look what I’ve found within your passives.”
🪄 The Spirit of Christmas
Spell: Passive
Exclusive: Santa
Description:
Ability grants dominion over the North Pole.
Within this realm, the spirit of Christmas enhances one’s body beyond mortal understanding.
Effect:
Growth of magic mastery increased by 1% per year spent in North Pole.
Santa nodded as he read, a surge of pride welling up inside him. "The Spirit of Christmas, huh? Even in this state, the magic of the season and this place still flows through me."
"Indeed," S.E.R.G. said, its pixels shimmering. "In your domain, you're not just a player. You’re the master of yuletide enchantment, the sovereign of the holiday season's magic."
Santa chuckled. It seemed there was a silver lining, after all.
Santa, standing tall with a newfound resolve, looked out towards the horizon where vibrant auroras danced over the tranquil Christmas Village. "Let's harness this new spirit, this newfound power," he declared, his voice tinged with determination. "I'm ready to seek out this spell you mentioned."
S.E.R.G. nodded and focused its sensors on Santa. "I'll access the quest details now," it said, its digital tone conveying a hint of caution. "Be prepared, Sir. This won't be an easy journey, even with your Mistletoe Missile."
"But there's no other choice, right?"
"That's correct," S.E.R.G. said with a simulated sigh. "To acquire the spell, you must embark on a chain quest. However, it's designed for players above level 20, and you are currently at level one."
Santa pondered for a moment, then asked, "So, I need to level up first?"
S.E.R.G. shook his head. “There is no time, you will have to level up on the way.”
A spark of apprehension flickered in Santa's eyes. "Very well, let's begin. Then, what is my first quest?"
“It won’t be easy.” S.E.R.G. sighed, then held up a tiny golden hand to concentrate as yet another box floated into existence. “Here you go!”
❄ New Quest? ❄
Class Quest: The Long-lost Mystery within the swamp (Part 1)
Objective:
Find the solitary hermit living deep within the Eggnog Swamp. This enigmatic individual is rumoured to possess knowledge crucial to unlocking the power you seek.
Location: Eggnog Swamp, known for its thick, milky mists and treacherous terrain.
Rewards:
Experience Points
Advancement to Part 2
Accept? Yes/No
"Do you know of the Eggnog Swamps that lie beyond the Candy Cane Forest?" S.E.R.G. asked.
Santa nodded. "I've flown above the swamps many times, but to wade through them is another matter entirely." He’d never set foot in such treacherous terrain; his sleigh always having kept him far above the fray. From what he saw, the swamp was a massive milky lake, trapping a few sparse islands here and there within its sticky embrace.
"Good, you'll find it then. Your quest is to seek out a hermit within the swamp. He holds the key to the next part of the quest."
Santa felt a shiver run down his spine. The notion of wading waist-deep through the Eggnog Swamps didn't exactly thrill him. He could already imagine the sticky sweetness clinging to his boots, the aroma overwhelming his senses. Yet, the journey was essential, and he knew that every step, no matter how uncomfortable, brought him closer to restoring the world to its rightful state.
Santa's mitten flew up and landed on the Yes button.
❄ Quest Accepted! ❄
Determination set firmly in his heart; Santa made for the Candy Cane Forest. But as he took his first stride through the snow, he noticed S.E.R.G. remained still.
"Aren't you coming with?" Santa asked concerned.
The digital creature gave him a sorrowful smile. "I am bound by my programming. The system that Twixy created, the heart of which lies beneath your workshop, anchors me here. I cannot wander far from the source of what gives me life."
Santa looked sympathetically at the digital sprite. Despite his own undead transformation, he retained his freedom to roam the enchanting expanses of the North Pole, as unbound as the winter winds themselves.
Santa's eyes glinted with resolve as he spoke, "It's all up to me, then." The weight of responsibility was unmistakable in his voice, but so was his determination.
S.E.R.G., with a hint of mysterious capability in its digital voice said, "While I cannot join you on your journey, I can offer assistance from here, Santa."
"Oh?"
"I need to unravel this tinsel tangle of a mystery, to unearth the roots of this catastrophe," S.E.R.G. stated firmly.
Santa nodded as a rush of guilt flooded him. It was his decision to distribute the contaminated cocoa that had led to the disaster.
Sensing Santa's distress, S.E.R.G. reassured him, "I don't believe this is your fault, Santa."
"That's kind of you, but I should've checked the cocoa first," Santa said.
S.E.R.G. disagreed, shaking its digital form. "The perpetrator knew of your generous nature, Santa. They exploited it, sending the package with full knowledge of how you would use it."
Santa's nod was sombre, but a flicker of determination lit his eyes. "S.E.R.G., find out who did this," he said, his voice steady but edged with a rare emotion—anger. "Don’t forget to check the list... and check it twice."
"Yes Sir! I shall delve into the data decks," S.E.R.G. said with a salute. "Good luck on your quest!"
Santa tipped his hat and turned, ready to embark on the quest, his newfound magic pulsing through him like a steady heartbeat of arcane energy. With each step, he moved further from the comforting glow of Christmas Village, leaving behind the twinkling lights and distant melodies of holiday cheer.
🎄Santa has left: Christmas Village
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🎄Santa has entered: The Candy cane Forest
The forest was cloaked in mystery, with a sweet hint of mint in the air, while the only sound came from the crunch of Santa's boots. Candy canes grew tall around him, branching out like trees. Moonlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting a silvery glow over the twisted candy branches and gnarled sugary roots, turning the forest into a maze of shadows. Santa's breath puffed in the cold air as he adjusted his red cap, pulling it snugly over his ears.
As Santa ventured deeper into the forest, the shadows seemed to watch him like spectres in the night. Despite the ominous surroundings, his spirit remained unbroken. His eyes, softly glowing in the darkness, stayed fixed on the path ahead, his mind focused on the quest before him. He needed to reach the swamp at all costs.
Santa searched his memories as he marched. In the past, he’d often visited this place, but now it felt alien after so many years of neglect. Once, magical creatures thrived here, fuelled by the Spirit of Christmas. But times had changed.
The air hummed with an eerie presence, a sign that the forest wasn’t entirely abandoned. Santa peered into the gaps between the canes, spotting some creatures of old, but they were different, their presence now unfamiliar and unsettling. A prickle of unease crept over him; this place no longer radiated the joyous spirit of Christmas.
He quickened his pace. A breeze tore through the trees, carrying a strange mix of festive spices and damp decay. He was getting close.
Just as the swamp appeared, a sudden alert flashed before his eyes—bold red text materialized in his vision and his heart sank.
[Grey Wolf, Level 5]
[Grey Wolf, Level 5]
[Grey Wolf, Level 5]
As Santa took a few more steps, he suddenly found himself surrounded by the pack. Their eyes gleamed in the moonlight, reflecting a primal hunger. The wolves bared their teeth, poised for attack, their low growls vibrating through the still night air.
[Grey Wolf, Level 5]
Santa stood his ground, eyeing the circle of predators cautiously. "Easy there," he said in a calm, commanding tone, trying to assert his presence without provoking them. "I'm not here to harm you."
[Grey Wolf, Level 5]
“Um, stay?” he said, but the words were a lost cause.
The wolves, eyes glinting, licked their chops. Santa halted, counting the five formidable beasts whose presence shouldn’t exist here. The wolves collectively took a step forward.
“Back!”
They responded with a snarl, a chorus of low growls reverberating through the air.
A wave of regret washed over Santa as he understood the dire consequence of his years of negligence. Consumed by the ever-growing demands of Christmas, the world’s expanding population calling for more toys, more joy, more Santa, he had inadvertently forsaken this magical place beyond his own doorstep. In his absence, the forest had fallen prey to these massive wolves, predators who had devoured the magical fauna, feasting on the enchantment that once protected the realm.
Santa stood firm, knowing his level one status and fledgling powers were his only defence. To reach Eggnog Swamp and begin his quest, he had to escape these beasts. But with Mistletoe Missile as his only spell and a 20-second cooldown, the challenge was daunting. His mind raced, aware that his survival hinged on this one precarious spell against five foes.
“Bah bloody humbug!”