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🎄Santa’s party has left: Land of Mists

❄ ❅ ❆ ❄

🎄Santa’s party has entered: The Artic Ocean

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[Level Up! You are now Level 43]

During their flight back, as clouds gathered to obscure the stars, Santa eagerly seized every opportunity to pop a pill. With each dose, he could feel himself strengthening with every, level up. He wanted to savour the delightful assortment of Mince Pies, Yule log cakes, candy canes, and various Christmas meats that burst from each. However, the urgency of their flight left him with little time for indulgence.

[Level Up! You are now Level 44]

[Level Up! You are now Level 45]

As they soared through the chilly night sky, Santa's trembling hand struggled to open the pill bottle every ten minutes, his fingers fumbling with the stubborn lid.

[Santa has gained ability: Frost resistance (Medium)]

[Level Up! You are now Level 46]

[Level Up! You are now Level 47]

Their initial journey south had taken several hours, but now, bolstered by Santa's newly gifted ability, they glided through the sky with ease. In just over an hour, they could spot the snowy shores of Santa's home appearing on the horizon.

[Level Up! You are now Level 48]

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🎄Santa’s party has left: The Artic Ocean

❄ ❅ ❆ ❄

🎄Santa’s party has entered: The North Pole Sea

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Aurora glided gracefully toward the snowy landmass, and Santa leaned forward, squinting to discern a mysterious dark shape below. However, before he could fully grasp its nature, the sky above them transformed. Suddenly, snowflakes tumbled from the heavens in every direction, as far as the eye could see.

Aurora let out a soft, awed "Wow," her voice a whisper against the hush of the snowfall.

Above them, the snow seemed to weave together into a vast, interconnected blanket. It fell with a gentle grace, each flake falling in a unified descent, transforming the land below and sky above into a winter wonderland.

Santa grinned, feeling as though the magic in the air, the very essence of Christmas, was welcoming them.

"Aurora, take us closer to that object on the shore," Santa called out, prompting Aurora to smoothly change course.

As they descended lower, Santa's keen eyes discerned the nature of the dark shape. At the shoreline, a makeshift cog was anchored at the icy edge of the village, precisely where the frozen land met the sea.

Aurora flapped her wings and levelled off, hovering above the crude construction. Together, they eyed the vessel below. The massive wooden craft seemed just large enough to carry one giant wooden figure. It looked as though it was cobbled together from broken parts of nutcrackers, standing alone with its sail still unfurled.

A shiver ran down Santa's spine as the intensifying snowfall began to obscure the lights of the village beyond. "We're too late," he muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "Blast it! We've got to move!"

Auroras head bobbed as she flapped her powerful wings sending them both over the shoreline and into the outer reaches of the village.

❄ ❅ ❆ ❄

🎄Santa’s party has left: The North Pole Sea

❄ ❅ ❆ ❄

🎄Santa’s party has entered: Christmas Village

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Snowflakes swirled around them, muffling the sounds below and creating an eerie calm. In this hushed yet tense atmosphere, Santa deftly opened his pot. He selected another pill, briefly studying it before tossing it into his mouth. The subtle undertones of gingerbread cookies graced his taste buds as he swallowed.

[+ 20400 EXP]

[Level Up! You are now Level 49]

Suddenly, a steely resolve gleamed in his eyes. Santa then carefully returned the pot to the folds of his suit and refocused his attention on the task at hand.

Aurora attempted to sniff the air for clues, but the snowflakes quickly filled her empty nostrils. "What’s the plan now?" she asked.

With visibility severely reduced, Santa strained to discern the village's details below from his elevated vantage point on Aurora's back. It became apparent that not only was the ground obscured from his view, but he also realized that those on the ground likely couldn't spot him either.

"We need to meet up with S.E.R.G. and Twixy ASAP!" he declared.

Santa scanned the area intently, then, spotting a large, blurry shape of a building to the left on the outskirts of town, he double-checked his mini map for confirmation. Confidently, he pointed and said, "There! That’s my house. Quickly, let's group up with the others!"

Aurora swooped down, towards his house. Santa's heart leaped when he noticed a faint glow emanating from within, casting dancing lights on the snow. He squinted, his eyes homing in on a trio of small figures making their way through the snowdrift toward the front door.

At first, a spark of hope ignited within him, thinking they were his loyal and cheerful elves. But, as they drew closer, stark reality crashed over him like a frigid wave—the three figures were wrapped in ominous black clothes.

"Oh, snow drift! There’s more of them…" Santa cursed under his breath.

[TinselTwit the Tiny, Level 34]

[HollyHavoc the Heavy, Level 36]

[BlizzardBells the Bald, Level 37]

As Santa and Aurora hovered in the sky above, the dark elves glanced up and spotted them through the falling snow. Their faces twisted into snarls, and they quickly scurried inside the house, slamming the door shut behind them. Without hesitation, Santa leaped off Aurora, landing softly on the snow with a muted thump. Then, a scream echoed from inside the house, sending a pang through Santa's heart – Mrs. Claus was finally home.

Sensing Santa's mounting stress, Aurora urgently called out, "Go!" At the same time, a muffled child's cry echoed from within the town. Without a second thought, Aurora flapped her wings and vanished into the snowfall above, rushing to assist the distressed child.

Santa sprinted towards his door. He forced it open, causing snowflakes to swirl around him as he hurried inside. As he dashed down the hallway, the muffled screams of his wife grew louder.

Just as he was about to turn a corner, a fire poker swung out. Despite his enhanced agility and awareness, Santa was caught off guard. The poker struck his forehead with a solid thwack, the force of the blow making him stagger and fall back.

“Ha! How do you like that, Fat man?" HollyHavoc taunted, brandishing the stolen fire poker with pride.

As Santa lay on the floor, his head spinning from the sudden attack, a peculiar realization washed over him. The fire poker that the elf wielded so proudly was a Christmas gift from his wife, a cherished token from a few years past. Strangely, this revelation fuelled a surge of fury within him, intensifying his anger not only at the intrusion but also at the violation of his treasured memories.

With a sudden burst of energy, Santa leaped up, turning HollyHavoc's look of triumph into one of fear. He lunged forward, grabbing the poker as he tackled the elf. They tumbled from the hallway into the main living room, wrestling for control over the poker. A few pairs of eyes watched the scuffle in silent astonishment.

"Dear?" Mrs. Claus's confused voice echoed. “What’s going on?”

Santa glanced up mid struggle and saw his wife, bound with ropes on their couch. The other two evil elves were holding her down, their faces twisted into evil smirks.

"Gertrude?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Santa's face contorted with an intensity that even Gertrude had never seen before. Clenching his jaw, he yanked the fire poker from HollyHavoc's grasp.

[Santa has gained: Santa's Fire Poker]

🎁 Santa's Fire Poker

Description: A cherished and enchanted fire poker given to Santa Claus by Mrs. Claus as a symbol of their enduring love. It is forged from a special blend of enchanted steel and imbued with the essence of the holiday spirit. The handle is adorned with intricate patterns of holly leaves and jingle bells, and the poker's tip glows with a warm, festive ember.

Material: Crafted from durable and magical steel, it can withstand extreme temperatures

Design: Beautifully decorated with holiday-themed motifs, making it both functional and festive.

Damage: 20-30 (Physical damage)

Weight: 5 lbs

Rarity: Unique - Epic

Durability: 17/17

Crafted by: Peppermint Sparkle, Jingleberry, Tinseltoes, Baublekin

In a fluid, powerful motion, he swung it with all his might, landing a swift, decisive blow to the elf's head.

[+ 3400 EXP]

The blow of the poker with Santa’s enhanced strength snapped the naughty elf’s neck instantly, turning the smaller creature into a lifeless projectile that slammed above their fireplace only to roll away and between Santa and his wife.

"Nicholas!" Mrs. Claus exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and reprimand. "Did you just kill an elf?"

Santa nodded firmly. "He was on my naughty list."

As they witnessed their comrade's demise, the two remaining elves, TinselTwit and BlizzardBells, exchanged a brief but frantic glance that quickly gave way to seething anger.

They let go of Mrs. Claus and charged at Santa.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

TinselTwit, smaller but incredibly agile, darted around Santa, attempting to disorient him with his swift movements. BlizzardBells, on the other hand, aimed to grab Santa's legs in a bid to topple him.

Santa, firmly rooted, kicked BlizzardBells away with ease. His enhanced reflexes and precise movements provided him with a significant advantage. When TinselTwit hurled an old vase at him, Santa smoothly dodged it, the vase shattering against the wall behind him.

"Hey, be careful!" Mrs. Claus shouted.

Santa's eyes locked onto the elf, tracking every move with razor-sharp precision. Each time BlizzardBells lunged, Santa danced aside effortlessly, his movements fluid and calculated. He transformed the elf's aggressive leaps into opportunities, turning BlizzardBells' own force against him.

In the midst of their dance, an object suddenly whizzed through the air towards Santa. Reacting with lightning speed, he spun on his heels, his fire poker at the ready. The poker met the incoming projectile - a heavy stone bauble figurine - with a resounding clang. Flicking his wrist, Santa redirected the figurine, catapulting it straight back at TinselTwit.

The figurine struck TinselTwit's head with a resounding crack. His eyes rolled back as he staggered, then collapsed to the ground, like a marionette whose strings had been abruptly cut.

[+ 2900 EXP]

BlizzardBells' face contorted with rage as he witnessed his final partner fall. With a fierce roar, he charged at Santa, muscles tensed, and fists clenched. But Santa, poised and alert, was more than prepared for the assault.

As BlizzardBells neared, Santa, with the grace of a seasoned fighter, nimbly stepped aside, his movements smooth and swift as his beard swayed before him. In a fluid motion, he spun around, facing the off-balance elf. Santa then struck, his fist connecting solidly with BlizzardBells' midsection.

The impact sent shockwaves through the elf’s body. His eyes bulged, and his breath escaped in a whoosh as he doubled over, the air knocked out of him. Santa didn't hesitate. He raised the fire poker in the air and delivered a final, crushing blow to the top of BlizzardBells' head. The sound of the impact, a sickening crunch, reverberated in the room. BlizzardBells crumpled to the floor, defeated and motionless.

[+ 3800 EXP]

“Really now… Must you be so violent?” Mrs Claus berated.

Santa hurried to Gertrude, his smile tinged with both apology and pain. "Sorry about all this," he said, his voice filled with concern as he swiftly untied her. Once she was free, he pulled her into a warm, protective hug, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"My goodness Nick! You're freezing!" Mrs. Claus gasped, feeling the chill from his body even as she hugged him back, returning a far warmer kiss. She then guided him towards the fireplace.

“You, okay?”

She nodded. "I just got in a few moments ago," she said, her voice steadying as they settled by the crackling fire. "Took the mountain pass back. The house was all quiet when I got here, and then... I was ambushed by those strange elves!" Her words conveyed both surprise and a hint of distress at the unsettling homecoming.

Santa nodded, attentively absorbing her words. "A lot has happened since you left. Have you seen Twixy by any chance?"

Mrs. Claus shook her head. "No, I haven't. I haven't been to the workshop either."

Santa's face softened with relief, grateful that Gertrude hadn't seen the turmoil and casualties in the workshop.

"S.E.R.G.?" he called out, momentarily disregarding his wife's puzzled expression.

In response, a golden light flickered, and a tiny digital elf materialized. "Oh, thank goodness you're back!"

Santa acknowledged the apparition with a nod and got straight to the point. "What's the situation?"

S.E.R.G., appearing rather flustered, began to explain. "An hour ago, our system alerted us that the village was under attack. Initially, we thought it was a single assailant – our mapping system only showed one blip. So, Twixy and Baublekin went to confront the threat. But as I monitored the situation, that one blip suddenly split into two, and then multiplied rapidly!"

Santa glanced at the fallen elves on the floor, absorbing S.E.R.G.'s words. He realized that Malgrim's black sack must have contained more secrets than they had initially thought. Now, with his red sack also in their possession, they could cause a lot more harm that Santa could possibly imagine. He looked down at his only weapon – the Christmas present. Meeting his wife's gaze, a protective feeling surged within him.

Turning back to S.E.R.G., Santa asked, "Is Gertrude part of the system as a player?"

The digital sprite looked over Mrs. Claus, scanning her as if she were an object. After a moment, S.E.R.G. bobbed his head. "Twixy has integrated anyone close to you into the system," he explained.

Santa's brow furrowed as he pondered the meaning of "close." Did it refer to familial bonds or physical proximity? Aurora, the dragon, was certainly not a member of his family, but then the words of Emrys echoed in his mind, emphasizing their shared magical essence. "We are all creatures of magic, striving to spread good in this world," he mumbled to himself, finding clarity in their shared purpose.

He turned to his wife, her expression filled with concern. With a tender grip on her hand, he smiled warmly into her eyes and whispered, "Merry Christmas!"

As Mrs. Claus's eyes started to twinkle in response, a radiant warmth emanated from Santa. A gentle light enveloped her.

🎁 The gift of Abundance mastery has increased!

[Mrs Claus has received a gift!]

[Mrs Claus has gained the ability: 🪽 Magical Gorge (Passive)]

Santa reassured his wife, "There, I have an idea to keep you safe, and this." He retrieved the pot from his pocket and removed the cap, allowing a bunch of pills to spill into his hand. "Take one now, and then one every ten minutes until you have none left."

Mrs. Claus paused, looking uncertain with furrowed brows and a thoughtful expression.

To demonstrate their safety, Santa, with his own cooldown just finishing, placed a pill in his mouth. His face lit up with delight as he savoured the taste of smoked ham, his eyes expressing satisfaction before he swallowed the pill.

[+ 32800 EXP]

[Level Up! You are now Level 50]

[Santa has gained the ability: Raise the Festive Dead]

💀 Raise the Festive Dead

Description:

This ability adds a festive touch to necromancy. When the caster uses "Raise the Festive Dead," they can bring back the deceased as mindless zombies, but with a cheerful and festive attitude.

Effect:

Cast a spell to raise nearby deceased individuals as festive zombie “minions”. These zombies retain their physical abilities but lose all cognitive functions, becoming entirely mindless.

Cooldown: : 2 minutes (Per summon)

Duration: until they are destroyed

Spell incantation: “O Come, All Ye Undead!”

Addition effects:

Festive zombies prefer “if possible” to wear Santa hats, sing carols (albeit in a zombie-like groan).

Festive zombies attempt to give "gifts" (usually random objects) to the living.

Festive zombies share all exp gains with the caster.

Limitations:

The spell's effectiveness may vary depending on the caster's proficiency.

Santa's eyes widened in awe as he read the spell's effects. Turning to his wife, he exclaimed, "See, they are perfectly safe."

Gertrude nodded, her curiosity piqued, and she decided to taste the pill. "Oh my!" She closed her eyes, savouring the delightful flavour. "It tastes like apple crumble pie and ice cream!"

Santa couldn't help but grin. "They all taste delicious and different. Just remember not to get too caught up in savouring the flavour; you need to swallow it to experience its effects. Based on what I've learned, the cooldown period doesn't begin until the pill reaches your stomach.”

She nodded and obediently gulped down the pill. As she did, a notification appeared:

[Level up! Gertrude is now level 2]

[Gertrude has gained the ability: Mistletoe Mending]

Gertrude's expression turned slightly dissatisfied as the flavour left her tongue. “What are these flashing things?”

S.E.R.G.E bobbed his head, as Santa was about to explain. “I can show you, here.” He pressed a few invisible buttons in the air. “You just gained two skills, here they are now.”

🪽 Magical Gorge (Passive) - Temporary

Time left: 01:09:00

Description:

Magical Munch enables a player to absorb and convert a higher rate magical energy into experience points. This advanced ability grants the player the capacity to not only absorb magical power but also acquire properties from the source, enhancing a player’s strength and capabilities.

Experience Gain:

Converts and absorbs magic into experience points, at a much higher rate.

“And the other,” S.E.R.G. said.

✙ Mistletoe Mending

Description:

Mistletoe Mending, a potent and nature-infused healing spell, draws upon the ancient and enduring magic of Christmas. According to age-old tradition, when Mistletoe is suspended in the air, and two individuals pass beneath its leaves, they can ward off misfortune by sharing a tender kiss.

Effect:

Upon contact, the spell infuses the target with the enchanting magic of Christmas, further amplified by the essence of mistletoe. This mystical influence bestows immediate healing, and as the gentle warmth of the spell's touch lingers, it continues to promote regeneration, ensuring lasting well-being.

Casting Time: Instant

Range: Touch ‘Kiss on the cheek’

Duration: Instantaneous with lingering regenerative effects

Cool down: none.

Historical Significance:

This spell draws upon the ancient and rich history of mistletoe in winter celebrations and folklore, particularly its symbolic association with healing, protection, and rebirth. Mistletoe has been revered since druidic times as a plant of great power and mystery, often used in rituals and ceremonies for its perceived sacred qualities.

As she read, her eyes widened in surprise. Mischievously, she leaned over and planted a kiss on Santa's rosy cheek, which felt as cold as the North Pole itself.

He chuckled heartily with a resonant "ho ho ho."

"So, I can have another pill in ten minutes?"

Santa nodded, silently noting that each pill granted one level, regardless of the player's current level. Quickly counting, he had already consumed ten pills and given eight to his wife. That left him with thirty-two tablets. Replacing the pot back into his pocket and making a mental calculation, he grumbled. He didn't have five and a half hours to eat all the pills; he needed to act now.

It would be best if he found his other elves, rescued them, and distributed the remaining pills among them. He eyed the fallen evil elves before him, and a smirk crept onto his white-bearded face.

"What are you going to do now?" Mrs. Claus asked.

"I need to get ready to stop this madness," Santa replied.

Mrs. Claus eyed Santa's suit, crinkling her nose at the sight of it. "In that? You can't!"

He looked down at his ruined suit and chuckled, "It will get it dirty anyway."

"Um, Santa," S.E.R.G. spoke up.

The Clauses looked up expectantly as S.E.R.G. continued, "While you were away... Twixy has already infused a new suit with the system tech, just like she did with your sack."

Santa's eyes widened. “She did? Well done, Twixy!”

"It should be by the front door."

"Shall I grab it for you, my dear?" Mrs. Claus asked, already on the move.

Santa chuckled, “Thanks, sweetie.”

As Mrs. Claus hurried to fetch her husband’s new suit, determined not to let him leave the house looking like a ragdoll, Santa turned his attention to the three lifeless elves on his floor. He gave S.E.R.G. a quick glance, then made a silent decision. He picked up the three elves and lined them up together.

Holding out his hands, he began to sing, “O Come, All Ye Undead!”

Suddenly, festive magic surged from Santa's fingertips, creating a dazzling arc that collided with the three elves. They hung suspended in the air before him, akin to tiny toys caught in the vortex of enchantment. Within moments, a brilliant glimmer and shimmer enveloped their forms, turning their once dark attire into a vibrant red, complete with pure white fur lining their clothing.

As they descended to the ground with resounding thuds, their heads pivoted upward, revealing the nightmarish transformation that had befallen them. Their elven features had faded, replaced by grotesque, zombie-like features. Their pallid skin displayed a mottled texture, marred by patches of decay and exposed bone. Glazed eyes stared vacantly into the distance, and their mouths hung agape, exposing rows of jagged, yellowed teeth.

Amidst this gruesome metamorphosis, one distinctive feature endured from their former selves—their pointy, upright ears, a haunting reminder of the elves they once were.

[TinselTwit the Zombie, Level 34]

[HollyHavoc the Zombie, Level 36]

[BlizzardBells the Zombie, Level 37]

Santa's gaze locked onto the transformed zombies, a cocktail of curiosity and apprehension swirling in his eyes. He couldn't help but wonder about the limits of his newfound control over these once-malicious creatures. Determined to dispel any lingering doubts, he devised a simple test of their obedience.

"Jump."

Santa's command echoed through the room, and the three zombified figures clumsily leaped into the air. Santa managed a small grin, acknowledging their sluggish response.

"Bow."

The trio of zombies, moving with dull and lumbering motions, performed a synchronized yet eerie bow. It was far from graceful, but it earned a hearty chuckle from Santa.

As the three stood back upright, Mrs. Claus returned to the room, cradling a sizable bundle swathed in brown paper within her arms. Her joyful reunion with her husband came to an abrupt halt when her eyes fell upon the transformed zombies.

Mrs Claus let out a shriek.

"It's okay, my dear!" Santa reassured her, but his words did little to calm her.

"What! What! What are they?" she exclaimed, her voice quivering with fear. She instinctively took a step back, clutching the package tightly to her chest as her eyes remained fixed on the red clothed zombies.

Santa replied, "Our new helpers."

Confusion clouded her expression as she scanned the room, searching for the three menacing, black-clad elves. "Where did the other three go?" she inquired, only to realize that they were the same individuals who had been transformed.

Uncertain of how to explain the situation, Santa mumbled a response.

Mrs. Claus listened to Santa’s unintelligible ramblings and took a moment to collect herself. She released a long, drawn-out sigh.

"You can fill me in on all of this later," she shook her head. "Really, dear," she chided with a tut-tut. “Now quickly get dressed.”

With a grin of anticipation, Santa quickly shed his tattered outfit, replacing it with the new suit Twixy had prepared for him.

[Santa has looted: Santa Suit 2.0]

🎁 Santa Suit 2.0

Item Sheet: Santa Suit 2.0

Description:

An enchanted suit specially crafted by Twixy to enhance Santa's abilities as a Yuletide Revenant. It is designed to increase his proficiency in raising the dead, infuse his spells with festive flair, and provide additional benefits to aid him in his mission.

Appearance:

The Santa Suit 2.0 retains the traditional appearance of Santa's iconic suit with a few magical alterations. It consists of a red coat with white fur lining, red pants, a black belt, and a matching red hat with a white pom-pom.

Enhanced Festive Spells:

The suit imbues Santa's spells with a holiday charm. His spells now come with festive visual effects, like sparkling snowflakes or twinkling holiday lights. This not only adds a touch of whimsy but also makes his spells more potent.

Undead Minion Control:

The suit provides improved control over the undead minions, making them more responsive to Santa's commands. They act with increased coordination, making them more effective in battle.

Durability:

The Santa Suit 2.0 is magically reinforced to withstand harsh conditions and combat situations. It provides protection from physical and magical attacks, ensuring Santa's safety during his missions.

Materials: Golden mystical Threads, North Pole Snow Silk, Genuine North Pole Fur, Reinforced Leather, Festive Gemstones, Metal Buckles and Accessories.

Weight: 10 pounds

Crafted by: Twixy

Santa's grateful gaze roamed over the suit he now wore, taking in its intricate details. A sense of determination welled up within him as he mentally readied himself for the impending battle. With each subtle adjustment to the suit's magical fabric, he fortified himself for the challenge that awaited.

Mrs. Claus, watching him with concern, finally voiced her question, "What are you going to do?"

Santa's unwavering focus remained steady as he replied with a touch of grim determination, "Oh, not much, my dear. Just taking on an army to rescue Christmas and all the world's children from an evil villain."

Her voice quivered with concern, and she fought back a tear as she spoke, "Oh, really? Well, they better watch out, then!"

Santa's chuckle held a hint of determination as he fully embraced his role as the guardian of Christmas. "Hold the fort, my dear. Santa Claus is coming to town!"

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