Jace checked his character sheet, noting a few major changes.
Character Sheet: Jace/Jason (Greyson, Lost Prince of Roandia)
Speaker Rank: Silver One
Class Title: Twilight Guardian, Avatar of Hades
Words of Power / Affinities: Soul + Truth
President of the Society of Hades
Resources: 5 silver, 16 copper.
Attributes
* Strength: 57
* Dexterity: 69
* Intelligence: 85
* Wisdom: 99
* Constitution: 56
* Charisma: 37
* Spirit Constitution: 99
* Karmic Balance: 24
Avatar of Hades
Congratulations, you’ve ascended to the Chosen Rank of Avatar! While most Chosen merely wander around playing helper for their patrons, you are in the big leagues now. You’re not just a volunteer anymore—you’re officially on the payroll. Welcome to adulthood, kid.
Your benefits package includes:
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* Unlimited dining privileges in the Underworld (don’t ask what’s on the menu).
* Zero vacation days (because who needs a break when you’re dead half the time?).
* A highly probable chance of being squashed, obliterated, or otherwise annihilated by rival gods on any given Tuesday.
Good luck, champ. You’re going to need it!
The following boon has ascended to reflect your title as the Avatar of Hades:
* Mostly Dead—Somewhat Alive (Avatar Rank) (Passive)
Critical State Empowerment: When health falls to 10% or less, receive a +20% boost to Aether Absorption and Stamina Regeneration, enabling a surge of resilience.
Veil of the Underworld: You have become fully immune to all forms of Scan, Identify, Locate, and Mind Reading magic, including those cast by gods and immortal beings—except Hades himself, whose gaze is absolute for those under his charge. Any attempt to probe your rank, true identity, lineage, or other hidden truths will reveal only one fact: you are the Chosen of Hades. The full extent of your nature remains veiled, shrouded in the shadow of the Underworld.
Jace couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the descriptions. He was certain Jack—the voice of the System—had a hand in crafting them. Clearly, someone was feeling a little saucy today.
But, he didn't really mind. Jace couldn’t deny it—the boosts were… impressive. Two of his Attributes were inching toward the 100 threshold, a milestone he knew was significant. Once crossed, new facets of those attributes would unlock—or at least, that was what Professor Frost had claimed during class. The evolutions varied for everyone.
Yet, what truly struck him wasn’t just the raw power—it was the upgrade to his Mostly Dead boon.
Now, anyone who tried to scan him would find nothing but the cryptic truth: Chosen of Hades. It was an absolute lockout, impenetrable even to divine eyes.
His reserves were critically low—completely out of gold, in fact. Most of it had been sunk into recent purchases: essential upgrades for the Fields Below, items that Society Points couldn’t cover, and a fresh stock of potion ingredients. He’d meant to swing by Twig’s shop again to check if the little merchant had sold more of his potions. His first visit had been a bust—the shop was closed, and Twig was nowhere to be found. Now, with the trip looming, he simply didn’t have the time. He’d have to make do with what he had.
A small flashing icon in the corner of his interface caught his eye. Curious, Jace tapped it, and a message unfolded.
Note from Hades
You may be tempted to share your identity and past in this world. Resist the urge. You are stepping into a place shattered by the one who came before you—the Dark One. The kingdom of Roandia lies in ruin, with only this small city, a fragment of its former glory, still standing.
Since then, it has become contested ground, claimed as neutral territory by all the kings of Mythica. Your lineage, particularly your mother’s side, is a danger to you, not a benefit. There are those who would stop at nothing to kill you for that connection alone.
Grow in power before you rise to prominence. And do so quietly, without becoming a nuisance or drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Only then can you afford the luxury of being loud.
—Hades