Midas's sat down under a nearby tree, as realized he still hadn’t assigned his attribute points that had piled up from his past levels. His eyes scanned the options, considering how best to utilize the newfound power he had gained. He decided to seek his companion’s help.
"I'm torn between improving my strength and my agility," Midas mused, rubbing his chin in thought. "Both are crucial for my combat style."
Mori chuckled, giving him a playful nudge. "With your incredible strength, you'll be smashing through enemies like a wrecking ball," she said. "But agility will make you even more unstoppable."
Neres chimed in, adding his opinion. "Don't forget about perception. Especially if you have an awareness skill that relies on it. It just might end up saving our lives.”
Midas nodded appreciatively at his companions' insights. After careful consideration, he finally distributed the points evenly, maintaining a balance between strength, agility, and perception.
As he completed the allocation, a notification appeared before his eyes:
YOU ARE NOW LEVEL 30.
NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: AEGIS OF STARDUST!
Midas's eyes widened in surprise as he read the notification. "Aegis of Stardust?" he exclaimed. "Sounds like a shielding skill. That could be incredibly useful."
He focused on the skill description:
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Aegis of Stardust is a powerful shielding skill that creates a celestial dome of shimmering stardust around the user, offering exceptional protection against physical blows and projectiles. The skill's cosmic energy also grants passive healing to the user and nearby companions during its activation, aiding in the gradual mending of minor wounds and injuries. Please note that the shield's endurance is dependent on the user's perception and energy reserves, so strategic use is advised. Use it wisely to safeguard yourself and your allies in the face of formidable challenges.
Mori and Neres leaned in to listen to him "A shielding skill is perfect for you, Midas," Mori said with a grin. "Now you'll be even harder to take down."
Midas smiled back, feeling a sense of satisfaction at his newfound abilities. "Indeed, it's a welcome addition to my arsenal."
Their attention soon turned back to the pressing matter at hand—the spreading corruption in the forest.
"Do you think we're getting closer to the source?" Mori asked, her brow furrowing in concern.
Midas gazed ahead, the darkened flora and corrupted creatures a testament to the malevolent force they were chasing. "It's hard to say," he replied. "But we have to keep moving forward. Whatever is causing this needs to be stopped."
Boreas, who had been deep in thought, spoke up. "I've heard of something like this before," he said, his voice serious. "A few years back, there was a similar corruption in one of the forests within our kingdom."
Midas's eyes sharpened with interest. "Tell us more," he urged.
Boreas nodded, recalling the stories he had heard. "It was a vile corruption that spread like a disease," he began. "The kingdom dispatched a squad of 25 elite mages, all above level 15, to deal with it. It took them weeks of intense battle, but they eventually managed to purify the land."
"That sounds like a formidable task," Mori remarked, her eyes widening.
Neres added, "To think that it took such a powerful force to clear the corruption... we need to be prepared for what's ahead."
Midas's gaze swept over his companions, determination in his eyes. "We'll face whatever comes our way together," he said. "However, we need to have a plan in place for when we reach the source.”