The HUD flashed like a neon diner sign, offering me the daily special: three shiny abilities. “Well, ain't this exciting? Can’t wait to see what they have cooked up for me” I quipped to myself, I looked around then, half-expecting Korrok to pop up in a window or something for an info session, I missed the Stone dwarf. Speaking of, had I missed this during his explanation? Everything was a blur. I couldn’t remember if he had told me that I would have options as I leveled. Everything was coming at me so fast still. I remembered how overwhelmed I had felt as he was going over the leveling system. I guess I had missed that part. Oh well, my options were:

Stormforged Emblem: A mystical tattoo that crackles with storm energy is etched onto the Barbarian's skin. This emblem provides a protective barrier akin to formidable armor, its power disturbed if conventional armor is worn. The emblem's protective properties scale with Strength and Endurance.

Stormskin: Harness the storm to generate a damage-absorbing shield, scales with Dexterity.

Lightning Step: Move across the battlefield like lightning. Speed and dexterity increased for a set amount of time. Scales with Dexterity.

All three of the abilities sounded useful. I did not have any healing abilities so I could use that damage shield. I would feel a lot better heading into fights if I could use that ability. Although I did not see any mention of a cooldown or mana cost. It would be less useful if it was costly or didn’t last long. On the other hand if it was something I could keep up most of the time that would be a great ability.

The Emblem seemed like an ability that would always be up. It was a tattoo after all. I did not have a good piece of chest armor, I was still using my pinstripe button up and it was basically in tatters now. I would feel kind of silly rolling around with no armor but if it acted like armor who cares I guess.

The lightning step sounded useful, it could possibly help me avoid damage and it would be beneficial in getting around faster. But I think I was looking for something that added to my survivability more. Also, like the damage shield, I didn’t know what kind of cooldown I would be dealing with.

Settling on the Stormforged Emblem, I mused aloud, “Why not? It must make better armor than my button-up shirt. Besides, versatility's my middle name... right after 'Danger.” As I said the word I did my best Zoolander pose, I could still have fun, I’m sad, but still fun. I mentally ‘selected’ the ability. A message scrolled across my HUD ‘Ability granted. Analyzing for emblem rarity and suitability.’

My HUD scrolled again, "Analysis complete. Emblem initiation in progress." What followed was an excruciating pain radiating from the center of my chest, consuming every inch of me, almost like it was the system's way of saying, “You don’t think I’d make this easy, do you?” Then, mercifully, darkness took over.

I awoke to a silent battlefield, the remnants of the recent clash fading into a haunting stillness. A sharp pang in my chest caught my attention, making me grimace. Bracing myself for the worst, I looked down.

I was greeted by my skin sporting new ink, its design appearing both ancient and beautiful. The tattoo seemed to stretch across my pectorals and spiral down my arms. At the heart of the design was what looked like an elemental compass. At the tip of each cardinal point was a unique element of a storm. It really was a beautiful tattoo. I felt like my chest and arms now had a piece of art work on them. I would have never had the confidence to get something like this before. I even had stomach muscles now, a right six-pack. I thought to myself, ‘alright I’m sad, but this tattoo is cool.’ I then decided to check the ability section of my HUD to see what each cardinal point did.

To the North, a majestic cloud appeared to rumble with implied thunder, its ethereal form symbolizing Thunderhead Protection. Its power not only shielded me from thunder's rage but repelled sonic attacks and let out roars that would leave my adversaries reeling in pain.

The East showcased a fierce and jagged lightning bolt, its crackling energy denoting the force of Lightning Strike. A symbol of raw power, it gave me the capability to call down electric fury upon my foes, and even the slightest touch from me could release a shocking surprise.

Southward, the elegant form of a spiraling tornado danced, representing Tornado's Swiftness. It hinted at an uncanny speed and the promise of a cyclone's power, allowing me to distance myself from any peril that drew too near.

And to the West, a beautifully depicted rainstorm cascaded, drops of rain shimmering as they fell, embodying the gift of Rainfall Regeneration. This emblem did more than just mend my wounds, it provided a protective sanctuary against the searing heat of fire.

Intricate vines from the emblem spiraled down my arms, lending a tribal, powerful look. It was more than ink on skin, it was a symbol of power. As I absorbed the gravity of the abilities now at my fingertips, a mix of pain and invigoration coursed through the tattoo, priming me for future battles. Plus, I still couldn’t get over how incredible it looked. I’d never considered getting a tattoo before—nothing felt right enough to be permanent. Seems like I lucked out with this emblem. Not what I expected, but exactly what I needed.

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The ability's description mentioned the tattoo would shield my body as effectively as a hardened leather chest piece. 'Guess I won't be needing any chest armor then,' I mused. A chuckle escaped me as I realized the implication. “So I’m going to be strutting around shirtless with this tattoo? I'll be channeling my inner Fabio for sure, just need the hair. And maybe a horse. Armor is great but this… Style over steel, every time."

Glancing upwards, I was startled to see the sun nearing its peak. Only moments ago, or so it seemed, it had been twilight when I took on the Emberwolves. Had I truly been out for so long? The thought of being vulnerable to scavengers during my unconscious state sent chills down my back. Maybe the remains of the Emberwolves had kept potential threats at bay.

I took out my rations, eating slowly, each bite accompanied by a sharp sting from the emblem. To ease the burning sensation, I sipped water from the stream nearby. Yet every movement I made intensified the pain radiating from the emblem.

Determined, I chose a direction, setting my sights on the imposing silhouette of a volcano to the east. But as I began my trek, a realization stopped me cold. "How could I be so dense?" I murmured to myself.

Focusing on the emblem, I willed it westward. Warmth spread through me, pain easing, spirits lifting. A gasp escaped my lips as the soothing warmth spread, alleviating my pain and rejuvenating my spirit. My earlier worries melted away, replaced by wonder and determination. I felt fortified, ready for whatever awaited at the volcano.

With the reassuring warmth of the emblem still resonating within me, I made my way back to where the Emberwolves had fallen. Standing over them, I ‘looted’ them.

My search yielded a few invaluable finds: a minor health potion, a mana potion, I guess its mana not energy and some additional rations. As I considered my gains, a grin spread across my face. This was good, things were looking up.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

I then shifted my focus to the remains of the alpha. Amid the remnants of burnt fur and ash, I discovered a map. It showcased a meticulous blueprint of the Infernal Coliseum and its surroundings, including the imposing volcano, the vast expanse of the forest, and a picturesque village. My gaze was immediately captivated by a few marked locations - notably a cave dubbed "The Heir's Inheritance". "I wonder what's hidden in there," I mused aloud.

With the newfound map and the loot safely stowed, I delved deeper into the forest. To my astonishment, I realized that the tangible map had seamlessly integrated with my HUD, updating my minimap with fresh points of interest. After a brief journey, I came across a clearing ideally suited for a camp. Using the resources from my survival kit, I set up a bedroll and placed alarm traps along the borders. Content with my makeshift defenses, I nestled into my bedroll, preparing for a restful night under the shimmering blanket of stars. As sleep began to envelope me, I pondered the adventures the morrow might bring.

The chilling fingers of a dream began to coil around me, plunging me into a sinister realm shaped from my darkest fears. I found myself floating above a scene I had revisited countless times in my most terrifying dreams - a harrowing tableau of looming tragedy.

My beloved girlfriend, the one I had sworn to cherish and guard, stood defiantly. Her fragile form acted as a shield, safeguarding our newborn from the looming menace of the man. This man, an omen of our doom, donned immaculate white armor, its purity resembling fresh snowfall. His cloak flowed behind him, a ghostly reminder of the despair he brought with him. He appeared as a nightmarish doppelganger of a noble knight, his malevolent aura betraying the virtuous image he sought to mimic.

From this ethereal vantage point, I bore witness to the man's spine-chilling monologue. His words, dripping with a haunting sense of foreboding, resonated in the silent expanse of my nightmare.

"You've proven to be stronger than I anticipated from someone on this planet," the man remarked, his voice casting a gloomy shadow around the trembling silhouettes of my girlfriend and child. He spoke with an unsettling casualness, akin to a predator leisurely remarking on the bravery of its prey before the final pounce. "Physically, you are quite fragile. However, your mental fortitude is commendable. Had fate been kinder, you might have endured the challenges ahead. Sadly, you are not so fortunate today."

A heartless laugh echoed through my mind after his chilling pronouncement, a joyless sound that bounced within the confines of my dream. Trapped within the cruel restraints of my subconscious, I could do nothing but watch this horrifying spectacle unfold.

"Why was I summoned to this hospital following my Earthly invasion?" the man in white mused, a confession, a venomous revelation shared amidst the surreal backdrop of the dream. "I'm never certain, but what I do know is that you are to be my sacrifice. Your death will bring the rest of my forces, and with them we will take this world."

Each word he uttered sliced through my mounting fear, every syllable piercing me like a finely honed blade. My eyes remained locked on my girlfriend, her quivering form emanating a burning determination that defied the freezing atmosphere of the nightmare.

"Your demise will usher in the portal for the rest of our legion. Holding your child closer won't change the outcome, but take heart, you've impressed me with your tenacity."

The fatal decree was announced with a chilling indifference that masked its horrific significance. His cold promise hovered, casting a foreboding shadow over the entire dreamscape.

"I won't repay your tenacity by ending your child's life," he continued. "More likely, I'll enslave it—a treasured slave, no doubt."

With a dramatic flair, the man continued his slow walk towards her, taking his sweet time. The agonized scream of my girlfriend marked the climax of this nightmarish scene, joined by the terrified cry of our child.

I woke up abruptly, my heart racing, my throat scorched from screams that had resonated in my mind but never found a voice. The harrowing echoes of my girlfriend's and child's cries still haunted my thoughts, their chilling song reverberating throughout my core. The tormented realm of my dream had given way to reality, leaving a deep, searing ache in my very soul.