* Sense Mana - Level 1 (0%) - Increases your perception and understanding of the mana around you. Each level increases the control you have over this talent.

  I felt like a newborn opening my eyes for the first time. It wasn't just my vision that had changed. I could feel the mana around me. Currents of it ebbed and flowed all around, circling and radiating from the other Hunters' Runes and gear. The entire room was full of magic. I could taste it in the air and feel it emanating from tables and chairs. I gaped as rivers of mana swirled around Teos. The lion was a blazing bright white as if I had thermal vision. A glance at my Runes made me reflexively recoil and shut my eyes due to the brightness.

I had a new view of the world around me and my own abilities. I felt the powers granted to me by the Runes from an entirely new perspective. I could sense how Devastate would use the mana to enhance a physical strike. I could "see" inside my Warlord's Cache and even move the items around. It was nearly full. I needed to sell some old gear to free up some space. I opened my interface, watching the mana around me congeal and unify to create it. I looked at my health, and it expanded the information available to me. I now could see which areas on my body were damaged and how severe an injury was. The talent had granted me a basic understanding of how the mana worked.

I could feel the connection to the world and sense Astika's presence in everything and everyone around me, everyone except Sam. No mana circled him, and it passed right through him as if he didn't exist. I could not imagine the pain this must be causing him. Sam was a follower of Astika, and to be severed from her presence must be agony for him. I ended the sight, as it was entirely too distracting to focus on other things while it was active.

"I understand now, Sam. I'm sorry. I don't know what to say," I told him.

He smiled weakly, "I know she is still here. That is enough,"

Not for me. I was determined to find a way to heal him, "I'm going to find some way to help you, Sam. I promise."

"You've done the impossible before, Alex. If anyone can do it, it's you. Now that you've scratched the surface, you need to keep digging. There is so much more to learn," he answered.

Sam had finished eating and excused himself back to his room, leaving me with those cryptic last words. If I was only at the surface, how much more could I learn about mana, runes, and magic? I couldn't help but feel responsible for Sam's abrupt exit. I felt terrible digging up his old wounds, but I needed to understand what had happened to him. I approached Nerzhyn's office, which was no longer occupied by any other Hunters. I entered without knocking, knowing she could tell it was me outside. She was in a white sleeveless top, and her arachnid half had matching accents all over it, including her legs. I always loved seeing her Prime Rune. It was a beautifully designed web, with all kinds of scenes depicted in the spaces between the threads. There were sunny landscapes and snow-covered mountains. Fantastic castles and incredible towers. Planets and stars. Cloud-filled blue skies and powerful thunderstorms. I attempted to view it with my new Talent, but her Runes were so luminous that I had to stop immediately. I hoped leveling the ability would help with that side effect.

She seemed to be upset as she rummaged through documents on her desk.

"Everything okay, Ner?" I asked her.

"One date, and you already have a pet name for me? How cute," she replied. Her voice always made my heart skip a beat.

"Sorry, Commander. It won't happen again," I stated mockingly as I saluted her.

"Stop. I can't take you seriously like that. Also, thank you for inviting me to your impromptu party last night. I had a lot of fun," she laughed.

Oh shit. I don't remember her even being with us. I definitely made a fool of myself. Fuuuuck.

"Of course! Last night's a bit of a blur. I didn't do anything embarrassing, did I?" I asked.

"Hmm... I guess you'll never know," she responded mysteriously with a wicked grin.

I groaned and ran my hand over my face.

"I have some good news. Your team has been cleared to access Level 15 - Normal and Level 10 - Intermediate dungeons," she told me, then ran her hand gently down my runes. Her touch made my heart race.

She smiled, "Really? Still?"

Damn pheromones, "Always, but Ner, what's the difference between the grades of dungeons?" I queried, trying to keep my thoughts on the topic.

"Difficulty and required members. Normal Dungeons recommend anywhere from two to four members. Intermediate Dungeons recommend five to seven. Expert Dungeons are for eight to ten, so on and so forth," she explained.

"So why would we take on a Level 10 - Intermediate if it's the same as a Level 15 - Normal?" I asked.

"Each rank has increased rewards for completing them. Even if you went with only three team members, you'd receive rewards as if you had five," Nerzhyn declared.

Now that was an incentive. The gear from the Burrows was incredible, and being able to nearly double the amount received would be a huge boon. The Burrows was a normal-rank dungeon but was still incredibly difficult. An intermediate-rank one may still be out of our league.

"Sorry to change the subject, but I came to ask about something else," I told her.

"You want to know if anything can be done for Samuel," she stated.

How did she always do that? Was it my pheromones, or was she just that perceptive?

"Yes, what can I do?" I probed.

"I would recommend asking the clergy at the Temple of Freya. You've been avoiding the topic, but the gods do not bless just anyone. If anyone can help, it is the Goddess of Vitality, Healing, and Fertility," she told me.

I let out a sigh, "Alright, I'll go. We also need to discuss the Seals. I know you're hiding something from us," I stated.

She smiled, "It is not me withholding the information. My superiors have ordered me to keep it quiet. I would tell you if I could, Alex."

"It's not a good omen to start a relationship with secrets," I joked.

"So we're in a relationship?" she asked, mock surprise on her face.

A wave of determination filled me. I wasn't the passive man from Earth. I was Alex Venriel - Runeguard. A god had blessed me. I had faced horrors, monsters, and dragons. I could do this.

"Yes, we are," I responded confidently.

Nerzhyn smiled and pulled me into her embrace, "Good answer," she whispered into my ear, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up. She laughed and kissed me, then released me. She was way stronger than her small frame implied. The Arachnitaur and I had a connection I could not explain. I was so comfortable and relaxed around her. I loved that I could just be myself, and she accepted me wholly for it, flaws and all.

Go to the temple. Come back once you have the answers. She instructed in Arach as I left her office. Teos fell in beside me as we left the hall. I had a vague idea of where the temples were located. They were in something called The Garden, outside the Guild Section of Fayne. I had to remember to buy myself a map of the city. Hell, I needed a globe, too.

I loved the architecture here. It reminded me of medieval cities in ancient Europe, but if they had access to technology or magic. Most were traditional stone buildings, but many had additions that would not be possible without magical enhancement. There were opaque glass sections and even full glass towers on many buildings. The intricate carvings on many walls were so incredibly detailed if they had been done by hand, it would have taken centuries. In areas where space was cramped, structures were built over one another, with floating platforms to take the residents up and down rather than a set of stairs. Stores and restaurants had glowing magical signs and floating menu boards. Street vendors were cooking on glowing red crystals or wood-burning ovens.

I spotted a shop advertising magical maps, and I popped in. The man was busy at work hand-drawing the maps when I entered. I grabbed a map of the city that would update my location like the contracts, and I picked up a standard map of Astika. The cartographer only replied in one-word responses, and I paid the thirty Silver the maps cost.

Stolen story; please report.

I took out the city map and examined it. The city outside the Guild Section had four main areas. The Trade District, The Garden, The Political Sector, and The Waterside. A river ran through the western part of the city, and I had no idea how I had missed it so far. I followed the map to The Garden, and the name did not disappoint. It was a lush park with perfectly trimmed trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Scattered around the perimeter were various temples. Men and women of all races wandered around the concrete paths interwoven throughout the area. I noticed multiple people wearing the same style of robes, although in many different colors. I guessed these were clergy members of each temple. I continued along a beautiful path with trees on either side, bending inward towards the center to form a tunnel. At the end was the temple I sought—the Temple of Freya.

I approached, and a woman in silver robes bowed and gestured for me to enter. The temple was massive. The entire structure was made of pure white marble, with incredible pillars surrounding it. The top was a dome with silver accents and a hole in the very center. Upon entering, I noticed this allowed a ray of sunlight to illuminate a statue in the center of the building. The figure was massive, at least thirty yards tall, and expertly crafted from marble. It depicted a beautiful woman wearing impressive armor, a winged helm, and two enormous angelic wings spread wide. Surrounding the statue was a circular pond of crystal clear water.

I heard various hushed whispers around me. Many of the silver-robed men and women were staring at me, and some were even pointing. Oh, fuck. This is what I was worried about. A centaur in a slightly more elegant robe approached me and bowed.

"Welcome to the Temple, and we are most honored by your presence here. I am Filos. Head Priest of Freya here in Fayne. We have never been visited by one of her blessed before," he told me, the excitement in his voice evident.

"Hi, uh, Filos. I'm sorry to let you down, but I'm not even sure why your goddess blessed me. I came here to ask for help," I answered.

"Of course, anything for one of the Goddess's Champions," he replied eagerly.

"I'm not a champion, Filos. I'm just a regular guy here seeking answers on how to help my friend," I told him.

"Such modesty, no wonder Freya has blessed you, my Lord," he declared with a bow.

Oh, for fuck's sake. This is why I'd been avoiding this. For all I knew, Freya threw a dart at a board, and it landed on a picture of me. This champion nonsense was precisely what I didn't want.

"A dartboard, really? Is that what you think?" a feminine voice echoed throughout the temple. It was majestic and commanding, but also sounded amused.

Every single person in the temple kneeled, but I stood there confused.

"Freya?" I questioned.

A bright light flashed, and a woman in glowing silver armor stepped forth. She was magnificent in every way. Her flowing gold hair was pulled back into twin braids that revealed radiant blue eyes and a regal face. She wore a winged helm and carried a shield and spear that looked so epic I was green with envy. I inspected the angelic woman.

[Brunhilda, Herald of Freya - Level ??]

I made the mistake of activating mana sense. The Herald's presence was stifling, and her brightness was like staring at the sun. The mana radiating from her made everything else seem small and insignificant. If my power was a raindrop, Brunhilda's was the ocean. I was forced to one knee before I could cancel the talent.

"At least you show the proper respect, mortal," Brunhilda stated. Her voice was different than the one that had spoken previously, but every bit as commanding.

"I'm humbled by your presence," I stated, pretending like I meant to kneel, "Do you know why I'm here?" I asked her.

"I do, the Goddess informed me. She will help you," she responded.

"That's incredible, thank you!" I replied. That was shockingly easy. I was worried for no reason.

"I'm afraid it's not so simple. My Lady would like to offer you a bargain," the Herald declared.

Of course. Why wouldn't gods and goddesses be benevolent and want to help out of the goodness of their hearts? I knew this meant I'd have to do some trial or test to gain Freya's aid.

"She wishes for me to tell you that you will understand eventually. I wish to tell you to watch your tone," Brunhilda stated with a hint of anger. She then stiffened immediately, "Forgive me. I let my anger get the best of me," she apologized.

"Trust me. I know all about that. It's water under the bridge, Brunhilda," I replied. Freya probably chastised her after the comment. They seemed to be able to speak to each other mentally, and one or both of them could certainly hear my thoughts.

In truth, I was just frustrated. I wanted to help Sam as fast as possible. I could at least hear out this bargain if she wouldn't just heal him. I probably shouldn't antagonize the deities here, either, especially the one who blessed me.

"My Lady proposes that you and your team attempt the dungeon known as The Hanging Gardens. It is one that she created, and she would enjoy seeing you face the trials inside. Should you complete it, she will help heal your friend Samuel. She will even offer an additional reward for each of you should you finish the dungeon," Brunhild explained.

"I, Alex, Champion of Freya, accept this challenge!" I proclaimed in my best heroic voice.

Brunhilda rolled her eyes.

"What?" I protested.

"My Lady informed me to tell you that was 'way over the top' and you should 'tone it down.' I agree with her," the Herald said, not hiding the amusement in her tone.

I had to stifle a laugh. I had a feeling I'd get along well with Freya. Although, I still needed to find out if the deities here ever actually visited. They seemed to mostly speak through their Heralds

"May I talk to her?" I asked curiously.

"No."

There was no room for debate in the Herald's response, and I knew that signaled the end of the conversation.

"Well, then, I will see you again at the end of The Hanging Gardens," I told Brunhild.

"If you survive," she retorted, then vanished in another flash of light.

The clergy members were now looking at me with perplexed expressions rather than awe. They were probably wondering why someone like me was blessed by their Goddess, or maybe why Brunhilda hadn't simply killed me.

"Thanks for your... hospitality. You have a lovely temple," I told them as I made a quick exit.

I began to walk back to the Guild Hall with Teos. Were deities here just exceptionally powerful beings? Or were they actual gods and goddesses? I had never delved into religion on Earth, but now I was nearly brushing shoulders with a goddess. I had way too many questions and no answers so I examined my interface and stats during the trek to distract myself.

Status:

Alexander Venriel

Level 15 Runeguard (18%)

* Runeguard: (Upgradeable Class) Runeguards are powerful defenders who utilize heavy plate armor and a shield to protect their allies while dealing moderate damage to enemies. Grants the following class benefits:

1. Allows the use of Extra Heavy Armor with no penalty to dexterity.

2. While you have a shield equipped, all damage taken is reduced by 10%, and all damage dealt is increased by 5%.

Grants the following bonus attributes upon reaching a new level:

+ 2 Strength

+4 Vigor

+2 Endurance

+1 to all other Attributes

Class Ability 1: Aspect of the Protector - Fortifies a target ally with your protection. Any damage they receive for the next 6 seconds is transferred to you instead. Cooldown: 90 Seconds. Cost: 50 Mana.

Class Ability 2: Unlocked at Level 25

Health: 100%

Mana: 240/240

Stamina: 99%

Prime Rune: Ironwall - (Expert Level 8 - 91%):

* Shield Charge - Rush at your target with blinding speed, blocking all attacks and finishing with an attack from your shield. Cooldown: 30 Seconds. Cost: 5 Mana.

* Shield Slam - Smash your shield into your target with tremendous force. This ability deals 200% extra damage. This ability shares a cooldown with Shield Charge. Cost: 10 Mana.

* Reflection - Send projectiles and magic attacks back at enemies for 5 seconds. Cooldown: 60 seconds.

* The Immovable Object - Raise your shield and block all attacks regardless of direction or position for 6 seconds. You take considerably less damage for the duration. You cannot move for the duration. You are immune to knockbacks and control effects for the duration. Cooldown - 24 Hours. Cost: 10 Mana.

* Shield Mastery - (Passive) Shield attacks deal three times as much damage. (Upgrades: 1)

Augment Rune 1: Warlord - (Expert Level 7 - 32%):

* War Cry - Shout a mighty war cry that increases your strength and speed by 15%. This bonus also applies to nearby allies. The effect lasts for one hour. Cooldown: None. Cost: 40 Mana.

* War Stomp - Stomp the ground damaging and slowing nearby enemies for 6 seconds. In addition, you take 50% less damage from enemies slowed by this ability. Cooldown: 20 Seconds. Cost: 20 Mana. (Upgrades: 1)

* Warlord's Cache - (Passive) Grants you a personal dimensional space to store armor, weapons, and other items. Using mental commands, you may immediately equip or remove armor and weapons.

* Blademaster - (Passive) Increases the rate at which weapon-related talents progress by 125%. Also grants you a bonus depending on what type of weapon you are currently wielding. (Upgrades: 1)

* Swords: Chance for attacks to be critical strikes that cause massive damage.

* Axes: Increases attack speed by 10%.

* Spears: Chance for successful attacks to cause an instant second attack.

* Maces: Increases strength by 10%.

Augment Rune 2: Onslaught - (Expert - Level 6 - 76%):

* Frenzied Strikes - Begin a barrage of strikes against a single enemy. Each successful attack increases your attack speed by 5%. Stacks up to 6 times. Duration: 8 seconds. Duration is refreshed upon gaining a new stack. Upon reaching max stacks, you may not refresh the duration. Cooldown: 90 seconds. Cost: 25 Mana.

* Crushing Blow - Deliver a staggering blow to an enemy. If successful, the target is stunned for 4 seconds. Cooldown: 45 seconds. Cost: 15 Mana.

* Devastate - This attack deals 225% damage. The cooldown is reset if the target dies. Cooldown: 60 seconds. Cost: 10 Mana. (Upgrades: 1)

* Relentless - (Passive) Any time you suffer a control or slow effect, you heal for 10% of your maximum health. Control and slow abilities have greatly diminished effects on you. (Upgrades: 1)

Augment Rune 3: Guardian - (Intermediate Level 5 - (11%):

* Provoke - Let out a challenging roar that causes all enemies within 6 yards to attack you for 8 seconds. Has diminished effectiveness against sapient beings. Cooldown: 15 Seconds. Cost: None. (Upgrades: 1)

* Intercede - Charge to an ally's position; any damage they receive for the next 3 seconds is negated. Cooldown: 60 Seconds. Cost: 30 Mana.

* Freya's Blessing - (Passive) Your Vigor Attribute is increased by 100%. Your natural Physical Resistance is increased by 25%.

* Titan's Favor - (Passive) Every time you block or parry an attack, you gain an instance of Titan's Favor. This ability may stack up to 12 times. - [Titan's Favor: Increases your strength by 2% for 2 minutes.]

Talents:

* Shield Expertise - Level 11 (9%) - Improves your ability to use shields effectively. Each level also improves your ability to block and increases damage dealt with shields.

* One-handed Axe Expertise - Level 1 (84%) - Improves your ability to wield one-handed axes effectively. Each level also increases damage dealt with one-handed axes.

* One-handed Sword Expertise - Level 7 (4%) - Improves your ability to wield one-handed swords effectively. Each level also increases the damage dealt with one-handed swords.

* Spear Expertise - Level 10 (91%) - Improves your ability to wield spears effectively. Each level also increases the damage dealt with spears.

* Meditation - Level 3 (77%) - Allows you to focus and gain experience by analyzing your previous encounters. Each level increases the experience gained from this action.

* Force of Will - Level 3 (20%) - Enables you to overcome control effects you are suffering from by using your willpower. Each level reduces the focus and resolve needed to break free from the effects.

* One-handed Mace Expertise - Level 4 (39%) - Improves your ability to wield one-handed maces effectively. Each level also increases damage dealt with one-handed maces.

* Sense Mana - Level 1 (18%) - Increases your perception and understanding of the mana around you. Each level increases the control you have over this talent.

Attributes:

Armor: 1305

Attack: 250

Strength: 148

Dexterity: 15

Vigor: 420

Endurance: 130

Intelligence: 25

Regeneration: 20

Magical Resistance: 15%

Physical Resistance: 25%

Movement Speed: +10%

Lifesteal: +3%