Elena sat on a sun-kissed beach, the golden sand beneath her providing a comforting contrast to the gentle breeze that rustled her hair. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore filled her ears, creating a serene melody that seemed to lull her into a state of peace. She gazed out at the vast expanse of water, its surface glimmering with the reflection of the afternoon sun. The sky above was a perfect, cloudless blue, stretching endlessly in every direction. It was a picture-perfect scene, one that felt almost too good to be true.

To her left, the shoreline curved gracefully, disappearing into the distance where it met a cluster of palm trees swaying gently in the wind. The smell of saltwater mixed with the sweet scent of tropical flowers carried on the breeze, creating an intoxicating aroma that filled her senses. Seagulls called to each other as they soared overhead, their cries adding to the symphony of natural sounds that surrounded her.

All around, people were immersed in the tranquility of the idyllic day. Families scattered across the sand, constructing intricate sandcastles adorned with moats and towering spires. The sound of children's laughter harmonized with the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore, creating a symphony of pure bliss. A group of friends engaged in a spirited game of frisbee, their carefree shouts blending seamlessly with the lively ambiance of the beach. Meanwhile, couples walked hand-in-hand along the water's edge, leaving behind fleeting patterns in the damp sand with each step. The scene was almost picturesque. Humans just interacting with nature, living life the way they were all meant to live it without the stress of work.

Elena glanced down at herself, momentarily startled by her attire. She was wearing a tasteful bikini, the fabric a rich, deep blue that complemented her cerulean skin. The bikini top was a classic halter style, offering both comfort and support, while the bottoms were high-waisted, providing a blend of modesty and style. The material shimmered slightly in the sunlight, adding an elegant touch to the ensemble. Her feet were bare, digging into the warm sand, and her hair, usually tied back, cascaded freely down her shoulders, catching the light in its waves. A pair of sunglasses perched on her head completed the look, shielding her eyes from the bright sun. She felt strangely comfortable and at ease in this outfit, as if it were perfectly suited for this dreamlike setting.

Elena's gaze wandered back to the water, noticing how the waves danced and sparkled in the sunlight. Each crest and trough moved in perfect harmony, as if the ocean itself were alive and welcoming her presence. She felt an inexplicable sense of calm wash over her, the kind that one only experiences in the most tranquil of moments.

As she looked around, something caught her eye—there, towering in the distance, was the unmistakable silhouette of the Empire State Building. The iconic skyscraper stood tall and proud, an incongruous sight against the backdrop of the beach and ocean. But not just the Empire State Building. The entire Manhattan skyline sat there, unobstructed by clouds or smog or fog. A wave of confusion washed over her. She looked around. Humans of every walk of life were going about their business. Nobody seemed to be paying her any attention.

Turning her head, she tried to make sense of the surreal landscape when she noticed a familiar figure lounging on a beach towel nearby. Athena, looking impossibly relaxed, waved at her with a cheerful smile. "Hey, Elena! Come join me," she called out, her voice carrying effortlessly over the sound of the waves.

Elena blinked, trying to process the strange juxtaposition of Athena in this idyllic setting. She hesitated for a moment, then pushed herself up from the sand and walked over to where Athena was lounging. The closer she got, the more surreal the scene felt. Athena, in a light summer dress and oversized sunglasses, looked completely at ease, as if they were on a casual vacation rather than in a dreamscape.

"I'm dreaming, aren't I?" Elena asked, finally sitting down on the edge of Athena's towel.

Athena chuckled, lifting her sunglasses to meet Elena's gaze. "You're quick. Yes, it is a dream, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it. Take a moment to relax; you've been through a lot lately."

Elena glanced around again, still trying to reconcile the oddities of the scene. The beach, the skyscraper, the tranquility—it all felt so real yet impossibly disconnected. Yet she was... home. Not her actual home, but Earth. She felt a longing to stay here in this spot and hoped she'd never wake up. She allowed herself to lean back and feel the warmth of the sun on her skin. It had been a while since she had been to the beach and now that she had the moment, she planned on enjoying it. She put her hands behind her head and spent what seemed like hours just soaking up the sun. She looked down at herself and noticed that she was tanned. Which meant her skin was a slightly darker shade of blue.

"This is so much better than the usual nightmares," she admitted. "So, why am I here?"

Athena's smile softened. "Because you need a break, even if it's just in your mind. And because I have something important to discuss with you. But first, let's enjoy the moment, shall we?"

Elena saw no reason to disagree with the god, and just smiled. Her tail that she mostly put out of her mind gently swayed back and forth creating a sand angel or demon. Elena felt like another hour had passed again before Athena spoke up. "Thirsty?"

Athena had a six-pack of beer in her hand of some imported brand and she offered the glass bottles to Elena. Elena grabbed one and sat up again, this time holding the cold bottle to her neck and forehead. She moaned slightly at the cool feeling.

Athena grabbed one of the other bottles and took a sip. "So, Elena, how have you been adjusting to everything? How do you feel about your progress so far?" Athena asked, her tone both inquisitive and supportive.

Elena thought for a moment, reflecting on her journey. "It's been overwhelming, to be honest. The training, the fights, trying to understand my powers... it's a lot. But I think I'm getting better. My control over blood magic is improving, and I'm starting to feel more confident in my abilities." She paused, a shadow crossing her face. "Though, I have to admit, I made some mistakes. I pushed away my first friend here, and I regret that. I was scared and didn't know how to handle everything."

Athena nodded understandingly. "That's good to hear about your progress, but it's also important to acknowledge your challenges and mistakes. Your powers are unique and powerful, but they require a lot of control and finesse. How are you finding your abilities, like Blood Control and Hemokinesis? Are they coming naturally to you?"

"Somewhat," Elena replied. "Blood Control is tricky, but I've managed to use it effectively a few times. Hemokinesis is a bit easier, and it's really versatile. But there's still so much I need to learn. I've also been experimenting with Mana Bleed and Gory Armaments, and those have been useful in different situations."

"That's excellent progress," Athena said, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "Remember, your abilities are only as strong as your understanding and control over them. Keep pushing yourself, and don't be afraid to explore new techniques."

Elena leaned back on the towel, the sun warming her skin as she turned her gaze to Athena. "Athena, I've been wondering about something. You know how my abilities have these percentages? What do they really mean, and how do they interact with my powers?"

Athena nodded, her expression thoughtful. "The percentages are a measure of your proficiency with each ability. As you train and use your powers, those percentages increase, reflecting your growing skill and control. It's like a progress bar for mastering your abilities. When you reach certain milestones, like 50% or 75%, you'll often see upgrades or new facets of the power emerging."

Elena furrowed her brow. "So, what happens when a percentage hits 100%? Does that mean I've fully mastered the ability?"

"Exactly," Athena confirmed, her tone serious. "Well, sort of. When a percentage hits 100%, you gain mastery over that power. But only for your tier. It means you've learned to control and use it to its fullest potential at that level of power. It's crucial to achieve mastery before you advance to the next tier. Leveling is important, but mastery ensures that your foundational skills are solid and ready for more advanced challenges. As you get a new tier, your powers and abilities will reset to 0 to show your new level of understanding."

Elena considered this for a moment. "What about when people level up without getting enough proficiency? What happens to them?"

Athena sighed softly. "That's a common problem. People who don't obtain enough proficiency before leveling up often find themselves stuck. They hit a plateau because their foundational skills aren't strong enough to support further growth. Once someone is locked in their abilities, they're unable to obtain more power. This is why some people get stuck at certain tiers—they rush through without achieving mastery. It's like building a house on a weak foundation; it might stand for a while, but it won't be strong enough to add in a second or third floor."

Elena thought for a moment. "Can they level up and then reach mastery? Will that work?"

Athena shook her head. "No, once you've leveled up enough to advance your tier, that will begin and if you don't advance your tier in time, you'll never get that chance again. There are technically ways to get around this, but they are dangerous and not guaranteed to work. This is also why your friends suggested that you don't use crystalized magic to gain power. They will give you levels but no real mastery of your abilities."

Elena nodded, understanding dawning on her face. "So, it's not just about leveling up, but making sure I'm truly mastering my abilities at each stage."

"Precisely," Athena said, smiling. "Your goal should be to master your current abilities before moving on to the next tier. It's a balance between growth and proficiency. Rushing through might seem tempting, but it will hinder your long-term progress. Each tier requires a solid foundation to support the new powers and challenges you'll face."

"So at what level do people advance in tier?" Elena asked.

Athena took a brief moment before responding, almost as if she was verifying something. "I can tell you for this tier, it's level 75. Beyond that, you will have to find out on your own."

"Athena, another thing I've been wondering about. You know how I can see my abilities and their progression? How do people who can't see these things make a choice when they gain proficiency?" Elena looked up at Athena, who was impassively looking at the beauty of the ocean.

Athena looked thoughtful for a moment before responding. "For those who can't see their abilities laid out clearly, it's much more about intuition and experience. They have to rely on their instincts and the advice of mentors to guide them. When they gain proficiency, abilities that aren't consciously selected or developed by them are randomly assigned. The soul essentially chooses for them based on their actions and experiences up to that point. If you have spent your life being a healer and you are presented with the choice of an attack that will destroy your foes, or an ability that will cure diseases, your soul will choose to save others. And for those people who lack a soul, the system will choose based on what their actions have been up to that point."

Elena frowned, processing this information. "So, what most people consider to be the whims of the universe are actually due to their lack of understanding of how the system works?"

"Exactly," Athena replied. "People often think it's fate or destiny that determines their abilities, but in reality, it's usually their life's choices that are dictating what they do and where they go. Without the ability to see and manage their abilities like you do, they're at the mercy of the system's algorithms. This means they might end up with abilities that don't necessarily align with their goals or strengths."

Elena shook her head, amazed. "That must be incredibly frustrating. No wonder people get stuck or plateau. They don't even realize what's happening to them."

Athena nodded. "It can be challenging, but it's also why mentorship and guidance are so crucial. Experienced adventurers and teachers can help others recognize patterns and make better choices. However, the inherent randomness still poses a significant hurdle."

Elena looked out at the ocean, and for the first time in a while felt glad that the system had given her such gifts. "I can't imagine trying to progress without knowing what I'm working towards. It must be incredibly difficult."

Athena smiled softly. "It is, but it's also why those who manage to master their abilities and rise through the tiers are so highly respected. They've achieved something remarkable despite the obstacles. Your ability to see and manage your progression is a gift, Elena. Use it wisely and remember the importance of mastering your skills before moving on."

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Elena thought for a moment. "So wait. When a person levels up or gains proficiency, the soul will choose for them and barring that the system will step in. Now I'm special as I can guide my path forward. Is this correct so far?"

Athena nodded once. "Yes, that is correct."

Elena continued the train of thought. "So then Why am I a blood mage? If my soul is partially responsible for shaping my powers, why this path? As far as I know, Earth doesn't have mages. Let alone blood mages."

Athena's expression softened, but she shook her head gently. "Elena, I wish I could give you a clear answer, but that's something you'll need to discover on your own. Your journey, your choices, and your experiences all play a role in shaping who you are and what you can become. I can't reveal the reasons behind your abilities; that knowledge must be earned through your own efforts."

Elena frowned, feeling a mixture of frustration and curiosity. "But what about the circumstances of my death? Did that influence my powers? Is there a connection between my past life and my abilities now?"

Athena remained resolute, her eyes filled with understanding but firm in her response. "Elena, you're asking important questions, but I cannot provide those answers. Your powers, your path, they are intricately linked to your soul and your journey. Discovering the reasons behind them is a crucial part of your growth. You'll find the answers as you continue to explore and master your abilities."

Elena sighed, trying a different angle. "Is there anything specific in my past that triggered this path? Was it something I did or experienced that led me to become a blood mage?"

Athena's gaze was steady as she replied, "I understand your desire for clarity, Elena, but asking the same question a slightly different way will not change the facts. You'll need to piece together your past and understand how it intertwines with your present. These revelations will come in time, but only through your own perseverance and exploration."

Elena looked out at the ocean, feeling a mix of determination and frustration. "I just want to understand why. Knowing the reason might help me accept and control my powers better."

Athena placed a reassuring hand on Elena's shoulder. "Trust in the process, Elena. Your answers will come, but they cannot be handed to you. Embrace your journey and keep pushing forward. The knowledge you seek will reveal itself when you're ready to understand it."

Elena sat there and looked out, content to wait until the end of time. "Athena, can I tell people about you? About who you are and how you're helping me?"

Athena shook her head gently. "I'm afraid not, Elena. It won't work. My presence and the way I communicate with you are unique. Others wouldn't understand or believe it, and it could complicate things for you."

Elena sighed, feeling a bit disappointed. "I understand. It's just that sometimes it feels like I'm alone in this, even with my friends around."

Athena placed a reassuring hand on Elena's shoulder. "You're not alone, Elena. You have your friends, and you have me, even if I'm not always visible. Trust in yourself and in the connections you've made. Even the connections you believe to have destroyed irrevocably. There might still be much to learn and pathways to repair."

Curiosity sparked in Elena's mind again. "Can you explain more about how percentages and powers work? I mean, sometimes it feels like I'm just guessing. Is there a way to know what to expect or how to plan?"

Athena smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Well, it's not always straightforward, but your abilities do have certain thresholds. As you train and grow stronger, you'll notice improvements and new facets of your powers emerging. For instance, there's a fun ability that most blood mages unlock relatively soon considering where you are in your journey. It's called Sanguine Minion."

Elena's eyes widened. "Sanguine Minion? What does it do?"

Athena winked playfully. "Sanguine minion? I don't know what you are talking about. Perhaps it's best to ignore the ramblings of an old program. I certainly am not telling you what to do. Just pointing out that maybe you'll discover something about yourself if you keep pushing yourself to reach new heights."

Elena couldn't help but laugh. "You're not going to give me a straight answer, are you?"

Athena's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I prefer to guide rather than dictate. But let's talk more about your abilities. You've been exploring your blood magic, but have you considered how it might evolve as you grow stronger?"

Elena sat up straighter, her interest piqued. "I've wondered about that. Sometimes it feels like I'm just scratching the surface of what I can do."

"That's a good instinct," Athena nodded approvingly. "Blood magic is incredibly versatile. As you progress, you might find yourself able to manipulate blood in ways you never imagined. For instance, have you ever thought about using blood as a means of communication?"

Elena's brow furrowed. "Communication? How would that work?"

"Think about it," Athena urged. "Blood carries information – genetic code, hormones, even memories in a way. As your powers grow, you might be able to read that information, or even transmit your own through blood."

Elena's mind raced with the possibilities. "So I could, what, read someone's thoughts through their blood?"

"Perhaps," Athena said cryptically. "Or maybe you could share your own experiences with others. Imagine being able to show your allies exactly what you've seen in battle, or understanding an enemy's motivations by reading their blood."

Elena shook her head in amazement. "That's... incredible. And a little terrifying."

"Power often is," Athena agreed. "But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. How you use these abilities will define you as much as the abilities themselves. Remember, power can be a double-edged sword. As your abilities grow, so too will the temptation to use them in ways you might later regret."

Elena frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Athena's expression grew solemn. "Blood magic, by its very nature, deals with life force. The power to heal and the power to harm. As you grow stronger, you'll face choices – moments where you could use your abilities to do great good, but at a terrible cost. Or times when you could easily defeat an enemy by crossing lines you've set for yourself."

Elena felt a chill run down her spine. "I... I don't want to become someone who abuses their power."

"And that desire to do good is what will guide you," Athena reassured her. "But it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls. Every great Arcanist faces these challenges."

Elena nodded slowly, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. "I'll be careful. I promise."

"I know you will," Athena smiled warmly. "Now, let's talk about something a bit lighter. Have you given any thought to how your blood magic might be used outside of combat?"

Elena perked up. "I've used it to stop bleeding and close wounds. Is there more to it?"

"Much more," Athena confirmed. "Advanced blood mages can purify blood, removing toxins or diseases. They can increase blood production to combat anemia, or even temporarily enhance a person's physical abilities by optimizing their blood flow. With sufficient power, you could become immune to diseases, toxins, poisons and any maladies that might negatively impact the body.”

Elena's eyes widened. "I hadn't even considered those possibilities. It's amazing how versatile this power can be."

"Indeed," Athena nodded. "The key is to approach your abilities with creativity and an open mind. The more you explore and experiment, the more uses you'll discover."

"That sounds incredibly useful," Elena mused.

"Exactly," Athena smiled. "And don't forget about your own enhancements. As you grow stronger, you might find ways to alter your own blood to give yourself temporary boosts or new abilities.

Elena's mind was whirling with possibilities. "This is all so much to take in. I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of what I can do."

"That's the beauty of your journey," Athena said warmly. "There's always more to learn, more to discover about yourself and your abilities."

Elena nodded, then hesitated. "So you said you wanted to talk to me about something?"

"Yes."

Elena looked up and pushed the sunglasses back. "What's up?"

Athena looked down at her. She took a deep breath, her expression becoming more serious. "Elena, there's something important I need to discuss with you. The reason I brought you to this dreamscape is not just to give you a break, but to prepare you for what lies ahead and give you a choice."

Elena's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean? Is something happening?"

Athena nodded, her eyes holding a weight that Elena hadn't seen before. "You're at a crossroads, Elena. The path you choose now will have far-reaching consequences, not just for you, but for those around you."

Elena felt a chill run down her spine, sensing the gravity in Athena's words. "What kind of choice are we talking about?"

"It's a choice between action and inaction," Athena said, her voice soft but firm. "Between stepping into the unknown, facing great danger, or remaining where you are, safe but..." she paused, choosing her words carefully, "potentially losing much in the process."

Her gaze was steady and serious. "You need to decide whether you want to fully involve yourself in the battles and challenges that lie ahead. If you choose to step into this role, you must commit yourself completely. This means facing dangers, making sacrifices, and using your abilities to their fullest potential. It's a daunting path, but it's one where you can make a significant difference."

Elena considered this, feeling the weight of the decision pressing on her. "And what if I choose not to involve myself? What happens then?"

"If you choose to stay home and do nothing," Athena explained, "your path will slowly dwindle away. You will live the rest of your life seeing the heights you could have reached but will be unable to attain them. It's a safer choice, but one that comes with its own regrets and limitations."

She waited a moment more, and made sure Elena understood what she was saying. "But either choice you make, understand people will die."

Elena's heart pounded in her chest. "Does this choice have to do with my friends? With the people I've grown close to?" Visions of Agatha and Gareth dying came to her mind, and she felt sadness within her grow and gnaw at her heart causing a physical pain.

Athena nodded. "Yes, it does. Your friends, new and old, will play a crucial role in whichever path you choose. They can be your greatest allies and your strongest support. If you decide to involve yourself fully, you'll need their help and trust. If you choose to stay back, you'll need to reconcile with the fact that you might drift apart from them as their paths take them towards greater challenges."

Elena looked out at the shimmering ocean, her mind racing. Each wave from the ocean coming in brought a new thought with it. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on her. "So if I involve myself people will die, but if I don't involve myself people will die?"

Athena looked at her, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. "No. If you do nothing, those you care about will die. If you involve yourself, there is a good chance you will die."

The words hit Elena like a physical blow. She stood there, frozen, as the implications of Athena's statement washed over her. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore seemed to grow louder, filling the silence between them.

Elena stood on the edge of a precipice, staring out at the vast, unknowable ocean. The waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, but the turmoil inside her was anything but steady. Her thoughts spiraled, tangling around each other, pulling her deeper into a vortex of doubt and fear.

Elena stood on the edge of a precipice, staring out at the vast, unknowable ocean. The waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, but the turmoil inside her was anything but steady. Her thoughts spiraled, tangling around each other, pulling her deeper into a vortex of doubt and fear.

She thought of them—the people she'd barely known, the ones who had drifted into her life so suddenly. Agatha, Gareth... strangers, really, if she was honest. People she had only begun to connect with, yet who now seemed to be part of this impossible decision. Could she really risk her life for them? Could she throw herself into the fire for a group of people who, only a few months ago, were nothing more than faces in the crowd?

And yet... it wasn't just them, was it? The weight pressing down on her wasn’t only the fear of losing them. It was the thought of never seeing her family again. Back on Earth, she had been a husband, son, a man with roots. A man with connections that stretched far deeper than any she had made in this world. The thought of death meaning she would never see them again filled her with a bone-deep terror. The finality of it, the absolute severing of those ties, made her chest tighten painfully.

But then there was the other thought, just as sharp and just as unforgiving. What if she took the easy way out? What if she turned her back on this fight, on these people? How could she face her family again, knowing what she had done? How could she look them in the eyes and tell them that she had let her friends die because she was too afraid, too much of a coward to stand up and fight? The shame of it gnawed at her, the image of their disappointed faces burning into her mind. She could see them so clearly—her wife, her parents—asking her why. Why didn’t you help them, John? Why didn’t you do the right thing?

Her thoughts spiraled further, and she felt herself pulled in two directions—towards the safety of retreat and the dangerous, uncertain path of action. The idea of living with the knowledge that she had abandoned her friends, no matter how brief her connection to them, filled her with dread. But the idea of stepping forward, into the unknown, where death could so easily claim her… it was almost too much to bear.

Finally, she turned back to Athena, her expression a storm of fear, regret, and a flicker of resolve. Her voice was barely more than a whisper, trembling with the weight of her internal struggle. "That's not really a choice at all, is it?"

Athena’s gaze remained steady, filled with an understanding that only deepened Elena's turmoil. "No. But it’s still a choice. Your choice, Elena. You must choose to turn back or face death."

Elena stood there, frozen, her heart pounding in her chest as her thoughts clashed in a brutal war. She could retreat—live with the guilt, the shame—or she could step forward, risk everything, and possibly never see her family again.

She thought of her wife’s face, the look of betrayal if she were to return a coward. The thought hardened something within her. Slowly, she nodded, the decision painful but firm. She turned back to Athena, her eyes no longer blazing but steady, resolved. "Tell me," she whispered, her voice low and strained, "where do I sign up?"

Athena's expression softened, a look of pride and sorrow mingling in her eyes as the world around them darkened with the setting sun. "Enjoy your journey, Elena. It will be your most difficult yet."

As the last light of the dream faded, Elena clenched her fists, knowing the path ahead was fraught with peril but understanding that, no matter how terrifying it was, she couldn’t turn back. Not now. Not ever.