On a whim, Robert decided to swing by the System Store, hoping to browse for upgrades. However, a quick scan of the inventory revealed a disappointing truth: the quality of the items had diminished since his last visit. "Hal," he inquired, "what's going on with the gear?" Hal's response was as informative as it was disheartening.
The shop's inventory scales to the difficulty of the dungeon it's connected to.
The revelation solidified Robert's decision. He would save his tokens for tougher challenges and the presumably richer rewards they'd unlock in the shop's future. He returned home, abandoning any further work for the day in favor of a well-deserved rest. The next morning, refreshed, he rejoined Willow and Clara at his own shop. Willow was progressing admirably; though her low mana slowed her pace, her burgeoning skill was undeniable, filling Robert with pride. Clara's business acumen was also rapidly developing. Confident in their abilities, Robert realized that, in time, he could safely shift his focus from the shop's day-to-day operations to other pursuits.
After three days dedicated to the shop and mentoring Willow and Clara, Robert felt the pull of the dungeon once more. Having honed his melee skills, he set his sights on the ambitious goal of reaching level 100. The Emberspire Catacombs became his daily proving ground. While the Eon Labyrinth promised greater experience gains, its level 95 and up mobs posed too great a risk for solo runs. He meticulously charted his progress, calculating four days to reach level 97, seven more for 98, and a grueling twelve to hit 99. Embracing a month-long campaign, Robert began his relentless assault on the catacombs.
Robert dedicated the next month to a relentless cycle of dungeon runs, punctuated by brief recovery days every three days. The grind culminated in a hard-earned level 99. Pausing at this pivotal point, he considered his readiness. "Hal," he asked, "my calculations put level 100 about 27 days out, maybe 30 if I pace myself. Am I missing anything crucial?"
You've neglected your stat points, bring Constitution up to 200 – a solid milestone. And your skill points. You're proficient with bow, sword, shield, and armor, but you need at least one more weapon skill. I recommend axe; you have a fine one from the dungeon. Finally, don't forget your perk points. You're still holding a Legendary perk, and there are several that could significantly benefit you.
"A valid point," Robert acknowledged. "The extensive list of perks has proven difficult to navigate. The potential benefits of so many are significant, making a single selection challenging."
Perhaps I could make a suggestion.
"Please," Robert quickly replied.
There are 3 ones that I would recommend. Avatar of Resilience, Soulbound Arsenal, or Echo of the Past.
Robert pulled up the descriptions:
Perk Name Rank Description Avatar of Resilience Legendary Once per week when your health drops below 10%, automatically triggers a powerful defensive state for 30 seconds. During this state: Gain 30% damage reduction from all sources. Immune to crowd control effects (stuns, knockdowns, slows, etc.). Health regeneration rate increases by 300%. Soulbound Arsenal Legendary Designate up to three pieces of equipment (weapons, armor, or accessories) as "Soulbound." These items gain several benefits: They cannot be lost, stolen, or destroyed. They can be summoned to your hand (or equipped position) instantly from anywhere, regardless of distance (cannot be used to summon items out of an enemy's grasp). They gain a minor scaling bonus to their primary stats (e.g., weapon damage, armor rating, magical effect potency) based on your level. Echo of the Past Legendary Once every 3 days, you can rewind time by up to 15 seconds. This rewind affects only you – your position, health, mana, stamina, and any items in your inventory are reset to their state 15 seconds prior. Enemies and the environment remain unaffected by the rewind, retaining any damage or changes that occurred. This allows for correcting mistakes, dodging otherwise unavoidable attacks, or re-attempting a crucial skill use. It does not allow for double-casting spells or abilities.
"These are all incredibly powerful, Hal," Robert said, thoughtfully tapping his chin. "Each one could drastically change my approach to combat. I'm torn – do I go for raw power, survivability, or utility?"
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A valid question, analyze the potential synergies with your existing skills and perks. Each offers a distinct strategic advantage. The 'best' choice is subjective and context-dependent.
Robert considered the options, a thoughtful frown on his face. "Echo and Avatar are powerful, no doubt, but with enough time and effort, I might be able to replicate aspects of their effects through enchanting. It wouldn't be the same, of course, but close enough to make me question their value as Legendary perks. Soulbound Arsenal, though... that raises some important questions. Can I replace the bound items, or is it a permanent choice?"
You may re-designate your Soulbound items once per year, however, any power accumulated through the bond will be reset.
Robert nodded slowly. "A reasonable limitation. In that case, Soulbound Arsenal it is." He selected the perk, a sense of finality settling over him. Almost as an afterthought, he added, "And I'll spend that skill point on Axe proficiency. Might as well put that dungeon drop to good use."
Which reminded him of the two items he received that were usable, the Enchanting subskill:
Skill Name Rank Level Desc Mastery - Gate Weaver Learned 5 The Gate Weaver skill represents mastery over the intricate art of crafting permanent magical gates. This skill encompasses the knowledge of runic inscription, dimensional manipulation, and material manipulation necessary to create stable and enduring portals between locations. At Level 5 the distance between gates may not exceed 300 miles.
And the axe:
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Name: Grimcleaver
Type: Battle Axe
Rank: Epic
Tier: 5
Description: **Grimcleaver** was not merely a weapon; it was an instrument of brutal efficiency, a testament to the savage ingenuity of the Kobold General who wielded it. The battle-axe was monstrous in size, almost as tall as a man, designed to cleave through bone and armor with terrifying ease. Its head was a broad expanse of blackened steel, its surface pitted and scarred from countless battles, bearing the grim legacy of its victims. Jagged, uneven teeth lined the blade's edge, not for sharpness, but to inflict maximum tearing and rending as it was ripped free from flesh. Crude runes, etched deep into the steel, pulsed with a faint, malevolent energy, hinting at dark rituals used in the axe's creation. They seemed to writhe and shift in the periphery of one's vision, whispering promises of violence and bloodshed. The haft was thick and heavy, crafted from some dark, unidentifiable wood, reinforced with bands of iron. Worn leather, stained with a mixture of blood and grime, was wrapped around the haft, providing a surprisingly secure grip. Grimcleaver was more than just an axe; it was an extension of the Kobold General's savagery, a physical manifestation of his brutal reign. The weight of the weapon spoke of immense power, while the wicked design whispered of a cruel intelligence that delighted in inflicting pain. To face Grimcleaver was to face the embodiment of the Labyrinth's brutal heart, a challenge that only the most skilled and courageous warriors could hope to survive.
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Robert finalized his preparations, allocating the 14 points to Constitution, bringing it to the desired 200. He then turned his attention to the Soulbound Arsenal perk, his gaze settling on Silent Judgment. The sword was an obvious first choice, a trusted companion through countless battles. He activated the bond, a subtle hum resonating through the blade. The decision for the remaining two slots, however, proved more difficult. He surveyed his inventory, considering and discarding various options. Nothing else felt quite essential enough, not yet worthy of such a permanent commitment. He decided to wait for the right pieces to reveal themselves. As he re-sheathed Silent Judgment, he noticed a change: the blade now displayed a level 1 designation and a faint, almost imperceptible aura, indicating a +1% damage increase.
The next day dawned, and with it, Robert began the arduous climb to level 100. Days bled into weeks as he plunged into the Emberspire Catacombs again and again. The familiar corridors and fiery chambers became a monotonous blur. Doubt gnawed at him. Was this relentless grind truly worth the cost? The camaraderie of his shop, the satisfaction of crafting – were these sacrifices too great? Yet, he pressed on, fueled by a stubborn refusal to yield. Finally, after weeks of unwavering effort, the final blow landed. A wave of triumphant exhaustion washed over him as the long-awaited notification filled his vision.
Level Up!