"Phoebe, leave me alone," Talax grumbled. "Guh, go watch Peppa Pig or something." But despite his words, the insistent shaking didn't stop, and he could feel his patience wearing thin. He dimly heard voices shouting in the background, but his disoriented and confused state left him unable to concentrate.
As he slipped into a daydream about relaxing on his comfortable couch and watching an exciting documentary about beetles, the voice calling his name jolted him back to reality. He groaned in frustration, knowing he needed to relax but feeling too frazzled to do so.
"Talax, open your eyes!" the voice persisted, and he reluctantly complied. His vision swam for a second before clearing, revealing the worried face of Franny hovering over him. He blinked in confusion and saw Franny exhale in relief.
"He's okay, he woke up," Franny called out behind him. Talax tried to sit up but groaned, feeling as if his body had been battered, as though he had run a marathon and hadn't yet recuperated. With Franny's help, he managed to stand up, and as he straightened himself, he heard the other man behind him exclaim, "Wow."
Talax looked around, confused, and realized that something had changed. Ferdinand, who was usually about the same height as him or perhaps a few centimeters taller, was now slightly shorter. Talax felt a sense of astonishment as he realized that he had somehow gained more than ten centimeters, he was a big boy now!
As Talax looked down at himself, he realized that his body had undergone a significant transformation. He was now bigger, with more pronounced muscles that held greater strength and flexibility. He couldn't help but smile broadly, reveling in his newfound physical prowess as he struck a few poses to showcase his new assets to the open mouthed noble.
"What in the Gods' name was that thing? You must have gained more than five levels!" Ferdinand exclaimed, clearly astonished by the change in Talax's physique.
Talax looked at Ferdinand, confused, and then inspected his gates. Everything looked the same as before, seven of the gates were open, allowing mana to course through unobstructed, while three more remained dim and inert.
"It was the heart of a leviathan; it was a gift from the woman. But my levels have remained the same," he explained.
Franny looked lost in thought before responding, "Then it must have offered free characteristics. You are very lucky. Such treasures are very rare and valuable, especially one with such power! You must have gained enough stat points to be considered tier 2! Tichos has really smiled upon you!"
Talax listened intently to the man, for some reason the concept of characteristics was familiar to him. However, he wasn’t exactly sure about their significance.
"Can I see my characteristics? All I can inspect are my magic and skills," Talax inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Franny shook his head in response. "I'm afraid you can't, unless you reach tier 3 or purchase a spirit guide," he explained with a sigh.
But then, a thought occurred to Talax. "What if I'm a mage and all my points go to strength? Wait! How many characteristics are there?" His mind was racing with questions, and he felt as though his already muddled thoughts were on the brink of exploding.
Franny put a hand on Talax's shoulder, trying to reassure him. "Don't worry, your body instinctively allocates the points where they will be most useful. It's a mystery how it happens, but mages tend to have their points distributed to willpower and intellect, while fighters to strength and dexterity. Commoners, like city officials and merchants, usually have their points placed in charisma and vitality. Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do about it for now. My brothers have spirit guides that allow them to allocate points as they wish, a gift from our father," he explained. Under his breath, he muttered, "A little more intellect points wouldn't hurt them though."
Talax was utterly fascinated and couldn't resist inspecting his core. As he delved into its depths, his eyes widened in awe. "Damn!" he exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement. He noticed numerous changes within his core that left him breathless.
Talax marveled at the sight before him, his eyes scanning every inch of his core as if committing every detail to memory. The vibrant blue color of his core pulsed with energy, emanating a sense of power that he had never felt before. He could feel the depth of it, as if it had opened up and expanded, leaving him with a sense of abundance.
But it wasn't just the color that had changed. Talax's eyes moved to the new sphere that had emerged, a rich brown planet that orbited around the void sphere. It exuded a sense of stability and protection that calmed him in a way he had never experienced before. It was as if he had been given an extra layer of defense, a shield that he could call upon whenever he needed it.
He couldn't help but grin, feeling the rush of excitement that came with discovering something new and powerful. He turned to Franny, his eyes alight with wonder.
Earth magic, level 2
2% resistance to earth magic
Stone spike: +5 damage
Summons a spike made from stone, it is extremely brittle but exceptionally sharp
Summon time: 1 second, spell duration: n/a, cooldown: 10 seconds
He had awakened another element of magic. "Yay!" he cheered inwardly, feeling a rush of triumph wash over him. Upon inspection, he realized that the newly awakened magic was already at level 2. He felt a thrill of anticipation as he discovered that he had also gained a new spell, this one with an offensive capability. Though its damage potential was relatively low, he recognized that it could still be useful in specific situations.
Water Magic, level 6
6% resistance to water magic
“Wow” Talax whispered in amazement, his eyes fixed on his core. Franny, who was busy complaining about his wet clothes, glanced at him curiously. Talax gestured to him to wait and said, "I'll tell you later."
As he focused his attention back to his core, he couldn't help but feel ecstatic. His water magic had undergone a dramatic transformation. Not only had it jumped up five levels, but there were also several new features that he had never seen before. Now, there were several small planets orbiting the larger sphere, and two of them were brimming with a vibrant blue aura, radiating raw power.
Clear water
Summons a small stream of clear blue water that is suitable for consumption.
Summon time: 1 second, spell duration: n/a, cooldown: n/a
Bubble of confusion
Summons a small bubble of water that causes the target confusion.
Summon time: 2 seconds, spell duration: 4 seconds, cooldown: 5 minutes
The two spells he had learned from the woman pulsed with a vibrant energy, ready to be unleashed with just a thought. In contrast, the three new orbs were dull and lifeless, as if they were waiting for a source of nourishment to awaken them. Talax felt a pang of disappointment as he realized that these new spells were not yet accessible to him.
But as he peered closer at the orbs, he realized he could decipher the new spells. With growing excitement, he concentrated, and new information flooded his mind.
Fog of Mystica
Summons a fog that disorients the targets in an area 3mx3m
Slick
Your body is encased with a fine layer of water making it more difficult for your opponents to grab you.
Rejuvenating water
You are bathed with calming water that rejuvenates your body and makes physical exertion easier.
"Franny," he began and overheard the man grunt in annoyance, but he chose to ignore his protest. "My water magic has jumped five levels and I've discovered new spells that I can't access. Is there any way to unlock them?" The man's eyes widened in surprise at the news of Talax's newfound levels, but he eventually nodded in response.
Franny replied, "You may unlock one spell or talent skill per level once you have reached level five in a magic school or talent tree. So, it is crucial to be mindful of your choices." As he spoke, his tone became firm, as if he was a teacher advising his pupil.
"By the way," he continued, "you must change your name. It seems you have had a string of good luck, and we can't have that anymore." Talax laughed and shook his head.
"I'll have you know, I had to fight a 5-meter serpent that almost swallowed me whole," Talax reminded his companion. “If that’s not bad luck, I don’t know what is.”
The response was dismissive. "Pff, don't be such a suka. That's what being an adventurer is all about!" Talax furrowed his brow, unfamiliar with the insult "suka", but chose to let it slide for the moment as he had more pressing matters to attend to.
Excitedly, he asked, "So, I can unlock seven spells?"
"Yes," replied Franny, "although I would advise you to save some tokens for when you unlock another skill tree or magic school. Remember, you only gain one token after each level in tier 1."
Talax's cautionary advice made sense, but the man still felt puzzled about where he could find these tokens. Before he could ask Franny, he noticed his opened gates and the accumulated mana that once blocked his pathways. The mana was still there, signaling the once-unpassable passage. With a flex of his will, he felt the mana respond and prepare to follow his instructions. Without much thought, he willed the mana to unlock the spell Fog of Mystica, and to his delight, he saw the once lifeless orb transform into a vibrant sea of blue.
Fog of Mystica
Summons a fog that disorients the targets in an area 3mx3m
Summon time: 5 seconds, spell duration: 7 seconds, cooldown: 10 minutes
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
He clapped his hands in delight, making Ferdinand jump and grumble and went on to unlock the other two spells.
Slick
Your body is encased with a fine layer of water making it more difficult for your opponents to grab you.
Summon time: 2 seconds, spell duration: 10 minutes, cooldown: 15 minutes
Rejuvenating water
You are bathed with calming water that rejuvenates your body and makes physical exertion easier.
Summon time: 2 seconds, spell duration: 5 minutes, cooldown: 20 minutes
Talax considered that Slick might be a very specialized spell, with applications only in certain situations. Nevertheless, he was convinced that it would be invaluable in close quarter battles. If he had had access to the spell during his fight with the serpent, he would have been able to escape from its constricting coils, which had nearly smothered him to death.
As for Rejuvenating Water, he could see himself using it all the time. The spell had many potential uses. He realized that all those days he had spent struggling to breathe while walking through the forest could have been avoided. He could even use the spell in combat, potentially outlasting his opponent simply by casting the spell. His new spells were truly amazing, and he couldn't wait to try them out in battle!
However, as he felt the bruises on his body, he realized that he could afford to wait a few hours before testing out his new abilities.
"Would you hurry up? Let's get out of this hellhole!" Qalo's voice interrupted Talax's deep musings. He looked up to see the orc waving an angry fist at them. The dim light of the cavern illuminated the uneven rocks, casting deep shadows across Franny's face as he applied the thick paste. Talax noticed the greenish tint on Franny's skin, which closely resembled Qalo's.
"What the hell are you doing?" Talax inquired, trying to hide his amusement at Franny's appearance.
"Huh? Oh, it's a salve from an earth elemental. It boosts vitality and makes your skin glow," Franny explained, holding out the small jar. "Do you want some? You could use some around the eyes." He narrowed his eyes accusingly and then huffed. "It's not fair! Now that I look at you, you must have gained some charisma points too!"
Before Talax could respond, the nobleman made a sweeping hand gesture and conjured a full-length mirror, identical to the one he had seen in the clearing. Talax took a step back, astonished at the transformation that was looking back at him.
Talax’s eyes widened in astonishment at the image that was looking back at him. The frail man with sunken eyes and sickly complexion that resembled a zombie was replaced with a healthy man in his mid-twenties with a smooth, pale skin. His body had also transformed, no longer gaunt and emaciated, but now firm and toned, with sinewy muscles that rippled beneath his clothes. He was in no way the muscle-bound beast that Qalo was, but Talax could see the start of definition on his muscles that had replaced the skeletal ribs.
His face had become more symmetrical, with more pleasing edges. His once-gaunt features now filled out and rounded into a pleasing countenance. His sunken cheeks that had screamed of starvation had filled out, giving him a healthy glow that had been absent before. His black eyes and hair remained unchanged; the only features that let him know that he was still himself. Talax couldn't help but stare at his reflection in awe, marveling at the transformation that had taken place.
“Wow.” He whispered unable to form words.
Qalo's exasperated scream echoed across the clearing, "Would you stop admiring yourself and come here before I come over and beat you to death?" Franny scoffed in response to the half-orc's words, "He won't come, he's afraid of water. He nearly fainted when I suggested he rescue you when you collapsed."
Talax couldn't help but chuckle at the revelation, and he turned to Qalo with a smug smile. Qalo's voice carried a hint of panic as he asked, "What did he say?" Talax responded with a mischievous grin, "He suggested we find those blobs of water walking around here to help you float. Or maybe your big empty head could do the trick."
They both roared “WHAT?” and Talax struggled to contain his laughter. Franny, still with half of his face smeared in green paste, attempted to calm Qalo down as he raged with his fists in the air, threatening a slow and painful death.
Talax finally managed to compose himself and with the distraction having worked he turned his attention back to his core. He checked his earth magic, but there were no new spells revealed. Disappointed, he shifted his focus to his skill trees.
Scribing skill, level 3
Brawling skill, level 2
Short blades skill, level 4
Evasion skill, level 4
Stealth skill, level 3
Tracking skill, level 1
Swordsmanship skill, level 2
Archery skill, level 2
Natural defense skill, level 9
Dual wielding skill, level 2
Athletics skill, level 3
Despite nearly losing his life, the fight had brought about significant rewards for him. His fighting skills had improved considerably, with both his swordsmanship and dual wielding skills leveling up by a single level. Although he hadn't used his sword as much during the battle, he was still satisfied with his progress.
His short blades and evasion skills had experienced even greater improvement, gaining two levels. During the fight, his evasion skill had been particularly vital, as it had allowed him to dodge the serpent's multiple attacks. He had come close to death on several occasions, and it was his quick reflexes that had saved him from the snake's venomous fangs. His daggers had quickly become his preferred weapons, even though Talax had become aware of their limitations in one-on-one combat.
His natural defense skill, however, had the most significant progress. It had skyrocketed by an impressive six levels, from a small sprout to a sturdy sapling with two distinct branches. As Talax examined the branches, he noticed that one of them was unlocked and flourishing, full of life and potential. The other branch, however, appeared withered and weak, as if it could fall off at any moment.
Armor of the deep
A part of a leviathan, the kings of the deep, lives with you by protecting you with its fierce casing against attacks dealing slashing damage. (passive)
+25% defense to slashing damage
The leviathan heart had proven to be a treasure trove of magical power. Not only had it unlocked his earth magic and increased his proficiency in water magic, but it had also significantly boosted his natural defense skill. He was now level 9, capable of withstanding attacks that would have otherwise been fatal.
But that wasn't all. The leviathan heart had also granted him a new ability, that sounded awesome and that he was eager to test out. Before he could try out his new ability, however, he wanted to unlock the second ability that the heart had granted him. With one more token, he was able to access the new ability.
Mitigate
A hit that causes 50% damage of your available hit points is mitigated by reducing the damage in half. This ability can be activated twice a day. (passive)
The new ability was just as valuable as the first, if not more so. According to the description, it would reduce the damage from critical hits by half, preventing him from losing half his health in one blow. The downside was that it had a limited number of uses, which was somewhat frustrating. Nonetheless, he was grateful for the additional layer of protection it provided.
As he reviewed his progress, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had amassed an impressive array of skills and abilities in a relatively short time. Although many of his fights had been perilous and close calls, he had managed to survive thanks to a combination of luck and skill.
But he knew that relying solely on luck was not a sustainable strategy. He needed to hone his skills and become a more well-rounded warrior. The foundations had been laid, and now it was time to build upon them and reach his full potential.
Talax exhaled sharply, steeling himself for what he knew would be a difficult task. He surveyed his surroundings, taking note of Franny and Qalo still engaged in their heated argument. The nobleman, thankfully, was still alive, his safety ensured by the body of water that separated him from the enraged orc.
It was time to intervene and put an end to this madness. Talax stepped forward, clearing his throat to get their attention.
"Hey!" he called out, his voice carrying over the din of their argument. "Quit bitching! Qalo, don't worry, I'll give you swimming lessons when we have time. I taught my five-year-old niece how to swim. I've got your back." He punctuated his offer with a cheeky wink.
The orc's face turned an unhealthy shade of pink as he swelled with anger, Talax was both impressed and disappointed by the man’s restrain...
"Did you just call me a little girl?" Qalo roared, causing the walls of the small cave to shudder and the small critters to run to safety.
Franny whispered, aghast, "Damn, did you have to do that?" Talax simply shrugged and ignored the orc's angry shouts.
"Let's leave. I'm afraid the walls won't hold against Qalo's furious yelling for much longer." Franny nodded, and after stashing away his jar, he dove headfirst into the lake. Talax hesitated for a second, remembering the enormous tentacle that had emerged from the seemingly bottomless pond. However, he then thought, "What the hell," and followed his friend.
After reaching the other side, sputtering and chilled to the bone, Qalo awaited them with his arms crossed and a barely suppressed expression of anger. Talax extended his hand, shivering as he said, "Help me up, please." The man grumbled, but begrudgingly extended his hand to help.
While waiting to dry off a bit, Talax recounted to the two men what had occurred after their fight with the serpent. Ferdinand had opted to change his attire, donning bright yellow pants that clashed with his olive skin and a velvety vest with blue accents that matched the color of his eyes. Talax couldn't help but chuckle when he saw Ferdinand put on a matching hat with a feather that drooped onto his face, which he had to blow away to see properly. The feather was a vibrant blue, a striking contrast to the bright yellow of the hat.
"You know you look ridiculous, right?" Talax commented, earning a perplexed look from Franny.
"What do you mean?" Franny asked, his eyes scanning his outfit.
Talax gestured to Franny's attire, "All of this! Why do you need a hat with a feather on it, of all things?"
Franny scoffed, "You peasants know nothing about fashion! This is what everyone at court wears! The crowned prince himself wore the same hat not even a month ago. I had it specially made once I returned home."
Talax could only shake his head in resignation. "Whatever, just put your armor on, and we'll be out of here."
Franny asked, "Could you help me?" Talax looked at him with blank eyes. "No," he replied, before turning away to prepare his own gear.
The nobleman huffed but refrained from pressing the matter. Eventually, Qalo became the unwilling helper, listening stoically to Ferdinand's instructions. When the nobleman was fully outfitted, he surveyed himself in the conjured mirror and nodded in approval. He then turned to Qalo and gazed at him for a long moment, making the orc shift uncomfortably, before asking, "You're quite capable and decently intelligent. Would you like to assume the role of my official butler during our travels together?"
Qalo looked at Ferdinand with an expression that either suggested he needed to use the restroom or that he didn't understand a word of what the nobleman had said. He then looked at Talax, asking for help, but his friend merely shook his head. Talax wasn't going to get involved in this.
"I'll offer you a silver coin a day for your services," Ferdinand added, noticing Qalo's hesitation. He took a coin from his satchel and offered it to the orc, who snatched it away eagerly. Franny nodded in satisfaction and began to explain Qalo's duties.
"Firstly, every morning you should dig a hole for me so I can do my business in peace! It's not proper for a gentleman to relieve himself in bushes or behind trees.”
"Secondly, before breakfast, you should shine our armor. Thirdly, when we travel through dense undergrowth, you should be in front of me, clearing a path so that my skin isn't marred by stray branches and thorny bushes. Fourthly..." Talax tuned out of the nobleman's rant, and he looked at the poor orc, who seemed to be inattentive as well. Qalo was staring at the dead serpent, eliciting a groan from Talax. The orc picked up the dead snake and draped it around his shoulders like a scarf.
He looked at him with a smile and mouthed. “For snacking.” Talax shook his head and followed Franny into the narrow tunnel.
As they emerged from the damp, dark cave, the sun's warm rays touched Talax's face and he closed his eyes, letting out a contented sigh. Even though they had only been inside for a few hours, the experience had felt like an eternity, and he was grateful to be back out in the open air. He glanced around at his surroundings, taking in the rugged terrain that surrounded them. The mouth of the cave was hemmed in by a towering wall of jagged rocks that loomed several meters high, casting deep shadows that stretched out across the ground. The only exit from the space was concealed behind a thick curtain of twisted shrubs and vines, making it almost impossible to spot at first glance.
Talax shot a questioning look at Qalo, wondering how he had spotted the entrance. "Thirteentiently, in case of eating a wild fruit or an untested meal you should..."
Talax cut him off mid-sentence, turning his attention back to Qalo. "How the hell did you find the entrance to this place?" he asked. Qalo shrugged in response.
"I don't know. I thought I saw something shining in here and came to inspect it." Talax raised an eyebrow, impressed by Qalo's luck or perhaps unfortunate recklessness, depending on one's perspective.
"Qalo, what was your third task as a butler?" Franny inquired, noticing the orc's blank expression. He huffed and reiterated, "Thirdly, in case we travel through dense undergrowth, you should always be in front of me, clearing a path so that my skin isn't marred by stray branches and thorny bushes. Now, off you go!" Franny shooed Qalo away, and the orc gritted his teeth and obeyed.
Talax waited for a few moments until they were far enough away before deciding to test one of his new spells. He made a hand gesture that came intuitively to him and spoke some words that he had no idea what they meant. He aimed at the air and waited to see what would happen.
As Talax made a hand gesture and spoke the words, a small sphere of water, no bigger than 40 centimeters, formed just above Franny's head. Talax released the spell, and the water splashed onto Franny's obnoxious hat, knocking it over.
Talax doubled over with laughter as the nobleman screamed in indignation. "No, no! My hat! My clothes! I have to change again!" Qalo looked at him with wild eyes and roared. "Damn it, Talax!" The outburst only made Talax laugh even harder. He realized that these new spells were indeed useful, and he couldn't wait to try out more of them.