Talax collapsed onto the mossy ground with a weary groan, his two companions following suit, discarded their blood-stained weapons to take a much-needed breather. It had taken them far longer than expected to eliminate the little bustards, which seemed to spawn from every nook and cranny. Once they thought they had cleared the small islands where the toads seemed to like to use as their attacking ground, more of the creatures popped up.
Although exhausted, the nonstop battle had awarded them a tremendous amount of mana. Talax had already leveled up and could feel the imminent burst of his next gate from the abundant experience mana he had gained.
Taking a moment to cast his Rejuvenating Waters spell, Talax felt immediate relief as the thin layer of water soaked into his skin. Towards the end of the battle, he had been too tired to engage in conventional combat and had relied heavily on his spells. However, this had resulted in depleting his mana pool, leaving him with just enough mana for this final spell.
As the magic took hold, his body sighed with relief, but his already taxed mind took another hit. The loss of mana induced a sense of vertigo, causing him to close his eyes to prevent nausea. Every time he emptied his mana pool, he became as helpless as a newborn, incapable of even basic functions. He realized he needed to be more vigilant about monitoring his mana levels, as experiencing such a drain during a battle would prove fatal.
Lying back, he savored the moment of silence as ambient mana replenished his mana core, clearing his mind and easing the lingering headache. After a few minutes, he felt like his old self again and couldn't wait any longer and dove into his core.
A sense of accomplishment washed over him as he observed the once small seeds that had grown into young saplings. His skill trees continued to evolve, with each battle advancing the growth of more skills, transforming his core into a wondrous realm. He carefully examined his skills and noticed that several of them had gained new levels.
Archery skill, level 8
8% to damage, 8% to aim
Swordsmanship skill, level 6
6% to aim, 6% to damage
Evasion skill, level 7
7% to reflexes, 7% to agility
Brawling skill, level 3
3% to strength while in unarmed combat
He was more than pleased with his progress. Seeing so many skills having grown, made him want to work that much harder to become even stronger. During the fight he used both his bow and sword extensively, making the level up predictable. Evasion was another skill that in hindsight, he had used quite a lot, trying to evade the attacks of the furious creatures.
What he didn’t expect was the level up on his brawling skill. He had almost forgotten all about the skill, ever since he got his magic. When he didn’t use his bow or his sword to inflict damage, he resorted to his spells. His fists never crossed his mind as a potential asset. During the furious battle, however, having to go against so many opponents, he used whatever felt necessary at the moment. From punches and kicks to spells and teeth... He still had the fishy taste on his mouth.
He checked the spheres representing the elements of magic he possessed and noticed a difference. The brown sphere symbolizing Earth magic now shone a little brighter than before, indicating that something had changed.
Earth magic, level 3
3% resistance to earth magic
Talax had finally achieved a level up in his magic, a feat that had proven more challenging than advancing his skills. While he had seen tangible proof of his skill improvements after every battle, his magic had remained stagnant until now. The continuous use of Stone Spike had finally succeeded in leveling up his Earth magic.
Elated by his new accomplishment, he willed his next gate to open, allowing the accumulated mana to surge into his body. This revitalizing energy suffused him, briefly leaving him humming with delight. Although the soothing sensation only lasted for a second, it provided him with much-needed energy.
Eager to explore the possibilities that came with unlocking new abilities through his level-up, he quickly checked his core. The thrill of discovery nearly caused him to overlook something important, his new skill tree.
With numerous skill trees acquired over time, it had become challenging to keep track of all the changes in his core. Unless he specifically focused on a particular skill tree or spotted the telltale glow of a level up, it was easy to overlook the growth of his skills and abilities.
Amidst the more established skill trees, a new sprout had emerged, small and delicate in comparison. It appeared insignificant when placed beside his more evolved skill trees, but every new skill represented a fresh opportunity for survival. He directed his focus toward this new sprout, and a wealth of information began to fill his mind.
Persuasion skill, level 1
1% to influencing other people, 1% of using lies or deceit undetected
The newly acquired skill was something Talax felt particularly pleased about. Time and again, he had found himself wishing for a skill like this. His Silver-Tongued Wreath had helped to some extent in diplomatic situations, enhancing his charisma. However, he had come to realize that charisma alone wasn't always sufficient. What he needed was a skill designed for subtlety, situations where battles and bloodshed weren't the answer.
He was determined to train the skill every chance he got. And his poor friends would be his targets. He needed the skill to reach level 5 and unveil its abilities. He had the distinct impression that this skill will play a crucial rule in the future.
Satisfied with his new acquisition he turned his eyes to his other skill trees, where he saw the still locked abilities waiting to be awakened. Each branch appeared malnourished, on the brink of stagnation, craving a fresh infusion of mana to flourish.
He was overwhelmed by the choices offered. Several of his skills had already reached levels beyond 5, each offering a multitude of abilities. Except for his Swordsmanship skill that he had already unlocked all available abilities, mighty blow, clarity of the wrath and surgical strike as well as his Natural Defense with both abilities unlocked, armor of the deep and mitigate, the rest of his skill trees had a large selection of abilities to choose.
His Short Blades skill tree remained untouched, as his preference for the bow and sword had relegated daggers to an afterthought. While daggers could be useful, especially in stealthy situations, in his current situation he couldn’t see himself using a dagger. Moreover, his existing daggers were barely capable of cutting cheese, let alone facing a dangerous opponent.
Vesperine had certainly made the skill look impressive. Watching her gracefully wield her daggers had made Talax feel like a drunken buffoon in comparison. He realized that the assassin had likely undergone years of training and possessed abilities that at his current level he couldn’t even dream of acquiring. Reluctantly, he abandoned the idea of unlocking an ability from the Short Blades skill tree, despite its tempting offers, and shifted his attention elsewhere.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Among his skill trees, Stealth was by far his favorite. The art of blending into the shadows, moving undetected through danger, gave him a sense of power and superiority. It made him feel powerful for some reason. Like those unable to detect him were somehow inferior, powerless against his whims. However, in a direct confrontation, stealth was of little use. Talax was still a novice and lacked Vesperine's expertise, which allowed her to vanish before the eyes of others.
During his exploration of the dungeon, he had encountered situations where stealth had been a valuable asset, allowing him to get close to enemies unnoticed. If he possessed abilities that could boost his attacks while he remained hidden, it might have helped him finish those fights more efficiently. He had already unlocked the Deadly Aim ability, which helped him pinpoint vulnerable spots on his enemies, but he needed something more... potent.
ambush: your first attack after leaving stealth deals 50% additional damage
creeping steps: your movement speed increases by 5% while stealth is active.
stalker: your attacks deal 10% additional damage while stealth is active
Creeping steps were out of the question. It may boost his speed while in stealth, but he wouldn’t waste one of his precious tokens for an ability that helps him walk slightly faster. Ambush and stalker were both contenders, both granting him extra attack damage.
The first ability gave him the chance to land a hit with a massive extra damage, stalker on the other had offered a much lesser effect. However, with stalker he would be able to land several hits, all with the additional 10% damage, provided he was hidden.
He was ambivalent for a moment. Undecided between the power of a single hit or the lesser but potentially more useful multiple attacks. He chose the latter. He concentrated on the token, still shining in his gate and the condensed mana travelled to the emancipated skill branch.
Before his eyes the branch transformed, as if life was infused into the starved ability and information flooded his mind.
stalker: your attacks deal 10% additional damage while stealth is active
Passive
Happy with his new ability he couldn’t wait to check its effects. Since the ability was passive, he wouldn't have to actively use it or expend mana every time it came into play. It could prove difficult to study the results of the additional damage, but he wasn’t discouraged. After all beasts roamed freely in the dungeon and sooner or later, he would encounter some beast that he could test the stalker ability.
He wasn't sure where to spend his other token. He still had one more in reserve from his previous level up, but he chose again to keep it for security. Athletics and Evasion seemed equally important, but he had one ability in the archery skill tree that beckoned him.
piercing shot: your arrow ignores any armor, landing a critical hit.
He wanted more special abilities for his bow. Explosive arrow has proved a lifesaver more than once. Even though piercing shot didn’t appear to be at the same caliber, it could still prove useful, especially against armored opponents.
Before he made a final decision, he checked a few of the abilities he considered unlocking.
Evasive Maneuvers: you are able to perform techniques, such as rolls, dives, spins, or flips, with greater ease, allowing you to evade attacks from multiple directions and confuse opponents.
The evasion ability promised things that he wasn’t sure he was capable of. The ability mentioned greater ease, so if he wasn’t capable of these feats of athleticism then he would have spent his token in vain. He had noticed that he had greater agility than his friends. Qalo with his bulk and Franny with his heavy armor were much less agile, finding it difficult to accomplish things that seemed easy to Talax.
While the idea of performing gravity-defying acrobatics intrigued him, he wasn't certain he was ready for such maneuvers. The Athletics ability, on the other hand, appeared to offer a more grounded and practical benefit.
improved balance: your sense of balance is increased by 5% enabling you to perform precise movements with greater ease.
The ability may not be as flashy as evasive maneuvers, but it provided him with the foundation to eventually be able to move like an acrobat, or maybe... a stealthy assassin. Vesperine had already mentioned that often, the less flashy abilities were the ones that kept you alive. Especially at the earlier levels, when you were still weak and vulnerable.
All the impressive attacks would come later, when you have shored up your weaknesses. A flashy attack would mean nothing when you can’t avoid a simple arrow or bleed to death from a simple cut. So, with a heavy heart he spent his last token.
- improved balance: your sense of balance is increased by 5% enabling you to perform precise movements with greater ease.
Passive
Talax couldn't help but feel a bit unsatisfied with the two new abilities he had unlocked. He had been hoping for a powerful and flashy attack, but what he got were two relatively underwhelming skills. The lack of exciting new abilities left him somewhat disappointed. Vesperine had mentioned that new abilities typically appeared when he reached level 10 in a skill or when someone taught them to him.
She had offered to do just that, but she demanded a peculiar kind of payment he wasn’t sure he wanted to offer. But as things stood, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea, he may even enjoy it. She looked like an experienced woman, and if what she told him about her training was true, then she knew her way in bed, or dirty alleys... Although he was a bit iffy about the whip thing...
He shook his head to clear his thoughts and saw an impatient Ferdinand. There was a discarded mirror next to him and his hair looked combed and shiny like he had never fought a horde of toads thirsty for his blood. The man was tapping his foot anxiously and stealing glances every so often at Qalo and Talax.
When he saw that Talax had opened his eyes he huffed in irritation and stood up.
“Finally! I have been waiting for ages.” Ferdinand exclaimed, poking Qalo with his armored boot.
“Come on! Get on with it! We have to hurry to find the others.” Talax looked at the half orc who appeared to be sleeping and was about to speak when the man raised his hand and showed them his middle finger.
“I need a moment.” Talax gritted his teeth in irritation and yelled for the thousandth time.
“That’s not what it means!” Qalo scoffed but kept his eyes shut, apparently doing the same thing Talax had been doing, checking his core.
“And you calm down. We will find them.” Franny looked at him with uncertain eyes and then looked around pointedly.
"How are we supposed to find them in this place?" Talax studied the swamp they were stranded in and realized that it would be a challenging task. The area resembled a confusing maze of still water and mossy islands, and the occasional trees filled with creeping vines only added to their difficulties. Then, a thought occurred to him.
"I have the tracking skill!" His confident proclamation was met with skepticism as the nobleman surveyed the watery expanse around them.
"Does your skill work on water?" The question left him uncertain since he had never tested it in a similar environment. Doubts began to cloud his mind, but he realized that he had to check first before admitting defeat.
He activated his skill and was nearly blinded. His vision was flooded with color, overwhelmed by the countless tracks left by the small army of toads. His eyes couldn't focus on a single point as a myriad of shining tracks vied for his attention.
Quickly, he closed his eyes and let out a moan. "I have both good news and bad news. The good news is that the skill works. The bad news is that there are so many tracks that I'm having difficulty even seeing..." He heard Franny groan in despair, but all his focus remained on his tracking skill.
Slowly, he opened his eyes again, and once more, his senses were assaulted by the overload of information. However, this time, he didn't let it discourage him. He observed the tracks, identifying similarities and patterns. He realized that he could detect distinctive paths that the little creatures had followed and concluded that they had come from four different directions.
He noticed the slime left by their little feet on floating logs, the mossy islands, and even the branches of the trees they had perched on. Talax observed broken branches and small displaced rocks, evidence of their haste. He also spotted a piece of cloth snagged on a log bristling with thorns. As soon as he made this discovery, he felt a surge of mana.
Tracking skill, level 4
4% to observation, 4% to clue detection
This small detail made him pause and think. The little creatures didn't wear any clothes; their only adornment was the peculiar necklace they all sported. For a brief moment, the answer eluded him, but then it struck him like lightning, the cloth eerily resembled Vesperine's cloak.
Once he realized that the cloth belonged to Vesperine, he understood that she must have intentionally left it as a clue. A trained assassin who left no trace in her wake would never make such a mistake. She was far too skilled for that. This could only mean that she had left the clue to help them follow her.
This raised a host of questions, each more troubling than the last. If she knew they would need the clue to find her, then they had been deliberately left behind. Franny, abandoned by his uncle once again, was left to fend for himself, just as it had happened before. What troubled Talax was whether this was some kind of test or if something more dangerous hid behind the man’s actions.
Talax decided to keep his troubling thoughts to himself for the moment and turned his attention to the anxious noble. "I've found their trail," he declared. The man exhaled in relief and urged Qalo to stand up.
"Fine, fine! A man can't even spend his tokens in peace," the half-orc grumbled as he groaned while getting to his feet.
"What were you doing all this time?" Franny asked as he picked up his belongings, getting ready to leave.
"I didn't know where to spend my last token. I was torn between unlocking an ability from the hammer-wielding skill or the knitting skill," Qalo explained. Franny froze as he was about to throw his mirror into his bag, opening and closing his mouth like a fish for several moments.
Finally, Talax, still unsettled by his findings, interjected, "That is... fascinating. But we better move. Although we'll get back to that nugget of information shortly."
Qalo shrugged while Franny continued to stare at him with a stunned expression.
"Yeah, yeah, Qalo is an orc of hidden depths. Now move it!" Talax urged, breaking the silence and pushing everyone to get moving.