In his dreams, Jack found himself wandering through a vast, verdant forest, the canopy overhead thick with intertwining branches and leaves that filtered the sunlight into a kaleidoscope of emerald hues. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of damp earth and the distant murmur of a babbling brook. He could hear soft, elusive whispers carried on the gentle breeze, like the forest itself was speaking to him in a language just beyond his understanding.
The shadows danced among the towering trees, their forms twisting and shifting as if they were alive. Strange creatures flitted through the undergrowth, their movements swift and silent. He caught glimpses of them in the corners of his vision—a flash of silver fur here, a glint of violet eyes there—always moving, always watching. The creatures’ eyes gleamed with an intense curiosity, reflecting the soft light that filtered through the leaves, but they remained just out of reach, elusive as the whispers on the wind.
As Jack ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, the atmosphere grew thicker, the air tinged with a sense of ancient magic. The trees around him grew taller and more twisted, their roots snaking across the ground like the veins of the earth. He felt a pull, an inexplicable compulsion guiding his steps forward, urging him to follow a path he could not see but instinctively knew was there.
After what felt like hours of wandering, Jack stumbled into a hidden glade, a serene clearing bathed in a soft, ethereal light. The glade seemed untouched by time, a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the wild, untamed forest. The grass underfoot was lush and soft, almost glowing with a faint inner light, and the air was filled with the sound of distant, harmonious chimes, as if the very essence of the forest was singing.
At the center of the glade stood a solitary figure, cloaked in robes that shimmered like the surface of a moonlit lake. The robes flowed around the figure like liquid silver, shifting and changing with every subtle movement, reflecting the soft light of the glade in mesmerizing patterns. Jack's breath caught in his throat as he tried to focus on the figure’s face, but it remained obscured, hidden within the depths of the hood.
Instinctively, Jack reached out with his Identify skill, his mind reaching for the knowledge that usually came so easily. But this time, instead of the usual flood of information, all he received were question marks, a void of uncertainty where answers should have been. The figure remained an enigma, its presence both comforting and unsettling, as if it existed on a plane just beyond his comprehension.
The figure turned towards him, and Jack saw it was a woman with green skin and piercing amber eyes. Her long, flowing jade colored hair cascaded down her shoulders like verdant vines, and a serene smile graced her lips as she extended a hand in greeting.
"Welcome, traveler," she spoke, her voice carrying a melodic quality that echoed through the glade. "I have been expecting you."
Jack looked at the woman in confusion. This was the oddest dream he had ever had. In some ways it felt as real as when he was awake but there was also a sense of surrealism that lingered, casting doubt on the authenticity of the experience.
"Who are you?" Jack asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “And what is this?”
The woman smiled. “My name is Elyra. I have called you here because I need the help of someone like you”.
Jack raised a hand “Hold on there. First off, what do you mean by 'someone like me'? And secondly, why do you need my help?"
The woman looked at Jack with a gaze that seemed a bit too knowing. “You don’t know what I am, do you?”
Jack frowned “Should I?”
The woman sighed” We have never been very numerous, but I thought you would have at least heard of my race. I am a Forest Scraeling. My race are ancient guardians of the forests, attuned to the rhythms of nature and bound to its protection."
Jack shook his head “That still doesn’t answer my questions, lady. Also, are we in a dream or not?
Elyra smiled. “When a Scraeling reaches a certain level of power, we are offered a Choice. Suffice it to say I chose to merge with this tree, merging with the forest while retaining my consciousness on the Psychic plane. That is where we are, by the way. I called you here using a Skill I gained after spending much time studying the ways of our ancestors."
Jack nodded, his mind buzzing with questions and wonder at the revelation. The concept of merging with a tree and retaining consciousness on the Psychic plane was unlike anything he had ever encountered.
"So, you brought me here using your psychic abilities?" he asked, trying to grasp the extent of Elyra's powers.
The Scraeling shrugged “Essentially yes. I sent out a call to the nearest sentient being of sufficient power who might be able and willing to help me”.
Jack frowned “You seem pretty powerful, what could you possibly need my help with?”
Elyras face became sorrowful “Alas, when I merged with this tree, I gave up my ability to move on the Material plane. For that I need someone who is still able to interact with the physical world. As to what I need, well, I need you to rescue my niece”.
Jack was confused “If you can’t move, how do you even know your niece needs saving?”
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Elyra laughed” I believe I have already demonstrated that I can form a connection to people a significant distance away from me. That is how I called you here after all. I have a natural connection to my family that is even stronger. My niece is my only living relative. I sensed when she was kidnapped. I felt her fear and desperation, but I couldn't get to her physically. That's where you come in, traveler “.
Jack nodded slowly, beginning to understand the situation more clearly. Elyra's explanation shed light on the circumstances that had brought him to this strange encounter in the forest.
"So, you sensed her distress and reached out to me for help," Jack mused, “but even if I agree to this how would I find her?”
“Don’t worry about that” the green woman assured him “I will use the connection I established with you when I called you here to guide you to her”.
Jack wasn’t a cruel person and he certainly sympathized with Elyras problem, but he also wasn’t prepared to risk himself against unknown foes for no obvious benefit.
“Okay but what exactly is in this for me?”
Elyra regarded Jack with a thoughtful expression, understanding the validity of his question.
"I understand your concern, Jack," she replied, her voice gentle yet resolute. "While my niece's rescue is my primary concern, I also recognize the importance of mutual benefit. Rest assured; I am not asking you to risk yourself without reward."
She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing.
"In return for your assistance in rescuing Lyra, I offer you my knowledge and guidance," Elyra explained. "As a Forest Scraeling, I possess ancient wisdom and insight into the secrets of the natural world. With my guidance, you could gain insights that would aid you in your own endeavors. I am also willing to advance your Aptitude in a single Skill."
Jack frowned “My what? What is Aptitude?”
Elyra looked at him with consternation” How can you not know what Aptitude is?”
Jack sighed “Can we just say I don’t and move on?”
The green woman gave him a strange look “It's a measure of your innate ability or talent in a particular area," she explained slowly as though speaking to a child, “Everyone has different Aptitudes, whether it's for magic, combat, craftsmanship, or any other skill. The higher ones Aptitude is for a particular Skill the easier it is to acquire and level”.
Jack thought back to how he had gotten his Alchemy skill. Would those requirements have been easier to fulfill if he had a higher Aptitude? He glanced at the skill and saw its description had changed.
[Alchemy
Aptitude: 89%
Rarity: Common
Type: Passive
Level: 1
Description: Increases effect of all potions, pills, powders and compounds created. Adds chance to improve potion rarity and quality based on Skill level.
Note: Skill level can be increased through use]
Jack pondered Elyra's explanation of Aptitude as he glanced at the description of his Alchemy skill. The concept of Aptitude seemed to make sense in the context of his own experiences with skill acquisition.
"So, if my Aptitude for a specific Skill is higher, it would have been easier for me to learn and level up the skill?" Jack asked, seeking confirmation.
Elyra nodded; her expression filled with encouragement.
"Exactly," she confirmed. "A higher Aptitude makes it easier to acquire and improve skills related to that area of expertise. It also determines whether it is possible to acquire a Skill in the first place. Generally, it is not possible to obtain a Skill if your Aptitude is below 60%. That is not to say it is totally impossible but the requirements would be so high as to make it ridiculously hard to attain. Aptitude essentially represents your natural talent or affinity for a particular skill."
Jack considered the implications of this newfound understanding. If he could increase his Aptitude for Alchemy, it would potentially make it easier for him to progress and excel in that field.
"Is it possible to increase my Aptitude?" he asked, curious about the potential for growth.
Elyra nodded” It is possible although it is exceedingly difficult. On rare occasions Aptitude increases are offered as Quest rewards. But what I am offering is to give you some of my Aptitude. It is a long-forgotten technique known only to my people”.
Jacks eyes widened “You would be willing to do that? Give up your Aptitude?”
Elyra nodded with a determined expression “There is little I would not do to save my only remaining family. Also certain of my more physical Skills became useless to me once I transitioned permanently to the Psychic plane so it’s not like I would be giving up something of great value to me.”
Jack nodded. That made sense. Being a master of the sword wasn’t exactly useful if you were stuck in a tree.
“So, what Skills can you increase my Aptitude in?”
Elyra sighed “Unfortunately only Skills that you have already fulfilled some of the requirements of. You don’t have too many of those”.
Jack pulled back” How do you know that?”
Elyra smirked “I Analyzed you the moment you came in sight. It is a more advanced version of the Identify Skill. According to what I can see, the best fit for you would probably be an increase to your Spear Mastery Aptitude. Your Aptitude for that Skill is only 54%.”
Jack frowned “How far am I in fulfilling the requirements to acquire that Skill?”
Elyra threw her head back and laughed “With an Aptitude that low you would have to use a spear to slay thousands of enemies that were higher levelled than you. You’ve only completed a fraction of 1 percent of the requirements. Trust me, this is the only way you’ll get that Skill any time this century.”
Jack looked at her questioningly “How high can you increase my Aptitude in that Skill?”
Elyra smiled “Using the technique of my ancestors I can transfer Aptitude to another at a rate of 2 to 1. My Aptitude for Spear Mastery is 92%.”
Jack did the math. He smiled “Okay, I agree. In exchange for this Aptitude increase I’ll rescue your niece.”
Elyra put her hands on Jacks head “Prepare yourself” she warned just before a blinding pain shot through Jack's mind, as if his very consciousness was being reshaped. Flashes of memories, images, and sensations overwhelmed him, blurring the lines between reality and the psychic realm.
In the depths of his psyche, Jack felt a surge of energy coursing through him, infusing him with newfound strength and determination. He grasped onto the essence of the spear, feeling its power resonate within him like never before.
As the pain subsided, Jack opened his eyes to find himself back under the strange tree, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Notifications flooded his vision.
[Congratulations! Your Spear Mastery Aptitude has increased]
[You have accepted a Quest:
Save the Scraeling
Objective: Save Elyras niece from the necromancer that is holding her captive
Penalty for failure: Enmity of Elyra,
Rewards: Experience, Aptitude increase (already given)
]
Necromancer?!! Oh, son of a…