Elyra smiled at Jack. “First, allow me to thank you. My niece is the only family I have left, and her safety means everything to me. You have my deepest gratitude for bringing her back unharmed." Her voice was warm, carrying a sense of sincerity that resonated with him.

Shifting uncomfortably under her praise, Jack was unused to such compliments. "Thank you, Elyra," he replied, feeling slightly awkward. "But there's something else I need to discuss with you."

Her expression turned serious as she focused intently on him. "Of course, Jack. What is it that troubles you?"

He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "It's about the necromancer," he began, his voice low. "You didn’t mention anything about him. I want to know why you kept that information from me."

A hint of sadness flickered in her eyes, softening her expression. "I apologize for not being entirely forthcoming with you, Jack," she said, her tone sincere. "But I had my reasons. The truth is, I was afraid that if you knew the full extent of the danger, you might have refused to help us."

His frown deepened, frustration surging at her admission. "So, you manipulated me into risking my life without my consent?" he asked, his voice tinged with anger.

She shook her head, her expression pained. "No, Jack, that wasn't my intention," she replied, her voice gentle but firm. "I truly believed that you were capable of facing the necromancer and rescuing Lyla. And I knew that if I told you the truth, you might have hesitated or even turned us away. I couldn't take that risk."

“You still negotiated in bad faith," Jack countered, shaking his head. "I can’t just forget that. You owe me.”

Her eyes widened slightly at his words, her expression shifting between remorse and understanding. "You're right, Jack," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret. "I did negotiate in bad faith, and for that, I am truly sorry. I understand that you feel betrayed, and I accept full responsibility for my actions."

Listening to Elyra's sincere apology, his anger began to subside. "I appreciate your honesty," he said, his tone softer now. "But I still can't overlook the fact that you put me in a dangerous situation without my consent. I need some assurance that you won't do something like this again."

Her expression grew solemn, her gaze unwavering as she met his eyes. "I give you my word, Jack," she said, her voice firm with determination. "I will never again withhold vital information or manipulate you into a dangerous situation. From now on, I vow our dealings will be based on honesty and mutual respect."

[Elyra has given a Binding Oath. Should she attempt to renege on it there will be severe consequences.]

The notification looked strangely familiar to Jack. After a moment, it came to him. This was the same kind of notification he had seen when he made his deal with Skala.

"Elyra," he began hesitantly, "I appreciate your commitment. But I must ask, what are the consequences if you were to break this oath?"

Remaining solemn, she responded, "The consequences would be severe, Jack. A Binding Oath is not to be taken lightly. If I were to attempt to renege on my promise, there would be harsh repercussions. The specifics may vary, but a System-enforced punishment is usually tailored to the individual. I heard of a Mage once who broke a Binding Oath. His punishment was to lose all access to magic. All the spells he had spent his life acquiring, all the Skills he had diligently advanced over the decades, suddenly became useless to him.”

Jack absorbed her words, the weight of the Binding Oath sinking in. The severity of the consequences underscored the gravity of their agreement, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the thought of such repercussions. If he broke his promise to Skala…well, he’d just have to make sure he didn’t.

“I am also willing to offer repayment for my deceit,” Elyra interrupted his train of thought.

He looked at her in confusion. “You’re offering to pay me?”

The Scraeling laughed. “In my current state, I have no use for money. What I do have is knowledge and experience. Before I merged with my Bondtree, I was an Adept of Nature and Water Magic. I am willing to teach you whatever spells I can at your current level. Furthermore, I will teach you more spells when you advance your magic to higher levels.”

Jack’s eyes widened in surprise at her offer. The prospect of learning magic, especially from someone as experienced as her, was both unexpected and intriguing.

"You'd teach me magic?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. The idea of harnessing the power of nature and water magic was both thrilling and daunting.

With a nod, she maintained her serious yet determined expression. "Yes, Jack. I believe that by sharing my knowledge with you, I can help ensure that you're better prepared to face the challenges ahead. Magic is a formidable tool, and with proper training, you could wield it to great effect."

He considered her offer carefully, weighing the potential benefits against the risks. While magic could undoubtedly enhance his abilities, he knew that mastering it would require dedication and discipline.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

"I appreciate your offer, Elyra," he said, his tone sincere. "Learning magic is something I never considered before, but given the circumstances, I think it could be valuable. I accept your offer."

Elyra smiled, her eyes gleaming with approval. "Good. We'll begin at once. At your current level, there are two spells I can teach you."

She raised a green hand and placed it gently on Jacks chest. He could feel the knowledge flowing into him the same way it had when he had learned his first spells.

[Congratulations! You have learned the spell Underwater Breathing]

[Underwater Breathing:

Rank: Basic

Type: Utility

Requirements: At least level 3 in Water Magic

Description: The host channels the power of water magic to allow them to breathe underwater for a limited duration.

Casting Time: 10 seconds

Duration: 3 minutes

Cost: 30 Mana per use

Cooldown: 10 minutes

Note: Mastery of this spell grows with the hosts experience, enhancing its potency and precision.]

[Congratulations! You have learned the spell Aqua Barrier]

[Aqua Barrier

Rank: Basic

Type: Defense

Requirements: At least level 4 in Water Magic

Description: The host creates a solid wall of water to block incoming projectiles and provide cover from enemy attacks.

Casting Time: 5 seconds

Duration: 10 seconds

Cost: 50 Mana per use

Cooldown: 3 minutes

Note: Mastery of this spell grows with the host's experience, increasing the thickness and durability of the barrier.]

Elyra smiled as Jack examined his new spells. “I can teach you more when your Water Magic reaches level 10.”

Jack nodded “I’ll make sure to come back then. Soo, do I just wait to wake up or-

Elyra smirked, snapped her fingers, and Jack bolted upright, suddenly back under the Bondtree.

[Quest Update

Save the Scraeling

Objective: Save Elyras niece from the necromancer that is holding her captive

Rewards: Experience, Aptitude increase (already given)

]

[You have gained 1000 Exp]

Lyla looked over at Jack with a curious expression. "Is everything alright?"

Jack got to his feet “I’m fine. Your aunt and I came to an agreement. Apparently, I’ll be coming back here every so often.”

“Oh, is she tutoring you? I came to her to learn more about Nature magic. Is she teaching you that as well?" asked Lyla.

Jack shook his head “Water Magic.” He wondered if Elyra would tutor him in Nature Magic if he ever awakened that Skill. He supposed that was a question to ask the Scraeling the next time he saw her.

“By the way how many types of magic are there anyway?”

It depends on which tier you mean” the Scraeling replied, having apparently accepted that Jack didn’t have basic knowledge about certain things “The Tier 1 Elements are Light, Fire, Air, Water, Death, Shadow, Nature, Blood and Earth. Those are the easiest to learn although most don’t have the Aptitude to learn more than 2 at the most. The Tier 2 Elements are formed from the combination of Tier 1 Elements like Air and Earth for Sand Magic or Death and Fire for Ghostfire magic. Those kinds of spells can only be learned if you already have the corresponding Skills.”

As he listened to Lylas explanation Jacks brow knitted together”So, to learn Sand Magic I would have to already know Air and Earth Magic? What makes Tier two Elements so special?”

Lyla shrugged “I know that Tier two spells are harder to defend against because they incorporate multiple elements. A shield against fire will only be half as effective against Ghostfire because of the Death element to it. There is more to it than that but I’m no expert’.

Bidding Lyla farewell, Jack set off back to his camp by the pool. As he walked, the path before him was dappled with the fading light of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the forest floor. The trees around him swayed gently in the evening breeze, their leaves rustling softly in the wind. Shafts of golden sunlight pierced through the canopy above, painting the forest in warm hues of orange and red.

After a while, Jack came upon a small clearing nestled between the trees. It seemed like the perfect spot to rest for the night. The ground was soft with a carpet of moss, and a small stream gurgled nearby, offering a soothing melody as it flowed over smooth stones.

Setting down his pack, Jack took a moment to take in his surroundings. The air was cool and fresh, carrying with it the earthy scent of the forest. Birds chirped softly in the distance, their songs blending with the gentle rustling of leaves. He settled himself down on the bed of moss, got comfortable and closed his eyes.

Jack had almost dozed off when a sound made him jerk awake. Scrambling to his feet, he listened intently. The sound came again. It sounded like voices. Jack set off in the direction of the voices, moving quietly through the underbrush. As he drew nearer, the voices grew clearer, and Jack could make out the distinct sound of laughter mingled with conversation.

Peering through the foliage, Jack spotted a small clearing illuminated by the soft glow of a campfire. Sitting around it were three creatures unlike any he had ever seen. Their bodies were covered in coarse woolly fur like a sheep, their legs ended in cloven hooves, and their faces resembled a curious blend of human and bestial features. They wore primitive armor crafted from animal hides and had brutal looking bone weapons at their sides. Jack identified them.

[Name: Terahgo Ironhorn

Race: Feral Ramkin

Class: Warrior

Level: 11

Health: 300/300

Mana: 20/20

Stamina 310/310

Class Skills: Cleaving Blow, Stomp

Skills: Skinning, Cooking, Axe Mastery, Tracking

Attunements: N/A

Abilities: Strong Stomach, Predators Mark

Description: The Ramkin were once a great civilization that fell into brutal savagery centuries ago. Now what remains of them are tribes of bestial hunters and warriors, driven by their instinctual nature and fierce territorialism. Ramkin receive +2 to Strength, Constitution and Endurance per level]

The other two Ramkin had similar descriptions although one was level 9 and the other was level 8. Jack heard Terahgo say “Fire is ready soon. Then we make dinner.”

The other two licked their chops and glanced over to a short figure tied up next to the fire. Jack couldn’t make out the figure clearly, but it looked like a child.