[Congratulations! Identify has gained a level]

Jack stared at the juvenile Wavewolf in astonishment, trying to process the sight before him. The once frail wolf pup had undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a majestic creature that seemed to embody the essence of the ocean itself. If Goldeyes was correct then he must have become this way by touching the gem in the Purification Matrix. It was the same way Jack had gotten his Water Attunement and he wondered if touching it would have the same effect on Goldeyes.

"Wow," Jack breathed, his voice filled with awe as he continued to observe the Wavewolf. "You've... changed."

The juvenile Wavewolf padded closer to Jack, its movements graceful and fluid, almost like a dancer gliding across the water. Its luminous eyes fixated on Jack, radiating intelligence and curiosity.

Cael looked confused. “How has he changed?”

Remembering the goblins presence, and not wanting to give away the presence of the Matrix to someone he didn’t fully trust yet, Jack improvised “Umm, he was a lot smaller when I last saw him. Just a pup really”. It was technically true.

Cael nodded, seemingly accepting Jack's explanation, though a hint of skepticism lingered in his expression. "I see," he replied, his tone cautious. "It's... quite the transformation."

Jack glanced back at the Wavewolf, marveling at the creature's beauty and power. "Yeah," he agreed, his voice filled with wonder. "It's incredible."

Goldeyes, sensing Jack's attention, approached and nuzzled against his leg affectionately. Jack smiled down at his loyal Companion, grateful for the wolf's unwavering presence.

Turning back to Cael, Jack decided to change the subject, not wanting to dwell on the mysterious pool and its transformative effects any longer. "So, Cael," he began, "what are you doing in this forest anyway?"

Cael looked at Jack with a mixture of surprise and curiosity before he responded. "I'm on my Proving," he explained, his voice carrying a sense of solemnity. "It's a rite of passage for every member of the Grusalag tribe when they reach a certain age."

Jack furrowed his brows, intrigued by Cael's words. "Proving? What's that?"

"It's a tradition among my people," Cael elaborated. "When we come of age, we're expected to leave our homeland and venture out into the world on our own. It's a test of our skills, our resourcefulness, and our ability to survive in the wilderness. We're given a set of tasks to complete, challenges to overcome, and once we've proven ourselves, we return to our tribe as adults."

Jack nodded, understanding dawning on him. "So, you're out here alone, facing these challenges as part of your Proving?"

Cael nodded solemnly. "That's right," he confirmed. "I've been traveling through these woods for weeks, trying to complete the tasks set before me by my elders. It hasn't been easy, but I'm determined to prove myself and earn my place among my people."

Jack looked at Cael questioningly. “What exactly are you supposed to accomplish?”

The goblin puffed out his chest “I have to reach level 10 and gain my Class and Profession.

Jack nodded, impressed by Cael's determination. "Level 10, huh? That sounds like quite the challenge."

Cael nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "It is," he admitted. "But I'm up for it. I've been training for this my whole life."

Jack couldn't help but admire Cael's resolve. "Well, if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know," he offered, extending a hand in friendship.

Cael hesitated for a moment before accepting Jack's hand with a grateful smile. "Thank you," he said, his voice tinged with sincerity. "I appreciate that. I’m hoping to gain the Rogue Class and the Alchemist Profession."

The admission made Jacks eyebrows raise. “You admit to wanting to be a rogue?”

Cale laughed “Not a rogue, I just want the Rogue Class. It will provide bonuses to things like stealth, sneak attacks and lockpicking. The Alchemist Profession has a lot of synergy with the Rogue Class and it’s the same Profession my father has”.

He took something out of his sack and showed it to Jack. It was a sturdy, compact rectangular case crafted from what looked like well-worn durable leather. It was covered in scuffs and scratches and secured with a tarnished metal latch, its once shiny exterior now dulled by time and use.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“My father’s old alchemy set” the goblin declared proudly. “He gave it to me before I left for my Proving. It's served him well over the years, and I'm hoping it'll do the same for me." Jack examined the alchemy set with interest, noting the signs of wear and tear that spoke of its years of use. Despite its age, the set seemed well-maintained and functional, a testament to the craftsmanship of its maker and the care of its previous owner.

"It looks like it's been through a lot," Jack remarked, running his fingers over the weathered leather surface. "But it also looks like it's still in good condition. If you’re interested in alchemy, you might want to check out the Aquifer blooms."

Jack pointed to where the sapphire hued flowers grew in profusion at the pools edge. Cael gave an excited cry and rushed over to examine the Aquifer blooms, his eyes lighting up with curiosity and fascination.

Jack watched with a smile as Cael knelt down beside the flowers, examining them closely and taking in their vibrant colors and delicate fragrance. He wondered if Cael could teach him to use them to make better healing potions.

Putting that thought on hold he turned back to the newly transformed Wavewolf. Perhaps it was because his Identify Skill was higher level than the last time he had tried this or maybe it was because the Wavewolf was only level 1 but whatever the reason Jack was able to see a more detailed description of the former pups Skills and Abilities.

[Swimming

Rarity: Common

Type: Passive

Level: 2

Description: Increases speed and ease of movement in water.

Note: Skill level can be increased through use.]

[Frostbite Fangs

Rarity: Uncommon

Type: Passive

Level: 1

Description: Bite attacks deal extra Frost Damage and have a chance to freeze the target, slowing movement speed by 50% for 5 seconds.

Note: Skill level can be increased through use.]

[Liquid Senses

Rarity: Common

Type: Passive

Level: 1

Description: Can detect subtle changes in water currents and pressure, allowing the host to sense the presence of nearby creatures even in murky or obscured conditions.

Note: Skill level can be increased through use.]

[Riptide Charge

Rarity: Unusual

Type: Active

Cooldown: 1 minute

Stamina Cost: 50 Stamina

Level: 1

Description: Charges forward with incredible speed, creating a riptide effect that knocks down enemies in its path and deals Bludgeoning and Water damage.

Note: Skill level can be increased through use.]

[Aquatic Regeneration: Rapidly regenerates health and stamina when submerged water sources, allowing for quick recovery between engagements.]

[Tidal Empowerment: Draws strength from the ebb and flow of the ocean, gaining a temporary boost based on level to all attributes based on level when submerged in water. Current bonus: + 5 to all stats.]

Jacks eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. These Skills and Abilities were ridiculous. An active attack skill at level 1? It was absurd, especially for a creature so young. And the passive abilities were equally impressive, especially the Aquatic Regeneration and Tidal Empowerment. Jack couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the Wavewolf's natural talents.

Then a new thought entered his head. If the pup had transformed by touching the gem embedded in the Purification Matrix would touching it have the same effect on Goldeyes? He reached out mentally to Goldeyes, who had been watching the Wavewolf with a mixture of curiosity and pride. "Goldeyes," Jack began, "do you think touching the gem in the Purification Matrix would have the same effect on you as it did on the Wavewolf?"

Jack could feel that the wolf understood what he was asking. His Companion felt… unsure. “Maybe so” he told Jack “Maybe shiny thing make Goldeyes strong, but maybe shiny thing do bad thing too. Goldeyes want to be strong for Jack”.

Jack felt a wave of warmth at his Companions loyalty. He resolved not test the thing out until he knew more about it. Actually, now that he thought about it, Elyra might know something. He made a mental note to ask her about it the next time they met up.

Jack could feel the wolf’s curiosity about where he had been. He opened his mind to Goldeyes and began to share memories with him. The process was instinctive for Jack and Goldeyes, a natural way for them to strengthen their bond and share experiences. Images and sensations flowed between them, painting a vivid picture of Jack's recent adventures in the forest, from the encounter with Elyra to his fight with the necromancer and his rescue of Lyla.

As the memories unfolded, Goldeyes' excitement grew, his tail wagging eagerly as he experienced Jack's journey through his eyes. The wolf seemed particularly fascinated by the Scraelings. However, a change came over him as soon as Jack shared memories of the Ramkin. Goldeyes recognized the creatures as being of the same race as the ones who had attacked his pack. His own memories arose then, entwining with Jack’ until they felt like one.

Jack remembered the fear as his pack came under threat. He remembered the grief that tore through him as he saw the butchered bodies of the pups. He felt the determination to save the last remaining member of the pack. And through it all he felt the terrible, burning anger, the need for vengeance.

[You have been offered a Quest:

Way of the Wolf II

Objective: Get justice for the pack by destroying the Ramkin who killed them

Penalty for failure: None

Rewards: Experience, Bond points, next stage of Quest chain

Accept Yes/No]