As Goldeyes opened his eyes, the stillness in the air became charged, thick with magic. Jack watched closely, sensing that something profound was about to happen. The golden hue in Goldeyes’ eyes began to fade, shifting like liquid metal as it turned to a shimmering silver.
Goldeyes’ fur rippled as though stirred by an invisible breeze. Slowly, the dark shades melted away, replaced by a pure, brilliant white. It began at his paws, creeping up his legs like frost spreading across a surface, until his entire coat glowed with a pale, ethereal light. Jack’s breath caught in his throat. The transformation was mesmerizing.
As the light grew stronger, Goldeyes' body began to shift as well, his muscles expanding subtly. He grew taller, just enough to command a more imposing presence without losing the sleek agility that had always defined him. His frame thickened with new power, but it was a controlled, measured increase, as if the strength of ancestral spirits had whispered just the right amount of change into his bones.
The mist around them swirled in response, drawn to the transformation like a tide to the moon. Jack could feel the magic coalescing, wrapping around Goldeyes as the gold in his eyes gain a streak that gleamed like polished silver. It was as if he had become a vessel for something ancient, something far beyond the physical world.
Then, just as suddenly, the grey mist that had surrounded them began to recede. The spectral energy withdrew, leaving the two of them standing alone once more, but now it was different. Goldeyes' new form radiated a quiet, yet undeniable power.
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Jack couldn’t help but grin. “Ancestral Spiritcaller,” he murmured. “It suits you.”
Goldeyes met his gaze, the silver eyes now gleaming with a deeper intelligence, a sharper connection to forces unseen. He flexed his paws, testing the new power humming beneath his fur, and nodded in silent agreement.
The world around them shimmered again, and with a sudden snap, they were pulled back to the familiar darkness of the dungeon. The cold, damp air hit them immediately, a stark contrast to the ethereal space they had just left. But now, standing in the dim light of the dungeon corridors, Goldeyes stood taller, prouder. His transformation was complete.
Lyla, Cael and Monsoon rushed over to the transformed wolf, marveling at his transformation and bombarding him with questions. Their reactions ranged from astonishment to admiration.
Lyla, her eyes wide with awe, was the first to speak. "Goldeyes... you look incredible!" She reached out, her fingers hovering just above his fur, which now shimmered with a soft, ethereal glow in the darkness. "It's like you're not even from this world anymore."
Cael, ever the more reserved of the group, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Did you always have this in you, Goldeyes? Or did something else awaken?" His tone was calm, but his voice carried a note of curiosity.
Goldeyes padded forward, his movements more fluid and graceful than before, the weight of his new form carried with effortless grace. He gave a slow, deliberate nod to Cael before turning his gaze to Jack.
It was then that Lyla frowned slightly, stepping closer to Jack. She squinted, her head tilting to the side. "Jack... your eyes. They... they've changed too."
Jack blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Lyla motioned for him to kneel, and as Jack lowered himself to her level, she stared into his eyes. "They have silver in them now... just like Goldeyes'." Her voice held a strange mix of wonder and concern.
Jack's heart skipped a beat as he instinctively raised a hand to his face, but of course, he couldn't feel the change. He met Goldeyes' gaze, realizing the connection between them had deepened, extending beyond the physical realm.
Monsoon let out a low chuckle. "Looks like Goldeyes isn't the only one who got an upgrade."
Jack stood up, his mind still reeling from the weight of the words he had just heard. As he regained his senses, he felt a strange, almost imperceptible energy coursing through him – a residue of the magic that had just been unleashed. It was as if a connection had been established between him and Goldeyes, a connection that went far beyond his comprehension at that moment.
Suddenly, a though struck him, and he turned his gaze towards the remains of the defeated dungeon boss. What he saw took him by surprise. The once formidable and shadowy form of the boss had disintegrated, leaving behind nothing but a stark black skeleton. Next to it lay a small, glistening black gem, its surface pulsating with an otherworldly glow.
Jack picked it up and examined it.
[Filled Soul gem
Rarity: Unusual
Quality: Good
Durability: 30/30
Material: Nighthaunt Soul
Description: This Gem contains the soul of a Nighthaunt. It can be used to augment various item]
The description was a bit barebones but Jack got the gist. Apparently his Soul Trap ability had created this item. He had thought he would have to actively use it but it seemed it was more of a passive ability. And as he looked towards the Pedestal of Sacrifice that had arisen just behind the monsters corpse a new idea struck him.
Jack approached the Pedestal of Sacrifice with deliberate steps, the Filled Soul Gem cradled in his hand. The pedestal, a dark, intricately carved stone structure adorned with runes that pulsed faintly, seemed to resonate with a latent energy. The skeletal remains of the dungeon boss lay sprawled beside it, a stark contrast against the dungeon's darkness. Jack's gaze shifted from the gem to the skeleton, the bones now exposed and strangely fascinating in their eerie stillness. He picked up the surprisingly light skeleton before placing the gem gently onto the pedestal’s surface, its dark surface catching the dim light of the dungeon. The moment the gem touched the stone, a faint, rhythmic pulse of energy began to emanate from both the pedestal and the gem.
Jack’s eyes drifted to the skeleton. He could almost see the spectral threads of magic weaving around the bones, drawing the energy from the gem and infusing it into the remains. The process was mesmerizing, the bones starting to shimmer with an otherworldly glow as the shadowy essence from the gem intertwined with their structure.
As the shadows coalesced, Jack focused his mind on what he wanted from the materials. He envisioned a suit of armor materializing from the fusion of the shadowy gem’s power and the monster’s skeletal remains. The armor would be crafted from the very bones of the defeated creature, now imbued with an eerie, shadow-infused energy. It would be a suit of bone armor, intricately designed and perfectly sized for Cael.
Jack saw the armor forming, the bones seamlessly melding together into a sleek, form-fitting suit. Each piece was meticulously crafted, with sharp, angular edges and dark, shadowy veins running through the bone. The armor was not only functional but also aesthetically imposing, a stark black sheen with an almost liquid, shadowy quality. It was light yet robust, allowing for agility and stealth, perfectly suited for Cael’s nimble frame.
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The chestplate was adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to shift and change as the shadows played over them, while the gauntlets and greaves were designed to enhance the wearer’s dexterity and grip. A hooded mantle, made from the same shadow-infused bones, flowed gracefully from the shoulders, providing both protection and an intimidating presence.
As Jack’s vision faded, he was brought back to the present by a sudden surge of energy from the pedestal. The skeleton’s bones were now covered in a dark, shimmering aura, the transformation nearly complete. The process was almost finished, and Jack could already imagine how the completed suit would look, the perfect blend of darkness and elegance.
Jack's focus remained on the Pedestal of Sacrifice as the last vestiges of the shadowy essence coalesced into a complete suit of armor. The blackened bones of the dungeon boss had been transformed into an exquisite set of bone armor, its dark sheen radiating a foreboding power.
Shadowborne Helm
Type: Light Armor
Rarity: Special
Quality: Exceptional
Material: Nighthaunt Bones, Shadow-infused Soul Gem
Properties: Grants enhanced stealth capabilities and low-light vision.
Description: This helm, forged from the bones of a Nighthaunt and infused with shadowy essence, is a masterwork of dark craftsmanship. The surface of the helm absorbs light, creating a constantly shifting, shadowy pattern that enhances the wearer’s ability to blend into darkness. The interior is lined with an ethereal padding, ensuring both comfort and added protection. This helm enhances the wearer’s speed and improves vision in dim environments.
Attributes:
Defense: +7
Durability: 60/60
Weight: Light
Stat Boosts: + 6 Agility
Resistances: + 10% Shadow Resistance
Special Effect: Enhanced Low-Light Vision, Shadow Cloak Ability (briefly blend into shadows, becoming completely invisible)
Requirements: None
Shadowborne Chestplate
Type: Light Armor
Rarity: Rare
Quality: Superior
Material: Nighthaunt Bones, Shadow-infused Soul Gem
Properties: Provides high mobility and enhanced durability.
Description: This chestplate is intricately crafted from shadow-infused Nighthaunt bones, with dark, glossy surfaces and shifting designs that pulse with an eerie glow. The armor offers exceptional protection while maintaining flexibility, allowing for unhindered movement. The dark energy imbued in the bones enhances the wearer’s agility and stealth capabilities.
Attributes:
Defense: +18
Durability: 200/200
Weight: Light
Stat Boosts: + 7 Dexterity
Resistances: + 20% Shadow Resistance
Special Effect: Shadow Meld (Enhances all stealth abilities while in darkness, reducing enemy detection)
Requirements: None
Shadowborne Gauntlets
Type: Light Armor
Rarity: Special
Quality: Above Average
Material: Nighthaunt Bones, Shadow-infused Soul Gem
Properties: Enhances offensive capabilities and grip.
Description: These gauntlets, forged from shadow-infused Nighthaunt bones, are designed for both offensive power and precision. The dark, shifting patterns etched into the gauntlets enhance the wearer’s striking force, allowing for more powerful attacks. The gauntlets also provide a mystical edge to the wearer’s blows, adding a shadowy essence to each strike.
Attributes:
Defense: +6
Durability: 55/55
Weight: Light
Stat Boosts: + 2 Strength
Resistances: None
Special Effect: Shadow Strike (infuses melee attacks with shadow energy, causing additional damage and a chance to disorient the target)
Requirements: None
Shadowborne Greaves
Type: Light Armor
Rarity: Rare
Quality: Exceptional
Material: Nighthaunt Bones, Shadow-infused Soul Gem
Properties: Provides additional speed and agility.
Description: These greaves, made from shadow-infused Nighthaunt bones, are reinforced for both durability and flexibility. The sleek, dark design enhances speed and agility, allowing for swift and fluid movement. The greaves mold seamlessly to the wearer’s legs, providing protection without sacrificing mobility.
Attributes:
Defense: +12
Durability: 160/160
Weight: Light
Stat Boosts: + 9 Agility
Resistances: + 15% Shadow Resistance
Special Effect: None
Requirements: None
Shadowborne Boots
Type: Light Armor
Rarity: Special
Quality: Exceptional
Material: Nighthaunt Bones, Shadow-infused Soul Gem
Properties: Enhances offensive capabilities and stealth.
Description: These boots, crafted from shadow-infused Nighthaunt bones, are designed to maximize offensive potential. The soles are embedded with shadowy spikes that can be used to deliver powerful kicks, while the dark energy flowing through the boots enhances the wearer's striking power. The boots also feature an enchantment that adds shadow energy to each kick, causing additional damage to enemies.
Attributes:
Defense: +10
Durability: 100/100
Weight: Light
Stat Boosts: + 4 Strength
Resistances: None
Special Effect: Phantom Stride (increases movement speed and agility in darkness)
Requirements: None
[Congratulations! Identify has gained a level]
"Cael," Jack called out, his voice filled with anticipation. "Come take a look at what we’ve got."
Cael, having been momentarily engrossed in the marvel of Goldeyes’ transformation, snapped back to attention. He approached the pedestal with a cautious curiosity, his green eyes widening as he took in the sight of the shadow-infused bone armor. The suit was laid out in pieces on the pedestal: the chestplate, gauntlets, greaves, and a flowing mantle, each one radiating a dark elegance.
"Is that for me?" Cael asked, his voice laced with a mix of excitement and disbelief.
"Yes," Jack confirmed. "It’s designed specifically for you. I thought it would be a good fit."
Cael’s face lit up with a rare, genuine smile. He reached out tentatively to touch the chestplate, his fingers brushing over the intricate carvings. The bone was cool to the touch, and the shadows beneath its surface seemed to respond to his presence, shifting as though acknowledging him.
With a determined nod, Cael began to don the armor. He started with the chestplate, which fit him perfectly as if it had been molded specifically for his frame. The bone pieces seemed to conform to his body, their weight surprisingly light, yet providing a solid, protective feel. As he strapped the chestplate into place, the armor molded seamlessly around him, the shadowy veins becoming more pronounced and forming an almost liquid sheen.
Next, Cael fastened the gauntlets to his hands. The fingers of the gauntlets were articulated for maximum dexterity, allowing him full range of movement. The dark patterns on the bone seemed to enhance the agility of his hands, making them feel even more nimble than usual. He flexed his fingers experimentally, and the gauntlets responded with a satisfying, fluid motion.
The greaves followed, sliding easily over his legs. The bone’s surface seemed to ripple with shadows, moving with his every step. They were fitted perfectly, providing protection without restricting his movement. Cael admired the way the armor’s design accentuated his natural agility and speed, enhancing his already impressive stealth.
Finally, Cael draped the hooded mantle over his shoulders. The mantle flowed like dark silk, its edges curling and shifting with an almost hypnotic grace. As the mantle settled into place, the armor’s shadowy aura seemed to envelop him, adding an additional layer of mystique and intimidation. The mantle provided a formidable presence while allowing for free movement, completing the transformation into a striking figure of dark elegance.
The armor not only fit Cael perfectly but also accentuated his lithe frame, giving him an almost ethereal, shadowy appearance. The intricate carvings and dark sheen of the armor made him look like a wraith, blending seamlessly with the shadows around him.
"This is amazing," Cael said, his voice filled with genuine awe. "I’ve never seen anything like it."
"You wear it well," Jack replied, his tone warm with approval. "It’s tailored for your skills, and it should serve you well in the battles to come."
As Cael continued to test the armor’s movements and flexibility, Lyla, Monsoon, and Goldeyes gathered around, each one offering their admiration and praise. The group’s excitement was palpable, and the air buzzed with a renewed sense of purpose and anticipation.
“This is incredible,” Cael said, his voice almost reverent. He turned slowly, allowing the mantle to flow gracefully around him, the dark fabric trailing behind him like the whisper of a specter. The mantle’s shadowy aura seemed to enfold him completely, enhancing his presence in a way that was both imposing and mystical.
He flexed his arms and legs, testing the flexibility of the gauntlets and greaves. The armor moved with him, each piece adjusting perfectly to his motions. Cael’s usual stoic demeanor was replaced by an unguarded smile of pure gratitude. He lifted his arms to examine the gauntlets more closely, the dark veins running along the bone seeming to pulse with a life of their own.
“This is beyond anything I could have hoped for,” Cael continued, his voice thick with emotion. “I can’t thank you enough, Jack. This... this is a gift like no other.”
His gaze shifted to Jack, and his eyes were filled with a deep, sincere gratitude. Cael took a step closer, the soft, shadowy whisper of the mantle trailing behind him. The dark shimmer of the armor made him look almost otherworldly, but his appreciation was very much grounded in the present moment.
“Thank you,” he said, his tone earnest. “I’ve always strived to be the best at what I do, but this... this makes me feel like I’ve been given a chance to reach new heights. It’s perfect.”