Upon their return to Wolf's Run, appearing exactly where they had departed for their quest, Sinclair found himself in his room, accompanied only by his companions. Curious about his sister's whereabouts and aware of her significant milestone, he quickly composed a message to Victoria, offering both congratulations and support.

Hey, just got back to Wolf's Run. Good luck with the race evolution. Do you need me to come down to the center with you? he typed, hoping to offer some sibling encouragement for her important moment. Apparently, the locals had already set up an area for just this reason, as many people would be going through it over the next few months.

Almost instantly, Victoria's response flashed on the screen. There's no need to come. I'll take Mom and Dad with me. You have enough on your plate. I'll delay telling them you're back, so there's no rush.

He let out a chuckle, grateful for the respite from family duties. Appreciate it, Vic. If you need anything, just holler, okay?

Don't worry! And remember to take a break yourself, Victoria replied, her message followed by a winking emoji. I'll see you after I've evolved!

Closing the chat with a smile, Sinclair felt a sense of pride. Victoria was stepping up, and he could focus on the myriad of tasks awaiting him without the added worry of familial expectations.

As he preferred organized approaches, Sinclair opened the notepad section of his interface and began listing tasks as they occurred to him:

Check notifications.

Assess and, if necessary, replenish resources.

Send a message to Odin for any crucial updates.

Status of Meridian openings.

Explore Teleportation nodes.

He pondered over which task to prioritize. Deciding to start with notifications, he figured it would be wise to close out some quests that needed his immediate attention.

Navigating to the Quests tab, Sinclair opened the quest related to the recent Myrkr encounter, verified its closure, and reviewed the rewards.

Rewards:

Experience: 845,000

Item

: Axe of the Valiant Skies

Gold: 1,530

The amount of gold and experience left him momentarily stunned. The staggering figures prompted him to make another mental note to inquire about his experience acquisition and the unusually large rewards. He couldn't help but wonder about the disparity.

Examining the Axe of the Valiant Skies, he was thoroughly impressed with its enhanced description. It seemed coincidental to receive such a remarkable weapon after losing his previous one. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Odin had a hand in this fortuitous turn of events, for which he was deeply thankful.

New Item: Axe of the Valiant Skies (Epic)

Description: A mighty two-handed great axe, the Axe of the Valiant Skies stands as a testament to the strength and unyielding will of the Wolf Lords. Forged from meteoric iron and blessed by Odin himself, it was wielded by Ulfric Stormfang, one of the mightiest Wolf Lord generals, during the legendary battles of the past. Its broad blade gleams with a celestial light, while its haft is intricately carved with depictions of heroic exploits under the endless skies of the Norse realms. More than a weapon, this axe embodies the spirit of leadership and victory, empowering its wielder to dominate the battlefield.

Effects:

+30 Strength

+18 Willpower

Intimidation Aura

: Enemies within a 15-foot radius falter, reducing their attack accuracy and speed by 10%.

Passive Effect

: Imposes the user's will on foes, making them more likely to retreat or hesitate when faced directly in combat.

He held the rather large axe, marveling at the history involved. He had never felt so close to his ancestors, people that he would never get to meet thanks to the Myrkr. According to his knowledge from Turgrin, the line originator might still have been alive at this point due to his advanced levels and race. He would never know now.

Moving on to his next notification, he browsed down to the blessing he got from Jörd.

New Blessing: Midgard's Resonance (Mythic)

Description: Blessed with the "Resonance of Midgard," you are attuned to the heartbeat of the earth itself. This profound connection allows you to sense the subtle vibrations of the world, granting unparalleled foresight into the movements of foes, whether burrowed beneath the ground or stalking across it. Ambushes become futile, as Midgard whispers its secrets directly to you. This blessing not only sharpens your awareness but infuses your attacks and resilience with the unyielding power of the earth.

Bonuses:

Tremor Sense:

Detects all movements on or beneath the ground within a 60-foot radius, rendering enemies' stealth and burrowing tactics ineffective

Heart of Stone:

Physical attacks are imbued with the strength of Midgard, increasing damage output by 20%.

Guardian's Recovery:

Standing on natural ground or stone accelerates healing by 10%, restoring vitality through the earth's energy.

Quests from Jörd

New Quest: The Reclamation Rite

Description: The sacred lands of Midgard, once vibrant and thriving, have been defiled by dark magic. These lands, vital to the balance of nature, now fester under corruption that seeps into the soil, weakening the world's connection to its roots. Jörd, the goddess of the earth, calls upon you to cleanse this desecration and restore the lands to their former sanctity.

Goal: Purify the corrupted lands by defeating the creatures guarding them and cleansing the tainted soil. Reignite the sacred stones that anchor the area's natural energy.

Rewards:

Experience points

Enhanced connection to the forces of nature (+10 to Nature Affinity)

Blessing of Renewal

: Grants an additional 10% effectiveness when using healing or purification abilities for 24 hours

New Quest: The Warden's Ward

Description: Midgard's balance hinges upon vital natural landmarks that serve as keystones to its stability. These sacred places are vulnerable to attack from those who seek to disrupt the harmony of the realm. At Jörd's behest, you are tasked with erecting and empowering mystical wards around these landmarks, ensuring they remain protected from both physical and magical threats.

Goal: Visit three designated keystone locations and erect protective wards. Empower the wards by drawing energy from nearby ley lines. Defend the keystones from any attackers while the wards stabilize.

Rewards:

Experience points

Warden's Aura

: Increases resistance to arcane and elemental damage by 15%

Nature's Favor

: Gain a permanent +5% to Endurance for completing this quest

New Quest: The Rooted Menace

Description: Unnatural creatures have begun to surface across Midgard, their very presence corrupting the soil and spreading poison through the land. These tainted beings threaten to unravel the world's natural balance, turning fertile grounds into barren wastelands. Jörd tasks you with tracking and eradicating these abominations, ensuring the purity of Midgard's soil is preserved.

Goal: Identify and track the source of the corruption. Eradicate three groups of tainted creatures that have overrun key natural areas. Destroy the central entity spreading the corruption.

Rewards:

Experience points

Tainted Bane:

Increases damage against corrupted or unnatural creatures by 10%

Gift of Jörd

The Rooted Menace was his ticket to finding the Myrkr, he thought. He could use his connection to the world and hunt them down more easily now. Relaxing somewhat, he could already feel a pull in him somewhere, like he needed to be out doing something. It wasn't there a minute ago, he thought, so it had come from this new blessing.

His focus then shifted to the incremental bonuses he had received in his stats. Though the rate of raw stat gain had diminished, the strategic value of each point had increased, emphasizing quality over quantity. He had forgotten to check these over the last few days, so his system access added everything he had been experiencing and put it in one readout. He definitely liked the efficiency. He felt like the system was learning from him and adapting to the way he liked to do things.

Your base stats have changed!

+31 Strength

+29 Agility

+45 Constitution

+26 Intelligence

+57 Willpower

+19 Endurance

Reminded of his potential race upgrade from E to D, Sinclair accessed the Huginn and Muninn skill. He sent a concise inquiry, seeking the specific requirements for the upgrade. The Turgrin package didn't include this information, indicating its specialized nature beyond the basics. The reply he received was prompt, delivering the information he needed in a straightforward and efficient manner, devoid of unnecessary complexities.

Race Upgrade: E to D

Race Level: 25/100

Class Level: 15/50

Advanced level skills: 0/3

Looking at the screen, he realized he didn't know what advanced-level skills meant. His skills only come with rarity ratings. He searched his mind, looking for the information. It was like a door being opened, as the information was just there all of a sudden. He had to thank Turgrin again the next time he saw him. The skills advanced according to their numerical level.

Basic or Novice (Levels 1-10): The foundational levels where one learns and practices the rudimentary aspects of the skill.

Intermediate (Levels 11-30): These levels show an enhanced understanding and improved effectiveness of the skill.

Advanced (Levels 31-50): At this stage, the practitioner can utilize the skill efficiently and has access to more complex applications.

Expert (Levels 51-70): The skill user is now an authority on the skill and can easily perform advanced techniques.

Sinclair perused his list, aware that it was incomplete but still a good starting point. His immediate goal was clear: he needed to focus on advancing three specific skills to level 31. Many of his skills had recently progressed to level 20, which should have unlocked additional bonuses. However, due to his hectic schedule, he hadn't had the chance to fully explore these new enhancements.

Taking the opportunity now, he navigated to his skills menu. He discovered that he now had ten skills at the intermediate level. He appreciated the interface's intuitive design; it functioned similarly to an old search window on a PC, bringing up what he focused on with ease.

His attention was drawn to Yggdrasil's Authority, which had reached level 25. There had been no advancement when it hit level ten or twenty. But for some reason, twenty-five had been explosive growth.

Yggdrasil's Authority (Legendary)

Level: 25

Description: As the bearer of Yggdrasil's mantle, the Axis of Realms and Heart of Creation, you are more than a leader; you are a pillar upon which fate converges. This skill radiates the presence of the World Tree itself: stabilizing chaos, uplifting the worthy, and suppressing the creeping rot of despair. Allies standing within your domain feel roots of unity beneath their feet and the strength of countless lifetimes in their hands. To follow you is not merely a matter of trust, but an inevitability.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Effects:

Roots of Resolve:

Grants +15 to all Base Attributes for allies within 300 meters. Buff remains for one hour outside the radius.

Verdant Will

: Increases ally morale by 7% and provides immunity to minor fear effects. Allies are far less likely to break formation or flee under pressure.

Purging Pulse

: Reduces the duration and potency of negative status effects on allies by 15%, as if Yggdrasil's lifeforce burned away the rot of corruption.

Evergreen Presence:

This aura is constant and does not require activation. Your authority becomes a living field of stabilization, visible to those attuned to power.

Another skill that caught his eye was Beast of Burden, which had also reached the intermediate level. This skill had granted him an additional 15 points in Endurance, paralleling the Agility boost he had received from his Surefooted ability.

Sinclair scrutinized his skill set, noting that Dual Axes, Medium Armour, Two Handed Weapons, and Improvised Weapons had all advanced to the intermediate level. Unlike his other skills, which often granted stat bonuses upon leveling up, these four simply offered enhanced proficiency in their respective areas. He mulled over this for a moment, an idea gradually taking shape in his mind.

He had been contemplating the potential of combining skills, particularly those that didn't require active triggering. Could he fuse multiple skills into something more potent? Curiosity piqued, Sinclair decided there was no time like the present to experiment.

Focusing intently, he mentally selected Dual Axes, Medium Armour, Two Handed Weapons, Spear Mastery, Javelin Mastery, and Improvised Weapons, aiming to fuse them into a unified skill. To his mild astonishment, a window popped up, displaying an 87% synergy rate. These were all general skills, lacking any special attributes, which might explain the high compatibility.

Weighing his options, Sinclair reckoned that even in the worst-case scenario, he would only face a temporary handicap. On the other hand, the best-case scenario could yield a significantly beneficial new skill. He decided to take the leap.

Pressing 'OK', a brilliant flash of light enveloped him, and moments later, his interface updated to reveal a newly formed skill on his screen. The anticipation of discovering its capabilities tingled through him.

New Skill: Odin's Grasp (Legendary)

Description: Named for the Allfather's unmatched mastery of war, Odin's Grasp is a legendary passive aura that grants the wielder the wisdom and combat versatility of the gods. With divine guidance, the user adapts effortlessly to weapons, armor, and improvised tools, transforming into a living embodiment of battlefield mastery..

Effects:

Weapon of the Æsir

: Passive bonus to damage and attack speed with all weapon types, mastering unique techniques as though guided by the gods.

Armor of the Einherjar

: Medium armor offers enhanced protection with no penalty to dexterity or agility. Effortlessly adapt to any armor type, gaining its unique benefits.

Battlefield Sage

: Improvised weapons gain bonus damage and accuracy, turning everyday objects into deadly tools of war.

Spear of Gungnir

: Increased range, accuracy, and melee proficiency with javelins and spears, allowing precise strikes and sweeping attacks.

Mjölnir's Might

: Two-handed weapons deal extra damage, with a chance to knock back or stun enemies on critical hits.

Warning: Any new weapon or armour skills will be fed into this skill, increasing its complexity.

The new skill, amalgamated from a blend of his previous abilities, sat at level 21, comfortably within the intermediate range. This was a relief, as it meant the skill wasn't starting from scratch. Given its diverse origins, encompassing various weapons and armor proficiencies, Sinclair was optimistic about its potential for rapid development. What the hell does that warning mean, though? Can I never learn another skill like daggers or something? Well, that seems like a double-edged skill. Put it on the list to ask about later, I guess.

He wanted to try and fuse Pain Tolerance and Punching Bag again. This time, he added Ironclad Fortitude as well. The goal was to get a high-tolerance physical and magical resistance skill out of it. The two original skills were both at the intermediate level now and should fuse fine. He didn't know why he had such a low synergy last time. Bringing up the window, this time he saw that the new synergy level was much better at 86%. He selected yes on the screen and got a nice new passive skill.

New Skill: Aegis of the Æsir (Epic)

Description: Forged in the fires of divine resilience, Aegis of the Æsir grants its wielder the unyielding fortitude of the gods. By combining physical endurance, mental focus, and divine resistance to magic, this skill transforms the user into an unshakable defender. With the essence of the Æsir flowing through them, the wielder can endure prolonged battles and resist even the harshest physical and magical assaults, standing as a living bastion of Asgard's might.

Effects:

Enhanced Resilience

: Reduces all forms of damage—physical and magical—by 15%, allowing the user to withstand normally devastating blows.

Mental Fortitude

: Increases focus and concentration, ensuring pain and minor injuries do not hinder combat effectiveness.

Endurance Amplification

: Passively adds +25 to the Endurance stat, reflecting heightened durability in prolonged battles.

Magical Resistance

: Temporarily reduces the potency of magical attacks and effects by 20%.

Defensive Stance

: Activating this stance increases damage resistance by an additional 10%, at the cost of slight mobility reduction.

Sinclair couldn't help but feel a sense of achievement as he contemplated the potential of his newly fused skill. By combining multiple abilities into one, he had significantly streamlined his training process. Each skill had its unique strengths, and now, merged together, they offered a more versatile and powerful ability.

This fusion allowed him to focus on a singular, more robust skill that encompassed various aspects of combat and weaponry. The efficiency of this approach was not lost on him; where he previously had to divide his attention and effort across several skills, he could now concentrate on leveling up this singular, multifaceted skill. Deciding to try one more he looked at Freyja's Foresight and Meditation. They had similar uses, so we might as well assess the chances of success.

Fusion Attempt Detected Skills: Freyja's Foresight + Meditation Synergy Percentage: 91% Would you like to proceed Yes/No?

Well, that is as good as can be expected. Let's see what it makes up.

New Skill: Seer's Clarity (Rare) Level: 17

Description: Through focused discipline and divine resonance, you have entered the realm of true mental refinement. Inspired by Freyja's wisdom and the timeless stillness of meditative practice, this skill enables deep cognitive expansion, heightened awareness, and accelerated learning. Your mind operates along two paths: observation and growth, allowing you to train faster, think more clearly, and absorb complexity with increasing ease. As your journey continues, this passive ability will evolve in tandem with you.

Effects:

Dual Aspect

: You can maintain simultaneous focus on two distinct mental threads, improving multitasking, combat awareness, and study efficiency.

Stillmind Progression

: Reduces mental training time by 20% and increases skill acquisition speed by 20%.

Disciplined Mind

: Grants +18 Intelligence and +23 Willpower. These bonuses may increase at future thresholds.

He realized that his skills screen, originally lumped under a general category, lacked the clarity he desired. The mixed presence of passive and active abilities under a single umbrella was somewhat misleading and really annoyed him.

To address the issue, he decided to organize his abilities more intuitively. He envisioned an interface divided into two clear categories: 'Passives' and 'Skills.' The 'Passives' section would house all abilities that were constantly active without any need for conscious activation. These abilities worked quietly in the background, providing continuous boosts to his performance.

In contrast, the 'Skills' section would contain abilities that required his deliberate activation, typically used during combat. This category would include a variety of techniques that he could trigger as needed, particularly in the heat of battle.

Engaging the interface in an 'edit mode,' he mentally organized the skills, moving each to its appropriate category. This reorganization made his interface not only more user-friendly but also allowed for quicker access and assessment of his abilities. The new layout saved him precious moments in making strategic decisions, whether in combat or planning his next move.

Skills

Passives

Call of the Hunt 18

Aegis of the Æsir 15

Dark Eye 18

Æsir's Resilience 15

Focused Charge 26

Arms Adept 21

Hel's Wrath 25

Beast of Burden 22

Huginn and Muninn 16

First Aid 10

Leap 19

Hel's Rebirth 18

Phantom Call

Mana Manipulation 15

Predator's Gait 15

Seer's Clarity 17

Primal Resonance 10

Surefooted 20

SoulForge Blessing 10

Trap Detection 10

Sunder 10

Yggdrasil's Authority 25

Telekinesis 16

Visage of the Wolf 19

Will of the Norns 15

Finally, some semblance of order, he sighed. Once he was done, he saved the changes, and the interface smoothly reverted to its regular mode, now much more streamlined and effective for his purposes. This simple yet impactful reorganization was a small step that significantly enhanced Sinclair's interaction with his skills.

As Sinclair navigated away from his skill and stats screens, he couldn't help but be impressed by the system's adaptability. It demanded conscious effort, but the ability to make changes was invaluable. The disorganization of his skills in an alphabetical mess had been a nagging issue, but now that was neatly sorted out.

His next task was to investigate the teleport network, a concept that had piqued his interest during his conversation with the elder at Thorsgild. Navigating to the Merchant screen, he typed in 'teleport nodes' and was presented with two options:

Teleport Network - Base - Common: Priced at 1200 gold.

Teleport Network - Base - Advanced: Priced at 2700 gold.

The first option seemed straightforward, matching what he had gleaned from the elder's explanation. However, Sinclair was curious about what justified the higher price of the Advanced model. Selecting it, he found its description intriguing:

New Item: Teleport Network Base (Advanced)

Description: Serving as the central hub for a village or city, this advanced Teleport Network node manages all subordinate nodes and facilitates seamless travel between allied locations. Beyond its role in transportation, the node is equipped with enhanced security protocols and advanced communication features. It allows the user to send secure messages across the network, even to locations marked as restricted, ensuring vital communication and strategic coordination.

Effects:

Centralized Control

: Manages all subordinate nodes within the network, ensuring smooth operation and optimized travel paths.

Advanced Communication

: Enables the user to send encrypted messages through the network, including to restricted locations.

Enhanced Security

: Implements advanced protocols to protect the network from unauthorized access or tampering.

Sinclair pondered this. The utility of communicating through the teleport nodes, especially with those marked as restricted, could be invaluable. It was a hefty price, but given the recent influx of gold and the loan from City Lord Garret, it was within reach. The real question was whether he could afford to overlook such an asset. The decision weighed on him; it was a significant investment, but its strategic importance was undeniable.

Sinclair took a moment to ponder, turning to Chewy and Leia for their opinion. They had always been reliable sounding boards, offering honest and thoughtful insights.

After explaining the options between the Basic and Advanced Teleport Networks, he awaited their response. Leia was the first to speak up. I'd suggest the Advanced version if the gold isn't needed elsewhere immediately. The added functionalities seem too valuable to pass up.

Chewy nodded in agreement, sitting attentively. Leia's right. The difference in cost is significant, but the ability to send messages through the nodes, even restricted ones, could be crucial.

Sinclair found himself nodding along. "Yeah, I think you're both making good points. The Advanced option does seem like the smarter choice in the long run."

Just as he was about to confirm his purchase, a notification flashed across his screen. Glancing at the new message, it read: "Class Level +2." Sinclair raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Well, that's unexpected. Seems like my class level just went up."

How had he gained class levels simply by engaging in a conversation? Do either of you know why I just got two class levels just from talking to you? Sinclair asked, puzzled.

Leia was quick to respond. The system is likely recognizing your use of class skills in a non-combative way. Remember, we're more than just combat aids. When you genuinely involve us and trust our input, it aligns with your Path, which the system rewards. It's not all about violence; there are other paths to gaining power.

Sinclair's expression shifted to one of mild shock, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "I'm sorry, you two. It's just... I've always had to rely solely on myself, and with everything being so chaotic, I fell back into old habits. I'll make a conscious effort to involve you both more." His warm and genuine smile was a silent promise communicated clearly through their bond.

With a decisive click, he purchased the advanced teleport node. As he selected it from his inventory, the system prompted him to assign it to Wolf's Run, not giving him an option for physical placement. It seemed the system was streamlining the process for him, integrating the node directly into the city's infrastructure.

Confirming his selection, Sinclair watched as his map icon flashed, revealing the placement of the teleport node. It was conveniently situated across from the Town Hall, opposite his main house. Nodding in approval, he thought it was an ideal location.

He then navigated to the city management screen, where he found the teleportation settings. After some consideration, he adjusted the security settings to allow only current residents of Wolf's Run access to the node. He also set a usage fee of 5 gold per trip, a necessary measure to help offset some of the town's developmental costs.

The process of registering the node on the network was straightforward. The system automatically suggested the city's name for the node, which he accepted. Upon completion, a list of other towns already registered on the network appeared:

Thorsgild

- Restricted

Acrovney

- Restricted

Ravens Watch

- Restricted

He promptly marked Thorsgild and Ravens Watch as approved locations for incoming and outgoing travel, establishing a direct link between Wolf's Run and Thorsgild. This new connection promised to be a valuable asset for both communities.

Sinclair reviewed his lists, making mental notes of the smaller tasks that still needed his attention. Despite the lengthy process of sorting through notifications, he felt a sense of accomplishment. However, he was reminded that his Meridian cultivation was still ongoing, with a little over a day left to completion.

As he prepared to leave his room to check on the town's resources, Chewy alerted him to his parents' voices outside. Sinclair wasn't surprised; his constantly active aura was like a beacon, and it wouldn't take long for people to deduce his whereabouts based on its range.

With a light-hearted chuckle, he turned to Chewy and Leia, "Well, it's time to face the music, I guess. I've done as much as I can here for now. Let's go see what Mom and Dad want." Resigned yet ready to tackle whatever came next, Sinclair stepped out to meet his parents, his loyal companions at his side.

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