Sinclair managed to grab a couple of hours of sleep before awakening just before midnight. The room was filled with the stillness of the deep night, broken only by the soft sounds of his loyal companions coming in to rest after their watch. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the rough-hewn furniture and the numerous maps and lists scattered across the table.

Rising quietly, Sinclair took a moment to stretch, feeling the fatigue in his muscles and the adrenaline of purpose. He approached Chewy and Leia, who stirred at his approach, their keen senses alert even in rest.

"Good job, you two. Time to get some rest. I'll take over from here," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

Chewy and Leia obediently moved to their designated sleeping spots, their eyes lingering on Sinclair.

Sinclair then took some time to organize his thoughts, using the stillness of the night to reflect and plan. He began compiling a list of tasks, assigning each according to his team's skills and abilities.

He needed a list of materials for his Mom and Dad to complete three more barracks: a blacksmith, a sawmill, an alchemy lab, and farming lots. He also wanted them to identify which plants could be grown, how much, and what they would need to make it happen.

Victoria's task was more focused. She needed to train when she rose from her rest. Sinclair outlined a specific regimen for her, knowing her skills would be vital in the coming days. He was eager to learn more about her trials, the class she took, and her path.

Rose, Alice, and Edward were tasked with harvesting what materials they could for the list generated by his parents. Given the lack of a workforce to handle the manual labor, they would have to pay the system to assemble everything.

As for Chewy and Leia, they would accompany him while scouting the edge of the property in all directions, looking for signs of the Myrkr that lurked outside their lands.

Sinclair's eyes scanned the darkened landscape beyond the windows, feeling a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The land they were building was a new frontier, filled with potential and peril in equal measure. I hope I am doing this right. A "How to Build a City for Dummies" would be nice. The market crystal books are nice but not quite detailed for my tastes.

With a resolute nod, he settled in for his watch, his mind whirling with plans and preparations, knowing that the dawn would bring new challenges and opportunities.

It didn't take long for that old itch to return. He needed to get up and do something. He felt that if he wasn't physically active, he wasn't progressing. Still feeling the restless energy of thought and concern gnawing at him, Sinclair pushed himself up from his favorite chair, where the paint had started peeling and looking worn through in the shape and outline of his body. Once a place of comfort and relaxation, the front porch echoed with the weight of decisions and the urgent demands of the tasks.

"I need to stretch my legs," he muttered as he moved towards the steps.

His night vision had improved so much that he no longer required any special skills to see in the dark as if it were daylight as long as some light was available. The world outside was bathed in a ghostly glow, every detail crisp and clear.

As he took a few laps around the wall, the cool night air brushing against his face, he casually browsed through notifications on his interface. He focused on discerning which skills had reached level 10 and what that meant for each.

"They've all evolved in some way," he thought aloud, his voice a soft murmur in the quiet of the night.

His brows furrowed as he read the details:

Beast of Burden had now gained Stamina efficiency increased by 15%

Surefooted was now coupled with +10 Agility and a Natural Balance increase of 10%

Medium Armour had become 15% more effective

Pain Tolerance had grown with +10 Willpower

Punching Bag had evolved with +8 Endurance

Two-Handed Weapons

12% increased affinity

Wild Shout boasted +7 Willpower, with the Duration of the shout increased

Looking at the skills that changed the most, he noticed that several more common ones had effects listed now instead of just being a vague description.

He paused in his walk, absorbing the implications of these changes. His skills were adapting and growing with him, and he was reflecting on his journey and the challenges he had overcome.

"It's all starting to come together," he said to himself, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

Pulling up his Huginn and Muninn skill he queried it about his skills and what could be expected.

Question: When skills level up, how do they change?

The answer came back just as fast as normal. This time, it was a couple of paragraphs of text.

When a skill levels up, it progresses beyond simple numerical improvements. While the most basic and immediate benefit is often an increase in efficiency—reducing mana cost, increasing effectiveness, or shortening cooldowns—the true value of skill advancement lies deeper. Skills that reach significant thresholds, typically at ranks such as Novice, Adept, Expert, Master, and beyond, unlock hidden potentials known as Milestone Effects. These can add entirely new functions to the skill, such as passive bonuses, alternate casting modes, or even chain reactions with other abilities.

At certain points, a skill may also begin to evolve into a superior form. This evolution is not automatic nor purely based on experience points alone. Hidden criteria must be fulfilled, often related to your actions, the environment, or your skill training method. For example, a fire-based projectile spell might evolve into an area-of-effect inferno if consistently used to attack groups, or a defensive barrier could gain offensive spikes if it frequently endures melee assaults. Skill evolution is a reflection of your choices and combat patterns, shaping the skill to suit your fighting style.

Additionally, some skills reveal latent affinities as they grow stronger. These affinities act as enhancements to the core nature of the skill. Upon frequent use during critical injuries, a healing ability might evolve an emergency response trigger, activating automatically when an ally drops below a health threshold. Likewise, a weapon-focused skill may develop kinetic feedback, allowing follow-up attacks or defensive parries without additional cost.

Higher levels of skill proficiency also improve your control and precision. At early stages, many skills require full concentration or visible effort to execute, but as they grow, they become near-instinctual. Mastered skills can often be layered with others seamlessly, allowing advanced combatants to weave multiple effects in rapid succession. This creates opportunities for devastating combinations or fluid defenses that lower-level users cannot replicate.

Finally, while not all skills evolve into grand techniques, even modest improvements can stack into significant advantages. A simple strike becomes a critical weapon when paired with perfect timing and enhanced force. A minor boost to stamina regeneration at low levels becomes a lifeline in protracted engagements. Remember: progression is not only about raw power but about refinement, versatility, and unlocking the full depth of your abilities.

Well, that is a lot to think about. But it definitely makes upgrading skills extremely important. He resumed his patrol. His mind was still active, but now, he had clarity about what he had been missing. Night, once a time of rest and respite, had become a companion to his thoughts and a witness to his resolve.

Sinclair wandered through the winding paths and structures of his burgeoning homestead, making several circuits, his senses alert and mind contemplative. He peered into rooms, checked on those resting, and ensured everything was as it should be. His ears picked up the subtle sounds of the night: the rustling of leaves, the distant call of a night creature, and the gentle whisper of the wind that hinted at an approaching summer storm. The scent of rain was in the air, fresh and invigorating, promising a downpour by early morning.

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From the ramparts, the world lay open before him. In the distance, trees stood like swaying sentinels, their leaves dancing to the rhythm of the wind, keeping a silent watch over the domain. The scene was tranquil yet imbued with anticipation, as if the land held its breath.

As Sinclair was about to turn away, a flash of movement caught the corner of his eye. His body tensed, new instincts honed by several battles taking over. Pausing, he extended his senses, allowing his body to relax as he focused intently on where the movement had occurred. The night was still again; the anomaly went as quickly as it had appeared, but caution settled in his gut.

They were not alone. Something was out there, watching, waiting. A shiver ran down his spine, a primal warning that told him to be on guard.

He continued his patrol, his steps more deliberate, his senses sharpened. Knowing that an unseen presence lurked in the shadows added an edge to the night, transforming the calm into a silent battleground.

Sinclair's vigilance on the wall endured as rain began to fall. Quickly purchasing a simple waterproof hood and cloak from the store, he remained on his path, a steadfast centurion watching over his family, strategizing and planning through the storm. Thunder boomed, and lightning cracked in the distance, but his focus never wavered.

The storm abated about an hour after the hidden sunrise, the clouds relenting to let the sun peek through as humidity rose. Sinclair's solitary watch ended, and he returned to the house to find everyone gathered around the breakfast table, preparing for the day ahead.

Looking energized but slightly overwhelmed, Victoria eagerly shared her news as the group gathered for breakfast. "I got my class!" she announced, a mix of pride and excitement in her voice. "I'm officially a Valkyrie of the Eternal Flame. It's a class tied to Freyja. I focus on healing, buffing, and defending, but I also get to unleash divine flames on enemies. Honestly, it's a lot to process." She adjusted the intricate necklace around her neck, its flame-shaped pendant shimmering faintly. "This was part of the reward from my trials. It's supposed to boost my abilities, but I haven't yet had time to dive into everything. I just woke up before breakfast and haven't even checked the rest of my notifications."

Alice leaned back in her chair, eyebrows raised. "Healing and righteous fire? That's pretty badass. What kind of trials did you go through to get a class like that?"

Victoria tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her expression thoughtful. "They were… intense. The most interesting was the second trial, at Hel's gates, against an army of the undead. It started with me fighting alongside soldiers in a massive battle—armies clashing, shields locking, and swords flying everywhere. Then it shifted. I had to switch from fighting to healing. People were falling all around me, and I had to keep as many alive as I could while the lines held. And just when I thought I had the rhythm, the trial threw me another curveball." She paused, her gaze distant for a moment.

"What happened?" Alice asked, leaning forward, her tone both curious and apprehensive.

Victoria's fingers brushed the flame-shaped pendant at her neck. "A force of the undead flanked us, going straight for the mages trying to set up defenses. If they fell, the entire army would've been overrun. I had to charge in; there was a small escort with me, stopping them long enough for the mages to finish their work. It was… overwhelming, but we did it."

Ed, chewing thoughtfully on a strip of jerky, nodded. "That's insane. Fighting, healing, and then fighting against large groups? You've got guts, I'll give you that."

Alice smirked. "No kidding."

Victoria laughed, though there was a hint of exhaustion in the sound. "It wasn't easy, but I think that's the point. Freyja's path isn't about taking the easy route. It's about being ready to stand your ground no matter what."

Sinclair spoke next. "That sounds exactly like what we need. You've already proven you can handle yourself under pressure. And now you've got Freyja's blessing and a class that will make you a force to be reckoned with."

Victoria's cheeks flushed, but she gave a small, determined smile. "Thanks, Sinclair. I just hope I can live up to it."

Alice's grin widened. "Oh, you will. But if you start showing off too much, I'm going to start calling you 'Flame Queen.'"

Ed snorted. "And you said I had bad nicknames."

The group's laughter cut through the lingering tension, and the lighthearted moment gave them a much-needed camaraderie before they turned their attention back to the challenges ahead.

"Mom, Dad," Sinclair began, looking at his parents, "I'll need you to compile a list of materials for constructing more barracks, a blacksmith, a sawmill, an alchemy lab, and farming lots. Also, could you research what plants we can grow and how much we'll need?"

His parents nodded, busily taking notes.

"Victoria," he continued, his eyes meeting hers, "focus on training. You have some unique abilities, and we need you to support us. Sadly, you have some catching up and will need to push to make up that gap."

"Mooooore training?! Soooo sleepy…" She winked at her brother to show him she was joking. She would be ready when the time came.

"Rose, Alice, Ed," Sinclair addressed them. I need you to harvest whatever materials you can, following the list my parents will generate. We'll have to pay the system to assemble everything since we don't have a workforce for that part."

Smiling, he looked at Chewy and Leia. "You'll be coming with me. We will scout the edge of the property, looking for signs of the Myrkr lurking nearby. Early this morning, I saw something lurking at the wood line, and I can only assume that is what it was since it was too fast for me to get a good view. We will start in that direction and see if it is real or my imagination."

"Any questions?" Sinclair finally asked, scanning the faces around him.

Sinclair passed a handful of gold to his parents. As his friends followed suit, presenting Bruce and Amelia with their contributions, Sinclair felt a surge of pride and relief. The collective effort eased the burden on his shoulders.

Rose's voice pulled him from his thoughts, her words tinged with sincerity. "You can't be expected to foot the entire bill. It's our home now, too."

Her statement resonated deeply within him, and Sinclair nodded, a grateful smile on his lips. "Thank you, all of you," he replied, recognizing the truth in Rose's words.

With the gold distributed and tasks outlined, everyone dispersed. Sinclair, Chewy, and Leia convened near the gate, their minds turning to the shadow Sinclair had glimpsed the night before.

As they embarked on their journey, the conversation ebbed and flowed, a mixture of contemplation and planning. The Direwolves, their forms now bordering on the legendary, moved with a grace and power that defied belief. Should anyone stumble upon them, confusion would indeed reign as their minds grappled with the notion of wolves of such magnificent stature.

Finding the area reasonably quickly, Sinclair's gaze narrowed as he studied the faint impressions, the distant echo of a chill running down his spine. They were undoubtedly tracks, and their peculiar shape left little doubt about their origin. The indentations and talons marked the passage of something sinister, most likely linked to the Myrkr.

Chewy's voice was grim as he sniffed the air, his nostrils flaring with distaste. The scent was strong here, a lingering miasma of corruption, a taint upon the very air.

Leia focused on the ground, her keen eyes tracing the path of the mysterious footprints. Her tail flicked with agitation as she confirmed, The tracks lead this way. Whatever it was, it wasn't trying to hide its passage.

Sinclair's mind raced, piecing together the implications. The proximity to their home, the blatant trail, the ominous scent— they were being hunted in their own home. This was no random wandering of a mindless beast; it was calculated.

"We must follow," Sinclair said, his voice tinged with determination. "It was stalking and hunting us, I bet. They are looking for someone to be out on their own so it could grab them. Let's show it why it should have feared coming here."

They pressed on, following the trail that snaked through the trees, the shadows deepening as they ventured further into the unknown. The landscape gradually shifted, with the forest giving way to more rocky terrain. The trees stood tall and ancient like sentinels guarding a hidden secret. Every sense was on high alert, and the forest's silence now bore the weight of hidden danger.

After some time, they came upon a massive, looming cliff, its face scarred by centuries of weathering. The ground leading up to it was strewn with jagged rocks and thorny underbrush. The path they followed led straight to the base of this cliff, and it was here that Sinclair noticed something unusual.

"Chewy, Leia, look here," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He pointed to a narrow slit in the rock face, almost hidden by the overgrowth. "Do you sense it? The Myrkr's trail leads directly to this opening."

The entrance was hidden well, and the cunning of the creature was evident in its choice of lair.

"We must be careful," Sinclair told the wolves through thought. "This place feels wrong. The Myrkr may know we're here."

Chewy and Leia's acknowledgment was tangible, a surge of readiness and understanding. They knew the danger they faced, and they were prepared.

The trio approached the slit in the rock face with caution; their attention focused on the strange entrance. The tracks they had been following had led them here, and it was clear that the scent marked the path of the Myrkr. This was its domain, a place of shadows and secrets, hidden away from prying eyes.

Sinclair studied the entrance closely. The narrow opening was barely large enough for a man to squeeze through. It led into darkness, a void where even the most courageous would think twice before venturing.

"We'll need to enter carefully," Sinclair told his companions, his voice laden with resolve. "It's time to face this creature and understand what it truly is."

After a final glance at the wolves, he stepped toward the entrance. Chewy and Leia followed, their steps purposeful. They were ready to confront the Myrkr and whatever else awaited them within the hidden lair.

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