Beneath the vast expanse of Wolf's Run, the earth quivered with a deep, unsettling power. Ripples spread across nearby water, and the forest's trees swayed in uneasy silence, their branches trembling as if sensing an approaching storm. Dust stirred in the fading afternoon light, casting shifting shadows that danced with the growing vibrations. The rumbling intensified until, with a tremendous force, the ground split open. From the depths, a massive hand—its size rivaling the town's sturdy wagons—thrust upward, followed by another.

Rising majestically from the fractured earth, a stone giant emerged, its form a breathtaking fusion of rugged rock and glittering crystals. Its body seemed sculpted by time, a mesmerizing blend of raw strength and shimmering elegance. The gemstones embedded in its face glowed with an ancient, enigmatic intelligence. Their gaze slowly swept the unfamiliar landscape as if deciphering its meaning.

General Valthorn, a seasoned leader, faltered momentarily, feeling a frigid chill grip him. Despite his years of battle-hardened resolve, the sight of this towering, otherworldly figure left him momentarily stunned.

Name: Hrungnir's Wrath

Race: Elemental

Level: 74

Description: A towering juggernaut of living stone forged in the heart of Jötunheim and marked by ancient Norse runes that pulse with primordial magic. A relic of the giants' lost age, it slumbers beneath the mountains until awakened by war, its massive limbs striking with the force of an avalanche. Feared across the System, these elemental titans have been summoned as vanguards of destruction, their presence reshaping landscapes and crushing all who stand before them.

In the chaos of the battlefield, Rose gripped her staff tightly, her fingers steady despite the moment's intensity. She unleashed a blast of fire, the flame streaking through the air and striking the shimmering blue gem embedded in the Titan's chest. The glowing target seemed to demand attention, a glaring vulnerability on the otherwise impervious creature.

General Valthorn's voice cut through the turmoil, sharp and commanding. "Aim for the stone! It's the creature's core!" The order rallied the defenders, their focus narrowing on the Titan's weak point.

Alice moved swiftly, her lithe form darting around the massive creature. Her strikes came rapidly, each blow aimed at the Titan's thick legs. Despite the power behind her attacks, they left only shallow chips on its rocky surface. The glowing gem loomed 15 feet above, far out of her reach. Undeterred, Alice adjusted her approach, targeting the Titan's legs to weaken its stance.

Ed roared from atop the town walls, his resolve unshaken. He leaped into the air, his body shifting mid-flight into a massive bear. His landing shook the ground, drawing the Titan's attention. The creature turned its focus to Ed, intrigued by the bear's challenge.

One of the perks he just unlocked from his class was the ability to shapeshift. The bear was his favorite choice, and he looked forward to other things he could choose as the class developed.

New Skill: Dire Bear Form (Rare)

Description: Tap into primal strength and resilience by transforming into a Dire Bear. This skill allows the user to assume the massive, powerful form of a Dire Bear, enhancing physical capabilities and granting new abilities. While in this form, the user gains unparalleled strength, heightened endurance, and an imposing presence that can intimidate foes.

Effects:

Enhanced Strength:

Physical damage increased by 25% in Dire Bear form.

Heightened Endurance:

Incoming damage reduced by 20%.

Ferocious Roar:

Unleash a roar that reduces enemy attack speed and morale within a 20-foot radius for 10 seconds.

Dire Swipe:

Execute a sweeping attack that damages all enemies within melee range.

Cooldown: 30 minutes.

The Titan paused momentarily, assessing its new adversary, before letting out a deafening roar. Its colossal fist swung downward with the force of an avalanche, striking the ground where Ed stood. The impact sent tremors rippling through the earth, but Ed held firm. His growl echoed across the battlefield as he absorbed the brunt of the blow.

Rose and Alice seized the opportunity Ed had created. While the Titan's attention was fixed on the defiant bear, the two moved in unison. Rose unleashed bursts of fire toward the Titan's legs while Alice circled, delivering precise strikes to its joints. Their coordinated efforts worked to destabilize the giant, inching them closer to the glowing gem that could bring the towering creature to its knees.

With each motion, the Stone Titan brought destruction to Wolf's Run. Its massive hands scooped up dirt and stone, which it compressed into enormous projectiles, hurling them with devastating force. The missiles struck walls and occasionally collided with Ed, who stubbornly held his ground in bear form. His thick hide absorbed much of the impact, but the blows left their mark. Healing light intermittently flashed from the walls as Ed's wounds were closed enough to continue fighting after hefty hits.

The ground quaked under the stone elemental's massive weight, each step shaking the town's foundations. Amid the chaos, Alice spotted an opening. With a cry of resolve, she leaped upward, her movements a blur as she aimed for the glowing gemstone in the Titan's chest. But the behemoth was faster than she anticipated. Its massive elbow swung into her path, striking her with brutal force and sending her hurtling into the town's defensive wall. The impact echoed across the battlefield as her body crumpled to the ground, unmoving.

Archers loosed arrows on the parapets, their projectiles darkening the sky before raining down on the Titan. Spellcasters joined the fray, hurling lightning, fire, and ice that streaked across the battlefield in dazzling arcs. Though many of their attacks struck true—scorching the Titan's rocky surface or embedding shards of ice in its arms and chest—few hit the gemstone core. Even if they tried, the strikes appeared ineffective in stopping the creature's continuous attack.

General Valthorn, ever the strategist, surveyed the chaos with a sharp eye. The defenders were brave, but bravery alone would not win this battle. "We need to immobilize it!" he bellowed over the din. His voice carried with the authority of command, cutting through the clamor. "Ed! Use those grasping vines of yours. We have to control its movements!"

Ed, locked in an endurance battle with the Titan, growled softly in acknowledgment, preparing to respond to the order as the fight continued.

Ed, despite the immense pressure he was under, heard the command. He bellowed an incantation, and from the very ground the elemental had emerged from, thick vines surged upwards. They snaked around the creature's legs, attempting to bind them. Other vines sought its arms, trying to restrain the colossal limbs that had wreaked so much havoc.

The battle's intensity magnified as everyone eagerly watched, hoping Ed's magic would provide the opening they desperately needed.

The struggle between nature's grasp and the Stone Titan's immense power became more apparent with every passing moment. The vines persistently coiled and bound, but the Titan's unyielding might snapped or tore them away. The air was thick with the scent of upturned earth and the sounds of tearing vegetation.

The Stone Titan freed one of its arms, plunging it deep into the earth beneath. When it emerged, it clutched a boulder the size of a beach ball. With a roar, the Titan launched the massive rock at Ed.

The defenders gasped, eyes wide, as the boulder hurtled through the air. Ed sidestepped just in time, but the boulder's trajectory didn't end with him. It smashed heavily into the town's partially torn gate with a deafening crash. The impact's force propelled those stationed on the wall in multiple directions, turning the chaotic scene into pure pandemonium.

Cries of alarm and shouts for aid filled the air as the defenders scrambled to reorient themselves, help the fallen, and remain alert to the looming threat.

Limp and still unconscious from her encounter, Alice was hastily carried by two town defenders into the fort's safety. The urgency was palpable, and as they disappeared behind the fort's walls, a soft golden glow emanated from where Victoria had set up a makeshift healing station.

Outside, the battle raged on. The agile and swift centaurs had tactically retreated from the main gate, now circling the behemoth from all directions. They unleashed a torrent of ranged attacks: Arrows shimmered with enchantments, spears hummed with arcane energy, tracing luminous arcs in the air. The sky above the Stone Titan became a storm of missiles, their brilliance contrasting with the bleakness of the behemoth they targeted.

The Stone Titan wasn't going to be overwhelmed that easily. It forcefully dug, retrieving another boulder. It hurled the boulder at the charging Centaurs with an uncanny aim for its size.

The boulder flew incredibly fast, and before the Centaurs could react, it struck one on its hind legs. A heart-wrenching scream pierced the battlefield as the Centaur tumbled to the ground, its once-powerful legs now crushed beneath the weight of the boulder. The other Centaurs, undeterred but visibly shaken, reformed their ranks, shouting war cries filled with a mix of rage and grit.

Ed, seizing the opportunity, darted forward. Harnessing his version of the Charge skill, he barreled into the monster's waist with all the momentum he could muster. While he may have only weighed a fraction of the behemoth's mass, his magically enhanced speed and strategic strike at the Titan's off-balanced stance sent the stone giant toppling backward.

As the Titan's massive form hit the ground, Ed lunged atop its chest. With his dinner-plate-sized paws, he fiercely slammed down, attempting to crack or damage the glowing core beneath.

From his vantage, Ed could spot the Centaurs converging. They approached the Titan's flailing arms in coordinated groups, each brandishing long, sturdy ropes. With a synchronized effort, they cast their ropes, lassoing the elemental's massive hands. As they pulled back with all their might, the sheer strength of it became apparent. The ropes pulled taught, and for a heart-stopping moment, it dragged the Centaurs a short distance. But the Centaurs, digging their hooves into the ground, managed to halt its progress, keeping the behemoth's arms spread and vulnerable.

The sheer scale and strength of the Titan made every swipe or slam of his paws more difficult than before. He could bring more force to bear with it prone, though. Despite Ed's minor successes, defeating the Titan remained a monumental challenge.

Suddenly, a booming voice echoed across the field. "Ed, roll off now!" The General's command was clear and urgent. Without hesitation, Ed heeded the warning, swiftly rolling to the side. As he regained his footing and looked skyward, his eyes widened in awe.

From the heavens, a mighty Gryphkin descended with grace and fury. Its claws gripped a gigantic hammer so comically large that Ed thought it was a car engine on a stick. As it streaked through the air, the hammer's head began to glow a brilliant shade of orange, emitting an aura of power.

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Time slowed, the scene stretching endlessly. Every detail was etched into clarity — the furious glow of the hammer, the focused intent in the Gryphkin's eyes, and the shadow it cast upon the Titan below. The Gryphkin brought the hammer down on the Titan with heaven-shaking force.

The sheer magnitude of the impact created a shockwave, a roaring blast of energy that radiated outward. Caught in the aftermath, Ed was pushed further back, the ground beneath him trembling from the sheer force of the collision. Irreversible landscape changes demonstrated unleashed power.

The immediate aftermath of the blow was an eerie stillness. The once raging Titan now lay motionless, an aura of finality settling over it. Slowly, the colossal body began to tremble. Instead, it was no longer fluid motion; it was an uncontrolled jerk, a clockwork toy nearing its end. As the vibrations intensified, its limbs went slack, dropping to the ground with a dull thud. The once-glowing core dimmed, signaling the extinguishing of the monster's life force.

Valthorn, drenched in sweat and dust, slowly descended from the remnants of the elemental's chest. His eyes, reflecting relief and weariness, found Ed's. Now back in his human form, Ed was a stark contrast to the formidable bear that had stood its ground against the Titan mere moments ago.

Valthorn admiringly noted his formidable presence. "That bear form… it's imposing how much you withstood."

Ed tried to form a response, but his body betrayed him. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his legs buckled beneath him. The world went dark as he succumbed to his injuries, his last memory being the sight of Valthorn rushing towards him.

*****

In the makeshift infirmary, groans, cries, and whispered comforts filled the air. Amid the chaos, Victoria moved gracefully, her hands illuminated with the soft glow of healing magic. Each touch rejuvenated the wounded, the healing light washing over gashes, bruises, and broken bones, mending them. She prioritized the worst off, but her heart weighed heavily with each life she couldn't save—magical losses, though few, deeply affected her.

Nothing could've prepared her for the sudden, gut-wrenching roar that echoed across the battlefield. The earth trembled. Even within the safety of the city's walls, the noise struck terror in everyone's heart.

Her focus remained on her patients until she caught sight of General Valthorn. The imposing figure, typically unshakeable, now appeared devastated, carrying the limp form of Ed. His usual ruddy complexion was ashen, blood smeared across his face and trickling ominously from unseen injuries.

A cold dread seized Victoria's heart. Thoughts raced through her mind, memories of shared smiles, suppressed feelings, and the ever-present boundary she had set for herself. Ed was more than just her brother's friend to her. But she had always hesitated, fearful of crossing an unspoken line.

Pushing personal feelings aside, the healer in her took over. Without a second thought, Victoria outstretched her hand. Her magic surged forth with an intensity she hadn't known she possessed. The healing energy shot out like an arrow, unerring and forceful. It struck Ed, enveloping him in a brilliant aura.

New Skill: Valkyrie's Mercy (Rare)

Description: Call upon the divine grace of the Valkyries to manifest a radiant spear of healing light. Forged in the halls of Valhalla, this spear flies unerringly to its target, dissolving upon impact and releasing a surge of restorative energy. Blessed by Eir, it mends wounds, cleanses ailments, and bolsters the recipient's endurance, ensuring they stand firm even in the heat of battle.

Effects:

Divine Restoration:

Restores 40% of the target's health over 1 minute, providing sustained recovery.

Purifying Light:

Cleanses minor ailments and debuffs upon impact, reinforcing the recipient's resilience.

Guided Strike:

The spear automatically adjusts mid-flight to reach the intended target, ensuring precise and reliable healing.

Cool Down: 3 minutes

The immediate aftermath left Victoria drained. She swayed on her feet, exhaustion pulling at her. But even as the world around her threatened to blur, she noted with astonishment that her impromptu healing had saved Ed and unlocked a newfound power within her - the Valkyrie's Mercy. The weight of her emotions and the joy of her discovery were overwhelming.

The battle's chaotic aftermath was intensely felt; nearby, everyone worked together. Healers from the BeastKin worked diligently, offering their unique skills and restorative spells to the wounded. Young ones, still untapped in their abilities, played pivotal roles in support, transporting supplies, or offering a shoulder for those unable to walk.

Victoria's eyes kept straying to Ed amid this tableau of chaos and collaboration. Even from a distance, the chest's rhythmic rise and fall provided comfort. Sinclair's parents already hovered by his side, their faces etched with concern but also relief, knowing that he would eventually be okay.

Gathering her strength, Victoria pushed herself to her feet. She passed by Alice, who was deep in a healing slumber, and made her way to Ed. The soft glow of the healing screen displayed his stats, and as she saw the numbers steadily climbing, a rush of relief flooded her. It seemed the immediate threat was over.

Over the day, she developed a new way of using her Analyze skill so that when she used it on someone, their health status returned, and any injuries might be involved. She simply had to glance at someone to switch the view on. It would show her the typical stats of a person, such as health, mana, stamina, etc. It displayed status debuffs and internal issues that may have previously necessitated an MRI scan to identify.

New Skill: Vital Scan (Uncommon)

Description: Vital Scan allows the user to assess a target's physical and magical condition, providing detailed information about their health and status. This skill reveals current injuries, illnesses, curses, and active debuffs, clearly showing the target's condition. It is ideal for healers or tacticians; it enables precise responses to medical and combat needs.

Effects:

Health Insight:

Displays the target's current health percentage and highlights major injuries (e.g., broken bones and severe wounds).

Status Detection:

Identifies active illnesses, curses, and debuffs, including their severity and duration.

Magic Aura Analysis:

Detects lingering magical effects or disruptions impacting the target's well-being.

Range: 30 feet.

Cooldown: 15 seconds.

She turned her attention to General Valthorn, who sat a short distance away, his robust frame seeming diminished, a testament to the sheer energy he had expended. "Are you injured or need me to take a look at you?" she inquired, her tone gentle yet firm.

The General met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and gratitude. "No, I am fine," he assured her, his voice carrying the weight of his weariness. "I am tired. That skill drains almost all of my stamina and a lot of mana. I just need to take a short break, that's all."

*****

The house, a beacon of solace amidst the chaos, buzzed with subdued conversations as the leaders congregated. Every so often, Bruce would glance at his menu, the glowing completion mark of the quest serving as a testament to their achievements.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of gold and crimson, the other elders and humans began making their way to the house. Anticipating the fatigue that would come after the day, he and Amelia set up a spread of refreshments and hearty meals. The interior was awash with a soft, warm glow from the fireplace, creating an inviting ambiance.

Talgrin, his dragonkin scales subtly reflecting the room's light, entered first. Dorgran followed, each choosing a seat and releasing a deep, exhausted sigh. Just outside the window, Lysandros stood, his large centaur form preventing him from joining inside, but he was no less a part of the conversation. Bruce opened the window so that Lysandros could hear and participate.

"Sorry about the inconvenience, Lysandros. Meetings necessitate alternative accommodations."

Elder Lysandros nodded his head. "Thank you. It is fine for now. I understand the difficulties of settling in."

General Valthorn's presence was notably absent; his responsibilities to the town and its defenses kept him elsewhere. But soon after, Rose entered, her gaze slightly downcast yet relieved. "Victoria is with Ed and Alice," she began, her voice tinged with fatigue. "They're stable but will need time to recover."

Bruce acknowledged her with a nod. "Once they're up, we'll loop them in. Now, let's talk about our next steps and the rewards from the quest."

With the group assembled and attentive, Bruce delved into his menu, seeing the one marked as complete. He clicked on them in order. As he did so, the interface morphed, highlighting the bounty they would each receive individually and collectively.

Looking at the quest rewards, he wondered where the resource token might go. It ended up where he thought it might: his inventory. Setting it aside for inspection in a minute, he verified that the Settlement experience showed up on the screen they thought it would be on. The bar now reads 10% complete. He noted that he needed more details concerning their gain post-rest. They needed to finish this other quest and eventually get some rest.

Quest Complete: Survive the Beast Hordes

Rewards:

Experience awarded according to participation. Increase difficulty 35%

1 System token F Grade

Settlement Experience 5000. Increase difficulty 35%

1 Building token up to Rare quality

Territory Increase

"Based on everyone's contribution," he began, "a bonus percentage of experience will be awarded according to participation, along with a single System Token deposited into personal storage. What is a System Token F Grade?" Around him, a few of the elders grew excited.

Dorgran spoke up first. "A system token like these can be traded in at the Crystal out back for any 1 item of that grade. Most items you have encountered have been F or lower since they were natural resources before the conversion. It is quite an empowering tool for a city to get at this stage of development."

Bruce pulled his out and slowly examined it between his fingers. He would have to test that out and see what he could find. His excitement at the prospect of free stuff was building until he considered what it would take to get it, dampening his mood.

Turning his attention to the collective gains, Bruce continued, "For our town, significant enhancements await. We get to commission an additional building with the system absorbing the resource costs, and our territorial expanse will also increase by 200%." Taking a moment to let this enormity sink in, he added, "From our humble beginnings of eight square miles, we now command double that territory, which, considering our community's size, is nothing short of impressive."

"I share in our collective joy, and these rewards herald a promising future for our community. However, we must not forget the price we've paid." Talgrins' voice cracked slightly. "Six of our kin are no longer with us. In a community as tight-knit as ours, this loss resonates deeply."

Amelia, with her compassionate demeanor, rose gracefully. "You're right, Elder Talgrin. Progress, as heartening as it is, should never overshadow the value of life. The sacrifices made today will be forever etched in our memories." She sincerely addressed everyone, "To the families mourning their loved ones, our hearts are with you. Anything you need to honor them, you need only ask. We stand united in this time of loss."

The room was filled with nods of agreement and murmurs of assent, emphasizing the balance between progress and remembering those who paved the way.

As the day drew close and they prepared to finish their tasks, a frantic runner approached the house.

"Elders! Strangers approach from the horizon bearing an unfamiliar flag!" The scout rounded the corner, skidding to a stop, breathless, and bent over with hands on his knees.

At his words, a flurry of activity erupted. Everyone sprang into action, hurrying to the gates to assess the situation. Beastkin hastily retreated within the city walls, and though battered from earlier events, the gates were shut as securely as possible. Atop the gate, Ed, his head bandaged, surveyed the horizon, a blanket draped over his broad shoulders. Beside him, Victoria's gaze flitted between Ed and the advancing party, her concern evident.

As the figures neared, the denizens of Wolf's Run noted the visitors' distinct silhouettes. Unlike the tall and slender humanoids they were accustomed to, these newcomers were stout and compact. They were a group of about ten, accompanied by three laden wagons. Their demeanor appeared non-threatening as they halted just beyond the bowshot, raising their hands peacefully.

Elder Talgrin, with his discerning dragonkin eyes, squinted towards the horizon. "They're not humans, but they're not Beastkin either," he murmured.

The community, already on edge after the day's events, watched cautiously. Bruce stepped forward, raising a hand in a gesture that called for calm and silence. "Let us not be hasty in our judgments. They have not shown aggression."

Ed, his voice roughened from his injuries but still steady, added, "They're probably traders or migrants. Look at those wagons. They don't look like they are built for war."

Rose, having a more transparent view due to her elevated position on the ramparts, said, "I think they're... dwarves? It's hard to tell from this distance, but their build, the beards on some of them, and those outfits look like your video games, Ed."

Victoria glanced at Ed, concern still evident in her eyes, but her focus shifted to the newcomers. "We need to approach them with caution but also with hospitality. I think it will set a good precedent."

The sturdy wagons appeared laden with goods, perhaps metals or crafts. The lead figure, slightly taller than the rest, lifted a hand and waved back at the Wolf's Run citizens, his other hand resting on the hilt of a sheathed axe - more out of habit than threat.

General Valthorn, coordinating the defensive maneuvers, suggested, "I think a small delegation should go out to meet them. Bruce, perhaps you and a couple of elders? We need to find out their intentions."

As the community watched with bated breath, a small group from Wolf's Run approached the strangers cautiously, hoping for a peaceful encounter.

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