"For class skills, you are typically shown two different skills. The others are what we would call basic or utilitarian skills. Almost anyone can get any of those regardless of class, depending on what thresholds they reach. These skills, though, will belong almost exclusively to your class or path." Garret explained as he was navigating to the following section.

Sinclair reviewed the two new skill options displayed before him: Tempest and Blood Howl. He read their descriptions carefully, considering their potential impact.

Class Level 1 New Skill:

Tempest

: Amplify your speed and reflexes through raw anger, turning yourself into a blur of motion on the battlefield.

Blood Howl

: Release a terrifying howl that enrages enemies, drawing them toward you and making them easier targets for allies.

He lingered on Tempest, envisioning the synergy it would create with his existing Frenzy skill. The thought of becoming an unstoppable whirlwind in combat made his decision clear. His hand hovered briefly before selecting the skill, already anticipating the power it would bring.

New Skill: Tempest (Epic)

Description: Harnessing the untamed spirit of the Ulfhednar, the legendary wolf-warriors of Norse myth, Tempest transforms the user into a blur of primal fury. This skill channels the wolves' predatory instincts and unrelenting savagery, allowing the user to strike with impossible speed and precision. When activated, Tempest enhances movement and reflexes, enabling the user to close distances instantly, deliver devastating blows, and evade counterattacks with the agility of a shadow stalking the wild. This ability embodies the relentless ferocity of the Ulfhednar, weaving their berserker rage into an unstoppable force of nature.

Effects:

Wolf's Frenzy:

Increases movement speed by 50% for 10 seconds, allowing for rapid engagements and evasive maneuvers.

Savage Onslaught:

Boosts attack speed by 25% during activation, enabling a relentless flurry of strikes.

Predator's Precision:

Grants a 20% chance for critical strikes to deal bonus damage equal to 50% of the base attack.

Phantom Hunt:

Enables swift disengagements or tactical repositioning without provoking opportunity attacks.

"Definitely Tempest," Sinclair mused. "But, oh, how I wish I could have both."

"Hey Garret, what happens if I choose a skill that is just a different form of something I already have?" He asked the book of knowledge the city lord represented sitting beside him. At least asking her didn't cost him 25% of my resources every time.

"If they have enough in common, you can combine them in skill fusing. If they are different enough, you will get a new skill and waste the choice unless the old skill is inferior.

Nodding, he looked back to his screen for the following selection.

Class Level 5 New Skill:

Blood Howl

: Release a terrifying howl that enrages enemies, reducing their armor and attack output while drawing them toward you.

Fear

: Emit an aura of dread that causes enemies to flee, disrupting their formations and focus.

Sinclair considered his options, his mind flicking back to his Class Level 1 skill, Blood Howl. It was similar to his Wild Shout but with the added effect of enraging enemies and weakening their defenses. While the Fear skill had its appeal, allowing him to scatter enemies, Blood Howl aligned better with his combat style. He preferred drawing enemies in, forcing them to engage on his terms rather than chasing them down. His decision was made, and he selected Blood Howl.

New Skill: Blood Howl (Rare)

Description: Unleash a feral cry that terrifies enemies and weakens their defenses, invoking the dread of Helheim's predators. Each howl drains a portion of the user's health as a blood offering, but victory restores the sacrifice, healing the user's wounds. Blood Howl is a skill for warriors who thrive on chaos and embrace the razor's edge of battle.

Effects:

Dreadborn Cry:

Reduces the physical attack and defense of enemies within a 20-foot radius by 15% for 10 seconds.

Blood Offering:

Drains 10% of the user's maximum health upon activation, fueling the power of the howl.

Hunter's Requiem:

Restores the sacrificed health and grants an additional 5% healing if the user's side is victorious in battle.

"If I choose Blood Howl, and it combines with Wild Shout, the result could be overwhelming for my enemies," he mused, trying to visualize the outcomes of his battles.

Garret, a voice of reason, added, "Sometimes evolution means letting go of the old and embracing the new. While Fear has its merits, Blood Howl could potentially alter the course of a battle, especially if it merges with your existing skill."

He hoped the gamble would pay off, enhancing his capabilities on the battlefield.

He tabbed back over to his notifications and went for his Class Level 10 Available skills.

Class Level 10 New Skill:

Fear

: Emit an aura of dread that causes enemies to flee, disrupting their formations and focus.

Hel's Rebirth

: Channel the dark vitality of Helheim to heal wounds and strengthen the body.

Sinclair couldn't help but think about the battles he'd faced and the injuries he'd sustained. He remembered lying on the ground, weakened, praying that his natural regeneration would kick in before an enemy reached him. The skill, Hel's Rebirth, presented a solution to such situations. If paired with his innate healing abilities, he would be an unstoppable force, able to recover swiftly and jump back into the fray almost immediately.

"I think this one's a no-brainer," he murmured, tapping the selection for Hel's Rebirth. It felt right, like a missing puzzle piece falling into place. Garret looked over, nodding in agreement. "With the amount of danger you seem to find yourself in, Sinclair, it's probably a wise choice."

New Skill: Hel's Rebirth (Rare)

Description: Drawing upon the primal energies of Helheim, this skill channels the dark vitality of the underworld to heal and strengthen the user. Hel's Rebirth activates as the user endures damage, weaving an unnatural regeneration that mends wounds while forging resilience in their flesh and spirit. Each injury healed under its influence leaves behind a scar of power, fortifying the user's body and imbuing them with a grim strength that echoes their survival. This is not ordinary healing—it is rebirth through pain, a transformation that mirrors the unyielding forces of Helheim.

Effects:

Underworld's Resurgence:

Regenerates health over time based on the severity of injuries sustained.

Scarred Fortitude:

Increases physical resistance by 5% for each healed wound during combat, up to a set limit.

Survivor's Mark:

Grants a permanent +1% boost to overall toughness for every significant near-death experience while using this skill (capped per encounter).

Thankfully, in that last fight, he gained two class levels. It wasn't clear why, but he could surmise it was because he stood between a superior leveled threat and people he felt he needed to protect. Whatever the reason, it got him to 15, so he got the third choice of skills.

Class Level 15 New Skill:

Primal Senses

: Enhance perception to identify enemy weaknesses, revealing vulnerabilities for more effective attacks.

Soulforge Blessing

: Share 50% of a chosen stat with companions, empowering them through a divine bond.

Sinclair examined the options carefully, weighing the tactical advantage of identifying weaknesses against the utility of boosting his team's strength.

Initially, Primal Senses tempted him. The ability to discern and exploit vulnerabilities in foes would be a considerable asset in battle. But then his eyes lingered on Soul Forge Blessing. This skill guarantees Chewy and Leia's survival in every skirmish. By sharing his Constitution stat every morning, both would gain an additional 470 health points. The potential life-saving difference it could make was undeniable.

With a determined tap, Sinclair selected Soul Forge Blessing, considering the protection it would provide his dear companions.

New Skill: Soulforge Blessing (Legendary)

Description: Forged in the fires of battle and tempered by the sacred bonds of unity, Soulforge Blessing channels the ancient pacts between warriors and gods. Like the masterwork creations of the Dwarven forges of Svartalfheim, this skill strengthens and refines bonded companions, linking their spirits through a shared connection. Channeling the energy of a chosen stat, the user imbues their bonded allies with half of their strength, as though each wields a fragment of Mjölnir's power.

Effects:

Shared Might:

Select one stat (Strength, Agility, or Endurance). Half of the user's total value is shared only with bonded companions.

Unyielding Pact:

Bonded companions gain a temporary 10% bonus to physical resistance while the effect is active.

Forged in Unity:

While active, bonded companions gain a 5% increase in stamina regeneration, reinforcing endurance in prolonged engagements.

Cooldown: 24 hours before a new stat can be selected.

"Makes sense," he mused aloud. "With this, our trio will be an even more formidable force."

Garret nodded, observing his choice. "Your decision speaks volumes about your bond with them. It's a selfless act that showcases the depth of your connection."

Scrolling further there was a blue link that read "Race Upgrade." This was like having a computer in his head, he thought.

Sinclair clicked on the hyperlink, revealing the detailed attributes and enhancements of his evolved E-ranked Human status.

Race: Human (E-Rank)

Evolutionary Momentum

: All stats increase 15% faster, accelerating overall growth and development.

Inherent Proficiency

: The body's natural efficiency improves by 25%, optimizing the effectiveness of all attributes and skills.

Adaptive Resistance

: Environmental challenges grant resistance 10% faster, bolstering durability and survivability.

Skill Fusion

: Skills now have an enhanced chance to combine or evolve when specific conditions are fulfilled.

Enhanced Perception

: Sharpened senses improve environmental awareness, enabling quicker detection of threats and opportunities.

Garret glanced at the screen, impressed. "The Skill Fusion and Inherent Proficiency will greatly benefit you in combat and strategy. And that Enhanced Perception could be a game-changer." She leaned back with a slightly perplexed look on her face. Noticing it, Sinclair grimaced inwardly a bit.

"What? What is that face about?" He asked her.

"Oh, nothing. Sorry about that. With how special everything else you have been getting, I was surprised by how normal that part of your upgrade was. Those are pretty typical of a physical fighter at your 'level.'" She replied to him with a slight smirk.

Taking a moment to process the new information, Sinclair realized the system had equipped him with substantial advantages for the challenges ahead. "The journey might be treacherous," he thought, "but these enhancements will certainly tilt the odds in my favor."

Garret nodded sympathetically, observing the look of contemplation on Sinclair's face. "Take your time. It's not every day one undergoes such a transformation. The system has its way of pushing our limits, but remember, it's not just about the numbers or abilities. It's about how you utilize them. Almost everything in that list talks about increasing the body's utilization and skills. There's a reason for that. You can have a thousand in strength and still be outmuscled by someone with half that if you are not in control of your own body when you get chances, you need to take time and consolidate your gains. You have the meditation skill. That is a great way to start."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Sinclair ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply. "I know. It's just... it's a lot. I'm grateful for these enhancements, but it also makes me wonder about the challenges ahead. What does the system expect me to face if I'm equipped this way? I get the Myrkr challenge, but what else is there?"

Garret leaned back, her gaze steady. "The system is unpredictable, Sinclair. But one thing's for sure – it never makes things easy. You will get stronger and face bigger and worse threats. That seems to be your life now, but with these enhancements, you have an edge for now. You must never stop pushing. It seems unfair, but there will be a reason in the end. That might seem a little hand-wavey, but it's best to believe in something down the road, even if it's vague. It will make more sense when you get a solid goal and start working towards it."

Sinclair half-smiled, his anxiety slightly eased. "Thanks, Garrett. It's good to have allies. Now, let's strategize and see how best I can use these new abilities."

As Sinclair uttered those words, a message flashed across his vision: "Cultivation Core Initiated."

His world imploded into searing pain once more, as though a relentless whirlpool had suddenly formed within his stomach. He gasped, clutching his abdomen, and his gaze fell upon the intricate design that had appeared earlier, now radiating with a brilliant, star-like glow.

Startled and concerned, Garret swiftly rose from her seat, giving Sinclair some much-needed space. "Sinclair, what's happening?" she inquired, her voice filled with worry.

Unable to respond verbally, Sinclair frantically examined his system notification once more, his body wracked by the relentless waves of agony. He accessed a newly created tab labeled "Core." He found an image resembling himself, but this time with a crystalline structure within his abdominal region, approximately the size of a softball. From this central core, intricate pathways extended outward.

Light gradually traveled along these pathways, converging on small, radiant circles that dotted his body. Some were in his hands, others in his elbows, feet, and knees, and several more scattered across his chest. He realized that he couldn't fully discern all of them without assistance.

Sinclair gazed up at Garret, and her expression mirrored his evident distress. However, her concern offered no solace for the bewildering and unsettling experience unfolding within him.

His attention shifted to the page displaying the new core information, where a progress bar slowly inched toward 90%. As he watched, he noticed that tendrils of energy were gradually migrating toward his head.

When these tendrils reached his head, an abrupt and blinding sensation overtook him, causing his vision to fade momentarily. In less than two hours since his previous ordeal, Sinclair found himself succumbing to unconsciousness once again. He couldn't help but think that he needed to stop losing consciousness so frequently. It had to be bad for him.

Fortunately, this time, his unconsciousness was brief. In a matter of seconds, he was awake and standing upright. Astonishingly, the excruciating pain had vanished as if it had never existed.

Garret extended a helping hand as Sinclair sought a chair to sink into. He collapsed into it, his brow damp with sweat, and expressed his fatigue and unease. "I know you said I would like the changes, but I hope that is the last surprise. I am not sure I can take much more of this today."

Garret appeared flustered and offered an earnest apology. "Sinclair, I had no idea this would happen to you. Normally, when someone advances from F to E rank, there's a transformation process like what you just experienced. However, people don't typically allocate 108 points into their base attributes or undergo whatever just occurred to you with the glowing light."

Sinclair acknowledged her concern and requested a moment to examine the new core screen on his interface.

The screen displayed differently from the others. It lacked any interactive elements, and it initially showed 100%. As it faded, it revealed a list of locations on his body to the left, each with its progress bar. The familiar Vitruvian man outline was present again, but this time, the route through his body was highlighted, connecting everything—organs, bones, muscles, and more.

All the progress bars read 0% at the moment. Sinclair shared the screen with Garret, hoping she might have some insight. However, she could only shake her head, confessing her lack of knowledge. "We have no record of anyone ever having a Core. I am sorry, Sinclair, but I do not know what this is."

Sinclair contemplated his options momentarily and then spoke, "I have a skill I can use to find out. It will cost me 25% of my resources, so don't be alarmed if you see my health drop suddenly."

Sinclair activated his Huginn and Muninn skill and sent a query about the Core system. In return, he received a small mental note card that read, "I am coming—Odin."

Realizing that Odin was about to arrive, Sinclair instructed Garret to stay calm and informed her that someone was coming to explain. He barely had time to convey this before the gray-shrouded figure of Odin materialized before them. Odin gestured, summoning a chair next to him, and sat to face Sinclair directly. He shook his head in a somewhat disapproving manner.

"You can't stay out of trouble, can you? I just saw you a few minutes ago, and we're meeting again so soon. Show me what you have stumbled upon," Odin remarked. His gaze shifted to the screen displaying the Core system, and his expression hardened.

Sitting there in awe and trepidation, Garret remained as still as a statue, not daring to move or speak loudly, awaiting the verdict. She could feel waves of emotions rolling off the god, and this being his first time with someone with an aura so much stronger than hers, she was unsure how to act suddenly.

Odin calmly addressed Sinclair's concerns. "I come in person because I thought you had found a reference to the Core system that had not been removed during the System purges of it. But, I see now that was not the case," he explained, his tone serious.

Sinclair couldn't contain his frustration and ranted, "I didn't do this on purpose! I haven't done anything but try to survive. I can't help it because this System somehow has it out for me."

Odin took a deep breath and continued, "The Core system or cultivation methods was a feature the System has been trying to implement for a long time. It works sometimes, and others do not. It has killed almost everyone it has ever been placed in that wasn't specifically raised in that environment. The fact you are still alive is beyond measure and most likely due to the gifts or burdens you have been given. You are the luckiest person ever born in many known worlds."

Still skeptical, Sinclair responded, "I wouldn't call what I have been going through lucky. What do you mean specifically raised in that environment?"

Odin assured him, "Trust me, young one. It is lucky, as you should be dead dozens of times over."

"Do you know what it does? How does it work?"

Odin paused, his gaze steady as he chose his words carefully. "The System you know—the stats and skills you've gained—is just one aspect of a larger construct. This cultivation core is different. It was originally designed for those who walked an entirely separate path. You've unknowingly stepped into territory not meant to be shared with my people."

He folded his arms, his expression thoughtful. "A long time ago, on Midgard, outsiders from other realms established what you might call embassies. They traded with my people and brought their System interfaces. Inevitably, they began to intermarry and have children with my people. That's when things went wrong. The two systems clashed violently. Many died as the conflicting energies tore them apart."

Odin's tone hardened slightly, his voice carrying the weight of memory. "I had to forbid such unions to stop the bloodshed. But the damage was already done. Ever since, the system has been trying to adapt and blend the two elements, searching for ways to create stronger, more powerful beings. This cultivation core you have—it's a remnant of that process. The Architect must have seen and acted on an opportunity in your potential."

He rubbed his temples, a hint of weariness creeping into his features. "The System eventually stopped distributing this form of power because it killed more people than it helped. The incompatibility was too great. Even now, it's not intended for you, but here we are. For now, focus on channeling mana through your meridians. I remember enough to guide you."

Sinclair furrowed his brow, processing the revelation. "So, this cultivation core is another layer of power, separate from my stats and skills. And 'Stone' is just the starting phase?"

Odin nodded. "That's correct. The 'Stone' stage is only the beginning. Each meridian in your body must be charged 100%, one at a time. Once all are filled, the system will advance to the next tier. There are levels beyond this, though I must review ancient records to uncover their designations. It's been millennia since I've worked with this."

Sinclair looked down at his hands, a faint glow of mana sparking at his fingertips as he absorbed the instructions. "And this will work alongside my current power?"

"Yes," Odin replied firmly. "But be cautious. This isn't a well-trodden path—it's experimental, and we'll learn as we go." He gestured to Sinclair's legs. "Start by channeling mana through your leg's meridian toward the Gate in your foot. Once it's fully charged, it should enhance your speed. This process hasn't been used since I was a young god."

Odin's stern demeanor softened for a brief moment, and a rare smile crept onto his face. "It's been so long since I've had the chance to feel genuinely excited. Let's see how far you can take this."

According to the picture, Sinclair gazed down at where he thought his core was. Drawing inspiration from his world's cultivation stories, he willed his mana to flow through the meridian toward his foot. He spent several minutes fumbling with the energy.

Focusing on his belly, where the core was, he ran his 'hands' along it until he caught a tendril of power. Slowly pulling and guiding it, he attached it to the line in his body that headed toward his feet. Through an effort of pushing, pulling, and some coaxing, he felt it was making progress.

He could feel the energy sluggishly descending like a slow-moving river of Icy Hot being drawn down his leg until it reached the Gate.

As Sinclair watched, the Gate absorbed the mana, its purpose shrouded in mystery. He continued to feed it with more and more mana until he had depleted his entire reserve of 1900. Checking his progress, he found himself at only 3%. Frustration welled within him, and he turned to Odin, his voice laced with fatigue and impatience. "This is going to take forever!"

"Look again. Loop that energy back up to the core and finish the track now. It will make a complete route and automatically divest some of your mana towards the gate. You can set the rate; your willpower should be more than adequate to handle that automatically. This whole system depends on willpower to make it work adequately."

Sinclair nodded, absorbing Odin's instructions after slowly filling his mana and swallowing a mana potion. He focused on looping the energy back up through the meridian to complete the route, feeling the connection grow stronger. Following Odin's guidance, he sensed the mana flowing more smoothly, automatically diverting some toward the Gate.

Calculations swirled in his mind as he realized the magnitude of the task ahead. "A little over 60k mana to fill one gate, and there are 10 gates in total. If I dedicate my entire mana regeneration to one gate, I should be able to open it in 24 hours," Sinclair mused aloud. He performed a quick mental calculation, determining that it would take him ten days to evolve from stone to the next tier if each gate required a similar amount of mana.

"Ten days doesn't seem too long," he reassured himself.

Odin's words of comfort and encouragement put Sinclair at ease. "Thank you, Odin. I appreciate your help and guidance," Sinclair replied gratefully.

"Finish up here and then go and spend some time with your family, Sinclair. They worry about you, and I know you miss them as well. I'll send you whatever assistance I can when I can," Odin reassured him before vanishing and leaving the chair behind.

Sinclair turned to look at Garret, ready to tease him, only to be suddenly worried about her. She sat there with the most god-awful look of fear and surprise. He was afraid she would burst a blood vessel.

Garret slowly turned to Sinclair. "That was THE ODIN? And you invited him here with me completely unprepared!!"

Sinclair was initially surprised by Garret's reaction. Her fear and astonishment were evident, and he realized that perhaps inviting Odin without warning had been too casual. Her remark about inviting "THE ODIN" made him feel somewhat responsible.

He tried to defend his actions, holding his hands up defensively. "Hey, I had no more warning than you did. Odin has only shown up once before when summoned. Typically, he communicates through messages or visions or simply sends information to my screen. I didn't anticipate that it would be such a significant encounter."

Seeing how frazzled Garret was, Sinclair decided it might be best to give her some space. He watched as she took a long swig from her flask and another before putting it away in her storage device. It was clear that the unexpected visit had rattled her considerably.

"Alright, while you handle that situation, I'm heading back down the other tunnel. These changes have me brimming with energy, and I want to get home as soon as possible. Don't get me wrong, I like it here, but my people need me," Sinclair declared.

Garret simply waved her arm dismissively, her gaze fixed on the enigmatic chair.

Sinclair did not miss the opportunity to use Valkyrie's Gaze on the chair Odin had conjured and sat in.

New Item: Stormseat, Chair of the High Council (Divine)

Description: Summoned at Odin's command, the Stormseat is an artifact of immense power crafted for those who would rule with wisdom and might. Though not the All-Father's throne, it bears his blessing, resonating with the authority of leadership and the weight of responsibility. To sit upon it is to command the storms of fate, binding ruler and realm in an unbreakable pact. The chair amplifies the will of its occupant, strengthening their dominion and sharpening their vision, ensuring that no decision is made in blindness and no order is given without power.

Effects:

Odin's Aegis:

While seated, the ruler gains heightened awareness of their domain, sensing disturbances and threats within their lands.

Voice of Kings:

Enhances the effectiveness of commands, increasing loyalty and morale among allies by 20%.

Tyr's Judgment:

Strengthens diplomatic influence, making negotiations and rulings more impactful.

Unshaken Will:

Grants resistance to mental interference, ensuring clarity of thought and unwavering resolve in moments of crisis.

Battlelord's Mandate:

Once per day, the ruler may issue a decree that temporarily boosts allied combat effectiveness and coordination within their presence.

Note: Only those who bear the burden of true leadership may harness its full power. To sit without purpose is to be rejected by the chair itself.

Reading it as he was walking out of the tent, he promptly tripped and barely caught himself. He glanced back at Garret, who was still staring at it in a stupor. Would she see me right now if I took it? Damnit, stupid moral conduct piece of shit. Sighing, he turned away.

Shaking off these thoughts, Sinclair set off with Chewy and Leia in tow. He had already distributed his stat points to them using his new skill. As they ventured deeper into the tunnel, Sinclair couldn't help but wonder about the other new abilities he had acquired. According to his map, they still had nearly a mile of tunnel to traverse before encountering any intersections or uncertainties. With Chewy and Leia on alert, he could explore these newfound powers.

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