Heading down the dimly lit tunnel, Sinclair felt a surge of exhilaration. This time, his steps carried the weight of purpose and the electric anticipation of exploring his newly acquired skills. The looming battles ahead demanded preparation, and he was determined to master every tool.

No point in having skills if I can't use them effectively, he mused.

He activated the mental link with his companions. "Chewy, Leia, take positions and keep me updated if anything approaches or sneaks up on us. I need time to practice these skills before we encounter any threats. According to the map, we still have a fair distance before the first intersection."

Chewy turned his head slightly, his tail swishing in acknowledgment. "I'll take point and alert you to any changes ahead."

Leia chimed in, her tone calm but tinged with anticipation. "You may not realize this, but Chewy and I are nearing level 25. Once we hit it, we should be able to upgrade our race, linked as we are to you."

Sinclair's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That's incredible news! Let me know when you're ready to upgrade. I might not have the same tools others use, but we'll figure it out together."

Pride swelled in Sinclair's chest as he watched his companions move to their positions, their movements fluid and precise. Chewy's quiet strength and Leia's sharp intelligence were constants in his chaotic life, and he couldn't imagine this journey without them. Their loyalty and growth filled him with a sense of fulfillment, making all the trials worthwhile.

With his companions guarding the path, Sinclair pulled up his system screen and began reviewing his chosen new skills, mumbling observations under his breath. His sharp eyes darted across the descriptions, his mind racing with potential applications. The skills he had opted not to acquire also flickered in his memory, promising opportunities for future growth if he dedicated the effort.

The first skill he examined was straightforward. Ranged Weapons was less of an active ability and more of a passive proficiency. His accuracy improved with ranged weapons, bows, knives, hatchets, and javelins. Though simple, the skill had practical appeal. He thought that precision is everything when you only get one shot, nodding in approval.

Next was Trap Detection, a passive skill that immediately struck Sinclair as essential. The ability heightened his awareness of hidden dangers, providing an increase in spotting traps. Pretty straightforward, and not a lot to unpack there. It would have been really handy in that Kobold mine.

First Aid came next; what an incredibly boring name and description. They did not put any effort into common or uncommon skills. It didn't work like a potion, offering no instant health replenishment, but it could stop bleeding and speed up recovery. It was effective on himself and others, making it a valuable fallback in emergencies where potions or healers weren't available. He could see the moments where this skill might make all the difference between life and death.

For his Level 15 race choice, Sinclair had selected Fenrir's Bite, a skill he had been eager to test since acquiring it. Spotting a stalagmite nearby, he decided to experiment. Focusing the energy into his arm, he felt a surge of power ripple through him, the muscles tightening as if coiled for a devastating blow. In a swift motion, he struck downward, slicing cleanly through the three-foot rock. The severed top toppled over with a satisfying thud, leaving him momentarily awed by the sheer force of the skill.

As he studied the fractured stalagmite, another thought took hold. Garret's comment about fusing skills echoed in his mind. If Fenrir's Bite could be this potent on its own, what might happen if combined with Cleave? The possibilities were tantalizing, and Sinclair felt a surge of curiosity. Would the System allow it?

As if responding to his thoughts, a new message materialized before him:

Fusion Attempt Detected Skills: Fenrir's Bite + Cleave Synergy Percentage: 95% Would you like to proceed Yes/No?

Sinclair hesitated for only a moment before tapping "Yes." A sudden, strange sensation gripped him like an invisible hand reaching into his chest and pulling something loose. It wasn't painful, but it was intense enough to leave him breathless. In an instant, the feeling dissipated, replaced by the sound of a soft chime as a new screen appeared:

Skill Fusion is Successful!

New Skill: Hel's Wrath

Skill: Hel's Wrath (Rare)

Description: Born of Helheim's searing judgment, this skill fuses the fury of blade and flame into a single, devastating assault. When Hel's Wrath is unleashed, the wielder becomes a conduit of ruin, each swing engulfed in pale blue fire that devours flesh and soul alike. As the ground scorches and the air warps, enemies are left to face the same merciless fate as those who dwell in Hel's realm: silence, flame, and ash.

Effects:

Cleave of the Forgotten:

Unleashes a wide arc of fire-infused damage, striking all enemies in range with additional flame burst.

Ashen Vengeance:

Critical strikes during Hel's Wrath gain +20% damage and leave spectral scorch marks, further weakening enemy defenses for 6 seconds.

Embers of Helheim:

Enemies struck are set ablaze, taking moderate fire damage over 8 seconds. The burning cannot be cleansed for the first 3 seconds.

He noticed that the skill retained its previous level of 17, which was an exciting development. With a smile, he decided to move on to the next new skill, planning to check for compatibility after gaining a better understanding of each skill's properties.

However, before proceeding further, Sinclair signaled to Chewy and Leia, warning them not to be startled by the upcoming noise. He targeted a nearby stalactite and triggered Hel's Wrath, swinging his weapon lazily at the stone. A line of fire sharp as a razor whipped forward from the end of his axe, the after snaps and cracks of fire popping into existence in the trail of that swing took him off guard. He now had some area of effect with the weapon. He wondered what would happen if he triggered it and then threw the weapon. Something to test in a non-life-threatening situation, he chuckled.

Focusing on the stone again, to his surprise, the stone didn't crack or split in two dramatically, as it might in an anime; instead, it vaporized into small chunks of sand and stone. Stone dust drifted lazily through the air as Sinclair stood there, observing the remnants of fire dissipating from his axe head.

Sinclair turned his attention to the next skill on his list: Telekinesis. This particular skill intrigued him greatly, as it allowed him to manipulate objects with the power of his mind. After some testing, he found that the cost was manageable, at 10 mana per second, contingent upon the relative difficulty of the object. He tried to pick Leia and Chewy up after warning them but couldn't manage to even budge them. That could have been beneficial; he thought to himself as he tried using it on everything he could see.

Walking down the tunnel, he spotted a small rock on the path, which he picked up. Concentrating on the stone in his palm, he activated the Telekinesis skill, intending to make the rock levitate. It shook at first, displaying his initial struggles, but with determination, it gradually lifted off his hand to hover in front of him as he continued walking. Sinclair split his focus, remaining vigilant to his surroundings to avoid tripping or coming to a halt. He studied the rock's movements, practicing to improve his control over it. After about 20 minutes of dedicated practice, he had mastered the skill to a considerable extent. It was very similar to flying a drone. Something he was very familiar with.

Treating the levitating rock like a drone became almost instinctual to him. He gained seven levels of skill rapidly due to his prior knowledge and enhanced skill growth. Additionally, he discovered that if he directed the telekinetic force away from himself, it would emit a loud whistle followed by an increasing whine until it impacted a wall, leaving a deep gouge. Sinclair made a mental note to inquire about obtaining some ball bearings that he could keep in a bag for potential use with this skill.

Moving back to the list of skills, he pulled up Sunder. Its very name carried a sense of power and destruction. What fascinated him most was its ability to exert control over the battlefield in front of him. When activated, Sunder could inflict stunning or slowing debuffs on anyone caught within its blast range. However, as he gazed skeptically around the confined cave system, he decided it might be wise to save the explosive power of this skill for the open outdoors, where there weren't millions of tons of rock hanging above him.

Sinclair had reviewed all of his race skills and decided that he had a couple he wanted to look into fusing. However, before delving into that, he wanted to thoroughly explore his four new class skills. It was worth noting that he technically had five, including Visage of the Wolf, but he had used that one for so long that it didn't require a detailed review. The four new class skills he was eager to examine were Tempest, Blood Howl, Hel's Rebirth, and Soulforge Blessing.

"Okay, so anyone affected by Blood Howl will focus solely on me, completely ignoring the others. That's 1 point to synergy with Wild Shout and Taunt," he mused. I have to make sure to ask the others if they are getting similar skills like this. Seems kind of off somehow.

"As long as I kill anyone under the effect, I get the blood or HP back to fuel that part of the spell. Seems expensive but has a decent payoff. I wish it had told me how much it cost to use. Going to be slowly testing that one, hopefully," he pondered.

He paused for a moment, contemplating the advantages and disadvantages of employing the skill in his upcoming confrontation. It was undeniably an astonishing ability, and he held hope that it might meld seamlessly with Wild Shout. There was no need for redundant skills that performed similar functions, he reasoned.

Turning his attention to the next skill, it seemed rather self-explanatory at first glance, a boost to his healing speed. However, as he accessed the skill's details, he discovered that it was more intricate than it initially appeared.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Skill: Hel's Rebirth (Rare)

Description: Drawing from the shadowy depths of Helheim, Hel's Rebirth grants the user an unearthly resilience, channeling the dark vitality of the underworld to mend wounds and fortify the body. Each injury suffered awakens this grim energy, healing the user while leaving behind scars that harden their form and strengthen their resolve. This is not mere recovery, it is transformation, as the user becomes a living testament to survival, forged anew with each battle endured.

Effects:

Regenerates health equal to 10% of maximum health over 5 seconds after taking significant damage

Each healed wound increases physical resistance by 2% for the duration of the encounter (stacks up to 10%).

Grants a permanent +1% to endurance for every five critical near-death experiences endured (maximum cap per level).

Walking alone in the dimly lit tunnel, he began to mentally review the intricacies of Hel's Rebirth, talking softly to himself as he processed the information.

"Okay, let's break this down," he mused, glancing at his hands. "First, it is weird how I keep seeing her name on my skill lists. I will need to bring that up with Odi,n possibly. But the benefit is that my healing rate should go up. Basically, I patch up faster than usual." He flexed his hand, the memory of past skirmishes bringing a hint of a smile to his face.

He continued, "Next is the whole enhanced body and spirit as I heal. Not going to complain about that. As I heal, the tissues that come back are somehow superior. They go through a refinement of sorts. So, over time, I'm essentially becoming harder to injure."

Pausing for a moment, he chuckled to himself, "Every scar, every wound, just another upgrade, huh?"

The tunnel stretched on, narrow and damp, with the walls slowly shifting from stone to something more worked, crude bricks carved from deep slate, the scent of age and rot clinging to every surface. Chewy padded just ahead, nose low, while Leia stalked behind with quiet vigilance.

Sinclair's boots crunched against gravel as he moved, mind drifting while his body stayed alert. As he scanned his interface for something to focus on, a familiar pair of skills caught his attention: Leap and Focused Charge. He had used them together enough times that it was practically muscle memory. One got him airborne, the other launched him like a spear.

"Wonder if the system picked up on that," he muttered.

Almost on cue, a soft pulse blinked at the top of his vision.

Fusion Attempt Detected

Skills: Focused Charge + Leap

Synergy Percentage: 87%

Would you like to proceed? Yes/No

Sinclair arched a brow. "Huh. That's not a bad chance. One less thing to toggle between, too."

He selected Yes.

A surge of mana curled through his limbs, tight, hot, and then gone. Both skill icons vanished from his list, replaced by one new name pulsing with latent energy.

New Skill: Storm Strider(Rare)

Level: 17

Description: Infused with the speed of Sleipnir and the fury of thunder beneath Mjolnir's fall, Storm Strider is the embodiment of divine motion turned to war. The bearer becomes a blur across battlefield and sky, leaping with the might of Odin's steed and striking like a fragment of the storm god's will. Where your feet touch, the ground quakes. Where your shadow lingers, confusion follows. Born of two paths—one soaring, one surging—this skill binds them into a single force of motion and impact.

Effects:

Skyburst Dash:

Channel the swiftness of Sleipnir to leap or dash up to 20 yards in a chosen direction, maintaining partial control mid-flight.

Veil of the Valkyrie:

Leave behind a shimmering afterimage for 3 seconds. This phantom draws attention and causes minor disorientation in foes attempting to target you.

Stormstep Impact:

Land with the weight of a falling rune-stone, dealing minor area damage and staggering enemies in a 3-yard radius upon full-speed impact.

Cooldown: 6 seconds

"Nice," he murmured, flicking the window closed.

Chewy, he thought, next time we hit something, remind me to try this out.

Leia's tail flicked, amused. Or just use it on something first and let us guess what you did.

Sinclair smirked and kept walking.

Examining his final skill, Soulforge Blessing, he had a solid grasp of its mechanics, especially since he had already put it to use. His plan was straightforward: he would continue bestowing the constitution boost upon Chewy and Leia daily until circumstances dictated otherwise. The thought of them being hardier and more resilient brought him immense relief, knowing that they would be better equipped to endure the challenges that lay ahead.

Sinclair excitedly shared the details of his Soulforge Blessing ability with Chewy and Leia through their mental link.

"Hey, Chewy, Leia, listen to this," he began. "Soulforge Blessing comes with some fantastic features. As we already know, it lets me share 50% of one of my stats with both of you. The best part is, it doesn't reduce my own stat; instead, it replicates half of it for your benefit."

"It is really nice to have this much extra health," Chewy commented.

Sinclair continued in his best salesman voice, "But wait, there's more! The shared stat boost remains active for a full 24 hours. During that time, you'll both enjoy the benefits of the increased stat."

Leia's tail wagged with excitement while Chewy nodded in agreement. He couldn't see them specifically, but he could tell they were doing the actions somehow.

"And here's the icing on the cake," Sinclair added with a grin. "Every time I use SoulForge Blessing, it reinforces our bond, potentially making the benefits even stronger for future activations."

Chewy and Leia seemed to understand the significance of this. They were already close companions, and the idea of strengthening their connection excited them.

"But," Sinclair cautioned, "there's a catch. I can only change the chosen stat once every 24 hours. Once it's selected and shared, it goes on cooldown until a full day has passed."

"I am almost done, and then we can join the backup. I want to see what skills I can fuse together." Sinclair spoke across their link one more time, getting mental nudges of understanding.

Sinclair took a deep breath, his excitement palpable as he rubbed his hands together and stared at the wall of text that had become his skill list. The successful fusion of Cleave and Fenrir's Bite had been a promising start. Now, he contemplated the combination of Pain Tolerance and Punching Bag, both aimed at toughening him up. He wondered if these two skills could be melded into something even more formidable. As he pondered, a prompt appeared, offering him the option to fuse the skills. This time, the synergy percentage was lower at only 55 percent, but without any penalties for failure, he decided to give it a try and selected "yes" just as he had done previously.

However, the next skill presented a challenge. It failed to combine, and no reason was provided. The option to fuse them was now grayed out with a 24-hour cooldown timer next to it. Sinclair realized that he would have to wait a day before attempting that fusion again.

Frustration welled up within him as he checked his skill screen once more, noticing that those two skills were grayed out, rendering him temporarily without their beneficial effects just before heading into another battle. It was stupid, in hindsight, to try and do this while on the path to a bigger fight. With such a low synergy, it made sense why it failed. He would only be doing them in the future if they had 80% or higher. He figured his luck could make up the difference.

Sinclair couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret as he realized that there was indeed a penalty for failing a skill fusion. It would have been helpful to have known this beforehand, but he made a mental note to be more cautious in the future. With a sigh, he moved on to the next set of skills he wanted to investigate: Wild Shout, Taunt, and Blood Howl. These skills were quite similar in nature, and Sinclair hoped that the system would agree. The synergy between them was calculated at 93 percent.

Holding his breath, Sinclair initiated the fusion process and received a successful message a few moments later. Eager to see the result, he quickly accessed the new skill. It was noticeable that he only gained 10 levels in this merger, which made him wonder if the lower synergy would consume more levels to bridge the gap.

New Skill: Primal Resonance (Legendary)

Description: This devastating cry blends the disruptive force of Wild Shout with the blood-bound malice of Blood Howl, echoing the legendary war cries that once shook Midgard. Enemies caught within the roar's range are stripped of their defenses and drained of their fighting spirit, leaving them vulnerable to the caster's wrath. However, this immense power comes at a cost, drawing upon both mana and life force. True to the warriors who sought favor from the gods, the user's vitality is restored upon victory, ensuring the roar's sacrifice is not in vain.

Effects:

Reduces the physical and magical defenses of enemies within a 25-foot radius by 20% for 10 seconds.

Decreases enemy attack speed by 15% for the duration.

Consumes 15% of the user's current health upon activation.

Restores sacrificed health and grant an additional 10% health recovery if the battle ends in victory.

He had one more set to look at. Tempest and Rage of the Berserkir. Berserkir was basically an action that happened when he triggered Tempest, according to the descriptions. Both skills focus on enhancing speed, "Tempest" in terms of movement and agility, and Berserkir concerning attack speed. Using them in conjunction could make the user a blur on the battlefield, moving and attacking at rates that would be hard for enemies to predict or counter. Might as well see if they could combine.

Synergy was in the 90's again. Holding his breath and crossing his fingers on one hand, trying to invoke his luck if that was at all possible, he proceeded with the combination. Looking at the new screen, he was not dissatisfied with the results. He did lose 5 of the 15 levels in Berserkir, but it looked worth it.

New Skill: Fenrir's Fury (Legendary)

Description: Channeling the unbridled ferocity and speed of Fenrir, the monstrous wolf of Norse legend, Fenrir's Fury transforms the user into a blur of relentless combat. This skill heightens both movement and attack speed, enabling the user to dart through the battlefield with the agility and ferocity of the great wolf, delivering rapid and devastating blows to all who stand in their path. However, this unparalleled power comes at a cost, as the incredible speed rapidly depletes stamina, demanding precise and strategic use.

Effects:

Increases movement speed by 40% and attack speed by 30% for 12 seconds.

Each attack reduces stamina by an additional 10% while the skill is active.

Critical hit chance increased by 15% against targets below 50% health.

Cooldown: 2 minutes

As he delved into the specifics of the Fenrir's Fury skill, he activated it to test it. Dashing forward to cut cleanly through a half dozen scattered stalactite columns. He had stopped moving before the first one even hit the floor. Looking back, his eyebrows raised; he was impressed with the skill.

In the right situation, I could lay down a rapid succession of strikes before they even know what hit them." A hint of caution crept into his thoughts as he continued, "But there's a catch. The skill drains stamina at an alarming rate. I'd have to be cautious not to overexert myself. Using Fenrir's Fury won't be as straightforward as it seems; it requires careful strategy to ensure I don't leave myself exposed."

Settling his shoulders and feeling more confident about his new skills and their potential, Sinclair called Chewy and Leia back to him. A turnoff was approaching in a quarter mile, and Sinclair wanted to ensure they were together. With determination in his heart, they moved forward, prepared to confront the monsters that awaited them in the underground labyrinth they called a mine.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.