After finishing explaining to Lorna and Lythonian, SJ wasn't sure if she had really given it the justification it possibly required. She hadn't gone into a full explanation about the system interference, but had stated that she was the sibling of an ancient gila beast, which she couldn't even explain in simple terms and that she had borrowed Fas's skill to transform into the being she now was.
The description she had given of the oasis and the changes that Aletheia had brought to it had them show scepticism until Aletheia had walked over to a moss-covered wall and placed her hand on it. When she had removed her hand, it glowed brilliantly, its luminescence flooding the cave with its green light. That had in part secured her rather obscure and miraculous tale.
'Okay. Time to go,' SJ thought.
"You aren't going anywhere until you level up," Dave screamed, making SJ flinch. "Listen to my words again. Level up. I was hoping for it to be a surprise for you, but since you haven't bothered even looking at your notifications, I can't hold out any longer," huffing as he finished.
SJ had been deliberately ignoring her notifications until now, and she opened them, reading through the latest updates. Her log was filled with all the combat situations that she had been involved in, but that wasn't the surprising part. The surprise was the single entry line, which made her knees suddenly go very weak.
System Notification
Due to the incorrect attribution of dissolution, your previous experience gains have been tripled.
SJ stood in amazement. Her mind was completely lost as she reread the statement.
Previous experience gains, there had been no caveat over time. SJ had assumed it would only relate to the kills she had made during her glitched interface, and as she read her level notifications, she couldn't believe what she was reading.
All her previous gains prior to the dissolution had been tripled. Not just those from the recent attacks, but everything. With her accredited boost for reputation in Killic alone, the kills from the enemies she had dispatched had already mounted up to a significant amount of experience, but then, with tripling her total. Her legs gave way as she sat down heavily. Fas, on seeing her drop, hurried to her side.
"Are you okay?"
SJ stared blankly ahead at her display, her eyes unfocused on the world around her. Eventually, she gathered herself enough to reply.
"Erm... I'm more than okay!"
"What's happened?" Fas asked, concerned.
"I'm not sure I can fully explain, but I have levelled up."
Frowning, Fas stared at her. "And why such a reaction?"
"No, when I say I have levelled up. I mean, I have levelled up!"
"You're still not making sense."
"I have gained six levels."
"What in Amathera are you talking about? We were only discussing a new skill due to a level gain before we left for the desert. It's impossible to have gained levels so quickly?"
"Well, I have," SJ replied bluntly.
Fas shook his head, murmuring under his breath. "I now know why Bob was so interested in you."
After reviewing the details from her mad fury of killing in Killic, she had killed a total of fifteen alongside Kibble and then the draconian since. The level variance between her and some of the targets, alongside critical hit awards and her reputation, netted a total of 21,400 experience. This, then, added to her previous total, would have meant that she had already reached level 23. Considering her total earned experience since arriving in Amathera of 99,915, she had now earned a total of 121,315 experience.
It was this figure that had been tripled. In total, she now had 363,945 experience, which took her from level 22 directly to level 28 and was only just short of reaching level 29, requiring a further 4180 experience. SJ knew she could gain that from a couple of kills, all being well, with the right targets.
"Now do you realise why I kept mentioning it?" Dave chuckled.
'I thought...' SJ thought. 'I don't know what I thought.'
"I know what you thought you thought, but it wasn't what you thought," Dave said happily.
'You could have just told me. This is a bit of a shock.'
"Yes, but a good shock," Dave giggled.
It was at that moment that she realised what her new level meant. She was now nearly at level 30, and with what was to come, she doubted it would take her too long to reach. Again, focusing on her display, she checked her experience once more before triggering the level gains. The automatic levelling had reset due to a system glitch, and as she did, her display flooded with more notifications.
Congratulations on reaching Level 23
You have been awarded the following:
+2 Dexterity
+3 free points to distribute as you wish
+1 skill point
Congratulations on reaching Level 24
You have been awarded the following:
+2 Dexterity
+3 free points to distribute as you wish
+1 skill point
As the updates continued.
Once everything had stopped, she looked at her details again. SJ had gained a further 12 dexterity and now had 18 points to distribute along with six new skill levels to choose from. The gains were massive, way beyond what she would have ever expected, and Dave let out a deep sigh of satisfaction as he spoke.
"You are going to be one powerful enemy now. Let's get down to business and decide where everything is going."
SJ's base attribute stats were currently:
Strength 12
Dexterity 53
Intelligence 30
Wisdom 13
Constitution 25
Charisma 16
With eighteen points to split across them, she decided to increase her Constitution to thirty, then rounded her Wisdom and Charisma to twenty before adding the final two points into her Strength.
She accepted the changes, just as Dave went to warn her.
"Not all at..."
That was the last SJ heard as she fell unconscious.
SJ didn't know how long she had been unconscious when she felt the warm touch of a palm against her face. Blearily, she opened her eyes and, as they regained focus, saw the calm and passive face of Aletheia looking down on her.
"You need to be more careful next time," Aletheia said, removing her palm and standing again. SJ realised she was lying flat on her back with her head propped up.
"What was that?" Fas asked, concerned.
SJ tilted her head to realise that her head was resting on Fas's lap. Lorna, Lythonian and Zej were all crouched around her.
"I think I added my attributes too quickly," SJ groaned.
"One second you were there, the next you just went limp."
"I did try to warn you," Dave said.
'Try warning me early next time,' SJ sighed, as she slowly pushed herself up. In doing so, she realised she felt different. Her muscles had never been bulky, and they still weren't, not with her frame and shape, but she could feel the additional strength from the two points, and also noticed that with the additional bonuses, she now had an extra inventory slot open. The boost in constitution was considerable, though, as she looked at her new hit points total. Her base was now 186, and with the Soul Stone, it sat at 177; that was a thirty-point gain. Her mana had undergone another increase with the additional Wisdom, although the mana wasn't her reason; it was the ability to counter others trying to use their abilities on her that was the main reason for increasing it.
"What did you do? You're glowing," Lorna asked once SJ was sitting.
"I gained some levels and assigned my points," SJ said.
"Some levels? How many exactly? I've never seen that effect before on anyone."
"Erm... six," SJ replied nervously.
Her surrounding friends, apart from Fas, all gasped.
"Why have you waited so long to level?" Zej asked.
Zej's question was a good excuse not to have to explain what exactly had happened. "I hadn't considered them for a while, that's all."
Zej frowned with scepticism. "I think there is more to that than what you're saying. You hadn't long since reached twenty when the borders opened. How have you gained a further six levels?"
SJ didn't know what to say in response; all those around her fell under Haber's oath, apart from Fas, who was directly tied to her through guardianship, but could she really start explaining to them what had happened to her? Telling Zigferd the whole truth had been one thing, but sharing it with her wider friendship group was another.
"Now's as good a time as any," Dave said.
The cavern was large, but SJ didn't wish to divulge her secrets amongst the other guards, many of whom were sitting looking over in her direction.
"Can we go outside? I could do with some fresh air," SJ said.
Fas stood and offered her his hand. She didn't need help and sprang to her feet easily. He raised his eyebrow in appreciation as she hopped up from where she was sitting. The increase once again in her Dexterity improved her agility and flexibility to almost insane levels. SJ noticed Aletheia had walked over to another area in the cavern where moss grew and could hear her muttering as she placed her hand on it, stroking it fondly. It looked like she would be busy for a while.
"Let's go, and I will let you know what's been happening," SJ said as she moved to the fissure.
"Darren's going to be annoyed he wasn't here to hear that," Lorna said after she had updated everyone on what had happened and everything else surrounding her. The reactions had been similar to Zigferd, although Lythonian did perform a holy symbol with his hands on several occasions as she divulged everything. Then the questions started, which were even more intrusive. Zigferd had in many ways just accepted her explanation, but her other friends with her now wanted answers. The only one who had remained virtually silent was Fas, as he had just smiled when she had mentioned everything. He looked very happy about the news.
"Thank you, all of you, for understanding," SJ said after the inquisition finished.
"I'd better get back inside and check on Aletheia," Fas added.
"No. We have work to do. Lythonian, you seem to get on with her. Would you be okay looking after her?"
Lythonian smiled. "Of course, she intrigues me."
"Great. Then Fas and I will head off," SJ said.
Once the others had returned inside the mine, SJ turned to Fas.
"I just need to finish updating my skills, and then we can go. I want to kill as many of the hostiles as I can."
"You are determined, aren't you?"
"Yes. They have terrorised the town for long enough. I want to terrorise them more than I have already."
The fresh air and gentle breeze felt pleasant against SJ's skin as she opened her display again and looked through her skills. She had a choice to make now. With six new skill choices to level, she could make some significant changes. Since the enemy was now inside the town, her subterfuge and shadow discipline skills could now be utilised, and with her base damage already being so high, she was leaning away from selecting further damage. She could choose her martial arts skills, but they naturally progressed, as did her most recent skill, Charm, which, since acquiring, had already reached level 2. That left her with her Advanced Identification, Shroud or Shadow Step skills.
Without hesitating, she added two points to her Shroud skill, which took it to level ten. This would now provide her with five minutes of reduced damage, which, against high-level opponents, was a significant help. Even though there had been very few situations where a fight had lasted anywhere near five minutes, it would give her an added level of defensive security. As she confirmed the selection, her display triggered.
Congratulations! You have opened up the advanced branch of Shroud. You may now choose one of the following options.
Phantom Shroud
On activation, the phantom will leave a projection of your former self as you jump to a location up to twenty feet from your opponent. This skill is a single-level skill that can't be increased. It will give you the advantage of confusion, as the enemy will continue to believe you are still in the exact location for six seconds. Great for escaping dangerous situations or getting the upper hand. Cooldown 5 minutes. (This skill may be used in conjunction with Shadow Step)
Reflective Shroud
Rather than just giving you the ability to reduce damage with your shroud skill, you may now reflect the initial damage taken back against your opponent as though they were striking themselves. This skill may be levelled up to a maximum of level 5, when 50% of damage will be reflected while your shroud skill is active.
Strategic Shroud
Your shroud skill, while active, charges your strategic shroud. This can be a tactician's dream, as once the skill is charged, the stored damage can be released as an energy force. This is a tactical skill which, when the stored energy is released, will affect all beings within a four-foot radius, pushing them away from you. Trapped and with nowhere to go while surrounded by enemies? Trigger your strategic shroud to give yourself an opening. This skill is a single-level skill that can't be increased. This skill may be activated every minute while your shroud skill is active.
The three listed skills were unbelievable, and SJ was struggling to decide. They all offered specific boosts that could turn a fight in her favour.
"Phantom," Dave said emphatically.
'Why?' SJ thought.
"You're an assassin. Of all the choices that one gives you, the clearest escape route is through distraction, especially since it is also aligned with Shadow Step. You will be able to step much further and escape when needed from most situations. It also isn't restricted by shadow, meaning you can use it on the brightest of days and step behind an opponent."
It made sense, but she really liked the other two skills as well.
'Will I be able to select them again in the future?'
"No. One-off selection. Although the others may look good for now with your current circumstances, think long game," Dave said.
SJ couldn't disagree; hopefully, in the future, she would only be fighting specific designated targets for assassination, not free-wheeling as she would be against larger numbers of hostiles.
'Okay,' SJ agreed, selecting the skill. 'Now what do I spend the next four points on?'
"Well, you know the benefits that Advanced Identification would bring you as it progresses. It's whether or not you wish to reap more benefits from Shadow Step. Tactically Advanced Identification is hugely beneficial as it gives you basically every detail of your enemy, similar to how your character sheet looks. However, Shadow Step would help with manoeuvrability in and around the town."
'I would love to reach level ten in Advanced, but am considering Shadow Step.'
"At level five, Shadow Step offers you a new Shadow Discipline skill."
That made SJ's mind up, and she added three further points in Shadow Step, taking it to five.
Congratulations! You have opened up a secondary skill choice for Shadow Discipline. You may now choose one of the following options.
The list gave her ten skill choices, which was much more than she had been presented with before for her other skills.
'There are a lot of choices,' SJ thought.
"Yes, there is. It's a very diverse discipline."
SJ wished Dave had been this forthcoming when they had first met about her initial skill choices. Then again, she hadn't fared too poorly so far. The skills listed were Umbral Cloak, Phantom Parry, Night Shade, Dusk Veil, Eclipse Step, Gloom Anchor, Silent Fade, Mirage, Void Grasp, and Blackout.
After reading the skill descriptions, they seemed to cover various areas from sensory manipulation, spatial ambiguity, control, deflection and darkness. Considering her other skills, which she already had, she decided to choose Void Grasp as her next skill.
Void Grasp
A target is immobilised for three seconds at level one. This will increase by a further half a second per level gained until level ten, when your opponent will remain immobilised for ten seconds.
Being able to immobilise a target would be hugely beneficial, assisting with her ability to escape and evade if necessary, or even perform a killing blow during an assassination attempt. Possibly even a failed assassination attempt, if her initial strike failed to do its job. Fights were decided in the beat of a heart after all, and it seemed overpowered.
"Is Void Grasp a usual skill that many get?" SJ asked Fas.
"Some do. I never bothered personally."
"It seems like you make your opponent defenceless, allowing you to kill them easily," SJ frowned.
"Unless they aren't affected," Fas shrugged.
"Sorry?"
"Any skill directly impacting a being like that can potentially have no effect."
"Oh," SJ said.
"Don't worry," Dave said. "I wouldn't have let you choose it if I thought it would be an issue. You have to remember that your base attributes are much higher than most, and your activation skill for Void Grasp is based on exceedingly complex calculations due to Intelligence and Wisdom. Your Intelligence has just been increased to thirty, remember, and you have always focused on adding points to Wisdom, so you have a huge advantage over the majority of targets you will ever face."
'Dave, when we are discussing things and you can see me deciding on things, please, please, give me all the details.' SJ said, accepting the changes, and then adding her one remaining point into Void Grasp. With the additional two new skills, it had actually equated to eight skill levels being gained.
"I will, sorry," Dave cheerily replied. "Right now, all that's done, can we get to killing things?"
"Are you good to go?" SJ asked Fas.
"Yes, I'll transform and fly over. Where did you want to..."
Fas stopped speaking as they heard movement in the forest. In a moment, he had stepped into the shadows of a nearby tree, and SJ shrank, moving behind a loose boulder. Whatever made the sound didn't seem to care as it crashed through the trees. That was until one of the scouting party appeared running towards the mine entrance. SJ grew as he approached, making the guard come to a gasping halt.
"What's wrong?" SJ asked.
"There's a damn wyvern near the river. It's resting on the shore on this side."
SJ had forgotten about the wyvern. "Ah. I had hoped it would go over the waterfall," SJ said.
"You knew it was there?" the scout replied.
"Yes, and no. It was floating across the lake. I was hoping the current towards the fall would drag it over."
"Well, it didn't, and it's literally on the shore on our side. Darren asked me to come back to inform the lieutenant."
"What's he doing about it?"
"Nothing. He thinks it's a perfect deterrent to the enemy. He said it will make it even harder for them to consider crossing the river."
The manner in which the event had turned out couldn't have worked out better, and SJ smiled ruefully. "That's good to hear."
"I'd better see the lieutenant," the scout said, hurrying off.
As the scout disappeared, Fas walked back towards SJ. "A wyvern?"
SJ hadn't even informed any of them about the wyvern and the five hatchlings. She rubbed her forehead.
"Yeah," she said as she explained to Fas what had happened.
