All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Isekai Adventure)

Justin awoke still tired, but that changed in an instant when he heard the Voice in his mind.

[You have reached Level 4. Your charm and wit mark you as a rising star on the grand stage of life. With your growing mastery of presence, there is no telling how far you might ascend.]

Justin felt the inspiration of those words, despite the dangers he knew lay ahead.

[You have one attribute point to distribute.]

Justin, at least this time, felt no temptation to put the point elsewhere. He locked it into Charisma.

[Your Charisma is now 15.]

Justin nodded, satisfied. Now it was time to unlock his next ability.

[As a Level 4 Socialite, you have unlocked your next boon. Choose wisely—there is no going back.]

Justin checked out both options that were presented to him.

Basic Cane Proficiency: With a touch of flair, you wield your cane as more than a mere accessory. Unlock basic techniques, allowing you to defend yourself with poise and fend off minor threats with confidence.

Effortless Eloquence: Whether in a ballroom or a battlefield, your wit never falters. The perfect phrase springs to your lips just when it is needed most, turning conversations into opportunities and obstacles into stepping stones.

Justin stared at the two options hovering in his interface.

On the surface, Effortless Eloquence was the obvious choice. It was flashy, undeniably in line with his Socialite roots, and promised an edge in any social encounter. And in a world where the wrong word could get you killed, a little extra social grace never hurt.

But as he mulled it over, a seed of doubt crept in. How would Effortless Eloquence hold up when steel was drawn and the time for clever quips gave way to the brutal reality of combat? Justin found himself in that situation right now.

Then there was Basic Cane Proficiency. The description sounded more like something a fencing instructor would teach to an amateur on their first day. Couldn't he just learn that on his own with the right teacher?

But the practicality was undeniable. Eyrth was a dangerous world. His cane had been his lifeline a few times already, and he had only just acquired it. And the boon would improve itself every four levels, allowing him to skip the hassle of training. Once he made it to Level 20, it stood to reason that he might be a master of cane combat without ever putting in an hour of practice.

This boon promised to shore up a glaring weakness. His cane wasn't just a weapon; it was a part of his image, his style. If he was going to carry it, he might as well wield it with confidence.

Justin exhaled slowly, the decision settling in his chest. "Sometimes, a gentleman has to get his hands dirty."

[You have chosen Basic Cane Proficiency. A Socialite's weapon is an extension of himself: elegant, versatile, and always ready. Your cane is no longer a prop—it is a promise.]

As Justin felt the Voice depart, he summoned his character screen to see how close he was to Level 5 and his next skill.

Justin Talemaker

Class: Socialite

Level: 4

Experience to Level 5: 839/420 (Level-up available!)

Justin closed the interface. Now, he knew exactly what Eldrin meant when he said the first level-ups came quickly.

Assuming Justin could keep himself alive, he would reach Level 5 and even Level 6 in no time at all.

Justin rolled over to find that Lila was also waking up. No doubt, she was Level 4 too.

"Coordination again?" Justin asked.

She shook her head. "Endurance, this time."

"Whoa. Don't go too crazy!"

"This Vault has me scared," she said. "Please tell me you put your point in Power or Endurance this time."

Justin felt unsure of himself for a moment. He'd locked it into Charisma without hesitation, but maybe Lila was right. They had a Level 13 Vault ahead of them, after all.

"Charisma," he admitted. "I just can't help myself."

"You're going to get yourself killed. Plus, Endurance will make travel easier. I can carry more stuff now!"

"Great! Would you mind taking the cookpot for me?"

"Ha. Hilarious, Justin."

"Did you get a new boon?"

Lila nodded. "It's called Harmonic Amplification. It doubles the buff of my Bardic Inspiration."

"Wow. So +4 to any attribute?"

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She nodded. "That's right. Should come in handy, right? Though I'm not sure Alistair will want me to belt out a song in a quiet crypt…"

Justin chuckled at the image of it. "Speaking of…where is Alistair?"

"Checking out the Vault. I think they want to get started."

"It's decided, then?"

"Seems like it. All out of options."

Justin supposed that much was true.

He and Lila ate quickly, also packing the supplies the monks must have dropped off. That Justin hadn't even noticed their coming only spoke to his exhaustion.

Once packed, they headed through the chapel, which was still unnerving, even with Alistair's light spell he'd set to float in the nave. He wondered if the rate of deterioration had been hastened by the proximity of the Vault. Four months couldn't make things look this bad.

Justin and Lila went down the steps, finding both the Paladin and the Ranger just a few feet away from the Vault entrance. Both of their expressions were quite severe, more so than Justin would have expected, even given the situation.

"Is something wrong?" Justin asked.

The two exchanged a glance before Eldrin addressed Justin. "It would be easier if you just examined the Vault yourself."

Justin and Lila looked at each other before approaching. As soon as Justin did so, the Vault description appeared before him.

Vault Discovered: The Crypt of King Alaric

Recommended Party Level: 15

Average Party Level: 10.75

Risk Level: Extremely Dangerous! Your party is significantly below the recommended level. Catastrophic consequences, including severe injury or death, are highly probable. Proceed with extreme caution!

Description: The Crypt of the High King Alaric, within the famous and beautiful Catacombs of Highcliff, has been corrupted by the dark rituals of the Cult of Morvath, the God of Death.

Once a place of rest for the beloved King, a renowned and powerful White Wizard, the crypt has become a haven for death and darkness. The cultists have raised the venerated dead with necromantic magic while twisting King Alaric's spirit toward unwholesome ends.

To clear this Vault, you must defeat the Cultists, allowing the King's spirit to rest easy. The challenges within will test your resolve to confront your deepest fears and the vilest sorcery.

Rewards Upon Completion:

Experience: Scaled to each party member's level and individual contributions.

Guaranteed Silver-Tier Item: For each party member.

Chance for a Platinum-Tier Artifact: For one party member.

Treasure: Ten gold crowns to be divided among the party.

[Do you accept the Vault's challenge?]

Justin stepped back, his face pale. "Recommended Level 15? What the hell? I thought it was supposed to be 13!"

"It changed overnight," Eldrin said somberly.

Alistair was still quiet, still not having spoken. Justin had never seen him so solemn. It was easy to see he had been weighing the pros and cons of entering versus turning back, perhaps for hours.

"I have another level up to process," Justin offered. "Lila, too. If we rest here another day, get our bearings, we might enter the Vault in a better position. I stand to unlock a new skill."

"The risk is too great," Alistair said. "We're likely to wake up and discover this Vault is Level 17. Perhaps even Level 20 or more."

"It's growing exponentially," Eldrin said. "As you said last night, Alistair, it would seem the gods are playing with us."

"We have no choice but to enter," he whispered. "No choice. A Level 20 or more Shadowblade and all his classed followers, all knowing exactly where we are. Or the trials of a Level 15 Vault. The answer is straightforward, but it's not easier to decide."

"We must prepare ourselves as best we can," Eldrin said. "I have some potions that can help edify Justin and Lila and improve their survivability. Combined, they'll increase Endurance and Power for a short time. They can use it if we ever get into any dangerous situations."

"Those kinds of potions aren't cheap, Ranger. But I fear we have no choice."

Eldrin reached into his pack, producing several vials and handing them out to both Lila and Justin. "Only drink them at need. The gray one, Ironroot Essence, will boost your Power by 2 for one hour. The red one, Heartwood Elixir, will boost your Endurance by the same. You have one of each. It's all I have."

Justin nodded. "Thank you, Eldrin. I'll put them to good use."

Lila nodded. "I'm scared, but I have my knives and my new amulet. Both should come in handy for this Vault."

Everyone was silent as they watched Alistair, who still seemed to be at war with himself.

"I fear most for the safety of you three. Nothing here should trouble me, but the challenge is to get through while losing no one. Even I could quickly become overwhelmed if caught unawares."

"Not too late to turn back, if you judge it best," the Ranger said. "It is at least daytime now. That should provide some shield against the undead out on the open road."

"Nay," Alistair said. "We are here, and we have no choice. The strength of this Vault could easily become overwhelming, threatening not just the Church of Light, but all of Highcliff. It is our duty to clear it before it can become an even greater threat."

"Not to mention the rewards," Lila said. "Let's not forget that."

"Aye, a consideration, to be sure," Eldrin said. "I'm surprised a platinum-tier artifact is being offered in a Level 15 Vault. At most, you'd see a gold at this level, and rarely at that."

"Maybe the gods are trying to tempt us," Justin said.

Eldrin grunted. "I wouldn't put it past them."

"And a guaranteed silver-tier item to boot, not to mention the gold," Lila said. "I say we go for it."

Justin wondered at Lila's confidence, but if last night was any sign, money was a huge motivator for her. Which made sense, given her debts.

"Plus, Alistair has bonuses against the undead," Justin added. "I'm with Lila."

Alistair let out a breath. "The wise know that the inexperienced speak loudly, for they have not yet faced the trials that temper steel into strength." He turned to face Justin and Lila, his blue eyes haunted. "We must proceed with caution and resolve."

"Lead the way, Alistair," Eldrin said.

The Paladin took in the entire group. "This will be our most difficult trial yet. Follow every order without question. Not only do our lives depend upon it, but perhaps the lives of hundreds or even thousands of residents of Highcliff. Our High Cleric friend did a foolish thing by not nipping this in the bud, reputation or not, and now he's in a terrible bind. We must always remember: reputation is dust when considering the lives of the innocent, who hold the sacred spark of Life gifted by the Creator."

The others nodded solemnly. Justin realized there was no one better to follow into this Vault.

"We're right behind you, Alistair," he said. "We'll do everything you say."

Alistair gave a curt nod. "That is well. My first order is to stay behind me. Eldrin, you bring up the rear. Let's approach. When ready, accept the Vault's invitation."

Lila gave a firm nod. "Without risk, there is no glory or gain."

Justin nodded. While Lila seemed confident, he couldn't kid himself. This one would be a doozy, and that was putting it lightly.

As soon as he was about five paces from the Vault, a notification appeared.

[Welcome, Brave Adventurers. The Crypt of King Alaric lies within. Do you accept the Vault's challenge?]

Justin clutched his cane tightly, hesitating only a moment before giving his mental assent. As soon as he did so, the stone door was thrown back, revealing a long, decrepit staircase descending into darkness, the only illumination being various magically lit candelabra placed at irregular intervals within alcoves in the walls. A cold, dry wind, smelling of must and decay, escaped into the chapel.

[You have accepted the Challenge of the Vault of the Crypt of King Alaric. May courage be your guide and your resolve be your shield. Good luck, Brave Adventurers, and remember: a life well-lived is the greatest treasure of all.]

As one, the party of four entered the Catacombs of Highcliff.