Echoed Lands

As Colm sat there, allowing his Lingering Vitality to mend his shoulder, he mulled over his next move. The world around him flickered briefly into darkness before the familiar sight of the forest grove reappeared. In front of him stood the rift, the pathway out of the grove.

He shook his head, still reeling from the fact that the Grove had a voice, a living presence. I guess the Grove honors its word. Sitting quietly, Colm reflected on his accomplishments. He had conquered the Lucent Grove, reaped incredible rewards, and grown much stronger. How strong he was in the grand scheme of things remained a mystery, but at least he knew one thing. I can destroy all those undead that chased me here.

Glancing at his shoulder, he noted the wound had almost fully healed, though he hesitated to test it, fearing he might set the recovery back. He rested a while longer. His gaze wandered across the grove's lush greenery and its perpetual twilight glow. This was the place he had called home for a time—a peaceful refuge, aside from the monsters that tried to kill him. The thought made him chuckle.

After some time passed, Colm shook himself from his reverie, realizing his Lingering Vitality had completed its work. His shoulder looked as good as new, though the dried blood remained as a stark reminder of the recent battle. Looking down at himself, he groaned at the sight of his tattered, blood-streaked clothes. Man, I look like a mess. I found no decent clothes lying around here.

Colm prepared himself and decided to prepare a bit before venturing back through the rift. Finding a nearby stream, he used his Phantom Archer to ensure the stream was free of threats before drinking from the crisp, cool water. He then washed his tattered clothes in the stream and laid them aside to dry. With his phantoms nearby for protection, Colm entered the water, scrubbing away the blood and grime that clung to his body. The cool water invigorated him as he worked to feel clean once again.

Emerging from the stream, Colm stretched and glanced at his drying clothes. I wonder what the Grove thought of all the times my bare ass was on it, he mused, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Shaking off the thought, he searched for Celestial Blooms to nourish himself, gathering as many as he could carry to prepare for the journey ahead. Although his enhanced body allowed him to endure long periods without sustenance, Colm was determined not to face the same dire circumstances again.

After feeling full and refreshed from his meal and drink, Colm decided it was the perfect time to rest. He didn't know when he'd next get a proper sleep in the undead-infested forest above. Besides, with his clothes still drying, it made sense to wait. Spotting a nearby patch of grass, he settled down, ensuring his phantoms were on guard—Robin and Lance patrolled the perimeter, while Carver remained by his side.

Before drifting off, Colm checked his status, reflecting on how far he had come since entering the Echoed Lands.

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[ Status ]

Name: Colm Arden

Race: Human

Level: 54

Health: 1090 / 1090

Mana: 630 / 630

Strength: 65 (78)

Dexterity: 70 (84)

Intelligence: 105 (126)

Constitution: 91 (109)

Class: Spirit Warden

Active Class Abilities:

- Phantom Warrior (Level 10) [Carver]

- Phantom Spearman (Level 10) [Lance]

- Phantom Archer (Level 8) [Robin]

- Empty

- Empty

Passive Class Abilities:

- Lingering Vitality (Level 9)

- Spectral Persistence (Level 6)

- Empty

- Empty

- Empty

Skills:

- Analyze (Level 4)

- Stealth (Level 7)

- Pain Resistance (Level 9)

- Hardened Skin (Level 4)

- Slash Resistance (Level 7)

- Spear Mastery (Level 5)

- Sprint Mastery (Level 10)

- Poison Resistance (Level 6)

Achievements:

- Through the Rift

- Champion of the Lucent Grove

I have so much more health compared to when I first arrived, and my stats have improved dramatically, Colm thought, his eyes scanning the screen. That +5 attributes per level from my class has been a game changer, and the boost from the Lucent Grove achievement is no joke, either.

He frowned slightly. I've hit Level 10 on a few abilities, but they haven't progressed since. Maybe that's some kind of system threshold?

"I really have gotten much stronger," he muttered to himself, chuckling softly. "It's incredible to think that just a few months ago, I was Level 1 with no idea about this world. I still don't fully understand it, but at least now I have a fighting chance—and I'm Level 54."

Feeling content after reviewing his progress and marveling at how far he had come, Colm leaned back. The soothing presence of his spectral allies gave him a sense of peace as he closed his eyes and drifted into a restful sleep.

Colm eventually awoke to find his Phantom Warrior gazing down at him. He chuckled softly, Don't think I'll ever get used to having something stare at me while I'm asleep. Rising, he walked over to where he had laid his clothes and found them dry. After dressing and stuffing his pockets with the Celestial Blooms he had gathered earlier, he took a last sip from the stream. With everything in place, Colm turned and began making his way back toward the rift.

Within moments, the rift stood before him. Colm turned back toward the Grove, a wave of gratitude washing over him. "Thank you for everything," he said aloud, his voice sincere. "I may not be back for some time, but I won't forget what you've done for me." With those parting words, he faced the rift once more and stepped through, ready to face whatever awaited him on the other side.