Progenitor's Burden

The group sat in the cave, the fire crackling softly, each lost in thoughts of monumental revelations and new responsibilities.

Sinclair smiled and faced his friends, attempting to mask the immense burden he now carried with a reassuring expression. "Look, I know that was a lot to take in," he said. "Let's head back, rest up, and then we can try to sort through all of this together in the morning. Er, does anyone know what day it is back on Earth?"

Alice was quick to respond, her tone a mix of relief and confusion. "It was Friday night when I went to sleep and then... ended up here."

Turning to her, Sinclair nodded, a plan forming in his mind. "Great, that means it should only be a few hours later, since time passes differently here. I think we can teleport back together if we're in contact. If everyone's okay with it, how about we can head to my place? You can all stay over, and tomorrow we'll tackle the system and talk things through? Does that sound okay?"

There was a collective nod of agreement in response to his questions. Sinclair's friends rose and gathered around him, each placing a hand on his shoulder, possibly in a gesture of unity and trust, but perhaps just so they wouldn't be left behind. Sinclair focused on his menu and navigated to the teleportation function. With a deep breath, he activated it.

Quest Complete

Teleport Home: Yes/No?

With a decisive mental press on the 'Yes' option, Sinclair and his friends were enveloped in a disorienting, vacuum-like sensation as they were instantaneously transported back to the familiar confines of Sinclair's living room. They each felt slightly unsteady from the abrupt transition, rapidly finding a seat to steady themselves. A quick glance at the clock confirmed it was just past midnight, in line with Sinclair's estimate of the time.

Wanting to ease the tension—and offer some comfort—Sinclair excused himself and went to fetch a round of nightcaps. The only option available was beer, which was, frankly, a pretty shitty nightcap, but under the circumstances, it seemed fitting enough.

Returning with the drinks, Sinclair sat down, simultaneously removing his armor and switching into his casual house clothes with a few mental taps on his menu. He could feel the weight of the day's events hanging in the air, along with a silence that desperately needed breaking. "So..., that was quite a day, huh?" he began, attempting to inject some lightness into his tone. "I'm sure you all have questions, and while I have some answers, we're more or less on the same page after everything we've been through. This is a lot to take in, and I don't expect anyone to process it all immediately. But before you judge the situation too harshly, give it until tomorrow. Let me help you explore your status menus, and then we can discuss everything more thoroughly."

Rose absentmindedly peeled the label from her beer bottle, her eyes distant and contemplative. Ed sipped his beer, his face reflecting his thoughtful, almost analytical demeanor. Alice, on the other hand, downed her beer in one go and promptly headed to the fridge. She returned not with one, but three additional beers, positioning them within arm's reach. Sinclair noted her method of coping with the day's surreal revelations. They all needed this time to unwind, to process the whirlwind of events in their own way.

Chewy and Leia, meanwhile, explored the room with avid curiosity, their noses diligently sniffing each corner as they familiarized themselves with the new environment. Communicating mentally with them, Sinclair instructed, "Please stay indoors tonight, unless you need to go outside. Use the back door if you do—there's a small flap for you. Try not to wander off. Don't break the flap, either, it might be a bit snug"

Sinclair prepared some makeshift meals for his companions, placing bowls of water and a couple of dishes filled with cold cuts and some leftovers he found in the fridge. The details of a proper diet for them would need to be sorted out tomorrow. For now, these offerings would have to suffice.

As the night wore on, the room was filled with a silent understanding and the shared experience of friends, both human and lupine. The comfort of being in a familiar space, despite the unfathomable changes they had undergone, provided a semblance of normalcy in the midst of chaos. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for tonight, they were together, safe in Sinclair's home.

Sinclair glanced around at his friends, each still grappling with the day's extraordinary events. "You all know where everything is," he reminded them gently. "There's a pullout couch for two of you, and the guest bed for the third. You'll find pillows and blankets in the hallway closet. I'm going to take a shower—I think we can all agree that's needed, my smell is practically a war crime." He finished his beer with a final swig and took the empty bottle to the kitchen. The room was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by occasional murmurs of assent; the shock of recent events still hanging palpably in the air. Despite the silence, Sinclair was confident that the morning would bring a new perspective, especially once they had access to their new system menus.

Weighed down by fatigue and the remnants of the day's stress, Sinclair made his way upstairs, a half-eaten sandwich clutched in his mouth. The prospect of a hot shower was both comforting and necessary—a small but crucial step towards normalcy. As the water cascaded over him, washing away the grime and tension, he hoped his friends would find their own ways to unwind and process their experiences. His thoughts lingered on their impending transition into the system; he hoped it would be smoother than his own had been. If not, he braced himself for the possibility of facing their frustrations and questions come morning. For now, the warm water was a temporary sanctuary, a brief respite before facing the uncertainties of the new day.

*****

In the predawn stillness, Sinclair lay awake, his enhanced endurance rendering prolonged sleep unnecessary. The soft, ambient light of the room cast gentle shadows across his surroundings. Chewy and Leia lay in peaceful slumber beside him, their furry bodies curled up on his blanket. Absentmindedly, he ran his fingers through their fur, his mind adrift in a sea of thoughts.

Recent events replayed in his head, each moment more surreal than the last. His role had evolved from a mere participant in an extraordinary reality to a central figure in a narrative that seemed straight out of a mythic saga. The Myrkr, harbingers of destruction, cast a long, dark shadow over his thoughts. There was a part of him that had hoped for other, more powerful forces to intervene, to hold back the tide of devastation the Myrkr represented. The weight of his newfound responsibility, initially just centered on his personal well-being, had expanded exponentially, now encompassing the safety of his friends and, unbelievably, the broader fate of the planet. This daunting fact sat heavily in his gut, stirring a melange of apprehension and resolve.

With the prospect of further sleep evading him, Sinclair rose, a slight soreness in his muscles the only indication of the extraordinarily hard work he had been putting his body through. A quick glance at his status confirmed that his health and energy were fully replenished, with no lingering debuffs. His thoughts turned to the meeting with Odin and the promised blessing and rewards. He hadn't yet explored what they entailed, a task that now seemed both urgent and necessary. With a deep breath, he mentally prepared himself to delve into the unknowns of his system interface, ready to uncover the nature of the gifts bestowed upon him by the All Father. The day ahead would bring its own challenges, but for now, Sinclair wanted to focus on understanding the full extent of the powers and responsibilities that had been entrusted to him.

New Skill: Might of the Einherjar (Legendary)

Description: A gift from the Allfather Odin himself, this skill imbues you with the prowess of the Einherjar, the chosen warriors of Valhalla. As part of Odin's Chosen, your very essence is magnified, enhancing your base stats by 10%. With the might of the Einherjar, your strength, speed, durability, wisdom, and other inherent abilities are greatly improved, allowing you to face challenges that would be otherwise insurmountable. The Einherjar were known as Odin's most formidable warriors, and with this skill, you continue their legacy.

Effects:

Increases all base stats by 10%.

New Skill: Huginn and Muninn (Legendary)

Description: Using your connection with Odin you may form queries and search through his repository for the information. Hugninn and Muninn were Odin's connection to his thoughts and memories. Through this connection you will be allowed insight into requested subjects.

Effects:

Information will be provided through text or visions

Cost 25% of current resources

New Item: Cuirass of the Forest Wolves (Epic)

Description: The Cuirass of the Forest Wolves is an epic breastplate, with a history that is deeply rooted in the lore and legacy of the Wolf Lords. Part of a legendary armor set, this cuirass was a gift from Odin, awarded for your triumph in his Blessing Trial. Its name hails from the great Forest of Yggdrasil, where the first Wolf Lords were said to have communed with the spirits of wolves under the dense, ancient canopies. These forests were the cradle of their power, where they honed their skills and formed an unbreakable bond with the natural world. Thus, the cuirass embodies the spirit of these mystical forests, symbolizing the wearer's connection to the ancient lineage of the Wolf Lords and serving as a testament to their potential and prowess.

Effects:

+21 Strength

+15 Agility

+17 Constitution

New Skill:

Grants Predators Gait

Quest Item update:

You have now equipped two items from the Wolf Lords set.

All wounds inflicted now carry a moderate bleed debuff which can stack up to three items. This debuff lasts for 30 seconds per stack.

Set Requirements: Pieces of the Wolf Lord Set (Two of Four)

Helmet of the Wolf Lords:

Complete

Cuirass of The Forest Wolves:

Complete

Gauntlets of The Plains Wolves: Incomplete

Boots of The Mountain Wolves: Incomplete

Additional Requirement - Direwolf Companion: Two of One -

Complete

Sinclair couldn't resist trying on the Cuirass of the Forest Wolves immediately. Standing in front of the mirror next to his dresser, he admired the craftsmanship. The cuirass was a magnificent piece, its design reminiscent of the Lorica Segmentata worn by ancient Roman legions, yet distinctly different with hardened leather and stylized wolves adorning the shoulders, their faces directed outward as if standing guard. The armor conformed to his body seamlessly, allowing fluid, noiseless movement without any creaking or pinching. It was both a piece of history and a marvel of functionality.

After admiring the cuirass, Sinclair changed back into his regular clothes and began to tidy up his room, all the while scrolling through his menu. He pondered over his skills, realizing they required some fine-tuning. With a few days before Odin would likely call upon him, he saw an opportunity to train and acclimate himself to his enhanced physique. His newfound strength was formidable; 170 points in the attribute was a number he was still trying to comprehend. While he hadn't accidentally crushed anything yet, he knew his grip was strong enough to snap a baseball bat in half effortlessly. Not to mention parts of my anatomy.

His gaze drifted to Chewy and Leia, who were sleeping soundly on his bed. He considered waking them but decided against it. They deserved their rest, and a lie-in was a luxury he was no longer capable of, it seemed. With his stomach growling, as was the new norm, he made his way downstairs to quietly prepare more food. A trip to the grocery store was in order, especially considering the imminent changes his friends were about to experience. If he could persuade them to undergo the same rigorous training he had, which shouldn't be too hard an ask, their appetites would surely increase, along with their new abilities. As he assembled his meal, Sinclair's mind was already racing with plans and preparations for the days ahead.

As Sinclair contemplated his professional obligations, he realized the inevitability of his decision. His current line of work seemed incongruent with the monumental responsibilities he now faced. Resignation was the only viable option, despite his reluctance to leave abruptly. At his computer in the office, he composed and sent a succinct email, officially resigning from his position effective immediately. Whew, I'm glad that didn't turn into a whole thing, no-one wants to know about that.

With a balance of 170 gold and anticipated access to the Market, Sinclair felt somewhat reassured about his financial prospects. He could convert some of the gold into conventional currency for necessities like mortgage payments, though the importance of such concerns seemed to diminish in light of his new reality. Adjusting to this new life would be challenging, but unavoidable. The knowledge and experiences he had recently gained precluded a return to the mundanity of everyday office work.

Seeking a space for reflection, Sinclair moved to his front porch, where his favorite Adirondack chair awaited him. The world outside was coated in a veneer of darkness, but his enhanced vision cut through the night with ease. Settling into the chair, he began to meditate, letting his mind unfurl and relax, much as he'd seen on television. His recent experiences replayed in his mind; watching them allowed him to analyze his actions, ponder alternatives, and plan for future decisions.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Lost in meditation, time became an abstract concept. It was a hand on his shoulder that finally brought him back to the present. Startled, Sinclair opened his eyes, emerging from his deep contemplation.

Sinclair noticed, with pleasure, that the increased skill notification was appearing unobtrusively in the corner of his vision, making it simultaneously convenient to see, but without overwhelming or distracting him from whatever was in front of him. Huh, I wonder what someone who is blind in one eye sees.

Turning his attention to the porch, he saw Rose standing next to him, cocooned in a blanket she had retrieved from the hallway closet. He gestured for her to join him, explaining his early wakefulness. "With my Endurance so high now, I don't need much sleep. I thought I'd try some meditation to help process everything that's happened," he shared.

Rose nodded in understanding as she took a seat beside him. "Did it help?" she inquired gently. "I saw you out here when I first woke up, but I wasn't sure if you were sleeping. So, I made some coffee." She gestured towards a coffee mug positioned within reach on his left side, steam gently wafting from its surface.

"Oh. How long has that been there? Was it you who tapped me on the shoulder?" Sinclair said, feeling a sense of gratitude for her thoughtfulness.

"Yes, but it was five minutes ago. You were really in the zone" Rose replied, grinning.

The presence of the coffee, its aroma mingling with the crisp morning air, was a comforting reminder that not everything in life had been buried in the chaos of their new reality. In this tranquil moment on the porch, with the first hints of dawn breaking the horizon, Sinclair found a semblance of peace, a brief respite to gather his thoughts and prepare for the challenges ahead.

"I expected all of you to sleep in after everything that's happened," he commented, taking a sip of his coffee. The beverage was hot, but his enhanced pain tolerance skill rendered the heat a non-issue, allowing him to enjoy it without discomfort.

Rose shifted slightly, the excitement and apprehension evident in her expression. "I was asleep, but then nature called, and when I woke up, I found this new interface waiting for me," she explained, her voice tinged with a mix of wonder and nervousness. She shared her initial stats with Sinclair, noting that her interface mirrored his, although most of the windows were still empty, save for the Tutorial Quest.

Sinclair listened, a complex mix of emotions stirring within him. He was simultaneously pleased that Rose and presumably the others had smoothly transitioned into the system, yet he couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy. His own initiation into the system had been far more harrowing, a sensation akin to being torn apart. He speculated that the difference in their experiences might be linked to the seeding process Odin had mentioned. "It seems like your integration was a lot gentler than mine," he mused aloud. "Maybe it's related to the way Odin set up the system for you guys, as opposed to how I was... 'seeded' into it."

Their conversation continued, unfolding against the backdrop of the early morning's tranquility. Sinclair found himself grateful for Rose's presence, her company offering a comforting sense of normality as they navigated this new and unknown chapter of their lives.

Name: Rose Arrington

Race: Human

Level: 0

Rank: F

Path: Not Available-

Class: Not Available

Health: 100

Mana: 160

Stamina: 120

Strength: 11

Agility: 13

Constitution: 10

Intelligence: 16

Willpower: 15

Endurance: 12

Luck: 10

Available Points: 0

Sinclair listened attentively as Rose detailed her newly acquired stats. It became apparent to him that her attributes suggested a predisposition towards a magic-based class. Her physical stats were reasonable, but her mental stats surpassed his, even factoring in his bonus titles. Sinclair quietly acknowledged this, a small smile playing on his lips at the thought that Rose was, in many ways, intellectually superior—a fact he would jokingly never concede aloud.

Sharing his own starting stats with her, Sinclair decided to hold off on delving too deeply into the system's nuances until the others were awake. It would be more efficient to explain everything just once, with everyone present.

"If you're up for it, you could start training your mental stats with some phone games," Sinclair suggested, offering her a way to engage with her new abilities. "Or if you're feeling more active, you can use the gym in the garage for a light workout. I managed to gain three points in meditation during the short time I was out here," he added, hoping to provide her with some practical avenues for exploration.

Rose settled comfortably into her chair, cradling her coffee mug. "I think I'll just sit here and play some puzzle games for now. It's a bit too early for weightlifting. I prefer to exercise my brain, unlike certain lunkheads," she said, a playful smirk indicating her jest. Taking out her phone, she followed Sinclair's recommendations and downloaded the same puzzle games he had suggested.

"Lunkhead? Me? I smart? I real smart!" Sinclair joked in response. He liked listening to her snort in laughter at his dumb attempts to make her laugh.

In the quiet of the early morning, the two of them were engrossed in their puzzle games, each focused on enhancing their mental stats. The sun began its slow ascent, casting a soft light over the treetops in the distance, heralding the start of a new day.

From inside the house, the soft sounds of Chewy and Leia stirring reached Sinclair's ears. He sent a mental message to the wolves, letting them know he was on the front porch and informing them of the food waiting in the kitchen. As the peaceful morning unfolded, Sinclair and Rose continued their silent companionship, each absorbed in their games, while the world around them gently awakened.

An hour passed before Ed and Alice finally emerged, their arrival marked by stifled yawns and the shuffling of sleepy feet. Clutching mugs of coffee, they joined Sinclair and Rose on the front porch.

Alice, with her slightly disheveled hair and weary expression, looked as though she might be nursing a hangover. Sinclair briefly wondered if she had depleted his beer supply, though he couldn't fault her if she had. Ed, typically an early riser, appeared relatively unscathed by the previous night's events and resembled his usual morning self.

Breaking the morning quiet, Alice's voice, hoarse and a bit strained, cut in. "So, is someone gonna tell us how to check our new interface?" she inquired.

Sinclair responded with a nod, his instructions straightforward. "Just say 'menu', or think it really, really hard. Once it opens, you can view your stats and explore the other tabs. Rose has already gone through hers and shared her stats with me. We've all played enough tabletop games together, so if you have any questions about what you see, I'll do my best to help you out."

As Ed and Alice began to navigate their new system interfaces, Sinclair readied himself to assist them in understanding the intricacies of their newfound capabilities. The morning air was crisp, and the sun continued its slow climb in the sky, casting a warm glow over the porch as the group delved into the exploration of their new reality.

Name: Edward Brashear

Race: Human

Level: 0

Rank: F

Path: Not Available

Class: Not Available

Health: 100

Mana: 130

Stamina: 150

Strength: 13

Agility: 12

Constitution: 10

Intelligence: 13

Willpower: 12

Endurance: 15

Luck: 11

Available Points: 0

Name: Alice Wright

Race: Human

Level: 0

Rank: F

Path: Not Available

Class: Not Available

Health: 120

Mana: 110

Stamina: 150

Strength: 14

Agility: 16

Constitution: 12

Intelligence: 11

Willpower: 12

Endurance: 15

Luck: 10

Available Points: 0

As Sinclair listened to his friends exploring their new interfaces, he pondered how he could best assist them in training their stats. The thought of a physically formidable mage in their group brought a silent chuckle. He knew all too well the pitfalls of having a 'glass cannon' character; one well-placed hit could spell disaster. A balanced approach, augmented by gear and specific titles or blessings, seemed the most prudent path.

"Okay, since we're all here and somewhat awake, let's go over a few things," Sinclair began, his tone informative yet, hopefully, open for queries. "Feel free to ask questions. I don't have all the answers, and I can't say for sure that my approach is the best. Initially, I focused on weight training, which boosted my stats without needing to level up. Technically, I'm at level 16, but I haven't allocated my points, so it shows me as level 0. My strategy so far is to avoid using those points. The theory was that allocating them could make it harder to gain stats naturally through training, and so far that seems to have been true."

Sinclair took a deep breath. "Also, there are titles for defeating monsters significantly higher than your level. Despite being level 0, my stats are comparable to someone around level 80. For instance, after defeating that last giant boss, I earned the 'Thane of Titans' title, which added +15 to all my stats for defeating an enemy 50 levels above mine. I suspect there are more tiers to that title. So, I plan to keep hoarding my points until my natural stat gains slow down. Just remember, if you do this, try to avoid getting too many points into one area too quickly or in large amounts. Trust me, the pain from sudden growth is excruciating."

"Here, let me show you my base stats. I haven't been paying a lot of attention to them and need to check them over anyways."

Name: Sinclair Hagerson

Race: Human

Level: 0 (16)

Rank: F

Path: Journey of the Wolf

Class: Ulfhednar

Health: 1340

Mana: 1000

Stamina: 1700

Strength: 164

Agility: 142

Constitution: 134

Intelligence: 100

Willpower: 108

Endurance: 170

Luck: 24

Available Points: 80

"Jesus, Sinclair. Your stats are ridiculous. Are you literally over ten times stronger than me right now?" Ed exclaimed, incredulous after Sinclair had shared the details of his status screen.

Sinclair responded with a hint of bewilderment in his voice, "I 'think' I am supposed to be. And that's without any gear, which would boost my stats even further. I know I'm strong, but it feels like there's some kind of restraint. I'm capable of incredible strength when necessary, but in everyday situations, it doesn't come as naturally. I haven't quite figured it out yet."

Rose chimed in thoughtfully, "That actually makes sense. You've only had these abilities for a few days, so they're still quite new to you. It sounds plausible that you wouldn't fully understand how to harness that strength yet. Most people probably gain stats more gradually and have time to adjust to them. On top of that, if you couldn't control your strength, you'd probably snap a faucet every time you tried to turn the water on!"

Alice, drawing from her experience in martial arts, offered an analogy, "Think of it like learning martial arts techniques. You can learn a new move and get the steps right, but it takes weeks of practice to truly master and effectively use it." Her comparison resonated with Sinclair, providing a logical framework for understanding the disconnect between possessing strength and effectively utilizing it.

As the morning progressed, the conversation among Sinclair and his friends delved deeper into the nuances of their newfound powers. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a radiant, golden light over the porch.

Alice initiated the questioning, her curiosity evident. "Is that why you're always eating these days? It seems like every time I see you, you're munching on something."

Sinclair felt a slight reddening warmth at the tip of his ears as he acknowledged her observation. He nodded, "Yes, that's exactly it. And speaking of which, I need to eat again soon. We'll have to do some serious grocery shopping today. With six of us eating and growing, our calorie intake is going to be pretty high. It's honestly quite a hassle. Oh, and I quit my job so I can dedicate more time to this. Alice, since you're currently between jobs, maybe we could spend some time setting up a training area here, if you're interested."

Rose's surprise was evident upon hearing Sinclair's decision to leave his job. Given the significance of stable employment in his life, especially considering his background, this was a major shift. "You quit your job? But you loved that work. How will you manage financially now?" she inquired, concern coloring her voice.

Sinclair responded by scratching his head thoughtfully and producing a few gold coins, which he had weighed earlier in the day. He laid out his tentative plan for maintaining financial stability. "I weighed these out last night, and each one is about 8 grams," he began, holding the coins for them to see. "At current market rates, 8 grams of gold is roughly worth $450. Selling all of these could net me around $76,000, give or take, not accounting for taxes and market fluctuations. That's almost a year's salary in just a week." I better do that slowly or I am going to face Johnny Law real quick come tax time. If that even exists in a few months.

Snapping out of his internal dialogue, he continued, "And that's not even considering the various items I've collected from the raiders, which I could sell online for additional cash. I'm also supposed to get access to a Universal Market at some point, though I haven't seen that option pop up yet, so I'm not sure how that works." He explained his strategy matter-of-factly, laying out the details of his plan and the potential avenues for income.

The revelation of Sinclair's newfound financial strategy was met with stunned expressions from his friends. The idea of amassing such a significant sum in a relatively short period was almost inconceivable, suggesting the potential for rapid financial gains under the new system.

Ed, ever the pragmatist, interjected with a critical observation. "Considering what Odin said about the system going live for everyone in a few months, this all might be short-lived. Can you imagine the kind of upheaval something like that will cause?"

"From what he said it doesn't matter. We don't really know what to expect once the system comes back online so, for now, I am just going by the seat of my pants."

A heavy silence fell over the group, punctuated by worried glances. The implications of a world suddenly thrust into a system with such transformative powers were daunting. Concerns about the potential chaos, particularly for the vulnerable members of society like the sick and elderly, weighed on their minds. Sinclair recognized the gravity of the situation. While he didn't have immediate solutions, he understood that they had some time to strategize and prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.

Sinclair pushed aside his concerns and refocused on practical matters. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Here's what we can do: I'll start setting things up here. Meanwhile, you guys head back to your places and gather clothes, a good amount of food, and other essentials. We'll use my place as our base. It's probably best to avoid drawing attention, like someone accidentally leaping over the house. Can you two manage that with your current work situations?" He directed the question primarily towards Ed and Rose.

Rose appeared slightly hesitant as she contemplated the logistics. "It's going to be tough, but I can probably take a week off by citing a family emergency. After that, I'd need to return. I'm not sure I'm ready to completely leave my job, although it seems like I might not have much choice soon."

Ed, ever relaxed and adaptable, had a swift and easygoing answer. "I've been working on a contract basis, so taking time off is as simple as not picking up the phone. I'm in. But I do have one question. How are we getting back home? We were teleported from our houses..." His query highlighted a logistical challenge they had yet to address.

Realizing the oversight, Sinclair smacked his forehead, and winced when he realized he was lucky he hadn't knocked himself out. "Oh, right. About that," he said, addressing Ed's question. "Take my truck. Drop the other two off first, then come back here. If we need to go back and get your vehicle later, we'll do that. I expect I'll be called to do some task or other within two or three days."

After exchanging a few final words, they all set off to their respective homes to gather their belongings and gear, ready to reconvene at Sinclair's place to begin their new journey together.