Progenitor's Burden

Sinclair and his companions dedicated their days to relentless training, with his friends making substantial progress. Their stats surged, benefiting from the initial phase where the body rapidly adapts to the new rigors of training. Sinclair, on the other hand, encountered a plateau.

His body had acclimated to his heightened abilities, rendering his current training regimen inadequate for significant stat improvement. Shifting his focus, he chose to hone his skills, which still offered room for growth and mastery.

During this intensive period, Sinclair discovered that his willpower had reached a level where he could manipulate his system notifications, a flexibility not overtly provided by the interface. He set skill level-up alerts to briefly appear in his peripheral vision, enabling him to assess the efficacy of his training without constant screen checks.

Encouraged by this customization, he shared the insight with his friends, suggesting they might also personalize their system prompts to streamline their training feedback. He demonstrated how he had optimized his notifications to be more concise, allowing him to stay informed without unnecessary interruptions to his training flow.

New Skill: Freya's Arcane Whisper (Rare)

Description: Freya's Arcane Whisper is a skill deeply rooted in the magic and mystique of Freya, the Norse goddess renowned for her mastery over love, fertility, and sorcery. This skill encapsulates the essence of Freya's prowess in manipulating mystical energies, enabling the user to finely tune and control their mana with a finesse that echoes the goddess's own delicate yet powerful touch.

Effects:

+10 Willpower

+5% Mana Regen Efficiency

Your skills have increased!

Meditation: Increased from Level 5 to Level 8

Mental Flexibility: Increased from Level 0 to Level 4

Beast of Burden: Increased from Level 0 to Level 3

Aura of Intent: Increased from Level 0 to Level 2

Huginn and Muninn: Increased from Level 0 to Level 4

Predators Gait: Increased from Level 0 to Level 2

Mana Manipulation: Increased from Level 0 to Level 5

The group gathered around, attentively listening as Sinclair shared his own trials and tribulations, hoping to glean some wisdom from his experiences. "When I was working on 'Beast of Burden', the skill gave me a boost in endurance, but leveling it up was incredibly tough," he recounted, a hint of fatigue lingering in his voice. "The skill demanded extreme physical exertion, almost like I was pulling heavy loads, straining every muscle to its limit."

As the conversation shifted to mana manipulation, Sinclair described his personal connection with his mana. "For me, it's like a cool mist flowing through me, an ever-present and ethereal sensation." Rose, drawing from her own experiences, added, "In contrast, mine feels like I'm engulfed by the wild currents of the sea." Ed's experience was more serene, "For me, mana feels calm and centering, almost like a deep state of meditation."

Alice's struggles with understanding her own mana were apparent, yet her resolve was undiminished. Each attempt, although unsuccessful, seemed to only intensify her resolve to conquer this elusive skill. Her dedication was a clear testament to her character, undeterred by the challenges she faced in harnessing her mana.

Gathered together after days of intense training, Sinclair took a moment to acknowledge his friends' commendable progress. "You all have been doing incredibly well," he affirmed, his voice carrying a note of genuine pride. Despite their exhaustion, their spirits seemed buoyed by the recognition.

However, Sinclair's tone shifted as he broached a more serious subject, a sense of unease tightening in his stomach. He had received a new quest from Odin, one that required his immediate attention and, unfortunately, his solo involvement. His friends, having just unlocked their own Tutorial quests, were not yet prepared for such a daunting task.

"I've received a mission from Odin, and it's urgent," Sinclair began, his expression growing solemn. "One of the Myrkr has awakened underground and is beginning to gather forces. I need to infiltrate and dismantle its nest before it becomes a larger threat." The weight of responsibility was evident in his words, a stark reminder of the challenges they faced in this new world.

System Message: Quest Alert

New Quest: Battle Below

Description: At least one Myrkr presence has been found in a cavern of Iceland. The local humans are not aware yet but the monster has been capturing local wildlife and corrupting them. Destroy the Myrkr and clean the nest out.

Rewards:

Experience

Gold

Unknown

Do you accept? Y/N

Sinclair paused, ensuring he had his friends' full attention before delving into the details of his new quest. "I wanted to discuss this with you before making any commitments. The quest details are vague, and I'm not sure if it will require me to teleport or travel there immediately upon acceptance. It seems the system still withholds certain information, perhaps until it's more integrated with our world," he explained, his voice tinged with a mix of caution and uncertainty.

As soon as he finished, Ed, Alice, and Rose simultaneously voiced their eagerness to accompany him. Their enthusiasm was expected, yet Sinclair knew they weren't quite ready for such a perilous task. Their tutorials were still incomplete, and they needed more time to enhance their abilities and acquire a defined class.

"Listen, I appreciate your willingness to join me, but it's crucial you complete your tutorials and gain more experience first. You need to be fully prepared for what lies ahead," Sinclair reasoned, his tone firm yet understanding. "And don't worry about me going alone. Chewy and Leia will be by my side." He glanced at the two wolves, who seemed almost smug about being included in the mission, their tails wagging in anticipation.

"Let's have dinner and then you can rest for the night before taking this new world on. Besides, I want to see what a high class meal from the system tastes like. As a not so subtle form of bribery I grabbed a dinner for everyone that was of a higher quality."

New Item: Shepherd's Pie (Legendary)

Description: This Shepherd's Pie is no ordinary dish; it's a culinary masterpiece, incorporating meat from the rare and mystical Urok, known in Norse mythology for its formidable strength and elusive nature. The Urok meat, renowned for its rich flavor and nourishing qualities, is carefully blended with a selection of the finest vegetables, creating a dish that is not only a delight to the palate but also a powerful aid for adventurers.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Effects:

+20% EXP for 24 hours (effect does not stack)

Excitement bubbled within Sinclair at the prospect of sharing the legendary Shepherd's Pie with his friends. Despite the steep price of 42 gold, the prospect of a 20% EXP buff made the purchase seem worthwhile, especially if he could maintain a good income from his quests. Such delicacies could become a more regular treat for the group.

Dinner time saw everyone gathered around the table, including Chewy and Leia, who had their special spot. The Shepherd's Pie did not disappoint; it was an exquisite culinary experience, perhaps unmatched by anything Sinclair had ever tasted. No conversation punctuated the meal, just the sound of contented eating and the sight of blissful faces savoring every bite.

The day's activities and the satisfying dinner left everyone ready to call it a night. Plans for an early start the next day meant no time for dawdling. Sinclair settled into bed, briefly considering the possibility of finding something in the store to prolong his sleep, but he soon dismissed the thought. As he lay down, sleep quickly enveloped him, offering a brief but restful respite from the day's exertions.

*****

Sinclair's surroundings were rustic yet familiar, reminiscent of the staging area from his tutorial. Seated at a table laden with an array of inviting dishes, he couldn't help but notice the tantalizing aromas filling the air. His senses were momentarily absorbed in the feast before him when the sound of a throat clearing drew his attention to the left.

There sat Odin, looking noticeably healthier and more robust than during their previous encounter in the challenge zone. The All Father's presence at the head of the table, a few seats away, was both commanding and reassuring.

"It is good to see you again, Sinclair," Odin began, his voice carrying a newfound strength. "I have been monitoring you and your friends. The progress you've all made is commendable, exceeding my expectations. For that, you have my gratitude."

Sinclair, slightly taken aback by the unexpected praise, nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you. We're all committed to facing the threat head-on and training diligently. Regarding the quest I recently received, am I correct in assuming it's from you?" He posed the question more for confirmation than out of doubt, preferring clarity over speculation in matters involving Odin and their mission.

As Sinclair began to speak, Odin gestured towards the spread of food, encouraging him to eat. Odin himself was already partaking in the meal, savoring the dishes he had selected.

"We have time for all that," Odin assured, speaking between bites. "Your physical body is resting, but thanks to your high willpower and intelligence, you can have this 'awake' experience and still feel refreshed tomorrow. Let's set aside the serious matters for now. I'd like to hear about your world. It's been ages since I've been able to roam freely and learn about the changes."

Sinclair obliged, launching into a comprehensive overview of the current state of his world. He touched on the divisive nature of political and religious factions, the economic challenges, and the generally pessimistic outlook prevalent in society. As he spoke, Odin listened intently, nodding at intervals and occasionally interjecting with requests for further explanation on certain points. Sinclair's narration painted a vivid picture, providing Odin with a glimpse into a world far removed from the one he once knew.

During their extensive conversation, Sinclair and Odin delved into a variety of topics, from the trivial to the more substantial. Unnoticed by Sinclair, they had consumed multiple trays of food, leaving him feeling pleasantly sated.

"I've observed that the world has undergone significant changes since it entered stasis," Odin remarked thoughtfully. "There are a few crucial points you should be aware of. When the mana system is fully reactivated, it will emit a surge of energy potent enough to disable, if not destroy, most of your electronic devices. These devices were developed in a world devoid of mana and thus are incompatible with it. Additionally, once the system is operational and I regain control over the world's power structure, I will reclaim authority for myself. In most worlds integrated into the system, local governance is managed by small groups to handle everyday affairs, but ultimate authority rests with me. You should prepare your family and friends for the impending changes."

Odin proceeded to provide Sinclair with insights into the governance and cultural frameworks of other planets under his dominion, painting a picture of what life might resemble under his rule. This information gave Sinclair a clearer understanding of the forthcoming shift in global dynamics.

During their conversation, Odin disclosed a significant aspect of the forthcoming changes that Sinclair hadn't anticipated. "When you receive the notification to claim your property and authorize its conversion within the system, you should accept it," Odin advised. "If you decline, your land becomes a potential spawning ground for monsters. Although monsters can still emerge from outside your territory and venture onto it, claiming your property reduces this risk. Additionally, acquiring a System Node from the shop for your property is highly beneficial. It enables others to access the shop in the same manner you do. Your direct link to the shop is a unique privilege, a result of specific modifications made to your system seed."

Sinclair absorbed this new information, his mind whirling with the implications. Realizing the urgency, he contemplated the necessity of bringing his family to the farm. He pondered how to effectively communicate the urgency of the situation to his parents and sister, considering fabricating a medical emergency as a plausible explanation. His heightened intelligence allowed him to mentally organize and retain a list of critical tasks without needing to physically document them.

Sinclair's concerns about the overwhelming tasks he faced were apparent, and Odin, perceptive as ever, offered a practical solution to alleviate some of his burden. "Sinclair, I understand the magnitude of the responsibility you're shouldering," Odin interjected, keenly aware of Sinclair's apprehension. "To aid you in this endeavor, I'll provide some assistance. Upon your return, you'll discover two tokens in your inventory. These tokens can be used for complimentary upgrades or the construction of new buildings, enabling you to accommodate your friends and family comfortably, without the constraints of limited space."

This gesture from Odin acted like a much-needed relief for Sinclair, akin to unloading a heavy haul of groceries in one go. It addressed one of his primary concerns: ensuring the safety and comfort of his loved ones at home while he embarked on his demanding journeys.

Odin raised an important query regarding the nature of tutorials for Sinclair's friends. "Regarding the tutorials, would you prefer your friends to undergo the same rigorous ones you experienced, or the standard system-generated tutorials? The latter are considerably safer but offer limited growth potential. On the other hand, the ones like yours present significant risks but also greater rewards in terms of strength and abilities."

Sinclair pondered for a moment, torn between the safety of his friends and the necessity for their utmost strength. He knew the dangers involved but also understood the critical need for formidable allies in the challenges that lay ahead. With a resolute tone, he made his decision. "Please, let them have the same kind of tutorials I went through. The greater the risk, the greater the potential for growth. We're already at a numerical disadvantage against our foes; we need every bit of strength and capability we can muster."

"As far as the quest to investigate and kill the Myrkr I have found, I can sense one for sure, though there could be a second. They are harder to detect when in small numbers. When you accept the quest, it will teleport you to the closest mana node in that sector. You will have a few miles to go before you get there. I have sent you a map interface as well, so you can keep better track. It is one of those things you can buy in the shop or are given by your parents when you come of age under the system. Keep in mind these beings kill and convert. Just because they were defenseless before they were killed doesn't mean that whatever they have collected is still defenseless. The process appears to corrupt them."

"How do I kill one?" Sinclair shivered from the memory of the vision he had shared earlier. "From the vision I saw, they can be kind of formless sometimes. They don't seem to all have normal bodies."

"They will have a core inside their body somewhere. To you it will look like a crystal. In normal beasts, they are colored according to their affinity. In the Myrkr, they are black and gray. To kill one, you must crush the core and the monster will never rise again to hurt anyone."

Sinclair absorbed Odin's guidance with a nod, mentally preparing for the looming challenge. "Do you have any insights into the strength or difficulty of this upcoming battle against the Myrkr?"

Odin, with a discerning gaze, replied, "Based on my estimations, the Myrkr's power level is comparable to the frost giant you encountered during your class quest. Rely on your skills and intellect, and you should emerge victorious."

The familiar sensation of anticipatory anxiety surged within Sinclair, a reminder of his days before significant events. This mixture of eagerness and trepidation hinted at the enormity of the task ahead, and yet, he felt an undeniable readiness.

"Alright, I believe I have all the information I need. Is there anything else you'd advise before I return?"

Odin regarded Sinclair with a look of admiration. In Sinclair, he saw a reflection of the legendary Snorri, who had once stood before him with a vow to safeguard the realms under his stewardship. "For now, there is no further counsel to impart. Prepare well for your journey, and may your path be safe, young protector."

Nodding his head, Sinclair felt a peculiar sensation, as if he were being gently drawn back into his body. It was a subtle yet profound shift, bridging the chasm between realms. Lying motionless, he gazed at the ceiling, enveloped in a cocoon of tranquility. This rare moment of peace was a welcome respite, a stark contrast to the tumultuous days he had endured. He allowed himself an hour of contemplative silence, savoring the stillness. Eventually, stirring from his reverie, Sinclair rose, movements deliberate, his mind now firmly set on the task ahead. Grabbing a towel, he prepared for a shower, signaling the commencement of his impending hunting expedition.