Progenitor's Burden

In the spacious meeting room of the Town Hall, a large table stood as the focal point, around which the key figures of Wolf's Run gathered. The table facilitated an open view for each attendee, promoting clear communication and discussion. At one end of the table, near the side with the grand doors leading outside, sat General Valthorn and Lysandros, their larger beastkin frames requiring the extra space for comfortable movement.

Bruce initiated the meeting, "Thank you, everyone, for coming. Sinclair has left to pursue a quest related to Midgard's guardian. Meanwhile, the rest of our team is tackling the forest quest to manage the spider situation. What other updates do we have?"

Amelia provided her report. "The town's laws have been successfully posted, and all residents know them. Additionally, the implementation of taxes on the market crystal transactions and other services is underway."

Bruce inquired further. "And how have our residents received the news about the taxes?"

"The original human population readily accepted it. The tax rate is lower than they were accustomed to before, so there's a sense of relief. Since there's no income tax, that's another point in our favor. As for our other residents, they've expressed their appreciation for the low rates. It seems they've likely experienced higher taxes in their respective origins."

In the well-lit meeting room of the Town Hall, General Valthorn acknowledged Amelia's statement. "Indeed, Lady Hagerson. In my previous community, taxes rarely fell below 15%, and for us Beastkin, they could soar as high as 20%."

"That's truly unfortunate. Let me assure everyone that such disparities will not exist here. In Wolf's Run, fairness prevails. Everyone contributes according to their means, without exception. Even Sinclair is subject to taxation."

Chief Talgrin expressed his gratitude with a nod. "Thank you. We are truly appreciative of this approach."

While steering the meeting back to its agenda, Bruce posed a question to the group. "Who else has updates to share with us?"

Eliondor, representing the Light Elves, spoke up. "Our community has integrated well into the town. We're ready to contribute actively to the defense and military efforts. Currently, we have approximately 35 individuals skilled in melee combat and archery, as well as four healers. I can arrange for them to coordinate with you, General Valthorn, if that would be helpful?"

General Valthorn's large predatory eyes lit up as he responded, "That's excellent to hear. I've long envisioned what could be achieved by uniting the diverse strengths of all races. This collaboration could lead to remarkable achievements."

Bjorn, the representative of Jarl Hrondir's people in Ravens Watch, leaned forward. "My people have expressed a desire to send reinforcements to bolster our defenses and ensure the survival of this community. We all owe our allegiance to Odin and must unite to restore order to this planet. Moreover, our craftsmen are among the finest in metal and stonework. We could bring as many as sixty fighters."

Elder Dorgran nodded in agreement. "Indeed, that's encouraging news. However, we must approach our expansion plans judiciously to avoid overextending ourselves. Currently, our infrastructure is limited primarily to housing. As most of you know, I've already sent our best metalworker to set up the smithy. We also need to establish a functioning leather workshop."

Each leader's contribution painted a picture of a burgeoning community, slowly but steadily building its foundation, mindful of the delicate balance between growth and sustainability. The vision of a unified, robust Wolf's Run, underpinned by the expertise and labor of its diverse inhabitants, seemed ever more achievable with each passing moment.

Eliondor quickly jotted down some instructions on a piece of parchment, rolling it neatly before handing it to a young boy who stood by attentively. Acting as runners throughout the chamber, these children crept, their sworn vow of silence, adding solemnity to their role.

Bruce turned to Chief Lysandros. "What news do you have of other settlements and the scouts' reports?"

Chief Lysandros spoke up, "Several have joined Lord Hagerson's army, while others are engaged in foraging and scouting missions within his jurisdiction. We have found a few small isolated settlements that mostly wish to be left alone. We have exchanged information with them and told them where to go if they needed assistance."

Bruce, recording every detail, nodded in acknowledgment of each report. The room was filled with the soft scratching of his pen. Since the change, they had to learn how to use different forms of writing utensils. They didn't have pens like before, but it wasn't quite the quill of the medieval ages. He tried to incorporate his note section in his screen more often, but found he still liked the feel and ease of pen and paper.

Amelia addressed the group while her husband took notes. "I realize we've all seen little of Sinclair lately, but please know that he values the efforts everyone is making in his absence."

In his chair, General Valthorn, leaning back slightly, reflected on the nature of their roles. "Being chosen by Odin brings its own set of responsibilities and challenges. As for the army, it's a work in progress. We're currently assessing our forces, comprising 365 combat-ready individuals. There's a mix of various groups and guild-oriented thinking, but we're steadily shaping them into a cohesive unit. The focus is on drilling and integration for now."

Bruce, looking up from his notes, inquired further. "How are the human recruits adjusting to this new military structure?"

General Valthorn leaned forward, "The integration is going smoothly so far. We've seen a few minor scuffles but nothing serious enough to warrant council intervention. Your human settlers are proving to be quite adaptable. I anticipate forming more cohesive units within the next two weeks."

Chief Talgrin added, "Our non-combatants, including the healers, contribute significantly to the town's development. We're focusing on internal infrastructure, like laying down gravel for future roads. We've assigned some individuals with project management experience as foremen, guiding others in these essential tasks."

Bruce paused, eyes scanning the notes he'd meticulously taken. Calculations and scribbles filled the margins of his paper. "Can anyone estimate when the new wall construction might be completed?"

Elder Dorgran addressed this issue as he had been working with those teams during the day before the meeting, "We're finalizing the last section of the wall today and installing the new gates. It should be fully operational in a day or two, allowing us to extend our wall patrols to the newer boundary."

Bruce jotted down this update. "Based on this, we can allocate space for about three barracks, accommodating around 120 people." Turning to Elric, "Elric. Can you use part of that for your people? I am not sure how many you would bring, but we should be able to set one of those as your embassy for now until we get something more tangible constructed."

Visibly taken aback by the generous offer, Elric responded, "This is far more than we had hoped for. You honor us greatly. I'll inform City Lord Garret immediately. It will take about a week for our people to gather and travel here."

Bruce added, "That's perfectly acceptable. This interim will allow us to expand our pathways and prepare for the rapid growth we're experiencing. Now, are there any other pressing matters?"

Silence fell over the room as the attendees reviewed their notes and agendas, ensuring every detail was noted.

"Dear, we need to talk about what to do with the children who are coming in a few days. We have no way to know how many are coming, and we need to have a structure in place for both their physical safety and mental well-being." Amelia voiced her concern that had been gnawing at her.

"Ah, that is true. How about this? We put out a quest for surrogate parents. We'll put someone in charge of vetting the adults and children once those who have parents here are united. Then those who have nothing can be put through schooling, training, and given jobs to do to help them acclimate." Bruce had spent some time thinking about this as soon as he learned they were probably going to get some kids who didn't have anyone.

"I think I speak for all the beast-kin when I say that we will gladly help protect and raise any child that is in need. We have always been protective of our young, and I know many of ours have lost children in our flight that wouldn't mind having a full nest again." Dorgran put forth, which was quickly agreed to by several of the other best-kin in the council.

"That is great news. Let's get some volunteers from the populace, and we can get some teams set up for their reintroduction." Amelia suggested.

Bruce, concluding the meeting, announced, "Well then, let's proceed with our respective tasks. Amelia and I have reached level 25 and will be undergoing race upgrades, so we'll be out of commission for a few hours. In our absence, we trust you to make informed decisions as needed."

The room erupted in a spontaneous round of applause and congratulatory remarks.

As the applause subsided, Bruce and Amelia rose from their seats. They walked arm in arm, their steps synchronized, heading towards the area designated for the cleansing of race upgrades. They were looking forward to the new skills and abilities, but not the gunk that was reported to come out of them when they went from F to E Grade.

The room, filled with the remaining group members, buzzed with quiet conversations and the shuffling of papers as plans continued to be made in their absence.

The path to the cleansing area was well-trodden, bordered by the lush greenery that thrived within the boundaries of their growing community. It looked like someone had been hard at work, making the area that had been walled off more secluded but still welcoming. The sun, high in the sky, cast a warm glow over the landscape, illuminating the intricate patterns of the cobblestone path beneath their feet.

As they walked, Bruce and Amelia exchanged glances, anticipation and readiness evident in their expressions. The importance of the race upgrade was not lost on them; it was a significant step in their journey, enhancing their abilities and solidifying their roles within the community.

Reaching the cleansing area, they found it to be a serene space, set apart from the community's bustle. A gentle stream flowed through the center, its waters clear and inviting. The air here was more relaxed, filled with the soothing sounds of nature. This was a place of transformation, to be revered and respected.

Bruce and Amelia stood in front of the dressing rooms, anticipating what was to come. "Do you want to go first? Or should I?" Bruce asked, his gaze shifting between the dressing room and Amelia.

Taking a seat on the waiting bench, Amelia replied with a hint of excitement in her voice, "How about you go first? I will wait for you to be done. Just in case." She watched Bruce enter the dressing room, her eyes reflecting her eagerness for the change they would undergo. "Make sure to call out what you get as you go through your screens, dear," she added.

Bruce responded with a light-hearted, "Yes, Ma'am!" His laughter echoed slightly as he began to strip off his clothes. They hadn't invested in self-cleaning gambesons since they didn't wear armor – a decision Bruce assumed might change eventually. But for now, he had too many other priorities. Accessing his menu screen, he contemplated his available points. He had accumulated 5 points per level, totaling 125 points, in addition to the benefits from his uncommon class of Hearth Guardian.

Bruce's role as a Hearth Guardian had evolved significantly, focusing on developing Wolf's Run infrastructure. He had gradually embraced responsibilities beyond his usual scope, a challenge he accepted willingly. His class granted him an extra two free stats per level, automatically adding 6 points, leaving him with 155 free stat points to distribute.

As Bruce deliberated over his stat allocation, he recalled his son's advice: do not put all your available points into a single attribute. The key was to enhance his primary use stats and rely on gear to compensate for any deficiencies unless there was a pressing need to boost a weaker stat. With this strategy in mind, Bruce broke up his points into increments of 10 for each stat category.

Methodically, he allocated 10 points to a stat, mentally confirming his choice before moving on to the next. This process was systematic, ensuring a balanced enhancement of his abilities. Within 5 minutes, he distributed all his points and called out to his wife, sharing his new, improved stats.

As the power surged through him, a newfound sense of strength and capability washed over Bruce. He realized, almost instantly, that he was hooked on the exhilarating feeling of stat growth. The sensation was invigorating, filling him with a rush that was hard to describe but impossible to ignore.

Name: Bruce Hagerson

Race: Human

Level: 0 (25)

Rank: E

Path: None

Class: Hearth Guardian 15

Health: 710

Mana: 980

Stamina: 890

Strength: 80

Agility: 62

Constitution: 71

Intelligence: 98

Willpower: 80

Endurance: 89

Luck: 7

Available Points: 0

"That's fantastic, dear. How do you feel? Any different?" Amelia's voice was filled with curiosity as she awaited Bruce's response.

Still processing the transformation, Bruce replied, "There's no way to describe it. The difference between the old me and the new is just... indescribable. I'm going to accept the upgrade to E grade now. One second… There we go. Accept."

As Bruce activated the upgrade, a brief flash of light erupted, followed by a distinctly unpleasant odor. Fortunately, the ever-present breeze and the flowing water of the area quickly whisked the smell away, much to Amelia's relief. "Dear, are you OK?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Receiving no response, Amelia's worry deepened. She called out his name again, only to be met with silence. Tentatively, she approached and slightly opened the curtain of the dressing room. Inside, she found Bruce standing motionless, his eyes glazed over. Her heart raced as she reached out, unsure of what was happening. The moment her hand touched his skin, another blaze of white light engulfed them. Bruce staggered, catching his balance just in time, as Amelia tried to make sense of the sudden, disorienting events.

"Oh wow. That hurts," Bruce exclaimed, rubbing his body and face. He stretched his arms and legs, as if he were sore from an intense workout. Standing half in and half out of the shower that was constantly on to wash the filth away, he gave thanks to whoever thought of the shower and drain feature.

Amelia turned to face him, and upon seeing his face, she gasped. Bruce had always carried the distinguished look of salt-and-pepper hair, and the subtle marks of time had been etching themselves onto his features. But now, standing before her was a transformation that took her breath away. He appeared as a more muscular version of himself from his early 30s, rejuvenated and full of vitality. The change was startling yet impressive, showcasing the profound effects of the upgrade he had just undergone.

"Um dear. I got offered a path? There is a flashing messag stating I am available to walk a path. Here listen to this."

New Path: Path of the Forge

Description: The Path of the Forge is a journey of creation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to building a stronger future. Followers of this path channel their talents into crafting, fortification, and fostering the growth of their communities. Each step on this path deepens their connection to the materials they shape, the tools they wield, and the people they protect, ultimately transforming them into master builders and unyielding defenders.

Core Traits:

Creation and Craftsmanship:

Prioritizes the development of tools, fortifications, and enhancements to strengthen allies and infrastructure.

Resilience:

Emphasizes durability and the ability to endure through challenges, reflecting the unyielding strength of the forge itself.

Community Focus:

Ties personal growth to the prosperity and protection of the group, ensuring their efforts benefit everyone.

"What?! That is amazing. Congratulations love! I am officially jealous and can not wait for my turn."

Still reveling in the aftermath of his transformation as he finished cleaning himself off, Bruce turned to Amelia with a sense of accomplishment. "OK, your turn, dear. That was amazing. While you're changing, I'll call out my skills. They were simple to pick. I'll just run through the list of what I chose instead of reading off everything I could have gotten. Additionally, I received a class upgrade that I didn't know was possible. You are now looking at a Rune Mason."

Class: Rune Mason (Rare)

Description: Rooted in the ancient traditions of the Dwarven forgemasters and guided by the whispering echoes of the runes carved into Yggdrasil's roots, the Rune Mason is more than a builder, it is a crafter of destiny. This class blends precision craftsmanship with sacred magic, allowing the bearer to inscribe the will of the gods into stone, steel, and structure. Whether raising fortresses or forging artifacts, the Rune Mason binds permanence with purpose.

Benefits:

Runebound Foundations:

Structures you help construct have an increased chance of receiving magical or mechanical upgrades during creation.

Master's Blueprint:

Designs and schematics you create are 10% easier for others to learn and replicate, reflecting your intuitive understanding of form and function.

Forged Endurance:

The durability of any item or structure you craft increases with its rarity, granting superior resilience and longevity to your work.

Amelia, observing him with curiosity and amusement, responded with a playful yet firm tone. "Dear, I know what I am looking at. Now cover up, for heaven's sake." Only realizing her gaze, Bruce crossed the room to her and kissed her. "Wait, you already chose your skills? How did you choose them so fast?"

"Fast? What do you mean, dear?" Bruce looked genuinely confused by her question.

"The light hit you twice and it had to have been 30 seconds max, maybe. And you picked all your skills for race and class?" She was staring him in the eye. She knew his look when he was trying to pull something over on her. And the look he had right now was genuine confusion.

"Hon, seconds? Come on? I spent fifteen minutes choosing skills." He said.

"Yea. Watch me and tell me that same thing in a minute. System fuckery is at work here, I can smell it." She said as she stepped into the shower area, disrobing.

"Yes, ma'am. Maybe later we can see how good these changes were," Bruce said, his eyebrows wiggling suggestively.

"You are such a cad sometimes. Get dressed and throw your skills out there, Mr. Rune Mason," Amelia retorted playfully, partially closing the curtain with a light-hearted chuckle.

Now focusing on the task, Bruce reflected on his skill selection. "Ok. My race levels had some boring skill names – all of them were either common or uncommon. Looking back, I think I would have taken the harder tutorial if I could have gotten more rare skills." His voice carried a hint of wistfulness as he pondered the what-ifs while preparing to share the details of his new abilities.

Bruce, with a hint of pride in his voice, began reading his new skills to Amelia:

"First up, I've got Fortress Foundations' It's an uncommon skill. It strengthens the structural integrity of any buildings and fortifications I'm involved in designing or building. Makes them much more sturdy and resilient."

New Skill: Fortress Foundations (Uncommon)

Description: Harness practical expertise and a touch of magic to enhance the structural integrity of buildings and fortifications. This skill ensures creations are more durable and resistant to external damage, providing unmatched resilience in defensive construction.

Effects:

Reinforced Structure:

Increases the durability and resistance of any building or fortification the user contributes to by 20%, making them harder to damage or destroy.

Structural Synergy:

Boosts the efficiency of construction efforts, reducing the time and resources needed to complete fortifications by 15%.

He scrolled through his list, continuing, "Then there's 'Pathfinder's Pavers'. It's a passive skill. As long as they're connected, any roads that lead into or out of our town will need less maintenance. Oh, and they increase travel speed by 5%. Pretty neat for logistics, right?"

New Skill: Pathfinder's Pavers (Uncommon)

Description: Channel practical skill and subtle magic into the creation and maintenance of roads, ensuring they remain durable and efficient for travel. This skill enhances the utility of connected paths, improving both logistics and accessibility.

Effects:

Enduring Paths:

Roads connected to the user's construction require 20% less maintenance, remaining intact and usable for longer periods.

Swift Passage:

Increases travel speed by 5% for all who use the connected roads, improving the efficiency of movement and transport.

Bruce tapped on his screen, finding the next skill. "Here's another one: 'Bastion's Fortifications'. This allows me to tweak current blueprints or plans by up to 10% without starting from scratch. It's going to save us a lot of time and resources."

New Skill: Bastion's Fortifications (Uncommon)

Description: Enhance construction efficiency with the ability to modify existing blueprints and plans without the need for a complete overhaul. This skill ensures adaptability in building designs, saving valuable time and resources during construction or upgrades.

Effects:

Adaptive Design:

Allows modifications to existing blueprints or plans by up to 10% without requiring a full redesign.

Resource Optimization:

Reduces material waste during construction adjustments by 15%, ensuring efficient use of resources.

He smiled, looking up briefly before reading on. "Now, this one's interesting – 'Enduring Bounty'. If we ever face shortages or sieges, this skill increases all resource yields by 10% while I'm around. It's like a safety net for tough times."

New Skill: Enduring Bounty (Rare)

Description: Harness the essence of abundance to bolster resource collection and survival during times of scarcity. Enduring Bounty ensures the sustainability of a settlement by enhancing resource yields and optimizing their use, providing a critical advantage during shortages or sieges.

Effects:

Increased Yields:

Enhances resource collection by 10% within a 50-foot radius of the user, ensuring more materials from the same effort.

Siege Resilience:

Reduces resource consumption during shortages or sieges by 15%, extending the settlement's ability to endure prolonged crises.

Bountiful Recovery:

Increases the regeneration rate of renewable resources, such as crops or timber, by 20%, ensuring faster replenishment during recovery periods.

Finally, Bruce reached the last skill. "And lastly, there's 'Craftsmanship Chronicler'. This one's based more on my experience before all this. It helps anyone I teach to have a better chance of learning the material. Plus, I get passive experience from anything they create. It's a throwback to my teaching days."

New Skill: Craftsmanship Chronicler (Rare)

Description: Channel years of experience and mastery into teaching and mentoring others, ensuring your knowledge is passed down effectively. Craftsmanship Chronicler not only enhances the learning process for your students but also rewards you for their successes, fostering growth and skill development across the community.

Effects:

Guided Mastery:

Increases the learning rate of those you mentor by 15%, ensuring they retain knowledge and skills more effectively.

Mentor's Insight:

Grants the user passive experience for every item or structure created by those they've trained.

Legacy Builder:

Enhances the quality of creations made by mentored individuals by 10%, ensuring the lasting impact of your guidance.

Amelia listened intently, nodding as Bruce explained each skill, clearly impressed by the range and utility of his new abilities.

Bruce continued in this tone, a mix of excitement and contemplation. "I didn't get interesting skills until halfway through the process. Then, I got a message offering me a class upgrade. I didn't even know that was a thing. There were two options, and I chose Rune Mason. I'm a walking, passive bonus for this place, so I figured I'd specialize even more. So far, I've only got three skills in that class."

He paused, selecting the first skill to elaborate on. "The first one is 'Ward Weaver'. It lets me create barriers and domes to defend people, places, or things. We'll need more cores and crafting materials for that one."

New Skill: Ward Weaver (Rare)

Description: Harness arcane energy to craft protective barriers and domes, safeguarding people, places, and valuable resources. Ward Weaver enables the creation of dynamic defenses, offering both flexibility and strength to adapt to various threats.

Effects:

Barrier Crafting:

Allows the creation of magical barriers or domes that absorb up to 15% of incoming damage, protecting designated areas or individuals.

Energy Synergy:

Increases the effectiveness of barriers by 10% when enhanced with additional cores or high-grade crafting materials.

Adaptive Defense:

Grants barriers the ability to redirect 5% of absorbed damage back to attackers, reinforcing their defensive and offensive utility.

Bruce scrolled to the next skill. "My second skill is impeccable – it's called 'Master Builder', named after the giant who built the walls of Asgard. It gives me the ability to create tools and instruments. Others can use these, like a concrete form with magic runes already in place."

New Skill: Master Builder (Rare)

Description: Inspired by the legendary giant who constructed Asgard's walls, Master Builder grants the ability to craft specialized tools and instruments imbued with magical enhancements. These creations streamline construction and fortification efforts, allowing others to utilize their potential to its fullest.

Effects:

Runed Tools:

Enables the creation of tools and instruments embedded with magic runes, enhancing their efficiency and durability by 15%.

Construction Aids:

Grants the ability to craft items like concrete forms, scaffolding, or molds that simplify complex construction tasks and reduce material waste by 10%.

Builder's Legacy:

Crafted tools improve the performance of those who use them, increasing their effectiveness in construction by 10% while in use.

He then moved to the last skill, his expression slightly more severe. "My last class skill was strange – 'Gleipnir Binding Glyphs'. Named after the mythical unbreakable chain that bound Fenrir, these glyphs strengthen the town's fortifications. Walls, gates, and towers bound with these glyphs become nearly unbreakable, able to withstand intense assaults. But the cost is steep. I can never leave the town or connected villages again with this in place, as they are directly linked to me. Well, it implies I couldn't leave the property protected by it. So, I think, in theory, if it was in place in several locations, I could travel between those places. That one, I wasn't too sure about."

New Skill: Gleipnir Binding Glyphs (Unique)

Description: Infused with the power and myth of Gleipnir, the unbreakable chain that bound Fenrir, this skill enables the creation of indestructible fortification glyphs. These glyphs anchor the town's defenses to the user, forging a mystical connection that imbues walls, gates, and towers with extraordinary resilience. While the strength of the bindings can withstand the mightiest assaults, they come with a cost, the user is forever tied to the places protected by the glyphs, their presence sustaining the enchantments.

Effects:

Runes of Immovability:

Fortifications enhanced by Gleipnir Binding Glyphs gain 50% increased resistance to physical and magical damage, making them nearly impervious to attacks.

Ward of Restoration:

Damaged fortifications bound by the glyphs regenerate slowly over time, repairing cracks and breaks without external intervention.

Tether of Authority:

The user's connection to the glyphs grants them the ability to remotely reinforce or activate defensive measures, such as locking gates or summoning temporary barriers in the protected area.

Anchor of Sacrifice:

The user is bound to the places protected by the glyphs, unable to leave without weakening the enchantments. However, additional glyphs placed in connected locations extend their range, allowing travel between those linked areas.

Amelia listened intently, absorbing the details of Bruce's new abilities and their implications for their future in the town.

Amelia furrowed her brow, trying to understand Bruce's choice. "I get all that except for that last one. Why would you take something like that?"

Bruce replied with conviction, "It was the best of the two options. Looking at my skills, I'm best used as a buff to the town. If I don't lean into that, our home could be at risk. It felt like the right thing to do."

Amelia shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're a stubborn man, cute stubborn man, but stubborn all the same. OK, I trust you. We'll figure it out. I've put my stats in place. I had the same number to add as you, I think. 155?"

"Yes, ma'am," Bruce confirmed with a nod.

Amelia continued, "You thought your class was boring before. At least you weren't just a common Civic Administrator. I hope I get a class upgrade, too. I did my stats while you were reading out your skills." Her voice held a hint of hope, looking forward to the possibility of her class evolution.

Name: Amelia Hagerson

Race: Human

Level: 25

Rank: F

Path: None

Class: Administrator (14)

Health: 760

Mana: 940

Stamina: 620

Strength: 58

Agility: 61

Constitution: 76

Intelligence: 94

Willpower: 83

Endurance: 62

Luck: 9

Available Points: 0

Bruce complimented Amelia, "Looking good, dear. Those are nice stats.

"Thanks, love. One sec," Amelia responded, her focus on finalizing her choices. She pressed the button to accept her class upgrade, and instantly, a flash of light emitted from her corner, leaving Bruce in a similar state of anticipation as she had experienced earlier.

Bruce waited patiently, his ears tuned to any sound behind the curtain. Suddenly, he heard her retch slightly. Concerned, he called out, "Dear, are you okay?"

"Yes, that stench was pretty foul. One second. Hey, I got a Path offered to me as well!" Amelia replied, her voice a bit strained.

New Path: Way of the Iron Sigil

Description: The Way of the Iron Sigil embodies the strength of leadership, the weight of responsibility, and the intricate art of governance. Those who follow this path are pillars of their communities, balancing the needs of the people with the demands of progress. With a sigil as their symbol of unity and resolve, they forge connections, create order from chaos, and inspire prosperity through discipline and foresight.

Core Traits:

Leadership and Governance:

Focused on administration, diplomacy, and civic planning to strengthen and unite communities.

Justice and Fairness:

Upholds balance and equity, ensuring every decision serves the greater good.

Strategic Development:

Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of civic systems and resource management.

Bruce couldn't help himself; curiosity got the better of him. He thought, Yeah, like I'm not peeking. He stealthily glanced past the curtain and was utterly taken aback. There she was, the love of his life, looking as radiant and youthful as she did in her 30s but with an added aura of power. He felt a familiar stirring, a youthful vigor rekindling within him. It was clear they both had much to look forward to, rejuvenated and empowered by their respective upgrades.

Amelia was aware of Bruce's inability to resist a peek and cherished this aspect of their relationship. He had adored her from the beginning, showering her with praise even when she struggled to see her beauty. But now, as she looked down at herself, she couldn't help but feel a newfound appreciation for the system. Her stomach was flat, reminiscent of her college days, and her body felt fit and agile.

Before Bruce could get carried away with his admiration, Amelia quickly equipped some simple clothes. "Later, silly boy. We are still technically in public. Skills first, and then we need to check on everything. If you're good, we can retire early and take these younger bodies for a spin," she said with a laugh, pulling up her screen. She caught the hopeful look on Bruce's face at the mention of their plans for later and smiled to herself. Such a lovely man, she thought, feeling a deep affection for him as she began to review her new skills.