Progenitor's Burden

Upon returning to the hub, the atmosphere felt different. Heavier, perhaps? The weight of the day's events pressed on him. Deep exhaustion threatened to pull him under, but he had tasks to complete first. An unattended cascade of notifications had been clamoring for his attention during the heat of battle, and he had dismissed them all, unable to spare even a second to glance at them.

Spotting a neatly stacked pile of wood beside the house, Sinclair wasted no time in setting up a small fire. Once lit, he positioned himself comfortably against the wall and summoned his interface. Drawing a deep breath, he tapped the notifications, starting with the most recent.

83 Enemies Defeated - Well Done!

Experience Awarded: 975

Draugr Captain Defeated - Good Job!

Experience Awarded: 105

18 Enemies Defeated - is that all?

Experience Awarded: 450

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

As you are a human, you receive plus one to Willpower and Endurance each time you level up

As you are a human, you receive five free points to spend on the stats of your choice

To level up, please assign your points.

New Skill: Cleave (Uncommon)

Description: You can transfer some of your magic into your blade and expel it into a larger area of effect.

Effects:

Adds Fire attribute damage

You can adjust mana usage to increase or decrease your damage output

Your skills have increased!

Surefooted: Increased from Level 0 to Level 4

Dual Axes: Increased from Level 0 to Level 5

Medium Armor: Increased from Level 0 to Level 8

Pain Tolerance: Increased from Level 0 to Level 6

Your Base Stats have changed

+8 Strength

+2 Agility

+6 Constitution

+2 Intelligence

+1 Willpower

+7 Endurance

Sinclair then inspected his new weapons

New Item: Hatchets of the Wolf x2 (Rare)

Description: These twin hatchets were a gift from Jarl Hrondir, symbolizing his gratitude for you saving his village. Exquisitely crafted, each hatchet features a sleek, lightweight design, enabling swift and precise strikes. The handles are adorned with intricate wolf engravings, a nod to the Jarl's lineage. The edges of the blades are sharp enough to cause deep wounds that apply an ongoing Bleed effect

Effects:

+3 to Agility when used together

Applies an ongoing Bleed effect

This item can be soul bound

Would you like to bind this item to your soul? Yes/No

New Item: Ax of the Dire Wolf (Rare)

Description: The Ax of the Dire Wolf is a venerable weapon, passed down through generations of Jarl Hrondir's family. It is adorned with elegantly carved motifs depicting the dire wolf, which symbolize strength and ferocity. The Ax's blade is dark and imposing and holds a keen edge.

Effects:

+4 to Strength

Has a 5% chance to cause Fear.

This item can be soul bound

Would you like to bind this item to your soul? Yes/No

Congratulations you have cleared the Algiz challenge.

Your reward is being generated. Please wait

Please wait

Please wait

Rewards: +50 silver, Warden's Belt of the North

New Item: Warden's Belt of the North (Rare)

Description: The Warden's Belt of the North is a symbol of resilience and bravery, awarded for your heroic defense against the Draugr invasion. Crafted from the finest northern leathers and reinforced with mystical fibers, the belt is decorated with intricate runes that symbolize protection and endurance. It represents the spirit of the northern wardens, known for their steadfastness in the face of overwhelming odds.

Effects:

+8 Endurance

+5 Constitution

Improved Draugr Defense:

This belt offers additional protection against the bone-chilling attacks and necrotic abilities of the Draugr

Defensive Aura:

The belt emits a subtle aura that reinforces your defensive capabilities, providing an additional layer of protection in battle, especially against undead foes.

Sinclair's stats were jumping by leaps and bounds. I'm almost level 7! He was, of course, still banking his points until he could figure out his class and he would continue to do so as long as his natural stats kept growing. Sighing to himself with satisfaction, he looked over his stat sheet one last time before laying down to rest.

Name: Sinclair Hagerson

Race: Human

Level: 0 (6)

Rank: F

Path: None

Class: [blank]

Health: 470

Mana: 280

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Stamina: 760

Strength: 61

Agility: 32

Constitution: 47

Intelligence: 28

Willpower: 28

Endurance: 76

Luck: 25

Available Points: 30

Sinclair was starting to adapt to these amplified stats. With each enhancement, his need for sleep diminished, which was a blessing given his time constraints. With two doors and only five days remaining, he fell asleep, albeit not for long.

Jerking awake, he realized he didn't loot the Draugr. He had been so focused on the Vikings and the new Axs—so, so cool—that he had totally forgotten about the loot of dozens of creatures. Oh, and I forgot the effing Captain too. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Right, I'm not going to be able to sleep now. Might as well get up and move around.

An hour later, Sinclair was breaking his fast and tidying up his makeshift camp. Once done, he approached the next door. Ansuz beckoned, promising challenges of true vision, or perhaps inspiration. Of all the challenges, this one seemed the most enigmatic... not that any of them had been predictable thus far.

Upon entering, Sinclair found himself in a tranquil clearing encircled by—yet again—towering trees. The open sky above shimmered brilliantly, displaying a celestial tapestry he'd never witnessed before. The earthy scent of loam filled the air, accompanied by the soft, comforting crackle of a distant fire. The stars in the sky looked unreal, brighter and more numerous than anything he had ever seen. Everything was in stark contrast and incredibly highly detailed.

Drawn to the center of the clearing, he spotted a low, domed structure: a tent. Wisps of smoke escaped through the gaps, suggesting a fire within. As he neared the tent, a haunting, somber chant reached his ears, growing more pronounced with each step. Bracing himself, Sinclair anticipated the familiar appearance of a system message. Sure enough, just as he reached the entrance of the tent, the awaited prompt materialized before him.

New Quest: Ansuz - Test of the Dreamer

Description: Embark on a spiritual odyssey guided by the wisdom of the elder shaman. This test will lead you through the mystical realms, challenging your mind and spirit to uncover your personal destiny. Rooted in the traditions of the gods, the Test of the Dreamer is a journey of introspection, enlightenment, and the discovery of your unique path. Will you find the strength to navigate the veils of reality and unlock the secrets of your fate?

Goal: Complete the three stages of the Test of the Dreamer.

Shamanic Guidance:

The elder shaman will lead you into the journey, although the true path must be navigated by you alone.

Spiritual Exploration:

You will traverse through visions and challenges in the mystical realms.

Pathway Discovery:

Your task is to find and recognize your personal pathway. You must understand its significance and the role it plays in your destiny to complete the quest.

Rewards: Successful completion of this test will grant you deeper self-awareness. True understanding may lead to you unearthing latent abilities or developing hidden skills.

What sort of test was this? He had read about sweat lodges before but discounted the theory as new age fluff. Of course, now I can do a magic Cleave, so what do I know? He was about to find out regardless of his beliefs on the matter. Walking up to the flap of the tent, a gnarled hand reached out and opened it for him.

"I have been expecting you, young warrior. It is a good night to go on a journey don't you think?" The shaman was weathered in the sort of way you get from staying outside too long with no sunscreen on. He had thick white hair and a long beard braided with bits of metal and pieces of antler bone.

I guess it'll be fun to just roll with... er, the roleplay. "I was sent here to find my pathway. Are you to be my guide?"

"Yes, young one. I will be guiding you this night. I am to watch over your body while your spirit ventures forth. Come in and disrobe. "

Sinclair made himself comfortable on a small rug and unequipped his clothes. The shaman turned around and walked over to his side. On an adjacent cushion, he also sat, gingerly. He grabbed an old ladle from a bucket Sinclair had not noticed and splashed a little water on the rocks; instantly the temperature in the small tent was raised.

"Take these, young warrior. You must eat and drink what I give you before we can begin." The shaman handed him two small bowls: the first contained small lumps of mushroom, while the second contained a decidedly muddy-looking drink.

I don't like getting high. Ed won't let me live it down if I see aliens too. Sinclair hesitated for a moment before consuming the mushrooms, then quickly downed the accompanying liquid. Handing the containers back to the shaman, he wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. The heat inside the tent was intensifying.

The shaman seemed unperturbed, methodically sprinkling water on the hot stones and ratcheting up the temperature degree by degree. The sweltering heat began to disorient Sinclair; the air grew thick, and a dizzying sensation enveloped him. Struggling, he attempted to roll to the tent's entrance, seeking a breath of fresh air. But as he tilted to one side, his surroundings spun, and he found himself staring straight up into the sky from the field, the tent and the shaman nowhere in sight.

Regaining his posture, Sinclair scanned his surroundings. All of his belongings, including his storage ring, were absent. I am stark naked under a breathtakingly clear starlit sky, a gentle breeze teasing my skin. This is weird, but kinda awesome. It's just... right.

Standing up, Sinclair paced the clearing, his eyes scouring the ground for any hint of what to do next. At the edge of the clearing, to the west, he spotted a faint game trail, and chose to follow. Over the next... however long it took... he followed its winding path, careful to avoid disturbing the undergrowth. The forest was cloaked in an almost sacred silence, compelling him to move with respect.

As he journeyed on, an increasing sense of inner tranquility—one he'd never felt before—wrapped around him like the warmest of hugs. Soon, his thoughts were neither of trials nor challenges, but of simple admiration for the serenity the environment bestowed upon him.

Upon reaching another glade where a gentle stream carved its path, Sinclair felt a compelling urge to lie down. There were no obvious markers or signs indicating his next move, so he allowed himself a moment of respite. The trials the system had put him through thus far were multifaceted and often stressful. He took this lull as an opportunity to soak in the peace.

Lying on his back, the expansive sky above became his sole focus. Each heartbeat felt amplified, a soothing rhythm accompanied by the soft rustle of grass beneath him. For Sinclair, this moment was a glimpse into a coveted tranquility he yearned to find in the real world, far from digital trials and virtual challenges.

As time passed, Sinclair began to feel a gradually increasing—but insistent—pull from the North. It grew steadily, urging him forward with an intensity he couldn't ignore. Almost by instinct, he stood up and began walking in the direction of the pull. Gone was the caution; his steps were determined, increasingly growing frantic. The urge to accelerate built, until he found himself breaking into a jog and then an all-out sprint. Trees and shrubs became mere blurs as he navigated his way through the forest.

Soon the clang of metal against wood echoed. Emerging into another clearing, Sinclair took a moment to process the scene before him. A group of brutish creatures, reminiscent of goblins, but far larger and menacing than in any tale or movie he was familiar with, surrounded the entrance of a cave. On either side of the entrance lay the bodies of two gargantuan Wolves.

Drawing closer, driven by the fiery sensation in his chest, he began to discern faint yips and growls, like those of distressed pups. A sickening realization hit him: the creatures were attacking wolf pups. A rage bubbled up from within him as memories of his beloved childhood dog flashed in his mind. Even unarmed and vulnerable, Sinclair knew he could not stand idly by. Those pups needed him, and he was ready to do whatever it took to protect them.

The monsters stood just over 5 feet tall and wore leather and rags mixed with small pieces of shiny metal. All of them carried javelins or spears and they were filthy enough that he would definitely need a tetanus shot if he got cut. If I can get the drop on them then I could take a spear from one and use it to help level the playing field. He triggered Valkyrie's Gaze to gain some insight into the nearest creature.

Name: Dregga

Race: Norse Goblin

Description: Norse Goblins are a formidable variant of the traditional goblin species, standing at an unusual height. These creatures are distinctively larger and more robust than their common counterparts. They are armed with an arsenal of spears and javelins, which they wield with surprising agility and skill, making them dangerous foes in combat.

Their appearance is rugged and untidy, with scraps of cloth and rags haphazardly draped over their bodies. Interspersed within these fabrics are bits of shiny metal - fragments of armor, coins, and trinkets - giving them a scavenged, almost patchwork look. These metal pieces are not just decorative; they serve as a form of rudimentary armor, offering some protection in battle.

Norse Goblins are known for their cunning and resourcefulness. They often move in groups, using their numbers and weaponry to overwhelm opponents. Despite their diminutive exterior, these goblins have a keen instinct for survival; they are unpredictable and challenging adversaries.

With a deep breath and a silent prayer to anyone watching, Sinclair sprinted straight into the back of the two goblins on the left, driving their heads into the dirt. He jumped to his feet and snatched up the larger spear, simultaneously stomping down on the head of the two prone goblins. CRUNCH. With no regard to his personal safety, he lashed out with the spear and caught the next goblin in the throat so hard it passed straight through, severing the spine and sending it spinning to the ground.

Unfortunately at this point the other goblins had recognised him as a threat and he was soon proudly sporting two searing lines of pain on his thigh and rib cage from grazes. The only chance I have to save those pups is to be the proverbial unstoppable force, and drive them against the immovable rock. Sinclair stabbed so hard into the next goblin that it punctured through and took the shorter goblin behind it in the throat; both died in that single strike.

Only a few seconds had passed, but half the goblins were already dead. Scooping up one of the javelins, Sinclair chucked it at a goblin trying to flank him, pinning it to the ground. Oh look, I must have hit an artery. That's a lot of blood. He responded to a sudden sharp pain in his back by spinning around to spot a goblin that had tried to attack from behind; Sinclair lifted the spear like a golf club and swung, ripping through the offending goblin so hard it tore almost in two. Oops, I broke my spear.

There were only three goblins left, but a metric fuckton of rage to batter them with. Finally realizing that flight was the wiser option, the three goblins turned to flee. Oh no you don't. Furious at their attack on the defenseless pups, Sinclair had no intention of letting them live. Sinclair lunged down and grabbed a spear in each hand, and sprinted towards the cowards fleeing before him. Leaping into the air, he reversed his grip and thrust downward, pinning both goblins to the ground. I'll just leave them there to bleed out, evil little assholes. Happily discovering that one of them held a javelin, he ripped it from the goblin's grasp and launched it towards the final goblin. The last goblin was picked up by the spear and pinned to a tree conveniently placed behind it. Sinclair stalked up to it and snapped the shaft from the spear, causing the goblin to drop to the ground, cowering. With no mercy, the human pulled the speartip from the tree and slit the goblins throat. I will protect the innocent and defenseless.

Fight finished, Sinclair received a series of alerts:

New Skill: Spear Mastery (Common)

Description: This is a foundational skill that allows the user to use spears in combat.

New Skill: Javelin Mastery (Common)

Description: This is a foundational skill that allows the user to use javelins in combat.

Your skills have improved

Javelin Mastery: Increased from Level 0 to Level 3

Smirking to himself, Sinclair meticulously scoured the area, picking up weapons and any valuable items left behind. Unfortunately, most of the goblins seemed to possess an odd collection of trinkets. Discolored pebbles, worn-out feathers, and half-rotten meat constituted the bulk of their possessions. Still, persistence bore fruit. Amidst the remains of the larger foes, Sinclair's fingers grazed cool metal, and he retrieved a handful of shimmering silver coins. He stored them carefully in the least tarnished pouch he could find, yearning for the moment he'd be reunited with his personal storage.

Surveying the battleground, a mix of triumph and melancholy washed over him. He had protected the innocent, but feared he had crept a little too close to being the monster himself in those moments.