The glow of the first-floor boss chamber dimmed, its eerie ambiance now filled with the settling dust and the faint hum of dissipating energy. I leaned heavily against the cold stone wall, my breaths shallow and labored. My stoneskin spell had held, but only just, and the throbbing wound beneath the protective magic was a painful remainder of my mortality. The golden lines that traced my forearms pulsed faintly with a slow rhythm that somewhat kept my pain at bay.
Hamish dropped to the ground beside him, his improvised kobold spear clattering onto the floor next to his battered shovel. He tilted his head back, closing his eyes as he panted, his shoulders rising and falling with the effort of recovery. Dirt streaked his arms, and his tunic was torn at the edges, but he was alive.
"You know what?" Hamish began, his voice thick with exhaustion, "What in the bloody Highlands was that thing? I've seen big lads in bar brawls, but that beast? No amount of ale could explain it."
I chuckled weakly, wincing as the movement tugged at my wound. "A learning opportunity," I replied sarcastically. "Apparently, we've graduated to 'kobolds with ambition.'"
Hamish huffed a tired laugh. "Ambition? That brawny bastard had a throne of bones. Bones, Robbie! I'm starting' to think your "archaeology hobby' is a mite more dangerous than you let on."
I couldn't help but smirk at his attitude, glancing at the shimmering notifications lingering at the edge of my vision. They waited somewhat impatiently, urging me to look.
System Notifications
Skill Level Up: Thorns is now Rank 7.
Skill Level Up: Earth Manipulation is now Rank 3.
Congratulations! You have reached Level 4.
Reward: 5 attribute points earned.
Despite the ache in my limbs, a flicker of satisfaction warmed me. I opened his stat screen, the glowing lines forming columns of data before my sight.
"Two into Wisdom, two into Intelligence, and one into Fortune," I figured. Mentally allocating his new attribute points. Mana efficiency, spellcasting potential, and a little extra luck never hurt anyone, especially someone navigating a dungeon filled with kobolds.
"You're talking' to yourself again, Robbie," Hamish said, cracking one eye open. His expression, a mix of amusement and irritation, softened when he noticed my grimace. "That wound's looking' nasty. You sure you're not bleedin' out while chattin' to your imaginary lass?"
My hand absently brushed the faint shimmer of golden lines on my forearm. "Moira's not imaginary, Hamish," he said. "She's... complicated."
"Complicated, eh?" Hamish raised an eyebrow. "Aye, women tend to be that, I spose. What's she whispering' to you now?"
Before I could reply, Moira's voice chimed in, her tone both playful and mischievous. "Oh, Hamish, you flatter me. If I were corporeal, I'd surely blush." Quite the shock to both men, as she hadnt spoke aloud yet.
Hamish blinked, sitting up straighter. "Wait. That wasn't you talking', was it?"
"Nope," I simply said, my lips twitching in amusement. "That's Moira."
"Bloody hell," Hamish uttered while running a hand through his thinning hair. "I've gone mad. It's official."
"You're not mad," Moira said sweetly. "Well, not yet, anyway. But if you're interested, I could give you a little spark of my magic. It's a lovely thing, really. It feels really good! Fair Hamish, be a good boy now and accept my gift."
Hamish blushed mightily. His brows knitted together as he contemplated her offer. "A spark, you say? What's the catch?"
"No catch," Moira said, her voice taking on a musical lilt. "Just a bit of connection. My essence serves as a fragment to unlock your potential. You'll hear my delightful voice whenever you need to talk and gain access to some rather useful abilities. Think of it as a membership to an exclusive club. You, as Robert's battle brother, get to hear me without the spark; I don't do this for everyone, you know, so it's exclusive."
Hamish mumbled at her, "Well...thanks for the honor..." but he turned to me, looking suspicious. "And you think this is a good idea? Giving' me a bit of' whatever she is?" He was cautious, like approaching a wild animal or buying a used car.
I shrugged, meeting Hamish's gaze steadily. "You've earned it. You've had my back through all of this, Hamish. If anyone deserves it, it's you."
Hamish's skepticism lingered. He wasn't one to embrace change lightly. An older man set in his ways, Hamish preferred the tangible and reliable over the unknown. To him, magic felt like cheating—an unwelcome disruption to the order of things. But he could hear Moira, clear as day. This wasn't some figment of my imagination. She was real, and there was no denying it now. Besides, he couldn't help but admit, the things I had been doing with magic looked... fun. I've known him a couple of years now, ever quiet about his past, and solidly dependable, he made his choice.
After a long moment, he nodded. "Alright then. Let's see what this spark o' hers can do."
A soft golden light bloomed from my chest, a shimmering sphere of energy that floated between Hamish and myself. Hamish hesitated before reaching out, his calloused hand brushing against the light. The spark sank into his palm, spreading warmth through his body like sunlight on a cold day.
Hamish staggered, his eyes widening as golden veins lit up beneath his skin. He whispered, flexing his fingers as the warmth sank into his chest.
"Magic, darling," Moira purred. "Welcome to the club. Now, let me take a look at your soul."
"My wha—" Hamish started to say, but his body went stiff. His eyes widened and stared straight ahead as Moira dug into the core of his being to discover his potential.
She finally spoke after a few moments of analyzing him in complete detail. "It says here that... oh. Oh dear, that's unfortunate." Hamish finally inhaled sharply, taking a deep breath, "Ach! Woman, you're driving' me crazy!"
She ignored his remark but more freely revealed, "Well, according to my screen, it says that you have a couple of hidden special traits, or natural talents you'll discover on your own. And, to not put too fine a point on it, your aptitude for magic is..." She paused, and I could feel the uncertainty in her presence over whether she should say it or not. Hamish stood there, eyes searching empty air. "Well? Don't just leave me wondering'!"
She finally said, "Well, this says it's trash. Your magical ability is trash, Hamish."
He stared blankly. "What the hell does that mean?" I stifled a laugh at his reaction. Placatingly, Moira told him, "It means magic isn't going to be your specialty. You might be able to cast some minor spells, but nothing overwhelming. However, there is an upside I think you'll be pleased with. It says that your martial combat prowess is superior. That's one of the highest ratings you can achieve!" This news mollified Hamish. "Oh? Must be all that shovel murder I just unleashed." Moira giggled outright at his words. "Heehee, if you want to specialize in shovel combat, I won't stop you."
Then, a screen appeared before Hamish's eyes. With Moira mostly residing in me, I could see it too.
System Notification!
Hamish has gained the spark of magic.
Class Options Available:
Guardian: Specializes in shields, defensive stances, and resilience.
Warden: A hybrid class offering minor healing and protective auras.
Soldier: A reflection of prior knowledge, gifted at all manner of warfare, may start at a higher level of experience due to previous training.
Hamish frowned at the glowing interface before him. "What in the blazes is this?"
Moira said in a light tone, "Your class options are Guardian if you want to be a fortress, or Warden if you'd prefer a mix of defense and healing." Or, take up your old career of soldiering, if you prefer.
Hamish squinted at the options, his lips pressing into a thoughtful line. "Warden, then. I don't want to live a soldier's life a second time, and a bit of healing would be handy right about now for Robert's side."
As soon as the words left his lips, a flood of knowledge rushed into his mind. Techniques, strategies, and instincts unfurled like a map, each tailored to his newfound class.
System Notification
Class Selected: Warden.
Skills Gained: Toughness, Pain Suppression, Minor Healing Light.
Hamish rubbed his temples, groaning softly as the influx of information settled. "This... I... I don't know what to say."
"You're welcome," Moira said, her voice tinged with satisfaction. "Now, shall we see what you can do?"
I grinned, watching as Hamish tested his newfound abilities. The older man swung his jagged kobold blade with a more firm understanding of how to attack with a melee weapon. There was a faint glow emanating from his hands as he activated Healing Light to soothe his aching muscles. His movements grew stronger and faster, too. I couldn't help but feel happiness for my friend's growth. "Oh, right!" Hamish walked with the gait of a younger man, right up to me. He focused his eyes and stuck out his tongue in concentration. "Heal." He said, and a glow of golden, shining light spread from his hand to my wounded side. Through the cut in my shirt, I could see my wound close together, scar over, and gradually fade away completely. The itch was intense, compelling me to massage the area.
Wiping his brow from exertion, Hamish said, "I feel like I've drunk a barrel of good whiskey and chased it with a week's rest." This magic thing's not half bad."
"Glad you're enjoying it," I said, my tone dry. "Just don't let it go to your head."
Hamish smirked, brandishing his sword. "No promises, Robbie."
The boss chamber was eerily quiet, save for the faint drip of moisture from the cracked ceiling and the slow, steady rhythm of my breathing. I sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor, the faint golden light of Moira's inlay pulsing gently along his forearms. My eyes were half-closed, hands resting loosely on my knees.
Moira's voice chimed softly in his mind, her usual teasing tone replaced with her usual gentleness. "Good job, caster. You've earned yourself a breather. Why not take a look at how you've grown?"
I tilted his head slightly, my lips twitching into a faint smile. "Do you ever take a break from keeping tabs on me?"
"Not when you're this interesting," she replied, a laugh dancing in her words. "Go on. Take a peek. You've earned it."
With a thought, I summoned my stats window. The air shimmered before him, resolving into a translucent, arcane display with golden text hovering midair.
Robert McCallum - Level 4 Apprentice
Stats:
Strength: 12
Wisdom: 18
Intelligence: 18
Charisma: 14
Agility: 9
Endurance: 14
Fortune: 26
Then there was an extremely long list of spells and skills I had picked up during this dungeon. It was getting cluttered and difficult to read. It listed my spells like Earth Maw, Thorn, and the Insight skill for puzzles and solutions, and others I had not seen a notification for.
Then there was one I found much more interesting. It bore the label "Perks."
Perks:
System Designer
The magic system allows for enhanced growth and primary user control over the system.
Impromptu Spellcraft
Spells created during direct combat are 30% more powerful and 30% more mana expensive, and they have a tendency to fail.
Dungeon Delver
This item boosts damage to dungeon bosses by 40% and improves diplomacy with dungeon creatures by doubling the average of your Charisma and my Fortune stat.
I thought about the amount of math that's going to be involved in playing my numbers. And I thought about how many people are going to hate this because of the math. "Moira… Can I make a change?"
"Of course, what would you like to adjust?" She inquired. "Well, I don't think all these numbers are going to win us any friends. Is it possible to automate this process in the background and only allow access when the individual requests it? That should suit everyone." I could feel Moira's understanding as she said, "I understand completely. I'll change that now."
Immediately, across the room, Hamish said, "Hey! I was watching that! Where did it go? Put it back!" Apparently he was poking around his own personal data, trying to understand some things about himself. "It's still there," I told him.
Moira took over, "I'll show him. You finish up."
I drifted into a kind of trance, feeling the mana flow around my body. I tried pushing it and nudging it; circulating it all around my flesh. I've no idea how much time passed, but I did feel far better. It felt as though I had taken a good nap.
The golden threads of Moira's magic pulsed with a subtle urgency. Her voice drifted into his mind, playful but tinged with satisfaction. "Caster, you've been busy with your earthen creations, haven't you?"
A curious expression crossed my face. "Busy surviving, mostly. Why, are you impressed?"
"Oh, impressed is an understatement," Moira purred, her tone carrying that mischievous edge that always made him wary. "You possess five earth-based spells, caster." You're practically an earth druid. Although I suppose I had a hand in that."
He sat up straighter, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "So, what does that mean?"
"It means," she said, her voice growing softer, more purposeful, "that you've earned something special. It's a small token of appreciation for fully embracing the earth's magic. Let's call it a perk, shall we?"
Before I could reply, a notification appeared in his vision, glowing softly.
System Notification:
Congratulations!
You have achieved proficiency in five Earth-based spells.
New Perk Unlocked: Earthen Infusion
Effect:
Earth-infused potions, enchantments, and gear are 50% more effective.
There is an increased synergy with earth-based crafting and spellcasting.
There is a minor passive resistance to physical damage.
My eyes scanned the new information as it scrolled, "Wow. That sounds incredibly helpful. Thank you!" I said. Moira was happy to reply, "You are quite welcome. ... But there's something else. What is it?" I chuckled nervously, "Well, could I switch off this screen? I'd rather you just tell me what's new. Moira sounded genuinely surprised. "Really? Hamish can't get enough. He's already pushed his strength, agility, and constitution up as much as he can from his Warden levels." Glancing over at Hamish poking at thin air with his fingers as if playing with some giant touchscreen television, I smiled, "Good, I'm glad. But yes… I'd rather just converse with you about my growth." Moira agreed easily, "That's sweet of you! Of course we can do that. I'll handle all the upgrades on my end for you. Don't be surprised if I tinker."
Then I let my mind wander about what I had just read. The idea of enhancing enchantments and potions, especially with the crystalline materials I have been seeing, was tantalizing. And the passive resistance? That could save his life in a pinch.
"Earthen Infusion," he whispered, the words flowing effortlessly from his lips like a hidden enchantment. "I like it. Does every element do something like that?"
Moira's voice brightened, filled with approval. "I thought you might. A rare perk, no less! And yes, it does. There are 9 accessible elements you can use. Earth, of course, is one of them. I'll let you have the fun of discovering the others.
I listened curiously, "Well, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water are obvious... I also noticed the presence of light, having witnessed Hamish use it to heal both himself and me. If there's a light, is it safe to assume there's a dark one too?" Her reply came quickly and proudly, "Absolutely right! And each one will strengthen you as you gain mastery over it in different ways. Earth makes you sturdier for physical damage. This density makes you more resilient to physical damage. Your constitution, if you will, most resistances. Fire enhances your strength and has always been a favorite of those who want to be aggressive. The others come as you discover them."
I thought about all the skills and perks I had picked up and noticed how high my fortune was. Good fortune is always a wonderful thing. In fact, most of humanity today wishes each other "good luck." "I've received a lot of skills and perks for only being of the 4th order of apprentice." Moira replied seamlessly, "Yep! I've been smiling on you."
"Thanks for smiling on me. High fortune has its perks, huh?"
"Oh, Caster, you have no idea," she purred. "You'd be dead without it, though I'd never admit that to anyone else. Fortune is my way of knowing my favorites. One day, there could be millions of people looking to me for magic. Even I will have a hard time remembering everyone. Think of it as a rank." I considered this, "You know, that means I can just put everything in Fortune, and you'll fall in love with me one day." Moira quietly chuckled, "How do you know I haven't already? But it's alright; think of it as a way for me to know how much they wish to rely on my guidance and favors. Lower numbers here just mean they are likely more solitary and prefer to rely on themselves. After all, we create our own luck. It suddenly dawned on me why some people in the world think this way. Many people would say, "I create my own luck," as they devise plans and strategies to achieve their objectives. There's a solid satisfaction in that mindset.
I also thought of my magic. "Moira." She sounded amused. "Yes, Robert?" "Can I use magic differently than everyone else?"
Moira's laughter rang in his mind, warm and encouraging. "Of course you can. That's the beauty of your spells, caster. They're yours to shape. You just need the imagination and the will to make it happen."
"So… I can determine that others must decide upon spells, upgrade them through practice or quest rewards, and that's fine. But can I be free to cast specific spells and manipulate the elements more freely?"
There was a long pause at this question, "I didn't expect you to ask me that, so soon." She said. "We will talk about it. We haven't finished this dungeon; let's see how it goes, okay? Nodding curiously, I eventually stood.
Hamish grunted, hitting a pile of hay that had apparently been that rabid dog's bed. "Hey, Hamish. We have to clear the rest of this place. Enough dawdling."
"Aye!" He nearly shouted, jogging over to me. "This is boring now. Let's kill something." He will get his wish, right down the stairs.