Chapter Twenty-Four


    [Akaroth-Mythic]: Once a mighty A-Grade blue dragon, this axe now embodies everything the dragon once was. Known as the mother of storms, this weapon reflects that title and has been enchanted with unique effects. First among these is the ability to channel Akaroths power into a storm, causing bolts of lightning to rain down against your foes. Note, this ability is indiscriminate. Secondly, Akaroth may absorb lightning, thunder and wind, turning these elements into usable mana. Finally, using Akaroth’s spirit within the axe you may summon the dragon''s true form for a limited duration. Note the dragon''s grade is locked at your current grade. This weapon is alive, and grows along side you.]


    Ambrose let out a low whistle. Akaroth’s voice filled his mind like a concert and he was in front of the stage.


    I''M GLAD YOU APPROVE, HATCHLING. I SEE THAT YOU HAVE ANOTHER COMPANION BOUND TO YOU. HELLO LITTLE CUB.


    Ambrose hissed, almost dropping the axe as he clenched at his head with his other hand.


    “God above, that hurts. Can you quiet your voice? Otherwise, you''ll need to not talk. Ever.”


    The dragon''s answering thought was a distant rumble of thunder on the wind. He grimaced, but when she spoke next, he sighed, unclenching his hand.


    You should embrace the pain, as a dragon would, hatchling. Out of respect, I shall…lower the noise of my thoughts.


    Noelle sent feelings of concern to him, and a dismissive flick of her ears and tail to the dragon. Akaroth’s thoughts carried an amused edge.


    Careful little cub, or I may decide you''re a snack.


    Noelle’s response was to send an image of a tiny unthreatening blue lizard. Ambrose growled before the dragon could respond.


    Enough, you two. I have better things to do than be a baby sitter.


    Akaroth’s answer was a snort within his mind, and Noelle an image of her flicking tail. That exchange done, he turned his attention to the notification that was screaming for his attention.


    [You have cleared this dungeon! For clearing a System dungeon, and doing so in a unique way, you have earned increased experience. You have advanced to level 150. You may choose one new skill at this level. Since you have received a mythic item, further rewards will not be rewarded.]


    He was slightly miffed he wasn''t getting anything else, but eight levels was nothing to sneeze at. It gave him a solid sixty-four points to spend on his stats.


    With a thought, he pulled up his attribute points.


    [Constitution: 223


    Strength: 242


    Intellect: 254Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Wisdom: 258


    Willpower: 284]


    You should put those points into strength.


    Ambrose ignored the dragon''s thoughts. He would put points into strength, not on her say so, but because it was growing a little behind.


    He wasn''t sure what threshold he needed for C-Grade, however, he had to have balance. He knew that much. With constitution being the lowest, he dumped thirty-two points into it.


    He rubbed the bridge of his nose. That brought it to two hundred and fifty-five. It also left him with thirty-two more points to spend.


    Thirteen points went into strength, making it equal to his constitution stat. Ten more for wisdom and the final nine for his intellect.


    He looked over his new stats.


    [Constitution: 255


    Strength: 255


    Intellect: 267


    Wisdom: 268


    Willpower: 284]


    Strength should be dominant, but it appears you understand the need for balance. Another seventy levels and you will reach the next threshold for C-Grade.


    Akaroth mused to him. He appreciated the information. Even so, that was far off. Seventy levels. Knowing the kinds of things he got into, that would likely come sooner than later. Opening up his [Infernal Dimension] he put Akaroth inside of it. His connection to the dragon axe was still present but she still complained.


    What are you doing? I demand you do not put me away like some common object!


    He gave mental approximation of a shrug and closed the realm. Akaroth growled within his mind.


    I will eat your bones, hatchling!


    Ambrose chuckled,


    With what teeth?


    No answer from the dragon. Noelle sent smug feelings toward the axe. Akaroth grumbled, but said nothing else.


    Ambrose shook his head, and opened up the options for his new skills.


    [Infernal Aegis-Unique (Spiritual Skill)]: Through constant use of your spirit, this skill has been offered as a unique and evolved form of the skill. You may now weave your spirit through your body, and objects. This will offer the same protections and abilities as the previous skill, but you will no longer be able to manipulate the size of the shield. However, your spirit will be less strained with this skill.]


    [Infernal Shroud-Epic]: Protect your identity through this skill. It will take legendary analytical abilities to peirce through this skill.]


    [Infernal Resistance-Legendary]: Resist the element of fire, becoming immune to it. It would take a mythic level of fire to break through this skill.


    He wasn''t thrilled with these options. First was the unique version of infernal aegis. He didn''t feel like he needed it. His spirit was doing well enough. But how he felt may not matter.


    You will need to take this skill, hatchling.


    Ambrose frowned at the dragon''s words, but Akaroth explained before he could voice his question.


    Fire smolders before it rages, hatchling. Spiritual strain is the same.


    Solve the small problem before it grows Ambrose stroked his beard. If spiritual strain becomes an issue, and from what he saw Tina go through, it was certainly a big deal.


    The other skills were worth considering even if he wasn''t thrilled about them. Infernal shroud for example was one he wouldn''t have minded picking instead.


    People not being able to tell who he was or his level of strength was useful. Being underestimated was always good. It gave a certain element of surprise. It had already happened to him a couple of times, and he''d been able to leverage it.


    Infernal resistance seemed redundant to him. He didn''t really need resistances when infernal aegis could block most anything.


    Careful not to have your wings clipped by a single arrow, hatchling.


    That was true. Having the resistances and not needing them was better than not having them and needing them. Despite that, Ambrose could only pick one skill for right now. It had to be the spiritual skill.


    Spirit was the game changer. It created a huge disparity between him and anyone who didn''t have it. He wasn''t about to let it fall behind.


    He selected the skill, feeling it change within himself.


    Change made, it was time to return to Avalon.


    With a flick of his hand, a portal of hellfire split the air. Avalon was beyond it. Light played across grass, and the smoldering fire of the portal mixed with the idyllic scene was a study in contrasts.


    So, this js Avalon. I have heard stories, but never been. I am interested in seeing it. Noelle too sent a flutter of excitement.


    It did feel a little like coming home. Sure, he had responsibilities there, stresses there, but what home didn''t have that?


    Picking up the uunconscious form of Zane, he stepped through the portal.


    He had Incursions to deal with.