《Endless Lands》


 An Unknown Self in an Empty Void(Prologue)

    <Generic Reminder nr.1-This is my first fiction>


    <Generic Reminder nr.2-English is not my native language>


    Now for the story:


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    <Loading Endless Lands¡­0...100%>


    <New User Detected>


    <Scanning...0...100%>


    <User Race Determined: Human>


    <Initializing PC creation process...0...100%>


    <Welcome to Endless Lands>


    ?? - ...Where am I?


    <You¡¯re currently undertaking the character creation process of Endless Lands>


    (Is this a game?But...I dont remember starting it...wait...I..dont remember anything!?The only explanation i can think of is that the game erases your memory while you play it...but then,for what purpose would that be?)


    ?? - Why is it that i dont remember a thing?


    <...>


    (Oh well¡­)


    ?? - Who am I?


    <To see your status screen think ¡°Status¡±>


    ?? - Huh,so it really is a game(Status)


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Personality 826.41A(Eldrith)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>None</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 100%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 100%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 100%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 100%</td><td>None</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 100%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 100%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 100%</td><td>MP Growth: 100%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List>(LOCKED)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Eldrith - (Wait,what?Am I an AI?)


    <Affirmative>


    Eldrith - (Well,so thats how it-?!-Does that mean you can read my-


    <Affirmative>


    Eldrith - Great¡­what am I supposed to do?


    <The purpose of the character creation process is to create an avatar you¡¯ll use to interact with the civilization you¡¯re about to create.The main purpose of the game is guiding,governing and developing a civilization.>


    Eldrith - So...how do I start?


    <The suggested course of action is choosing a race you will lead>


    Eldrith - What are my options?


    <Humans>


    Eldrith - ...and thats it?


    <As this is the beta version of Endless Lands,players can only select their own race.We are sorry for the inconvenience>


    Eldrith - Eh..fine,i choose the Human Race.


    <Human Race selected>


    <Ability List unlocked>


    Eldrith - Hmm?(Ability List)


    <table><tbody><tr><td>AI(Passive)</td><td colspan=''2''>Your ability to feel emotions is suppressed once they reach a certain level.


    Cannot use Mind Magic


    Mind Magic Immunity</td></tr><tr><td>Player Character(Passive):</td><td colspan=''2''>As a player you gain access to:


    Racial Screen,


    Civilization Screen(Locked),


    On death you will be reborn as a random adult member of your race.</td></tr><tr><td>Language Profficiency(Human):</td><td colspan=''2''>Allows full comprehension and usage of human language.</td></tr><tr><td>Adaptability(Racial Passive):</td><td colspan=''2''>Allows non-racial(minority) DNA to adapt into the


    bloodline,altering physical and magical capabilities.</td></tr><tr><td>Adrenaline(Racial Active):</td><td colspan=''2''>Increases all physical capabilities by 50%.Lasts 100 seconds.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Eldrith - ¡­I suppose that¡¯s why i dont even feel surprised (Racial Screen)


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Human Race</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Race Tier:</td><td>Normal(2.5)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Average Height:</td><td>1.8 meters</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Average Life Expectancy:</td><td>68 years</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Average Physical Capabilties:</td><td>Average Magical Capabilities:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>MP Growth: 100%</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 100%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 100%</td><td>Light Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 100%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 100%</td><td>Darkness Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 100%</td><td>Mind Resistance: 100%</td><td>Fire Affinity 0%</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 100%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 100%</td><td>Water Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Racial Traits:</td><td>Earth Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td>Adaptability(Passive)</td><td>Adrenaline(Active)</td><td>Wind Affinity: 0%</td></tr></tbody></table>


    (Doesnt it look pretty good...what does the Race Tier mean though?)


    <Races are split into several Tiers:Inferior,Lesser,Normal,Greater,Superior etc depending on overall capabilities of an individual.Show examples?(Y/N)>


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


    Eldrith - Yes


    Codex Entry Acquired: Races of Endless Lands(Basic)


    <table><tbody><tr><td>   Race Tier:


    (Point Range)</td><td>Examples:</td><td colspan=''2''>Typical Characteristics:</td></tr><tr><td>Inferior(0-1)</td><td>Rats,


    Spiders,</td><td colspan=''2''>Little to no Intelligence,relies on instinct,


    no magical capabilities.


    mostly harmless unless in groups,


    utilizes pack hunting.</td></tr><tr><td>Lesser(1-2)</td><td>Goblins,


    Kobolds,


    Wolves,</td><td colspan=''2''>Low to Little Intelligence,Simple Speech,


    Class D Tool and Weapon usage,


    Basic Settlements,


    no magical capabilities,,High Population.</td></tr><tr><td>Normal(2-3)</td><td>Humans,


    Orcs,


    Dwarves,


    Gnomes,


    Beastmen,</td><td colspan=''2''>Average to High Intelligence,Developed Languages,


    Class C Tools and Weapons,


    Cities with Stone or better walls,


    little to no magical capabilties,


    Established Laws and Social Hierarchy.High Population</td></tr><tr><td>Greater(3-4)</td><td>Elves,


    Greater Elementals,


    Griffins,</td><td colspan=''2''>Highly intelligent,Languages may hold magical power,


    Class B Tools and Weapons,


    Highly developed Settlements protected by barriers,


    Decent Magical Capabilties,


    Low population,advanced social structure.</td></tr><tr><td>Superior(4-5)</td><td>Celestials,


    Drakes,</td><td colspan=''2''>Superior Intelligence,Languages hold magical power,


    Class A Tools and Weapons,


    No Citites due to extremely low and sparse population,


    High Magical Capabilties.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    (Well,thats quite a bit of information...anyways,lets get started with the character creation..)


    <Loading Human Archetype...0...100%>


    <Choose you gender: (M/F)>


    Eldrith - Male


    <Imagine your appearance and the equipment you wish to have>


    [Change to 1st person narrative]


    As I start to think,an illusory image of a neither skinny nor fat 1,8 m tall 18 yo human appears before me,soon followed by short brown hair and grayish blue eyes popping into existence.Next,I imagine a full leather body armour with regular clothes undernath,as well as a short spear with an iron tip.As soon as everything is done,the creation assistant¡¯s voice rings in my mind:


    Obviously,I answer yes.


    <Character Creation Completed>


    <Initializing Tutorial Stage 0..100%>


    The scenery rapidly changes as I¡¯m transferred into the air above what looks to be an immensely vast landmass surrounded by an ocean.In the center of what I¡¯ll call the continent lie a few dozen or so huge lakes surounded by even larger plains,to the North of which i can see mountains.The East and West of the continent consists mainly of forests,while to the south there¡¯s a an enormous desert.


    The voice in my head appears again:


    <Welcome to the Tutorial Stage of Endless Lands>


    After a short pause,the voice continues:


    <The main purpose of the tutorial is to determine the environment,capabilities,type of government,your races and their involvement in your newly founded civilization>


    <You¡¯ll start with 100 human settlers.They are unconditionally loyal to you for the time of this tutorial>


    <Your main goals are:


    1.Secure an area for your group


    2.Create a working food supply system


    3.Eliminate or assimilate nearby groups of other races


    4.Grow your secure zone into a settlement


    5.Establish a governement and belief system


    All your choices during the tutorial will become the foundation of your future civilization and carry on to the main game.To ensure the fairness of the tutorial,for the period of it,you and your group shall enter a separate,single-player zone.>


    <We wish you good luck>


    With the sound fading,I am transported back into the void,this time alone and with 5 glowing doors before me.As i focus on each of them information windows pop into  existence:


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Choice:</td><td>Advantages:</td><td>Disadvantages:</td><td>Starting Position:</td></tr><tr><td>Island Path


    (Door 1)</td><td>Relatively Safe,


    Abundance of Food and Water,


    Central Position on the continent,


    Great Trade Possibilities.</td><td>Limited Space,


    Little Possibilites for a


    "Lucky Encounter"</td><td>Start on a random island near


    the Central Plains.</td></tr><tr><td>Plains Path


    (Door 2)</td><td>Abundance of Food and Water,


    Central Position on the continent.</td><td>Hard to defend</td><td>Start at a random location in


    the Central Plains.</td></tr><tr><td>Mountain Path


    (Door 3)</td><td>Great defensive position,


    Abundant supply of metals,


    Harsh Climate makes your


    people stronger.</td><td>Dangerous enemies,


    Shortage of food,


    Harsh Climate makes


    it harder to survive.</td><td>Start at a random valley in


    the Northern Mountains.</td></tr><tr><td>Forest Path


    (Door 4)</td><td>Abundance of food,


    A lot of timber,


    Easy to establish a settlement</td><td>Poor Visibility,


    Scouts may get lost.</td><td>Start at a random position


    in the Western or Eastern


    Forest.</td></tr><tr><td>Desert Path


    (Door 5)</td><td>Harsh Climate makes your


    people stronger,


    Relatively Safe</td><td>Shortage of Food and Water,


    Hard to establish a settlement.</td><td>Start at a random position


    in the Southern Desert.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Eldrith - What should I do?


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Humble Beginnings(Chapter 2)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    After hesitating for a long time,I finally decide on my choice-Most locations are relatively easy,but they have their limiting factors,while the mountains have the highest potential out of all the choices should I succeed in the initial struggle.


    As I walk through the third door,the detached voice once again reverberates through my head


    <Mountain Path Selected>


    <Searching for a suitable starting location...0...100%>


    <You¡¯ve been assigned to mountain valley 02-61B>


    <Spawning...0...100%>


    As the numbers fly past,various sensations overwhelm my mind...noticing i now have a body,I try moving it,not realizing there are now some people looking at me weirdly¡­


    Luckily,a male sounding voice wakes me from my stupor


    ??-Chief?Are yo-nevermind..We¡¯ve arrived at our destination...your orders?


    I look around,while realizing the current situation...I¡¯m currently standing in the middle of a hundred-man group.Thankfully the surrounding people mistake my looking around as a sign


    of pondering about our next actions,otherwise the stares I¡¯m getting would¡¯ve been even weirder¡­


    Anyways,I¡¯m now standing in a valley surrounded by mountains and sparse trees.


    My confusion coming to an end,i relay the orders that i prepared while in the void space.


    Five dozen people will scout the area,while the rest work on establishing a ¡°safe zone¡±.


    The plan is to make use of the surrounding trees to build a large square-shaped camp with wooden barricades around it,as well as watchtowers placed at the corners.After giving out the orders,i join the scouts in surveying the surroundings.


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    A couple hours pass,and the nearby area is slowly getting mapped...as i make my way back to the now semi-constructed camp,a sudden shout comes from my right-


    Scout-WOLVES INCOMING!


    Almost immediately,howls start to appear,first lone ones,slowly gaining in intensity...soon about 50 wolves are coming from multiple directions,Ascertaining the situation I quickly order the scouts to retreat to the camp...the problem is,its too late...the wolves quickly shorten the distance¡­ 1000...500...100 meters...realizing they¡¯ll invenitably catch up before reinforcements from the camp(which is about 1km away) arrive,I decide to rally the nearby scouts.


    As the settlers are all armed with iron-tipped spears,I decide to form a half-circle with our backs next to a large rock.


    As the few dozen wolves come closer they start to slow down...i feel the strength surge through my veins as [Adrenaline] automatically kicks in...a second of silence...the first wolf,that i assume is the alpha charges straight at myself.I instinctively thrust my spear in it¡¯s direction,however it nimbly jumps to the right,evading the strike,while another wolf makes use of the opening,jumping at my throat.


    I quickly pull my right arm up as the wolf¡¯s teeth closes on the wooden spear...it struck right between my hands.As the wolf struggles to push me down,an ally¡¯s spear runs through its throat...catching my breath,i glance left and right as i once again see the alpha wolf from before,this time trying to bite down on a scout¡¯s throat.The human desperately struggles to push the animal off himself using his hands...I quickly kick the wolf off from his would-be prey and deliver a quick stab to its throat...with one last dying howl the alpha wolf perishes...the battle continues for the next few seconds,as the wolves try to avenge their alpha...they soon retreat,however not before inflicting a few minor bite wounds on my body.


    As the combat ceases, [Adrenaline] wears off,causing me to faint from exhaustion,barely noticing the windows appearing before me:


    [DING]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Battle Conclusion: Victory</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Codex Entry Acquired: Wolves</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Your group gains combat experience</td></tr><tr><td>Allies:</td><td>Enemies:</td></tr><tr><td>Dead: 0


    Injured: 7 Scouts(NPC)</td><td>Dead: 1 Gray Wolf Alpha,5 Gray Wolves


    Injured: 12 Gray Wolves</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Spear Mastery:</td></tr><tr><td>(Passive)</td><td>Level: F-F EXP: 52,61%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Can learn spear techniques up to F-F rank</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Spear-type weapons now deal 5% more damage</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Wolf Race</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Race Tier:</td><td>Lesser(1.5)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Average Height:</td><td>0,82 meters</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Average Life Expectancy:</td><td>12 years</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Average Physical Capabilties:</td><td>Average Magical Capabilities:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>MP Growth: 25%</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 60%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 15%</td><td>Light Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 70%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 7,5%</td><td>Darkness Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 70%</td><td>Mind Resistance: 15%</td><td>Fire Affinity 0%</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 25%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 42,5%</td><td>Water Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Racial Traits:</td><td>Earth Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td>Pack Mentality(Passive)</td><td>Rallying Howl(Active)</td><td>Wind Affinity: 0%</td></tr></tbody></table>


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


    <Title Acquired>


    <Gray Wolf Hunter>


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    As I wake up I quickly read the windows.Afterwards, I make sure to find out the current situation...apparently,after the wolves fled,the scouts decided to bring the corpses back to the camp to try and make fur mantles from their bodies.The system rewarded their efforts with the [Skinning] skill.


    As the wolf alpha is my first serious prey,I decide to make a trophy out of its head,but first i have to announce the new decisions...apparently,we have the area of 10sq km around our outpost fully mapped.The scouts are waiting for further orders as they feel that going any further would be dangerous and not that effective.


    Two locations on the area¡¯s chart immediately catch my attention:


    1.About 5km to the north of our camp is a rather large hill,almost fully encircled by a river that is surrounded by an open field without any obstacles- a perfect spot for the main settlement!.The natural dam would be very beneficial for our future safety,as it would provide a lot of fresh water as well as an easily defensible position. The open field also gives us a place to farm on,which solves our immediate food problems.


    2.Around 7 km to the southeast,the scouts have discovered plains stretching for as far as they can see...this means we¡¯re at the sourthern edge of Northern Mountains,not somewhere in the middle,which is what I assumed would be true.


    I decide to split the settlers:


    20 of them will preserve our current base,while hunting for food,another 20 will act as lumberjacks as we¡¯ll need more wood for the structures we¡¯re about to build.The remainder of our group will head north to claim the empty hill for ourselves.


    After giving the orders out,I head back to my temporary shack - the alpha wolf will make fine clothes.


    I sever the wolf¡¯s head and remove the insides,leaving only it¡¯s empty shell.


    After cleaning the interior of the wolf¡¯s now empty head,I combine it with my leather helmet.As the deed is done the system acknowledges my work with yet another window appearing in front of me.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Skinning:</td></tr><tr><td>(Passive)</td><td>Level: F-F EXP: 62,87%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Can reliably skin leather up to F-F rank</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>10% lower chance of damaging the material while skinning</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Leatherworking</td></tr><tr><td>(Passive)</td><td>Level: F-E EXP: 2,81%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Can reliably use leather-type materials up to F-E quality</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Crafted leather armor offers 12% increased protection</td></tr></tbody></table>


    [DING]


    <Class acquisition conditions met: Hunter.Create Class?(Y/N)>


    So you can acquire classes like this...Why not,any class is better than nothing...


    <Hunter(Class) acquired>


    <[Spear Mastery],[Skinning],[Leatherworking] have fused into Hunter(Class]>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Hunter(Class)</td></tr><tr><td>Class Stage:</td><td>Gray Wolf(Stage 1)</td></tr><tr><td>Growth Bonuses:</td><td>Currently fused skills: Spear Mastery,Skinning,Leatherworking</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: +5%


    STR Growth: +10%


    AGI Growth: +10%


    INT Growth: +5%</td><td>Acquire and utilize leather-type materials up to F-E rank


    Learn spear techniques up to F-E rank


    Items produced by Skinning or Leatherworking are 12% better


    Spear-type weapons now deal 6% more damage</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ...


    Jackpot!


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(2,64)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Hunter</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>Gray Wolf Hunter</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 105%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 102,5%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 110%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 105%</td><td>None</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 110%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 105%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 105%</td><td>MP Growth: 105%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 Establishing a Settlement(Chapter 3)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Day 7:


    For the last few days,there¡¯ve been no incidents...well,except for a builder who almost got crushed under a wooden house he was constructing...yes that was me...Anyways..


    We¡¯ve made a lot of progress...


    [Retrospect]


    Jackpot!


    As i looked at the class window i couldnt stop myself from exclaiming.What amazed me was not the skill fusion-altough it was certainly nice to have,but rather the ¡°Growth Bonus¡±...didnt this mean i could increase my stats significally should my class evolve?


    Until now i saw no way of increasing the base stats,as this game apparently had no concept of ¡°levels¡±.Now,however i saw a potential way of advancement-not only for myself but for the whole population..


    I quickly checked the requirements for unlocking the Hunter Class and there they were:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Hunter Class Requirements</td></tr><tr><td>At least 1 of:</td><td colspan=''2''>Archery,Spear Mastery,Throwing</td></tr><tr><td>At least 2 of:</td><td colspan=''2''>Skinning,Leatherworking,Woodcraft,Survival,Tracking,Athletics</td></tr><tr><td>Other Requirements</td><td colspan=''2''>Has a title with the "Hunter" keyword</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Hmm?If it¡¯s like this then it should be pretty easy to get..in fact,only the title is somewhat difficult as you have to kill an alpha of a species¡­I should just train the settlers in spear and usage...wait speaking of training didnt the [Spear Mastery] say something about spear techniques?I looked it up..


    Oh yes it did...now the question is...are they pre-set or can you invent them through practice?


    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    The next day:


    While the majority of settlers are away,building the settlement,I established a training regime for the 40 people that remained(myself included)


    Every morning half of the population would go to cut down trees,while the remainder trained in spear usage at the newly made training square in the camp¡­I was hoping the former¡¯d eventually gain the [Woodwork],while the latter should obtain [Spear Mastery],given enough time.


    At noon,the groups switched their roles,except I¡¯d still train the spear,trying to create a skill.Before switching places though,we all ate.


    In the afternoon the entire group went out to hunt...we needed animal corpses to train


    [Skinning] and [Leatherworking]


    When dusk came,the settlers would rest and eat once again.Rinse and repeat after morning comes.


    Did i mention that I¡¯d train the spear the entire time?Yes,that includes the night,as me being an AI negated the negative effects of not resting...or at least it seemed to,for now.


    Just like that ,3 days passed.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    As i was thrusting,twisting and swinging the spear for who knows which thousandth time,in the morning of the 5th day the voice in my head finally appeared again


    <Your Hunter(Class) levelled up to E-F>


    <Congratulations>


    <Due to your repeated practice of the exact same set of movements,the system recognized them as a skill.Would you like to save it?(Y/N)>


    Yes!


    [DING]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''><Insert the name of your moveset>:</td></tr><tr><td>(Active)</td><td>Rank: E-F (EXP:12,08%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The <moveset> consists of 4 moves that can be executed in any order,causing an illusion of flowing like the wind</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The moves deal 1.2/0.8/1.6/1.2x the regular damage respectively</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>For the technique duration,the spear moves 25% faster than normal</td></tr><tr><td>Execution requirements:</td><td>Spear-type weapon,stable footing</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Due to your creation of a speed-based weapon skill that moves according to the wind¡¯s flow,you¡¯ve gained 1% Wind Affinity!>


    Suddenly,my hands started moving by themselves,executing the movements they¡¯ve been performing for 3 days straight...yet,somehow this time they seemed more fluid...and i could vaguely sense a mysterious energy flow through my weapon.


    Eh?! Does that mean I can use magic?..Probably not yet,but if it continues like this..-


    My thoughts were interrupted by someone shouting:


    Settler: D-did you see that?!


    Turning my head i realize that I became a center of attention of the crowd¡­


    I quickly tell them to return to their practice...i really dislike being in the spotlight...


    After pondering on my new skill,I decide to try it out in real combat..its about time,as a few settlers obtained [Spear Mastery],[Woodwork],[Skinning] and [Leatherworking] already,and only the title separates them from getting a class.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Before announcing my decision,I glance at the recent reports:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Northern Settlement Daily Report</td></tr><tr><td>ETA:</td><td colspan=''2''>Completed in 50 hours</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Structures:</td><td>Issues:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Town Hall: 88%


    Town Square: Completed


    Houses: 22%


    Wooden Pallisade: Completed</td><td>Wood reserves empty in 1 day


    (Requesting delivery)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    It seems like we¡¯ll be moving there soon..but first...time to hunt!


    I dispatch the ones that dont fulfill [Hunter] requirements to move all resources to the settlement,as the temporary camp will be abandoned soon.This leaves me with a group of


    26 people...i split them into five even groups,the remaining one told to stay in the camp on the lookout for enemies.


    I decide to hunt alone,as my newly found combat skills should be enough to combat a few animals...


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [Some time later]


    Why am i so stupid?!Seriously,why?!


    This are my thoughts as im running from a grizzly bear¡­


    It all started smoothly..I ambushed the bear and utilized my new spear moveset,(which i named [Flowing Wind Spear Technique])...unfortunately what i didnt realize is that the skill doesnt really work against durable enemies...you see,if something is to flow,it has to flow unobstructed...the first and second hits barely connected,but the third was deflected by the bear...a quick swipe of its hand and my spear is in pieces...you know the rest.


    If not for [Adrenaline] I¡¯d have died...Did you know that humans are the best land species when it comes to long distance running?I guess I learned it the hard way...When I arrive at the forest¡¯s edge the bear finally stops it¡¯s chase...I probably left it¡¯s territory.


    Huh?!


    [DING]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Battle Conclusion: Defeat</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>You shamelessly ran away from combat.


    In the future,your people will be more likely to turn tail should they encounter an unfavourable situation</tbody></table>


    ¡­


    Just as the screen appears, [Adrenaline]¡¯s effect ceases and I collapse onto the ground.


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    I woke up around noon of the 7th day,in the newly constructed settlement..thankfully the settler i placed on the lookout saw me on the ground soon after i collapsed or i might¡¯ve became wolf food..


    Of the 25 people I sent out to hunt,7 became Hunters,which can be considered a sucess.


    The ETA for the completion of the settlement is 2 hours,so I went to help in the construction...remember the ¡°crushed¡± incident i mentioned?Well...now the ETA is 6 hours¡­


    Day 7, 8 PM


    The construction has been completed!Lets see if-


    <You have created a settlement>


    <Due to your recent actions,your settlers now identify themselves as citizens of your country.Would you like to name your civilization?(Y/N)>


    <Civilization Screen Unlocked>


    <Tutorial Stage 1 cleared...your civilization will be fast-forwarded by a century>


    <Due to still using your original avatar,it will be preserved>


    ahahahaha


    <Loading Stage 2 in 10...5...0>


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status:


    <table><tbody>[tr][td3]Eldrith(2,65)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Hunter</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>Gray Wolf Hunter</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 105%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 102,5%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 110%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 105%</td><td>Wind(1%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 110%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 105%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 105%</td><td>MP Growth: 105%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 Tutorial Interlude- Stage I (Chapter 4)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    As the counter reached zero everything went black¡­the system¡¯s voice broke the silence


    <Welcome back to the void.As you are now about to make a lot of changes,the time in your game dimension has been paused while you determine the fate of your nation.


    Your newly unlocked [Civilization Screen] is your key tool for governing your people>


    <Be careful with your choices,as the 2nd stage of tutorial will introduce various sentient races to your immediate surroundings...what you get is random>


    <Good Luck>


    [Civilization Screen]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Civilization Screen</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''><Insert your Nation''s name></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Government Type:</td><td colspan=''2''><Choose></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Religion:</td><td colspan=''2''>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Population:</td><td colspan=''2''>350</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Economic Power:</td><td colspan=''2''>196</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Military Power:</td><td colspan=''2''>52</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Territory:</td><td colspan=''2''>Undetermined</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Capital City:</td><td colspan=''2''><Insert your Capital''s Name></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Social Distribution:</td><td colspan=''2''>Power Distribution:</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td>Human(100%)</td><td>Ruler:</td><td><Undetermined></td></tr><tr><td>Gender:</td><td>Male: 51%, Female 49%</td><td>Nobility:</td><td><Undetermined></td></tr><tr><td>Age:</td><td>0-18%(22%), 19-50(67%), 50+(11%)</td><td>Clergy:</td><td><Undetermined></td></tr><tr><td>Social Class:</td><td><Undetermined></td><td>Burghers:</td><td><Undetermined></td></tr><tr><td>Average NPC Rating:</td><td>2.54</td><td>Peasantry:</td><td><Undetermined></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>National Traits:</td><td colspan=''2''><Undetermined></td></tr><tr><td><Government></td><td><Army Management></td><td><Diplomacy></td><td><Edicts></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I named my nation [Dimorth] and confirmed my choice


    [DING]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Choose a Government System:</td></tr><tr><td>Feudalism</td><td>Democracy</td></tr><tr><td>Plutocracy</td><td>Theocracy</td></tr><tr><td>Despotism</td><td>Tribal Confederation</td></tr></tbody></table>


    While despotism sounds nice...i dont really want to deal with constant uprisings...plutocracy or theocracy are a big no...this leaves me with Feudalism,Democracy or the Tribal System...while i dont really want to ¡°control¡± people,I want a strong ruling position...so Feudalism it is.


    <Social Class Distribution confirmed>


    ¡­


    ¡­


    <The The judicial system has been established>


    ¡­


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    An unknown amount of time later:


    Finally finished¡­


    I ended up with a kind of semi-feudal system.While the peasantry is technically free,the majority of power lies within the nobility and middle class-they hold the rights to:


    -Elect their representatives to the Lord¡¯s council,


    -Elect the Judges,


    -Possess land(obviously)


    and some other minor ones


    The Council consists of 5 citizens and is responsible for: taxes,minor laws,peace-time diplomacy,military management and the country¡¯s budget.War decisions are left to me and me alone though.As for the juidical system,it¡¯s relatively independent,except the Head Judge  is a Council member..which means i can fire him.


    I confirm the entirety of changes and as i do so,even more windows appear before me:


    <Initial Civilization settings finished>


    <Calculating Results of Tutorial Phase 1..0..100%>


    <DING>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Tutorial Phase 1 results:</td></tr><tr><td>Action:</td><td>Personal Points Reward:</td><td>Civilization Points Reward:</td></tr><tr><td>Base Reward:</td><td>100</td><td>400</td></tr><tr><td>Time Taken:</td><td>230</td><td>920</td></tr><tr><td>Structures Built:</td><td>0</td><td>-452</td></tr><tr><td>Training:</td><td>68</td><td>554</td></tr><tr><td>Acquired Skills Bonus:</td><td>80</td><td>323</td></tr><tr><td>Created Skills Bonus:</td><td>100</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Combat:</td><td>50</td><td>362</td></tr><tr><td>Survivors</td><td>250 + Achievement</td><td>1000</td></tr><tr><td>Environment:</td><td>150</td><td>400</td></tr><tr><td>Total:</td><td>1028 PP + Survivor Achievement</td><td>3507 CP</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Achievement Unlocked</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Survivor</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>You have completed the tutorial''s 1st phase without anyone in your group dying.</td></tr><tr><td>Reward:</td><td colspan=''2''>A random C-rank technique</td></tr></tbody></table>


    [DING]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Brilliant Step</td></tr><tr><td>(Active)</td><td>Rank: C-B (EXP:0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The Brilliant Step is a movement technique that imitiates the light''s movement through various bodily maneuvers.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Boosts movement speed by X%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The technique''s movement speed boost depends on agility,light affinity and mastery of the bodily maneuvers.</td></tr><tr><td>Execution requirements:</td><td>10% or more Light Affinity,stable footing</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <[Brilliant Step] has been locked,as you fail to meet its requirements>


    <Your abilities have progressed by a rank.[Hunter(Class)),[Flowing Wind Spear Technique] are now rank D-F>


    Is..Is this a lot?Also..that new skill..i wonder,if i can spend those points to get some Light Affinity in order to unlock it?But first..


    How does my score compare with others?


    <Showing 1st Tutorial Phase Scoreboard>


    Your: 1028 PP/3507 CP


    Average: 947 PP/2502 CP


    Median: 622 PP/1869 CP


    Highest: 10183 PP,22196 CP


    Lowest: 82 PP,12 CP


    <-------------------------------------------------------------->


    So...im just a bit above average then...and that top score,seriously!?


    Now,what can i actually spend those points on?


    <The PP and CP can be spent on various items,enhancements etc at the Endless Lands AH.As you are currently undergoing the tutorial,only the offline version can be used.Show Endless Lands AH?(Y/N)>


    ...isnt it obvious?


    {DING]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Endless Lands Auction House (Offline Version)</td></tr><tr><td>


    </td><td><Civilization Points Section></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <You can navigate the Auction House through your thoughts>


    I decide to check the usage of PP first..


    As the window appeared what i saw was...overwhelming would actually be a serious understatement...physical enhancements,stat boosts,potions,pills,skill books,weapons,armors,familiars...you could buy a bloodline or directly mess around with your DNA¡­even immortality was possible(at 1 000 000 points),choices were endless.


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Some time later


    As i finished browsing through the entire section(which took a...while,cant really keep track of time while in void),there were a few affordable things that interested me:


    <table><tbody><tr><td>[Meditation]</td><td>Allows one to calm the mind,entering a state suitable for cultivation</td><td>250 PP</td></tr><tr><td>[Light Gathering Technique]</td><td>A basic Light Element Cultivation Technique.Requires Meditation</td><td>250 PP</td></tr><tr><td>[Wind Gathering Technique]</td><td>A basic Wind Element Cultivation Technique.Requires Meditation</td><td>250 PP</td></tr><tr><td>Physical Enhancement (Basic)</td><td>+10% VIT/STR/AGI Growth. Limited to 1 Purchase</td><td>250 PP</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Total Price:</td><td>1000 PP</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Is what i bought...I also got myself a steel spear,as the previous one broke,which left me at 8 PP remaining.


    As i couldnt try the new skills while being in my bodyless form,I decided to check the other category.


    Suddenly,i was thrown out of the void,into the sky right above my settlement...the world,however was devoid of life and the time was not going forward.


    I looked at the new window expecting another flood of potential choices,but apparently the vast majority of them were locked due to the early nature of my civilization.


    At least it saves me the trouble of looking through it all¡­the ones i could afford and was actually interested in (meaning no art for now¡­) were


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Civilization Shop (People-related purchases only affect the NPC population)</td></tr><tr><td>Name:</td><td>Description:</td><td>Price:</td></tr><tr><td>Increase Population</td><td>Increase the number of your country''s citizens by 1(Human).</td><td>10 CP</td></tr><tr><td>Create Buildings(Wood)</td><td>Costs 1 CP/40 cubic meters. Includes a choice of pre-set interiors.</td><td>1 CP</td></tr><tr><td>Create Buildings(Stone)</td><td>Costs 1 CP/4 cubic meters. Includes a choice of pre-set interiors.</td><td>100 CP</td></tr><tr><td>Basic Training - Limited to 1</td><td>Every citizen of your civilization gains +10% VIT/STR/AGI Growth.</td><td>250 CP</td></tr><tr><td>NPC Class unlock (Basic) - Limited to 1</td><td>Unlocks [Hunter],[Farmer],[Archer],[Warrior],[Merchant],[Priest].</td><td>600 CP</td></tr><tr><td>Create a Martial Academy (Basic)</td><td>The skills taught have to be provided. Size limit.</td><td>800 CP</td></tr><tr><td>Found a Religion - Limited to 1</td><td>Create a Religion.If there is enough believers,a Deity may be created.</td><td>2000 CP</td></tr></tbody></table>


    While i was very excited when i first saw it,my enthusiasm quickly faded as soon as I started counting the costs...while 3507 CP may look like a lot,in reality my choices were rather limited¡­


    Basically speaking the town construction costs I¡¯d have to make were:


    8 CP per house (I wanted them to be roughly rectangular 10x4x2,5m,75% wood/25% stone)


    1 CP per 2 meters of the outer wall(3m high 2m wide,also roughly 75%/25% wood/stone)


    5 CP per 2 meters of the inner stone wall (5m high 2m wide)


    Other ¡°minor¡± expenditures included: Town Hall(about 100 CP),Stone towers,Stone Gates,arranging the marketplace etc...i predicted it¡¯d take a total of 500 CP.


    The largest expenditure would undoubtedly be the walls...The town would occupy roughly 500x500m and the central hill was 80x80m...which meant I¡¯d need about 1800/300 m of exterior/interior walls respectively...I was going to pay 1650 CP for that alone¡­


    This was only the beginning,as my population was now 350,which meant I needed around 50 new houses and as for the 20 that were already built on the settlement¡¯s hill,they would need an upgrade.Just like that, the houses took a further 525 of my CP.


    Other costs were slightly lower than expected,only 413 CP,but this didnt really help much...


    The grand total came out to be 2588 CP,leaving me with only 919 CP to spend on the rest...


    Now i had two choices:


    Choice 1:


    Purchase the {Basic Training] and [NPC Class Unlock (Basic) ],which would make my people more powerful,however I¡¯d have no influence on the way they got stronger,it¡¯d just be a passive increase in stats..furthermore this choice would leave me with 69 more CP,that if spent on population would give me 6 more citizens.


    Choice 2:


    If I purchased the [Create a Martial Academy (Basic) ],i could oversee my nation getting stronger...additionally,I now had [Meditation] [Light Gathering] and [Wind Gathering] Techniques,which would give my civilization access to magic in the near future.


    The downside is that there would be no immediate benefits,unlike with option 1.


    As for the remaining CP,it would be 119,which is 50 more.


    After thinking about it,i decided to go with the martial academy path...after all,other sentient races would appear in the 2nd Stage of the tutorial,and access to magic would certainly help more than an additional 15-20% in stats.


    As i confirmed my choice,an empty building template,roughly 100x100m appeared before me.


    <Design your building>


    Rules:


    No more than 100x100m


    The structures inside the template can take a maximum of 2500 cubic meters(50x50m)


    Necessary rooms include(can be renamed):


    -Headmaster¡¯s office


    -Elders hall


    -Training square


    -Dueling Arena


    -Technique Pavillon


    <===============->


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Some time later:


    After finiding a suitable location(A small mountain around 2km from the town),i began creating the facility.


    Figuring out the layout I wanted took a long time...anyways the work is now done.


    The academy¡¯s territory is surrounded by sturdy-looking, 2,5m high stone fence.The only entry point is a sole gate made of white marble,while over the gate the academy¡¯s name glows-[Brilliant Gale Academy].The interior consists of a huge plaza,surrounded by various structures,the one placed opposite to the entrance being the


    ,which is a renamed¡¯s [Elder¡¯s Hall],with a part of it serving as the [Headmaster¡¯s office].


    At the very center of the plaza is the [Dueling Arena],while its surroundings make up the [Training Square].The [Daylight¡¯s Breeze Pavillon],being the Academy¡¯s [Technique Pavillon],is placed at the right side of the square,while on the left lie various storage buildings,as well as the [Lecture Area].


    As i confirm the Academy¡¯s design,a prompt appears before me:


    <Focus on specific skills to determine what shall be taught at the Academy>


    I select [Flowing Wind Spear Technique],[Brlliant Step],[Meditation],[Wind Gathering Technique],[Light Gathering Technique] and [Spear Mastery] and confirm my choice.


    <Do you wish to become the Headmaster?>


    I select yes¡­


    [DING]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Brilliant Gale Academy</td></tr><tr><td>Headmaster: Eldrith</td><td>Inner Disciples: 0/25</td></tr><tr><td>Elders: 0/5</td><td>Outer Disciples: 0/100</td></tr><tr><td>Affiliation:</td><td>State Academy of Dimorth</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Taught Skills:</td></tr><tr><td>Basic:</td><td>Advanced:</td></tr><tr><td>[Spear Mastery] - D-F Rank


    [Meditation] - E-F Rank


    [Light Gathering Technique] - E-F Rank


    [Wind Gathering Technique] - E-F Rank</td><td>[Brilliant Step] - C/B Rank


    [Flowing Wind Spear Technique] - D-F Rank</td></tr></tbody></table>


    So far so good...I think im done here though¡­


    <Do you wish to finish?Proceeding will cause the Tutorial¡¯s 2nd Stage to load¡­(Y/N)?>


    I confirm¡­


    <Loading Tutorial Stage 2...10...5¡­


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(2,80)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Hunter</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>Gray Wolf Hunter</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 115%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 107,5%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 120%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 115%</td><td>Wind(1%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 120%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 115%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 107,5%</td><td>MP Growth: 116%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 The Emergence of Competition (Chapter 5)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    ...0>


    <New races are now present near your town.According to history,they gradually appeared through the past century and there¡¯ve been no serious incidents since>


    <The overall number and power of unaffiliated NPC''s has been greatly increased>


    <The beginning of [Dimorth Town] is known as the year 0 DC(Dimorth Calendar).>


    <Emergant societies include:>


    [Kobold Federation] - Consists of 8 Kobold tribes,numbering 1000 in total.


    First spottings date back to 8 DC.The tribes are located 15-30 km to the west.


    [Oldmoor Tribes] - Consist of a town with 250 inhabitants as well as 3 smaller villages of 80-100.Total Population of around 520 is made of 3% Ogres,10% Trolls,22% Orcs and 65% Goblins.The tribes have also tamed [Dire Wolves] to act as their mounts.


    First spottings date back to 29 DC.Their territory is 20-26 km to the southeast.


    [Stonecliff Kingdom] - Consists of around 500 Dwarves and Gnomes in total.


    First spottings date back to 42 DC.Their territory is a sole mountain town 12 km to the north.


    [Duchy of Rayhill] - A Human duchy,consists of a town of 300 and 2 small villages of 60,Total population around 420.A feudal system with strong emphasis on agriculture.


    First spottings date back to 61 DC.The settlements are around 28 km to the south,at the northern edge of the Central Plains.


    [Elven Society] - Consists of a single elven tribe,however is not to be underestimated as elves are natural magic uses and a Higher Race.Population around 90.


    First spottings date back to 89 DC.Location unknown.


    <--------------------------------------->


    [Notable society-less races your nation has knowledge of include:


    Higher: [Griffins],[Greater Earth Elementals]


    Normal: [Minotaurs].[Ratmen],[Giants],


    Lesser: [Grizzly Bears],[Gray Wolves],[Harpies],[Mammoths],[Girallons]...


    <-------------------------------------->


    <If you wish to acquire further information,look at your town¡¯s history records>


    I was momentarily dazed as I suddenly found myself at the center of [Dimorth Town],right in front of its [Town Hall].After reading the notices,I hurriedly made my way inside and inquired about the written records.


    Meanwhile,as I got recognized as the ruler of the [Dimorth Kingdom], I also got a title acquisition notice:


    <Title Acquired>


    <Lord>


    Getting back to the records,they were quite detailed,and while reading through it all took me several hours it was rewarded with a codex update:


    <Codex Entry Updated: Races of Endless Lands>


    Apparently I acquired a basic understanding of each species i.e their good and weak points,habits etc but that is not everything.


    First of all,the codex update introduced a new concept of [Physical Size Modifier] (PSM).


    To explain it let me use an example:


    A [Grizzly Bear] and a [Human] both have [Strength Growth] of 100%..however due to its superior size and weight,the bear has a PSM of 2.5 which makes the animal more than twice as strong.


    Another thing i learned is that my nation came up with an effective way to measure the overall combat value of an individual - the [Combat Prowess Rating] (CPR)


    The formula is (Rating^3)*PSM,which means [CPR] of 15,625 is a Human¡¯s average.


    This lead to yet another creation,the [Standard Unit Rating] (SUR),which is just [CPR]/15,625,an estimation on how many average humans an individual can match in combat.The official rating remained [CPR] though,as it is more precise,while [SUR] is used mainly for calculating the total power pf a large group for example a nation''s.


    As for the facts about the higher races,this is what I¡¯ve learned:


    1.[Griffins],with their 3,95 overall rating as well as PSM of 5,0 are unquestionably the most powerful race present in my vicinity.They are natural wanderers and never stay at one place for long.While their feathers are rumored to posess magical power that can be refined into life-prolonging exlixirs,the myth was never confirmed due to the species¡¯s strength.


    An average adult [Gryphon] boasts an incredible 308 [CPR],which allows him to rival a group of 20 Humans,alone.


    2.[Elves] at 3.6 are powerful individuals that normally live embracing the nature.Their [Nature Magic] (which is an earth+light fusion),combined with overbearing agility,above-average intelligence and longevity(They tend to live an average of 500 years) makes them well-suited for almost any situation.


    Despite this qualities,they are not a match for [Griffins] or even the lower ranked [Greater Earth Elementals] in single combat,as their PSM is 1.0,which ranks an Elven adult at 46,7 [CPR],an equivalent of three humans.


    3.[Greater Earth Elementals] are primal forces of nature that are seemingly aimless, rumored to possess a hivemind..


    Their [Earth Magic], a ranking of 3,25 as well as PSM of 3,5 more than make up for their lack of individual sentience though.And the [CPR] of 120 seems to confirm it...


    As for the rest of the area¡¯s notable races:


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Race:</td><td>Rating:</td><td>PSM</td><td>CPR:</td><td>SUR:</td></tr><tr><td>Human</td><td>2,5</td><td>1</td><td>15,6</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Kobold</td><td>1,85</td><td>0,8</td><td>5,1</td><td>0,32</td></tr><tr><td>Ogre</td><td>2,35</td><td>2,8</td><td>36,3</td><td>2,33</td></tr><tr><td>Troll</td><td>2,55</td><td>1,2</td><td>19,9</td><td>1,27</td></tr><tr><td>Orc</td><td>2,4</td><td>1,15</td><td>15,9</td><td>1,02</td></tr><tr><td>Goblin</td><td>1,9</td><td>0,7</td><td>4,8</td><td>0,31</td></tr><tr><td>Dwarf</td><td>2,7</td><td>0,85</td><td>16,7</td><td>1,07</td></tr><tr><td>Gnome</td><td>2,8</td><td>0,65</td><td>14,3</td><td>0,91</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    I took my time to calculate the overall military power of each known nation as well:


    [Dimorth Kingdom]:


    361 Population,2,54 average rating,meaning a total of 379 [SUR]


    [Kobold Federation]:


    With the population of about a thousand and 0,32 Rating per Kobold,their combined military might comes out to be 320 [SUR[


    [Oldmoor Tribes]:


    Without means to accurately measure the [Dire Wolves]¡¯s influence on their overall strength,


    I could only add 25% to their score,which resulted in them possesing a total of 405 [SUR].


    [Stonecliff Kingdom]:


    As the Dwarven and Gnome population appears to be fairly equal,the resulting military score is around 495 [SUR]


    [Duchy of Rayhill]:


    Under the assumption that their Humans dont vary much from the usal 2,5 Rating,their military power should be around 420 [SUR]


    [Elven Society]


    Not much is known about them,but as the population estimation is 90,their overall score is 270 [SUR],making them the weakest of all societies in the area.


    In other words,my [Dimorth Kingdom]¡¯s overall might of 379 [SUR] places 4th out of 6.


    The military power of the region¡¯s nations is 2289 [SUR],with the average being 382.


    The [Town Hall]¡¯s records also mentioned things like food production(apparently the vast majority came out of hunting,because things like agriculture were largely undeveloped due to me not purchasing the [NPC Class Unlock (Basic) ]


    After browsing the gathered data,I decided that it ws time to start recruiting people for the [Brilliant Gale Academy].


    What i had in mind was starting a competition to ensure the quality of the elders and disciples.It would also serve as a way to split my citizens into social classes,as currently everyone but myself was still a peasant.There would be two separate contests.


    The first being the [Elder competition],aimed at ages 25-45,as elders had to have some experience after all.It would consist of good old 1v1 until only 5 people remained,at which point they would be promoted to Nobility and made Elders of the Academy.The places 6th-56th would be promoted to the middle class,along with their children.


    The other competition would be a [Inner disciple Competition].aimed at ages 15-24.As before,it would be a standard 1v1 tourney.As the target audience was only 20% of the population(meaning 72 people),the top 25 would be promoted to middle class(only them,not their parents or immediate family) and given an opportunity to join the ranks of inner disciples,while the rest could join the outer disciples,if they so chose.


    If i wanted to attract students I¡¯d still have to be able to teach them some skills though...after announcing the competition to be held tomorrow at noon,I decided to train [Meditation]  and the element gathering techniques.


    As i activated [Meditation] my mind slowly began to calm down...as i got rid of all unnecessary thoughts,i began cultivating the [Light Gathering Technique]...slowly,an indescribable feeling ran through my body.I sat there,unmoving for a quarter of an hour,and other than the sensation,nothing was happening...suddenly,just as I pondered whether to stop(and give it a try later),the first light particles started appearing...along with a notification.


    <Due to your continous practice of [Light Gathering Technique],your Light Affinity has increased by 1%>


    The light slowly started entering my body,most of it accumulating in my bones.


    After a few minutes,I wondered..what would happen if I started practicing the wind technique simultanously with the light one?


    Deciding to give it a try,I tried splitting my mind between the two,not noticing the flow of time.


    A couple hours later,the first wind particles started appearing,but this was only the beginning...because...the two types of energies actually started to fuse into one!


    [DING]


    <Congratulations>


    <You¡¯ve created a C-rank technique>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''><Insert the name of your Cultivation Technique></td></tr><tr><td>(Active)</td><td>Rank: C-E (EXP:0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The <> is a cultivation technique derived from both the [Light Gathering Technique] and [Wind Gathering Technique].


    As a cultivation method of fused Light and Wind elements,the potency of this technique is far higher than normal.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>This technique allows its user to increase his Light and Wind affinities through continous practice.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Should appropriate conditions be fulfilled, the user can fuse different techniques of both elements together</td></tr><tr><td>Execution requirements:</td><td>Light and Wind Affinities have to be > 0%</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This result was far better than expected...didnt this mean that i can eventually fuse the [Brilliant Step] with [Flowing WInd Spear Technique]?Of course as [Brilliant Step] is still locked I wont be able to find out anytime soon...but it really gives me an incentive to cultivate-


    Suddenly a realization hit me,as i franctically looked through the window¡­


    And my worries confirmed themselves...I was going to be late!


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(2,81)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Hunter</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>Lord, Gray Wolf Hunter</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 115%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 107,5%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 120%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 115%</td><td>Wind(1%),Light(1%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 120%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 115%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 107,5%</td><td>MP Growth: 117%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 The Tournament (Chapter 6)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [Noon, Day 1 Month 1 of 100 DC],The moment the tournament was announced


    [Random Citizen¡¯s POV]


    I was casually taking a stroll through the Town¡¯s streets,bringing the spoils from my recent hunt home,while suddenly a thunderous shout filled the area.


    Herald - IN THE NAME OF LORD ELDRITH, A TOURNAMENT IS THEREBY ANNOUNCED! PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF PROMOTION IN SOCIAL CLASS AS WELL AS GIVEN A UNIQUE CHANCE TO JOIN THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED [BRILLANT GALE ACADEMY]! (...)


    I stood there like a statue,not daring to miss a word,while the Herald continued to announce the competition¡¯s details for the next two minutes or so.


    This was a chance! I,one of the few young [Hunters] of our town always dreamed of pursuing the martial path.Sure,the animal hunting satiated some of my needs,but after i gained the class,It just became dull,as I was told to only hunt the smaller pray.After all,the stronger animals were dangerous and our town couldnt possibly afford to lose out on food production just because a qualified [Hunter] with limitless potential,such as myself foolishly ran to his own demise.


    The tournament was just what i needed - an opportunity to prove myself...perhaps if my results in the competition were good enough,I would even be allowed to hunt for a real prey like [Minotaurs] or [Ratmen],maybe even the legendary [Giants],instead of the usual day¡¯s [Foxes],[Rabits] and the occasional [Gray Wolf].


    I strived for a challenge and was finally given one!


    [Eldrith POV]


    [Noon, Day 2 Month 1 of 100 DC]


    Crap!


    This was pretty much my only thought as i hurriedly ran through the streets of the now half-empty [Dimorth Town].


    The Academy¡¯s area was about 2,5 km of mountainous terrain to the north...and looking at the sun above,it was already time to start the tournament.Thankfully,my people dont have means of checking the time or I¡¯d already be deemed late for the first ever official event in my [Dimorth Kingdom]!.


    [A quarter of an hour later]


    As i finally approached the academy¡¯s gates,I started slowing down and catching my breath...after all I would not want my citizens to see their current lord and future headmaster loudly gasping as it would ruin my public image¡­


    After resting for a while,I slowly walked to the entrance,where a large crowd gathered themselves-


    Random Citizen - Our Lord is here!


    All participants suddenly turned their heads...did I mention that I hated being the center of attention?


    As the crowd started to quiet down,I walked into the academy,as gracefully as I could and stepped on the platform.I inhaled the air...it begins


    Eldrith - I WELCOME YOU ALL TO THE [BRILLIANT GALE ACADEMY]¡¯s FIRST ENTRY EXAMINATION.BEFORE WE BEGIN,LET ME REMIND YOU OF THE EVENT¡¯S RULES...


    I continued,telling them how I was the only judge,and even if they,by chance lost a duel,should their performance be sufficient,they might still be rewarded.


    After asking them if they had any questions,and answering them I officially started the competition.


    The participants numbered 216,which meant 60% of the population attended the tournament¡­The remaining 40% were either the elderly,the children(15 was the age floor) or simply those too far away from the town to attend.


    144 people (67%) would participate in the [Elder¡¯s Competition],the remaining 72 entering the [Inner disciple Competition].with the younger generation being competing first..


    [Some time later]


    As the quarter-finals were drawing near,several people caught my attention.


    The first was Edmund,who was apparently the youngest [Hunter] in the town,age 16.His combat style was rather unique,as despite him being a spear user,he utilized his arms and legs to knock his opponents out in close quarters combat,which was strange because with the weapon he was using,medium-distance fighting was the norm.


    Another was a 25 year old called William,a sword/shield user.Unlike most,he was basically a full defence-type,simply tiring his opponents out until they showed an opening,at which point he would quickly end the duel.


    The third...Oliver,a 22 year old,using only a 110 cm sword easily defeated his opponents,making great use of footwork to evade when he could,parrying when he couldnt.


    As expected,those three made it to the semi-finals.


    Edmund¡¯s opponent was too tired to fight and gave up,after all he would get all the rewards anyways.


    The second fight,William vs Oliver was pretty unique,as both fighters were focused on defence.The first few minutes of the fight were them simply circling each other.


    William finally couldnt stand the pressure and made a quick lunge,aimed at Oliver¡¯s chest.The latter did a quick turn to the right,evading the thrust,and used his sword handle to strike at William¡¯s hand in an attempt to disarm him.His opponent however quickly reacted by pulling back the sword and turning his body to the left,trying to bash Oliver¡¯s face with his shield.The nimble swordsman ducked under the blade and ended the duel by executing a successful swing at William¡¯s head,before he could react,knocking him out.


    Like that,the [Inner Disciple Competition] came to an end,with Edmund,William,Oliver and 22 other youths becoming inner disciples,the remaining 47 having to settle for outer disciple positions.


    The [Elder¡¯s Competition] was pretty much identical,except it was much more competitive,as there were only 5 spots and even more competitors than in the disciple tourney.


    At the end of the day,5 people came out victorious.


    Thomas,a 41 year-old staff user took the first place.


    Edith,an 29 year-old [Huntress] took the next spot.


    The 3th,4th and 5th places were Gauwyn,Luke and Godfrey respectively.


    The competition coming to an end,the new [Elders] and their children became the first nobility of my kingdom.They were also given family names (same as the victor¡¯s first names),


    The top 25 inner disciples,as well as 3 more that lost but left an impression were promoted to the [Middle Class],along with 50 older competitors(and their children).In total,148 people.


    This meant that from this point onwards in my society the social class distribution would be approximately:


    [Nobility] : 4%


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.[Middle Class] (Burghers) : 41%


    [Peasantry] : 55%


    With the competition over and the promotions given,the day came to an end.I decided to sleep through the night,even though I didnt have to because of my AI nature,as fatigue was finally starting to take a tool on my body¡¯s condition.


    [Dawn, Day 3 Month 1 of 100 DC]


    Today is the official opening day of the [Brilliant Gale Academy]


    I gathered everyone at the [Training Square] and gave a short speech.As i could easily see that the elders and disciples alike wanted me, the Headmaster to show off my skills, I began the day with a series of duels.


    In the first spar against Thomas,I utilized the [Flowing Wind Spear Technique] (that,started to produce a faint aura of green energy after being upgraded to D-F rank) to overwhelm the staff user,and after only a few exchanges,he was defeated.


    The following fights were quite easy,although I got hit a few times.


    After the duels, I showed them the elemental gathering techniques, to their utter amazement,as they never saw magic before. (excluding the aura my spear gave off)


    Lastly,I also showed off my new creation,the [Divine Wind Gathering Method],which is what I named the Wind/Light fusion technique.Of course they could only practice it after gaining affinities for both elements,which was going to take a while as NPC¡¯s average training speed seemed to be around 1/100 of mine¡­


    I hope they enjoy sitting in one place for a month just to learn the skills,not to mention the elemental fusion...


    After telling my Academy¡¯s members to start training in the [Flowing Wind Spear Technique],as it will help them to feel the wind¡¯s flowing energy so that they can practice the [Wind Gathering Technique], I began meditating.


    My daily routine consisted of multiple hours of meditation in the morning,followed by a lecture for the disciples as well as daily spars.


    In the afternoon I would train my [Flowing Wind Spear Technique].


    Ocassionally,new reports would come from the now picked [Lord¡¯s Council]


    Just like that,time quickly passed.


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    <Day 21,Month 6 of 100 DC>


    <After continous practice,[Flowing Wind Spear Technique} has advanced to C-F rank>


    Finally!


    For the past few months I¡¯ve been training non-stop but my spear technique encountered a huge bottleneck at D-C rank,showing no advancement for three whole months.


    During this time my Light and Wind affinities soared,both reaching 10%,which unlocked [Brilliant Step] as well as gave me a new skill:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Mana Manipulation</td></tr><tr><td>(Passive)</td><td>Rank: F-F (EXP:0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Allows its user to manipulate elemental mana.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Maximum quantity that can be controlled,as well as precision of control depends on elemental affinities and skill level.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Currently Available Elements: Wind , Light</td></tr><tr><td>Execution requirements:</td><td>Sufficient Mental Focus,Requires Mana</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The skill allowed me to see and freely manipulate mana in my surroundings,though the amount was pitfully small at first,even now it is not much at all.


    As for [Brilliant Step] It was somewhat hard to control,but the boost in speed more than made up for it.


    If before I could run 100m in 10 seconds then now it only took me 2,a whole 400% increase!The only downside was that it exhausted my mana pool,and i could only use it for around a minute before having to replenish it.


    Another thing that happened during those few months is that tensions started to appear between my kingdom and the [Oldmoor Tribes].Apparently,a group of hunters killed an [Ogre] that provoked them...the other party demanded that we hand them over so they can ¡°bring justice¡±(i.e kill them all).Of course i refused their demands...


    Back to the present...I¡¯m really curious about the current efffect of the [Flowing Wind Spear Technique]...


    Deciding to test it out,I started to run towards the nearby training target,utilizing [Brilliant Step],as I always do.This training was aimed at increasing the maneuverabilty the [Brilliant Step] provided,while taking advantage of [Flowing Wind Spear Technique]¡¯s spear speed boost to achieve a certain effect.


    The whole process would result in me transforming into a blurry figure that striked so fast you could barely follow it with the naked eye.As i closed on the practice target and executed the first strike,the green aura that appeared was at least a magnitude stronger than before..this was not what caught my attention however,as particles of both wind and light elements slowly started to coil around my body,appearing to fuse together¡­


    Sensing that a breakthrough was near,I moved behind the training target,executing the ¡°thrust¡± move of my [Flowing Wind Spear Technique]...or at least i planned to¡­


    Before my eyes was an afterimage made from particles of both elements,looking almost as real as myself¡­


    <Your skills [Flowing Wind Spear Technique] and [Brilliant Step] have fused together]


    <Congratulations>


    <You have created a B-rank technique>


    [DING]


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(2,99)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Hunter</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>Gray Wolf Hunter, Lord</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 115%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 107,5%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 120%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 115%</td><td>Wind(10%),Light(10%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 120%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 115%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 107,5%</td><td>MP Growth: 135%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 The Hunt (Chapter 7)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''><Insert the name of your spear routine></td></tr><tr><td>(Active)</td><td>Rank: B-F (EXP:0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Consisting of 7 interchangable spear moves of [Flowing Wind Spear Technique], as well as [Brilliant Step]''s complicated footwork,the <> routine combines the light''s explosiveness with the free flow of the wind,greatly increasing its user''s speed.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Usage of techniques during movement will leave an afterimage for a short time</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Increases movement and attack speed by an amount directly proportional to the user''s Light and Wind affinities,Agility and Skill Level.The spear''s cutting and piercing power is also increased,though to a lesser extent.</td></tr><tr><td>Execution requirements:</td><td>Spear-type weapon,Stable footing,Light+Wind affinities at least 10%,Requires Mana</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [The next day]


    My breakthrough caused a great stir in the academy...I was practicing at the [Training Square] after all,so every single person saw what I did.


    The new skill had a different wording than both of its predecessors,being a [Routine],instead of a [Technique],or [Moveset].As I checked the difference between the terms the answer I got was:


    <A Technique is a set of moves or maneuvers that can be used either alone or together with each other>


    <A Moveset is a set of moves or maneuvers that are only usable together or in a specific order>


    <A Routine is a complete whole that includes attack and support moves as well as a set of compatible bodily maneuvers>


    This basically meant that what i created was a brand-new spear style...as its the [Brilliant Gale Academy]¡¯s first,it shall have the same name - [Brilliant Gale Spear].


    I didnt mention it before,but despite the fact that everyone¡¯s progress during those few months was clearly visible,mine was simply astonishing when compared to the NPC¡¯s.


    Even though most elders comprehended the [Divine Wind Gathering Method] by now,their affinities were still far too low to even practice [Brilliant Step],to speak less of catching up to me.As for the disciples...out of them all only Edmund comprehended the element fusion,with everyone else still practicing basic elemental techniques.


    If their progress was only this much,training an elite force would just be a dream as most of the academy¡¯s members would spend a lifetime just learning [Brilliant Step]...


    I felt that only real combat could help them improve,after all just repeating the same movements over and over again is useless if you don¡¯t comprehend the skill¡¯s essence.


    Coincidentally,I also had to gather combat experience,as my last real fight was the...uhmm ¡°strategic retreat¡± from the grizzly bear...


    Persuading the academy¡¯s members didnt take long,after all everyone was slowly getting tired of constant training...today is the day we go out to hunt.The main targets of our group are [Girallons] - Four-armed,ape-like creatures that possess astonishing strength and vitality.Their speed however is average at best, which means everyone can easily run away should danger arise.


    A [Girallon] typically lives in a pack of three to five,deep in the woods.It just so happens that their presence was recently reported at [Duskfall Forest],which is located around five kilometers east to [Dimorth Town].


    The area is a regular hunting ground for our hunters,however the spottings of apes caused most of them to avoid the location,which had an impact on our food production.


    In other words,the mission has two goals - training the younger generation as well as wiping out the creatures...of course the fact that I simply want to try out my skills is also a factor,but its not the main one...right¡­?


    Everyone decided to attend,which means a total of 78 members - myself, 5 elders and 72 disciples.Our plan is to split the group into two squads - the first one would consist of a vast majority of the expedition¡¯s members - the elders and all the outer disciples - a total of 52 people.They were going to enter the forest and simply walk forward,exterminating everything they see.


    The other squad would include myself as well as the inner disciples.Our primary task would be scouting and getting rid of stronger creatures in advance.This meant that should we encounter a group of [Minotaurs], the ones fighting them would be us,not the main group.


    As the entire expedition entered the forest a system notice appeared before me:


    [DING]


    [Your actions have created a mission]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Extermination Event</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Mission Difficulty:</td><td colspan=''2''>D+/C-</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Location:</td><td colspan=''2''>Duskfall Forest</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Objectives:</td><td colspan=''2''>Failure Conditions:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Kill at least 90% of the area''s [Girallons]</td><td colspan=''2''>Exceeding the 7 day time limit</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''><Hidden> (Optional)</td><td colspan=''2''>Death of an expedition member</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Mission Rewards:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Base Reward:</td><td colspan=''2''>[Girallons] will no longer spawn in the forest</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Leader Bonus:</td><td colspan=''2''>Unknown</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [Some time later]


    For the last few hours things have been progressing smoothly...the main group¡¯s advance started to slow down though,as we gradually left the outer part of the forest.


    So far,the enemies we encountered were mostly [Gray Wolves] or other animals at a simlar level and as such, we would leave them for the main squad unless they attacked us,to which we would retaliate.I found killing wolves pitfully easy now though,as they were unable to react to my current speed,and even if they by chance managed to initiate an attack,it would just hit my afterimage.


    Like this,we travelled for quite some time until we ran into our first real prey - someone saw a lone [Giant] nearby.Their species were much like humans,except they were around three times larger - a height of 6 meters is nothing to joke about.From what I¡¯ve read about their race,they had a rating of 2.4,with a PSM of 3,3,a [CPR] of 46,compared to a human¡¯s 15,6.


    Theoretically speaking they are a [Normal] race,not animals,however most of their stats lie in either VIT or STR,which takes a tool on their intelligence,to the point that even a camp is a rare sight in their so-called society.They do have a very simple language though.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The [Giant]¡¯s humanoid figure was currently sitting in his cave,holding a huge wooden club in his hand,seemingly unaware of the incoming ambush.


    Well its weapon looked like a club,but it was in fact a tree...guess they use it the same way we use clubs though...enough of that.


    Our ambush plan was to surround him,followed by my frontal assault.While his attention is focused on me,the group behind the [Giant] would charge out of the forest,with the rest acting as support.Should he still not fall,everyone would throw their spears,which should finish him¡­


    The plan¡¯s starting phase was successful,now came its execution¡­


    As I charged out of the woods,utilizing the [Brilliant Gale Spear],I struck the [Giant] before it had time to react...the bad part was that my spear got momentarily stuck in his body,which would not be that big of a problem...what I was facing was something over 6m in height though...the club smashed down on me as I finally freed my spear and moved behind my opponent,the [Giant]¡¯s weapon striking my afterimage.


    The oversized human momentarily thought he killed me,as the afterimage was almost identical to myself,however it quickly dissipated.The surprise was long enough for me to lunge at the [Giant]¡¯s back¡­


    Suddenly I felt an imminent sense of danger...deciding to follow my instincts,I quickly retreated as far as I could,abandoning my attack.


    The feeling turned out to be real,because as soon as I moved,another gigantic club struck the newly created mirror image of myself.


    Apparently,we were not facing one but two [Giants] !


    On top of that,the second one,in addition to his club,also held a much larger,rectangle-shaped piece of wood in his other hand...this was going to be troublesome...


    The squad finally made their move,throwing their spears at one of the [Giants].Normally it would heavily injure the being,however his companion quickly moved,blocking the spears with his shield¡­


    Checking my mana,I still had around two-thirds remaining...a second of active usage of [Brilliant Gale Spear] uses around 2% mana,while creating an afterimage takes 10%.


    In other words,I could only use the skill for 30 seconds, at best.The squad¡¯s equipment varied - other than everyone having a spare throwing spear,they held all kinds of melee weapons.Some even carried bows and quivers,those were going to be useless against a foe of this size though¡­


    As I was thinking,the giants started charging at the closest group of disciples.Having trained for this kind of situation before,after a moment of panic,they quickly jumped into the forest to limit the [Giants]¡¯s mobility.


    Seeing their difficult situation,I ordered a frontal assault...As for myself,seeing how my mana was insufficient for prolonged combat, I decided to make use of my [Mana Manipulation] to imbue the tip of my spear with light and wind energies...after all,the wooden shield could only withstand so much force and a weapon enchanted with both elements should find it rather easy to penetrate it.


    After gathering as much mana as i could,I threw the spear at the [Giants],as they were now distracted by melee combat...one of the enemies,hearing the spear¡¯s sound,or perhaps just seeing a glowing object approach him crossed his arms in an attempt to defend¡­


    The weapon went straight through his body,leaving a hole in his chest before landing on the ground...I honestly didnt expect it to be that effective¡­


    After that,the other [Giant] quickly fell under the squad¡¯s combined effort¡­


    [DING]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Battle Conclusion: Victory</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Codex Entry Acquired: Giants</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Your group gains combat experience</td></tr><tr><td>Allies:</td><td>Enemies:</td></tr><tr><td>Dead: 0 Injured: 8 (NPC)</td><td>Dead: 2 [Giants]</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <New Skills Acquired: [Throwing],[Enchanting]>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Throwing</td></tr><tr><td>(Passive)</td><td>Level: F-F EXP: 71,26%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Can learn throwing techniques up to F-F rank</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Throwing an object is now 5% more effective</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Enchanting</td></tr><tr><td>(Passive)</td><td>Level: E-E EXP: 20,52%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Imbuing mana into an object consumes 12% less Mana</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Enchanting is now 12% more effective</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Your title,Gray Wolf Hunter went up a stage and became Giant Hunter>


    <Your [Hunter (Class)] went up a stage>


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [2 Days Later]


    Our group is now about to move into the innermost part of the forest...until now,very few [Girallons] actually,appeared,only a dozen or so,leaving the quest progress at around 12%...this is strange...


    As we travelled,the trees gradually grew sparser...Before long we arrived at the forest¡¯s center..and there they were,all the [Girallons]-


    Suddenly, I sensed a mana disturbance in the area...turning my head I saw...


    [DING]


    [Boss Monster [Troll Voodoo Shaman] has entered the scene]


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(2,99)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Hunter</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>Giant Hunter, Lord</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 115%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 107,5%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 120%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 115%</td><td>Wind(10%),Light(10%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 120%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 115%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 107,5%</td><td>MP Growth: 135%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 Art of Puppetry (Chapter 8)

    Author¡¯s notes:


    No chapter tomorrow,a double chapter in 2 days though.


    From now on,the Light/Wind elemental fusion will be called Divine Wind.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [Boss Monster [Troll Voodoo Shaman] has entered the scene]


    Looking at the notice,as well as sensing the increasingly violent mana fluctuations around the monster¡¯s body,I quickly leaped in his direction in an attempt to stop whatever spell he was casting...50 meters...30...20...Suddenly the troll uttered a single sentence:


    [Umbra Nox]


    Just as I neared him,darkness seeped out of his body,slowly engulfing the nearby space¡­


    I lunged at my opponent,the spear aimed at his chest...a ¡°whizz¡± was heard as my spear,engulfed in a layer of divine wind collided with the black mist,easily splitting it in two...there was no body inside though!


    As I hit empty air,the forward momentum caused me to stumble...just at this moment,the boss appeared again,this time right in front of me,extending his darkness-covered hand towards my neck¡­


    I couldnt dodge,as unstable footing prevented me from using movement techniques,my spear was also useless at this moment,as it was facing downwards.Without a choice I covered my left hand in divine wind energy and used it to meet the troll¡¯s fist before gathering all the force I could muster in my legs,attempting to leap backwards¡­


    [BANG]


    The collision sent me flying a dozen meters,also numbing my left arm.The boss¡¯s figure merely staggered a step backwards...luckily I didnt take actual damage,as due to [Adrenaline]¡¯s STR and VIT boosts my leap was halfway done before the impact,the remainder of the blow simply dispersing itself over my arm,without causing any injuries.


    As I landed on the ground,dazed by the blow, the monster¡¯s figure already approached me...suddenly a few arrows flew at the troll,forcing him to change into the mist,causing the arrows to pass through and buying me time to get back on my feet..


    The troll, still covered in his shroud of darkness, began to recite an incantation causing nearby mana to go wild...I was unable to stop the boss myself, as I still couldnt feel my left arm (and using a spear one-handed is...impractical,to say the least), which combined with the fact that physical attacks are ineffective against him,I could only wait for the monster to finish¡­


    After the troll uttered the spell¡¯s name,his dark mist transformed into a beam that flew at me with terrifying speed.As it was just too fast,I could only raise my spear to try and block it¡­


    The beam passed through my spear without causing any sort of reaction from it and directly slamming into my head¡­..not feeling any effect of the spell,I glanced at the now exposed troll...


    The shocked expresion on his face told me that it definitely wasnt the expected outcome,which combined with the spell passing through my weapon could only mean one thing -


    This was mind magic! Unfortunately for the troll,he had no way to know that, being an AI I didnt have a mind to affect...using the moment of surprise i charged at him with my [Brilliant Gale Spear],this time controlling my movements so that I dont lose the balance, should he shroud himself again¡­


    The troll quickly jumped back,my spear leaving a semi-deep wound on his left leg...by the time of my follow-up hit,he already changed back into a dark mist,nullifying my attack¡­


    Suddenly,the black shroud started flying towards the [Girallons],the monster initiating a yet another incantation...As I ordered both squads to pull back,the troll finished his spell once again.


    The mist on his body started to expand,leaving his body and forming a sphere of darkness around him...the sphere then started to emit cracking sounds¡­


    It was only at this moment that I realized the creature¡¯s aim - it was some sort of AOE spell!


    Not having time to run,I quickly gathered as much sacred wind mana as I could,releasing it all around myself just as the sphere was about to explode-


    [BOOM]


    The dark orb suddenly tranformed into countless small black beams that wildly flew in all directions,some of them hitting the [Girallons],with a few flying towards me and the academy¡¯s members.


    Stretching the energy as far as possible,I formed a wall of glowing mana...the black beams slammed into the the barrier,causing it to momentarily shudder before the darkness evaporated completely.


    Even with the worst outcome prevented,the situation still didnt look good,as in front of us were now 70+ crazy apes¡­


    The troll looked at me with a furious expression,seemingly trying to say ¡°this is only the beginning¡±,before a devilish smile formed on his face...finally after a couple seconds of staring at me,he transformed back into the mist and flew away into the distance.


    [Boss Monster [Troll Voodoo Shaman] has left the scene]


    Meanwhile,the [Girallons] all charged towards us...with my mana pool almost empty after continous usage,I could only have the group use projectiles to gradually diminish the ape¡¯s numbers,in addition to slowing them,as fighting head on against so many opponents would surely result in someone dying,which was an outcome i wanted to avoid at all costs.


    After a few minutes,my mana has recovered sufficiently for me to use my [Brilliant Gale Spear] once again,and each time I charged in,a few [Girallons] would die,after all they were only a [Lesser] race with PSM of 1,5,with [CPR] even lower than an average human¡¯s,and I was anything but average,having nearly 27 [CPR] not to mention my PC status(Equal to an elite monster,being twice as strong as normal at any given rating)


    Soon enough,at least 60 [Girallons] were laying dead on the ground,with the remainder retreating.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Battle Conclusion: Victory</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Codex Entry Acquired: Girallons</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Your group gains combat experience</td></tr><tr><td>Allies:</td><td>Enemies:</td></tr><tr><td>Dead: 0 Injured: 23 (NPC)</td><td>Dead: 65 [Girallons] Injured: 8 [Girallons], 1 [Troll Voodoo Shaman]</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Mission Completed>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Extermination Event:</td></tr><tr><td>Objectives:</td></tr><tr><td>Kill at least 90% of the area''s [Girallons] - Success</td></tr><tr><td>Kill the [Troll Voodoo Shaman](Optional) - Failure</td></tr><tr><td>Mission Rewards:</td></tr><tr><td>Base Reward: [Girallons] will no longer spawn in the forest</td></tr><tr><td>Leader Reward: 200 CP</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <After continous practice,[Mana Manipulation] has advanced to C-D rank>


    <New Skill Acquired: [Elemental Aura (Divine Wind Variant)]>


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Divine Wind Aura</td></tr><tr><td>(Active)</td><td>Level: C-D EXP: 10,96%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Allows its user to manipulate the body¡¯s internal mana to form a protective barrier</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The aura is now 28% more effective</td></tr><tr><td>Current Internal Mana Element:</td><td>Divine Wind</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Congratulations>


    <(Rare) Class acquisition conditions met : [Divine Wind Protector (Class)] Create Class?(Y/N)>


    ¡­Seriously,why does it even ask at this point?!


    <[Divine Wind Gathering Method],[Brilliant Gale Spear],[Divine Wind Aura] have fused into Divine Wind Protector(Class]>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Divine Wind Protector(Class)</td></tr><tr><td>Class Stage:</td><td>Master(Stage 5)</td></tr><tr><td>Growth Bonuses:</td><td>Currently fused skills: Divine Wind Gathering Technique,Brilliant Gale Spear,Divine Wind Aura</td></tr><tr><td>


    VIT Growth: +10%


    STR Growth: +10%


    AGI Growth: +15%


    INT Growth: +15%</td><td>Skills of the [Divine Wind[ element use this class''s rank instead of their own (currently B-F)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Would you like to use [Divine Wind Protector] as your active class?(Y/N)>


    Yes


    <You have acquired a title>


    <Divine Wind Master>


    <Your [Giant Hunter] title has been deactivated]


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [A week later]


    Our group is back at the academy...I keep remembering the weird look that troll gave me though¡­well,enough of that.


    As expected,everyone made great progress during the hunt.Most inner disciples and even some outer ones can now use [Divine Wind Gathering Method],while Thomas(the staff elder) even started training in [Brilliant Step].


    Additionally,new classes were unlocked,specifically [Archer] and [Warrior].


    In other words,things¡¯ve been progressing nicely...oh,I also added my new skills to the academy¡¯s teaching list,which gave an unexpected result - as the collection is now ¡°whole¡±,everyone¡¯s progress is now double on the [Divine Wind]-element skills.


    I guess it¡¯s time to leave the academy for a while,as I have to manage my [Dimorth Kingdom]¡¯s matters as well.After all, academy¡¯s members aside,everyone else has been given the ¡°middle finger¡± for quite some time now and its time to change that.


    I decide to somehow teach them non-combat skills,as my nation¡¯s military side is covered for now,with things like food production still being entirely up to [Hunters].


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [Three months later]


    The Kingdom''s citizens have advanced considerably since I introduced them with concepts such as money(the economy was barter-based before), [Agriculture],[Mining],[Blacksmithing] (apart from me,everyone else was still using stone-weapons...kinda forgot about it¡­) etc.


    The newly unlocked classes for the general population were: [Farmer],[Merchant],[Miner],[Blacksmith],[Bowyer] and [Builder].


    Right now I¡¯m sitting on my throne,meditiating- I¡¯ve been neglecting training my affinities,both still being at 10%.Despite doing this for a month,they still havent improved though,so perhaps its some sort of bottleneck like what happened with my past spear technique.


    Suddenly someone ran into my throne room,interrupting my thoughts-


    Random Citizen - M-my lord...some of u-us were out hunting a-and¡­


    Eldrith - What happened? - I ask confused as to why he¡¯s stuttering so much¡­


    Random Citizen - A-a-


    He¡¯s interrupted by someone else-


    Random Citizen #2 - Just say it already! My lord, a huge army of ogres,trolls,orcs,goblins and kobolds has been spotted by some of our hunters...from the looks of it,they¡¯re headed towards us!


    WHAT?!


    Suddenly I cant help but recall the [Troll Voodoo Shaman]¡¯s evil grin...


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(3,06)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Divine Wind Protector</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''> Divine Wind Master , Lord</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 120%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 110%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 120%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 120%</td><td>Wind(10%),Light(10%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 125%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 120%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 110%</td><td>MP Growth: 140%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 The War (Chapter 9)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [2 hours after news of war],[Dimorth Kingdom¡¯s Throne Room]


    Sitting on my throne,I was hurriedly reading the recent reports¡­


    Thankfully the [Hunters] that informed me of the enemies also sent people to recall everyone outside back to the town,which means I dont have to worry about not being able to utilize my entire population to defend.


    Immediately after receiving the news, I sent a few scouts to observe our enemy¡¯s precise numbers,equipment etc,and they just returned,hence me reading their report right now.


    Apparently,our enemies are approaching from the south,currently around 6km away from [Dimorth Town],which means their ETA of arrival is in 1 hour.


    Their army numbers around 1250,which means we¡¯re facing a combined force of [Kobold Federation] and [Oldmoor Tribes],which was further confirmed by a window appearing an hour ago:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>War Event: [Dimorth Kingdom] - [Kobold Federation],[Oldmoor Tribes]</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Mission Difficulty:</td><td colspan=''2''>A+</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Success Conditions:</td><td colspan=''2''>Failure Conditions:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Kill 90% of enemies OR Negotiate Peace OR <Hidden></td><td colspan=''2''>[Dimorth Town] under enemy control OR 90% population dead</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Success Consequences:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Base Reward:</td><td colspan=''2''><Hidden>,<Hidden>,2000 CP</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Leader Bonus:</td><td colspan=''2''>Unknown</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Failure Consequences:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>GAME OVER</td></tr></tbody></table>


    As for the make-up of the enemy soldiers, around 65% are lighly-armored [Kobolds],with the remaining 35% consisting of 15 [Ogres], five dozen or so [Trolls] and around 100 heavily-armored orcish wolf riders, with each commanding additional three similiarly wolf-riding [Goblins].


    Despite the fact that [Ogres] are the strongest individually,the army commander is supposedly a [Troll],which honestly doesnt surprise me at all...well I¡¯ll make sure to kill him this time.


    Their total estimated combat strength is 650 [SUR]


    On our side,we have my hastily rallied defensive army consisting of 296 [Humans],including myself,consisting of:


    -5 Academy elders,25 inner,47 outer disciples(Averages of 1,4,1,29,1,17 [SUR] respectively)


    -76 [Hunters],[Warriors] and [Archers],averaging 1,2 [SUR]


    -142 either classless or with non-combat oriented classes,averaging 0,96 [SUR]


    As for why the information is so precise on our side,its because we kept track of each individual¡¯s [CPR] rating,updating the data every month.


    Anyways,the estimated military value is 323 [SUR[,less than half of our opponent¡¯s.We are outnumbered more than 4 to 1 though...thankfully we have walls,and with our stockpiles of food,water as well as bows and arrows we should be able to somehow survive a siege.


    Lets just hope they don¡¯t have effective siege weapons¡­


    Our combat plan involves mainly static-defense along the walls,under the leadership of myself and academy elders...I¡¯m not a brilliant strategist after all¡­


    Valuable time quickly passes...


    [Around Noon,Day 5,Month 10 of 100 DC]


    I¡¯m standing on top of [Dimorth Town]¡¯s [Southern Gate],looking towards the horizon¡­


    What would normally be a peaceful-looking mountain-valley scenery is now disturbed by an enormous army standing around 1km from the town...the hour is nearing.


    Suddenly,a goblin walks from within enemy ranks,carrying a parchment.As it¡¯s obvious that he¡¯s not a danger but rather some kind of messenger, I tell the archers to hold their fire for now,after all its only a single goblin.


    When he gets around 50m close to the walls,he abruptly stops,takes a deep breath and announces:


    Goblin Messenger - Ma Lard overz ya e altenatuum - carrander ar di-


    His shout is interrupted by an arrow piercing his neck...as it was obvious the enemies weren¡¯t going to negotiate,there¡¯s no real need to spare a messenger...one less goblin may decide victory after all,we never know.


    Suddenly the entire area is silent with the only audible sound being the goblin¡¯s corpse slowly falling onto the ground...the silence didnt last long though-


    A familiar-looking Troll suddenly appears:


    [Troll Voodoo Shaman] - Urgakh zand indrush zer! Gardioz noruk sar! TORESH PORSH!


    Enemy army - PORSH PORSH! PORSH PORSH! PORSH PORSH!


    As it was obvious that they were yelling something similar to ¡°Kill Kill¡±,we raised our weapons...it begins.


    The swarm of ogres,trolls,orcs,kobolds and goblins began charging straight at us...i know they¡¯re not that intelligent,but...a frontal assault?Seriously?


    The kobolds were running with ladders,while the ogres carried large boulders..orcs and goblins dismounted the wolves and sent them forward together with kobolds,themselves forming phalanx-like formations,slowly advancing forward while covered with their large shields.Trolls,together with the army commander started chanting,a giant circle suddenly appearing on the ground¡­


    The first ranks of kobolds died from arrows,but for every one that fell,ten would advance forward.They swarmed the wall¡¯s vicinity and utilized their ladders...they were more like small wooden bridges though.Why use something like this?The answer quickly came-hundreds of wolves charged forward!


    Some ¡°ladders¡± were pushed back onto the ground,killing and wounding dozens of enemies,but the majority held.Defenders switched to spears to keep the wolves at bay-


    [BOOM]


    A fiery explosion filled the sky,blinding many, on our and their side alike...the wolves¡¯s recovery time was the shortest though,as they relied mainly on senses other than sight.


    As the sky returned to normal,they were already on the walls,quickly gaining ground.


    This was,however not what caught my attention...in the middle of the now non-existent circle,surrounded by corpses of dozens of trolls was a giant creature,about 8m in height,with a huge red eye in the middle of his forehead¡­


    [Boss-class monster,Red-Eye Cyclops has appeared]


    Just at this moment,the now around-dozen Ogres arrived at the city walls.They threw their boulders at the city gate,on which cracks started to appear,and then charged straight at it,hitting it with their hands.


    As I realized that its now or never,as the defense was crumbling on all sides,I raised my spear and released all the Sacred Wind energy that I¡¯ve been storing in it all this time.


    A brilliant light filled the area,and in a circle around 50m from my position(I was standing on top of the gate), all enemies were pushed back a few feet,which in some cases caused them to fall down the walls,while also receiving slash wounds.On the contrary,those that i deemed allies had their wounds slowly mend and their energy return.The light gradually started to dim down-


    A red beam of light suddenly flew in my direction...by pure reflex,I evaded to the right,as the energy pierced the tower wall behind me,passing right through it and exploding on the streets.


    I looked towards the beam¡¯s source,and there it was the [Red-Eye Cyclops],except now its previously bright-red eye was dim.


    Not having any more time to spare,I quickly rushed into melee,fighting kobolds and wolves,as the orcs and goblins didnt enter the walls yet,at least to my knowledge.


    ¡­


    As my 22nd opponent fell,I glanced around...and to my utter shock,[Trolls],[Orcs] and [Goblins] were starting to swarm the streets¡­.I glanced at the town gate...it was still intact but...open.


    Quckly making my decision-


    Eldrith - RETREAT TO THE INNER WALLS!


    As much as I wanted to keep fighting,the outer walls were already lost to the sheer amount of enemies.As my troops ran away, I tried my utmost to act as their rearguard, to limit the casualties.


    Only when the majority already left did I finally disengage,covered in multiple,shallow and deep wounds...without afterimages and the movement technique I would¡¯ve already died.


    During the entire fight,the red ¡°laser¡± was fired at me twice,fortunately it didnt hit,as it was just a bit too slow.As I was retreating to the ¡°castle¡±,I felt a familiar mana disturbance to my right¡­


    I quickly evaded to the left,as the darkness-covered fist hit my mirror image.Not even looking back,I ran even faster than before,only hearing the angry troll growl behind me,deciding not to give chase,this area was already covered by my soldier¡¯s ranged weapons after all.


    As i entered the castle, the gate behind me quickly shut,just in time to block yet another laser beam.People inside were clearly tired,covered by wounds and bruises,some even missing limbs,others lying almost dead in a pool of blood,owing their life to their comrades that risked life to take their strength-less bodies with them¡­


    Overall,the atmosphere this place gave off was an atmosphere of death,decay and defeat¡­My own mana pool was almost empty,which didnt stop me from trying to heal the wounded...as my energy completely emptied,I willed myself to still somehow pull out more...and more¡­


    <DING>


    <Congratulations!>


    <Energy center access unlocked>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Energy Center(Mana)</td></tr><tr><td>(Passive)</td><td>Capacity: 0/1416 Mana</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The Energy Center is a normally-hidden reservoir of energy located at the Dantian area.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The affinity cap is raised to 20%.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Allows purification of mana in order to refine it into Qi.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    I, however didnt hear nor see the window before me,directly falling onto the ground, exhausted.


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    [Some time later]


    [BOOM]


    ¡­..


    ..up-...d


    ¡­.


    [BOOM]


    ¡­.


    wa.e..u.-lo.d!


    [BOOM]


    As the last explosion reverberated through my head,I finally started regaining


    consciousness...as i opened my eyes,the first thing i noticed was a tingling feeling of energy that I¡¯ve never felt before...noticing the still opened notification I forced myself to read it¡­


    A nearby soldier noticed me waking up-


    Random Soldier - THE LORD IS ALIVE!


    Only after hearing the shout did I come back to my senses...thats right,we were in a middle of a siege...I looked around...I saw my people desperately fighting orcs, someone thrusting a spear into an ogre head,someone else desperately holding off three goblins...someone¡¯s head getting crushed by a club¡­


    Was this the end?...Did I come back just to see my people dying?...no¡­NO


    Suddenly,I felt my aura expand...5...20m¡­.soon,the divine-like aura covered the entire inner castle...then it happened...a goblin started screaming,followed by an orc...finally,the ogres also screamed...my people were stupified by the light,shocked by their wounds quickly healing and the enemies screaming¡­


    One voice was louder than all others¡­


    An ogre - HUMAN?WAT? WHERE BE ME?W¡¯ERE IS DA TROL¡­


    The ogre¡¯s complexion turned incomparably ugly and he roared:


    TRUSH KAVOSH ANDOR!!TRUSH...PORSH!!


    All the enemies looked at him,their expressions showing just how stupified they were...but they soon turned angry as well¡­


    TRUSH!!PORSH!!


    Hundreds of bellows echoed through the ruined town¡­


    The defenders,shocked,stopped attacking...because the shouts were not aimed at them...nor were they directed at me...they were all targetting a lone troll figure in the distance¡­


    The [Troll Voodoo Shaman].


    At this moment,the dark shroud around his body has already started dissipating,his body gradually turning old...his eyes revealed shock,fury,helplessness,finally followed by fear...the troll turned and tried to run¡­


    I quicky catched up,and hit him with the back of my fist¡­


    He didnt dodge...or rather,couldnt.


    thwack


    The [Troll Voodoo Shaman]¡¯s unconconscious body fell onto the ground..I picked it up and threw it at the ogre.


    Describing the whole situation took many words,but in reality,less than 10 seconds passed between the boundless light appearing and the present moment.


    The ogre looked at me,his eyes revealing mixed emotions...I knew he didnt blame me for what happened though...and in this moment i realized- neither did I...it was all that damned troll!As i glanced at him...


    His body was now a shadow of its former self,horribly mutilated by wounds all over, he looked as if he was incomparably old¡­.If i didnt know him before,I would¡¯ve looked at him with compassion...now I knew better though.


    The ogres,a few surviving trolls,orcs,goblins,kobolds and humans all looked at him hatefully.


    At the end of the day, one thing was certain-he would not be given a swift,clean death.


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [1 week later,Day 12,Month 10 of 100 DC]


    Ogres and orcs decided to stay in our town...the losses on both sides were just too great,and as they didn¡¯t actually feel any hatred towards us,and neither did my people...with no families to return to,as well as ashamed of being controlled by the troll,they felt that joining our town was what they should do.


    As for the goblins(along with wolves,as they were tamed by them),kobolds and the few remaining trolls,they all left.The first two felt that they wouldn¡¯t be accepted by humans and viewed as inferior...as for trolls,their reasoning was that they would be endlessly blamed for what their shaman did.


    Altogether,only 182 [Humans],7 [Ogres] and 62 [Orcs] lived to see the next dawn after what came to be known as either the [Miracle of Dimorth] or [Dimorth¡¯s Shame],for humans and ogres/orcs respectively.


    Out of the academy¡¯s members,all elders have died,but as for disciples,the losses were not that great - 17 inner and 37 outer disciples survived.The ones with most accomplishments were appointed [Elders],while the empty spots were filled by ogres and orcs,they needed to be represented as well,after all.


    Oh,by the way,did I mention why is the battle called a [Miracle]?Well,those are the screens that appeared after the troll¡¯s death:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Battle Conclusion: Victory</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Codex Entries Acquired: Kobolds,Goblins,Ogres,Orcs,Trolls</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Your nation gains combat experience</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Your nation now believes in the [Divine Wind]</td></tr><tr><td>Allies:</td><td>Enemies:</td></tr><tr><td>Dead: 180 Injured: 181 (NPC), Eldrith</td><td>Dead: 504 [Kobolds],108 [Goblins], [8 Ogres], 38 [Orcs], 44 [Trolls], 214 [Gray Wolves]</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>War Event: [Dimorth Kingdom] - [Kobold Federation],[Oldmoor Tribes]</td></tr><tr><td>Objectives:</td></tr><tr><td>Put a stop to [Troll Voodoo Shaman]''s mind control (Hidden) - Success</td></tr><tr><td>Mission Rewards:</td></tr><tr><td>Base Reward: Ogres and Orcs join your nation(Hidden), Indomitable(National Trait), 2000 CP</td></tr><tr><td>Leader Reward:  2000 PP, Basic Language Profficiency(Ogre,Orc)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Congratulations!>


    <You have established a religion!Your people now worship the Divine Wind>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Divine Wind Religion</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Religion type:</td><td>Pantheism</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Spiritual Representation:</td><td>Requires more faith energy</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Principles:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Belief:</td><td>Belief Value(of total):</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The [Divine Wind] element is the purest manifestation of the Divine</td><td>50%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Everything is Divine and Divine is Everything</td><td>50%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Believers Attribute Bonus:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Attribute:</td><td>Bonus Value(of total):</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Vitality Growth:</td><td>25%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Intelligence Growth:</td><td>30%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Agility Growth:</td><td>30%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Strength Growth:</td><td>15%</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Apparently i was unanimously chosen as the religion head(Chosen of Divine Wind)...which isnt that surprising honestly¡­but I got an upgrade out of it:


    <Your title, [Divine Wind Master] advanced and is now [Chosen of Divine Wind]>


    <A class advancement!>


    [Your (RARE)[Divine Wind Protector(Class)] has advanced to (EPIC)[Chosen of Divine Wind(Class)]]


    The difference between my previous and my current class is that I got +10% in INT/AGI/VIT growth and 5% in STR growth when compared to before in addition to an additional class trait: ¡°All Divine Wind-based skills are 50% more effective¡±.


    I also got a new skill from the ¡°release of light¡±


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''><Name your spell></td></tr><tr><td>(Active)</td><td>Rank: B-E (EXP:0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The <> is a [Divine Wind]-attribute spell that releases brilliant cleansing light over a large area.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Heals allies. Removes enemy-casted curses and remnant spells. Disperses shadow,dark,black and abyssal magic.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Affects all targets in a large circular area,depending on the mana spent as well as mastery of the spell.</td></tr><tr><td>Execution requirements:</td><td>More than 10% Light Affinity,Enough Mana</td></tr></tbody></table>


    I named it [Cleansing Winds of Light] and fused it into my class.


    Other than that,both my affinities rose to 12%.


    Back to the main story...luckily for me,not many people I was particulary acquainted with died...other than the [Elders] I haven¡¯t really lost anyone i knew...guess I will have to buy life-extension in the [Endless Lands AH] when tutorial stage 3 begins...oh, I didnt mention it right?


    <Tutorial Stage 2 goals cleared!>


    <Tutorial Stage 3 will begin on Day 1 Month 1 101 DC>


    In other words,I have 50 more days to return the daily life to normal or I¡¯ll have to spend CP to do it.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(3,26)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Chosen of Divine Wind</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''> Chosen of Divine Wind , Lord</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 130%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 115%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 125%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 130%</td><td>Wind(12%),Light(12%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 135%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 130%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 114%</td><td>MP Growth: 140%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 Tutorial Interlude- Stage II (Chapter 10)

    Author¡¯s note:


    I was kind of busy for the past week(and still am),so updates might (and probably will) be irregular...


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [Day 30,Month 12 of 100 DC]


    Today is the big day...for the past few weeks,the entire population was mobilized in construction projects - many houses were destroyed or needed repairs,and so did the walls.


    Despite all the damage,the main cause of the mobilization was the time limit I had...after all,points were precious and I wanted to spend as few as possible on buildings.


    The speed of construction surpassed my expactations - thanks to the [Ogres],we were capable of carrying huge boulders that could then be used to lay stone roads or reinforce houses and walls¡­[Orcs] had their part in it too.


    Unfortunately,[Humans] were simply incapable of carrying such a weight...at least without machinery,so I had them chop the [Duskfall Forest] down¡­


    We needed wood,but what I had in mind was different.I wanted to make additional settlements in the forest¡¯s area,which would eventually cause my territory to expand,all the way to the [Oldmoor Tribes]¡¯s previous town,that is 25km to the northeast.


    Speaking of them and [Kobold Federation],their structures were now abandoned,as the majority of their population was either dead or in [Dimorth Town].Obviously,I sent people to recover everything of value from the ghost towns,which unfortunately didnt amount to much.


    Currently,all the buildings in the capital were fully repaired and some even rebuilt using stone - constructing stone-only buildings was really expansive in terms of CP,which is something that I wanted to avoid...forutnately I now had [Ogres],which really accelerated the whole process.


    Other than the reconstruction,new paved roads were built,as the previous ones were either made of dirt or non-existant.


    The main building project of the time was the [Divine Wind Cathedral] though...after all,the religion needed a base or it might quickly diminish.There was some trouble in it¡¯s construction,as white marble was somewhat hard to find...I settled for a stone interior - I could always spend CP to change it later.


    I also held a second competition for the academy,issued a few decrees and other minor things.I¡¯ve not been training much though,as there was always something to do,a result of race-mixing I guess¡­


    Back to the present,it should not be long before midnight so I¡¯ll just wait.


    [Some timer later]


    <Tutorial Stage 2 cleared...your civilization will be fast-forwarded by 200 years>


    <Due to still using your original avatar,it will be preserved>


    <Loading Stage 3 in 10...5...0>


    Everything went black...im back I guess¡­


    <Welcome back to the void.As you are about to make a lot of changes,the time in your game dimension has been paused while you determine the fate of your nation.


    Be careful with your choices,as in the 3rd stage of tutorial,various limitations are lifted...what you get is random.Good Luck>


    <Calculating Results of Tutorial Phase 2..0..100%>


    <DING>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Tutorial Phase 2 results:</td></tr><tr><td>Action:</td><td>Personal Points Reward:</td><td>Civilization Points Reward:</td></tr><tr><td>Base Reward:</td><td>200</td><td>800</td></tr><tr><td>Time Taken:</td><td>162</td><td>648</td></tr><tr><td>Structures Built:</td><td>0</td><td>320</td></tr><tr><td>Training:</td><td>360</td><td>738</td></tr><tr><td>Acquired Skills Bonus:</td><td>160</td><td>1359</td></tr><tr><td>Created Skills Bonus:</td><td>600</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Missions:</td><td>2200</td><td>2000</td></tr><tr><td>Incorporated Races:</td><td>0</td><td>2172</td></tr><tr><td>Survivors</td><td>628</td><td>2510</td></tr><tr><td>Environment:</td><td>300</td><td>800</td></tr><tr><td>Total:</td><td>4610 PP</td><td>11347 CP</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Achievement Unlocked</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Race Merger</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>You have integrated foreign races into your civilization.</td></tr><tr><td>Reward:</td><td colspan=''2''>[Identify]</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Identify</td></tr><tr><td>(Passive)</td><td>Rank: B-A (EXP:0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Identify is a passive skill that allows the user to see approximate values of a being''s/item''s attributes</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>The skill level determines the accuracy as well as the upper limit of predictions.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Estimates a target''s attributes,effect, resistances and/or afffinities,as well as VIT/STR/AGI/INT values. [CPR] rating is intergrated into the skill.</td></tr><tr><td>Usage requirements:</td><td>A visible target within 100 meters</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <You have been awarded a rank-up.[Hunter(Class)),[Chosen of Divine Wind(Class)] are now rank A-E>


    <Due to the timeskip,your nation¡¯s population is now 3076>


    1561 [Humans](61%+ Human DNA) - (50,75%),


    897 [Half-Orcs](40-60% Human/Orcish DNA) - (29,16%),


    418 [Orcs](61%+ Orcish DNA) - (13,59%),


    127 [Half-Ogres](40-60% Orcish/Ogre DNA) - (4,13%),


    73 [Ogres](61%+ Ogre DNA) - (2,37%)


    <---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->


    This time I was prepared for the flood of data,so I wasn¡¯t as surprised as before...still,the races mixed far more than i thought they would and [Identify] seems like an incredible skill,as it shows not the ¡°average growth values¡± of a race(which measure the extent of an average adult¡¯s might),but rather the actual values of an individual...no more confusion with ratings i guess.


    As for the rest...well,a scoreboard would help...


    <Showing 1st Tutorial Phase Scoreboard>


    Your: 4610 PP/11347 CP (Top 28%)


    Average: 2912 PP/8153 CP


    Median: 2365 PP/6027 CP


    Highest: 13138 PP,62780 CP


    Lowest: 312 PP,109 CP


    <-------------------------------------------------------------->


    Oh,right it was a thing...so I¡¯m doing rather good,huh?


    Well,now its time to spend those points¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Endless Auction House(Offline Version)</td></tr><tr><td>


    </td><td><Civilization Points Section></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Using PP I bought:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Personal Shop</td></tr><tr><td>Name:</td><td>Description:</td><td>Price:</td></tr><tr><td>Magic Knowledge (Basic)</td><td>Provides basic information on mana. 1/1</td><td>250</td></tr><tr><td>Physical Enhancement (Intermediate)</td><td>+10% VIT/STR/AGI Growth. 1/1</td><td>500</td></tr><tr><td>Physical Enhancement (Expert)</td><td>+10% VIT/STR/AGI Growth. 1/1</td><td>1000</td></tr><tr><td>Elemental Body (Basic)</td><td>Mana/Affinity Growth +50%. 1/1</td><td>250</td></tr><tr><td>Elemental Body (Intermediate)</td><td>Mana/Affinity Growth +50%. 1/1</td><td>500</td></tr><tr><td>Gryphon DNA Enhancement (Basic)</td><td>Regeneration +500%. Can regrow limbs. 1/1</td><td>2000</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Total Price:</td><td>4500 PP</td></tr></tbody></table>


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The wolf-set suddenly didnt look all that good after all the fighting,and honestly speaking it was not very fitting appearance-wise considering what I¡¯ve become.With 118 leftover PP(8 from phase 1) ,I bought myself a set of light mythril armour(priced at 35 PP),as well as extended the life of some NPC¡¯s(4 of them,cost 1PP/10 years so 80CP).


    Moving on to the CP shop:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Civilization Shop (People-related purchases only affect the NPC population)</td></tr><tr><td>Name:</td><td>Description:</td><td>Price:</td></tr><tr><td>Increase Population</td><td>Increase the number of your country''s citizens by 1(Human).</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Create Buildings(Stone)</td><td>Costs 1 CP/4 cubic meters. Includes a choice of pre-set interiors.</td><td>Varies</td></tr><tr><td>Basic Training - Limited to 1</td><td>Every citizen of your civilization gains +10% VIT/STR/AGI Growth.</td><td>250</td></tr><tr><td>Intermediate Training - Limited to 1</td><td>Every citizen of your civilization gains +10% VIT/STR/AGI Growth.</td><td>500</td></tr><tr><td>NPC Class unlock (Intermediate) - Limited to 1</td><td>Unlocks [Knight],[Mage],[Swordsman].[Spearman],[Guard],[Clerk]</td><td>1200</td></tr><tr><td>Create a Settlement</td><td>Allows construction in an area. Costs 20CP/1km distance from capital.</td><td>Varies</td></tr><tr><td>Designate an area</td><td>Designates an area (ex.Farm,Mine).</td><td>N/A</td></tr></tbody></table>


    I spent a total of 1950 CP on upgrades,leaving me with 9406 to spend on construction etc(9 leftover from phase 1).


    First, I expanded the capital to roughly 4 times its previous size(from 500x500 to 1000x1000m).I also upgraded all the buildings to full stone along with the old exterior walls that also received a height increase of 2m,placing them on par with the previous interior walls that were now 7m high and 3m thick.(from 5/2).


    I also generally expanded every building of national importance,as well as the [Brilliant Gale Academy] - it can now house 10/50/200 Elders/Inner/Outer Disciples.


    Then,I surrounded the entire city with a yet another stone wall(3/2m)


    All this took a total of 7547 CP,with only 1859 left to spend on the planned settlements.


    I was prepared for that though,and established a total of 4 villages,each exactly 15km to the north/south/west/east respectively.The settlement markers cost me 1200 CP.


    I used the already gathered wood to construct each village.After they were all done(roughly 80x80m square),I placed town halls and a few other stone buildings with the remaining CP.


    I also purchased 35 population increases and designated a few farms in the capital and villages,along with a quarry a bit north to [Dimorth City](yes,it¡¯s not a town anymore).


    Only 2 CP remained in the end.


    I distributed the population to be 2487 for the capital and 156 in each village.


    Lastly i opened the [Civilization Screen] to check all the changes.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Kingdom of Dimorth</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Government Type:</td><td colspan=''2''>Semi-Feudal</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Religion:</td><td colspan=''2''>Divine Wind</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Population:</td><td colspan=''2''>3111</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Economic Power:</td><td colspan=''2''>2029</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Military Power(SUR)</td><td colspan=''2''>4466</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Territory:</td><td colspan=''2''>Absolute Control : 900km^2, Sphere of Influence: 3098 km^2</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Capital City:</td><td colspan=''2''>Dimorth City</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Social Distribution:</td><td colspan=''2''>Power Distribution:</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td>Human(50,75%), Half-Orc (29,16%), Orc(13,59%), Half-Ogre(4,13%), Ogre(2,37%)</td><td>Ruler:</td><td>73%</td></tr><tr><td>Gender:</td><td>Male: 50%, Female 50%</td><td>Nobility:</td><td>9%</td></tr><tr><td>Age:</td><td>0-18: (25%),19-50(62%),50+(13%)</td><td>Clergy:</td><td>11%</td></tr><tr><td>Social Class:</td><td>Nobility 4%, Clergy 2%, Burghers 40%, Peasantry 54%</td><td>Burghers:</td><td>6%</td></tr><tr><td>Average NPC [CPR] Rating:</td><td>22,43</td><td>Peasantry:</td><td>1%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>National Traits:</td><td colspan=''2''>Indomitable (Resistance to Control +10%)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Wait,when did the [CPR] jump to over 20? I opened the details and it listed [Human] at 20.8..


    [Racial Screen]


    <Which race do you wish to see?>


    Huh?Well i guess it¡¯s to be expected¡­Humans


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Human Race (Dimorth Kingdom)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Race Tier:</td><td>Normal(2,75)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Average Height</td><td>1,82 meters</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Average Life Expectancy:</td><td>69 years</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Average Physical Capabilties:</td><td>Average Magical Capabilities:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>MP Growth: 100%</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 123%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 111,5%</td><td>Light Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 125%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 100%</td><td>Darkness Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 120%</td><td>Mind Resistance: 108%</td><td>Fire Affinity 0%</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 100%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 105,75%</td><td>Water Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Racial Traits:</td><td>Earth Affinity: 0%</td></tr><tr><td>Adaptability(Passive)</td><td>Adrenaline(Active)</td><td>Wind Affinity: 0%</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Hmm?But I only bought 20% of VIT/STR/AGI boosts..where does the remainder come from?


    <The racial DNA has adapted and strenghtened due to [Adaptability],as a result of prolonged contact with foreign genetic code>


    ...Does that apply to me as well?


    <The answer is no,as your avatar was born before the racial DNA¡¯s started to mix.>


    Well...this means no free growth for me...at least I¡¯m not part-ogre¡­


    I thought about various things,after all,the time in the void is unlimited, while as soon as I return I wont have time at all¡­


    I also checked my [Ability List] and it was a...well,I had to modify it ¡°a bit¡± for it to look clear enough to use:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Ability List</td></tr><tr><td>Name:</td><td>Rank and Information:</td></tr><tr><td>Chosen of Divine Wind (Class)</td><td>A-E (4 fused skills)</td></tr><tr><td>Hunter (Class)</td><td>A-E (5 fused skills)</td></tr><tr><td>Identify(Passive)</td><td>B-A</td></tr><tr><td>Mana Manipulation (Passive)</td><td>C-C</td></tr><tr><td>Throwing (Passive)</td><td>E-F</td></tr><tr><td>Enchanting (Passive)</td><td>D-C</td></tr><tr><td>Energy Center (Passive)</td><td>1829 Mana Capacity</td></tr><tr><td>Language Profficiency (Passive)</td><td>Human - Full, Orcish - Basic, Ogre - Basic</td></tr><tr><td>AI (Passive)</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Player Character (Passive)</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Adaptability (Passive)</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Adrenaline (Active)</td><td>N/A</td></tr></tbody></table>


    It¡¯s time to return i guess¡­


    <Do you wish to finish?Proceeding will cause the Tutorial¡¯s 3rd Stage to load¡­(Y/N)?>


    Yes


    <Loading Tutorial Stage 3...10...5¡­


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(3,55)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Chosen of Divine Wind</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>Chosen of Divine Wind , Lord</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT Growth: 150%</td><td>Physical Resistance: 125%</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR Growth: 145%</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 130%</td><td>Wind(12%),Light(12%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI Growth: 155%</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT Growth: 130%</td><td>Poison Resistance: 120%</td><td>MP Growth: 338%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 Knowledge is Power (Chapter 11)

    Author¡¯s note:


    Uh...it¡¯s been a month since the last update... there¡¯ll be no daily/semi-daily releases any time soon but I¡¯ll try to write at least 1 chap/week...


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    ...0>


    <Your [Dimorth City]¡¯s library now contains basic information about the world.>


    <If you wish to acquire further information,look at your city¡¯s historical records>


    The voice slowly fading, I confirmed that I was once again at the city¡¯s central square.I began to walk towards the main building...suddenly, a weird sensation invaded my head.


    Naturally I dismissed it as I thought it was just another sign of being dazed after the teleportation, but the feeling quickly grew in intensity until...I felt something akin to a presence.


    (Who...are you?)


    After a few seconds of no reply I began to doubt my sanity...but the answer eventually came:


    (I am the spirit that watches upon those lands...as my Chosen,thou shall spread my word)


    Altough I was startled,the words of the genderless-sounding entity quickly made me realize the being¡¯s identity...


    <DING>


    <Congratulations>


    <A guardian spirit has been born from the beliefs of your people>


    <You have received a divine mission - Spread the Faith>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Spread The Faith</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Mission Difficulty:</td><td colspan=''2''>Special</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Location:</td><td colspan=''2''>N/A</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Objectives:</td><td colspan=''2''>Failure Conditions:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Convert people to [Divine Wind] faith</td><td colspan=''2''>The Spirit of Divine Wind ceases to exist</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Mission Rewards:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>The guardian spirit will grow in power with every follower.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    (...)


    The spirit continued:


    (As a gift towards your people I shall bestow my blessing upon an object of your choosing...think carefully, as the only opportunity for me to manifest will be through this sacred item...Look for me at the [Divine Wind Cathedral] when you are ready.)


    After this,the being cut what I assume what was a mental connection.


    (Okay...so the fact that I just created a deity aside...what should I choose?A weapon?No,if it was lost it would be terrible...it would also be of no help to the nation as a whole...an armor is also not the right choice for similar reasons¡­)


    (Wait...maybe...yea that could work...I would need some rare materials for it though...anyways,lets go read the records¡­)


    As I entered the [City Hall] I was,as you might expect,recognized by the clerks...its good to be the king..,


    Searching the library for the books I wanted didnt take long.With three tomes before me,I sat on a chair and began reading.


    The first was [Introduction to Magic]...although I bought the [Magic Knowledge (Basic)] while in the void,the information didnt directly enter my brain like I expected it to but rather got stored as a book in the city¡¯s library.That was better in a way as I could make copies to place in the academy....


    As I opened the book,a loud {DING] sounded¡­


    <Codex Entry Acquired: Magic (Basic)>


    So it turns out I dont even have to read the book itself...I began reading¡­


    Magic is the art of energy manipulation, be it external or internal.


    The beginning of magic lies in the simpliest of energies that fill the world - [Mana].


    While Its origin is unknown, one thing is certain - everything produces small quantities of mana.


    In case of ¡°dead matter¡±,it releases an extremely small but constant stream of energy into the world.


    As for ¡°living beings¡±,their very body is created with a tiny, normally dormant,


    [Energy Center].The body then proceeds to slowly absorb the atmospheric mana,gradually turning it into its own.


    The whole process is often called the [Great Cycle of Mana Absorption].


    At birth,a living being has an extremely small quantity of pure energy and is easily capable of absorbing mana of every element.The speed of absorption depends on many factors:


    Race determines the overall mana capacity (i.e the quality and size of the [Energy Center]),


    Talent determines the individual ability to gather and manipulate mana of particular elements.Naturally,people born with high magical talent will have an easier time improving,which causes their [Energy Centers] to be abnormally large for their age.


    Environment determines what the innate internal mana element, for example someone who grew up as a son of a blacksmith will probably have fire or earth as their main element,while someone living near a large body of water is more likely to have water affinity.


    Age determines one¡¯s overall capabilities at learning various elements.


    The internal mana consists of all 7 basic elements,namely:


    Earth


    Fire


    Water


    Wind


    Lighting


    Light


    Darkness


    As a being lives and trains close to the elemental essence,they will gradually absorb that particular element into their body,giving it more and more of it¡¯s properties....however,there is a price one must pay¡­


    The higher one¡¯s overall elemental affinities,the harder it is to train in different elements.


    .A good example would be imagining the body¡¯s internal mana as a sphere- the more certain elements grow,the more overall space in the sphere they take,until they take so much that absorbing energy of other elements becomes nearly impossible.


    This is why the age at which one begins their magic training plays such a big role-if one wishes to control multiple elements,it¡¯s best to train in all of them since the youngest age possible.


    The local atmospheric mana will most likely become the main internal element,impacting one¡¯s accomplishments in other basic elements,unless training is performed in all of them.


    Other than the 7 basic elements,there are certain ¡°fusion elements¡¯.The most commonly known include:


    -Nature Magic, commonly used by elves and nature spirits is a fusion of Light& Earth.


    -Twilight Magic = Light&Darkness


    -Magma Magic = Fire&Earth.


    -Shadow Magic = Darkness&Wind.


    Even all those fusions are but the beginning,as it is possible to fuse various fusion elements together(...)


    [Mana] is in fact just the most basic type of life energy.


    As one¡¯s mana capacity and elemental affinities approach a certain level,one will get a mage¡¯s most basic skill - [Mana Manipulation].


    There are various ways it can be used...the most important part though is that it¡¯s the very skill that allows perceiving and actively interacting with the world¡¯s mana.


    It is precisely what is used to create all the spells - from the most basic,to the most advanced,all of them are created through [Mana Manipulation].


    To use a spell,one must understand its specific mana flow.The comprehension is commonly bypassed by using incantations.While they do have their good sides,the cast time is incomparable if someone actually understands the spell.


    The next major step in a mage¡¯s life is [Awakening].It represents the activation of the previously dormant  [Energy Center].While it does not sound that hard,it is precisely the reason for the small mage population - it is impossible for the [Energy Center] to awaken under every-day circumstances...the only way is an emotional shock at the level of a life or death experience.


    The fact that the mage is completely unable to defend himself for the next few dozen minutes after the awakening often results in their death,especially amongst those of common birth,as they do not have guards to protect them.Should one survive however, a bright path opens up before them.


    After the [Awakening],the 9% affinity bottleneck is naturally surpassed and one can officially join the ranks of the [Mage Circle] - an international mage-gathering organization, as a First-Circle Mage.They will be provided guidance and taught various spells in return for an oath of loyalty.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    The most important milestone in a mage¡¯s life is at the time of attaining 20% affinity in an element.There are two separate paths one can take:


    The first is the mage¡¯s path- simply continue using mana in higher and higher quantities.This is the path that most people take.


    The second is the cultivation path- purify your mana until it transforms into pure vital energy- [Qi] and proceed to form your [Qi Center].This method is rather unpopular due to it¡¯s high difficulty and various other reasons.


    The mage¡¯s path possesses the following advantages:


    -Suitable for mass combat,as higher-ranked spells are often just higher-magnitude versions of basic spells.


    -Has high and easily sustainable energy source-[Mana] can be easily replenished,be it through absorbing the atmospheric energy or storing it in [Mana Crystals]


    -Formations are easier to create for mages than they are for cultivators


    There is only one real disadvantage to the mage¡¯s path:


    A mage¡¯s body is frail,and although it can be augumented or enchanted,it¡¯ll never reach the same degree of toughness or flexibility as a cultivator¡¯s or even a fighter¡¯s.Because of this,mages are severely disadvantaged at close-quarters combat.


    The cultivation path possesses the following advantages:


    -Suitable for single combat, as a cultivator¡¯s body is refined through the usage of [Qi], being naturally tougher and more flexible than even a purely-physical fighter¡¯s.


    -Cultivators tend to live much longer than others - altough longevity always comes with power,it is especially evident for cultivators,as even the weakest, [Purification] stage practicioners tend to live twice as long as regular people.


    -Although formations are a mage¡¯s strong point,a highly skilled cultivator might be no less capable of using them.


    Similarily to the mage¡¯s path,there is only one real disadvantage to the cultivation path:


    A cultivator willingly severs their connection with the world¡¯s mana and can only rely on their own small and hard to replenish [Qi] reserves.Because of this,cultivators,although more powerful than mages in single combat,are easily tired-out in mass-combat and thus are not as highly-sought by armies as mages are.


    There¡¯s also another reason for the cultivator¡¯s path rarity,and that is the [Mage Circle]...the oath given to it by First-Circle Mages clearly states that the magic path is what they¡¯ll choose in the future...obviously,breaking such an oath is not an option for the vast majority of members.


    Regarding futher stages of training,reaching them is very difficult and thus,the details are not common knowledge.


    One thing that is worth adding is that at some point,a cultivator will have to face [Heavenly Tribulations] to advance,which is yet another reason one might find for not pursuing such a path(...)


    The codex also recorded various basic methods of energy gathering...all in all,it was certainly very useful.


    The 20% Affinity milestone was still quite a distance away though...I opened the second book before me,the [Basic Knowledge of Endless Lands]


    <Codex Entry Acquired:  Common Sense>


    [Power Levels]


    Existences are ranked to be within the following stages:


    F,E,D - Novice


    C,B    - Intermediate


    A        - Expert


    S        - Master


    M       - Saint


    Each stage can be further broken down into entry,low,mid,late and peak phase.


    <Knowledge of further stages is restricted at this time>


    Generally speaking,regular people are of Novice stage.


    Trained soldiers are of Intermediate stage.


    The elite within the army are of the Expert Stage,and so are First-circle Mages


    The strongest within a Kingdom are of the Master Stage


    Existences of the Saint stage can be counted within dozens and are worshipped as supreme beings.


    [Currency]


    The world¡¯s countries use copper,silver and gold coins as internal currency and various crystals for trade of international importance.


    1 Copper Coin = A commoner¡¯s daily salary


    1 Silver Coin = 100 Copper Coins = Typical Merchant¡¯s monthly merchandise


    1 Gold Coin = 100 Silver Coins = A noble house¡¯s monthly savings


    1 Crindum Crystal = 1000 Gold Coins = A kingdom¡¯s monthly income


    1 Dixiam Crystal = 1000 Crindum Crystals = A kingdom¡¯s net worth.


    [Races]


    The seven most-numerous races within [Endless Lands] are:


    -Humans


    -Orcs


    -Dwarves


    -Gnomes


    -Elves


    -Goblins


    -Beastmen


    According to overall martial and magical capabilities,races can be separated into various grades:


    Grade 0: Includes all existences that are mostly harmless to anyone but other at their level,such as ants,small birds etc.


    Grade 1: Includes all existences that pose a moderate threat towards most of the main races,such as wolves or goblins.


    Grade 2:: Includes all existences at the level of power similar to the main races.


    Grade 3: Includes all esistences that individually surpass most of the main races.


    Grade 4: Includes beings vastly more powerful than ordinary races,existences of this level are commonly referred to as blessed-beings.


    Grade 5 : Includes beings that wield nearly-divine power,such as most dragons or phoenixes.


    <Knowledge of further grades is restricted at this time>


    (...)


    As I finished reading,I opened the third and last book before me,the [Dimorth Chronicles]


    This time,I didnt get a codex entry,so I could only read the book...from what i discovered,all main races previously present in [Dimorth Kingdom¡¯s] vicinity were still going strong,even the kobolds managed to reestablish their country,altough it was not quite on the same level of power as the rest.


    This kind of information was not what I was looking for though¡­I needed some rather specific materials for the divine relic and those were not commonly found¡­


    Finally,something caught my attention- an abandoned mine where several rather strong monsters were spotted - there were even notes about dwarven expeditions going there but never returning which meant it was very likely what I was looking for - a dungeon!


    That said,It was already night time and I¡¯d have to wait some time before going there¡­


    Oh,thats right I didnt check out the [Identity[ skill yet right?


    I used it on myself¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Eldrith</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Grade 3,55</td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td colspan=''3''>560/560</td></tr><tr><td>Mana:</td><td colspan=''3''>1416/1416</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td colspan=''3''>624/700</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality: 38</td><td>Strength: 36</td><td>Agility: 52</td><td>Intelligence: 39</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Magic Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Light(12%), Wind(12%), Earth(0%), Fire(0%), Water(0%), Lightning(0%), Darkness(0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Resistances:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td colspan=''3''>62</td></tr><tr><td>Elemental:</td><td colspan=''3''>65</td></tr><tr><td>Poison:</td><td colspan=''3''>60</td></tr><tr><td>Mind:</td><td colspan=''3''>Immune</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Innate Traits:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Champion''s Body (VIT/STR/AGI/INT x2)</td><td colspan=''2''>Prodigy (Stat/Affinity growth x3)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Status Screen updated with precise numerical data>


    (...)


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 A Mysterious Cave (Chapter 12)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    ....


    I had high expectations for [Identify] but they were mostly derived from it being an useful tool for checking the general strength of others...little did i expect it to be more detailed than my own status screen!


    [Champion¡¯s Body],[Prodigy]


    Now I know where my crazy speed of improvement comes from...not only is my innate growth higher than that of NPC¡¯s... but I also have a broken skill that triples my growth.


    From the looks of it, both traits come from my body though...which means I¡¯ll lose them should I die¡­I should be fine though as I invested quite a bit into my survivability - a full set of mithril armor and a regeneration bloodline should suffice....


    As there was still quite some time untill dawn,I went to the city¡¯s armoury - raiding a dungeon would require preparations as it was probably fairly difficult,otherwise the dwarves would¡¯ve suceeded in conquering it by now.


    Come to think of it,the monsters inside might even be immune to physical damage,similarily to that troll shaman...that would make the situation quite bad,with only me and a handful others profficient enough to wound them...wait


    Previously I¡¯d not risk permanent enchantments as I had no way of knowing their full effects...but now,I can just check with [Identify],can¡¯t I?


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [Some time later]


    The end results were better than expected...there was no need to check individual pieces of equipement as a full set of armor was identified as a single item...with this,I easily found the most fitting items to take.Of course none of them were anywhere as good as my own,but they would do.


    I took off the [Mythril Armour(Set)],imbued it with mana and made the only seal pattern I knew,which is the one I learned from the magic codex entry¡­its purpose was sealing off possible mana leaks,which allowed the enchantment to function almost permanently,unless it was drained of all mana by external force...with this,I checked the results¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Mythril Armour(Set) [Enchanted]</td></tr><tr><td>Armor Class:</td><td>Medium</td></tr><tr><td>Quality:</td><td>Expert</td></tr><tr><td>Durability:</td><td>120/120</td></tr><tr><td>Physical Defense:</td><td>B-D (A-E)</td></tr><tr><td>Magical Defense</td><td>A-F (A-S)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>A set of armour made from mythril,a light but sturdy magical metal.</td></tr><tr><td>Stat Requirements:</td><td>18 Strength,20 Agility</td></tr><tr><td>Enchantments:</td><td>Divine Wind Barrier(Significally increases defence)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This looks good¡­


    Giving different shapes and patterns to the enchantment¡¯s mana resulted in different enchantments altogether...none of them were nearly as good as the first one though...i guess a simple design is better than a complicated one.


    I applied the same enchantment to the mail armor sets,which changed their defensive properties to C-A,which was not bad at all,considering the equipment originally only provided defence in the D-E range.


    I also experimented on my steel spear and eventually settled on:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Steel Spear [Enchanted]</td></tr><tr><td>Weapon Class:</td><td>Short Spear</td></tr><tr><td>Quality:</td><td>Expert</td></tr><tr><td>Durability:</td><td>62/80</td></tr><tr><td>Physical Damage:</td><td>C-C</td></tr><tr><td>Magical Damage</td><td>None (B-E)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>A short,steel spear.</td></tr><tr><td>Stat Requirements:</td><td>9 Strength,12 Agility</td></tr><tr><td>Enchantments:</td><td>Piercing Divine Wind (Applies a magical damage property)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Naturally,I applied the same enchantment to the several dozen iron spears, as well as all bolts and arrows...I had to rest several times from mana exhaustion but it was worth it¡­


    It was already noon outside...I still had to check whether or not the mine is actually a dungeon before announcing the expedition...if it wasn¡¯t then I¡¯d essentially be gathering all the [Brilliant Gale Academy] students for nothing¡­.


    The mine¡¯s location was only 4km north of the academy itself though...with the foot technique,the distance was traversed in no time at all¡­


    The entrance was an ordinary-looking cave...well other than the ¡°danger¡± sign in front of it.


    The inside was devoid of life,or so it appeared at the first glance...I spread my mana out and searched for any disturbances in its flow...I walked and walked,with no lifeforms other than the occasional spider or bat¡­


    Just as I began to doubt the dungeon¡¯s existence,I noticed a corpse...it was a dwarf,clad in full plate armor...I searched the surroundings for a long time...still nothing.The body was a confirmation that something was out of ordinary though...as I searched the corpse,a [DING] sounded¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Investigate the abandoned mine</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Mission Difficulty:</td><td colspan=''2''>B (Raid Quest)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Location:</td><td colspan=''2''>Orhill Mine</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Objectives:</td><td colspan=''2''>Failure Conditions:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Uncover the mine''s secret</td><td colspan=''2''>Death</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''><Hidden></td><td colspan=''2''><Hidden></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Mission Rewards:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Base Reward:</td><td colspan=''2''><Hidden></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Leader Bonus:</td><td colspan=''2''>Unknown</td></tr></tbody></table>


    A Raid Quest?!Well, this i-[BOOM]


    The impact blasted me into the air...I hit the cave¡¯s wall...checking my surroundings I saw a towering figure¡­[Identify]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Shadow Golem (CPR 301)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Grade 3,92</td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td colspan=''3''>3600/3600</td></tr><tr><td>Mana:</td><td colspan=''3''>432/520</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td colspan=''3''>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality: N/A</td><td>Strength: 98</td><td>Agility: 23</td><td>Intelligence:  N/A</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Magic Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''><[Identify] level insufficient></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Resistances:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td colspan=''3''>100</td></tr><tr><td>Elemental:</td><td colspan=''3''>70</td></tr><tr><td>Poison:</td><td colspan=''3''>Immune</td></tr><tr><td>Mind:</td><td colspan=''3''>Immune</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Innate Traits:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Light Weakness (Light-based damage taken x2)</td><td colspan=''2''>Construct (Immune to Poison and Mind Magic)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Holy shit...run!


    Thankfully,the giant blasted me towards the entrance or I¡¯d have difficulty running...well,at least it had low agility,but better safe than sorry.


    And it wasn¡¯t even a [Boss] or a notice would have appeared...After I left the cave,I checked my health...124/560...If even I took so much damage from a regular monster in a dungeon...doesnt this mean a single hit is certain death for all my NPC¡¯s?!


    If i remember correctly,the golem lost some mana though...it might¡¯ve been a wind-up skill...I guess I was too careless getting lost in thoughts in the middle of a dungeon¡­


    Still,if the difficulty is this high...I was thinking of only taking a dozen or two people from the academy but I guess I¡¯ll have to change my plans¡­speaking of NPC¡¯s,it¡¯s kind of strange how they act as if I never disappeared¡­


    By the time i neared the city gates it was getting dark once again...the whole dungeon might really be to difficult at the moment,but at least there is a lot of space inside...thats it!


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [The next day]


    [Random Citizen¡¯s POV]


    I was on my way to the farm when I caught sight of something unusual...the city¡¯s job poster had four kinds of announcements - Bronze,Iron,Silver and Gold.


    Bronze-bordered announcements were submitted by regular citizens of lower or middle classes and were a common occurence.


    An iron-bordered announcement was much rarer,signifying its creator was part of the nobility or clergy.Those were still relatively commonplace though.


    The rarest I¡¯d seen until now was a Silver-bordered notice...those were posted by the city council and typically concerned matters of high importance¡­


    Little did i expect to,on a normal day,see a golden-bordered poster...even though there were supposedly 4 types of announcements,the highest one was never seen,at least in my lifetime...I began to read it¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Notice</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>From</td><td colspan=''2''>King Eldrith the First</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>To:</td><td colspan=''2''>Citizens of Dimorth Kingdom</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>The [Orhill Mine] 6km to the north was discovered to be a dungeon!


    The estimated difficulty level is incomparable to the dungeons of the past


    and as such,the existence of the cave may pose a threat to the kingdom.


    A large party formed by members of the royal [Brilliant Gale Academy] will


    be setting off to eradicate the threat, however urgent assistance is needed.


    The expedition is in need of supplies,as well as finest weapons and armor.


    The officials in [City Hall] will provide assistance and additional information.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Goals:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Wood (Any amount)</td><td colspan=''2''>Stone (Any amount)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Food (520 monthly rations)</td><td colspan=''2''>Heavy Armour,Bows,Crossbows,Arrows,Bolts,Melee Weapons (Any amount)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Deadline:</td><td>1 Month (Untill Day 2 Month 2 of 301 DC)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Reward:</td><td>Compensation based on amount of supplies turned in</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [Day 2 Month 2 of 301 DC]


    The preparations have finished...today we set off.


    What did we do with all those materials?We constructed siege weapons of course!


    Catapults,Ballistas and Battering Rams should have no issues fitting inside the dungeon,and they¡¯re the ideal weapon for fighting with large enemies,after all there¡¯s only so much a small weapon can do¡­


    The siege engines were made of [Divine Wind Barrier] enchanted,steel-reinforced wood,while the their striking parts or projectiles were made of pure steel as well as imbued with the [Piercing Divine Wind].


    As for the academy...for the past month,instead of training,all members were instructed to accept combat missions to strengthen themselves.Because of the abundance of people,all the notices were quickly cleared with little difficulty,but combat experience was very valuable.


    As for myself,from all I did. [Enchanting] reached rank B-A,[Mana Manipulation] A-E,my overall mana capacity increased to 1839 and I even gained a new skill:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Armour Mastery</td></tr><tr><td>(Passive)</td><td>Rank: E-D (EXP: 31%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>[Armour Mastery] influences the freedom of movement one has when wearing armor,aswell as provides a defence boost</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Armour defences are increased by 1 sub-rank per rank.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Decreases movement restrictions from armour by up to 15%</td></tr></tbody></table>


    A force of 261 is now standing in front of the dungeon¡¯s entrance...the rewards better be good!


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(3,57) (CPR Rating 45)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Chosen of Divine Wind</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>Chosen of Divine Wind , Lord</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT (Growth): 39 (150%)</td><td>Physical Resistance: 67</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR (Growth): 38 (145%)</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 70</td><td>Wind(13%),Light(13%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI (Growth): 55 (155%)</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT (Growth): 45 (130%)</td><td>Poison Resistance: 65</td><td>MP (Growth): 1839 (340%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>

 The Shadow Emerges (Chapter 13)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    The expedition was split into 10 teams, each supervised by an academy elder, while the teams were further separated into 5 man cells, under the command of an inner disciple.


    A raid would definitely be quite dangerous, so I also made hundreds of talismans and gave one of each type to every participant.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Barrier Talisman</td></tr><tr><td>Item Class:</td><td>Talisman</td></tr><tr><td>Quality:</td><td>Ordinary</td></tr><tr><td>Power:</td><td>B-F</td></tr><tr><td>Remaining Uses:</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>A simple talisman,activation will create a protective barrier around the user for a single breath''s time</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Gust Talisman</td></tr><tr><td>Item Class:</td><td>Talisman</td></tr><tr><td>Quality:</td><td>Ordinary</td></tr><tr><td>Power:</td><td>B-F</td></tr><tr><td>Remaining Uses:</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>A simple talisman,activation will create a strong but non-damaging gust of wind that can be utilized to escape</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Those were quite basic and as such didnt have their own energy storage - they consumed the user¡¯s mana reserves and were one-time use...their utility was unquestionable though.


    The siege weapons were also protected by their own, slightly more advanced [Barrier Talismans] that drew power from mana crystals...it could only reliably protect against a single hit of a [Shadow Golem] but it was better than nothing.


    Previously,I only met monsters when i went quite deep into the caverns,but I could take no risks, which meant I was going to scout ahead of the main force¡­


    There was always a danger of something lurking in the shadows and remaining unnoticed so I also brought a few dozen [Light Talismans] - those were essentially torches,altough they were much brighter and had an additional effect of emmitting small amounts of light mana.


    It would essentially prevent any darkness-type creatures from accidentally wandering into the already-explored area though,and even if they did,we would immediately know.


    With all the preparations finished,I entered the dungeon¡­


    [Some time later]


    I should be near now...nothing unexpected happened but that is probably about to change as I¡¯m nearing the room where I previously met the golem.


    The dwarven corpse was no longer here,which was bad news for me...it essentially meant that something could have changed here recently and surprises are bad,especially in a dungeon¡­


    I could only plant the last two [Light Talismans] near the room¡¯s entrance while waiting for the main force to arrive.The corridor I was in was quite large,but not wide enough for more than a single siege engine to fit in a line.


    The expedition slowly entered the room...the golem didnt appear yet-


    Suddenly sensing something, I looked over...I could faintly see two glowing flames...are those eyes?


    Perhaps somewhat cautious due to our numbers, the construct did not move...maybe it thought it wasnt noticed yet but in the end it didnt matter as I ordered the troops to prepare to fire the catapults.


    I was going to make use of both of the golem¡¯s weaknesses -


    1.It was highly vulnerable to light, and the projectiles were enchanted


    2.It was huge and slow...at least compared to its strength,which meant it¡¯d have difficulty dodging the slow but powerful stones.


    Five machines let the boulders loose, simultanously with a hundred or so arrows and bolts.


    It was only now that the golem awoke from its stillness...with dexterity unfit of its size,it dove down and charged towards us¡­


    One boulder flew above the creature¡¯s head,while another two were smashed to bits by it¡¯s fists...it was not without effect though,as it¡¯s charge was stopped.The remaining two boulders heavily struck the construct¡¯s body,emitting blinding light and smashing the golem onto the wall.


    It looked damaged,altough not critically...if it was me,a single boulder could probably be lethal if it hit head-on,yet surprisingly the monster didnt die after being hit by two, along with countless other projectiles¡­


    I quickly checked its HP...2372/3600


    So...it only took roughly one third of it¡¯s health!? I returned to my senses as the golem already freed itself...before it could do anything though, several ballistas pierced its metallic body,causing it to fall down onto the ground, nearly dead.


    ...I almost forgot to check my own damaging capabilities... I used [Brilliant Step] to close the distance and pierced at the golem¡¯s head...it tried to cover it with it¡¯s hands but ultimately couldnt¡­


    412!


    The [Shadow Golem]¡¯s HP bar finally depleted and it fell down onto the ground,just like th-


    Or...well,I expected it to...even though it died,it still punched me into the cavern¡¯s roof with its last effort...It didnt hurt that much though...upon checking,I realized that I only lost around 150 HP...enchanting the armor was not for naught i guess¡­


    I glanced at the corpse...its dark aura began to slowly dissipate,leaving behind a glowing ball of dark flames¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Shadow Core</td></tr><tr><td>Item Class:</td><td>Mana Core</td></tr><tr><td>Grade:</td><td>A-A</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>An energy core containing shadow mana,used to belong to a rather powerful shadow golem.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This¡­


    A mana core was essentially a cultivation resource and absorbing its energy could greatly improve one¡¯s mana reserves....a pity its element is incompatible¡­


    <RUMBLE>


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.The corridor behind us collapsed...but that was not all!


    A large quantiity of shadow mana started moving around,gradually forming into dozens of humanoid shapes¡­


    ...I guess its a trap?


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Shadow Wraith</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Grade 3,41</td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td colspan=''3''>635/635</td></tr><tr><td>Mana:</td><td colspan=''3''>800/800</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td colspan=''3''>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality: N/A</td><td>Strength: 46</td><td>Agility: 46</td><td>Intelligence:  46</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Magic Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Darkness (70%), Wind (30%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Resistances:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td colspan=''3''>Immune</td></tr><tr><td>Elemental:</td><td colspan=''3''>0</td></tr><tr><td>Poison:</td><td colspan=''3''>0</td></tr><tr><td>Mind:</td><td colspan=''3''>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Innate Traits:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Light Weakness (Light-based damage taken x2)</td><td colspan=''2''>Corporeal Body (Physical Immunity)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Upon seeing the ghost¡¯s stats, I realized every single one was pretty much equal to me in strength...and there were around 50 of them...good thing we have magic,otherwise we would be done for¡­


    The wraiths gradually moved closer,while the troops were shooting at them...some got hit despite their rather high agility but all it did was push them back a little before shadow mana gathered around them and they reformed¡­


    Not good!Someone or something is healing them,which means we have to kill them in one go or it¡¯ll just be a battle of attrition...with all the dark mana around,there¡¯s no chance of winning this that way¡­


    I¡¯ll have to use it after all...Cleansing Winds of Light]


    The whole room shined and the wraiths screamed, franctically running away from the light¡­.they were too fast though and I only got a few of them before i was forced to stop the spell...just now I used half my mana¡­


    The ghosts stopped and after a while, reluctantly started moving,again.They were visibly scared of the light but whatever or whoever is controlling them urged them to attack us¡­


    At this rate...wait,dont we have [Light Talismans]?


    I began throwing them in a cricle around us,and told everyone to do the same¡­


    The wraiths stopped.


    [Three Hours Later]


    Maintaining the sanctuary used up far too many talismans and for some time it wasnt certain what would end first - items or ghosts...luckily,ballistas could directly destroy the wraiths without giving them time to reform but, as they no longer tried to advance,hitting them was quite difficult.


    It ultimately turned into me using spells and then waiting for my mana to recover...but after all this time,the enemy numbers reduced considerably, with only around 20 ghosts alive¡­


    I waited for the all the talismans to run out of energy...just as the last one stopped working, before I had time to do anything, all the remaining wraiths were sucked up into a swirling mana vortex...


    [DING]


    [Boss-class monster,Shiwyu the Shadow Lord has appeared]


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Shiwyu, The Shadow Lord (CPR Rating 657)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Grade 4,18</td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td colspan=''3''>26795/16000 (Empowered)</td></tr><tr><td>Mana:</td><td colspan=''3''>24000/24000</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td colspan=''3''>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality: 250</td><td>Strength: 160</td><td>Agility: 300</td><td>Intelligence:  450</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Magic Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Darkness (70%), Wind (30%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Resistances:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td colspan=''3''>150</td></tr><tr><td>Elemental:</td><td colspan=''3''>200</td></tr><tr><td>Poison:</td><td colspan=''3''>200</td></tr><tr><td>Mind:</td><td colspan=''3''>300</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Innate Traits:</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Light Weakness (Light-based damage taken x2)</td><td colspan=''2''>Champion''s Body ((VIT/STR/AGI/INT x2)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    -I have to admit, your little game with my pets was quite entertaining...now, DIE!


    Just as the boss finished speaking, magic circles lit on the ground and 4 [Shadow Golems] emerged¡­


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Eldrith Status:


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Eldrith(3,57) (CPR Rating 45)</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td colspan=''2''>Human</td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td colspan=''2''>Chosen of Divine Wind</td></tr><tr><td>Titles:</td><td colspan=''2''>Chosen of Divine Wind , Lord</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Capabilties:</td></tr><tr><td>Physical:</td><td>Defensive:</td><td>Magical:</td></tr><tr><td>VIT (Growth): 39 (150%)</td><td>Physical Resistance: 67</td><td>Affinities:</td></tr><tr><td>STR (Growth): 38 (145%)</td><td>Elemental Resistance: 70</td><td>Wind(13%),Light(13%)</td></tr><tr><td>AGI (Growth): 55 (155%)</td><td>Mind Resistance: N/A</td><td>Mana Capacity:</td></tr><tr><td>INT (Growth): 45 (130%)</td><td>Poison Resistance: 65</td><td>MP (Growth): 1856 (340%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''><Ability List></td></tr></tbody></table>