"Now that's what I call a successful Domain run!" Hunter cheered as they walked out of the Archway from the domain. While everyone was a bit bloodied and bruised from a few close calls, their overall progress had been excellent.
Despite experiencing being split among the party, everyone had reached level three. Hunter had also gained a new skill and an ability that he had been looking towards for a long time.
[You have gained the skill: Novice Shield Mastery]
Description: With a shield in your hand, you become a living fortress, a moving bulwark for your enemies to break against and your allies to rally behind.
Effect:
+5% damage negation when blocking with a shield
-5% stamina use while using a shield
[You have learned the ability: Shield Charge]
[Ability Shield Charge (C)]
Rarity: Common
Cost: Significant Stamina
Duration: None
Effect: Charge forward with your shield raised, bowling over any in your path with a chance to stun and knock them prone.
Hunter was sure the twins had gotten their own skills, and Freya had displayed her new magical prowess, becoming their heaviest hitter. They had quickly gotten into a rhythm to the point where Hunter didn't even have to shout out commands.
Freya would always open up with her Wild Growth, restraining as many monsters as possible, followed by a barrage of Magic Missiles. The twins would attack any magic casters while Fenrir and Hunter dealt with the warriors.
Thinking about the strange guy, Hunter couldn't help but admit he had been wrong about Fenrir. At first, Hunter had been hesitant about adding him to the party as he seemed like a relatively independent person ill-suited to a party dynamic.
But Fenrir had been a perfect party member for their first time fighting together. He trusted Hunter's judgment and deferred him several times, which certainly didn't hurt his image as a leader.
Then there were the monster drops. After cutting down goblin after goblin afterward, they had built up a rather impressive. Or at least that's what Hunter thought until he saw the abysmal market price for goblin parts and mushrooms.
Then, on top of the already hefty price of the nature scanning spell needed for their whole plan to work. Freya revealed that she had taken out a loan in order to afford her new spell.
However, she insisted that no one attempt to help her or dedicate any party resources. Hunter respected her integrity but couldn't help but worry about it. Pushing the thought from his mind, Hunter opened up the market and his inventory.
[Market]
Offered Items:
Goblin Ear(C)x53
Goblin Fang(C)x61
Underdark Mushrooms(UC)x27
Would you like to sell Offered Items for: 816 Contribution Points
Y/N
Pinned Items:
[Scroll of Dryad's Sight: 7500 Contribution Points]
Painfully selecting yes, Hunter watched as his inventory was drained, "Is it really that bad?"
Hunter looked over as Freya ran up to him, "Eight hundred and sixteen."
Freya muttered a curse as she tucked her fiery red hair behind one ear, "At this rate, it's going to take forever to buy that damn scroll."
"Not really. We were only in there for half a day, and we've made almost a thousand contribution points. It should only take us a week plus or minus a day or two to reach our goal." Hunter said encouragingly until Freya let out a begrudging smile, "I guess you have a point. Alright, I'm headed back to my dorm. My mind is still pounding after using so much mana."
Hunter bid Freya a good night, and everyone else was quick to mutter a similar goodbye as everyone started to move towards the dorms—everyone except Fenrir, who was walking in the exact opposite direction.
"Hey, Fenrir, where are you going?" Hunter shouted out as he ran after Fenrir, who turned around to face Hunter, "I'm going to rent out a sparring room."
Hunter blinked in surprise, "You're going to train right now. We've just spent the last five hours fighting."
"I know, but I felt something, and I don't want to lose it," Fenrir said confidently before turning back around.
"Can I join you?" The words left Hunter's mouth before he even realized it, "I could barely keep up with you today. You said you unlocked a skill to make your body stronger. Any chance you be willing to teach me?"
"It's not that simple," Fenrir responded, "My mana is unique, and that's why I'm able to enhance my body. You have the earth affinity, right?"
Hunter nodded, "Yeah, I do. How did you know?"
Fenrir shrugged, "You have a similar personality to my dad. Hopefully, that's enough that I can teach you something."
Jogging to catch up to Fenrir, Hunter smiled, "Thank you. I kinda feel like I'm falling behind a bit after what Freya showed off today."
"I was just as surprised as you. It's also strange how magically adept everyone in our party is. Freya has an innate nature affinity, which is almost unheard of. But Luci's affinity with light is strong for her level, and the twins both possess the dark affinity even if it's weak."
"I didn't know the twins had a dark affinity. Do you have a cousin with the same affinity or something?" Hunter joked, and Fenrir actually smiled.
"No, it's just a certain feeling you get. My Mother always said that the biggest mistake most Adventures make is not listening to their spirit. It's what allows us to perceive the fluctuations in the world. It's why I can feel that I'm on the cusp of unlocking a new skill or ability."
"You're not pulling my leg, are you?" Hunter asked will, staring at Fenrir.
Shaking his head, Fenrir grinned, "Couldn't you feel it, that extra emphasis when your Focus recognized your new skill and ability."
Hunter thought it over for a second, "Maybe I don't remember. It was in the middle of a rather intense fight."
Fenrir smiled, "Well, it's a good thing you decided to train with me tonight. Let's see if we can't do something about that."