•••••
NAME: GIDEON BRANGWEN
LEVEL: 20/20
SPECIES: SMALL BUT ALL-ROUNDER HEDGEHOG
*STATS*
VITALITY: 95
STRENGTH: 97
MAGIC: 98
SPEED: 96
STAMINA: 95
SKILL POINTS: 0
•••••
As the first rays of the sun breached the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow upon the world, the nearby trees began to sway gently in the caress of the morning breeze. It was a picturesque scene, one that usually resonated with the vibrant symphony of nature. Birds would typically fill the air with their cheerful songs, while the morning inhabitants of the woods would greet the new day with their howls and chirps.
However, on this particular morning, an unusual silence hung heavy in the air. There was no melodious chirping, no distant howling; it was as though nature itself held its breath. The woods that had always teemed with life now appeared deserted, devoid of any signs of the usual morning hustle and bustle.
Amidst this eerie stillness, a lone figure moved with a quiet purpose. Gideon, a hedgehog of unassuming appearance, had found himself in this tranquil yet unsettling place. He had recently indulged in a hearty meal of boar meat, and now, as he lay on his back against the cool, damp soil wall of a hole he had excavated, he couldn't help but let out a contented sigh.
"That was exquisite," he murmured to himself, his face returning to its usual guise of a harmless hedgehog. But looks could be deceiving, and Gideon knew that his true strength lay hidden beneath this facade. "Now," he muttered, "it's time to focus on what truly matters."
His gaze fixated on two status boards hovering in the air before him, each representing a different path of evolution, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. With deliberation, he began to scrutinize his choices.
•••••
*Quillshadower.*
*This species of hedgehog was a master of hit-and-run combat, excelling at entering and exiting the battlefield with effortless grace. Their primary role was eliminating high-value targets lurking in the enemy's rear lines. However, their effectiveness waned in prolonged engagements and against adversaries with sturdy defenses.*
VITALITY: 5
STRENGTH: 6
MAGIC: 6
SPEED: 30
STAMINA: 3
•••••
*Prickled Vanguard*
*A specialist in frontline combat, the Prickled Vanguard was designed to serve as the secondary tank on the battlefield while delivering significant damage. They were adept at withstanding punishment and striking back forcefully. Yet, they struggled against long-range foes and those capable of penetrating their defenses.*
VITALITY: 15
STRENGTH: 12
MAGIC: 3
SPEED: 8
STAMINA: 12
•••••
*Spikemarshal.*
*Unlike typical solitary hedgehogs, the Spikemarshal thrived on leading groups, transforming them into formidable units. Born to command and conquer, they excelled at strategy, leadership, and delivering devastating attacks. This species of hedgehog leveled up faster than any of the other species. However, their mobility and vitality were abysmally low, making them vulnerable targets.*
VITALITY: 5
STRENGTH: 20
MAGIC: 20
SPEED: 2
STAMINA: 3
•••••
*Sorcerous Thornweaver.*
*This species was a master of magic, capable of unleashing devastating spells. They boasted the highest damage potential among the options but came with meager physical attributes, making them true glass cannons. An adversary with a keen eye could easily target and eliminate them.*
VITALITY: 5
STRENGTH: 3
MAGIC: 35
SPEED: 5
STAMINA: 2
•••••
*Spikeguard*
*The Spikeguard was the embodiment of defense on the battlefield. They were the largest of the hedgehog species, boasting prominent features that drew the attention of their foes. With their exceptionally high vitality and stamina, they could endure tremendous punishment while standing resolute in defense of their allies. However, their offensive capabilities were almost nonexistent, and their sluggishness made them vulnerable when isolated.*
VITALITY: 20
STRENGTH: 5
MAGIC: 0
SPEED: 5
STAMINA: 20
•••••
Gideon mulled over the options before him, the weight of this decision pressing upon him. Each evolution path had its allure and pitfalls. His choice would shape his destiny and determine his role in this enigmatic world. Time seemed to stretch as he contemplated, absorbing every nuance of the situation.
Gideon stood in awe, his gaze fixed upon the floating status board. "Oh, wow," he exclaimed, "the choices have improved significantly compared to the last time. They are far more intricate now." He raised his clawed hand to his chin, gently scratching it as he scrutinized the options before him. "It's becoming quite the challenge to make a decision." He closed his eyes briefly, pondering the intricate web of possibilities laid out before him.
For several moments, Gideon fell into a profound silence, a palpable tension filling the air as he carefully considered the path he must tread. He weighed the potential skills and abilities he could acquire against his unique battle style, meticulously eliminating options that didn't align with his vision.
"Now, I find myself torn between just two options," Gideon mused, his eyes shifting between the choices. "First, the Sorcerous Thornweaver—a species that would undoubtedly amplify my magical prowess. Yet, it heavily relies on my Night Form. What about during the day, when I am most vulnerable?" His brow furrowed in deep contemplation. "Then there's the other choice…" He cast a sidelong glance at the alternative. "This one grants me the two stat points I need the most. However, I'm not known for being a team player. Though, with effort, I could adapt. It would be a substantial shift in my path." His eyes narrowed with resolve. "The allure of leveling faster than others is undeniably appealing... Ah, whatever!"
Gideon's clawed fingers hovered, alternately caressing the two options that beckoned to him. These choices were as distinct as night and day, yet each held immense promise. He remained in this contemplative state for several more heartbeats before abruptly stopping and exhaling deeply.
"Fate," he muttered under his breath, "is a fickle mistress."
With a surge of determination, Gideon's claw descended upon the choice that resonated with his inner desires. He pressed the Evolution option, and the moment he did, a profound change surged through his body. It was as if the very fabric of his being quivered with anticipation.
Suddenly, without warning, Gideon's small frame crumpled to the ground, his descent as swift and unceremonious as a dead mouse falling from a trap.
*Initiating the evolution process,* a disembodied voice intoned, its timbre echoing through the ether.
Shadowy tendrils, black as midnight, began to envelop Gideon's form, cocooning him in a protective shroud. The darkness congealed, forming a seamless, obsidian egg-like structure around him. He was encased within, shielded from the outside world as the mysterious transformation took hold.
For three days, Gideon would sleep the slumber of metamorphosis, a timeless journey through the corridors of evolution.
*Evolution path chosen: Spikemarshal,* the voice announced, a note of finality in its tone.
The choices had been complex, the decision momentous, but Gideon had embraced his destiny, setting forth on a path that would forever alter the course of his existence.