Three days had elapsed since Gideon embarked on his transformative journey, plunging himself into a profound slumber to facilitate his evolution. Encased within a pitch-black cocoon, he remained concealed within the unfathomable depths of a dark, secluded hollow.
Outside this secluded sanctuary, the sun had reached its zenith, casting a warm, golden hue upon the once-peaceful forest. The return of the forest's denizens marked the end of a brief respite. Life, vibrant and relentless, had once again reclaimed its dominion.
Within the cocoon, an extraordinary transformation had been quietly unfurling. The pulsations that had coursed through its obsidian shroud for three consecutive days had ceased, leaving it eerily motionless. It was as though the cocoon held its breath in anticipation of what was to come.
In a heartbeat, a fissure sliced through the cocoon's surface, and a sharp, gleaming white claw emerged, followed by the emergence of Gideon's elongated snout. His nose twitched inquisitively as he surveyed his surroundings with keen interest.
Finally, with a resolute push, Gideon emerged from the cocoon that had cocooned him throughout his evolutionary odyssey. As he stood on the solid ground of the hollow, it became apparent that this was a rebirth of extraordinary magnitude. His once-subdued spines now bore a pristine, dazzling white hue, and his claws gleamed with an almost ethereal sharpness. Gideon had been reborn, transformed into a superior species.
*Your evolution process has been completed. You have ascended to a superior species.*
*Species: Spikemarshal.*
Gideon surveyed his evolved form, a sense of awe washing over him. He murmured with a hint of resignation, "It appears that my size remains unchanged. I suppose I shall live out the remainder of my days as a diminutive hedgehog."
*You have acquired two new abilities.*
*Passive Skill: Leadership, has been acquired.*
*Day Form: Your devoted subordinates or temporary allies shall receive an augmentation of their stats proportional to fractions of your own. The greater their loyalty to you, the larger the fraction of your stats they shall gain. A subordinate devoid of loyalty shall receive no benefits. Whenever your subordinates vanquish an adversary, you shall be rewarded with experience points equal to 25% of the experience they accumulate. To receive your blessing, subordinates must kneel and pledge loyalty, or they may form a temporary alliance, granting them the blessing's benefits for one hour. This skill possesses no range limitation; it shall affect all within the realm of Eteria.*
*Night Form: Your devoted subordinates or temporary allies shall receive an augmentation of their stats proportional to fractions of your own. The greater their loyalty to you, the larger the fraction of your stats they shall gain. A subordinate devoid of loyalty shall receive no benefits. Whenever your subordinates vanquish an adversary, you shall be rewarded with experience points equal to 100% of the experience they accumulate. To receive your blessing, subordinates must kneel and pledge loyalty, or they may form a temporary alliance, granting them the blessing's benefits for the entire night. This skill possesses no range limitation; it shall affect all within the realm of Eteria.*
*Active Skill: Nature's Blessing, has been acquired.*
*Day Form: With a gentle touch upon yourself or an ally, you may accelerate the healing process of wounds. The efficacy of healing hinges solely on your magical prowess.*
*Night Form: Your malevolent aura radiates healing energies, enveloping yourself and all ally units within a one-kilometer radius. The speed of recovery is directly influenced by your magical prowess. This extraordinary healing ability extends to the reattachment of severed limbs and the eradication of debilitating conditions such as poison, provided your magical prowess exceeds 500.*
Gideon marveled at the newfound depths of his abilities, fully aware that he had become a force to be reckoned with. His transformation was more than just physical; it was a metamorphosis of his essence.
Gideon's eyes remained fixated on the intricately detailed descriptions of his newly acquired skills. A flicker of amazement crossed his face as he muttered, "These are undoubtedly the skills of a true leader. What else could I have expected?" He couldn't help but marvel at the breadth and potency of the abilities now at his disposal. His fingers traced the lines on the parchment, each word imbuing him with newfound power.
"These skills," he mused aloud, "are bound to prove invaluable. Acquiring them signifies that I've already mastered a myriad of talents." A hint of humility crept into his expression as he added, "Yet, it also implies that I am a jack of all trades, a master of none."
Gideon's journey out of the subterranean cavern began with measured determination. Inch by inch, he crawled towards the beckoning exit. "Or," he paused, his voice laced with newfound confidence, "perhaps I should proclaim myself the King of all trades, a master of them all." A wry grin danced across his lips.
The noonday sun filtered through the dense foliage of the surrounding trees, casting gentle rays upon Gideon's face. He closed his eyes momentarily, savoring the caress of the wind upon his skin. "The timing of acquiring these skills couldn't be more perfect," he reflected. The gentle rustle of leaves above and around him seemed to echo his thoughts.
His eyes fluttered open as he pondered his next steps. "Though I'd prefer to operate independently in this competition," Gideon murmured, "there's an inkling that most, if not all, participants will seek allies on their path to power. Some may even command entire nations."
Gideon nodded in affirmation of his own observations. "I am not the sole recipient of divine blessings," he reasoned, "and facing foes imbued with God's favor alongside their allies is a daunting prospect. At worst, I'd be overwhelmed before I could close the distance."
The corners of his mouth curled into a confident grin. "Survival hinges on securing subordinates," he declared. "Individuals willing to serve as cannon fodder when necessary. A force that will stymie my adversaries and protect me." His gaze roamed the expanse of the forest before him. "This newfound skill is my trump card on this path."
"Now," he whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the rustling leaves, "my sole task is to locate and enlist this army. And I believe the forest holds the answers I seek."
•••••
NAME: GIDEON BRANGWEN
LEVEL: 20/30
SPECIES: SPIKEMARSHAL
*STATS*
VITALITY: 100
STRENGTH: 117
MAGIC: 118
SPEED: 98
STAMINA: 98
SKILL POINTS: 0
*SKILLS*
ACTIVE SKILLS: Dig, Claw Attack, Roll, Spike Missiles, Tracker's Quill, Nature's Blessing.
PASSIVE SKILLS: Appraisal, General Language Comprehension, Spike Armor, Leadership.
DIVINE BLESSINGS: Night Form.
•••••