As the first rays of the morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold, a tranquil wind whispered through the fortress of Dawn, embracing the remnants of the night's celebration. Mark, fueled by a sense of purpose, was immersed in the meticulous construction of the base, orchestrating its expansion with unwavering determination.
Assigned the critical role of securing the perimeter, Kageko stood as the fortress's first line of defense. With unparalleled swiftness, she patrolled their territory, ensuring its safety. Accompanying her was Romeo, the only one capable of maintaining a pace that at least kept him from falling behind in the wake of Kageko's incredible speed.
Meanwhile, Sylvia stood sentinel at the boundary, perched in a wooden archer tower that overlooked the landscape. Her vigilant eyes scanned the surroundings, ready to respond to any potential threat with precision and skill.
In another corner of the fortress, a formidable group comprising Shogun, Allan, Pangil, and Vuha, united in purpose, undertook the crucial task of escorting Heira. Her mission: to collect herbs for Al, the revered alchemist of their community. Their collective presence formed a protective shield around Heira, ensuring her safety as she delved into the heart of nature's bounty.
Perched upon a formidable boulder, John indulged in a hearty yawn, weariness etched across his face. Before him stood the goblin duo, Abobo and Bano, their expressions reflecting a profound respect for the man they awaited. Standing steadfastly beside them was Migul, a silent sentinel in their peculiar gathering.
Yawning once more, John lamented, "I should have surrendered to slumber earlier last night," shaking his head with a rueful expression.
Unfazed by John's weariness, Sharon, without uttering a single word, presented him with a glass brimming with a luscious pink fruit juice.
"I would confront a dragon for a sip of this frigid elixir," John proclaimed, lifting the glass to his lips. As the chilled nectar touched his palate, he declared with fervor, "This juice is nothing short of immaculate, an ambrosial delight that transcends mere refreshment."
John eagerly downed the last drop of the refreshing juice, wiping his mouth with satisfaction. "Anyway, let's get back to the task," he asserted with determination.
Handing the empty glass to Sharon, he couldn't help but acknowledge her with a grateful nod. Her eyes sparkled with delight, knowing that John had enjoyed the juice she had crafted for him.
With a newfound energy, John turned his gaze towards Abobo, Bano, and Migul. The trio, sensing his attention, promptly knelt before him.
"My lord," they chorused simultaneously, recognizing John's elevated status.
In a swift transition, John's countenance shifted from that of an exhausted, sleep-deprived teenager to that of an authoritative leader. The transformation was stark, commanding respect from those around him.
"Abobo and Bano, step forward," John commanded with an air of authority, directing the two small goblins with bloated stomachs.
As Abobo and Bano approached, their diminutive figures seemed to carry a weight of responsibility. John, now a leader of consequence, prepared to address them with a sense of purpose that resonated through the place.
Abobo humbly bowed his head, expressing profound gratitude. "It is an immense honor to be chosen for ascension, especially as complete outsiders. This privilege is truly beyond our wildest imagination," he conveyed with utmost respect.
Bano, acknowledging the weight of the favor, knelt in appreciation. "We are already deeply indebted to you for accepting us as your subordinates. Your generosity is a gift we could never have foreseen."
John, dispelling any sense of hierarchy, intervened, "What are you two saying? You are no outsiders. You are integral members of this flourishing community, vital components, to be exact." With authority, he opened Abobo and Bano's Status Boards. "Don't ever perceive yourselves as lesser just because I didn't personally summon you two. I consider all of you as equals."
Abobo and Bano exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting happiness and a newfound sense of belonging.
With resolute determination, John decisively engaged the Ascension button on Abobo and Bano's Status Boards, setting in motion a palpable wave of anticipation that reverberated through the surrounding space. A triumphant smile adorned his countenance, a testament to his unwavering resolve and the impending metamorphosis about to unfold.
"Ascend in power, my progeny," John declared with authoritative resonance, the weight of his words echoing through the expansive realm, invoking a sense of inevitability.
A mystical, luminescent white smoke enveloped Abobo and Bano, cocooning them in an otherworldly brilliance that bespoke a profound transformation. Their countenances, initially radiant with hope, gradually succumbed to the embrace of the enigmatic mist, casting an ethereal veil over their visages and deepening the suspense that hung in the air.
"We shall, my lord," Abobo and Bano affirmed in perfect harmony, their voices resounding with a covenant forged in the crucible of loyalty. The synchronized declaration echoed with the solemnity of an unbreakable bond, cementing their allegiance to John and heralding the imminent ascent to unprecedented power.
"Initiating character ascension."
"Processing..."
"Processing..."
"Character ascension has been completed."
"Acquired Character Subclass: Earthshaper (Uncommon)."
"Character Abobo has gained a new skill."
"Echoing Quake (Uncommon): Unleash a seismic shockwave upon striking the ground with the pickaxe, creating a localized tremor that disorients and damages enemies in the vicinity."
"Acquired Character Subclass: Arboricutter (Uncommon)."
"Character Bano has acquired a new skill."
"Timbercleave Fury (Uncommon): Channel the Wood Collector's axe with a surge of nature's energy, enabling them to execute a devastating spinning attack that not only enhances damage against adversaries but also has a chance to induce a lingering 'Rooted' status, impeding the movements of affected enemies over time."
The ethereal white smoke dissipated into nothingness, unveiling a startling transformation. The once emaciated figures of Abobo and Bano had undergone a profound metamorphosis, shedding their frail forms for an imposing stature. Their skeletal frames, marked by bloated stomachs and diminutive stature, were now but a distant memory.
Before John stood two formidable goblins, their bodies swollen with newfound power. Massive arms and legs protruded from their now robust frames, adorned with stone-like abs and a formidable back that exuded strength. Gone were the days of their feeble appearance; in its place, a spectacle of muscular prowess unfolded.
The bald heads of Abobo and Bano gleamed in the ambient light, radiating an aura of authority. This time, however, their heads bore an air of majesty, a stark contrast to their previous meager existence. The transformation was complete, and in its wake emerged a pair of imposing entities, ready to command respect with their newfound strength and regal demeanor.
Abobo's smirk widened with pride as he declared, "Now, our latent potential is beginning to manifest." He flexed his bulging biceps, emphasizing the transformation. His baritone voice echoed authority.
Bano, standing beside him, echoed the sentiment, "All gratitude goes to our benevolent lord, Lord John." His back and abs rippled as he flexed, his baritone voice resonating power.
The impact of their revelation left John speechless, his jaw dropping in astonishment, eyes enlarged with realization.
Even Migul, positioned in the background, couldn't contain his surprise, and his jaw dropped in awe of the unfolding power.
Meanwhile, Sharon's grasp faltered, and the sturdy glass of juice dropped to the ground, creating a resonating thud. Her jaw hung low, mirroring the shock that reverberated through the open surroundings.
[Abobo (Uncommon).
Race: Goblin.
Class: Miner.
Subclass: Earthshaper.
Skills: Mine, Echoing Quake (Uncommon).]
"Mine: Unlock the ability to detect and mine ores. The radius of detection, speed of mining, and the rarity of the ores that can be mined are based on the character's rarity."
[Bano (Uncommon).
Race: Goblin.
Class: Wood Collector.
Subclass: Arboricutter.
Skills: Collect Wood, Timbercleave Fury (Uncommon).]
"Collect Wood: Unlock the ability to detect and collect wood. The radius of detection, cutting speed, and the rarity of the wood that can be harvested are based on the character's rarity."
"For acquiring Uncommon Characters, you have received 20 stat points."
John squinted, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "Why have my once small and fragile goblins transformed into muscular behemoths?" he questioned the system's voice, only to dismiss it with a wave. "Nevermind. I don't wish to delve into the details."
"It seems you already know the answer," the system voice calmly stated.
"Am I hallucinating, or can I detect a smirk in your virtual tone?" John inquired, skepticism lacing his words.
"It's merely your imagination," the system voice replied, its monotone delivery devoid of any emotion.
"My lord," Abobo and Bano both knelt in deference before John.
John cleared his throat, asserting, "This is precisely what I anticipated." His gaze intensified. "That the two of you would evolve into formidable powerhouses of sheer physical prowess." With a commanding gesture, he declared, "Rise and demonstrate your newfound worth to me."
With utmost deference reflected in their eyes, Abobo and Bano acknowledged the command.
"As you command, my lord," they declared.
In seamless motion, they leaped away, each embarking on their designated tasks—Abobo heading towards the mines, and Bano venturing into the woodlands.
John observed their departure, bemused. "That was unforeseen," he admitted. "Although, I should have anticipated it; it's par for the course with Miner and Wood Collector Classes."
Migul, fueled by enthusiasm, stepped forward, his eyes ablaze with determination.
John couldn't help but smirk at the fiery resolve in Migul's gaze. "Look who's just become impassioned."
Migul knelt low before John, his determination radiating through every fiber of his being. "Abobo and Bano instilled in me the essence of surpassing expectations; merely meeting them equates to nothing but failure."
Seated upon a sturdy boulder, John leaned back, his piercing gaze fixed on Migul. "Prove to me that you can unveil something that will genuinely astonish me."
With a decisive gesture, John accessed Migul's Status Board, his fingers confidently navigating to the upgrade button. The air hung with anticipation as John employed his final Ascension Orb, the culmination of his trust in Migul's untapped potential.
A satisfied smile played on John's lips. "No matter the outcome, I have faith that whatever you become will be nothing short of extraordinary. Because, Migul, it's you."
Migul's tusks emerged, revealing a confident smile. "My lord."
A veil of white smoke enveloped Migul, his eyes ablaze with a fierce determination for the last time.
"Rest assured, I will strive to be the very best, for your sake," Migul affirmed, his commitment echoing in the air.
"Initiating character ascension."
"Processing..."
"Processing..."
"Character ascension has been completed."
"Character subclass acquired: Pyroblade Sentinel (Uncommon)."
"Character: Migul has acquired a new skill."
"Scorching Strike (Uncommon): Charge the user's weapon with intensified flames, delivering a powerful melee strike that not only deals immediate fire damage but also leaves a searing effect, causing additional burn damage to the target over a short duration."
The pristine white smoke enveloping Migul metamorphosed into a searing shade of orange, heralding a dramatic transformation. In an instant, a vehement explosion erupted, obliterating the smokescreen and unveiling a blazing spectacle. The scorching heat permeated the expansive surroundings, creating an atmosphere charged with intensity.
The open space was now engulfed in the fiery aftermath, as if a tempestuous force had been unleashed. It was as though the very essence of hell had ascended from the underworld, manifesting into a corporeal form. The embodiment of this infernal presence stood revealed, and it bore the visage of none other than Migul himself.
Migul, now synonymous with the unleashed elemental fury, stood as the living embodiment of the cataclysmic event that had transpired. The air crackled with the residual energy, and the onlookers could feel the palpable heat emanating from the transformed persona before them. The metamorphosis was complete, leaving behind a surreal scene that mirrored the birth of a formidable force, an incarnation of both chaos and rebirth.
Migul strode confidently ahead, his gaze piercing through the shadows. "Your enemies, or anyone foolish enough to stand in your way," he declared, lifting his flaming sword with an air of unwavering determination. "I will reduce them all to ashes."
His intense eyes locked onto John, burning with an unyielding resolve that mirrored the flames dancing on the edge of his weapon.
Migul's eyes seemed to harbor a literal fire within, an inferno that blazed endlessly in his iris, reflecting the fierce spirit dwelling within him.
The transformation intensified as Migul's once-brown body metamorphosed into a fiery red, a physical embodiment of the inner power surging through him.
His arm muscles solidified, becoming a testament to the newfound strength coursing through Migul's veins.
Not just content with the flames adorning his sword, Migul's tusks transformed into a radiant golden hue, an outward manifestation of the potent force emanating from within.
"I will be your blazing executioner," Migul declared with finality, his words resonating with an air of inevitability.
With a powerful sweep of his sword, Migul unleashed a wave of fiery attack into the air, showcasing the formidable might that would be unleashed upon those who dared to cross his path.
[Migul (Uncommon).
Race: Orc.
Class: Warrior.
Subclass: Pyroblade Sentinel.
Skills. Slash (Common), Scorching Strike (Uncommon).]
"For acquiring an Uncommon Character, you have received 10 stat points."
Upon witnessing Migul's transformation, John nodded in silent approval. His eyes then shifted to Sharon, who met his gaze with a warm smile, reinforcing their unspoken understanding. A subtle nod from Sharon confirmed her alignment with John's decision.
With determination etched across his face, John redirected his attention back to Migul, who, in a display of deference, respectfully knelt before him. The air was thick with anticipation as John strode purposefully towards Migul, each step echoing a resolve that demanded attention.
"Migul, my executioner," John declared with a commanding tone, extending his hand towards the imposing figure before him. "Show my enemies the inevitable fate that befalls those who dare obstruct my path in your presence. Unleash a wrath more relentless than death itself."
Migul, acknowledging John's directive, accepted the outstretched hand. As John pulled him to his feet, it became evident that Migul dwarfed him in stature, casting an imposing shadow over the scene. Undeterred, John maintained eye contact, craning his neck to meet Migul's gaze.
"And here I thought I was tall," John quipped, injecting a touch of humor into the tense atmosphere.
Migul responded with a hearty laugh, breaking the tension and solidifying the camaraderie between them.
The juxtaposition of their sizes only served to amplify the significance of their alliance, setting the stage for a formidable partnership that would resonate through the corridors of power.
John stretched his arms luxuriously, relishing the moment of respite after fulfilling his current duty. "Now that Ascension duty is over, it's time to delve into another labor," he declared, his gaze pointedly shifting to Sharon.
Sharon stood casually behind them, a silent observer of the unfolding scene.
With purpose in his stride, John walked away, musing aloud, "How I yearn for everyday to be like this – free from worry, devoid of violence, immersed in mundane tasks and duties." His eyes met Migul's. "Don't you agree, Migul?"
"Unfortunately, that's not the case, my lord," Migul responded with unwavering respect. "To secure temporary peace, we must seize it from others."
Surveying his base, John remarked, "Too bad for our enemies; my peace takes precedence over their lives." He paused, his steps coming to a halt. "It might sound sinister, but that's the stark reality of this world."
"As your devoted servant, we will claim as many lives as necessary for your peace," Migul affirmed.
John regarded Migul thoughtfully. "The question that lingers is: How many lives will it take?"