Chereads / BloodBound Ascendance / Chapter 4 -  Healing Tonic And Rewards

Chapter 4 -  Healing Tonic And Rewards

After carefully wrapping the sword around his shoulder, Cid picked some blood berries from nearby bushes and headed back to his house. The sun had set by the time he reached home. He was out gathering the berries for a specific reason: to make a healing tonic for an injured raven he had found the previous day. Being raised in a family that ran an herb shop and made medicines, Cid knew how to create remedies from natural ingredients.

As he entered his room, the sound of soft, fluttering wings caught his attention. There, lying on his bed, was a raven - its black feathers matted and its one eye gazing up at him with a pleading look. Cid's heart swelled with compassion as he approached the small table behind his bed, which resembled the workbench of an apothecary. He carefully placed his sword by the side and began making a tonic for the injured bird, meticulously following each step with utmost precision. Even the slightest mistake could turn this into a deadly poison rather than a healing remedy.

After what felt like an eternity, Cid finally finished brewing the tonic and rushed over to the raven, gently feeding it a few drops. The bird looked up at him with curious eyes, wondering about the strange liquid being given to it. But as soon as it ingested the tonic, the energy seemed to course through its body, mending not just its external wounds but also its internal injuries. With a content sigh, the raven drifted off to sleep in Cid's arms.

Gently placing the raven back on his bed, Cid watched over it as it rested. Suddenly, he heard a faint voice - soft and feminine yet radiating with confidence - saying, "Thank you." Knowing it could only be the raven, he smiled and replied with a simple, "You're welcome."

As Cid watched the Raven slowly regain its strength, he felt a surge of energy course through his own body. Feeling restless, he decided to take advantage of the moment and grabbed his sword, striding outside to the back of his house. The cool night air wrapped around him like a familiar cloak as he made his way to an open clearing, the moon casting a soft glow upon the land. Gripping his sword tightly, he took a deep breath and practiced using it. Despite having gained Sword mastery from his time with the system, he had never indeed held a sword before. He wanted to feel comfortable with it in his hands, to make it an extension of himself rather than relying on the system's help.

With each swing and thrust, different techniques appeared in his mind's eye, and he practiced them repeatedly until he had ingrained them in his muscle memory. It was exhilarating to feel the weight and balance of the sword, knowing that he was making these skills his own. Wanting to increase his combat experience, he decided to go back to the forest to slay some beasts, and with his new speed as a halfling, he was faster than the average human. In this world, they are creatures called Beasts, and a lot of the high-end tech in the world uses the beast's core to power their devices. Among Adventures, they say, one must tread carefully and know the nature of the beasts they may encounter, for the fate of many can hang by a thread in the face of these myriad beings. Cid remembered a book he read long ago stating all the tiers; here is what the book read: In the realm of Eldoria, where shadows dance, and ancient trees whisper secrets to the wind, creatures of all shapes and powers roam the wilderness, classified by the mysterious Beast Ranking System. Adventurers, they say, must tread carefully and know the nature of the beasts they may encounter, for the fate of many can hang by a thread in the face of these myriad beings.

1. Common Tier

Beneath the sunlight that dapples the meadows, the Common Tier beasts thrive in numbers, filling the air with their lively chatter and soft rustling. These humble creatures—a skittish rabbit bounding through the tall grass, a weary small bird flitting from branch to branch, or a pack of ordinary wolves howling amidst the twilight—pose a minor threat to seasoned warriors.

Challenge Level: Low; a skilled adventurer can claim victory over these creatures with ease, often not breaking a sweat.

2. Uncommon Tier

As the sun rises higher, casting longer shadows, a different breed emerges from the underbrush. Uncommon Tier beasts possess a touch of the extraordinary, and they are adorned with slight but distinct abilities. Among them roam the fierce wild boar, the cunning mountain lion, and the venomous snake, each demanding a measure of respect.

Challenge Level: Moderate; these foes will require a hunter to employ strategy and skill, yet a prepared combatant can subdue them.

3. Rare Tier

Venturing deeper into the untamed wilds, one may encounter the elusive Rare Tier beasts cloaked in power and mystery. Dire wolves, with their haunting eyes, great horned owls that seem to oversee their domains, and giant serpents lurking in dark waters—each carries unique attributes that make them formidable opponents.

Challenge Level: Significant. Confronting these majestic beings often requires teamwork, as their clever tactics can turn the tide of battle.

4. Elite Tier

In the heart of untamed territories lie the Elite Tier beasts, apex predators that masterfully command their realms. Grizzly bears, whose sheer might is palpable, colossal crocodiles lurking in the depths, and thunderbirds crackling with electric potential—these beings represent a formidable challenge.

Challenge Level: High; to best such mighty foes, adventurers must concoct detailed plans and exploit their environments, for these beasts are as intelligent as they are dangerous.F

5. Legendary Tier

In the tales spun by the fireside, the Legendary Tier beasts soar. These mythical beings shimmer within the fabric of folklore: majestic unicorns prancing through glades, phoenixes rising from their ashes, and griffons soaring across the heavens. Each creature is steeped in legend and wields powers that can alter the very course of fate.

Challenge Level: Very High; slaying a legendary beast may require rare instruments, meticulous preparation, and sometimes High Level Abilities.

6. Mythical Tier

With each whisper of the wind carrying hints of their existence, the Mythical Tier beasts drift in and out of legend. These extraordinary creatures—dragons exhaling fire, hydras regenerating from every fall, and werewolves howling at the moon—are seldom seen, yet desperately sought after by those who seek glory.

Challenge Level: Extreme; their very presence warps reality, challenging even the most courageous hunters with their elemental prowess and regenerative might.

7. Ancient Tier

Bound by the threads of age and wisdom, the Ancient Tier beasts stand as living relics of history. Leviathans stirring in ocean depths, ancient tree spirits guarding the sacred groves, and colossal titans of yore overwhelmed with power—each contains a weighty lore that echoes over the ages.

Challenge Level: Near-Impossible; confronting an ancient beast may require bands of warriors, their blades raised in unity, for myths abound about their true consciousness and overwhelming strength.

8. God Tier

At the peak of the Beast Ranking System lie the God Tier beings, deities born from the very essence of nature. Behemoths that shake the earth, celestial dragons that weave constellations, and embodiments of nature itself, like elder forest spirits—these titans are the ultimate trials for any hunter, hero, or seeker of glory.

Challenge Level: Insurmountable; to even stand a chance against a God Tier beast, one requires an arsenal of ancient knowledge, the unity of multiple skilled warriors, and perhaps artifacts steeped in power and myth. To conquer one of these entities is to ascend to the pinnacle of mastery, a tale sung for generations.

Additional Considerations

Fabled Artifacts: The path to success in defeating higher-tier beasts often winds through the discovery and wielding of legendary artifacts that encapsulate the might of their elemental powers.

Beast Evolution: Beasts may evolve to possess different tiers based on their experiences, the magic-infused lands they inhabit, and the trials they endure, leading to wondrous and unique variations.

Challenges & Defeats: The trials of conquest may vary wildly from the terrain to the individual strengths of the hero and the motives of the beasts—be they driven by primal instinct or cunning intelligence.

In Eldoria, the call of adventure beckons to those daring enough to confront these wondrous beasts, each encountering a chapter in the epic tale of courage, cunning, and destiny.

Cid ventured deep into the forest, searching for uncommon-tier beasts to defeat. As he pressed further into the trees, his new sword pulsed, sensing powerful creatures nearby. A system message appeared before him, instructing him to kill 50 uncommon tier beasts in order to receive a grand reward. Suddenly, Cid found himself surrounded by eerie creatures with both bird and humanoid features, resembling monstrous birds. They had dark, feathered bodies and razor-sharp claws, while their bird-like heads featured menacing beaks and piercing blue eyes. The message then updated, commanding Cid to kill 100 Wytch Beasts in order to gain rewards and level up his sword, the Crimson Reaper. With a confident smile, Cid gripped his sword tightly and prepared for battle.

Cid's muscles flexed as he lunged forward, his sword slicing through the air with precision. The Wytch Beasts screeched in response, their claws swiping dangerously close to Cid's body. "You're not taking me down that easily!" Cid shouted, dodging a flurry of attacks.

The forest echoed with the clash of metal meeting flesh as Cid and the beasts engaged in a deadly dance. Leaves rustled underfoot as they circled each other, the tension palpable in the air. Cid's movements were swift and calculated, each strike executed with skill honed through practice and determination.

The beasts advanced, their movements fluid and coordinated. Cid parried their blows expertly, his focus unbroken despite the intensity of the fight. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted, a grin playing on his lips as he countered their attacks with finesse.

A gust of wind swept through the clearing, carrying with it the scent of pine and earth. The adrenaline coursed through Cid's veins, heightening his senses and sharpening his reflexes. He could feel the weight of his sword in his grip, a familiar extension of himself in this moment of battle.

With a battle cry that rang through the forest, Cid launched into a series of rapid strikes, driving the beast's back with sheer determination. The sounds of clashing metal reverberated around them as they fought tooth and claw for supremacy.

The beasts fought fiercely, their movements fueled by primal instinct and raw power. Cid matched their ferocity with unwavering resolve, each parry and thrust bringing him closer to victory. "You're all bark and no bite!" he declared, meeting their challenge head-on.

As the moon cast an ethereal glow over the battlefield, Cid's focus remained unbreakable. The dance of combat continued, a symphony of steel meeting flesh in a deadly crescendo. Every move was a calculated risk, every swing a step closer to triumph.

Despite the beasts' relentless onslaught, Cid stood his ground with unwavering determination. His breath came in steady bursts, his muscles burning with exertion. The fight raged on, each side refusing to yield an inch in this primal struggle for dominance.

Cid's resolve shone brightly in the moonlight, a beacon of defiance against the encroaching darkness. The clash of swords and claws filled the night air, a testament to his skill and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

As dawn broke on the horizon, the battlefield fell silent save for heavy breaths and rustling leaves. The beasts lay defeated at Cid's feet, their once fierce forms now still and lifeless. Cid stood victorious, his chest heaving with exhaustion, but his spirit unbroken.

The system message flashed before him once more, congratulating him on his accomplishment of slaying 100 Wytch and rewarding him with five rewards. 

Cid wiped the sweat from his brow, his heart still pounding from the exhilarating battle. The forest seemed to sigh in relief; the tension dissipating with the defeat of the formidable Wytch Beasts. As he caught his breath, Cid surveyed the scene before him, the fallen creatures, as a testament to his skill and determination.

With a sense of pride swelling in his chest, Cid sat down to check the rewards from the system. "Open Rewards!" Cid Said, and a greenish screen appeared before him with some words.

Congratulations, Host! Congratulations, Host! You have received five valuable rewards.

Reward #1: Sun Blocker Ring

Description: Wearing this ring will protect the host from the sun's effects for 10 hours. The protection resets each time the host leaves the sun's rays.

As Cid read through the details of the Sun Blocker Ring, it flashed before him in all its glory. The ring featured a striking design with a skull as its centrepiece. The intricate skull featured well-defined cheekbones and a strong jawline. Surrounding the skull were ornate floral patterns and other decorative elements, giving off a gothic and artistic vibe. The metal had a dark, polished finish, adding to the dramatic effect of the overall design. Cid was happy and immediately put it on his index finger and continued reading.

Reward #2: New Skill: Illusionary Forge

Description: allows the user to change the appearance of any object and mask its actual strength and properties. This ability creates powerful illusions that can deceive even the most skilled observers, making it a valuable asset in combat and subterfuge.

Reward #3: Wish Chest

Description: The host can make any wish to the System, and if it is within the system's capabilities, the System will grant it.

Reward #4: New Skill: Inspect

Description: Host and inspect anything to gain information on it. More information will become visible as this skill level increases with use.

Reward #5: Level Up Crystal

Description: Host Can use Crystal to level up any system item or skill to the next level.

Cid's eyes widened with excitement as he processed the incredible rewards given upon him. The Sun Blocker Ring gleamed on his finger, its power ready to shield him from the sun's harsh rays. The Illusionary Forge skill sparked his imagination, envisioning the possibilities of deception and strategy it offered. The Wish Chest held untold potential, a single opportunity to shape his destiny in ways he had never dreamed possible.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Cid knew these rewards would aid him in his ongoing quest to conquer the high-tier beasts that roamed Eldoria. The Inspect skill would provide him with valuable insights into his enemies, while the Level Up Crystal promised to enhance his abilities when the time was right.

But it was the Sun Blocker Ring that resonated with Cid the most in that moment. As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its golden light through the canopy above, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for this small yet significant gift. With a smile, he didn't feel weaker. It suddenly dawned on him that the previous day had ended, and now he was officially 17 years old on his birthday. He quickly returned home and, entering his room, he saw the Raven perched upon his apothecary table.

The Raven cocked its head to the side, its one good eye glistening in the dim candlelight of Cid's room. "Your healing tonic worked wonders, young one," it croaked in a voice that seemed to echo with ancient wisdom. "I am in your debt."