Sothoryos V
Staring at the fire in front of him, Jon hugged his body from the cold. The rain had stopped and daylight had come, but it was still cold, especially from how wet he had gotten yesterday.
After his fight to the death with the inhabitants of the lands of Sothoryos, Jon left the place while taking the potion he got as a reward. The pain had started to subside since then, but it never completely went away. His wounds stopped bleeding and he felt nothing from the loss of blood, probably because of the potion. But, still, every wound he had suffered, left his body delicate and scarred. Now, Jon had a scar on his eyebrow, where the skin had split open when he was hit with the skull staff; the wound had been uneven, leaving a mark diagonally across Jon's eyebrow. On both shoulders, he now had claw marks, with his right shoulder being the one that looked the most injured, with the marks reaching almost to his chest.
If it hadn't been for the potion, then he would have likely died. The decision he had made to accept the mission was the right one.
After that, with the rain still on him, he tried to create a small shelter with sticks and large leaves. But he couldn't make a fire until near dawn, when the rain stopped. And, even then, it was a bit complicated because of how wet everything was.
Now he was naked, dry but naked and inside his sleeping bag, trying to gain a little more heat. The little food he had had, had been a relief, as had the water. But now, he probably needed more, since it would only last one more day.
But, with everything that had happened, he felt different. He didn't feel pity for those he killed, since they wanted his life. However, he felt light. A little empty, but free. All the fear he had felt for his future and his life for years, was released when he cried and screamed.
But now, that he was alone and with a feeling of liberation, some questions arose in Jon's mind.
Was it okay to continue on his way? There were possibilities to go back, try to build a boat and sail to the Basilisk Islands. He could also go to Gorosh, to the north and much closer to civilization, on the island of Great Moraq. If he managed to get there, he could go to Qarth, in Essos. That way, he would be in civilization, much closer to Westeros. He was in danger from the slavers of Essos, but it would be much better than the more unknown and dangerous Sothoryos.
But there were his doubts again. What would he do when he reached Essos? If he managed that feat. Travel to Westeros? What would he do there? Continue as a bastard? Or perhaps try to tell the truth about his identity?
If he headed south, he could find the lands of eternal spring, a safe place according to the book of Sothoryos he had. But, once again, what would he do there? Live until his death in that place?
In the end, no matter what he did, his paths were full of doubt and uncertainty.
Part of him wanted to go back, to meet his brothers and face the man who raised him. The other part of him wanted to continue south, trying to find a greater meaning in his life.
Deep in thought, Jon frowned as the system window appeared. He was about to dismiss it and move it out of sight, but stopped when the window this time was different than any other.
The color was brighter, surrounded by frames of a metallic bronze color.
[You have completed a quest above your rank.]
[You have been awarded a merit point!]
[Do you want to increase your rank?]
[Requirements for rank increase: 5 quests (Four normal and one above your rank)]
Jon frowned slightly, before deciding to accept.
The window glowed for a moment, before more words appeared.
[You have been promoted to bronze rank.]
[The rank of your mental attribute has increased (F ➡ E)].
[The paths have been unlocked. Do you want to learn more about the different paths?]
"Paths?" Jon wondered, now curious. The system had never mentioned something like that.
"Was it only accessible by increasing my rank? If that's the case, then it should have its benefits. Okay, tell me more about these paths."
[Upon reaching Bronze rank, the adventurer (Host) can undergo a blessing to obtain the path of their choice. Each path is a route for the adventurer (Host)].
[Once the choice is made, there is no turning back].
[The different paths will be explained below].
- - -
[Knight]
[A combatant focused on close-range battles, capable of using a variety of weapons and protecting allies. A shining knight of justice]
[Special Skill - Defender's Sword: Increases the damage of your attacks while protecting an ally]
[Swordsman]
[A close-range combatant, with unparalleled skill in swords. He cuts through everything in his path to victory]
[Special Skill - Fierce Slash: Cast aside all defense to execute a deadly blow]
[Assassin]
[A combatant of cunning and stealth. [Special Skill - Cloak of Shadows: You become one with the shadows]
[Mage]
[A scholar of arcane knowledge and arts, decimating the enemy at medium and long distances with his powerful spells]
[Special Skill - Arcane Blast: Charges and launches a blast of magic]
[Cleric]
[The adventurer of support and healing. As long as a cleric exists at your side, dying will be a bit of a task, even if that is what you wish for]
[Special Skill - Quick Healing: A spell capable of healing minor wounds]
[Hunter]
[The combatant skilled in hunting animals and master of archery. There is nothing that does not escape the eyes of a hunter]
[Special Skill - Eagle Eye: Allows you to see at long distances]
- - -
Jon blinked at the different paths. They all had their advantages, as the system said. Still, Jon ruled out the path of the cleric and the path of the assassin, almost in the blink of an eye. It didn't feel right to him. The wizard looked nice, but he wasn't entirely convinced. He knew from experience how dangerous magic could be, but it still didn't feel right to him. Ever since he started training in combat, it was always with a sword or a bow. He was used to those weapons.
For that reason, he chose knight. The swordsman, who seemed to leave his defense aside, sounded dangerous. Deadly, but certainly dangerous. And as for the hunter, he sounded tempting, especially with that ability to see long distances, but he preferred a sword.
[The knight path has been chosen]
[From now on, every time the adventurer (host) rank increases, you will be able to choose and obtain a new skill]
[Depending on the skills, there is a chance that the path will undergo changes and evolve]
Jon understood and was about to open his status, but he felt his body relax. He noticed that his body was glowing. Closing his eyes, Jon focused on the warmth surrounding his body, similar to being submerged in water; not too hot, but not too cold either. It was as if he was at the perfect temperature. He felt relaxed, almost rejuvenated as he carefully dropped onto his back.
His scars had not disappeared the moment he stopped feeling well, nor did the slight pain and discomfort from his wounds seem to fade, but he no longer felt cold.
When he opened his eyes, he looked at his status window.
________
Name: Jaehaerys Targaryen (Jon Snow).
Age: 12
Rank: Bronze
Path: Knight
Strength: E ➡ D
Agility: F ➡ E
Toughness: E ➡ D
Dexterity: E ➡ D
Mind: E ➡ D
- - -
Special Traits:
[Targaryen Blood]
▪ Minor resistance to fire.
▪ Greater affinity with dragons.
▪ Affinity towards blood magic and fire magic.
[Blood of the First Men]
▪ Skinchanger.
▪ Greater affinity with wolves.
[Knight Skill]
▪ Defender's Blade: Increases the damage of your attacks while you're protecting an ally
________
"Impressive... All my attributes increased," Jon muttered, delighted to see the result of choosing an adventuring path. All of his doubts had ceased for a moment, thinking only of the system and its attributes.
"System, now that I have D-rank attributes, it means that I have the strength, endurance, and dexterity of three men, right?"
[Negative. D-rank refers to the power of four men. Each rank has its specific upgrade requirements. Since copper rank is the second lowest, it is not that difficult to achieve. The further you advance, the more difficult it will be.]
"So, what does it take to advance in rank once again?"
[Silver Rank Requirements: Twelve quests (ten normal and two above your rank), have all attributes at C]
Jon's eyes widened, a little nervous. He had really been wrong when he thought he fully understood the adventurer's help system.
"How do I increase my attribute ranks?"
[Special rituals, potions, or the more normal way: training]
"There's no way that with training alone I can achieve the strength of eight men," Jon said in disbelief.
[The adventurer's (host) attributes have increased, so he is able to achieve things that others cannot. For most people in the world, rank E is the limit. Some are lucky enough to be born with better bodies, so they can reach an equivalent of rank D.]
[With the adventurer's help system, the limits of your body have disappeared. [So, training, can cause an increase in attributes]
"I see..." Jon sighed a little, relieved after hearing the system's explanation.
Getting up, he put on his clothes. They were a little torn, as well as dirty, but he had nothing else on them. Soon, he frowned, noticing that he had lost his weapons. He had wandered away from the place, leaving his weapons in the middle of the jungle. And when he opened his storage, he found his shield, which he had completely forgotten about. But there was also a new weapon; the one he received as a reward from the recent quest. It was a silver-colored sword.
When Jon took the weapon out of storage, it appeared in his hand. It was lighter than his previous sword, but a bit larger. Perhaps it was due to the increase in his attributes, but he had no problem holding it with one hand. The weapon had no fancy decorations, just a normal bastard sword.
"This will do," Jon said before using his foot to throw dirt into the campfire, to put it out.
"I guess I'll head south now."
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