The wind howls softly behind me as I step from the shrine's inner sanctum, cradling the Storm Sigil and the other treasures claimed from the Storm Sovereign's defeat. My limbs feel heavy, weighed down by exhaustion and aches that flare with each step. Still, I stand taller now, my power grown. That monstrous foe forced me to reach deeper into my reserves than ever before, pushing me to evolve in both strategy and might.
Outside, the high ridges greet me with their relentless gusts, though they seem gentler than before. As if the world itself acknowledges that I've conquered one of its fiercest guardians. I inhale carefully, testing sore ribs. The final battle left me bruised and battered, but I've survived—no, I've triumphed. Somewhere below, the scattered adventurers who dared these peaks would never believe what just happened here.
A prompt flickers into view, drawing my attention inward:
Level Up!
You have reached Level 15!
All HP and MP fully restored.
Attribute points gained.
New Skill Unlocked: Wind's Embrace (Passive)
I release a long, relieved breath. My wounds knit together, soreness melting under the wave of healing that accompanies a level-up. MP refills, ready for another encounter if needed. The bruises along my arms fade to dull aches. The sting of cuts dulls. Strength flows through me, steady and comforting. The world seems crisper, the paths ahead clearer.
I bring up my status window to review the updates. Blue text scrolls:
[Status Window]
Name: Cid Tassadin
Class: Battle Summoner (Tier 2)
Level: 15
HP: 260/260
MP: 120/120
Stamina: 100/100
Strength: 20
Agility: 17
Vitality: 22
Intelligence: 22
Wisdom: 14
Luck: 10
Titles: Relic Bearer, Storm Conqueror
Active Effects:
Summoner's Resonance: Summon damage +15%Enhanced Endurance: Incoming damage -10%Wind's Embrace (Passive): Grants a slight agility boost and minor wind-element damage to all attacks. Summons and the wielder gain improved movement speed and reduced stamina cost when fighting in open areas.
Attributes Unassigned: 5 Points Available
Skills & Abilities:
Summon Undead Soldier (UC-Tier)
Summon Undead Archer (UC-Tier)
Summon Undead Spearwoman (R-Tier)
Summon Undead Crossbowman (R-Tier)
Basic Swordplay (Passive)
Analyze (Basic)
Summoner's Command (Passive)
Summoner's Resonance (Passive)
Enhanced Endurance (Passive)
Flame Slash (Active – Masterwork Longsword)
Balanced Grip (Passive – Masterwork Longsword)
Wind's Embrace (Passive – New)
Weapons & Equipment:
Masterwork Longsword (Uncommon):Flame Slash (Active)Balanced Grip (Passive)Reinforced Leather Chestplate (Common)
Inventory:
Storm Sigil (Key Item)Rare Artifact Fragments (3 Normal, now total 5, plus new fragments from boss)Windshard Ingot (1)Wisp Essence, Sprite Shard, Scales, Pelts, Fangs, various monster partsHealing Items: 0 Reinforced Healing Vials left (all used)Stamina Draughts: 2 remainingCoins: 300+
Quests:
Complete elemental shrines (Emberfang, Marsh, Ironfang, and now Wind) done.Seek out remaining challenges and shrines.Explore Shadowfen Marsh for next elemental challenge (from previously given quests).
Summons (Detailed):
Undead Soldier (UC): Durable frontline, moderate damage, stable defense.Undead Archer (UC): Ranged support, moderate damage, good accuracy.Undead Spearwoman (R): High agility melee fighter, strong pierce damage, excels in duels.Undead Crossbowman (R): Heavy ranged damage, slower but hard-hitting attacks, improved armor.
I grin at the Wind's Embrace passive. This gift from the fallen Storm Sovereign will serve me well. A slight agility boost means I can dodge deadly blows more easily. Reduced stamina costs help me maintain long fights. And wind-element damage layered atop my blade strikes and summon attacks—this synergy will combine with Flame Slash for an elemental edge. My opponents won't know what hit them.
I have 5 attribute points to assign. After facing such agile and powerful foes, I appreciate both Intelligence and Vitality. Intelligence bolsters my summons and special attacks; Vitality ensures I survive brutal hits. A balanced approach feels right. I invest 2 points into Intelligence and 3 into Vitality.
Final Stats:
Strength: 20Agility: 17Vitality: 25 (22+3)Intelligence: 24 (22+2)Wisdom: 14Luck: 10
Vitality at 25: higher HP pool and better resilience. Intelligence at 24: stronger summons and skills. This blend should keep me alive and lethal.
The Storm Sigil in my possession may allow me to fuse wind-element power into my summons or weapon. If I return to a specialized crafter or artifact crafter, I could combine these materials—Windshard Ingot, Artifact Fragments, and the Sigil—into something that elevates my summons' tiers. Maybe I can push a UC-Tier summon closer to R-Tier, or even beyond if I gather enough rare fragments.
My path leads downward now. I've conquered the Windspire Peaks, claiming the Storm Sovereign's power. The Shadowfen Marsh awaits, another domain of elemental challenge. But first, I should return to the settlement for supplies. I have no healing vials left, and that's a dangerous gamble. Running out of healing options nearly cost me my life in that epic fight. Also, trading loot and forging artifacts might unlock new summons or strengthen my existing ones.
As I descend, the air feels lighter—wind less hostile, currents gentler. My boots find surer footing. Where once monstrous creatures prowled, now silence and a lingering sense of calm prevail. Perhaps my victory tamed these heights. Or maybe I've simply ended the influence of that mighty entity.
Partway down, I spot a familiar figure: the old adventurer from before, perched near a broken pillar. He gives me a knowing nod, eyes shining with quiet admiration. He doesn't ask what happened, but I can tell he senses the change. The currents no longer shriek like hungry beasts. They whisper now, carrying news of my triumph.
I rest briefly, enjoying the wind's new lullaby. My new title—Storm Conqueror—still hums in the background of my status. Titles often carry hidden buffs or recognition. Maybe this one improves my standing among NPCs or grants slight resistance to wind attacks. I'll see in time.
The settlement stands far below, a day's travel if I hustle. With my HP and MP full from leveling, I can maintain a brisk pace. The stamina draughts will help if I tire. And with Wind's Embrace easing my movement, I feel almost weightless as I pick my way down the rocky paths.
Soon I'll reach familiar ground, the small outpost with its guild clerk, blacksmith, and apothecary. I picture their reactions to the new materials I carry: Windshard Ingot could fetch a great price or be key to forging an enhanced weapon. Rare Artifact Fragments might push a summon's tier upward if I find the right artisan. The Storm Sigil, most mysterious of all, might open a path to wind-element summons or synergize with the Summoner's Relic. The possibilities excite me.
My journey is far from over. The Shadowfen Marsh, rumored to hold challenges tied to the element of shadow or darkness, awaits. If I conquer that domain as I did here, my power will multiply yet again. Eventually, I may stand at the pinnacle of summoner classes, able to call forth Mythic-tier units and shape the battlefield as I please. That thought warms me, even in these chill winds.
For now, I focus on the path forward. With new skills and heightened stats, I'm better equipped for whatever trials await. I stride onward, a grin tugging at my lips. The Storm Sovereign might have been formidable, but I overcame it and learned from the struggle. Each victory leads to growth, and each growth spurs me to seek even greater foes.
The wind gusts once more, gentle now, as if wishing me well on my journey. I nod in silent gratitude, pressing on toward the settlement, laden with loot, brimming with fresh potential, and eager to see what heights my summoner's path will climb next.