Chapter 40: The Glint of Hidden Power
The aftermath of the battle brought both relief and tension. The Voidfangs were defeated, but the scars of their corruption lingered on the land. Adam knew they couldn't afford to rest on their laurels.
As the settlers worked to repair the northern border and bury their dead, Adam reviewed the rewards and results of the mission.
<System Alert:
**Mission Complete: Defend the Northern Border.
Rewards Collected: 500 Mana Ore, 200 Enchanted Wood, increased faction trust. Bonus Unlock: Hidden Ability (Locked). Upgrade Available: Leadership Levels.**>
Adam frowned as he read the last line. Leadership Levels? He hadn't encountered this term before, but the system provided no further clarification.
Returning to his quarters, Adam opened the system interface to examine the bonus unlock.
<System Alert:
**Hidden Ability Unlocked:
Name: Aura of Command (SS). Description: Enhances the abilities and morale of all allies within a 50-meter radius by 25%. Status: Active.**>
Adam's heart quickened. The ability was more than he had hoped for—exactly what he needed to solidify his role as a leader. The thought of boosting his allies' potential during combat or in day-to-day tasks opened new possibilities for growth and defense.
"Aura of Command," Adam murmured, testing the name. "That'll come in handy."
The rest of the day was spent organizing and planning. Lyara and Darius were in the field, assessing the damage and ensuring that no lingering corruption could take root. Tharim began crafting enhancements for weapons and tools using the mana ore they'd acquired.
Evening brought a moment of respite. Adam stood on the balcony of his chambers, looking out over the settlement. Lights flickered in the windows of homes and workshops, a testament to the people's resilience.
The sound of footsteps drew his attention. Mira approached, her expression serious but not unkind.
"Adam," she began, "the people are talking about you."
"Good things, I hope," Adam replied with a small smile.
"They're calling you the one who saved them," Mira said. "But they're also afraid. You've done things no one else can explain—taming beasts, commanding magic, even rallying Garrick's soldiers. People are starting to wonder just how powerful you are."
Adam nodded thoughtfully. "Fear can be as dangerous as trust. I'll need to address it before it festers."
The following morning, Adam gathered the settlement in the central square. It was a rare event, and curiosity buzzed through the crowd.
"My friends," Adam began, his voice carrying across the gathering, "yesterday, we faced a great threat. Together, we defeated it. That victory wasn't mine alone—it was ours. Every one of you played a role in protecting this settlement."
The murmurs of agreement reassured him, but he pressed on.
"I know my abilities may seem strange," Adam continued. "I didn't ask for them, but I'll use them to protect all of you. This land, this community—it's worth fighting for. I'll stand by you, and I hope you'll stand by me."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Garrick raised his sword in salute, and Lyara offered a rare smile. Even Mira's guarded expression softened.
<System Alert:
**Leadership Level Increased.
Effect: Improved morale, additional resources available for distribution. Unlock Progress: Enhanced Governance Skills.**>
Later that day, Adam joined Tharim in his workshop. The dwarf was hunched over a glowing forge, hammering mana ore into a sword blade.
"This one's for you," Tharim grunted without looking up.
"For me?" Adam asked, surprised.
Tharim nodded. "You've earned it. Plus, if you're gonna lead people into battle, you'll need more than that ragged old blade you've been swinging around."
Adam picked up the finished sword, its edge shimmering with a faint blue glow. It felt perfectly balanced in his hand, as if it had been made specifically for him.
"Thanks, Tharim," Adam said sincerely.
"Don't thank me yet," Tharim replied. "That blade's got a lot of work ahead of it—and so do you."
That night, Adam reviewed his unlocked abilities, both old and new.
<System Alert:
**Active Abilities:
Beast Taming (S): Tame and command powerful creatures. Aura of Command (SS): Boost allies' abilities and morale. Ability Enhancement (SS): Temporarily amplify any ability or skill. Resource Affinity (C): Increase efficiency in gathering and refining resources. Attractor (D): Draw skilled individuals to your cause. Growth Catalyst (C): Accelerate the development of allies' skills and abilities.**>
His gaze lingered on the locked abilities, tantalizingly close but just out of reach.
<System Alert:
**Locked Abilities:
Celestial Dominion (SSS): Unknown. Primeval Awakening (SSS): Unknown. Boundless Creation (SSS): Unknown. Additional abilities require specific conditions to unlock.**>
Adam closed the interface, his mind racing with possibilities. The challenges ahead would be daunting, but with every battle and every victory, he was growing stronger—and so was the settlement.
Tomorrow would bring new trials, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of quiet triumph. The Voidfangs had been defeated, and his people had survived.
It was a start.