As Finn sank deeper into his sleep, the familiar weight of the abyss surrounded him. The feeling of being disconnected from everything, yet connected to all, filled his senses. Suddenly, the notifications returned, flooding his mind with the familiar surge of anticipation.
---
[Max XP reached]
[Finding possible evolutions…]
[Evolutions found]
[Processing possible evolutions]
---
Three options floated before his eyes, each offering a path that could reshape his destiny. Finn's mind raced as he considered each one.
---
1. Hobgoblin Necromancer:
Grants the user minor rule over death, allowing them to summon unyielding creatures from the very foes they slay. These minions will rise from the dead to serve their master.
Skills Gained:[Summon Skeleton] [Bone Spike] [Bone Armor]
Ideal for: Someone who desires to manipulate the battlefield from afar, commanding minions to do their bidding. While it allows for distance fighting, the Necromancer can also engage in combat when necessary.
---
2. Hobgoblin Warlock:
Form a pact with an ancient being, granting the user unique abilities depending on the terms of the contract. This path offers a wide array of power but at a steep price, as the contract could tie the user's fate to the entity.
Skills Gained:Dependent on the entity the user forms a contract with.
Ideal for: Someone who seeks power above all else. The Warlock doesn't shy away from making dangerous deals if it means attaining more strength, no matter the cost.
---
3. Hobgoblin Barrier Warden:
The user gains profound mastery over defensive and supportive magic, becoming a protector of their allies.
Skills Gained: [Barrier Fortress] [Imprison][Minor Heal]
Ideal for: Someone who prefers to support their team without engaging in direct combat, focusing on protecting and sustaining others.
---
Finn's eyes scanned the three options, his mind racing with the possibilities. He had always been a loner, preferring power that was his alone to wield. The thought of relying on others or becoming a mere supporter didn't sit well with him. His journey had always been about seeking strength—power to control his own fate, to rise above the weak and show his true potential.
The Hobgoblin Necromancer was tempting. The ability to raise minions from the dead would give him an army to command. But Finn wasn't the type to hide behind others. He didn't want to cower behind skeletal soldiers. He wanted to carve his own path, using his own power.
The Hobgoblin Warlock stood out, offering the kind of raw power he had craved since his first moments in this world. A contract with an ancient being could give him unimaginable abilities, but it would come with a cost. The thought of trading his freedom for power didn't sit easily with him, though. What if the cost was too high? Finn didn't trust easily, and the idea of surrendering any part of his will for strength made him wary.
That left the Hobgoblin Barrier Warden, but that path was far too passive for someone like Finn. He didn't want to be a shield for others; he wanted to be the one on the front lines, carving a name for himself with his own strength.
With a deep sigh, Finn made his choice. His heart raced as the abyss seemed to echo his decision. The notifications flashed brightly as he solidified his path.
---
[You have chosen the Hobgoblin Warlock evolution.]
[Awaiting contract offers]
[2 offers received]
---
Offer 1.
Name: Trien, the World Eater
Skills Gained:
Sacrifice: Sacrifice the bodies and XP of your enemies to Trien to gain his favor, unlocking more skills.
Solar Flare: Send forward a raging inferno, a devastating wave of fire.
Last Call: In exchange for the user's life, Trien will kill any one enemy.
Contract terms:
In exchange for his powers, Trien demands that half of everything you kill goes to him. This half won't count towards gaining new skills through Sacrifice.
Note: Trien is extremely vindictive, and if his terms are not met after signing the contract, he will become enraged.
---
Offer 2.
Name: Riven, the Free
Skills Gained:
Sacrifice: Sacrifice the bodies and XP of your enemies to Riven to gain his favor, unlocking more skills.
Teleport (Short): Teleport anywhere within a 10-meter radius, cannot be restrained by outside forces.
Free Mind: You gain immense resistance to mental attacks.
Summon Familiar: You can summon a familiar from Riven's universe to aid you.
Contract terms:
Riven simply asks for two bodies a day in exchange for his powers, including their XP.
Note: Riven is extremely free-willed and doesn't like to restrain others, but he is still feared among higher beings because of his strength.
---
As Finn stared at the offers before him, he couldn't help but weigh the pros and cons of each one. Trien offered immense destructive power, but the cost was steep—half of everything Finn killed would go to the World Eater. The thought of such a demanding and potentially vengeful partner made Finn uneasy, yet the ability to wipe out an enemy with a single call was undeniably tempting.
Riven, on the other hand, seemed more aligned with Finn's independent nature. The promise of freedom, resistance to mental attacks, and a teleportation ability offered great tactical advantages without the crippling demands of Trien's contract. The idea of only needing two bodies a day in exchange for power seemed far more manageable, and the concept of a familiar from another universe intrigued him.
After some deliberation, Finn began to feel a stronger pull toward Riven. The free-willed nature of the contract matched his lone-wolf mentality, and the tactical benefits of teleportation and mental resistance would be invaluable for someone who preferred to work alone.
In the end, Finn knew that power came with a price, but freedom was something he couldn't sacrifice. He chose the path that aligned with his goals—the path that left him in control.
---
[You have chosen Riven, the Free.]
[Contract signed.]
Skills Gained:
Sacrifice
Teleport (Short)
Free Mind
Summon Familiar
You are now bound by the contract of Riven, the Free.
___________
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