As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the battlefield, Ryden pulled out the booklet. Its worn leather cover had become familiar, a constant companion during the trials they'd faced together. This time, as he opened it, the pages shimmered faintly with a silver light.
Text began to scrawl across the page, not in ink, but in glowing, shifting letters of light. Ryden's breath caught as he read aloud, his voice steady but filled with awe.
Congratulations, Legendary Achievement!
You have successfully led the Great Plains Alliance to defeat the First Tribulation in GAIA.
Effects:
Significant increase in combat proficiency for all warriors across the allied tribes.Natural defenses across allied territories strengthened; natural monster incursions reduced by 50%.Allied tribes gain a shared pool of knowledge, accelerating technological and cultural development by 30%.
As an additional bonus, you have been granted a single entry into the Codex Existentia.
The text faded as a shimmering silver scroll materialized in the booklet. It hovered briefly above the page before settling into place, its surface etched with intricate, otherworldly patterns.
"What… is that?" Rice asked, his silver-gray eyes wide as he leaned closer to get a better look.
Ryden held it up, the scroll glinting in the fading light. "It's… part of the Codex Existentia," he said slowly. "But I have no idea what that means."
The trio gathered around him, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and unease. Darius reached out to touch the scroll but pulled back at the last moment. "scripture of existence" he said to himself quietly.
The battlefield stretched out before them, a grim tapestry of victory and loss. Bodies of goblins and warriors alike littered the plains, their blood soaking into the soil. Broken weapons and shattered shields lay scattered among the fallen, the remnants of a brutal and hard-fought battle.
The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood and the acrid smell of smoke from hastily built pyres where the dead were being honored. The alliance's warriors moved through the field with somber expressions, collecting the bodies of their comrades and marking the spots where the enemy had fallen.
Despite the carnage, the surrounding landscape retained its beauty. The setting sun bathed the plains in warm hues, the golden light reflecting off the rippling grasses and the distant surface of the Great Lake. Wildflowers, trampled during the battle, peeked through the chaos, their vibrant colors a testament to the land's resilience.
The main camp was alive with activity as the tribes regrouped and tended to their wounded. Warriors sat in circles, their injuries tended to by the healers, while others ate quietly, their eyes distant with exhaustion.
Inside the tent that served as the council's headquarters, the three chiefs gathered to discuss the aftermath. A small table in the center held the spoils of war, including a particularly notable prize: the iron crown that had adorned the goblin general's head.
The crown was crude in design but unmistakably powerful. Its dark metal gleamed faintly, unlike any material the tribes had encountered before. The chiefs turned it over in their hands, murmuring about its potential uses and the strange properties of the metal.
As the discussion turned to how to honor their warriors, Ryden spoke up. "We should give them titles," he said, his voice thoughtful. "Something that recognizes their bravery and gives them honor across the alliance."
The chiefs exchanged glances, their expressions intrigued. "Titles?" Arika asked.
Ryden nodded. "Not just names, but something more. Something that will live on. Like… Rehn the Beastbane, or someone who stood out in the fight against the mermen. It will unite the tribes and give the warriors pride."
As they deliberated, the silver scroll in the booklet unfurled on its own. Words began to appear, written in the same glowing letters of light:
Titles are more than mere honors. They bestow tangible power to their bearers, reflecting their deeds and the reverence they command.
Effects:
Titles can grant abilities unique to the bearer, strengthening with recognition and renown.Titles may evolve based on the deeds of the bearer and the legacy they leave behind.Titles strengthen the bearers physically, mentally, and emotionally, granting abilities tailored to their achievements.Revered titles can become part of the world's culture, affecting not just individuals but entire communities.titles can be displayed as words above the title holders head if so desired
Beneath the text, a message appeared in bold:
Submit this entry to the Codex Existentia?
Ryden turned to Rice and Darius "It's asking for approval," he said.
Rice crossed his arms. "why not?."
Darius grunted his agreement, his scarred face set in determination.
Ryden nodded and pressed his hand to the scroll. The silver light intensified, and the scroll shot upward, disappearing into the night sky. The stars rippled as though the very fabric of the world had been touched.
Legendary Achievement
Congratulations, Legendary Achievement!
You have successfully introduced the concept of Titles to GAIA.
Effects:
Significant morale boost across all allied tribes.Individual warriors' now have the chance to gain abilities and evolve.The alliance's cultural identity solidifies, increased chance of unity and long-term cooperation.Ryden, Rice and Darius have gained recognition as the "Founders of Honor," your influence has spread across the alliance.Increased cultural advancement chance for the tribes
The chiefs gathered the warriors who had distinguished themselves during the grueling battles. The atmosphere in the tent was heavy with a mixture of exhaustion and pride. These warriors, battered and bloodied, stood tall before their leaders, their eyes glinting with quiet determination.
Arika stepped forward first, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. She held herself with unshakable poise, her voice ringing out clear and steady.
Arika stepped forward first, her sharp gaze sweeping across the assembled warriors before settling on a tall, muscular Varuka man standing at attention. Her voice rang out, steady and filled with pride.
"Naren," she began, her words carrying across the quiet crowd. "When the forest beasts descended upon us, it was your courage that turned the tide. When the wolves howled and the apes crashed into our line, you held firm. Your blade cut through their hides, and your presence steadied your comrades when fear might have overtaken them."
She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "For your valor and your strength, I bestow upon you the title of Beastbane."
The crowd erupted into cheers as Naren stepped forward, his expression solemn but proud. He knelt before Arika, his broad shoulders bowing as he lowered his head in reverence.
Arika placed her hand on his shoulder, and the air around them seemed to change. A faint golden light began to glow around Naren, flickering like sunlight filtering through the trees. It grew brighter with each passing moment, enveloping him in a warm, radiant glow.
The warriors gasped as the light pulsed outward, sending a visible wave of energy through the crowd. When Naren rose, the glow seemed to settle into his very being, making him appear larger, more confident. He raised his spear high, the golden light reflecting in his determined eyes.
Zovar stepped forward next, her ocean-blue eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and sorrow. She stood tall, her voice ringing out with strength despite the heavy losses her tribe had suffered.
"Kalon," she called, her gaze settling on a wiry man whose scarred arms bore the marks of countless battles. He stepped forward, his movements stiff from exhaustion but his eyes shining with pride.
"When the mermen swarmed the shore in overwhelming numbers, you stood as a bulwark. Wave after wave crashed against you, but you did not falter. You cut down their leaders and held the line when others might have fallen back. Your strength and bravery turned the tide of the battle and ensured our survival."
Zovar reached behind her, lifting the broken trident Kalon had wrested from the merman leader during the fight. She held it out to him, her voice resolute. "For your unshakable resolve, I grant you the title of Tidebreaker."
As Kalon knelt before her, Zovar placed the broken trident in his hands. The moment the weapon touched him, a deep blue light surged around him. It shimmered like the surface of the Great Lake, rippling and dancing across his body. The glow seemed to sink into his skin, leaving behind a faint luminescence that pulsed with every heartbeat.
The warriors erupted into cheers once more as Kalon rose, holding the trident aloft. His movements seemed more fluid, his strength and confidence evident in every step as he returned to his place among the ranks.
Finally, Orvek stepped forward, his imposing figure cutting a commanding presence. His scarred face was impassive, but his voice carried a deep pride as he addressed the gathered warriors. His gaze fell on a young woman near the back, her leather armor stained with blood and mud.
"Mira," Orvek said, his voice like rolling thunder. She stepped forward hesitantly, her wide eyes betraying her youth, but there was no fear in her gaze.
"When the goblins came in endless waves, you stood your ground. When the line wavered, it was you who rallied your comrades and held the line. And when the general struck, you faced it without flinching. Your courage was a shield for your people and a blade against the darkness."
Orvek nodded toward her, his gruff tone softening slightly. "For your bravery and unwavering resolve, I name you Goblinbane."
Mira knelt before him, her hands trembling as she lowered her head. Orvek rested his massive axe lightly on her shoulder, a gesture heavy with meaning. The air around Mira shimmered, and a fiery red glow began to swirl around her. It crackled like embers, flaring into an intense flame that seemed to warm the air.
The warriors murmured in awe as the red glow pulsed outward, briefly casting the area in a warm, flickering light before settling into Mira herself. When she stood, her slight frame seemed stronger, her determination radiating like heat from a forge.
The crowd cheered for each of the newly titled warriors, their voices echoing through the camp. The golden glow of the Beastbane, the shimmering blue of the Tidebreaker, and the fiery red of the Goblinbane lingered in the air, a tangible reminder of the power and unity forged in battle.
As Naren, Kalon, and Mira took their places among their comrades, their auras marked them as something extraordinary. They stood taller, their pride evident as they prepared to lead their people into the future.
As the ceremony concluded, the booklet unfurled again, drawing the attention of Ryden, Darius, and Rice. Words began to write themselves across the shimmering surface in glowing script:
Entry: The first titles
You have witnessed the bestowement of the first titles in history, a momentus moment that will echo far into the future
Beastbane: The bearer's strikes become more powerful against monstrous foes, and their presence causes fear among lesser beasts.Tidebreaker: Enhanced agility and water-based combat abilities. Increases resilience when fighting aquatic foes.Goblinbane: Boosts combat skills in group battles and sharpens awareness of ambush tactics.
As the ceremony concluded, the chiefs gathered again, their earlier triumph tempered by the reality of their losses.
"The Katula," Zovar said quietly, her ocean-blue eyes heavy with sorrow. "Our warriors are nearly gone. We held the line, but it cost us dearly."
Orvek placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression uncharacteristically gentle. "Your people stood for all of us. Their sacrifice won't be forgotten."