Chapter 17: Alone Time

Caled leaned against the wall of the guildhall, his eyes focused on the translucent screen only he could see. It was time to allocate his stat points.

This time, he decided to focus on his combat capabilities. He spread his points evenly, adding two to Strength, Constitution, Intelligence, Dexterity, and Agility.

Each stat felt important, and he didn't want to leave any area lacking. As he confirmed his choices, another prompt appeared.

[Please choose a skill.]

A list of options materialized before him, each one more intriguing than the last. Caled scanned them carefully, weighing the pros and cons.

[Inferno Cleave (Active): The user swings their weapon in a wide arc, releasing a wave of searing flames that scorch enemies in front. The intensity of the fire increases based on the target's missing health. Mana cost 1.]

[Phantom Step (Active): The user momentarily phases out of reality, becoming intangible for a brief second before reappearing a short distance away. While intangible, they are immune to damage and can pass through obstacles. Mana cost 1.]

[Abyssal Lance (Active): The user conjures a spear of pure shadow and hurls it at an enemy. If it strikes, the target is impaled, suffering increasing damage over time while their movement is slowed by creeping darkness. Mana cost 1.]

[Stormcall (Active): The user raises their weapon to the sky, summoning a furious storm that calls down multiple lightning strikes on random enemies in an area. Each strike deals massive damage and has a chance to stun. Mana cost 1.]

[Revenant's Vow (Active): Upon activation, the user sacrifices a portion of their health to gain increased attack speed and lifesteal for a short duration. If an enemy is slain during this period, a portion of the sacrificed health is restored. Mana cost 1.]

[Bloodlust Resurgence (Passive): Every time the user lands a hit, they regain a small portion of health and temporarily increase their attack speed. The effect can stack multiple times.]

[Arcane Overflow (Passive): Each time the user successfully casts a magic spell, their next spell deals additional damage and has an increased area of effect. Stacks up to 10 times before resetting.]

[Unyielding Guardian (Passive): When the user's health drops below 50%, their defense significantly increases, and incoming damage is reduced for a brief period.]

[Echoing Blades (Passive): The user's melee attacks create faint energy echoes that strike again for a percentage of the original damage. The echoes grow stronger with each consecutive attack.]

[Veil of Shadows (Passive): The user is harder to detect when standing still or moving slowly. Additionally, any attacks made while unseen deal increased damage, making ambushes particularly deadly.]

Caled's eyes lingered on Arcane Overflow. It seemed like the perfect choice for him.

With a mental nod, he selected it. A warm, tingling sensation spread through his body as the skill integrated into his being.

He could feel the potential of his magic growing stronger, more potent.

•••••

Name: Caled Morningwood

LEVEL: 3

[STATUS]

HP: 50/50

MP: 50/50

[STAT POINTS]

STRENGTH: 5

CONSTITUTION: 5

INTELLIGENCE: 5

DEXTERITY: 5

AGILITY: 5

CHARISMA: 11

AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0

[Abilities]

ACTIVE: Elemental Nova, Whirlwind Slash.

PASSIVE: Arcane Overflow.

AVAILABLE SKILL: 0

•••••

Caled, Quinn, and Meisie entered the guild hall, their footsteps echoing softly against the wooden floor. The hall was bustling with adventurers, some celebrating their victories, others nursing their wounds.

The trio made their way to the clerk's desk, where Amelia, the guild's receptionist, was busy sorting through papers.

"We've completed the quest," Caled announced, placing the proof of their success on the counter—a fang from the Marauder Goblin he had defeated.

Amelia's eyes widened as she picked up the fang, examining it closely. "A Marauder Goblin? That's a Rank E monster. How did a group of Rank F adventurers manage to defeat it?"

Quinn stepped forward, a proud smile on her face. "It was all Caled. He took it down one-on-one. It wasn't even much of a fight for him."

Amelia looked at Caled with newfound respect. "Impressive. While defeating a Rank E monster won't automatically promote you to Rank E, it will certainly speed up the process. Your strength is remarkable."

The murmurs of the surrounding adventurers grew louder.

News of a Rank F party defeating a Marauder Goblin was rare, and it quickly spread through the hall.

Caled could feel the weight of their gazes, some filled with admiration, others with envy.

After receiving their reward, Quinn turned to Caled and Meisie. "I need to head home to my family tonight," she said, her tone softening. "You two should enjoy the evening together."

Meisie's cheeks turned a deep shade of red at Quinn's teasing, but she didn't protest.

Caled chuckled, giving Quinn a nod. "We'll see you tomorrow."

With Quinn gone, Caled and Meisie decided to visit the marketplace. Their clothes had seen better days, worn and torn from their recent battles.

Caled replaced his old tracksuit with a sturdy adventurer's tunic and a pair of combat boots. The new outfit made him look like a native of this world, blending in seamlessly with the other adventurers.

Meisie picked out a simple yet elegant dress, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she twirled in front of a mirror. "It's been so long since I've worn something nice," she admitted, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

As the sun began to set, Caled suggested they eat at a nearby restaurant. They found a cozy place with a small band playing soft acoustic music in the corner.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and Caled made sure to treat Meisie like a lady. He held her hand as they walked to their table, pulling out her chair for her before taking his own seat.

They ordered steak, the aroma of the grilled meat filling the air.

As they ate, Meisie sighed softly. "I wish Quinn were here with us. It feels a little strange without her."

Caled reached across the table, gently taking her hand. "Next time, we'll all go out together. I promise."

Meisie smiled, her worries melting away. "I'd like that."

After dinner, they strolled through the park, the moonlight reflecting off the calm river.

Caled held Meisie's hand, their fingers intertwined. The night was peaceful, the kind of moment that made the struggles of their adventures feel worth it.

"I wish every day could be like this," Meisie whispered, her voice barely audible over the gentle rustling of the leaves.

Caled squeezed her hand. "It will be. We'll make sure of it."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Caled leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a tender kiss. It started softly, but soon grew deeper, more passionate.

Caled's hands wandered, gently grazing her waist before moving upward.

Meisie pulled away, her face flushed. "Caled!" she exclaimed, though there was no real anger in her voice.

Caled laughed, his cheeks slightly red. "Sorry, got carried away. Let's find an inn for the night."

Meisie nodded, allowing Caled to lead her through the streets. They found a small, cozy inn, its warm light spilling out onto the cobblestone road. Caled paid for a room, and they made their way upstairs.

As they entered the room, Meisie hesitated for a moment, her heart racing. But Caled's reassuring smile put her at ease.