The death of the Ogre released a torrent of ether far denser than anything they had ever known. It was like a lukewarm, rough wave that overwhelmed them, penetrating every pore of their skin. The energy was heavy, tinged with the corruption of laziness, but the process of absorbing their blessings filtered it, leaving only raw power.
Almost immediately, Arthur, clenching his teeth in pain, felt an intense tingling in his broken arm. His bones came back into place with a dull crack, the bruised tissue regenerating itself in plain sight. The sharp pain turned into a simple stiffness, then almost completely disappeared. He opened his eyes wide, stunned, and moved his fingers.
"What is...?"
Before he could finish his sentence, a first jolt ran through him. More subtle than healing, but just as real. A feeling of expansion, as if its domestic reserves had just doubled in size. His etheric watch vibrated.
Arthur Leclerc
Level 2 reached.
Blessing: Quickstep (B) - +2 Statistics Points.
AVAILABLE POINTS: 3 (1 base + 2 bonuses)
Almost simultaneously, Conor and Lyra were seized by the same sensation. The fatigue that weighed down Conor's limbs evaporated, replaced by a new vitality. The micro-cracks on his skin hardened by the Ironskin reabsorbed. Lyra, on the other hand, felt her perception sharpen, as the world around her became sharper, more detailed. Their watches displayed the same message, adapted to their blessings.
CONOR
Level 2 reached.
Blessing: Ironskin (B) - +2 Statistics Points.
Available points: 3
Lyra Melthorn
Level 2 reached.
Blessing: Control of Glass (B) - +2 Statistics Points.
Available points: 3
Then, a second wave, even more powerful, hit them. The accumulated energy of goblins, slimes, and the Ogre was so substantial that it propelled their growth once again. Their bodies adapted, strengthened once more. Arthur felt his legs become lighter, his reflexes speed up. Conor felt his muscles become denser, his bone structure become stronger. Lyra perceived increased mental clarity, her control over the refined glass as never before.
Arthur Leclerc
Level 3 reached.
AVAILABLE POINTS: 6 (3 + 1 base + 2 bonus)
CONOR
Level 3 reached.
Available points: 6
Lyra Melthorn
Level 3 reached.
Available points: 6
They looked at each other in disbelief. The transformation was palpable. Arthur leapt to the spot, performing a Quickstep so fast that he left a trail of disturbed air. I feel... lighter! Faster!"
Conor struck his fist against his shield, producing a lighter metallic sound. "My skin is harder. And I feel stronger."
Lyra revealed a shard of glass, not just a needle, but a curved, thin blade, which she swirled with deadly precision. Less resistance."
Then their eyes turned to Hakime. He was still on his knees, breathing deeply. The ether wave had also affected him, but in a different way. They could literally see the energy rushing towards him, as if sucked in by a vortex. His body trembled violently, and a golden glow enveloped him for a moment. The extreme fatigue that was eating away at him after his effort against the Ogre disappeared, his reserves of ether partially filling up. Only one notification appeared on his watch.
HAKIME
Level 2 reached.
Blessing: Monarch of Light (SSS) - +5 Statistics Points.
AVAILABLE POINTS: 6 (1 base + 5 bonuses)
He stood up, feeling the difference. His ether supply was larger, his connection to the deeper light. But the gap was now obvious. While his friends had climbed two levels, he had gained only one. The exorbitant cost of his blessing was cruel.
"Only one level?" whispered Arthur, realizing the disparity.
"The price of power," commented Lyra, her analytical look at Hakime. "Your reservoir is much bigger than ours. Filling it requires much more energy."
Conor nodded gravely." Every level you earn will be a much bigger victory than ours."
Hakime clenched his fists. It wasn't a surprise, but to experience it was a humbling experience. He had to be more efficient, more stingy with his ether. Every drop counted.
"Enough about me," he said, changing the subject. "We have points to distribute. Let's do it smartly."
They sat near the now secure source, checking their stats. Arthur, without hesitation, placed his six points in Agility. Conor divides his team between Strength and Endurance. Lyra opted for Will and Perception.
Hakime studied his own statistics. His Will and Perception were naturally high. But his body was his weak point. He placed 3 points in Endurance, to last longer, and 3 points in Strength, to improve his hand-to-hand abilities with the spear.
As they finished their adjustments, a common alert appeared on their watches, sent by the instructors.
Abnormal monster movements detected in your area. Get together and prepare for a possible tide. Be on your guard. Secondary rallying point: Ravin des Anciens, coordinates 47-B."
The relief of victory and leveling instantly evaporated. Their eyes met, full of new determination, steeped in action and strengthened by growth. The night ahead would not be resting. The real test of the expedition was just beginning.