The next two days blurred together, settling into a comfortable routine. Colm spent much of the journey idly chatting with Don, learning about his life and experiences. Over time, Don's presence became a quiet source of comfort on the trip.

He was surprised to discover that Don was sixty years old. Amazing, he thought. The man doesn't look a day over twenty-five. Apparently, constitution did wonders. Colm recalled what Jerry had said about himself and wondered how old that man really was, considering how spry he still seemed.

As the journey continued, Colm gained a clearer understanding of the escort mission. A handful of merchants and crafters from the city regularly attended these supply runs to the northern coast. Some herbs and minerals were unique to the area, and the seawater itself was highly valued for salt production. The caravan made these trips routinely to stock up on essential resources.

Each evening, when the caravan stopped to allow the horses and travelers to rest, Colm found himself assigned to the first shift of guard duty. He preferred it that way—getting the job done early so he had the rest of the night to himself.

He often ended up sitting next to Grant, as they shared the same shift and later gathered with the others. Through their conversations, Colm learned a great deal about the man. Apparently, Grant was only twenty-one years old, which surprised Colm given the man's gruff and hardened exterior.

Grant regularly delved into Echoes, hoping to provide a better life for his family. His mother had passed away when he was young, leaving just him and his father. His father, a cook at one of the local stands, specialized in a sweet dish that sounded suspiciously like ice cream to Colm. He made a mental note to try it once he returned to Brimhope.

On the evening of the second day, Colm sat near the fire, reflecting on the past couple of days. This has been really nice. He thought of his growing friendships with Don and Grant, as well as the various other travelers he had spoken to. Everyone had welcomed him openly, showing generosity despite his inexperience.

Everyone here is so nice, he mused, chuckling softly. What's the catch? His voice carried a hint of sadness as he stared into the flames.

Pushing aside the thought, Colm glanced back at his recent notifications, noting the skills he had gained. The adventures had proven valuable, allowing him to train and level up in ways he hadn't expected.

Skill Acquired

Heightened Instincts (Level 1) - Tuning into subtle environmental cues improves your ability to sense movement, danger, and unseen threats before they fully emerge.

Heightened Instincts (Level 1) has increased to Heightened Instincts (Level 2).

Heightened Instincts (Level 2) has increased to Heightened Instincts (Level 3).

Skill Acquired

Meditation (Level 1) – Entering a state of complete stillness slows physical strain and deepens concentration, allowing for faster mana recovery and improved mental clarity.

Meditation (Level 1) has increased to Meditation (Level 2).

Meditation (Level 2) has increased to Meditation (Level 3).

Meditation (Level 3) has increased to Meditation (Level 4).

Meditation (Level 4) has increased to Meditation (Level 5).

Colm admired the progress he had made while everyone else slept. Might as well train something while I'm out here and everyone's resting. Heightened Instincts and Focused Meditation would both prove useful, and he was glad to have finally unlocked them.

I'm surprised I didn't get these sooner, he mused. For Heightened Instincts, I was really focusing on the subtle movements of the grass swaying in the breeze. I guess I just wasn't paying enough attention before to trigger it as a skill.

Meditation, on the other hand, felt like an entirely different challenge. I love the idea of it, but I know I'm terrible at sitting still. He let out a quiet laugh—too loud, apparently, as a nearby adventurer shifted in their sleep.

Colm immediately quieted himself, muttering a soft, "Sorry," before standing. I should probably step away for a bit. I want to focus more on Meditation and see if I can eke out another level before everyone wakes up.

With that, he slipped away from the central wagon, heading toward the outskirts of the camp. It had become a regular habit, trusting completely in his phantoms to keep watch of himself and the caravan while he trained. Once he had put some distance between himself and the others, he summoned Carver and Lance, still choosing to keep Robin as his hidden ace for most encounters.

Colm walked for a few minutes, following the routine he had kept for the past few days. He found a solid patch of stone surrounded by grass and wildflowers and dropped down onto the rock, summoning Carver and Lance to their usual positions. You know the drill.

Carver immediately took position in front of him, while Lance guarded the rear, staying a few steps back so Colm wouldn't feel cramped.

He smiled as he glanced at his phantoms. I bet they stand out like a sore thumb against the night, he thought, eyeing Carver's form—still flowing eerily with tidal water from his attunement, though far more solid since Colm had uncovered the Resonance class specialization.

I wonder just how bright they are. He sighed. It's a bit unfortunate that my Twilight Sight from the Morvyn race can't be toggled off.

Maybe he could find a way to camouflage them better in the future. Hiding them in my shadow or something… He chuckled at the thought, recalling an old story from back home.

Colm closed his eyes and took a deep breath, the scent of wildflowers filling his lungs with a pleasant, earthy sweetness. As he exhaled, his mind drifted, thoughts fading into a quiet stillness. He focused on nothing—only the sensation of inner peace settling over him.

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* * *

A silhouette drifted into view, accompanied by a soft, pleasant voice.

"Fun fact—did you know I'm allergic to flowers?" the voice mused.

The scene shifted, revealing Colm holding a vase full of roses, just as he extended them toward the figure.

He scratched his head, pulling the roses back. "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize."

The silhouette laughed. "Don't worry about it! You couldn't have known. Besides, I love them!" The figure reached forward, effortlessly taking the vase from his hands.

Colm smiled. "Glad you like them. I found them at a local boutique and picked them out by hand."

The voice sounded impressed. "Well, look at you—supporting small businesses and making your girl happy."

Colm puffed out his chest. "Well, you know me—it just comes naturally." He held the pose for a moment before breaking into laughter and relaxing.

The figure motioned for him to follow. "Come on, help me find a place to put these!"

Colm nodded with a grin. "Yes, ma'am." He followed her inside.

* * *

Colm's eyes slowly opened as he breathed out a deep breath he'd been holding. He's eyes caught sight of a notification in his vision

Meditation (Level 5) has increased to Meditation (Level 6).

Colm smiled. "Got it."

He glanced around, catching sight of the sun creeping over the horizon—just in time. Rising from his spot, he took in the emptiness surrounding him, the only sign of life being the distant caravan.

Turning to his phantoms, he gave a nod. "Time to head back." With that, he started toward the camp, arriving just as people were beginning to stir from their bedrolls. As he neared, he dismissed his phantoms to avoid startling anyone.

Approaching the camp, he spotted Zach, the caravan leader, and gave a wave. "Hey, Zach. How'd you sleep?"

Zach let out a yawn. "Pretty good. I've got a nice setup for these escorts now, so I sleep like a rock," he said with a chuckle. "We'll be heading out soon, so pack up and make your way to the front when you're ready."

Colm nodded, glancing around to see everyone else doing the same. With that, he turned and made his way toward the front of the caravan.

As he took his first step, a chill ran down his spine, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. Something's wrong. He felt it deep in his bones.

Before he could fully process the feeling, a sharp yell cut through the air.

"UNDEAD INCOMING!"

Colm reacted instantly, activating Phantom Warrior and Phantom Spearman. In a blink, Carver and Lance materialized beside him, their spectral forms solidifying as the familiar puddle of Rising Tide spread beneath his feet.

His eyes flicked to Zach, who stood frozen nearby, fear plain on his face as he stared toward the source of the shout. He isn't a fighter, Colm realized.

Without hesitation, he bolted forward, sprinting toward the commotion. A quick glance over his shoulder confirmed what he already knew—the other adventurers were moving, but they were much slower than him. I'm faster than all of them.

Within moments, Colm reached the front wagon, his sharp eyes locking onto Don, who was already bracing for combat, blade in hand.

Three undead lurched forward, barely a couple hundred feet away.

Undead Walker (Level 2)

Undead Walker (Level 9)

Undead Walker (Level 4)

Colm stepped up beside Don and gave him a brief nod before turning his focus to Carver. With a simple command, his phantom surged forward toward the approaching undead.

Slow-moving and low level… that's good. They're nothing like the undead stalker, Colm noted.

Within moments, Carver reached the undead, his blade glowing with a faint blue aura—a sign of Ripping Cleave activating. In a single sweeping strike, the phantom tore through all three, slicing through them like paper. A resounding crash of waves followed in its wake, ensuring their destruction.

Undead Walker (Level 2) Defeated. No Experience Gained.

Undead Walker (Level 9) Defeated. No Experience Gained.

Undead Walker (Level 4) Defeated. No Experience Gained.

Colm let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and turned to Don. "You okay?"

Don nodded. "Thanks for handling them, Colm. I hate having to get up close to the undead." He sighed. "One mistake, and it's all over. Fighting them is nothing like anything else."

Colm nodded in understanding. "I get it." Glancing at Carver, he added, "Fortunately, my class lets me deal with them from a distance. I don't have to take that risk."

At that moment, the pounding of footsteps signaled the arrival of the remaining adventurers. The first familiar face Colm spotted was Grant.

Before anyone could ask questions, Don turned to address the group. "It's all over," he said, thumbing over his shoulder. "Colm handled them easily."

He continued, "Three undead walkers. The highest was level nine. Nothing too major, but we need to stay on alert for anything unusual."

With that, the group began dispersing, returning to their assigned wagons as the excitement was over. Colm fell in step beside Don, making his way back to the front.

As the caravan pressed on, Colm allowed himself to take in the scenery, his senses still sharp for any threats. If an undead stalker managed to sneak up on someone here… His thoughts darkened. I don't think we'd get out unscathed.

[ Status ]

Name: Colm Arden

Race: Morvyn

Level: 65

Health: 1450 / 1450

Mana: 380 / 720

Strength: 70 (84)

Dexterity: 75 (90)

Intelligence: 120 (144)

Constitution: 121 (145)

Bonded Weapon: Abyssal Ledger (Tier 3, Level 4)

Weapon Ability: Abyssal Lance (Tier 3, Level 4)

Attunement: Tide

Attunement Abilities:

- Rising Current (Level 6)

- Wavebound Surge (Level 5)

Class: Spirit Warden (Tier 5)

Specialization: Resonance

Active Class Abilities:

- Phantom Warrior (Tier 2, Level 2) [Carver]

- Phantom Spearman (Tier 2, Level 1) [Lance]

- Phantom Archer (Tier 2, Level 1) [Robin]

- Empty

- Empty

Passive Class Abilities:

- Lingering Vitality (Tier 2, Level 10)

- Spectral Persistence (Level 10)

- Phantom Sacrifice (Level 10)

- Empty

- Empty

Skills:

- Analyze (Level 7)

- Stealth (Level 7)

- Pain Resistance (Tier 2, Level 1)

- Hardened Skin (Level 8)

- Slash Resistance (Level 7)

- Spear Mastery (Level 10)

- Sprint Mastery (Level 10)

- Poison Resistance (Level 6)

- Stun Resistance (Level 5)

- Dual Wielding (Level 4)

- Infection Resistance (Tier 3, Level 10)

- Heightened Instincts (Level 3)

- Meditation (Level 6)

Achievements:

- Through the Rift

- Champion of the Lucent Grove

- Bane of the Undead

- Echo Sprinter I

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