Sinclair's long-held wish to explore the beauty of Scotland had finally materialized, albeit under circumstances far from leisurely. That said, even the crisis he was being thrown into couldn't take away from the quaint, rustic charm of the village houses nestled amidst such a beautifully rugged landscape. It was a stark contrast to the life he had left behind.

His appreciation, however, was sharply interrupted by a scream that sliced through the tranquil air, emanating from deep within the village.

Instinctively, Sinclair's battle instincts took over. A cold dread washed over him as he turned towards the unsettling noise, his every nerve screaming, a silent order for Chewy and Leia to spread out and find whatever lurked in the shadows. His orders were clear: "Scout, but do not engage. Stay safe."

Sinclair backed away from the village as he activated Yggdrasil's Authority, to make sure the villagers wouldn't be caught in the aura and unsettled. Once active, he sprinted back towards the village until, getting closer, he switched to a more cautious advance.

Villagers, their faces etched with terror, peeked out from behind curtains, protected—they hoped— by doors that had been quickly and firmly shut. Their expressions oscillated between tearful fright and stunned disbelief. Sinclair's strange appearance provided some calming relief, yet tempered by confusion at the presence of someone who clearly hadn't been there a few minutes prior.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, Sinclair came upon a man propped up against a wall, a deep and severe rent across his abdomen. Reacting swiftly, Sinclair retrieved one of his smaller health potions from his gear. He administered the potion directly onto the gaping wound and gently encouraged the injured man to drink the remaining liquid. Even as he cared for the injured man, Sinclair's eyes continued to sweep the silent streets, alert to any sign of imminent threat.

Sinclair hastened to the nearest door, guiding the injured man into the anxious, yet ready arms that reached out from within. As the door shut with a gentle click, sealing the man inside, Sinclair proceeded onwards.

By the time he heard from Leia, he had successfully guided three more villagers to safety, but the discovery of even more corpses had tempered his elation, each with wounds that told of a painful and slow demise.

Leia's voice cut through his sadness like a dagger "Sinclair, I've located the monster. It's in the town center, near the water structure. It has trapped a group of villagers and is about to strike. I'm going to buy you time." Without hesitation, Sinclair quickened his pace towards where he felt the town center should be, prepared for the confrontation that awaited.

Sinclair yelled out to the nearest villager, desperate to find out where the town center was, quickly being told to "head down the street and take the third left". Desperate to reach the village square before it became too late, Sinclair pushed into a swift sprint, propelling himself down the street with a burst of speed that surprised even him. The cobblestoned paths cracked and then blurred beneath his feet as he raced forward. He mentally shouted to them, reassuring them he was on the way. Be safe, my friends. I'll be there soon.

Realising that travel would be faster if he moved as the bird flies, Sinclair pivoted on his left heel and kicked with his right into the ground, launching himself into the air in an audacious leap. His attempt at a superhero jump almost turned to disaster as he came close to catching his ankle on the eaves of the roof, but he lifted his knees at the last moment, landing along the slate tiles and skidding across the roof before leaping once again on the next roof, and the next.

The sounds of a ferocious struggle below became increasingly audible—a symphony of growls, whines, and clashes, clear signs that Chewy and Leia were already engaged with the monstrous adversary. Sinclair invoked his Focused Charge, propelling himself across the rooftops with extraordinary speed, aiming to reach the nearest rooftops to the town square and launch himself into the fray.

As he came to a sharp stop at the rooftop's edge, Sinclair's eyes widened slightly at the harrowing tableau. Chewy, in a valiant act of selflessness, had just propelled Leia out of harm's way, diverting a lethal, scythe-like appendage toward himself. The monstrous limb impaled Chewy, anchoring him to the ground amidst a harrowing chorus of pain.

The creature they were contending with was a nightmarish fusion of body parts. It had the general structure of an enormous spider, with a bloated abdomen and slender, articulated legs. Yet, jarringly, where one might expect a spider's head, there was the torso of a human woman, grotesque and disproportionately long-limbed.

Overcoming his initial disgust at the human-spider hybrid, Sinclair propelled himself from the rooftop, plunging toward the confrontation. Mid-descent, his body underwent a dramatic transformation as his Visage of the Wolf ability activated, reshaping him into his formidable wolf-human hybrid form.

The instant Sinclair came within striking distance, he unleashed a ferocious Wild Shout, which immediately captured the monstrous creature's attention. In his peripheral vision, he noticed Leia, shaken but determined, staggering toward the motionless Chewy. As she stood protecting her brother, she was enveloped by a radiant, luminescent aura. Her eyes glowing a brilliant sapphire hue.

For Sinclair, time seemed to decelerate, stretching each fleeting second into an eternity. The surrounding pandemonium appeared suspended, with Sinclair's actions becoming the sole movement in an otherwise motionless tableau. As he plummeted towards the grotesque adversary, his grip on his large axe tightened, drawing back for a monumental Cleave. His entire being vibrated with pent-up energy, muscles coiled in readiness, poised to unleash a cataclysmic blow.

Sinclair descended like a meteor, his axe carving a blazing crimson arc as it tore through the air. The blow connected with one of the creature's many limbs, severing it cleanly. The massive appendage hit the ground with a wet thud, its severed edges smoldering faintly from the axe's enchanted edge.

The creature staggered, momentarily unbalanced by the loss, but Sinclair pressed the attack. He darted through the forest of spindly legs, his axe rising and falling in precise, calculated strikes. Chitin splintered and flesh tore under the weight of each blow, leaving behind jagged wounds that bled thick ichor. Each strike was aimed to disable, to tear through joints and weaken the creature's movements.

The monster lashed out, its remaining limbs stabbing and slashing at Sinclair in rapid succession. He ducked under a swinging leg, sidestepped another, and retaliated with a heavy strike that shattered another limb near its base. The impact sent a crack reverberating through the battlefield, and the creature stumbled further, its balance slipping with every limb lost.

Sinclair's axe moved with relentless efficiency, embedding itself in the creature's armored hide before wrenching free to strike again. The beast's attempts at retaliation were met with precision; every counter strike either dodged or parried as Sinclair maintained control of the fight. Its cries of pain were drowned by the rhythmic sound of metal against flesh, each impact cutting deeper into its defenses.

The ground beneath them grew slick with ichor as the creature faltered, its remaining limbs struggling to support its massive frame. Sinclair, unrelenting, surged forward. Another strike found purchase in the creature's abdomen, splitting the chitin and releasing a gush of viscous fluid. The monster writhed in desperation, but Sinclair showed no mercy.

The battle reached its climax as Sinclair hefted his axe high for one final blow.

Sinclair's axe flared with mana-infused light as Cleave activated, the blade humming with raw energy. With a powerful leap, his muscles coiled and released like a spring, propelling him high into the air. Below, the Myrkr, battered and barely standing under the relentless onslaught, staggered. Its grotesque form seemed to waver, its collapse imminent.

As Sinclair reached the apex of his jump, time seemed to still for a moment. Then, with a sharp exhale, he activated Focused Charge. The combined force of the skill and gravity turned his descent into a missile-like plummet. The air whistled around him, the edges of his axe glowing white-hot as it sliced through the wind. A guttural roar tore from his throat as he swung downward, the blow carrying both precision and unstoppable force.

The glowing axe met its mark with devastating impact, splitting the Myrkr cleanly down the middle. The strike's sheer power reverberated through the ground as the creature's two halves fell away from each other, its corrupted innards cauterized instantly by the heat of the enchanted weapon. The Myrkr shuddered once, then collapsed into a lifeless heap, the last remnants of its unholy vitality extinguished.

Landing heavily but steadily, Sinclair approached the carcass, his breaths coming in deep, ragged bursts. He planted a foot against the remains and wrenched his axe free with a sickening crack, ichor dripping from its glowing blade. Sliding the weapon back into its harness, he reached into his inventory, retrieving a health potion. Tilting his head back, he drained it in one long gulp, the restorative liquid glowing faintly as it worked through his battered body.

Without hesitation, Sinclair turned toward Chewy. The direwolf lay motionless under Leia's watchful presence, her luminescent aura casting a soft glow over his injured form. Chewy's shallow breaths were labored, his massive chest rising and falling unevenly. The wounds covering his body were severe, the matted fur and blood stark against his usual strength. Whatever Leia's aura was, it seemed to be the only thing holding back the inevitable, a fragile barrier against the creeping grasp of death. Sinclair's focus sharpened as he closed the distance, his attention entirely on the direwolf's precarious state.

Sinclair gently knelt beside Chewy, pulling out the health potion, he cradled Chewy's head and slowly tipped the potion into his mouth, careful to ensure that every precious drop was consumed.

Almost immediately, the potion took effect. Chewy's breath, which had been shallow and labored, now deepened. Each inhale and exhale steadier and more rhythmic. The erratic drumming of his heart steadied into a strong, consistent beat. Sinclair's own panic receded as he realized the worst had passed.

Leaning back, Sinclair let a heavy sigh of relief escape his lips. He reached out mentally to Leia, his hand stroking her back in a calming gesture. "Leia, he's going to be alright," he conveyed through their bond with a comforting tone that he hoped would ease her evident distress.

Gradually, the aura around Leia's body dimmed until it was no longer visible. As it faded, she visibly calmed herself, her trembling gradually subsiding until she stood there, entirely normal, able once more to stop her mind racing in fear about the potential loss of her sibling.

Sinclair, intrigued by the extraordinary display of power, addressed Leia with a curious tone. "What was that blue light just now? It looked almost like a healing aura," he inquired, seeking to understand the phenomenon.

Leia's response was coloured by wonderment, but had an undeniable undercurrent of uncertainty. "I... don't know.," she admitted. "When I saw Chewy so grievously hurt, I was overwhelmed. I couldn't face losing him too, not after our parents. Instinctively, I channeled mana towards him, hoping that it might heal him. I guess it worked?"

As if on cue, a notification materialized in Sinclair's field of vision

New Companion Skill: Direwolf's Healing Aura (Uncommon)

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Description: This unique skill channels the direwolf's mana into a targeted ally, initiating a steady and natural healing process. The aura promotes the gradual restoration of health by targeting minor injuries and lingering battle fatigue through the supply of calming energy. While most effective on small wounds, it offers invaluable support for post-combat recovery, ensuring the longevity and resilience of the pack.

Effects:

Gradually restores health over time, albeit focusing on minor injuries.

Enhances post-battle recovery by reducing fatigue.

Creates a soothing aura that bolsters the morale of nearby allies.

"Well then. Apparently I get notifications when you get a skill too. Have you seen it? It's pretty cool; congratulations!" Internally, Sinclair was relieved; she had surely saved her brother's life by slowly healing him and keeping him alive until he could get there with a healing potion.

Panting from the mana usage, she replied haltingly, "Yes. Our bond is strengthening. Thank you."

Reverting from his formidable wolf form to his human guise, Sinclair re-sheathed his weapons, his posture showing just how exhausted he was to anyone paying attention. With a firm and constant gait, he approached the defeated monstrosity, leaving Leia to stand protection over Chewy as he healed.

Methodically, he sifted through the remains of their fallen adversary, his actions efficient but his concentration elsewhere. His thoughts had already begun to race ahead, as he tried to work out how on earth—or how on Midgard, he should say—he was going to dispose of the corpse. In a moment of inspiration he sought guidance from Huginn and Muninn, only to be provided with a two word response: "Pyroclast Essence."

Quickly accessing the digital marketplace through his interface, Sinclair located the Pyroclast Essence. To his relief, it was both available and surprisingly affordable, priced at a modest 9 gold per jug. He bought a single jug, for now.

New Item: Pyroclast Essence (Uncommon)

Description: Pyroclast Essence is a potent material known for its fiery properties. When applied, it burns with an intensity that can reduce even the strongest monsters to ash, ensuring their complete incineration and preventing any form of regeneration. This material must be handled with extreme caution.

Notes: Please watch your hands after use and avoid contract with the eyes.

With methodical care, Sinclair coated the abhorrent remains of the creature with the Pyroclast Essence. The liquid fizzed and glowed as it interacted with the carcass, casting an eerie light over the scene, as if from the flicker of tiny flames already licking their way across the body. He made sure every inch of the monster was drenched, laboriously gathering the scattered limbs and placing them upon the main body to ensure complete coverage.

Sinclair considered, once again, how different this was proving to the video games he was so familiar with. Here, there was no convenient vanishing of defeated foes; instead, they lingered as grim reminders of the battles fought.

The sound of a door creaking open pulled Sinclair's attention away from his task. Halting footsteps approached, betraying the apprehension of a local villager, who cautiously navigated around the Myrkr remains. The man appeared uneasy, curious and scared: an interesting melange of emotion. He jumped when Sinclair, sensing his approach, turned to meet his gaze and spoke.

"I'm sorry for the chaos that's been brought to your village," he began. "The threat has been neutralized for now, but vigilance is key. Other dangers might still be out there. If needed, I will come back to assist."

He paused, the lines of his face etched by his weariness following the ordeal. "I know you have questions, many questions. Right now, I can't provide all the answers, but be assured, clarity will come in time. As for this creature," he gestured towards the carcass he had been tending to, "it will be taken care of shortly. I need to leave soon, but before I go, there are injured villagers who need attention. I have helped those I could. Please make sure they are looked after."

Acknowledging Sinclair's instructions with a nod, the villager withdrew, intent on assembling more townspeople. Meanwhile, he continued with the somber task of drenching the monstrous remains in the accelerant, ensuring every inch was saturated with the potent substance.

A moment of hesitation occurred as Sinclair searched his pockets, only to discover he lacked a means to safely ignite the creature's soaked corpse. At that moment, a perceptive local, discerning Sinclair's quandary, stepped out from the shelter of an antiquated store. In his hands, he held a time-worn lantern, its oil reservoir full, and a small box of matches. Silently, he lit the lantern's wick, the flame flickering to life, and handed it over to Sinclair. With a quick glance, he then hastened back into the refuge of his shop, leaving Sinclair to carry out the necessary yet grim task ahead.

Sinclair hurled the lantern towards the creature, its flames eagerly consuming the Pyroclast Essence-soaked remains. In moments, a fierce inferno engulfed the monstrosity, rapidly reducing it to ashes. Sinclair scanned the area meticulously, ensuring no fragment of the creature remained untouched by the ravenous flames.

As soon as the grim undertaking was finished, he made his way back to Chewy and Leia. He gently lifted Chewy, now noticeably improved, ready for their journey home. Leia remained close, her presence a silent source of support as they teleported back home.

Arriving home brought no solace, with the mental and emotional toll of the recent events sat heavily upon him. While his determination and resilience were unshaken, there was a palpable sense of weariness clinging to his spirit like a leaden weight. The path he had chosen, he realized, was not just a journey of physical confrontations, but one of profound personal transformation.

Sinclair carefully laid Chewy down on the bed, ensuring his loyal companion was as comfortable as possible. He scrutinized Chewy's health indicators, relieved to find them fully restored. The exhausting ordeal had taken its toll, leaving Chewy in need of rest. Leia, still vigilant, nestled beside Chewy, protective as always.

Descending the stairs, Sinclair's mind continued to race with reflections of the battle. He recalled glimpses of stat gains and a new skill acquisition amidst the chaos, but the exigency of the fight had pushed these details to the back of his mind.

Settling into his cherished porch-side chair, Sinclair sought refuge in the familiar comfort it offered. He opened his logs, poring over them with keen interest. His eyes widened in discovery; the creature they had just vanquished was only level 57. Levels are not everything, it seems, although I guess I'm the best example of that.

Instead of musing further on the oddities of leveling, Sinclair shifted to reading about his newest skill and item.

New Skill: Leap (Common)

Description: A mana-infused movement skill that allows the user to accelerate through the air for a short distance.

Enemies Defeated x1

Experience awarded x36478

14 gold

1 x broken bladed leg

4x Armoured Chitin

Your skills have increased!

Cleave: Level 10 → Level 12

Leap: Level 0 → Level 2

Focused Charge: Level 10 → Level 11

Visage of the Wolf: Level 0 → Level 2

Huginn and Muninn: Level 0 → Level 1

Will of the Norns: Level 7 → Level 9

Two-Handed Weapons: Level 7 → Level 9

Looking over at the description of the Chitin and leg he found identical descriptions, other than the item name.

New Item: Armoured Chitin (Uncommon)

Description: Armoured Chitin is a high-strength natural crafting material harvested from the exoskeletons of powerful creatures. Renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to physical attacks, it is ideal for crafting superior-quality armour and shields. Its natural elemental resistance and high-tensile strength make it highly sought after by skilled artisans specializing in battle gear. The quality and effectiveness of Armoured Chitin depend on the creature it is sourced from, providing versatility and complexity in its crafting applications.

Uses:

Crafting durable armour with high physical resistance.

Crafting shields with unique defensive properties.

Reinforcing existing equipment for enhanced durability.

Before surrendering to mental exhaustion, Sinclair cast a final thought towards his quest log. He needed to confirm that the task had indeed been completed and to inspect the rewards he had earned from the harrowing encounter.

Quest Completed: Shadows on the Coast

Rewards:

125,000 Experience

New Item:

Boots of the Mountain Wolves

You have leveled up!

As you are an Ulfhednar, you receive the following stat increases automatically:

+ 5 Strength

+ 3 Agility

+ 4 Constitution

+ 3 Intelligence

+ 4 Willpower

+ 5 Endurance

As you are an Ulfhednar, you receive four free points to spend on the stats of your choice

To level up, please assign your points.

New Item: Boots of the Mountain Wolves (Legendary)

Description: These legendary boots, forged as part of the revered Wolf Lords set, represent the untamed spirit of the wilderness. Crafted to endure the harshest terrains, they exist to tread across jagged mountains and dense forests, granting their wearer the stability and grace of a wolf in its prime. Once worn by Wolf Lords who scaled sheer cliffs and leapt across rocky chasms with ease, these boots provide unparalleled balance, agility, and strength, making them indispensable for traversing challenging landscapes.

Effects:

+17 Strength

+21 Agility

+15 Constitution

+3% Agility utilization

The Boots of the Mountain Wolves were a masterpiece. Crafted from sturdy, dark leather, they bore intricate patterns reminiscent of wild forests and rugged mountain ranges. The boots rose to mid-calf, providing ample support and protection. Their soles were thick and robust, designed with deep treads that mimicked the paws of a wolf, ensuring a secure grip on even the most treacherous terrain.

Sinclair held the boots reverently, admiring the way the leather seemed to ripple with a life of its own, as if echoing the vitality of the wilderness. He could almost feel the history they carried: stories of ancient Wolf Lords that had traversed daunting landscapes with these very boots. Gently, he slid his feet into them, feeling an immediate sense of rightness, as if they had been crafted specifically for him. The boots conformed snugly to his feet, the leather warm and pliant, perfectly encasing each foot.

As Sinclair laced them up, he noticed the laces were not mere strings but braided with fine silver threads, shimmering faintly, adding a touch of elegance to the rugged appearance of the boots. Standing up, he felt himself connected metaphysically to the ground beneath his feet. The boots seemed to enhance his balance and stability; with these boots, Sinclair knew he could confidently face any terrain.

Resting comfortably in his chair, Sinclair pondered over the intriguing concept of 'Agility Utilization' mentioned in the description of his new boots. The word 'utilization' hadn't been attached to a stat before, and Sinclair decided it was worth clarifying the meaning, in this context, with Huginn and Muninn.

Stat Utilization: Utilization is a hidden metric governed by the system. It rates how efficiently you can use the stat in question. A low utilization rate with high stats will be less effective than high utilization and low stats.

The revelation was eye-opening: a player with a lower stat value but higher utilization could potentially outperform someone with higher stats but lower utilization: no wonder that levels were proving to be a less clear guide than he had previously expected

This information implied that the mere accumulation of stats was not enough. The key to success lay in the ability to adeptly integrate and employ one's stats in real-world scenarios. It was about the harmony between an individual's physical abilities and their mental acumen, the synergy between their muscles and mind. This understanding nudged Sinclair to view his training and growth through a new lens. This isn't just about enhancing my stats, but about mastering the art of using them efficiently and effectively.

And with that thought, Sinclair decided he'd had enough thinking. He navigated to his Market screen, his curiosity piqued about the variety of beers available within the system. His search led him to a particular brand that claimed compatibility with his current constitution level. Intrigued, he procured a single bottle for a taste test.

New Item: Sea Giant's Grog (Rare)

Description: Brewed in the depths of Aegir's legendary underwater halls, Sea Giant's Grog is a formidable beverage, known for its robust flavor and potent effects. This deep amber liquid, rich with the mysteries of the ocean, carries hints of salted caramel and smoked seaweed, creating a taste experience as vast as the sea itself. Each sip is like a journey through Aegir's own tales, infused with the might and magic of the sea giants. Renowned for its strength, this grog is said to affect beings up to E grade constitutions, making it a favorite among the hardiest of warriors and adventurers.

Upon his first sip, Sinclair was pleasantly surprised. The drink surpassed his expectations, offering a flavor profile that was rich yet surprisingly mellow. The typical bitterness associated with alcohol was almost imperceptible, creating a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. It was, without a doubt, one of the best beers he had ever tasted. For a fleeting moment, the stress of his experiences faded into the background, replaced by the simple pleasure of a well-crafted brew.

Sitting there, Sinclair gently rocked back and forth, his mind grappling with the haunting images of the day. His sight was shadowed by the memory of children whose lives had been tragically cut short. His heart was heavy with sorrow for those who had perished, and for the survivors who now faced a reality forever changed.

As he remained seated, he continued to sip the delightful beer, each gulp offering a fleeting escape from the overwhelming sorrow that engulfed him. Gradually, Sinclair's surroundings began to lose their sharpness, fading into a blur as the alcohol coaxed him into a deep, heavy slumber right there on his front porch, unaware that the traces of dried tears lay on his face, a testament to the deep empathy that no amount of death could scour from his soul.

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