The Lost Guild: Beginning

Chapter 3: Improvements Galore

Waking up at dawn, I feel groggy and can barely keep my eyes open. Dammit, I haven't been able to sleep properly since we got here, between the threat of a wolf attack and the constant interruptions for night watch. Struggling to my feet, I grab my spear, using it as a crutch.

I look at Max, nod, and say, "Max, wait. Let's figure out what each stat really does before we go hunting."

Max's shoulders slump, but a moment later he replies, "Fine, but I'm putting my current stat points into wisdom."

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I relent. "Fine. I'll go for dexterity, then."

With our choices made, I watch Max as he pours all three stat points into wisdom, conjuring fireballs and streams of flame with new found ease. At first, I don't see much difference other than less visible effort put into activating each skill, but when he splits a basketball-sized fireball into twelve smaller ones orbiting his palm and hurls them at a rock, I start to understand. As they hit, one by one, the rock disintegrates under the barrage. He then splits a stream of flame into two concentrated beams, drilling into the mud.

Whistling, I ask, "Was that all because of wisdom?"

Max smiles, lowering his hands. "Yes and no. Wisdom basically gave me magical instincts, letting me level up my skills."

Scratching my chin, I consider the implications. So stats can influence skill growth. This means we have to spend our points wisely—after we finish experimenting.

Hesitantly, I place my three points into dexterity. I grip my spear, assuming a wide stance, legs apart, slightly bent. Going through standard thrusts and slashes, I feel the movements flow more naturally. My grip and speed are noticeably better, each muscle contraction faster than before. Emboldened, I turn to Max and say, "Throw a weak fireball at me. Aim for my chest."

Max simply shrugs, conjures a small fireball, and throws it. As it speeds toward me, I feel a bit slow to intercept it—until Blood Rush activates, consuming ten stamina. My vision turns red, and the fireball slows down as if moving through molasses. With a controlled swing I slash it in half, watching the flames dissipate in a small cloud. When I looked up, Max stood staring, jaw dropped.

"How did you move that fast?" he asks, stunned. "One moment the fireball was there, and the next, it was torn apart."

Grinning, I lower my spear. "Dexterity boosts speed, reaction time, and mobility. Blood Rush enhanced that, making me even faster."

With a nod, Max smiles and starts heading toward the woods. Shaking my head, I follow, saying, "You're way too eager to hunt wolves."

The last of the four wolves charges me with an unyielding ferocity. With blood rush still in effect, I easily sidestep the attack and bring my spear down on its neck, blood splattering as it slides to the ground. A familiar notification pops up.

"4 Grey Wolves level 3 slain, 200xp gained."

And the one I was waiting for:

"You have leveled up. 3 assignable stat points received."

Both of us finally hit level five. With pride I open my status page to check my stats:

Species: Human
Age: 24
Level: 5 (0/400 XP)

Health: 140/140
Mana: 90/90
Stamina: 30/110

Strength: 7
Dexterity: 11
Endurance: 11
Vitality: 12
Intelligence: 9
Wisdom: 5
Charisma: 4