Back in the relative privacy of the modest room David had rented at a quiet Newhaven inn, he laid out his acquisitions. The [Basic Swordsmanship Manual] and the [Riftstone Shard] pulsed with latent potential. He now had a substantial amount of EP – well over 400 after the quest reward.
First, the manual. He focused on it in his inventory.
[Consume [Basic Swordsmanship Manual] to learn foundational sword techniques? YES/NO]
He selected YES. The scroll in his inventory vanished, and a flood of information poured into his mind – proper stances, parrying techniques, basic cuts and thrusts. It wasn't just abstract knowledge; it felt ingrained, as if he'd spent weeks practicing in a dojo.
His system panel pinged.
[Basic Swordsmanship Learned!]
[New Active Skills Available for Evolution via EP from this foundation:]
[- [Blade Dance] (Multi-hit attack)]
[- [Parry Stance] (Defensive stance improving block/parry chance and enabling ripostes)]
Two new skills! [Blade Dance] sounded perfect for dealing more sustained damage, and [Parry Stance] would add a much-needed layer to his defenses beyond just passively blocking with his shield.
He immediately checked the evolution cost.
[Evolve to unlock [Blade Dance] (Cost: 75 EP)]
[Evolve to unlock [Parry Stance] (Cost: 60 EP)]
He had enough for both. He started with [Blade Dance].
[Unlocking [Blade Dance]...]
A warm energy flowed through his sword arm.
[[Blade Dance] (Active Skill)]
[Perform a rapid series of three slashes against a single target. Each slash deals 60% weapon damage. Cost: 12 Mana. Cooldown: 15 seconds.]
Next, [Parry Stance].
[Unlocking [Parry Stance]...]
A sense of balance and heightened reflexes settled over him.
[[Parry Stance] (Active Skill - Toggle)]
[Adopt a defensive swordsman's stance. Increases chance to parry melee attacks by 15%. Successful parries briefly stagger opponents and enable [Riposte Strike] (deals 100% weapon damage, bonus critical chance). Minor stamina drain while active. Cost to activate: 5 Mana.]
Excellent. [Blade Dance] for offense, [Parry Stance] for tactical defense and counter-attacks. His combat versatility had just skyrocketed. The mana costs were stacking up, though. He really needed to figure out his mana pool situation soon.
Now, for the [Riftstone Shard] and his [Livingwood Aegis]. He'd been looking forward to this. He navigated to his shield in the system.
[Infuse [Livingwood Aegis] with Riftstone Shard (Requires 1x Riftstone Shard, 50 EP)? This will permanently alter the shield's nature, potentially adding Void Resistance and other reactive properties.]
This was a significant alteration. He took a breath and confirmed.
The [Riftstone Shard] in his inventory dissolved into particles of dark light that flowed into the [Livingwood Aegis] resting beside him. The shield vibrated intensely, its earthy green glow momentarily overlaid with swirling purple-black energies from the shard. The process was more volatile than his previous evolutions. Then, it settled.
[Evolution Complete! [Livingwood Aegis] has transformed into [Riftward Bulwark]!]
[Riftward Bulwark (Rare Quality Shield - Evolved)]
[Defense: +20 (+5)]
[Durability: 120/120 (+20)]
[Property: Minor Thorn Retribution - 10% chance to reflect 5 physical damage.]
[Property: Aura of Protection (Minor) - Grants +2 Defense to party members within 10 meters.]
[NEW Property: Void Dampening (Passive) - Grants +15% Resistance to Void/Shadow-based attacks and negative status effects from void entities.]
[NEW Property: Rift Siphon (Passive) - Small chance (5%) when struck by void energy to absorb a portion, restoring 1 Mana or granting a tiny, temporary boost to Void Resistance.]
[Forged from living wood and infused with the chaotic energy of a rift, this shield stands as a bulwark against the encroaching void.]
David let out a low whistle. The defense boost was substantial, pushing it to +20. The Void Resistance was a massive +15%, far better than the amulet's minor 5%. And Rift Siphon! A chance to regain mana or boost resistance further when hit by void attacks? That was an incredible synergistic property, especially given the enemies they were increasingly facing. This shield was now a specialized anti-void juggernaut.
He felt a profound sense of satisfaction. His EP had been well spent. His offensive capabilities were enhanced with [Blade Dance], his defensive options broadened with [Parry Stance], and his shield had become a specialized counter to one of the major threats.
Word of their success in the Sunstone Mines spread through Newhaven with surprising speed. When David and his party ventured into the main market to restock supplies, they found themselves the subject of curious glances and hushed whispers.
"That's them, the ones who cleared the Channeler from Sunstone."
"The tall one with the glowing shield is Mccabe, they say. System's a monster."
"Heard they took down Void Terrors like swatting flies."
Even merchants, usually focused solely on haggling, offered them slight discounts or priority service. The +1000 City Contribution Points had clearly elevated their standing. They could now access better quality goods and information previously unavailable to newcomers.
Katrina, practical as ever, used some of her share of the gold to purchase specialized arrow components. Hailey bought a new set of lockpicks and a pouch of "Flashbang Powders – extra sparkly!" Isaac, grumbling less than usual, invested in a better quality whetstone and a few potent healing potions, perhaps finally acknowledging the dangers they were facing.
David felt the change. He wasn't just another anonymous player struggling to survive anymore. He was David Mccabe, part of the team that had tamed the Sunstone Mines, wielder of an evolving system and a notable shield. It was a strange feeling, a mix of pride and a new kind of pressure. Recognition was good, but it also made him a more visible target.
As they were browsing a stall selling enchanted trinkets, a commotion arose near the city's central announcement board. A crier was shouting, his voice carrying over the market din.
"Hear ye, hear ye! By decree of Lord Valerius and the Newhaven City Council! A Beast Tide approaches! All able-bodied Adventurers and Militia are called to the ramparts! Defend your city! Glory and rewards await the valiant!"
A shiver of anticipation ran through the crowd. The Beast Tide. Hailey had mentioned it. Now, it was upon them.
This would be a true test of his newly evolved skills and equipment, and a chance to see how he measured up against a large-scale threat alongside the other defenders of Newhaven. And, no doubt, a prime opportunity to earn a massive amount of EP.
The city was mobilizing. The rising fame was one thing; defending Newhaven from a horde of mutated beasts was another entirely. David gripped the hilt of his [Trainee's Blade], now feeling more like a true weapon than ever, and exchanged a determined look with Katrina and Hailey. Isaac, beside them, cracked his neck, a grim smile on his face.
The calm after the mines was over. The storm was about to break.