Pivotal decision? While I can sort of put two and two together, I'm going to need a little bit more than that, game. The inky words swirled, jumbling back together and stretching into two crisscrossing lines, forming four spaces. Each space took on color. The top left was red, then the top right was blue. The bottom left took on a green shine and the last space was white. What in Zeus' name was going on? The world seemed to bend for a moment. The light rays around the top left twisted and my vision zoomed in.
— - — ~
[Pivotal Decisions] are accompanied by {Evolutionary Perks}. Unlike standard perks that offer fixed benefit paths, {Evolutionary Perks} grow or adapt alongside your progress. They might gain new effects when you complete certain objectives, face key story events, or reach higher levels. Essentially, each critical decision you make shapes how these perks develop—giving you a dynamic edge that reflects the path you've chosen.
— - — — - —
[Storyline Choice 1]
{Titan's Bane!}
[Description]: Join the First Quadrant and go off into the world of the sea! Fight horrendous monsters and uncover a plan threatening to overtake Atlantis…and the whole world itself.
[Benefits:] You will gain heightened combat knowledge and power, along with significant power boosts per each level. With direct access to Alpha, who's arguably the strongest non-royal solider the city has ever seen, every aspect of your offensive skillset will be molded.
[Drawbacks:] As a part of your duty, you will fight stronger enemies and face death in a way you couldn't even imagine.
{Evolutionary Perk} [Saikyō no Heishi]: Gain boosts in combat when fighting Titanic deities!
— - —
Uhh…I clicked the little asterisk. According to the game, evolution perks were perks that would start in their base forms when I started a specific storyline. If I did certain objectives during the storyline, the perk would evolve and get better. Interesting. So I guess this is like one of those decisions in the Infamous games, where I choose a color and that decision changes the outcome of everything to follow. No pressure, right? The second square zoomed in.
— - —
[Storyline Choice 2]
{Triton's Folly!}
[Description]: Become a part of Triton's personal guard, protecting him as you dive deeper into the mental intricacies of his damaged psyche! Can you protect him, both physically and mentally as he takes up his mantle as the heir of the sea?
[Benefits:] You will gain a companion, as well as learn about the history of Atlantis! You'll gain unlimited access to leadership training that will greatly increase your progress as a future commander and show you how to lead by example.
[Drawbacks:] There is not much violence or combat involved! This path focuses more on softer skills and refining you as a person.
{Evolutionary Perk} [The Charismatic Switch]: Learn how to harness the true essence of your charisma, gaining significant boosts in your personality traits and leadership qualities.
— - —
Well…I don't want to sound rude, but this honestly sounds like being a glorified babysitter. Look, I feel for him. I do. It clearly sounds like he's got some sort of issues going on. I didn't come here for that, though. I need to gain something that can give me an edge in the prophecy—against Kronos. I don't think being charismatic will stop my head from being sliced open. The leadership quality part could be good, but I don't see myself choosing this one.
— - —
[Storyline Choice 3]
{The People's Prince!}
[Description]: Opt to patrol the vibrant streets of Atlantis and serve as a guardian of its citizens. Rather than chasing down leviathans and Titan warlords, you'll focus on the day-to-day well-being of the Atlantean people, forging bonds with merchants, travelers, and families alike. Over time, you'll discover that true power doesn't always come from defeating monsters—it can also arise from the faith and support of those who look up to you.
[Benefits:] You'll build a strong reputation among Atlantis's populace—earning trust, goodwill, and potential favors or discounts from local vendors. Furthermore, through these connections, you'll uncover the true progenitor of mana and cultivate relationships and networks that might open unexpected opportunities or alternative questlines in the future.
[Drawbacks:] While you'll face occasional street-level threats, the high-stakes monster battles will be fewer and farther between. Also, higher-ranking military officials may look down on your choice, believing your talents could be put to "better" use on the front lines.
{Evolutionary Perk} [Fan Favorite]: By dedicating yourself to the day-to-day protection of Atlantean citizens, you become a symbol of hope and security for the people. As you gain popularity, you'll find that the bond you share with the residents can unlock hidden reserves of power—both emotional and magical.
— - —
Like the Triton one, this one doesn't seem, like, bad, but it also doesn't seem too fun. The only part of this quest that caught my eye was learning where mana came from. On the other hand, that's also the kind of thing I can just ask Hestia about. I can't waste an opportunity like this just because I'm curious. Not to mention, I didn't give up my entire summer to become a police officer—even if it does sound like a worthwhile job to keep these people safe.
— - —
[Storyline Choice 4]
{A Rotting Core!}
[Description]: Dark whispers circulate through Atlantis— something malevolent festers beneath the pristine facade. Where others see splendor, you see the creeping shadow of corruption, threatening to tear the kingdom apart from within. Your mission is to locate this cancer and cut it out before it spreads, regardless of the cost. You'll need more than brute force to succeed: deception, investigation, and moral fortitude will all be tested as you delve into hidden plots and insidious secrets.
[Benefits:] To succeed in this sort of mission, you'll need to learn how to become a spy—through trial by fire, you'll be forced to learn things like reconnaissance, manipulation, and maintaining mental fortitude in the hardest of situations.
[Drawbacks:] Rooting out corruption may force you into questionable dealings or betrayals, leaving you wrestling with guilt or tarnishing your reputation. The enemy you're hunting won't sit idly by; expect traps, double-crosses, and hidden foes who'd kill to keep their secrets buried.
{Evolutionary Perk} [The Ghoul of Atlantis]: By peering into the darkest corners of Atlantis, you risk unveiling a darker part of yourself. This perk reflects the toll taken on your psyche as you act in secrecy and subterfuge, eroding the comforting illusions you once clung to.
— - —
Er…that seems ominous. I'm more than intrigued by the unknown pros, though. Plus, the prospect of working under Delta is interesting, to say the least. I took a deep breath, zooming in and out of all of the choices. Pretty easily, I'm crossing out the Triton one and the police officer one. Maybe if I got this before my dad told me about the prophecy, I might've even entertained the idea. Now, though? I'm more determined than ever.
I've got too much left to do in this world to die so fast. The real decision boils down to the first and last decisions. Both sound important—it's pretty clear that either one revolves around the fate of not only just Atlantis but the entire world itself.
Logically speaking, the first one seems like a safer choice. It outlines what I'm going to be doing in a pretty straightforward way. Sure, it's dangerous, but I'm getting some good training and experience out of it. I might even get to fight some Titans! Not to mention, I'll walk away with a really nice perk out of it, too. It sounds like exactly what I came down here for.
Then why is the last one weighing on me so much? I can always train to get better, but will I ever really get the chance to do what the last one is offering? I don't even know what it's offering. What if it's some once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I'll never get again? Not to mention, it seems more pressing at the moment.
The first one is talking about a threat outside of Atlantis. Immediately, no one is in danger. The last one, though—it's saying there's a problem right in the heart of Atlantis itself. Wait, if I choose one, does it automatically make the others void? Will my choice of the last one ensure that none of the others happen? I pressed my temples. This was getting to be a headache.
If I choose the last one, I'm limiting the scope of the damage. If the problem starts in Atlantis, I can end it in Atlantis, nipping it in the bud. I'll know the area. I can keep people safe. I'll always be around. If I go with the first one, I'll be out of my element. Threats could be coming from anywhere, at any time. I'd get to fight, yes, but what about Atlantis? Could I go out and turn around to find the city razed to the ground? I can't risk that. Not to sound cocky, but if there's a problem this game generates, I'll be the only one to know enough about it to handle it.
If my dad decides to get his hands dirty, another threat could work its way in during his moment of distraction. I can be much more of a help in Atlantis, as opposed to the overworld. My perks and skills underwater significantly boost my powers and endurance down here. My point is, I can protect people. I exhaled slowly, flipping through the screens again. I feel like I'm going to regret this. I clicked the last screen.