That noon, the document that officially sealed the alliance between the nation of Casimiro and the tribe of Harheim was signed, marking a historic moment for both parties.
For the people of Harheim, this was more than just a political move—it was a promise of security, a beacon of hope that they had long yearned for.
The assembled members of the Harheim tribe, clad in their traditional attire, stood in solemn anticipation as the final strokes of ink dried on the parchment.
Their eyes, filled with a mixture of relief and expectation, followed every movement of the officials.
Murmurs of gratitude and cautious optimism spread through the crowd, for they knew that allying with Keiran, the hero who governed Casimiro, meant their people would no longer stand alone against threats.
His reputation as a steadfast protector gave them confidence that their future was secured under his watchful leadership.
For Keiran, the alliance was not just a diplomatic victory—it was a strategic gain.
With Harheim's vast territory now under his jurisdiction, he had gained a crucial advantage in his ongoing battle against demon attacks.
The once-distant frontier of Harheim, often vulnerable to incursions, could now be reinforced swiftly.
This meant fewer casualties, faster responses, and the ability to fortify their defenses before danger could spread.
Keiran's mind was already calculating the next steps, determining how best to integrate the territory into his existing command structure.
A few hours after the signing, as the echoes of the ceremonial gathering faded into the distance, Keiran, accompanied by Greon and Agwil, prepared to return to Casimiro.
It took them days of travel through the dense, sprawling forest, their journey marked by the rhythmic creaking of the carriage wheels and the soft padding of wolf paws against the earth.
The towering trees of Fiora stretched endlessly above them, their thick canopies filtering the sunlight into scattered golden beams that illuminated their path.
Birds called from the branches, and the occasional rustling of unseen creatures reminded them that the forest was alive with activity.
The road was not always easy—there were rivers to cross, uneven terrain to navigate, and the ever-present watchful eyes of the wild ensuring that they were merely visitors in a land that belonged to nature.
When they finally returned home, weary but triumphant, they carried with them the great news that would shape the future of the forest.
The Tribe of Harheim and Casimiro were now bound by an alliance that promised strength and unity.
The moment the carriage rolled into the settlement, the air buzzed with excitement.
Keiran barely had time to step down before he was met with the powerful presence of the Lionkin, their imposing figures standing tall with golden eyes reflecting the flickering torches around them.
The Cervitaurs, their deer-like lower halves moving with natural grace, welcomed him with warm smiles and nods of approval.
There was no hesitation, no formality—only the raw, genuine relief and joy.
The celebration began as soon as word spread, and the settlement came alive under the moonlight. Long wooden tables were set with an abundance of food—roasted game, freshly baked bread, ripe fruits, and dishes seasoned with herbs only found in the heart of the forest.
The scent of sizzling meat and spiced mead filled the air, drawing everyone closer together. Large bonfires crackled and danced, casting playful shadows against the trunks of ancient trees.
Laughter and music wove through the gathering as the Lionkin raised their deep, guttural voices in song, a rhythmic chant that carried the weight of their heritage.
The Cervitaurs, known for their agility and grace, performed intricate dances, their hooves tapping in time with the beats of hand-carved drums.
Cups clinked together as toasts were made, and stories of past conflicts and future hopes were exchanged freely.
Keiran found himself in the heart of it all, surrounded by the warmth of unity, the sounds of celebration, and the feeling that, for the first time in a long while, peace was no longer just a fleeting dream.
As the night stretched on, exhaustion eventually settled over him, his body weighed down by the journey and the emotions of the day.
When he finally lay down, the distant sounds of laughter and music lulled him to sleep.
The cool night breeze brushed against his skin, carrying the scent of burning wood and fresh earth. His dreams were light, unburdened, as if the forest itself whispered its approval.
Morning came with the soft glow of the rising sun, its golden light spilling through the gaps in the wooden walls.
The air was crisp, carrying the faint remnants of last night's fire.
Keiran blinked awake, the memories of the celebration still fresh in his mind.
Keiran looked at his status board, the glowing interface displaying his current abilities and attributes.
The familiar screen flickered slightly before stabilizing, revealing neatly arranged columns of information.
He let out a small sigh, realizing that he had been so preoccupied with his recent tasks that he hadn't taken the time to check on his own progress.
His eyes moved over the list of skills, scanning each one carefully.
[COMMON: (10).]
[UNCOMMON: Elastic Fluid Body, Eternal Blaze, King of the Wilds, Infernal Arcana, Divine Grace, Titan Knuckle, Unyielding Resolve, Spectral Shroud, Feral Ambush, Null Seal, (44).]
[RARE: Colossal Frenzy, Titan's Resilience, Abyssal Execution, Sovereign of the Unseen, Howling Tempest, Windborne Regeneration, Eclipse Shatter, Umbral Sovereignty, Solarfang Overdrive, Crown of the Dawn, Arcane Nexus, Pyroclastic Roar, Magma Core, Sovereign's Edict, Eternal Legion, Death's Bargain.]
Keiran stood in the open space, his mind set on creating a new skill—one that would revolutionize transportation.
He took a deep breath and brought forth the skills he was willing to sacrifice: Elastic Fluid Body, Titan Knuckle, Unyielding Resolve, Feral Ambush and 16 more uncommon skills.
Keiran activated Arcane Creation. Instantly, a surge of mystical energy erupted around him. Runes materialized in the air, glowing with an ethereal brilliance.
They danced around his body, each symbol representing a fragment of the sacrificed skills, their essence being woven into a new, singular entity. The process was intricate, demanding both control and precision.
The energy pulsed, the runes spinning faster as they merged and fused, reshaping the raw potential into something refined. Keiran could feel the strain as the transformation took hold, the sacrificed skills dissolving into pure essence, molding into his envisioned form.
Then, in a final surge of arcane power, the process reached completion. The runes flickered before converging at the center of his being, embedding themselves deep within.
A new skill had been born. Keiran opened his eyes, his body tingling with the residual energy of creation. He clenched his fists, already sensing the shift in his capabilities.
[Congratulations! You have created a Rare skill.]
[Void Passage (Active): A formidable spatial manipulation ability that allows the user to instantly transport an entire army to any previously visited location. Upon arrival, all allies gain a surge in combat effectiveness, enhancing their speed, attack power, and resilience for a limited time. The user receives an additional boost based on the number of entities transported, increasing their strength, magical energy, and reaction speed. Enemies caught within the arrival zone experience intense spatial disruption, leading to disorientation, slowed movements, and weakened defenses. Mana Cost 10.]
Keiran nodded in satisfaction as he observed the final result of the skill he had created.
This skill would allow his army to move with unparalleled speed across vast distances via teleportation, eliminating the need for slow marches and cumbersome logistics.
It was a breakthrough in warfare, one that could completely shift the tide of battle in his favor.
His gaze shifted toward the collection of Uncommon skills available to him. Each one possessed unique applications, but Keiran's focus remained sharp.
He needed to enhance his arsenal strategically.
He activated Sacred Elevation.
A faint, radiant glow enveloped him as the enhancement process began. He had two particular targets in mind—Infernal Arcana and Null Seal.
If these two could be upgraded, his strength would rise to an entirely new level.
As the process unfolded, runes materialized around him, floating and shimmering with a faint energy. Keiran extended his hand, carefully gathering them, feeling their weightless presence in his palm.
These runes were fragments of raw potential, the building blocks of the ideal skills he sought to forge. His mind worked swiftly, analyzing their structure, modifying them where needed, and aligning them into perfect harmony.
The energy around him pulsed once, then settled. The process had concluded.
[Congratulations! You have upgraded two skills from Uncommon to Rare.]
[Hellfire Codex (Active): Channels the forbidden knowledge of primordial flames, unleashing a devastating inferno that engulfs all enemies within range. Deals high fire magic damage, with amplified effects against foes resistant to physical attacks. Additionally, it scorches water and rock-based defenses, bypassing their resistance. Upon impact, afflicted enemies suffer Weakened Ward, reducing their physical and magical defenses for a short duration. The caster is imbued with Blazing Ascendance, temporarily enhancing their magic attack power. This ability instinctively spares allies, ensuring only foes feel its wrath. Mana Cost 10.]
[Abyssal Seal (Active): When used on the corpse or lingering essence of a foe slain by the user, all of the target's Rare or lower skills will have their names permanently altered and become completely unusable, as if erased from existence. This effect applies only to enemies personally killed by the user and must be activated within three hours of their death. This skill cannot be used on monsters. Mana Cost 10.]
Keiran activated Sacred Elevation again, this time upgrading Hellfire Codex by sacrificing Titan's Resilience, Abyssal Execution, Sovereign of the Unseen, Howling Tempest, Eclipse Shatter, Umbral Sovereignty, Solarfang Overdrive, Magma Core, Eternal Legion, and Death's Bargain.
Keiran's upgrade process was swift because his path was already set in stone. He had no hesitation, no uncertainty—only a singular, burning desire that fueled his every choice.
His vision was clear: to wield fire so devastating that it would reshape the very fabric of existence, turning this world into a blazing inferno.
His mind was set on destruction, his soul bound to the idea of an all-consuming fire—one that could not be tamed or extinguished. It was not just about power; it was about creating a force so absolute that even the strongest would cower before it.
The fire he sought to manifest was not ordinary flame. It would not simply burn; it would devour, distort, and corrupt.
It would turn landscapes into molten wastelands, reduce enemies to ashes before they could even scream, and leave nothing but smoldering remnants in its wake. It was not a tool—it was an extension of his very being, a manifestation of his unyielding will.
Keiran's path was chosen long ago, and now, with the means to bring it to reality, there was nothing left to do but ignite the world in his own brand of hellfire.
[Congratulations! You have upgraded a skill from Rare to Super Rare.]
[Hellfire Genesis (Active): Harnesses the arcane secrets of ancient fire, summoning an all-consuming inferno that engulfs all enemies within range. Deals immense fire magic damage, with enhanced potency against foes resistant to physical attacks. This cataclysmic blaze also incinerates water and rock-based defenses, dealing additional damage. Upon impact, afflicted enemies suffer Emberbrand, reducing their physical and magical defenses for a short duration. Meanwhile, the caster is empowered with Pyric Transcendence, temporarily amplifying magic attack power. Additionally, the scorching flames leave behind Cinderwake, causing continuous burn damage over time to all afflicted foes. This ability instinctively bypasses allies, ensuring only adversaries succumb to its relentless fury. Mana Cost 50.]
[You leveled up 5x.]
[You have received 60 Stat points.]