Shifting Foundations

Valerian stood amidst the tranquil meadow, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. The echoes of his triumph still reverberated through his being, a testament to the power he had harnessed. With a sense of purpose, he conjured the interface of the Arcane Nexus once more, his fingers dancing over the ethereal glyphs.

As the interface unfurled before him, Valerian's gaze zeroed in on the section that held the keys to his progression—the aftermath of his leveling up.

Level Up!

Attribute Points Available: 5

Skill Points Available: 1

Valerian's eyes gleamed with determination as he considered his options. The path he chose would define his future, shaping the course of his evolution in this new world. His knowledge from his previous life guided his decision, reminding him of the strategies and tactics that paladins employed.

Vitality was a cornerstone of resilience, a buffer against the onslaught of enemies and a lifeline in the heat of battle. It was a choice that Valerian knew was necessary, especially in a world where danger lurked at every turn. With a decisive thought, he allocated 3 attribute points to vitality, fortifying his body and cementing his resolve to survive.

Strength, too, held its own allure. It was the embodiment of physical prowess, a force that could shatter foes and leave a trail of devastation in its wake. Valerian recognized the value of versatility, understanding that while he may not be the frontline tank he once envisioned, he could still wield his strength with lethal efficiency. With a confident gesture, he allocated the remaining 2 points to strength, feeling the surge of power course through his muscles.

But it was the revelation of his new skill that stole his attention—a skill that bore the enigmatic name, "Blessings of Ammit." The name held an air of mystery, conjuring images of ancient rites and divine intervention. Valerian's fingers hovered over the description, eager to unveil the secrets it held.

Blessings of Ammit (Lv. 1):

Channel the essence of the devourer, Ammit, infusing your strikes with her insatiable hunger. Each successful attack has a chance to weaken the enemy's defenses and siphon their life force, healing you for a portion of the damage dealt.

Valerian's brows furrowed as he read the description. The skill offered a symbiotic connection between his attacks and his own vitality, a predatory communion that mirrored the hunger of Ammit herself. It was a skill that spoke to his instinct for survival, a means to sustain himself even in the midst of the most dire battles.

A sense of satisfaction settled over Valerian as he absorbed the knowledge. The foundations of his power had shifted, his potential expanding with each decision he made. He was no longer bound by the limitations of his former self; he was a vessel of transformation, a conduit through which the threads of destiny wove.

With newfound purpose, Valerian closed the interface of the Arcane Nexus and turned his gaze to the horizon. The meadow, once a realm of uncertainty, now beckoned with the allure of conquest. He had tasted victory, felt the rush of power surging through his veins, and he hungered for more.

The path before him was a labyrinth of possibilities, a journey that would test his mettle and forge his identity. Valerian's footsteps echoed with purpose as he ventured forth, his heart aflame with the burning desire to ascend—to rise above the shadows and embrace the mantle of dominance that awaited him.