Chapter 9: Father of All

Scott walked along a different hallway, a departure from the bone-riddled path within the Nameless Tower. The air retained its gloomy aura, with more signs of damage caused by various weapons adorning the enchanted walls. It had been an hour since he departed from the courtyard, and he had traversed numerous twists and turns within the winding hallways, yet the exit remained elusive.

"This place is freaking huge. When will I find the exit?" Scott grumbled, casting an annoyed glance at the flickering torches illuminating his path. How and why, they remained untouched and functioned properly, piqued his interest. Nonetheless, he maintained his vigilance on his mission, aware that danger could lurk in the most unexpected places.

Another twenty minutes passed as he continued the lonely trek. Eventually, Scott arrived in a spacious hall devoid of any furniture or decorations. Moonlight streamed through the massive, cracked windows, while the incessant chirping of concealed crickets filled the hall.

[Side Quest: Explore your surroundings – Completed! EXP: 50!]

[Congratulations! You have leveled up!]

[Level: 4—New!]

[Experience Points: 40/400—New!]

Scott's face lit up with a smile as he closed the system window. "Nice. Another level up." He shifted his attention to the battered steel door at the end of the hallway, noticing several smaller holes on its surface.

"I can finally escape from this place. Hopefully, there's a town nearby," Scott whispered gingerly, recalling the vast forest and towering peaks he saw from the top of the Nameless Tower.

Taking a deep breath, he approached the partially opened door. With one hand, he pushed it open, while the other firmed on the handle of the blade's handle. A wave of cool air brushed past him, tousling his disheveled hair. The same view he had seen from the top of the Nameless Tower greeted him once more. This time, the moonlit forest appeared more imposing and exquisite.

These trees are massive... they looked normal from up there, Scott mused as he raised his gaze to the only raised building within the castle's remains.

The occasional hooting of hidden owls and rustling leaves echoed, but nothing else disturbed the night's serenity. His brows furrowed as he contemplated the eerie forest. Now that I think about it, would it be safe to wander through this place at night?

As he debated his next move, the forest grew eerily silent, with only the rustling of leaves in his ears. It's better to explore this place during the day. I can't even imagine the number of creatures prowling in the dark.

Deciding to return to the castle where he could spend the night safely, Scott turned on his heel and started walking toward the steel doors. However, just as he took his second step, the sound of laughter filled the air.

Scott froze in his tracks, turning toward the forest. "What was that?" The high-pitched, puerile laughter echoed again, seemingly emanating from just beyond the trees.

While it sounded like a child's laugh, Scott knew better than to assume anything in this place. He pondered for a moment. Should I check it out?

After a brief hesitation, he decided to follow the sound. Moving cautiously through the towering trees, his grip remained tight on the twin blades, using them to clear any wandering branches or tall grasses that might betray his presence. His steps were slow and deliberate, and his breathing remained steady.

The air was thick with the smell of pine, and the temperature had dropped significantly. The silver moonlight filtered through the trees, casting eerie shadows on the ground. The forest once again came alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures and rustling leaves in the wind. The laughter continued, growing louder, and a sense of unease washed over the eldritch knight.

Ten minutes passed, his senses still on high alert. Then, he spotted a figure leaning against a tree. The childlike laughter originated from it, and Scott's eyes widened in surprise. "What the…?"

The figure stood at just four feet tall, covered in fur, resembling a bear from Earth, except that it was a bipedal creature with two slightly curved horns. Its eyes were large and somewhat googly, and it leaned against the tree, muttering incoherent gibberish while holding a crudely carved flagon with one hand and relieving itself with the other.

[Champion Interface]

{Basic Stats:}

Race: Gruffpaws

Level: 2

Class: Winemaker

Mana Points: 60/60

{Physical Stats:}

Strength: 8

Agility: 14

Dexterity: 45

Endurance: 30

Toughness: 40

{Abnormal Stats:}

Charm: 65

Perception: 15 (-18 due to current condition)

{Skills:}

Expert vintner (Level 5)

Expert Breeder (Level 5)

Expert Herbalist (Level 5)

{Abilities:}

An Expert's View: Years of study and research will allow you to identify the most quality ingredients from your environment.

Nature's Brew: You will only develop the most outstanding cocktails.

Father of All: Your potent genes are desired by potential mates. There's a 10% chance of siring a purebred Gruffpaw when Father of All is activated. 10% chance of Charm rising by 3 points when Father of All is activated.

{Inventory:}

Research book: A small book with a leather patch containing over three decades worth of research in enology.

Wine Flagon: A crudely made wine flagon from the horn of a Tent-lion. The residual enzymes in the horn will preserve its contents. 2% chance a perfect wine will be created when stored in the wine flagon.

Quick Recovery Potion – [x10]: A commonly brewed potion made by a junior alchemist with the aim of quickly recovering basic stats. Rarity: Common. Potency: Improves Stamina and Health recovery after consumption. Side effects: 2% chance of developing diarrhea when a recovery potion is ingested.

Instant hangover pill – [x100]: A native pill developed by the Gruffpaws. Made from an assortment of common herbs and toxins. Rarity: Common. Potency: Instant recovery from all alcohol induced hangover. Side effects: 2% chance of developing an addiction. 30% chance of causing an unintended erection.

{Quests:}

Main Quest: Find out why the village chief has been unable to sleep – Not started!

Side Quest: Get drunk – Completed!

Side Quest: Find a potential mate – On going!