With every beat of your heart you feel its warmth growing. Those who stand in your presence feel that warmth radiating out from your kind heart and soul. The warmth of your presence lingers with those you hold dear, even long after you are gone. +3 Cha...

The world had sought to make your cold and bitter, and it worked for a time. Now that anger has turned to passion that burns in your heart, driving you to be better than you were before! +50 health!...

The fire in your heart burns such that even the cold of winter cannot find purchase upon your skin. You have acquired the Passive skill, Cold resistance!...

You have unlocked the Affinity, Fire!...

Your heart knows the flame and though its touch you should still fear, your body grows ever more accustomed to the heat. You have acquired the Heat resistance!...

You have unlocked the Affinity, Ice!...

Congratulations! You have completed the Road of the Burning Heart! +10 Will....

Synergy detected...

Your resistance skills for heat, and cold, wish to merge. Will you allow it? Y/N?

Dante felt his feet beginning to move as he went through the motions. He felt his chest grow a bit warmer and then cooler. The health was nice but was a drop in the bucket when put in perspective. He felt something forming around his heart and in his head. 'Must be the Iron will skill taking effect.' He thought for a moment. Even after he felt his feet stop he felt like there was still something more. He weighed his options for a moment but before he made his choice he wanted to see what was going on inside his Soul space.

----------------------

For those in his party standing near Dante they could not help but notice a warmth growing in their chests. They felt a presence growing ever so slowly.

They turned to look at Dante whose eyes were closed with his head tilted downward. His brown hair hanging in his face a bit, but wasn't sufficient to block one from seeing his calm, blank expression.

Slowly they turned back to improving their own status' for what was to come.

----------------------

Turning inward for a moment he closed his eyes and remembered that place.

When he opened his eyes something unexpected greeted him.

He found himself once more within his Soul space but things were different. He could see large grey clouds off to one side where it appeared to be snowing. Next to the snow was a forest of trees that were on fire. In a moment he was there wishing for the flames to cease but they continued to rage. Every tree was crimson in color, and completely wreathed in flames.

His face twisted in fear of what this could mean before a hand tapped him on the shoulder.

Spinning around he found the shining, golden figure of Virgil there to greet him, smiling like there was not a problem in the world.

"What's wrong Dante? You seem concerned." Virgil asked, his smile fading and becoming a face of concern.

Dante's face went from one of fear to disbelief as he indicated towards the seemingly burning trees. In response Virgil said nothing, instead he opted to walk over and then proceeded to place his bare palm against the trunk of the nearest scarlet tree. He watched in shock for several seconds, but as that time passed he realized it. "Why aren't you burning?" Dante asked, his eyebrows furrowed.

Still Virgil gave no verbal response. Instead he retracted his hand from the burning tree before presenting his unburned hand to Dante. After a moment he slowly began to advance towards the flaming scarlet tree. Carefully he reached out towards the flames. He felt heat as had been expected. What had not been expected was that it was oddly comforting. His left hand touched against the tree's trunk roughly where Virgil had placed his hand and just like Virgil, he was not burned.

Slowly he ran his hand over the flaming wood. To his surprise it was smooth and almost cool to the touch. Then he felt it. A pulsing through the branches and trunk of the tree. Placing both his hands upon the tree's trunk he felt what could be described as the slow beating of a heart. Each beat being drawn out over several seconds. As he looked up he realized there was no smoke from the flames.

Taking a step back he turned to Virgil, "This forest isn't burning down is it?" He asked Vigil.

"Nope. This forest is the manifestation of cold resistance and your burning heat skill. The Christmas-like snowy place over there is the manifestation of your heat resistance skill." Virgil said as he smiled gazing upon the flaming tree's.

"They aren't exactly what you would expect them to be." Dante stated as an offhand comment.

"Many times skill's manifest how you might expect them to. This is because they are influenced by the individual to which they belong. Other times...they can be something else altogether. Thus is the chaotic and free willed nature of mana." Virgil stated as he wiggled his eyebrows a little.

"You seem to be displaying a little free will yourself there Virgil." Dante said with a small chuckle watching Virgil's eyebrows dance. "So, do you think I should accept them merging? Can it go wrong? What happens if it does?" He asked only for Virgil to motion with his hands for him to calm down.

"Hold your horses there. One question at a time." Virgil stated. before continuing on. "I'll address your questions but out of order. Can this process go wrong, yes. If it will do so or not is highly variable. In the case where the merging goes wrong many things are possible. The skills could mutually annihilate one another. One or the other could take precedence. Then there is the chance it will succeed but results in an inferior product. As for if I think you should accept the merging..." Virgil went quiet for a moment as he carefully examined each skill's manifestation.

Congratulations! Your Observation Analysis skill has leveled up! Level 36!...

Dante was rather surprised by the level notification. 'This has happened twice now I think. Is he using my skills and so they are leveling up?' He thought for a moment as Virgil spoke without looking back to him.

"Yes I am. It is one of the functions we are granted when we are granted names." Virgil stated as he finished his inspection of the fire and the ice. "I believe that it would be a safe bet for you to accept the merging. The skills are functioning well within safe parameters." He said as he turned back to face Dante.

Nodding Dante proclaimed for all this world to hear, "Hell yeah! Let the merging begin!"

Merging process has begun...

He watched on with eyes filled with sparkle and glee as the fire and the ice began encroaching upon one another.

Over the next minute he and Virgil watched as what had been two became four. The snow fell gently upon grassy hills, before melting away in the warmth of spring. The melted snow flowed down the hill forming a river which flowed into the land of summer. There the sun was warm and it greatly resembled a sunny beach. The water evaporated and clouds formed above the land of autumn, and began to rain. The clouds rolled back into the land of winter where the rain became snow completing the cycle.

Congratulations, your skills have combined to become the rare skill, Endure the Elements...

"I'd like to spend some time on that beach later. But we'll have to see about that. I'm heading back, Virgil." He said to Virgil seeing him wave him off. In the moment before he blinked from that place he saw Virgil beginning to run towards the new beach that had just been made.

---------------------------------------------

In a blink he found himself once more standing with his party. Smiling he placed the 20 points needed to complete, into the Road of New Beginnings.

Some are reluctant to begin anew, this is only natural. For others like yourself, new beginnings are thrust upon you. Here is to better times to come! +3 Luck...

Your feet are in motion as you race to embrace what you have once resisted! The long night is over and mornings light has come. +2 Dex...

In the light of day you find new friends, and relish the time you have with those you love! +3 Wis...

Together you journey onward with friends and family alike. You have taken up the role of a leader out of necessity. May your arms be hearty and that you may alway protect those you love! +3 Str...

You look to the future and see it's bright. Your feet carry you ever onward toward a bright and shining future. +2 Luck...

Congratulations! You have completed the Road of New Beginnings! For even when fate has dealt you a less than ideal hand you can still come out a winner! +10 Luck...

His feet were in motion slowly at first but then beginning to speed up. He relished the feeling of love and joy washing over him. He was saddened for a moment when it ended, but only for a moment. His smile grew as he turned up his head for a moment looking upon his parents and the new friend he had made along the way. He gripped his holy symbol and decided on one more Road to walk.

'Instead of the cheapest Road let's go with the most expensive we can finish all in one go. Let's become real wizards!' He exclaimed in his mind as he poured the remaining 30 points needed into the Road of the Wizard III to complete it. This time the messages were...different.

You have taken up a divine calling, and yet ever onward you tread down the Road of Arcane understanding. +4 Int, +4 Wis...

Can one both serve a god and the pursuit of their own knowledge?

You possess an item imbued by secrets of magic long lost.

Your divine patron, Rosana, has proven amenable to both arcane and divine magics.

A Divine quest has been issued!

Your patron has issued a divine mandate upon you. You are tasked with gaining levels in the Wizard class. Your patron wishes you to know that the time when you will need them is soon at hand.

Quest requirements: Gain at least one level in the Wizard class.

Quest rewards: EXP, Title (Divine Wizard), Access to spells class restricted to Wizards in the system store

Treading forth you feel your feet beginning to lighten, you feel a breakthrough coming but there are still pieces out of place. +3 Int...

You see the spells the world has given you and remake them to suit your needs. You push them to the limit of their capabilities and beyond! +3 Luck...

Congratulations! You have completed the Road of the Wizard III! The Road of the Wizard IV has opened to you. +5 Int, +5 Wis, +5 to mana regeneration...

'Well I'm done with the roads I guess. I should be able to complete that quest this afternoon. I'll swing by the wizard place. Those guys seem to love me. I have 16 left let's see.' Dante thought as he looked back over his Roads. After a moment he decided to hold his remaining Rp in reserve since he couldn't finish any Roads right now.

'Now to distribute the stat points.' He thought as he went over his status deciding where to place his stat points.

Strength

91

Resources

Total

Regen.

Constitution/Vitality

104

Health

(1,768+10=1,778)

(89.2x2=178.4

/min)

Endurance

103

Mana

(2,630+10=2,640)

(75.5/min)

Dexterity

83

Stamina

(1,490+10= 1,500)

(78x2=156/min)

Willpower

124

Road Points

18

Intellect

112

Stat Points

122

Wisdom

115

Charisma

107

Luck

62

Perception

82

Spirit

71

The first place he put his points was simple. '+9 Strength.' He thought as he inputted the points. Three notices appeared.

Congratulations! Your Strength has reached 100!...

You are awarded the Common Active skill, Heavy Blow Lvl. 1...

Heavy Blow- You concentrate your force into a powerful attack. Costs 10 stamina. Damage based on Str stat and level of skill.

He placed 17 stat points into Dexterity.

Congratulations! Your Dexterity has reached 100!...

You have been granted the Uncommon Passive skill, Blessing of Zephyr Lvl. 1...

Blessing of Zephyr- Your body feels lightened as your speed increases. Movement speed and fine motor control increases with skill level. Secondary effect: Grant a creature you can see an increase to their Dexterity equal to 10% of your Dex. Percentage does not increase with skill level.

Be the wind...

You have obtained the affinity, Air!...

Congratulations! You have acquired the four basic elemental affinities!...

The Road of Elements I have opened to you!...

You are awarded the title, "Elementalist I"...

Elementalist I- A title granted to those who passed the first hurdle and obtained the four basic elemental affinites. +5% power to effects involving the four basic elements, caused by you.

"Sweet!" Dante exclaimed, as ideas began to form in his mind. Perception was next.

Congratulations! Your Perception has reached 100!...

Analysing statistics...

Calculating outcome...

You are awarded the Uncommon Semi-Passive skill, Eagle's Sight Lvl. 1!...

Congradulations! For being the first human to reach 100 Perception the rank of the skill granted is upgraded to Rare!...

Dante fell to his knees as he clutched his face screaming. His eyes felt like they were on fire and his head felt ready to crack open. It was but a moment before friends, strangers and even a city guardsman arrived to check on him. After a moment the pain passed and he stood. "I'm fine it passed." The crowd remained for a moment as he opened his eyes to something spectacular. only to immediately close his eyes once more. He read the glowing notice off his closed eyelids.

Eagle's sight- You blink and see the world in a whole new light. Grants the user the sight of an eagle. While active you can perceive the world in a greater array of colors, including the ultraviolet light spectrum. The effective range of your sight increases slightly per level of this skill.

He was sure to turn off the skill before he opened his eyes again. The world returned to what it had been before though he still could notice his sight was a bit sharper. Colors were more vivid.

"What happened Dante?" Everyone in his party began saying as soon as he opened his eyes.

"I got a skill and it would seem my pain was it making a few changes to my eyes and...brain?" He spoke hesitantly towards the end. Everyone who had remained near him was asking for the detail of the skill but he decided to be conservative with what information he gave out. "I got a skill that allows me to perceive ultraviolet light. It had to make changes to my body to allow for me to possess the skill. It was very painful." Dante stated, causing those who had remained to depart, save for his party. For them he produced three blue boxes so they could read about the ability.

While his parents nodded and gave congratulations to him, Califa began asking questions. "What is an Eagle? What is Ultraviolet light?" She asked, reminding him that she was an elf from another world.

"Eagles are large predatory birds that are about the size of a child. They are known for having excellent sight. As for the light, just think of it as a kind of light that most people can't normally see." He said to her hoping for it to be settled.

"Is it like true sight?" she asked another question.

"No, but kind of. Now that I think about it..." Dante stated as he looked down upon the dragon headed ring he wore. His ring of true sight. 'Can I use the skill and the ring together? Probably but we are fucking not doing that right now.' He finished his thought with a small smile before speaking once more. "We can discuss your questions at length after the hunt ok?"

"Fine by me." Califa stated.

Blinking he moved on to the next stat, Spirit. 29 stat points spent and he received some surprising notices.

Congratulations! Your Spirit has reached 100!

You are found to possess an inventory...

Inventory size has been increased to 5x5x5 cubic meters...

Inventory has been partitioned into, Slots, due to highly increased size...

Each slot’s size will be 1 cubic meter...

Soul space is experiencing a period of rapid growth!...

Turning inward once more he found himself once more under the shade of the tree where he had first arrived in this place. He watched in awe and splendor as the dome that formed the sky receded.

"Beautiful is it not?" Virgil stated as he appeared next to Dante.

"Yes it is." He stated as he turned to look towards the beach. It was too far for him to see, but he smiled as he turned on Eagle's sight for a moment.

As it activated he felt his eyes refocusing and his sight stretching forward.

The beach that had once been no larger than a marble to eyes from this distance now seemed as if he were standing upon a hill overlooking it from a much shorter distance.

He watched as the small beach now bordered a greatly expanding waterfront. An ocean was beginning to form before his eyes.

Eagle's Sight has leveled up! Lvl. 2!...

Not willing to turn his new sight off just yet, he turned it toward the expanding dome that formed the sky of this place. He watched as it continued to expand before finally settling after having expanded by several miles.

He thought once more of his ring of true sight and so his temptation and curiosity got the better of him. He blinked, enabling the rings effects.

What greeted him was a world awash with color. The domed sky seemed to be composed of golden arcane equations and symbols meshed together to form the large dome that constituted the boundaries of this place.

Disabling his Eagle's sight he turned to Virgil. The shining golden figure of Virgil was ever brighter to his eyes now.

He now knew what it must have felt like to be Neo when he became the one and saw the code behind the matrix.

Virgil too seemed to be a mix of arcane math and symbols. Though that which made him up was of varying colors. All the colors of mana he had unlocked.

With a blink he disabled the ring once more before nodding to Virgil and with a blink he was gone once more.

--------------------------------

Blinking he was back by the city walls with his party and so he decided to throw his remaining 22 stat points into luck. 'Everyone could use a bit more luck.' Dante mused as his Luck became 83.

Then he thought for a moment and looked over his stats one more time.

Stats

Resources

Total

Regen.

Strength

100

Health

(1300+10=1310)

(33.8x2=67.2

/min)

Constitution/Vitality

104

Mana

(2085+10=2095)

(119.3/min)

Endurance

103

Stamina

(1150+10= 1160)

(33x2=66/min)

Dexterity

100

Road Points

19

Willpower

124

Stat Points

74

Intellect

112

Luck

83

Wisdom

113

Perception

100

Charisma

107

Spirit

100

'Let's keep pouring it on! And because we can't raise luck we will pour everyting into it!' Dante exclaimed in his mind as he poured his points into Luck.

Congradulations! Your Luck has exceeded 100!...

Fortune smiles upon you...

Dante smiled at the message then frowned as he realized was 1 short to complete his cheapest Road. Suddenly he was struck by inspiration. Dante reached out with his mind and grasped a nearby cart with Telekenisis. Pulling for a moment he was honestly surprised when he felt it move just ever so slightly.

Congradulations! Telekenisis has leveled up! Lvl. 3...

20 points went into the Road of Water II.

You find yourself drifting upon the open sea in a sail boat. The sun is shining bright as you sail across the smooth sea that mirrors the sky. +2 Spirit...

He felt the world moving beneath him. Even though he stood in the shade he felt the warming sunlight against his face. In his minds eye he could see the ocean. It was beautiful.

You sense it before you see it. +3 Perception...

Indeed he felt a presense. Something was in front of him.

The water before you is marred by a great black shape rapidly advancing towards you...

The presense was growing stronger as he saw it advancing upon him. 'What comes next?' He wondered.

What do you do?...

Datne's eyes widened at the question. He had put all the points in but this time was different. With every second he felt it coming closer. Dante closed his eyes and took deep breaths.

Dante didn't answer the question. Instead he looked upon this world in his minds eye and chose to sit upon the sail boats deck.

'Some fights you just can't win.' Dante thought as he felt his burning heart pounding in his chest.

Congradulations! Your skill Burning Heart has leveled up! Level 6...

Congradulations! Your skill Burning Heart has leveled up! Level 7...

Congradulations! Your skill Burning Heart has leveled up! Level 8...

Datne simply sat upon the deck, refusing to participate. Activating meditation Dante was surprised to see it immediately level.

Skill, Meditation, has leveled up! Level 6...

He felt the presence stop beneath him and the almost silence was broken only by the sound of his racing heart. Then he heard something break the water.

Slowly, he felt the presence off to his right. Raising itself from the water. Dante dared not to open his eyes. That was until it spoke.

"Hello there little one. What brings you here?" The voice was smooth as silk, and though he had not desired to do so his curiosity got the better of him.

He looked right and opened his eyes. There before him he could see the neck and head of a cobalt blue dragon.

"Hello...Nice to meet you?" He said a bit confused.

You refuse to entertain the notion of fighting and thus, you meet a stranger along your way and you begin to converse. +3 Wis...

Dante was somewhat scared and yet releived by the message.

"It has been a while since someone entered these waters. What are you looking for here little one?" The blue dragon asked as it tilted its head to the side.

Said head was about the size of a small car resting upon a neck as long and wide as a flatbed trailer.

Dante swallowed his spit. "Im going down the Road of Water II. I just wanted to raise my luck." Dante said trying his best to keep his composure.

"Ah you seek fortune! To better your hand in life. I see we are not unalike in this way." The cobalt blue dragons, saphire blue iris' shone with delight.

Dante felt it would be wise to remain silent but the dragon's words didn't quite sit well with him. "You are not entirely wrong. However, where you hoard for yourself, I share with those I cherish." Dante stated defiantely. The dragon took notice, smiling a toothy smile.

"Am I not one to be cherished? Is my radiance not beautiful to behold?" The dragon asked is voice of fake plight.

It was here that he realized something, 'This is a female dragon. I couldn't tell at first.' He thought. Standing from from the deck and dusting himself off he responded.

"Forgive me great dragon for we have only just met. In my panic I had forgotten to introduce myself. My name is Dante Alighieri Stone. It's my pleasure to meet you." Dante said as he removed his...crown? There in his hand was his crown. He hadn't told it to revert so why?

"The pleasure is mutual. Not many with manners come here. Even fewer can stand before me as you do." She said as her voice returned to how it had been before. Her eyes slowly drifting down to the crown he clutched to his chest, along with moch of his other equipment. It was too simple to descern where she was looking and why.

"My good lady. May I bother you for your name?" He asked trying his best to be sincere with a bit of charm.

Once more the dragon smiled. "Oh my it seem's i had also forgotten. My name is Xenora. And you my little Dante...have entered my prison." Dante paled for a moment at the mention of the word prison. Then a a thought sparked in his mind.

"Prison Xenora? How could a lady as lovely as yourself be a prisoner?" Dante stated, while tilting his head trying to display confusion.

For a moment the Dragon was silent as if contemplating his words. After a moment she spoke. "Yes a prisoner. A punishment for my crimes long ago. Though you could hardly call following my nature a crime." Xenora stated as she lowered her head almost laying it upon the ships deck.

'Ok she probably stole something from the wrong person and got locked up for her trouble.' Dante thought for a moment before another idea graced his mind. "Xenora. What if I could get you out of here?" He asked only to have his eardrums nearly burst as Dragon laughed in his face.

She threw back her head causing a great splash as her head and neck dove beneath the wave.

You have brightened the dull life of long held prisoner. +1 Spirit...

'I wonder where the completion message is. Or how long this will keep going.' He thought before hearing Xenora resurface several feet from the boats right side.

While he aprroached the side after replacing the crown upon his head she approached the ship once more.

"I am sorry for laughing. I just find the prosect of you being able to free me hilarious. You will never...But maybe you could." She said as the light in her eyes seemed to grow ever brighter.

"I could what Xenora?" Dante asked curious, though he suspected he was walking into some kind of trap.

"To leave this place I must pay back the value of that which I had stolen in all my life." She said her voice tinted with what seemed to be genuine sadness.

"How much is it?" He asked knowing full well he probably would not see such gold for decades.

"Look I appreciate it but..." Xenora was interupted by the lound Ping of a system notice. Then a blue screen appeared before both of them.

An Optional Legendary quest has been discovered! Quest title: Indebted You have made indications that you desire to free the Cobalt Dragon, Xenora, from her lawful imprisonment. To do so lawfully you must pay off the monetary value of all things she has ever stolen or obtained by illegitimate means.

Monitery value required for quest completion: 32,541 Large Platinum coins

Time limit: The end of Xenora's life.

Do you wish to accept?

Dante looked for a moment at Xenora and she looked at him in turn. She looked upon him with a look of doubt that he could ever bring that much money to bear. Yet there he could also see hope. Hope that maybe he could defy her expectations.

"I will gladly so. However, I would require something of you Xenora." He said. Then he watched as the scales on her face began to grow brighter.

"I will see what I can do but surely you would not ask me to do something indecent." She said, her voice indicating she she was taking some joy form this.

"Oh? OH! No. I simply was curious if i could get your help with the collection somehow. Your help would make things a lot easier." He said trying to retain his composure as thoughts raced across his mind and his face grew red and hot.

As Xenora sighed another Ping rang out.

For the difficulty of the task your terms are acceptable with limitations.

You will be able to summon forth Xenora for no longer than 1 hour a day total. Unused time doesn't carry over to the following days.

Her physical statistics will be lowered to match your own.

You will be granted a none leveling skill, that requires no mana, in order to conduct the summoning.

Do you accept the system's terms?

Dante looked back to Xenora with a smile, "Do I accept?" In a blur of motion Xenora the cobalt blue dragon vanished. He felt a tap upon his shoulder and there was a beautiful nude woman. Her hair was straight and brown but her eyes gave her away, Saphire blue eyes. She took a step forward embracing Dante and giving him a full kiss on the lips.

He felt as if lightning was racing through his veins, but it didn't hurt. Dante closed his eyes and enjoyed this moment, as he placed his hands on her waist. No sooner than he opened his eyes the world was gone. All that was left to remember it by was a blue box.

The terms are deemed accepted.

For a legendary quest, a legendary skill is granted.

You are granted the Legendary, none leveling, skill, Summon Xenora.

You have received Xenora's Blessing You have gained the affinity, Lightning

Congradulations! You have completed the Road of Water II! The Road of Water III has opened to you! The Road of Lightning I has opened to you! +2 Cha, +2 Spirit...

He found himself once more, with his parents and Califa. He raised his fingers to his lips for a moment before sighing. '+20 into Luck and let's see my stats' he thought as his smile returned.

Stats

Resources

Total

Regen.

Strength

104

Health

(2,004+10=2,014)

(99.4x2=198.8

/min)

Constitution

110

Mana

(2,948+10=2958)

(93.2/min)

Endurance

108

Stamina

(1,732+10=1,742)

(88.8x2= 167.6/min)

Dexterity

101

Road Points

0

Willpower

127

Stat Points

0

Intellect

114

Luck

157

Wisdom

123

Perception

104

Charisma

112

Spirit

110

Dante was disappointed but turned to his party anyway and stated, "Alright guys are you ready?". Everyone nodded and smiled. So, they turned and walked past the city guards and through the large gate and bustling crowd of people moving through the gate in both directions. Passing through the gates they began their adventures outside the city walls.