With each new spirit you take in, with each new totem you obtain, your own soul shall grow and we alongside you...

Your strength is our strength...

And ours is yours...

Congratulations! Your Spirit stat has exceeded 100!...

Soul Space expansion in progress!...

Congratulations! Your Charisma has become, Lions Pride...

You have earned Experience!...

You have leveled up!...

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

"Fuck...everything... hurts!" Jacob said as he came around. Looking around he found himself in the shade of a tree surrounded by his friends.

Dante, who had been watching him while meditating smiled, "You alright man?" He asked with a small laugh.

"Can you hit me with Heal?" Jacob asked.

"Sure thing." Dante replied as he raised up his hands and spoke, "Heal."

You have leveled up!...

Congratulations! Your Health has reached 2,500!...

Pool of Sacrifice has leveled up! Lvl. 7...

Mundane Damage resistance has leveled up! Lvl. 16...

Dante smiled at the notice as the palms of his hands began glowing, each emitting a warm crimson light that washed over Jacob, alleviating much of his pain.

"How long was I down for? It doesn't seem like much time has passed." he said curiously.

"You were only down for about half an hour. Long enough for me to gain 2 levels in meditation." Dante spoke, happy with himself.

"So how did your stat distribution go guys?" Jacob asked as he began pulling up his own menu before placing a hand upon his stomach, "Damn I'm hungry."

"Yeah leveling will do that to you. Here..." Dante said as he handed Jacob 4 large silvers. "Buy yourself some lunch on me. You should eat while you're distributing your stats."

"Thanks so much. Now, like I asked a bit ago. How did your stat distribution go guys?" Jacob asked with a smile on his face and a twinkle of joy in his eyes.

There was much joy and laughter as the group showed off their stats and the occasional new skill, before all eyes turned to Dante with expectation.

"I haven't done it yet. I wanted to wait for Jacob to wake up. Because I wanted to talk to you about a certain road I walked and wanted you to help me with an experiment." Dante said as he playfully put his arm around Jacobs shoulders, squeezing gently.

Jacob looked like a deer in headlights as he stared wide eyed at Dante, "I don't know if I like where this is going. So...what did you want to tell me?"

Dante smiled as he released his friend. "You guys were a bit shocked when I mentioned the dragon..."

"That's an understatement!" Reo called out as she stood arms crossed.

Dante continued, "As I was saying. I was walking on the Road of Water II when I met a dragon. Her name is Xenora. I don't know if it's just me that something like that happened on that particular road. So, I wanted you to try running down that road to see if something similar happens for you?"

"So you want me to try going down the road to meet her?"

"No that's not what I wanted. I thought you might be able to get something from her due to your class. I'm almost entirely certain you won't be able to get her as a totem and leave with her. In fact, don't even try that. I don’t want to see what the system will do to you if you try that idea. Because if “they” can take down a dragon, we don’t stand a chance, it's not worth the risk.." Dante stated, emphasizing that last word.

After several more minutes of back and forth banter and an explanation of what he had gone through when he walked the roads it was agreed that Jacob would at least try to walk the Road of Water I and II should they open to him.

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

"Status, Roads." Dante spoke smiling as now was the time to spend his amassed points.

Dante A. Stone

Race: Human

Class: Cleric

Lvl. 36

EXP: 679/7,300

(Available Currency)

Stats

Resources

Total

Regen.

Strength

126

Health

(2,547+70=2,617)

(118.1x2=

236.2/min)

Constitution

142

Mana

(3,529+70=3,599)

(111.4/min)

Endurance

135

Stamina

(2,130+70=2,200)

(104.5x2= 209/min)

Dexterity

108

Road Points

112

Willpower

144

Stat Points

1

Intellect

128

Luck

169

Wisdom

158

Perception

113

Charisma

129

Spirit

138

Road of the Psion I

1/50

Road of Water III

0/50

Road of Blood II

0/50

Road of Family

0/100

Road of the Unyielding Will

0/50

Road to Everlasting Life

0/1,000

Road of Courage VI

0/1000

Road of Dungeon Exploration I

1/50

Road of the Wizard IV

0/100

Road of Light II

0/50

Abyss

1

Road of Radiance I

0/50

Road of Earth II

0/25

Road of the Tireless I

0/50

Road of the Apprentice

0/50

Road of Regeneration I

0/100

'Why did it increase so much?...' Dante pondered for a moment as he remembered something. 'The level limit of the items I got from the king. As my level grows I get a bit more of their power unlocked. Pull up the status for my item.' Dante commanded in his mind and was pleasantly surprised.

Crown of Leadership

Due to being underleveled Stat bonuses are reduced to 10% of their original value.

+22 to all stats. The crown can absorb magical items within certain limits. A gold necklace with a large gem but not a silver one. A magic hat but not a mundane one.

A once "Normal" magical crown granted sentience by the Crimson king through secret magics. Through those same magics he granted the item the ability to consume similar magical items.

Level requirement 300

Emerald

Sapphire

Amethyst

Diamond

Topaz

Citrine

Depreciated due to being underleveled.

Originally this gem served as a token of wisdom before being integrated into this crown.

+100 wisdom, depreciated to +12.

Depreciated due to being underleveled.

Originally this gem served as a token of intellect before being integrated into this crown.

+100 intellect, depreciated to +12.

Grants the user resistance to Mana corruption.

+10000 to max mana, depreciated to +1200

This diamond acts as an additional inventory accessible only to the attuned creature.

Depreciated due to being underleveled.

Originally this gem served as a token of awareness before being integrated into this crown.

+100 perception, depreciated to +12.

Grants the user the ability to become invisible. Due to being underleveled this ability has depreciated and changed.

Grants the user the ability to change the form of the crown at will.

Currently absorbed items

Golden Rabbit fur, Stetson hat: All regens +5 (No level requirement)

Ring of the King

Grants the attuned creature +100 Charisma. Due to attuned creatures being underleveled, Charisma bonus has become +36.

Your level is insufficient to properly utilize this item. Item bonus has been reduced.

Requires attunement

Level requirement 100.

'So, every 3 levels I do get 1 more to my stats and 100 more mana from the crown. Every level gets me one more out of the ring of the king at least until level 100. Not bad at all!' Dante smiled as he gazed upon the stats then his expression grew to one of worry and contemplation. 'I almost died today. I was too confident that these things would let me bulldoze through any challenge. Boy was I wrong.' He thought as he rubbed the area around his now crimson and gold right eye.

'There is still a price on my head and the only way it comes off is if I kill that asshole who put it on me. I need to hit the cap for this zone before I leave, level 80. Those assholes have to be waiting for me in the next zone. By the time I'm level 80 I should be able to take on people up to the level cap of the next zone. In a one on one anyway. I need to have these guys and those guys with the legendary items accompany me to the next zone. There most certainly won't be just one person there. No. There will likely be a large group of people waiting to gank me!' Dante sighed as his head dropped.

'But I still have time. I need to focus on what's in front of me now, not what comes later.' He thought. After that tangent he spent a small gold, about 100$, in the system store on a sizable amount of food including a large bowl of fresh, piping hot spaghetti, a box of pizza, and a pan of lasagna alongside a picnic blanket for everyone.

'Time to Carbo load. Damn I'm hungry.' He thought with a smile as his stomach grumbled.

As he began sharing the food he had bought and partaking on some of what they had bought from the system store he began distributing his RP.

25 points into the Road of Earth II.

You find yourself upon open grasslands where anything could be hiding. +3 Per...

In the distance you hear the beating of drums. You feel something but you know not what it is. +1 Int, +1 Wis, +2 Per...

The beating of drums gives way to the sound of many distant voices. Singing, laughing, cries of joy and sorrow. You take a breath and the sounds of life suffuse you. +2 Con, +2 End...

The messages paused as he felt himself swept through the motions once more. Looking out from the tree that provided them shade he saw the great expanse of grasslands. The beating of drums came soon to his ears. The sound reminded him of old leather drums, like something that had been made long ago.

'Reminds me of some drums I saw being played in a documentary on african culture.' Dante thought as all at once the drums stopped and were replaced by many distant voices. He tried for a moment to count the voices before quickly realized it would be an exercise in futility. He drew in a deep breath as it felt like static raced across his skin. Then he chuckled, 'I need to remember that there is more to life than this system. These voices are a good example of that.' Dante though as something unexpected happened.

For those who have suffered know it's best to appreciate what they have before it's gone. +3 Wis...

The voices of many receed leaving only the few.

May I speak to you?...

The many voices were replaced with one. The voice sounded like that of an elderly man. Once more he felt the weight of expectation, the desire for an answer. "Who are you?" Dante asked aloud causing his companions to turn in his direction. The voice returned.

I am Anansi, the spider. Be not afraid. I will not harm you...

"Anansi?" Dante questioned as a smile grew upon his face. "The weaver of tales. He who uses his cunning and wit to defeat powerful foes." He had heard of Anasi from the show American Gods. He was one of his favorite character's in the show.

You have heard of me? I am overjoyed to hear someone knows of me. So few these days believe in me. But it is good to be remembered...

Before he could answer he felt the world shift. As if gravity itself had shifted he felt pulled forward.

Congratulations! Mana Sense has leveled up! Lvl. 16...

...

Congratulations! Mana Sense has leveled up! Lvl. 21...

Turning on true sight he saw something what he could only describe as divine fire. The sky was ablaze with golden fire, that seemed to be pourning down into the grass not too far from them. Dante stood despite the vigorus vibration of his muscles.

"What's going on Dante?" Nathan and Herald asked as they to seemed to be unable to stop their bodies from vibrating. All slowly turned as Dante stepped forward up to the thigh heigh light brown grass and placed his hand upon the ground palm up. Slowly, something crawled out of the grass and upon Dante's hand. A spider about the size of his thumbnail.

Congratulations! Mana Sense has leveled up! Lvl. 22...

...

Congratulations! Mana Sense has leveled up! Lvl. 30...

"Hello Anansi." Dante spoke as he stood, carrying the divine being in the palm of his hand. While his true sight was active the spider in his palm was a bright and golden light.

I thank you for your kindness. I am not as strong as I once was. I have come to make a request of you. Of all of you. May I have your names?...

"Dante what the fuck is going on? Whose voice is that..." James asked as he approached and looked upon the small spider in the palm of his hand. As Dante turned now he could see even James was shaking somewhat.

Slowly everyone gave Anansi their names.

I will remember your names. I also see now that even those without this "Mana Sense" can feel my divine presence. However, I can't remain for long. Though...

Anansi paused as his tiny spider head looked up to look Dante in the eyes.

Being this close to you shows me your story Dante. You have my condolences and my sadness for the sorrow of such a fine man. Now I must make haste for though I have only just manifested, my time already runs short. Please defeat the beast that guards this dungeons heart. Slay the beast and grant me the core that I may protect my people...

"You mean that village of newly uplifted beings right?" Dante questioned, though he was already certain as to the answer.

This "system" has given me new people to be worshipped by. This "system" tells me that if this dungeon expands again, that they will surely die. Will you please help me? Help them?...

Divine Quest!

Beat the Dungeon, Save the Village

You are tasked by the Spider god, Anansi, to defeat the dungeon you currently reside in and then grant the dungeons core onto him.

Quest rewards: Experience

Additional: Unknown

Do you accept? Y/N

Dante knew his answer but it wasn't his decision alone. He turned to the rest of the legion awaiting their answers.

Everyone looked at him like he was an idiot before James slapped him on the back. "What are you waiting for man? Of course we accept!" the group cried out each in their own way.

Dante smiled as he looked down upon the spider in his palm, who looked up at him in turn. "Anansi, we accept your quest." Dante spoke with pride as a cheer went up from his team mates.

The quest is accepted!

Thank you...

Anansi spoke before his form vanished from Dante's hand. The divine fire that had been there the moment prior now gone from the range of his true sight.

Congratulations! Mana Sense has leveled up! Lvl. 30...

...

Congratulations! Mana Sense has leveled up! Lvl. 35...

For when the divine call upon you, you stand fast and ready to answer! +3 Dex...

Congratulations! You have completed the Road of Earth II! +2 to all physical stats...

Dante looked upon his hand his true sight still active and there he saw but a spark of light. His eyes widened as he felt that door in the back of his mind open ever so slightly. Just enough to let a message made from light to come through. Taking a deep breath Dante pressed the palm that held the still glowing spark to his chest.

Your affinity for Light has increased!...

A touch of Divine that your days to come may be filled with ever more stories...

You have been granted a spark of Divine light....

Like the building of a bonfire, bit by bit you collect more and thus the fire and light within you grows! +100 Mana, +5 mana regen...

Dante smiled as he felt something upon his chest. Looking into his shirt he found something on his chest that hadn't been there before.

Had his perception not been so high, or his memory so sharpened he might have missed it.

There on his chest, no larger than a freckle was a tattoo of Anansi the spider.

When freedom is beyond your reach call to me...