“Stats are important, but Skills are the most vital part of your curriculum. Their level, tier, quality, and eventual merges help your employer decide between a poor wage, or a rich one. I encourage you to buy additional books or lessons stating which skills are the best and scout your desired jobs for the most requested ones.

As opposed to monsters, who are restricted to one or two elements, the Great Builder decided to allow us humans and alike to buy our preferred path. Truly, our ability to merge skills belonging to most different elements is how civilization has prevailed until now."

“But, professor, how can we be sure that there isn’t a monster that can do the same as us?”

“Child, while it’s true that many monsters can evolve another element, something like that is utterly impossible. If not, how could our great cities still be standing?”

-Professor Alaric, holding a class at the Beacon of civilization.

Nashariel pov

Fortunately, it seemed that the city wasn’t too shocked by what happened in the bay. There were a few talks about troubles at the docks, but the jovial city air remained the same as always.

Monster attacks weren’t a common happenstance in Andriel, but neither a rare one. Most called it a good thing, as most equipment and alchemical products were extracted from their parts. Monsters near the city were usually on the low-threat spectrum, as Templars or adventurers regularly culled their population. During Nashariel’s lifetime, the Manta had been the only monster approaching the three-digit level, a threat only for non-combatants, as they were the least likely to have the training, skills, and will to fight. Well, save for the alchemists who loved explosions.

Clinics were, indeed, a blessing.

Nashariel was laying on her bed, exhausted and mentally drained. She fell asleep in moments.

After waking up, having breakfast with her father, and being sent right back to bed, Nashariel decided to look into her status. This time, before spending her stats, she approached the slate. It was pulsing with soft gray light, calm but asking for attention. The omnidragon saw that her most recent Quest was shining brighter, so she pressed it.

*Quest: First steps.

Objective: Kill twenty creatures above your level.

Reward: 100 stat points and 20 skill points.

Bonus objective: Be victorious against a powerful enemy.

Additional reward: Omnidragon-tier skill.

Congratulations on having fully completed your first quest!

You may select one of the following skills.

Be warned: this choice is irreversible, but the same options may reappear in the future.

As you grow, more and more skills will become available as a reward. You may delay this choice as long as you wish.

Choose wisely, young omnidragon:

· Omnidragon Body:

A skill that makes the omnidragon a living fortress, making them impervious to most elemental attacks.

· Omnidragon’s supply:

All elements crave to leave a clear, unmistakable sign of their passage. This skill will help to make yours memorable too.

· Omnidragon fighting style:

The omnidragon is a creature of unparalleled flexibility. This skill will help to remind your foes of it. *

Natural Quests often behaved like this. They gave out a hefty bonus in points, powerful skills, and so on, or a single skill based on the skillset and will of the being in question, merged with others.

Since her recent almost-and-permanent-departure, [Omnidragon body] seemed the most obvious choice, yet the other two skills were interesting enough to ponder for a moment.

Nashariel had a lot of natural damage, being a dragon, but her low skill levels had been an obstacle to overcome. The fighting style here listed would further improve the recently gained benefits, but first, a quick check.

*Draconic fighting style-cap

Unlock requirements: 100 points, at least six elemental fighting styles.

Resulting skill: Omnidragon fighting style. *

Nashariel’s eyes widened. Holy duck, that’s a lot! [Omnidragon prowess] needs even more but… still! The dragoness let out an annoyed huff.

The skill implied that, probably, the other skills too were normally obtainable, but the Quest was a huge point-saver.

Nashariel didn’t quite understand the second skill. It wasn’t originating from her [Dragon’s breath] but it talked about the elements’ prowess. The system was intelligent, in its mechanical way, so this skill couldn’t be a simple spellcasting amplifier.

Nashariel turned to the slate listing the mysterious reward at level fifty. She was close enough that waiting wouldn’t be too annoying, just a few days in the forest should do the trick, but… the brief sight that she got of herself when her father rushed to the hospital with her body in his arms was seared in Nashariel’s mind, but not as much as the bags under her parents’ eyes.

Conflagration was an Aspect of fire, an embodiment of the moments in which the flame roared to life. It was probably the most damaging variant known, and it had almost spelled her end. A few defensive points less, and Nashariel wouldn’t have made it.

The omnidragon pressed the first skill with no regret. Well, kinda, but living has its own priority, sooooooo…. Yeah.

*Omnidragon body has successfully been acquired!

All resistance skills have been consumed.

Skill gained:

Omnidragon body Lvl 1

As the mistress of all elements, the omnidragon must first equip herself with a proper way to endure them. This skill offers an unmatched vessel for such protection without the burden of expensive skills or equipment. May the elements kneel to you, young omnidragon.

All elemental damage received is moderately reduced.

All elemental side effects' duration and efficacy are moderately reduced.

Elemental damage and side-effects corresponding to your attunement are considerably weakened unless their source is significantly more powerful than you are. Be wary, specialized skills may ignore this protection.

Omnidragon kin finds it easier to absorb elemental essence to unlock new attunements.

Upgrade cost: 10 points Lvl.

Temporary note: Current progress of elemental unlocking will become available as soon as the Quests 'The Aspects of an Omnidragon' and 'A dance of the elements' are completed. Progress will be partially stored. *

Nashariel gawked at her gray scales as they flickered in all the colors of the rainbow. Her whole body tingled pleasantly, like when having a long, warm bath after an exhausting day. Moments later, the colors died down, flickering only once in a while. The omnidragon stretched a few times, her body seemingly identical. I guess that I’ll see the difference only when fighting. The upgrade cost is absurdly high! Is this because it consumed some skills…?

The omnidragon laid on her bed again, a concentrated frown upon her face. She reopened her status, entering the fire chamber, the closest one.

The pillars corresponding to [Fury] and her now-vanished growth skills were lit with a pleasant bonfire on their top.

There was one more of them, compared to her memories.

When inspected, the pillar read [Fire resistance]. Yep, as the system said. I wonder if all monsters generate their own Quests. Technically, all base skills should be able to merge with others. Nashariel tapped her tail reflectively on the real-world floor. Actually, I can test this!

The omnidragon returned to the small slate, checking her skills. She stared at [Improved swimming], willing her updated [Omnidragon kin]'s activation.

*Improved swimming capped.

No possible merge detected.

Upgrade for 10 points?

Y/N *

Some skills needed one or more breakthroughs to merge. Nashariel sighed, then confirmed her choice. Here goes nothing!

*Skill points reduced to-> 80

Improved swimming evolves into-> Draconic dive

Draconic dive Lvl 1

The days of simply waddling in the water have passed, and now it’s time to hunt as a true dragon should. Stronger and juicier prey wait for you in the depths, waiting to confront their might with yours. Be wary, for the depths never forgive an arrogant hunter… unless you can prove your superiority.

You have significantly more control, speed, maneuverability, and reduced stamina usage when swimming. Effect increased while in combat.

Swimming during perilous situations is further facilitated.

Magical impairments are moderately less effective against you when underwater.

Upgrade cost: 5 points Lvl.

Omnidragon kin detects future merge:

Omnidragon mobility. *

“Bingo!” Nashariel shouted, pumping her fist in the air. She expanded the skill.

*Omnidragon mobility requirements:

Draconic dive

Draconic excavation

Draconic soar

Draconic crossfire

Draconic shadow step

Draconic reflection *

If the pattern is correct, each one of these skills is in the second tier, Nashariel mused. She expanded each skill, finding its base tier version in the respective chambers, then made an approximate calculus of the total cost.

The third time she lost count, the girl helped herself with the half-full notebook that she often used for school.

Oof, that’s surely an investment I don’t need right now. Not that I can make it either. The girl eyed once more her Quests, noting that she was five maxed skills away from unlocking even more stuff.

Dizzy, Nashariel closed her status, then the book, playing with her pencil and staring out the window.

Nothing was particularly changed in the city from yesterday, but Nashariel noticed a few patrols roaming with their hands closer than usual to their weapons.

The girl closed her curtains, shutting her wet eyes. The scene reminded her of the floating corpses she saw in the water.

As compassionate as Astillians were, they knew how to deal with problems, Templars especially. It wasn’t something that required her help.

Nashariel slapped her cheeks a few times, already bored after only a single day of full rest and in dire need of a distraction more substantial than some skills she couldn’t even buy.

She went downstairs, then into the backyard, where she had heard her father practicing against the same dummy she trained with.

“Already up? I heard you shouting. Something good?” He asked, dropping his stance to face Nashariel. The Templar was wearing most of his armor, even out of service.

“I didn’t shout for that, but yeah, I completed a Quest and got something good. The defensive kind of good.”

“Can’t say I’m against that, little light. Why did you shout, then?”

“I successfully tested one of my skills.” Nashariel beamed.

Thalom tilted his head, then shrugged. “As long as you’re happy. I assume you’re bored? We are not hunting today.” The last phrase sounded almost like a scolding.

Nashariel quickly shook her head. “I wasn’t thinking about that!” Although I wouldn’t have complained. “I wanted to ask for tips. Or training. Anything, really.”

That got a chuckle out of her father. “Ask away, then.”

The duo sat on the grass. “Basically… I don’t know what to buy. I have six elements to choose from, and I’ll probably get more soon. Any ideas?”

Thalom contemplated for a moment. “If you were in a party, what role would you choose? And when by yourself?”

“Generalist for both of them,” Nashariel answered immediately, “I’d fill the gaps as needed and I like adapting.”

“Your skillset is perfect for that. Good choice, little light.

Since you wanna be a generalist, why don’t you pick a skill or two per element? They should be roughly divided per specialty unless your system functions differently…?”

“I already thought about that, but I have no idea on which skills to buy.”

“Simple. The ones that call to you the most.”

Nashariel replied with a flat stare.

Thalom smiled. “It’s your life, Nash.

Are you torn between a few skills? I'll list the pros and cons for you. Do you need help in training them? I'll always be here. While I can propose some skills universally known as useful, or some that helped me immensely, I’m not willing to make your life choices for you, little light.”

Warmth spread through Nashariel’s chest. “Thanks…” She muttered in a whisper. Her tail swished among the grass.

“Anytime. Now, tell me, which skills do you want the most?”

It was almost past lunchtime, but finally, Nashariel and Thalom were done.

Her father made her fetch a new, clean notebook, in which he made her write separate lists of skills, ordered by importance.

The first one was what Nashariel wanted the most, as her father said.

*The following skills have been acquired:

Sharpened natural weapons

Improved grapple

Increased body density

Earth armor

Draconic feathers

Shroud of darkness

Taunt

Skill points reduced to-> 42

Sharpened natural weapons Lvl 1

Fire dragons are renowned for their lethality. Their claws and teeth are often used as material to forge sharp bone blades that are among the best of their kind, especially if their former owner was on the older side. Of course, not many things survive close contact with said owner.

Your teeth and claws are unnaturally sharp. Their damage and cutting power are slightly increased, especially on flesh.

Upgrade cost: 2 points Lvl.

Improved grapple Lvl 1

Compared to their cousins, water dragons don’t have lots of muscular mass. They compensate by using their whole body, strangling their prey while it spasms on their poisoned quills. But that’s another skill, you are here for the strangling part, are you not? Or the squishing, that’s a thing too.

Your constrictive skills and strength are slightly increased.

Upgrade cost: 2 points Lvl.

Increased body density Lvl 1

Earth is a tough nut to crack, almost like some people’s heads. Be it flesh or stone, there are many weaknesses in all things. This skill wishes to remedy that.

Your body is denser, harder to damage, but smaller. Effects increase each level.

This skill scales with your resilience, making each point more efficient.

Upgrade cost: 3 points Lvl.

Earth armor Lvl 1

Monsters attuned to earth specialize in defensive powers, and this skill is a prime example of that. Summon the very ground beneath your feet to cover yourself in a powerful defense, and make your enemies tremble as their weapons break on your defenses!

Conjure a full elemental armor on your body.

The armor sacrifices your dexterity and speed, greatly enhancing your defenses.

Mana cost: 40% upon activation, 5% per minute.

Upgrade cost: 5 points Lvl.

Draconic feathers Lvl 1

Usually, scaled beings tend to be on the slower side of creatures. Dragons don’t like to feel inferior to anyone. Somehow, air dragons managed to grow feathers, becoming as fast as other plumed monsters, and much deadlier. Well, not like they do much more than play with it.

You grow feathers on your wings and tail, helping you with maneuverability and speed.

Effect scales with dexterity.

Upgrade cost: 4 points.

Shroud of darkness Lvl 1

Common among stealth-focused creatures (or blind ones) this skill act as a cover for their hunt. Be it for assassinating a foe, or playing with it, this skill will ensure that your deeds will remain unseen. Hopefully?

You exude an aura of darkness, blinding every creature within its confines.

The size, thickness of the fog, and sight required to see through increase with level.

Base size: 8m.

Mana cost: 10% upon activation, 2% per minute.

Upgrade cost: 4 points Lvl.

Taunt Lvl 1

Some beings decide to invest in offensive power, others in great defense. A smart enemy will take notice, and target the frail ones. To counter this, some defenders have learned to attract their enemies' attention in the most literal way possible. Beware, such practice isn't advisable for living a long life.

One action of your choosing, such as a shout or a gesture, gains the ability to make your enemies focus on you. Non-sentient enemies have a hard time fighting off this effect, but substantial damage might do the trick.

The range and efficacy of this skill increase with level.

Base range: 20m for a single target, 10m for groups.

Upgrade cost: 2 points Lvl. *

A nice balance between general skills and specific ones. As her fight had proved, being able to invest a large number of resources in something could prove vital.

The omnidragon confirmed her choices.

The skills washed over her, irreversibly changing her body. Nashariel watched as the tips of her claws shrunk, almost too little for her eyes. Meanwhile, the world around her seemed to grow slightly. Dang it, I don’t want to look like a kid!

*Increased size has been bought.

Points reduced to-> 38

Increased size Lvl 1

A skill purchased by defenders who wish to offer their enemies a bigger target to focus on, and monsters trying to appear more intimidating to their competitors. Fun fact: this skill is often bought in a rush after an ability to increase body density. You don’t happen to be one of them, right?

Your size is slightly increased at each level.

Upgrade cost: 1 point Lvl. *

Have I just been called out by the system?! Slightly red in the face, Nashariel still sighed in relief. She followed her father in for lunch, delaying some testing for later.

"Not gonna lie, this is a little weird," Nashariel commented, mirroring against a skill conjured by her father. She was in her air form, and her wings and tail were… well, feathered. To be fair, they were only a few, but she was sure that their number would grow with the skill.

“Is or feels?”

“…Both?”

“Regrets?”

The omnidragon jumped, rapidly beating her wings. Changing direction was easier if only a little. Nashariel tried to increase her speed, then pretended to dodge incoming attacks. She landed a minute later. “Nope.”

“Fair enough. Try the rest?”

Nashariel changed form. A thick, black cloud surrounded her body, enveloping her father and part of their house. Her natural eyesight pierced the darkness without problems, and she found her father staring at her undisturbed. She dismissed her skill, pouting. “It doesn’t seem to do much.”

Thalom chuckled. “Little light, I fought dark beings for years. I can deal with a low-level skill.”

Nashariel rasped the ground with her leg. “I-I guess… next!” Trying to avoid further embarrassments for the day, the omnidragon changed again.

Once in her earth form, she summoned the armor. After her mana drained, a transparent, slightly green armor molded on her body. Nashariel felt like walking under a boar. "Heavy!" She grumbled, gesturing for her dad to start.

The Templar punched her chest, the blow barely felt by the omnidragon. He kept going for a while, increasing the potency of his strikes until Nashariel lost a single hit point. He nodded to her. “A good skill. You should be around half again as hard as before. Although, you are much slower. How’s your strength?”

Nashariel quickly checked. “345, but I have a hundred points to spend.”

Thalom whistled. “Already? I thought you said to have specialized in defense?”

The girl nodded. She listed her stats and the reasoning behind her distribution. "My racial skill increases my stats by half, and another gives me double points." The omnidragon added.

Her father seemed pleased. “Good. Your stats are amazing for your level, so you could do pretty much everything with them. Do you know where to put them already?”

Nodding, Nashariel invested her points.

*Strength: 250 - 375

Power: 158 - 237

Resilience: 400 – 600

Vitality: 300 – 450

Dexterity: 250 - 375

Awareness: 180 - 270

Essence: 120 - 180

Endurance: 130 - 195

Hp: 4500/4500

Mana: 1800/1800

Stamina: 1950/1950 *

As moving in the armor was only slightly easier, Nashariel deduced that it was based on a percentage. Hopefully, the problem would vanish with skill levels. “When can I go back hunting?” She asked her father, jumping from one foot to another.

He rolled his eyes. “Soon, little light. Have a little patience.”

Nashariel deflated.

“We can train, though.”

Nashariel reflated.

“Don’t tell me that you kept going at it all day.” Said Lianna, once she got home that evening.

Nashariel was doing her best to imitate a puddle on the grass. Or working towards becoming a slime, she wasn’t sure.

Thalom had taken his gloves off since Nashariel had awakened and her stats were around three times the normal amount. To be fair, the Church's recruitment would start as early as in two weeks, so the girl wanted to finish her practice at her absolute best.

After some rest, that is.

“We definitely did, love. How was your day?”

Lianna rolled her eyes, but let the subject drop. “Nothing particularly nasty. Words of the attack having been human-made is starting to spread. The people are getting nervous.”

Thalom frowned. “Any progress?”

“Not yet. They are interrogating Lord Seaweaver for-”

“Cody’s dad is in trouble?!” Nashariel shot up instantly, all her fatigue forgotten.

Lianna caressed her hair. “No, dear, but the monsters focused his zone of the port. We have to know if he’s someone’s target or just plain unlucky. I don’t know anything else.”

That’s why he didn’t visit me. “I’ll go see Cody tomorrow.”

*Due to extenuating training, endurance is increased by 4, essence is increased by 2

Name: Nashariel Holyshield

Race: Omnidragon (young)

Age: 13

Current humanoid form: Human dragokin

Current attunement: -

Level: 42

Available stat points: /

Available skill points: 38

Strength: 250 - 375

Power: 158 - 237

Resilience: 400 – 600

Vitality: 300 – 450

Dexterity: 250 - 375

Awareness: 180 - 270

Essence: 122 - 183

Endurance: 134 - 201

Hp: 4370/4500

Mana: 790/1830

Stamina: 562/2010

Skills:

Racial:

Omnidragon kin (minor) Lvl -

Omnidragon prowess Lvl 20-capped

Omnidragon body Lvl 1-> 2

Dragon’s breath (II) Lvl 3

Dragon’s fighting style (II) Lvl 20

Air:

Improved flight Lvl 3-> 4

Draconic feathers Lvl 1-> 2

Water:

Venom Lvl 3

Improved swimming Lvl 20-cap-> Draconic dive Lvl 1

Improved learning Lvl 7-> 9

Identify Lvl 3

Improved grapple Lvl 1

Earth:

Improved burrow Lvl 1

Increased size Lvl 1

Increased body density Lvl 1-> 2

Armor of the earth Lvl 1-> 2

Fire:

Fury Lvl 3

Sharpened natural weapons Lvl 1

Light:

Improved healing Lvl 5

Light’s refuge Lvl 1

Taunt Lvl 1

Dark:

Stealth Lvl 4

Shroud of darkness Lvl 1-> 2 *