Aenon sat on a boulder, absent-mindedly looking at Jenny and the wolf pups playing a game of tag in front of the cave. They had made the place their impromptu base for the time being. The wolves lazed about, with Bane sleeping beside him. Venge too was next to him, but she was observing her pups with one eye open.

Things had gotten… messy. The more Aenon wanted to get rid of the outside influence and hidden powers, the more embroiled he kept getting with them. Case in point, his latest 'message' he got from the System, or more accurately the System Admin. He still didn't know who they were, but Aenon knew he was being watched and studied closely. Not to mention the link he felt with Jenny when his Skill had triggered, which was the reason for his foul mood yesterday.

He wanted to be left alone, but things were progressing in an unfortunate direction. He merely wanted to help Jenny get on her feet before he moved on. But with the link between them, he was worried she would get dragged along in his problems. And with the involvement of this System Admin entity…

Aenon pulled up his stat sheet to observe the latest changes more closely. He had gained a few levels in his Classes after the spider matriarch fight. But that was where the standard changes ended. He was more worried about his Titles.

Level Up | Void Stalker | Level 20 → Level 22 | +8 INT | +20 WIL | +8 PER

Level Up | Abyssal Warden | Level 30 → Level 31 | +8 INT | +10 WIL

Title upgraded | Unfettered → Unfettered Soul | ???

Titles absorbed | Soul Warden, Wraith Blade, Spirit Walker → Unfettered Soul | +60 all stats | ???

Internalized Skills Merged | Soul Sense, Soul Purge, Soul Beacon → Soul Authority

Skill Upgraded | Tracking (Woods) - Adept → Expert | 0 SP used

Aenon Fenrast

Race: Ascended Human (M)

Age: 13

Level 27

Class: Void Stalker (Level 22)

Subclass: Abyssal Warden (Level 31)

HP: 16055

HP Regen: 320.9/min

MP: 19495

MP Regen: 430.3/min

Stats - Multiplier: 128 (Locked))

STR: 1606

CON: 1605

DEX: 1610

INT: 1950

WIL: 2152

PER: 1700

Titles (1365 points)

Unfettered Soul (+60 all), Alpha (+20 all), Domain Walker (Withheld), Bulwark (+5 all), Speed Runner (+10 all), Hoarder (+5 all), Landlord (+20 all), Planetary Forerunner (+30 all), Ancient Killer (+20 all), Untouchable (+30 all), Archivist (+5 all)

(Really) Late Bloomer (+1% Title stats)

Prodigious Mage (+10% Title stats)

Nature's Attendant (+200 all stats when within 50 meters of sapling)

Skills (Available SP: 120)

Weapons (Unarmed, Daggers, Traps) | Savant

Stealth (Woods, Urban) | Savant

Tracking (Woods) | Expert

Mana Manipulation | Master

Internalized Skills

Identify

Mana Sense

Soul Authority - Soul Sense, Soul Beacon, Soul Purge (Unfettered Soul)

System's Grace

The new Title had cannibalized his Soul Warden, Spirit Walker, and Wraithblade Titles. Moreover, it had also replaced his Internalized Skills associated with Unfettered. But the description—or the lack thereof— was what bothered him the most. He had a feeling that his merged Internalized Skill was greater than the sum of its parts. He could still feel and use the individual abilities, but they felt different. He just didn't know in what way.

Overall, the change didn't affect anything, but he had no clue what further complications it would cause down the line. He took a deep breath and sighed, filing this latest debacle into his ever-growing list of unknowns. At least his Domain quest was finally progressing.

Title: Domain Walker | Rewards Withheld | Claim a Domain of your own | Progress: Alphas defeated 2/5, Settlement approval 1/1.

The Umbral Spider Matriarch wasn't really a challenging opponent for him. Being a stealth-based ambush predator that relied heavily on traps, it never stood a chance. Aenon was far better at stealth, courtesy of his Shadow Meld, and the traps were a joke to his Savant level Skill. The only thing the spider had going for it was its brood, which would have swarmed him from all sides.

Unluckily for the poor creature, Aenon's pack was far stronger than the swarm the Matriarch called upon. While it relied on quantity, Aenon excelled in quality.

Aenon dismissed his notifications as he stood up to stretch his legs. He made his way towards Jenny and the pups, who stopped running around and obediently assembled. Venge too got up and walked over.

"Alright, we have dallied enough. It's time to get down to business," Aenon said.

"Which is?" Jenny asked uncertainly before adding with concern. "And are you sure you are okay? Looked like you were having a seizure."

"Your Classes and fighting style," he replied, ignoring her questions. "From what I can see, you are a cross between a tank and a scout."

She regarded him with some worry for a while before giving up.

"Yeah," she replied. "I wanted to be more durable but also didn't want to be caught unawares. I know it's an unconventional build…"

Aenon shook his head.

"It's perfect for you," he corrected her. "Don't let the norm dictate how you should make your build. You do what you feel is right."

"I know at least a dozen people at the guild who would disagree with you," Jenny replied.

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"Those dozen people don't have your Titles, do they?" Aenon countered. "Specially your Underdog and First Blood Titles."

She blushed with pride when Aenon mentioned them. It was clear she valued those a lot, for it was proof she was moving forward.

"Ya, I never thought I would get something so powerful," she said as her eyes became unfocussed, no doubt pulling up her interface. "No one really talks about Titles and their requirements, but these two are well known amongst the elites of the guild. And getting an S ranked rating for their first kill is not something I have heard anyone mention."

"Which is why you need to stop thinking like a normal adventurer," Aenon said with a smile. "You are anything but ordinary right now. And it's all because of your choices."

She smiled as she reviewed her stat sheet but soon frowned as she remembered something.

"But what about this Defiant thing," she asked in confusion. "I have never heard of a Title with question marks in them."

Aenon considered how to respond to that, for he too was unsure about it. But he had a vague idea which he decided to put out there.

"From what I have observed, you got it the moment you started using your nascent Aura," Aenon said with an introspective look. "Which tells me it has some connection to one's access to the outer soul. It was the same for me. How it relates to Auras, and Paths, I am not sure."

"I have heard Ignar talking about Paths when he was drunk," Jenny replied. "He was quite incoherent. But I do recall him saying this: Never cross the Path of an Awakened. I tried digging into it, but the details were scarce."

"Hmm. It's understandable why the upper echelons would try to hide such information," Aenon said thoughtfully. "They don't want to risk losing their edge. But guessing based on what you just told me, an Awakened is someone who has unlocked access to their outer souls. It allows them to start using their Aura. As for Paths, I have no clue but feel like it might linked to our unique Titles. I am not sure why the description is hidden, though. Possibly the interference from someone much stronger than us."

Aenon hinted at the existence of the System Admin, but didn't say it outright. He didn't want to drag Jenny into it, if she could be spared.

"Anyway, let's just focus on what's in our control." Aenon said with a shrug. "Your soul affinities, and powers."

"What about them?" Jenny tilted her said as she asked.

"Yours is the third soul space I have been in, including mine. And it is very different to the others," Aenon explained. "Which tells me that souls have affinities."

"Umm, yes," Jenny sounded confused. "This was taught to us during our Class initiation."

Aenon stayed silent, since he had never attended one. His Class was initiated in the soul incubator with the System Nurse. But she didn't really go into all the specifics. Perhaps sensing his cluelessness, Jenny continued.

"All enlightened races have affinities. Most people have an affinity for one mana type, while a rare few may have multiple. It doesn't mean you can't use other mana types. But the ones you have an affinity for will be much stronger."

Jenny went quiet for a bit as she stared at her palm. She seemed to be lost in her own world, so Aenon didn't interrupt.

"Mana affinities also reflect one's personality," she finally spoke glumly. "Mine seems to be water and air. The two types that are linked with indecision and doubt. Like air and water, I need someone else's validation to decide who I am."

Sensing her gloomy mood, Aenon interjected.

"Wrong." When she looked up in confusion, he continued, "Yes, water and air have no shape of their own. But ice does; and it is a combination of the two. All you needed was something to combine them. Your resolve is just that."

Aenon's mask was invisible, so Jenny was able to see his encouraging smile. She started with intensity before returning a weak smile of her own.

She hesitated a bit before saying, "I wonder what your affinity is."

Aenon didn't have any idea to be honest. And neither did he want to dwell on the personality implications of his dark and lifeless outer soul. So, he changed the topic.

"Anyway, your Classes seemed to be geared towards survival and detection. Which I feel are good qualities to have as a tank. Was that your intention?" Aenon said.

Jenny obviously wanted to know more. But she didn't.

"Not entirely," she replied. "I just wanted to not get caught and fight my way out if I ever did."

"Nothing wrong with that," Aenon reassured her. "If it feels right, it feels right. Now, about your Skills and abilities. I saw you use that mid-range mana projectile and mana sight. Pretty powerful attack, but you were completely winded after using the attack."

"Yeah," Jenny replied sheepishly. "I still haven't learned to control it properly. And ended up draining my entire mana pool."

"Again, not a problem. You just need practice," Aenon replied. "Which is what your next goal is going to be."

Jenny tilted her head in confusion, not able to see what Aenon's plan was.

"We need to get stronger, Jenny. But this mission has clearly shown that you are not ready to join me on my quests."

Aenon saw Jenny visibly deflate at that statement. She tried to argue, "But…"

"I am not saying you never will be," Aenon cut her off. "But for now, we need to split up."

There was restlessness within her soul, as she no doubt was formulating reasons to tag along. But Aenon had considered this situation at length.

"Is… is there no way for me to join…," her voice trailed off.

"I am not abandoning you," he said softly. Aenon patted Venge as she walked up beside him. "You will be going with Venge and the pups."

Jenny perked up at that, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"You are a tank," Aenon continued. "Which means you need to learn to lead a party. Venge will keep an eye on you."

"Wait," Jenny said as she figured his intent. She looked at the pups sitting next to her. "When you say a party, you mean…"

"Uh huh," Aenon replied with a smile. "You will be the tank, while they are the DPS."

As though they understood, the pups looked up to Jenny as one. She gulped at the expectant looks in their eyes.

"But what if…," Jenny began to argue. But she stopped when Aenon raised an eyebrow. "I understand." She finally complied.

"Awesome," Aenon said with a loud clap. "Now, you obviously need a training ground. So, follow me."

Aenon didn't wait for Jenny to protest, walking towards the cave instead. He could clearly feel the nervousness radiating off her as they walked the winding tunnels of the Umbral Spider Matriarch's former home.

Eventually they stopped before an all too familiar pillar of stone. Jenny's eyes widened in surprise.

Dungeon Interface

Dungeon Monster Type: Umbral Spider

Dungeon State: Overflowing (1 spider queen per week)

Recommended Level: 10

Recommended Party Size: 4

"This is where our previous host came from," Aenon said as he turned towards the shocked expression on Jenny's face. "And this is where you will be honing your skills."

"But… but… that is a dungeon," Jenny said with worry.

"Yep," Aenon replied casually

"Once you enter, you can't leave till you have cleared it."

"I know."

"And I am under leveled for this dungeon."

"Exactly."

Jenny looked aghast at what Aenon was implying. But she started to waver as Aenon gave her an inquisitive stare.

"Your Defiant Title," Aenon said. "We do not know what its effects are. But something tells me it triggers when you are in an unfavorable situation."

Aenon was honest when he said that. His new Soul Authority Skill only gave him clues as to what Jenny's Path was. But he was sure her Title was linked to overcoming difficult odds. Just like his Unfettered Soul Title triggered when he saw signs of someone being restricted.

Jenny looked at the harmless looking structure with a complicated expression. Fear, anxiety, and hopelessness ran rampant within her. But there was resolve buried deep within. Aenon sensed that she only needed a gentle nudge to make the leap.

He walked up and stood before her. She looked into his eyes, a conflicted expression on her face.

"As always, I will only provide you the opportunity," Aenon said while looking into her brown eyes. "What you do with it, is up to you."

Having said his piece, he walked away, leaving Jenny in front of the pillar. Venge and the pups left with him.

As they exited the cave, Venge walked beside him, "Do you think she will do it?"

"I can't say for sure," Aenon replied honestly. "But I have a hunch."

He turned back to the cave as he sensed the changes happening within Jenny's soul. A broad smile bloomed on his face.

………………

Jenny

Jenny stood before the inconspicuous pillar, her mind in severe disarray. The structure glowed vividly in her Mana Sight. But her focus was not on the complicated pattern of runes, nor was it on the mana that was emanating from it.

No. Her entire mind was analyzing her impending choice. Yet again she was at a bridge. A bridge that promised great reward, should she cross it. But there was danger that went hand in hand with said reward.

She could choose to turn back. Her current gains were nothing to scoff at. Should she return to Pinespire, any adventuring party would welcome her with open arms. Her rare Classes and the First Blood multiplier bonus would make her an elite adventurer, granting her a prosperous life. She wouldn't need to struggle. In fact, she could have a very comfortable life ahead of her. No one could look down on her anymore. She remembered how the adventurers walked with pride and confidence. She could do it too.

If she had been given this opportunity a week ago, she would have jumped at it without a second thought. But now…

She tore her gaze away from the pillar and back towards the cave. The pungent smell of death and gore still filled the area. Even though they got rid of all the spider carcasses, she couldn't remove the sight from her memories. The mountain of corpses she witnessed, and the calmness with which that boy sat amidst it.

Of all the powerful adventurers she had met, if anyone had the right to walk with pride and confidence, it would be him. And yet, he was seated with such casual indifference. Like what he had done was no big deal. Despite his power, not once had she seen him look down on her. Even Ignar's party, who had genuinely cared for her, had an air of superiority to them. But not Aenon.

She didn't know what made him into the formidable powerhouse he was. But she was sure it hadn't been easy. She glanced at a shadow to her right.

"What would you do in my situation?" she asked.

"An irrelevant question," Bane replied as he revealed himself. "The situation is yours, and so is the decision."

Jenny stared at the grey eyes of the wolf, very much like Aenon's.

"Heh," she scoffed. "Guess I am still used to taking orders and advice from others."

Bane for his part, just sat next to her in silence. Jenny raised her calloused hand and stared at it intently. Unlike those of a warrior, she had developed her callouses from the use of a pen. She then ran her hand along the holes in her armor, a testament to her fight.

She turned to Bane who had a mysterious look in his eyes.

"You said I was not weak," Jenny said. "Would you still feel the same, if I decide to go back?"

"Yes," Bane replied simply.

"Why?" Jenny asked. But Bane didn't reply, merely looking at her with a serene gaze. She turned back to the pillar. "All my life, people have put high hopes and expectations on me. Yet, why don't you or Aenon do the same? Why do you accept me for what I am?"

Bane still said nothing, letting her mull over her own thoughts. Slowly, a sense of clarity washed over her. As she compared her past life, to her present self. A decision formed in her mind as she stood straighter.

"I'll do it," she declared with confidence.

But Bane's follow up question was something she didn't expect, "Why?"

"What do you mean why?" Jenny asked with a frown.

"The right decision for the wrong reasons is worse than the alternative," he replied sagely.

Jenny stared at him for a moment before turning towards the cave exit. She could sense where Aenon was using the link that the wolves had talked about.

Unbeknownst to her, Bane witnessed Jenny's eyes flicker with an unnatural shade of blue. A faint mist of ice and frost formed in a circle around her as she declared.

"Because I want to stand next to him when he is unleashed upon the world."

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