Bloodlines of the Ancient Pantheons 322 CCCXXII. The Dusty Book

"I think God Weland himself is unaware of that. When he handed me the weapon, he didn't tell me anything like that! Anyway, that's one of the reasons I decided that traveling to Krypstorm in search of the truth was the right thing to do. I know it's an unknown place, full of a thousand dangers, but... I have a feeling that something much bigger than us is behind this mystery and, with the help of a solid crew, I'm sure I'll be able to find out what it is!" Dag confirmed, determined.

"Yes, so do I... now tell me Dag, what happened to your powers? Those two messengers described your last attack on the Jotunns as an incredible event that no one had ever witnessed before!" Egill asked again.

"My dark powers are continuing to grow, as we had already assumed some time ago. The only difference from before is that I can now combine them with those of my weapons, using the dark liquid as a kind of bridge, capable of combining the element of lightning with that of fire. This is what happened on the south coast of Runar. For a week I trained almost exclusively on it, trying to control it and never lose my mind. I have made important progress, but unfortunately, the stress of the battle is not replicable in training and it is precisely during those phases, that the dark material takes over me, sometimes disobeying my orders, thirsting for blood and unleashing its true power to protect me, risking to harm even who stands on my side!" Dag continued, trying to make a detailed picture of the situation and looking at Freydis, that a few days earlier he had tried to tame that fluid.

"Wow. This looks really interesting. I've never seen anyone fight like you do, Dag, and I'd love to see you in action! Master Egill, is there anything you need to say to Master Dag?" Dargeon exclaimed, looking at both of his colleagues.

"Yes, but I think he's already informed. As I have also indicated in the voting scroll for the mission, I give my willingness to come with you. I know that now you just see me as a decrepit old man, who does nothing but lock himself in this huge library and immerse in reading, but... let my bones stretch a little, I promise I won't get in the way!" Egill stated, smiling at Dag and implicitly asking permission to participate in the mission.

"Of getting in the way? Master Egill, don't be ridiculous! You're the most powerful healer I've ever known, how could you get in the way? It will be an honor to participate in such an important mission with you! Rather... we would need a dozen volunteers..." Dag began, explaining to Egill and Dargeon the details of the mission and the number of soldiers needed to carry it out, specifying their roles and disposition.

"Tomorrow morning, as soon as all the warriors are gathered in the Temple's courtyard, we will publicly ask them to come forward. I'm sure they'll willingly accept, despite the risks. Everyone here knows you, Dag, your actions are worth a thousand words. Knowing that such a young and strong warrior is part of their Clan, strengthens the spirit of our warriors, who think of you with admiration and know you even if you don't know them" Egill added, reassuring Dag that finding volunteers would not be as difficult as he believed.

Those words greatly encouraged Dag and his teammates, who, upon hearing those praises, looked at each other and smiled, proud to be allies of Dag, the Godslayer.

"Well, then we know how to proceed! Now I have a few more questions for you... how's the study going? Have you learned any new skills? I would like you to show me your progress" Egill continued, taking on his strict teacher tone.

"Uhm... I only learned 'Champion Aura' from our last meeting and used it only once. That's it" Dag replied, showing Dargeon and Egill the last rune on his arm.

"I learned 'Multi-shot', its rune has already appeared on my skin, but... the power of Failnaught is much stronger and I often forget to use it. I would like to learn a skill that can add to the legendary power of my bow, to strengthen it further! On top of all this, with the help of Master Dag, I learned to shoot arrows while moving and the basics of melee combat with my dagger!" Reidar exclaimed, reporting his progress to the Masters.

"Mmmh... very well..." Dargeon answered, walking around them and realizing that, though unknowingly, Dag had already begun his Master's career, transferring his knowledge to his fellow travelers.

"How long did it take you to learn Champion Aura?" Egill asked, turning to Dag and walking away from the table, slowly starting moving through the bookshelves.

"About ten minutes, if I remember correctly" Dag replied.

Dargeon jolted in amazement, realizing that Dag had learned a level 8 skill in such a short time, confirming his special ability for which he could learn skills in record time.

"Well..." Egill repeated, who disappeared behind a large bookcase, knowing exactly his destination point.

Dag walked in that direction, reading the nameplate hanging above the corridor between the bookcases in which Egill had just walked:

'Level 9 Skills'

He immediately turned to Reidar, knowing that he would share his astonishment.

The archer looked at him and smiled, curious to see what Egill had in store for his Captain, having never seen a level 9 scroll, not even sealed.

The young warriors heard a noise of chains coming from behind that large bookshelf.

Egill, indeed, had just unhooked a dusty book from one of the highest shelves.

After getting off the ladder used to get up there, he returned to the table, followed by Dag who turned back, curious to see what was in the hands of his long-bearded master.

Egill moved an arm outward, made room on the large wooden table, and laid the heavy book right there, which emitted a thud and raised a cloud of dust.

Chapter end