“Of all the options available, I’m still most interested in being placed where I can maximize my combat power, Baron Broken,” Elowen said firmly.
Mira nodded in agreement. “I’m not that skilled in combat either, but it’s the one thing I feel confident in. I hope I can be of some use to you, Baron Broken.”
Broken nodded at them both, then began analyzing their talents, ready to determine the best roles for each of them.
[Name: Elowen]
[Level: 165]
[Sword Mastery (A) – World Tree Affinity (A) – Telepathic Connection (B) – Mystic Insight (B) – Treewalker (B) – Leaf Whisperer (C)]
[World Tree Affinity: A deep connection to the natural world, particularly to the life force of a powerful tree, which provides both protective abilities and offensive options using nature’s elements.] fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
[Telepathic Connection: The ability to communicate telepathically with trusted individuals, facilitating silent conversations over long distances and granting insight into their emotions.]
[Mystic Insight: The ability to sense when attempts are made to observe, inspect, or manipulate the user, providing resistance against such intrusions and allowing heightened awareness of nearby magical activity.]
[Treewalker: The ability to move swiftly and silently through forests, merging with nature. This skill allows traversal of great distances by stepping through trees.]
[Leaf Whisperer: The ability to communicate with leaves and small plants, though they provide no significant information or help beyond rustling in response. While it may offer minor amusement, it serves little practical purpose.]
Broken paused for a moment after analyzing Elowen’s talents, which, to his surprise, were all quite remarkable. The most intriguing one was World Tree Affinity, likely the key that had allowed her to perform the sacrificial ceremony to kill Gremory. He was curious to see just how far this talent could take her.
Her Sword Mastery also aligned perfectly with her weapon choice, and Telepathy explained how she could communicate mentally with others. However, he wanted to know more about the limitations of this ability-how far her telepathy could reach, and whether the person needed to be nearby.
“Would you mind if I ask you a few questions about your innate talents, Elowen?”
“No, I don’t mind. Which one do you want to know about? I’ll try my best to explain, though you might have to ask specific questions,” she replied.
“World Tree Affinity?”
“Ah, that one,” Elowen said thoughtfully. “I can communicate with the greatest World Tree, though it’s not direct-more like a whisper, and only when I’m in desperate need of guidance or answers.”
“So, that’s also where the ability to perform the sacrificial ceremony came from during the fight with Gremory?” Broken asked, intrigued.
“Yes,” Elowen confirmed.
Broken nodded and continued, “What about your telepathy? How far can it reach?”
Elowen giggled. “That one? No, it’s not as advanced as the communication skills you players have. I can only transmit my thoughts to people nearby… and I can’t even hear their replies.” “I wonder if talents can evolve. Maybe you could train it more and see if it develops into something greater. Who knows, you might even be able to combine it with your World Tree Affinity.”
“Ah, interesting insight. I’ll explore that idea more,” Elowen replied, intrigued.
Broken nodded again, satisfied with her talents. The rest were straightforward, and he felt confident in her abilities.
Elowen seemed like a perfect fit for the Knights division. Training alongside Igor and the others would help her grow even faster.
With that, he turned his attention to inspect Mira.
[Name: Mira]
[Level: 175]
[Dagger Mastery (S) – Agile Reflexes (A) – Beastkin Instincts (B) – Acrobat (B) – Empathic Listener (B) – Carrot Enthusiast (B)]
[Beastkin Instincts: A sharp sense of awareness and instinct that grants the user enhanced perception of danger, allowing for quick reactions in combat or when escaping a dangerous situation.]
[Carrot Enthusiast: The ability to detect the presence of carrots from long distances.]
Broken was impressed by the set of talents Mira possessed, despite her lack of confidence in her own abilities. But look at that! Her Dagger Mastery was ranked S! Alongside other talents like Agile Reflexes, Beastkin Instincts, and Acrobat, which perfectly complemented her weapon of choice, Mira’s potential was undeniable.
There were also two non-combat-related talents, and one in particular caught his eye- Carrot Enthusiast. Do they even have carrots in Slumdon? Broken mused, thinking he’d have to talk to Charmelyn about starting a carrot farm. At least they’d have one guaranteed customer in Mira.
“Alright,” Broken said, smiling at the two of them, “I have a vision to build a large force of Knights. It’s something I’ve been working on gradually. I’ve already hired and begun training a few recruits, and I’d be happy if you both joined as well.”
“No more questions, Baron!” Elowen said with a grin. “That’s where I belong. And one thing -I don’t need you to pay me the same as the others. As long as my sister and I have a place to stay, that’s enough.”
“No, I’ll treat you both fairly,” Broken replied firmly.
Elowen sighed, then gave in with a smile. “Yes, a leader must be stubborn. I respect that.”
Broken turned to Mira. “What about you, Mira?”
“I’ll do my best with this task, and thank you for the opportunity,” she replied earnestly.
With Elowen, Mira, and the others all assigned to their respective divisions, Broken made sure to introduce them to the leaders and leave them to get familiar with their new roles. Meanwhile, Nimue-Elowen’s sister-and Vera, the wolf girl, were settling in at the House of Slumdon.
Yara looked a bit confused when Broken entrusted the two new girls to her care. “Lord Broken… um, I’m afraid there won’t be enough work around the house for all of us…” she said hesitantly.
Broken patted Yara on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, Yara. Honestly, you’ve been overworked. Just look at those dark circles under your eyes. Now, you’ll have more time to focus on learning magic with Nimue, and she can help share the load of managing the house, okay? More people will be staying here soon, so you don’t need to worry about running out of things
to do.”
Yara nodded slowly. “Yes, My Lord.”
Nimue smiled at Yara. “We’ll handle everything together, Yara. And if there’s not enough to do, we can help tidy up the town, care for plants, and clean up the streets too. What do you
think?”
Yara’s eyes lit up. “Ah, why didn’t I think of that before? Yes, Nimue, there’ll be plenty of
work for us!”
Broken quickly chimed in. “Forget about that idea. Your focus is on managing the house, and
nothing more.”
“Yes, My Lord,” they replied in unison.
“And by the way, Yara,” Broken continued, “how’s your magic training going?”
“My Lord, um… Lord Maylock said I have potential in a support role. I’ve already acquired two support skills-one that boosts mana regeneration and another that increases movement speed, as well as an area heal.”
“Wow… that’s pretty impressive,” he said, clearly impressed. He then turned to Nimue. “And Nimue, I’ll get you a good spear next time. You’re still interested in learning the spear, right?
I mean, Spear Magic could be really fascinating to explore.”
“Yes, My Lord. I’m very eager to master the spear again.”
Then Broken turned to Vera, the wolf girl, who looked to be in her early twenties. “And Vera.”
“Yes, My Lord?”
“Make sure Ivana doesn’t spend too much time in the kitchen, okay?”
“Understood, My Lord.”
“Thanks. Have fun,” Broken added as the three of them went on their way.