Chapter 112 - Luminaria Grove
[Name: Atlas Blackthorn]
[Level: 50]
[Strength: 219 | Agility: 145 | Intelligence: 62 | Constitution: 117 | Stamina: 132]
[Available Stat Points: 80]
[Job: The Lord]
[Class: Warrior (Class Advancement Available)]
[Ironclad Will (S) - Tactical Awareness (A) - Instinctual Command (A) - Elemental Spear Mastery (S) - Elemental Dominion (S) - Commanding Presence (S) - Bloodbound Vigor (S)]
Eighty available stat points.
Atlas paused, giving himself a moment to carefully weigh how he would distribute them. His fighting style so far had revolved heavily around the spear, a weapon that thrived on raw power. To bring out its full potential, Strength had to be a top priority.
He already had solid survivability, thanks to a mix of defensive skills and a regeneration ability. Even so, investing more into Constitution stat would further bolster his health and physical defense, allowing him to endure longer, more punishing battles.
Stamina was another crucial factor. It dictated his endurance during combat, how long he could push himself without wearing down. In large-scale engagements, where stamina could make or break a fight, it was a stat too important to overlook.
Then came Intelligence. Recently, he'd gained access to a spear imbued with magic-based area-of-effect abilities. These had the potential to shift the tide in massive skirmishes, but to use them effectively, he'd need to sharpen his magical aptitude. That made Intelligence his secondary focus.
Lastly, there was Agility. To offset the heavy, power-driven nature of his attacks, he needed speed and reflexes that allowed him to move fluidly and strike fast. Without it, he'd risk becoming a slow-moving target. Agility would help him stay nimble and deadly, making him a more balanced and dangerous warrior.
After weighing each factor carefully, Atlas finalized his stat allocation, confident that this balanced distribution would make him an even more formidable Lord in the battles to come.
[Spend 20 Stat Points into Strength]
[Spend 20 Stat Points into Agility]
[Spend 20 Stat Points into Intelligence]
[Spend 10 Stat Points into Constitution]
[Spend 10 Stat Points into Stamina]
[Strength: 239 | Agility: 165 | Intelligence: 82 | Constitution: 127 | Stamina: 142]
"Nice? Yes, this is good! At least, for now."
The balanced distribution of his stat points left him with a renewed hunger to keep advancing his talents, leveling up, and unlocking ever more powerful skills.
And there was no reason to feel rushed. Before long, he'd gain access to an advanced class, one that would add a whole new range of abilities to his arsenal.
**
Stepping out of his room, Atlas drew in a deep breath of the crisp, clean air, letting it fill his lungs.
Gacha Haven had truly transformed into a peaceful, welcoming place to live.
Wide fields of grass stretched into the distance, speckled with vibrant flowers, towering trees, and neatly tended gardens rich with fruits… and, of course, more carrots than anyone knew what to do with.
Today was a day of rest for everyone, and the island's residents were scattered across the landscape, enjoying the rare break. Some sat together beneath the open sky, sharing food and laughter, while others lent a hand to Mira in the gardens.
Atlas couldn't help but smile as he took in the peaceful scene.
He soon made his way toward a unique part of the island. It was a secluded area encircled by a gently flowing river. At its center lay a small island, home to a single, extraordinary tree.
This tree had sprouted from a rank-A item he'd once acquired: the Spirit Grove Seed. After planting it, the seed had bloomed into something truly remarkable.
Now known as the Luminaria Grove, the tree stood tall and radiant. Its semi-translucent leaves glimmered with soft hues of green and pale gold. A faint mist drifted from its roots, and small orbs of light hovered lazily around its glowing canopy.
This was no ordinary tree. Those who lingered near it would be granted a powerful array of buffs.
[Health Regeneration: Accelerates healing over time.]
[Mana Regeneration: Quickly replenishes magical energy.]
[Increased Defense: Boosts physical and magical resistance.]
[Attack Boost: Enhances either physical or magical attack power.]
[Movement Speed: Slightly improves mobility within the area of effect.]
The duration of the buffs varied, lasting anywhere from two to ten minutes depending on individual traits.
Curiously, some people received longer-lasting effects, while others found theirs faded more quickly.
According to Lyrassa, it was tied to each person's elemental affinity. Atlas, for instance, benefitted from a nearly maxed-out duration of just over eight minutes.
Once someone left the immediate area of the tree, the buffs would continue for their remaining time. However, staying near the tree nearly doubled the regeneration rate of those effects. This made the tree not only magical, but a vital strategic asset for the island.
Yet its value went beyond raw utility. The Luminaria Grove exuded a soothing aura. Simply sitting at its base was enough to wash someone in a deep, almost meditative calm.
Still, access to the tree was tightly controlled by Mira. She didn't permit just anyone to step onto the small island where the tree stood. Much less climb it.
Her reasoning?
"Its beauty would fade if people trampled all over it."
Of course, that rule didn't apply to Atlas. As the island's lord, he was free to visit whenever he wished. Smirking at the memory of Mira's stern enforcement, he stepped closer, letting the tree's tranquil energy quietly envelop him.
Thankfully, the tree hadn't grown into a giant carrot tree like Mira had secretly hoped. That would've been a disaster.
Atlas sat down at the base of the tree, letting his eyes fall shut for a moment.
The gentle rustling of the leaves above, and the cool breeze drifting through the grove all blended into a moment of perfect stillness.
Just as he was beginning to drift deeper into that peaceful haze, a soft, melodic voice broke through his thoughts.
"My Lord... you seem to be enjoying yourself quite a bit."
The words reached his ears like a gentle nudge, pulling him back to the present.
He opened his eyes slowly, a faint smile curling on his lips as he turned to see who had spoken.