Progenitor's Burden

Chapter 40: Deep End


Knocked down for what felt like the thousandth time, Victoria gritted her teeth and forced herself back to her feet. Her muscles burned, her breath came in ragged gasps, and blood dripped from a split lip, but she refused to stay down. The scene around her was a chaotic nightmare—she'd been teleported directly into the thick of a large-scale war the moment her tutorial began.

All around her, soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, their mismatched armor clanging as they fended off wave after wave of undead. The stench of decay hung heavy in the air, mingling with the acrid tang of sweat and blood. The undead, their hollow eyes glowing faintly, surged forward relentlessly, their grotesque forms twisted and broken but unnervingly fast.

The clash of steel on bone, the shouts of commanders, and the desperate cries of the wounded created an oppressive cacophony. Victoria had no choice but to adapt; there was no room for hesitation or fear. She barely had a moment to glance at her menu, her vision flicking to the glowing text as she ducked beneath a wild swing from a skeletal warrior.

New Quest: Hel's Dominion

Description: Hel's domain spews out undead to take over the mortal world. Help defend the current incursion by the undead while the mages set up the runes to close the gate again.

Goal: Survive for six hours

Rewards:

Gold

Experience

One Item

Note: Rarity and quality of rewards vary according to actions performed.

Victoria spat red phlegm onto the blood-slicked ground, grimacing as the metallic taste lingered on her tongue. Pulled back to the front, she was forced to confront the onslaught once more. Around her, the soldiers grunted and cursed as they braced for the next wave. A skeletal knight charged forward, its jagged blade glinting dully in the pale light. Victoria met it head-on, her newly acquired skills guiding her blade to parry the strike, only just in time.

New Skill: Blunt Weapon (Common)

Description: This skill represents foundational training in wielding blunt weapons such as maces, hammers, and clubs. It emphasizes control, precision, and the ability to deliver powerful strikes while minimizing stamina expenditure.

Effects:

Increased Impact

: Blunt weapon attacks deal an additional 10% damage to armored targets.

Reduced Stamina Drain

: Attacks with blunt weapons consume 15% less stamina, allowing for prolonged combat efficiency.

She had no idea how she was still alive. The chaotic battle had dragged on for hours, and her body screamed for rest, but adrenaline kept her moving. She'd already unlocked several martial skills—small blessings that had likely saved her life more times than she could count. Each clash honed her instincts further, and though her swings were slower now, her movements were more deliberate and precise, with less energy wasted in unnecessary motions

New Skill: Defender (Common)

Description: This skill reflects the ability to coordinate with allies and prioritize defense, bolstering resilience and mitigating damage when working as part of a team. Ideal for those who value protection and strategic positioning.

Effects:

Unit Cohesion:

When fighting within 10 feet of an ally, damage taken is reduced by 10%.

Fortified Resolve:

Grants a temporary 5% boost to Constitution for 30 seconds when shielding or defending an ally from an attack.

Sweat dripped into her eyes as she stepped back to reset her stance, her gaze darting toward the front lines. The undead horde pressed forward with single-minded determination, and the soldiers' ranks wavered. Victoria swallowed hard and gripped her weapon tighter, preparing for the next exchange. If she was going to survive this, she had to keep moving, keep fighting, and keep hoping the mages finished their damn runes before the line collapsed entirely.

Victoria's blade lashed out, cleaving through the rotted torso of a shambling corpse. The skeletal knight she had just parried loomed close, its jagged blade slashing toward her legs. Her feet moved too slowly—she had no time to react. Pain exploded through her thigh as the blade pierced her flesh, and she let out a strangled cry, dropping to one knee. Blood poured from the wound, hot and sticky, soaking into the dirt beneath her.

"Victoria!" someone shouted, but she couldn't see who it was through the haze of pain clouding her vision. Hands grabbed her from behind, and she felt herself being dragged backward, her limp body scraping against the gritty ground. Around her, the din of battle continued unabated, the clash of steel and the roars of the undead blending into a maddening symphony.

Her mind swam, fear clawing at her chest as she clutched at her thigh in a futile attempt to staunch the bleeding. Her breath came in ragged gasps, each one more shallow than the last. I'm not going to make it. This is it. Panic tightened its grip, and with it came a desperate plea. She whispered a hoarse prayer, her voice trembling. "Anyone… anyone out there. Please. Help me."

For a moment, there was only the chaos around her, her own heartbeat pounding like a drum in her ears. Then she felt it—a strange, inexplicable pull deep within her, a faint warmth blooming in the pit of her stomach. It wasn't a voice exactly, but a presence, a vague guidance that seemed to beckon her.

Channel your mana.

She didn't know how she knew what to do, but she didn't question it. Grasping for her dwindling strength, she focused on the sensation, letting it lead her. Her trembling hands hovered over the gaping wound, slick with blood. She closed her eyes and willed her mana to flow there, imagining it pooling in her palms and spreading into the torn flesh. A soft, golden glow began to emanate from her hands, faint at first but growing brighter with each passing second.

Warmth surged through her leg, and the pain began to subside. The bleeding slowed, then stopped entirely as the glow intensified. She opened her eyes to see the jagged edges of the wound knitting themselves together, the torn flesh mending as though guided by unseen hands. The glow faded, and when it was gone, all that remained was a faint scar.

Her breath caught as a notification appeared in her vision.

New Skill: Healing Touch (Common)

Description: You have unlocked the ability to channel mana into restorative energy, mending wounds and revitalizing those in need.

Effects:

Heals injuries, minor to moderate, depending on mana investment.

Can be used on yourself or others.

Victoria stared at her hands in disbelief, the residual warmth of the magic still tingling in her fingers. Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived as a pained groan from nearby caught her attention. She turned her head to see a soldier lying just a few feet away, his arm bent at an unnatural angle and blood seeping from a gash across his chest. His face was pale, his breaths shallow.

The same instinct that had guided her to heal herself now urged her forward. She crawled toward the man, her legs still shaky but functional. "Hold on," she murmured, placing her hands over his chest. She closed her eyes again, channeling her mana once more. The golden glow returned, spreading from her palms into his wounds. His labored breathing eased, and his color began to return as the gash sealed itself shut.

The soldier's eyes fluttered open, dazed but alive. He blinked at her, his voice hoarse. "You… you healed me?"

Victoria nodded, a small, incredulous smile tugging at her lips. "Sure did."

Around her, the battle raged on, but for the first time, she felt a spark of hope. Whatever had just happened, whatever force had answered her prayer, it had given her a fighting chance—not just for herself, but for those around her.

As Victoria moved to the next injured soldier, a commanding voice boomed over the chaos. "You there! The one with the glowing hands!"

She looked up to see a man striding toward her, his presence radiating authority. Clad in reinforced armor marked with intricate runes, he towered over the battlefield, his helm tucked under one arm. His face, sharp and weathered, was partially obscured by a dark beard streaked with gray. A long sword hung at his side, its hilt gleaming faintly even in the dim light of the battlefield. Soldiers parted for him as he approached, their eyes flickering with respect—and fear.

Victoria straightened as much as her aching body would allow, meeting his gaze. "Yes, sir?"

The leader's piercing eyes locked onto her. "How are you using magic this close to Hel's Domain? The corruption here snuffs out most forms of it."

She hesitated, her mind racing for an explanation. "I…I don't know," she admitted, her voice steady despite the tension in her chest. "I was injured, and something just… came to me. It felt like guidance. I followed it, and this—" she gestured to the faint golden glow still lingering on her hands, "—happened."

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The man studied her intently for a moment, as though trying to decide whether to believe her. Finally, he nodded. "Whatever the reason, it's effective. We need more of that right now." He glanced at the nearest soldier and barked an order. "Get her off the front lines. Assign a squad to escort her—her priority is healing our forces. We'll need every able-bodied fighter we can muster if we're to hold the line."

"Yes, Commander," the soldier replied, saluting sharply before turning to Victoria. "You're with us now. Follow me."

Relief and apprehension warred within her as she was ushered toward the rear lines. The soldiers with her were battered but resolute, their armor bearing fresh dents and scars. She caught snippets of their conversation, words of encouragement and grim humor exchanged to mask the weight of their situation.

The next few hours passed in a blur of golden light and desperate effort. Victoria moved from one injured soldier to the next, her mana flowing into torn flesh and shattered bones. Each successful healing left her more exhausted, but also more certain of her purpose. The wounded she treated looked at her with gratitude that bordered on reverence, their murmured thanks echoing in her ears.

Each time she used her skill, a faint notification appeared in her peripheral vision:

Your skills have increased!

Healing Touch: Increased from Level 0 to Level 7

She could feel the difference with each use—her mana flowed more efficiently, the golden glow stronger and more vibrant. Minor injuries closed in seconds, and even more severe wounds took less time and effort than before. The thrill of progress bolstered her resolve.

Between healings, she managed to check her status menu. Another notification greeted her, confirming what she had suspected:

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

As you are a human, you receive plus one to Willpower and Endurance each time you level up

As you are a human, you receive five free points to spend on the stats of your choice

To level up, please assign your points.

Victoria's eyes widened. She had gained six levels from the grueling hours of combat, her efforts against opponents far stronger than her own abilities yielding significant growth. Her base stats had increased as well.

Your base stats have changed!

+10 Strength

+9 Agility

+12 Constitution

+11 Intelligence

+15 Willpower

+18 Endurance

Sweat dripped down her face as she healed a soldier with a mangled arm, her hands steady despite her fatigue. The golden glow pulsed brighter than ever, and when the wound sealed, the soldier stared at her in awe.

"You're a miracle worker," he murmured, flexing his arm as though to test if it was truly healed.

Victoria gave him a faint smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Just doing what I can."

The commander passed by her station, his sharp gaze taking in her progress. "Good work, healer," he said, his voice steady but laced with approval. "Keep it up. The mages are nearly ready."

Victoria nodded, pushing herself to her feet despite her trembling legs. "I'll keep going as long as I can."

Her golden glow lit the battlefield like a beacon, and for the first time, hope began to bloom among the soldiers around her.

Victoria wiped the sweat from her brow, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Around her, the soldiers were battered but still standing, their weapons stained with the blackened ichor of the undead. The six-hour marker had come and gone, and the tide of enemies had finally begun to thin. Yet, no notification of the quest being completed appeared in her vision.

She frowned, scanning the battlefield with weary eyes. "What's going on? We've held them off for the required time. Why isn't it over?" she muttered, her voice barely audible over the distant cries of battle.

One of her squadmates, a grizzled soldier with a dented breastplate, shook his head grimly. "I don't know. Maybe the mages aren't done yet."

Her heart sank at his words. She had hoped they'd be able to rest soon, but a sinking feeling told her it wasn't that simple. Turning toward the hill where the mages were setting up the runes, her breath caught in her throat.

"What the—"

The scene before her was chaos. A second wave of undead, smaller but more focused, had broken through the defensive line and was assaulting the mages. The arcane practitioners, their robes smeared with dirt and blood, struggled to defend themselves. Their shimmering wards flickered weakly, unable to hold against the relentless onslaught.

"They're under attack!" Victoria shouted, her voice cutting through the din. Without hesitation, she turned to her team. "We've got to help them. Now!"

The squad didn't need convincing. Weapons raised, they charged up the hill, determination burning in their eyes. Victoria followed, her legs screaming in protest but her resolve unyielding.

The undead attackers turned as the group approached, their hollow eyes glowing faintly. A skeletal warrior raised its rusted sword to meet them, but Victoria's squadmate lunged forward, his shield smashing into the creature with a deafening clang. The rest of the team fell upon the undead, blades and hammers striking with renewed fury.

Victoria darted between her allies, her focus split between healing and fighting. Her glowing hands found a wounded soldier, sealing a gash on his arm before she turned to fend off a lunging ghoul. Her sword met its neck, the blade biting deep and severing its head with a spray of black ichor.

As they pushed forward, the mages came into view. Two of them were down, their robes soaked in blood, while the others struggled to maintain their defensive spells. One mage, a younger man with terror in his eyes, looked up at Victoria as she approached. "We can't hold them off! Please, help us!"

Victoria dropped to her knees beside the fallen mages, her hands glowing as she channeled healing energy into their wounds. One hand pressed against a mage's chest, golden light spreading outward, while her free hand fumbled at her belt for a mana potion. She uncorked it with her teeth and tilted it back, the cool liquid flooding her system with a surge of energy.

With her mana replenished, she worked faster, the glow of her healing skill intensifying. "Stay with me," she murmured to the unconscious mage, her voice steady despite the chaos around her. Flesh knitted together, and the mage's shallow breathing evened out.

"Protect them!" she barked at her squad, who closed ranks around her and the mages, holding back the remaining undead. One by one, she moved to the injured, her hands darting from wound to wound, pouring mana into her healing as her team fought valiantly to keep the attackers at bay.

Finally, the last of the undead crumbled under the squad's relentless assault. The battlefield fell eerily silent, broken only by the rasping breaths of the wounded and the distant crackle of magic as the mages resumed their work.

Victoria stood, swaying slightly as the last vestiges of her strength threatened to leave her. One of the mages, now fully healed, placed a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you. Without you, we wouldn't have made it."

Finally she got the notification she had been looking for.

Quest Complete: Hel's Dominion

Goal:

Survive 6 hours (Complete)

Bonus Objective:

Save the Mages (Complete)

Rewards:

Gold x 43

Experience x 24,400

New Item:

Freyja's Ember

The words blurred slightly as exhaustion overwhelmed her, but she couldn't suppress the small, triumphant smile that tugged at her lips. They had done it. Against all odds, they had held the line and protected the mages.

Victoria's hands trembled as she pulled the necklace from her inventory. The gem at its center glowed softly, its golden light pulsing like a heartbeat. Around her, the sounds of celebration filled the air. Soldiers cheered, some clapping each other on the back, others collapsing to the ground in exhausted relief. But for Victoria, the world seemed to narrow to the radiant jewel in her hands.

Sitting cross-legged on the ground, she carefully placed the necklace around her neck. The warmth of the Ember spread through her chest, soothing her aches and rekindling her strength. A soft golden glow surrounded her, and though the chaos of the battlefield still lingered in the distance, for a brief moment, peace enveloped her.

She opened her menu to inspect the new item, and her breath caught as the details appeared before her:

New Item: Freyja's Ember (Mythic)

Description: This radiant jewel is said to hold a fragment of Freyja's divine essence, a spark of her power as both a nurturer and a fierce protector. The Ember glows with a soft golden light that intensifies in moments of danger, symbolizing the duality of life and death, care and conflict. Freyja's Ember chooses only those worthy of walking her path, initiating them into her blessing and setting them on a journey to embody her values.

Effects:

Balance of the Valkyrie:

Unlocks the potential to channel Freyja's dual nature. When equipped, the bearer gains a healing aura that passively restores minor injuries of allies within a 10-foot radius during rest. It also provides a surge of combat prowess, temporarily increasing strength and speed by 15% when engaged in battle.

Rite of Freyja:

Activates the quest: Journey to Fólkvangr.

She quickly equipped it and read the quest notification.

New Quest: Journey to Fólkvangr

Description: Freyja, goddess of love, war, and magic, has chosen you as a potential champion. To earn her full blessing, you must complete the trials she has set forth, each designed to test a vital aspect of her values. Only by embodying compassion, courage, and balance will you prove yourself worthy of her divine favor.

Goals:

Trial of Compassion:

Heal or aid at least 50 individuals in need across various challenges.

Trial of Courage:

Face a powerful foe on your own, without assistance.

Trial of Balance:

Successfully mediate a conflict or navigate a scenario requiring both intellect and empathy.

Rewards:

Freyja's full blessing

Advanced abilities tied to her domains of healing, protection, and battle.

Do you accept? Yes/No

Well, that has to be worth it. She quickly hit accept and made sure nothing else was pending. She had two more level up notices, telling her she'd hit level eight, but she dismissed them for now. Still two levels away from getting a class. Now she finally had time to think, she quickly cast her eyes over her stats.

Name: Victoria Hagerson

Race: Human

Level: 0 (8)

Rank: F

Path: Not Available

Class: Not Available

Health: 100

Mana: 220

Stamina: 110

Strength: 20

Agility: 18

Constitution: 22

Intelligence: 33

Willpower: 41

Endurance: 35

Luck: 7

Available Points: 40

Victoria opened her quest menu, scanning the list to ensure everything was as it should be. A new notification popped up in her view, its text hovering with a soft glow:

"Are you ready to teleport to the next area?"

She hesitated, her finger hovering over the option. The memory of her last abrupt arrival—thrown into a battlefield already in chaos—still lingered fresh in her mind. Taking a deep breath, she selected Yes, silently praying it wouldn't drop her into the middle of another fight.

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