The Shapeshifter

*DING*

[Quests] – Defeat a Fire Mage. Reward – 10 EXP. Received

– Win the Tournament. Reward – 50 EXP and 1 Stat Point. Received

When Alex was descending from the stage, he heard a familiar sound. He checked the status screen and saw that 2 of his quests were done. He quickly received the quest rewards and leveled up.

Alex was now level 3. He distributed his 4 free stats to DEX, INT, END and PHY. He gained an additional skill point but was unable to level up his only skill, because of the level up requirement.

[Character Information]

Name: Alex Title: Newly Awakened Race: Human

Level: 3 Class: Mage

[Personal Attributes]

HP – 100/100

MP – 220/220

EXP – 0/100%

DEX – 5

INT – 17

END – 5

PHY – 5

Stat Points Available – 0

[Invariable Attributes]

CHARM – 2

LUCK – 1

PER – 2

[Active Skills]

[Take Root] [Level 2] – Summons any part of tree within a range of 3.5 meters. Consumes 12 MP. 1.2 seconds cooldown. (Level up requirement: 2 Skill Points, User lvl 3)

[Passive Skills]

[Iron Will] – Unlocking the invariable attribute of Perseverance/PER.

[Gaia's Blessing] – Increases INT by 10 points. Increases INT by another 10 if user is inside a forest.

Skill Points Available – 1

…

'Hais. If only I could reduce the cooldown of my skill. Then Acolytes and monsters of the same level will be easy as pie. Professional mages, however, would have a hard time fighting me.'

This was only a wishful thinking of his because he knew only artifacts are capable of reducing skill's cooldown and some artifacts are for protection, and some can enhance fighting capabilities.

He went to the infirmary to check the situation of Kael. Even though he overdid it and knew they would be enemies from now on, they were still of the same village. It was better to be a bit friendlier towards Kael so that their status won't deteriorate to that of vengeance.

Upon arriving at the infirmary, which was basically the village's medical facility, he saw Kael already on his feet, talking to the old man.

"Hey man. Sorry about earlier. You okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine. I didn't know that a wood mage would still pose a threat to me, a fire mage."

After hearing Kael's words there was a hint of pride and arrogance contained within, but he decided to just ignore it. Maybe he was still felt bitter after losing. Then he turned his head to look at the old man.

"So, old man. Since he's okay can you start giving the rewards?"

"Hm? Don't be impatient young man. Let Kael rest a few more minutes, yes?"

"Okay. I'll go to my mom first. See yah!"

He ran out of the infirmary and looked for his mom like a kid lost in a market. Eventually, he found his mom and Mari, talking to his brother while being surrounded by people. Hence, he made his way to his family.

At the time that he got near, the villagers quickly dispersed as if he was the source of the black plague.

'Hmm. Maybe they're congratulating mom and didn't want me to hear them or probably they're just say. Haha!'

Though he tossed idea away, he was still curious. So he decided to ask his brother about it.

"What was that?"

"Something you shouldn't know."

Arthur answered with the same tone as his brother, making fun of him. At this, the both of them simply chuckled.

(A/N: their voice was that of a girl, acting cute. It's really hard to explain. itried)

"Hmmm. Okay. Mom! Your son was pretty strong right? Hehe."

"Yes yes, you did pretty good back there. But remember to always stay humble."

All mother will surely be proud of their children, no matter winning or losing and will advice their children to be on the right path.

"Of course mom! Ain't that right Mari?"

"Yeah!"

They talked for quite a bit until Kael and the old man emerged from the infirmary. The village has a healer, so it was no wonder that Kael could recover fast.

The old man went up the stage to start giving out the rewards for the top three participants.

"I will now give out the rewards in this year's tournament. First will be Von. Von come up here and take your reward."

Von was hesitant to go up because he cannot see any sort of reward from the old man, he seemed empty-handed.

'Hmmm. Maybe this old man will instruct someone to bring the rewards? Yes. Maybe that's it!'

Still, he went up the stage and waited for the old man give the reward.

"Kid. You played well and fought hard."

When the old man was saying this, he waved his hand then a yellow crystal appeared on the old man's hand.

Von was awestruck by the spectacle made by the old man. Though he knew that magic was definitely involved, it was still a first for him.

Seeing the change of expression on Von's face, the old man just chuckled and explained.

"This crystal is called the Earth Crystal. Using this will increase your affinity of the earth element. Your earth spells will be more powerful, and you will be more proficient with it."

Several scouts were shocked by the gift the old man was giving towards the young earth mage.

An elemental crystal was very expensive and rare. Even for those wealthy merchants, it will prove to be hard obtaining one. Only those with power and status would be able to acquire it.

Different thought emerged in the minds of the scouts.

'Woah! He should've gotten it when he was younger.'

'Maybe this old man took a liking to this kid and decided to make an investment.'

The old man ignored the gasps of the young scouts as he gave the crystal to Von.

"This will help you greatly in your early years as a mage. Do not disappoint me young Von."

"Yes! Thank you very much!"

Von was very happy with the reward he got that there were tears threatening to fall on his face. Everyone could see the happiness in his innocent face.

"Kael, why don't you come up here and receive your reward."