by J R Davis
“A war is coming, Robin. There are more gods in these skies than you know. Each with their own objectives, enemies, and champions. I would like you to become my herald. Nothing too big, a quest here, a fight there. In turn, I offer you items, knowledge, and a secret. One to which I will only tell you after you have agreed”. He then fabricated a pedestal and placing his book, the quill, and the ink on top.
“Ok, I’m interested, but I want all the info, save the said secret before agreeing. You are a god of knowledge, so you can’t fault me for seeking my own” I reasoned with him. Korvus in turn shrugging and giving me a knowing look.
“That is a fair request. For starters, if you became my herald I would augment your weapon to be more powerful. The quests you would receive would likely include taking on other heralds and finding rare items and texts I require. Both of which granting you faith points that you can in turn use for various godly boons. I can’t give you the ability to fly, but say, if you wanted to summon a mass of crows to attack or unlock hidden skills well…” he trailed off as I considered the options.
He honestly made some good offers. No real downsides either save maybe getting dragged into some fights which, let's be real here, happens to me all the damn time anyway. That, and hidden skills and more minions sounded great. Crow Lord sounded a hell of a lot better than Bunny Lord, just saying. With that matter settled, I went up to the stand. I signed my name in his book in true Faustian fashion. A wide smile showing itself on Korvus’s face as a whirlwind of feathers surrounded me.
All of a sudden, my staff began to change form. The rod itself becoming even darker. Claws that once went upside the gem began twisting and forming into birds talons. The gem itself changing into a smooth grey crystal. And in the center of that crystal was a shifting grey mist with an otherworldly crow’s eye at its center. The new items descriptions reading,
Staff of Korvus: A staff blessed by Korvus, god of wisdom and secrets.
+8% spell power increase
10% reduction in spell casting time
30% more damage versus priests or heralds of another deity
Hidden skills: Spell Storage: Store up to 3 spells for instant use. Stores spells may only be used once per game day.
This was a major upgrade from what I had! The boosts to damage, cooldown reduction, and that spell storage for a pinch. The excitement I felt must have been easy to read as Korvus again moved towards me.
“I’m glad you are pleased, but now for the secret. This world is called the Hunters Dream, is it not? Well, dreams can be many things young necromancer.” The god then pacing back and forth, taking on the air of a college professor giving his students a lesson. “Dreams can be portals, gateways into other planes of existence you see. The Hunter's Dream has become a sort of hub. A stopping point between your own world and others. Heaven, Hell, Olympus, the fae planes, all of them are connected here, to this place. You see Robin, dreams are gateways...and you’re standing in the door.”
Extra Mentions and a special thank you:
Special thanks to Litrpg books and the litrpg podcast for their support and showing me the ropes.
https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books/