With the wolf over my shoulder, we walked through the forest barely able to see in the dead of night.

"Are you sure we're headed in the right direction?" 

"Of course! Aqua can tell where Mother is no matter how far away," Does Aqua think the lake is its mother? I guess it doesn't matter as long as we get there. 

[Achilles lv. 10 

HP: 256/375

MP: 400/400

Stats: 

Stat Points: 24

Endurance: 16 

Wisdom: 1

Mind: 25

Strength: 25

Agility: 30

Vitality: 25

Skills: 

Identification lv.1 

Familiar Link lv. 1

Mana Share lv.1 

Master Skill Share lv.1

Advanced Skills: 

Skill Points: 18

Intimidation lv.1 

Advanced Boxing lv. 10MAX

skill slots: 4x]

The higher level I get Intimidation the larger the bonus to my stats, I think, so I'll get it to level 10 and put 4 more stat points into Endurance and save the rest for when I'm sure what I want to use them in, you never know what might happen. 

[Intimidation lv. 10 

Effects last 60 seconds: enemies will be stunned, and stats: agility, strength, and endurance will increase by 500% for you and your familiars. Skill will not work on opponents with a higher Mind stat than you] 

Is it just me or does that sound somewhat overpowered? I thought 25 strength was a lot but this means I can increase it to 150!! what would even be able to stand against that kind of power, though the restriction is kind of a bummer it still gives me plenty of room to work with.

"I don't mind going to see Mother but, why are we?" Aqua said derailing my train of thought

"You'll see when we get there Aqua" 

"why not just tell me now," Aqua said quietly pouting 

"Because that would ruin the surprise plus we're almost there anyway," I said with a smile but honestly I just don't have the energy to explain

"Fine!"

A few minutes later we arrived at the magic water source, where I met Aqua 

I put the shadow wolf on the ground beside the lake before getting on my knees and cupping the water in my hands. I took a big gulp and splashed the heaven-sent water on my sweat-riddled face. I felt the energy course through me and nourish my body. I got off the ground, patting my knees clean, while Aqua watched me with curiosity

"Ok! Time for our friend to wake up from his nap,"

I picked up the closest stick and started poking the wolf

"Wakey wakey," I said with anticipation but the wolf didn't wake up 

"Wake up," I said now poking it with slightly more force yet no response

"WAKE UP," I said now throwing the stick at the still sleeping wolf, finally waking it from the ever so seductive sleep. 'I think I picked the wrong dog', the wolf after a few seconds came to reality and jumped back snarling at me. Unwavered by its actions I took a firm step toward the wolf with cold eyes glaring down at the creature

"Skill: Intimidation, was successfully on target"

Fear overcame the wolf making its hairs stand on end, its ears once raised high now lowering in defeat, and along with it, its legs started to fall to the earth almost hugging it for protection. Each step sounded like a booming call of death, and with each one their heart raced faster and faster. I continued to walk forward till it was at my feet got on one knee and held out my right hand looming over the frightened wolf now closing its eyes anticipating death. After a few seconds the wolf slowly opened its eyes to find itself surprised at the man now smiling and petting its head, the once overpowering fear now slowly left its body.

"I know this is unfair for me to ask but will you be my friend, Nix"

I glowed once again with Nix this time then passed out. I woke to the morning light barely peeking through the forest somewhat dispersing the darkness of the night except in one region. The spot where an enormous wolf lay. Similar to the void wolf in stature and appearance as the light got absorbed but, unlike the void wolf, light still managed to trespass into the dark recess of its coat though very little.

[Nix: High Shadow wolf lv.12

HP: 525/525

MP: 420/420

Stats: 

Stat Points: 18

Endurance: 10

Wisdom: 7

Mind: 10

Strength: 15

Agility: 20

Vitality: 34

Skills: 

Bite lv. 1 

Familia Link lv. 1

Mana Share lv.1 

Familia Skill Share lv.1

Shadow Step lv. 1

Advanced Skills: 

Skill Points: 9

Shadow control lv. 5

Shadow envelope lv. 10 Max

skill slots: 4x]

"Wow, looks like Nix got a big upgrade and now it says "High" beside its species instead of low, but more importantly, the message I got," 

[ You survived the usage of more mana than your compacity to hold  

+ 1 Wisdom 

+ 2 Endurance ]

"I knew it would work, it seems like all I have to do is survive close-to-death experiences" I smiled at the discovery but soon new questions came to mind

"Is the system trying to help me?" I said with a hand over my mouth and eyes squinted, scrutinizing the notification with my eyes as if trying to decipher a hidden truth I have yet to understand within it.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves this could be the product of my body's natural adaptability, who knows how the magic of this world has and is still affecting my body," I removed my palm from my mouth now inspecting it with these new found questions in mind, remembering how adding to my stat points has changed me already.

"ACHILLES!!" Aqua shouted out, lunging at my face. Its body enveloped my head making it impossible to breathe. 

"I CAN'T BREATH!" I gargled as I tried to get Aqua off my head. I eventually slumped over, face-first into the ground. 'Is this how I die, to this little germline in water-ball from'

"Oh, I'm so sorry," it said innocently while stopping its torture now realizing I wasn't moving anymore. I jolted up into a sitting position gasping for air to soon land forwards onto my hands and throw up buckets of water. exasperated by the attempt on my life I uttered between throwing up

"Please never do that again, you could have killed me,"

"I'm sorry but you almost died, and all I could do was barely keep you alive with my mana and when I saw you were all right I got excited,"

Its voice is now sunken, shaky, and energy extinguished. My eyes widened a little and my heart filled with the harrowing words, I'm not alone anymore and I have friends that care for my well-being. With my shoulders now hunched lowering me closer to the ground and eyes closed I let out a sigh then smiled. Finally, able to breathe again I plopped myself backward into a sitting position and Aqua slumped into my lap.

"I'm sorry, I won't do that again,"

"You BETTER NOT!" 

Though I knew I couldn't promise not to put myself in risks way, I at least can give them some peace of mind. I got the information I needed from this anyway though it came with more questions. This new world is so full of brand new mysteries and dangers but I'm sure as long as I have Aqua I'll be alright. With my mind filled with these thoughts, I looked at Aqua on my lap and placed a hand on top of them softly.

"I'll try to be more careful in the future, so don't worry, ok"

"Ok," it replied, still saddened but satisfied for now with the response.

"I need a nap," And as much as I would like to take one there is still one more message that I'm curious about.

[ You have successfully tamed two different rare creatures In the "Ancient Kings Domain" You have gained a rare skill: The Kings Will ]