Chapter 31: 2.20
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Having used Force Push on the arrows, I couldn't use the Force to block the arrow, so I was only left with my body.
As I was in mid air, I had no support to draw strength from, so I couldn't block it. I had to redirect it instead.
And while I may not have learned Tai-Chi, I did know something about following the flow.
Placing a hand forward, I activated Energy Absorption. I could not use another Dark Side ability with my current abilities, but since Energy Absorption worked differently, I was able to use it with my other hand.
Now, Energy Absorption isn't made to absorb kinetic energy, but I see no reason why it shouldn't be able to do so.
Moreover, as I was under the Genetic Constraint, I had a much stronger hold over my emotions, and found using the technique to be easier.
As the arrow reached me, I swiftly swatted my palm over the twirling arrow head, to push it to the side.
The moment my hand made contact with the arrow, I felt a strong penetrative force dig into my hand, but my hand did not pause as I pushed the arrow to the side.
The arrow tried digging into my hand, but it seemed my instincts had been right as I felt the strength of the arrow weaken in my hand, before being swatted to the side, falling a few meters behind me, not even reaching the wall.
Crashing into the ground, I felt the rocks on the ground tear my back open as I did not get to manage the landing. I left a trail of blood as I slid over the ground, my back hurting like hell.
Still under the Genetic Constraint though, I immediately got back on my feet, jumping at the platform. But I was glad to find the Draugr on the ground, with a large hole through its face and three more in its chest.
It was dead, no doubt about that.
No longer under danger, my body naturally left the Genetic Constraint as even more pain assaulted my senses. But honestly, although it still hurt, I was getting really good at resisting it.
Usually, when one feels pain, their senses get muddled and it becomes hard to think. And pain resistance wasn't about feeling less pain, but about being able to still act under the pain.
I could feel that not only was my back cut open, but the armor had also been damaged beyond repair there, and was making the wound uncomfortable. So I carefully stripped it off, somehow once again finding myself shirtless.
The Word Wall was extremely intriguing, but before inspecting it, I wanted to look at my loot. I couldn't have done all that to get no loot, right?
To start with the Draugr, its axe was nothing special. However, its bow was something else. It was an Ancient Nord Bow, but it also had a strong enchantment. Now that I think about it, my hands did feel a little cold when I grabbed the arrows.
Strapping the bow over my shoulder like the other one, I looked into the coffin, and there it was.
The Dragonstone.
It wasn't really of much use to me, as it mapped the tombs of dragons. However, it was a good thing to have, as it could earn me a favor from Whiterun's Court Mage, or at least a reward.
However, as I touched it, I was surprised to get a notification.
[Congratulations for finishing the Bleak Falls Barrow potential mission ahead of time and without the help of the Dragonborn! Rewarded with the Fists of Randagulf.]
Suddenly, a pair of gauntlets appeared in the coffin, right next to the Dragonstone.
I did not focus on them however, as instead my attention was directed at the notification. It said I had completed a mission ahead of time, and without the help of the Dragonborn…
Now I understand why it was so darn difficult! That was meant to be something our entire team would have faced, AND with the help of the Dragonborn, who would have certainly grown by then.
Fuck, to think I came here for an easy run, to test the strengths levels of this world. Well, I guess the test was conclusive, although I knew some were far stronger or far weaker than the strongest opponents I faced, it still gave me some perspective on things.
For example, my overarching goal in this world, the Thieves Guild' Quest, or rather, the rewards. Be it the Nightingale Armor, Sword, Bow, or Chillrend, those were all pieces of equipment I found quite attracting.
But the one thing I really eyed, was the Daedric Artefact one would get after killing Mercer Frey.
The Skeleton Key.
In the game, it is a very interesting item already, because it acts as a cool looking, indestructible lockpick. But in the lore, it was much more.
In simple words, it allows you to unlock anything. Now, the real value in that, is that this everything is literal.
For example, one can 'unlock' portals in space, effectively teleporting. Or open a portal to Nocturnal's Realm, a Daedric Prince.
But these were subject to change, as it wasn't really Skyrim lore but Elder Scrolls lore, so I didn't know for sure whether these abilities would still be available.
However, one ability I knew was available, was the one to unlock hidden potential, as Mercer Frey has used it on himself.
What exactly that entails, I don't know, but what I do know is that it made him a fearsome fighter, and getting the key for myself would allow me to become even stronger.
Of course, having a key that could open any and all doors was something that would be useful in any world.
Getting that key wasn't going to be easy, however. I had struggled against a Frost Troll, but I'm pretty sure Mercer Frey himself is much stronger than a Frost Troll, so I have some time before getting there.
Anyway, all that to say, this trip hadn't been for nothing. Besides, I still had a chest to open, a Word Wall to read, and a pair of mysterious gauntlets that had been awarded to me. With the difficulty of this dungeon, it must be quite something.
Putting the Dragonstone next to the chest, I grabbed the pair of gauntlets within the coffin, examining them.
They were white in color, along with golden designs on them. A snake was drawn in gold on each forearm, surrounded by golden runes. The edges were golden, too. Overall, it made for quite the aesthetic piece of equipment.
However, I had never heard of it before, so I couldn't say for sure how good they would be. But well, they would always be better than what I had. Nothing, that is.
Putting them on, they were a perfect fit. Probably one of the enchantments. Or God being helpful.
But more importantly, the moment I put them on, I felt strength fill my body. Clenching my fists, I felt like that if I were to be thrown into a melee with the Troll again, I might actually win this time.
The reason for that came in the form of another notification.
[Fists of Randagulf: Increases all Melee Damage by 20%, and Muscle Density and Cell VItality by 50%.]
Taking a second look at the gauntlets in my hands, I almost couldn't believe it. They were too good!
Well, this dungeon had been a bitch, but at least it had been worth it. Finally, I turned towards the final chest of the dungeon, the one where there were supposed to be the best items of the dungeon.
However, having already received the Fists of Randagulf, I didn't feel too excited about it.
I found an enchanted mace, an enchanted necklace and a bejeweled crown. Overall, nothing too fancy, although I guess I'll need to find what the enchantments do to assess their value. Meaning I'll have to find a mage to appraise them. Something that will certainly cost me money.
At least I haven't hoarded all that gold for nothing.
Now, onto the real reason I came here.
The Word Wall.
Weekly Power Status
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