An accidental report.

The silence lingered for a very long time, only interrupted by Lycus' sobbing on the floor. As I watched the pitiful display, I found myself feeling the slightest amount of pity for the boy. He hadn't done anything to deserve the trauma he endured, he wasn't even a member of the light. Regardless, I was no more at fault for his condition than his now former mistress, or at least I didn't care to think I was.

After quite a decent amount of time simply standing there, I looked to the others before just giving an exasperated shrug, showing I had no idea what should be done about this. They seemed to accept this, and I walked away, leaving them be.

Looking around, I got the feeling there would not be much else of interest to find, at least to me. I momentarily considered searching for some items or plans of sorts, but quickly decided otherwise as that would do me no favors in the long run. The thing that attacked was identified as a brutal monster, it would not have stolen items.

Finding a nice spot to relax, I sat down in a shaded area with a decent amount of un-bloodied space. As I leaned back, I noticed that the HUD was trying to get my attention. Investigating, it seemed that I was behind on notifications.

Your champion has earned new achievements!

Achievements unlocked:

This bitch be empty...

Now that's using your head!

There was a unique message as well, to go along with the generic achievement ones.

Your champion has completed a challenge set!

Challenge completed:

All Might (All basic combat achievements)

The concept was quite intriguing. I had not before considered that achievements could give more than their initial affects. With this new knowledge, I began to picture and wonder what sets of achievements I should attempt to acquire.

Before I could get too lost in thought, more notifications called for my attention.

Your forces have destroyed a minor outpost of the "Light" faction, +10 generic xp & +1 Dominion Essence

Your forces have destroyed a minor outpost of the "Dark" faction, +10 generic xp & +1 Dominion Essence

Your Champion has earned a new name, "Dread"

Your Champion, "Dread", has gained 1 Distinction

I looked over these new messages, a series of surprises coming one after another. The light faction outpost was of course expected, I was standing in its remnants. However, I had no idea what a "Dominion Essence" was. Fortunately, the HUD decided to answer that question.

Dominion Essence Is A Metric Of Power Divine Beings Use To Assert Their Respective Domains Upon The Mortal Realm. Since The User Has No Followers, The Current Options Are Limited. The System Suggests Waiting To See Options Until The Quest, "Gather Devotion", Has Been Completed.

Slightly surprised by the HUD making a recommendation for the first time, I decided to trust it at least for now. It was supposedly designed explicitly to help me, after all. The next surprise was that apparently "Dread" (spoilers for the next surprise I suppose) had managed to destroy an entire additional outpost since he reanimated after his battle with the priestesses.

As mentioned just before, my champion had managed to earn a name. I found Dread to be quite fitting for his purpose, as well as his demeanor. He most certainly could wear such a title well. At his mention, was the fact that he had apparently gained one level of "Distinction". As to what that was, I once again turned to the HUD for answers.

Distinction is a feature of champions. It is used to determine the ranking, strength, abilities, and individuality of a given champion. The higher the value, the stronger their abilities and general power becomes. However, as it increased Champions commonly become more independent, and perhaps develop their own desires and wishes more. A Champion with a high enough Distinction value could theoretically rebel against their master, however they will only do so if disloyal and if they feel their needs are not properly met.

It was an... interesting feature. Another pin to juggle with everything else around me. I let out a sigh, 'I suppose it is fair for champions to have such a downside. They are far more powerful than Immaculate Conception in most ways, so it only makes sense that they become a bit testy with that power. Hopefully, there will never come to be a question of loyalty, however. I always prided myself on my connection to my men.'

Satisfied with the notifications, and seemingly no more to read, I laid back to actually achieve some rest. I was able to zone out for a good time, my lack of true tiredness preventing me from dozing off. As I rested, part of me realized how much I may miss sleeping, and hoped that perhaps I could sleep if I willed to.

My resting and thinking couldn't last forever, however. After an unknown amount of time, I could eventually hear the others calling for me.