Book 2: Chapter 28:
 Quintessential Superhero (Bren)

The massive salmon swam off after my impromptu poetry slam. In exchange for my words, the fish had explained the nature of the Well. It seemed that my purpose on the water had been two-fold. I had assumed Manny wanted to test my strength and endurance, using the challenges of the sea as a litmus for how I would fare against adversity. But he had really been testing me and my merit. In the end, the wind and the waves tested my judgment and my ability to use the tools at my discretion more than any physical attributes.

The second thing I learned from the fish was that at one time, there had been many of its kind swimming the western waters. The fish had once brought with them imbas, divine knowledge that helped to feed the magic of the world. This very particular kind of wisdom had become beyond rare due to overfishing.

I watched the salmon go. It had pushed me out of the fast-moving westward current, and for the time being, it appeared as if I was in no danger of drifting off the edge of the world. But then again, this was Annwn, and it would be dark soon... who knew what the night would bring?

I wondered when Manny would come back for me, if ever. I would have ruminated further on that had the Dagda’s voice not announced my new and updated boons:

Name: Bren Búachaill

Race: Síorláidir

Current Power Rank - Level 13

Current Progression Status:

Physical Progression +46

Mental Progression +49

Spiritual Progression +52

Domain: Chaos

Domain Classification: Battlesmith (Enhanced)

You have been gifted with the following boons:

Control Energy

Erratic Agility

Dark Vision

Pain Sponge

Spiritual Augur

Battlefield Forge

Imbas Forosnai

You have one blood-borne curse:

Mark of the Bodach (Permanent)

Innate Racial Abilities:

Rapid Regeneration

Advanced Identification

Magic Sense

Two magic items are in your possession.

You have acquired:

Seolán Neimhe

Cast Lustrum Shillelagh

Item abilities unlocked:

The Storm God’s Reservoir

It occurred to me that I hadn’t really had a chance to analyze my boons and abilities. There was so much to think about here. Then again...it occurred to me that at the moment, I was floating in the middle of nowhere with literally nothing else to do. With that in mind, I decided to take a closer look at some of the newer additions.

Pain Sponge

Your capacity for enduring pain is nearly unmatched. You will continue to function with clarity and strength even when suffering catastrophic injuries that would incapacitate others. This ability does not negate the damage sustained, but it allows you to fight, move, and act, regardless of the toll on your body.

Battlefield Forge

As a Battlesmith, you possess an innate mastery of weapons and armor, allowing you to analyze and enhance them. This ability enhances your "Advanced Identification" boon, providing deeper insights into the strengths and weaknesses of any armament. You can also forge, repair, and sharpen objects without the need for traditional tools.

Imbas Forosnai - Language

The divine spark of knowledge within you grants complete mastery over language. You can speak, read, and understand every tongue in Annwn. Whether deciphering ancient texts, conversing with spirits, or reciting poetry to aquatic species, this boon ensures nothing is lost in translation.

The Storm God’s Reservoir

You have become a conduit for the tempest, channeling the raw power of lightning into your being. This boon allows you to harness and unleash devastating strikes of electrical energy while significantly increasing the range and capacity of your "Control Energy" boon. This ability is enhanced by an item set - Seolán Neimhe.

Woah. The powers I had earned made me feel like a superhero. I mean… it sounded like I could literally shoot lasers and regenerate! That’s pretty much quintessential superhero. And my mental stats were now higher than my physical stats, likely because of my chat with the salmon. If I could only fly…

I looked around the remains of the boat, feeling like I was on a stage. The water was still and the world was quiet. The moon was full and bright, making it feel like the heavens shone a spotlight on the currach.

If it really had been a stage where I floated, I would have been in the round. To the edges of my vision, on all sides, I watched as a wall of mist slowly approached. It was so thick that my vision couldn't penetrate more than a few feet.

“What did you do to my currach?” The voice startled me so badly that I nearly jumped up and danced around. Manny had appeared in his earlier spot. He appeared to be shocked by the condition of his boat... well, what was left of it.

“Farthing hell!” I said, trying to slow my heartbeat. “Where have you been?”

Manny shrugged. “I told you that I would give you a chance to prove your merit.”

“And?”

“… And I did.” Manny’s frown turned into a smirk. He whistled a familiar tune and the boat began to transform before my eyes. The dark-stained canvas that made up the sides and bottom of the currach patched itself. The ragged edges of the torn jib sail knit back into a single piece of uninterrupted fabric. I felt the newly repaired tiller catch a current, turning the currach to the east.

Manny didn't say anything after the boat finished mending itself. He simply watched the sheet and halyard lines automatically change positions, as if being pulled by an unseen hand. I suddenly felt the need to prove to him that I was worthy to go on the quest for his father. “I understand now why they call this place the Well of Wisdom.”

“Did you now?” He appeared uninterested and kept his gaze on the sea.

“At first, I thought I had the answer, after wrestling with the currach and flying into the storm.” I paused, waiting for direct or indirect praise. None came. “Then I spoke to the salmon and realized how wrong I was... but I see now.”

At that, Manny turned to give me his full attention. “You somehow ended up a full day's journey from Murias. And now you are telling me that you found one of the last remaining Salmon of Knowledge?”

It was my turn to smile. “So... did I pass your little test?”

Manny laughed, looking pleased with himself. Without another word, he steered the boat deeper into the mist.