Nathan carefully discussed and planned the two most optimal skill combinations for his new class. Once he was certain of his decision, he moved forward and created them in succession.

[250 Skill Points spent to create a Tier 2 Skill]

[Analysis in progress..]

[Progress.. 1%]

[Progress.. 60%]

[Progress.. 100%]

[Analysis successful..]

[Route Quests Match: Stormweaver]

[You've got 20 Skill Points cashback]

[Skill created successfully]

[Stormweaver - Thunder Cloud Tier 2]

[Summon a thick, electrified thundercloud for a 5000 m square around the user's area.

The cloud will then rain down strong lightning strikes, randomly damaging any enemies in the area.

The cloud will stay for 30 seconds until it vanishes.

It will also produce an electrified fog that gives enemies a random mini stun.]

[Level 1: Summon 20 Lightning Strikes that deal 20% elemental magic damage to a random enemy]

[...]

[New Stormweaver Skill created]

[Stormweaver 1/5 progress: 1/2 Skills]

[...]

[Level 5: Summon 100 Lightning Strikes that deal 20% elemental magic damage to a random enemy. ]

Nathan quickly read the description of the skill he had created.

"Stormweaver! What a great name!" he said, smiling.

He seemed pleased with the outcome and then immediately created his next skill. "Alright, let's go next."

[...]

[Skill created successfully]

[Stormweaver - Lightning Step Tier 2]

[The user can move with lightning speed, leaving behind a trail of lightning blasts that damage nearby enemies. After the skill has been used, the user will also deal another lightning blast.

However, the elemental magic damage will only be applied within the Thunder Cloud area.]

[Level 1: Increase Movement speed by 500% for 0,5 seconds, and deal 40 % of elemental magical damage to the nearby area.]

[...]

[New Stormweaver Skill created]

[Stormweaver 1/5 progress: 2/2 Skills]

[Congratulations, the 1st Stormweaver Route Quest Cleared]

[You've got a reward of 50,000 Skill Points]

[You've got a reward 1 New Skill Slot]

[Stormweaver Route Quest 2/5 opened]

[...]

[Level 5: Increase Movement speed by 500% for 0,5 seconds, and deal 200 % of elemental magical damage to the nearby area.]

Nathan took a deep breath, trying to contain his excitement as best he could, before discussing his two skills with Luna. "Okay, Luna, what do you think?"

"I think you made an excellent choice, Master Nathan." Luna nodded. "This is definitely the strongest combination you've ever created before."

"Let me confirm, then," Nathan said. "My first skill will create a thunder cloud with an area almost the size of a football field. The cloud will release 100 thunder strikes to anything below, with a total elemental magic damage of 2000%. Just imagine if that much damage was aimed at one target - it would be a huge attack! Additionally, there will be a mini-stun effect from the electrical fog created around the area." he said enthusiastically.

"Yes, even though anyone could easily escape from this thunder cloud area, this kind of attack would still be suitable against large groups of monsters, as well as boss monsters." Luna added.

"Another issue with the skill is that all 100 thunder strikes will occur for 30 seconds," Nathan said, "Which is around 3 strikes per second. For the skill to be effective, the target has to stay still for that duration, so that's why I created the second skill."

"Okay, so the second skill I created increases my movement speed by 500%, which is more than the Greed Empowerment skill that only gives 200%. It also grants an extra effect of 200% elemental magic damage if I use it under a Thunder Cloud," Nathan explained, taking a deep breath and smiling. "Do you have any thoughts on this, Luna?"

"Uhmm...."

Luna tapped her lips with her index finger. "I think what you should do is give it a go on the monsters in this place right away," she said with a chuckle.

Nathan had spent several hours discussing the skills with Luna. After carefully examining the two new skills he had created, he quickly returned to Meriel and was about to suggest they go hunting for a while.

Nathan sat down on a log near the fire, and Meriel turned to him with a smile.

"Have you finished with your business, Mr. Nathan?" she asked.

"Yes," he said and nodded.

"Uhm..." He continued, "It sounds a bit strange when you call me Mr. Nathan, Meriel. Why don't you just call me by my name?"

"I'm more comfortable calling my leader that way. Is that okay? Do I have to call you Nathan Oppa, like Linda does?"

"No!" Nathan shook his head. "That's even weirder!"

"So... Actually I want to try out my new skill, and maybe hunt monsters nearby for a while. Are you interested in joining me?" Nathan asked enthusiastically.historical

"Of course. I will do whatever you ask," Meriel replied immediately.

"That's not an order, but an invitation, and I don't mind if you don't want to," Nathan clarified.

Meriel shook her head quickly. "No, Mr. Nathan. In a team, especially in urgent matters, the leader's word is an order. That is why a team chooses a leader, to entrust their fate to them. In case of an emergency, the leader's decision can determine the fate of everyone in the team. So I have to respect and follow whatever you want, no questions asked."

Nathan smiled, "I think I still have a lot to learn, especially about working in a team like this," he said. "I hope you can help me, if maybe there's something I'm not doing right, Meriel."

Meriel raised her head, sat up straight, and shook her head. "No," she said with a smile. "So far, you've done the best for us. You're willing to make sacrifices to do something for your team, which makes us want to follow and support your decisions. This is something that a leader should do. You know how to treat your team members well - that's what I've learned from you, Mr. Nathan."

"Ah... looks like I'm getting too much credit when all I do is slack off and let my golems do the work," Nathan said with a smirk. "Well then, let's go."

He stood up and walked over to Silver and Night, who were still buried under the snow. "Silver, please look after this place while I'm away," he requested.

Nathan summoned Fang and climbed onto the black wolf's back. He then reached out his hand to help Meriel up, and she sat behind him.

Meriel situated herself close to Nathan, her body pressed against his back. "Euhm..." He wasn't used to physical contact with many new people but tried to get used to it since he would likely continue to work with them in the future. At least, that was his hope.