Hold Person

Dragon Bloodline granted Anser two Draconic Bloodline spells: "Dragon Breath" and "Polymorph."

Both were relatively powerful second-level spells, each consuming 3 Sorcery Points per casting.

"Dragon Breath" was a spell that simulated a dragon's breath, as the physical structures of humans and dragons were entirely different.

It allowed him or an ally to exhale a breath in a 15-foot (≥4.5 meters) cone, with the damage type chosen from acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison. All creatures within the area had to make a Dexterity Saving Throw; those who failed took 3d6 (3-18) damage, while those who succeeded took only half.

A "Dexterity Saving Throw" could be understood as the enemy reacting quickly enough to dodge the center of the breath, thus taking less damage.

"Polymorph" could alter one's physical appearance, primarily providing three abilities: "Change Appearance," "Aquatic Adaptation," and "Natural Weapons."

"Change Appearance" was exactly as it sounded, though the basic body silhouette could not be altered; for instance, one could not transform into a quadruped or a creature of a different size category.

"Aquatic Adaptation" involved growing gills and webbing, granting the ability to breathe underwater and swim.

"Natural Weapons" was quite interesting, allowing the user to grow claws, fangs, horns, or hooves. When making unarmed strikes or attacking with these organs, they dealt 1d6 (1-6) damage, with the damage adjusted based on the spellcasting ability modifier rather than Strength.

In other words, he could grow claws to engage in melee combat, using his Charisma modifier to bolster his attacks and overcome the embarrassment of being useless in close quarters.

It's still better to resolve combat from a distance whenever possible. Anser curled his lip, lacking any real confidence in his melee capabilities.

Choosing a new spell was a difficult decision.

There were many excellent second-level spells, such as Misty Step, Invisibility, Hold Person, Enlarge/Reduce, Scorching Ray, Earthbind, See Invisibility...

Unfortunately, a Sorcerer could only learn one spell per level, fewer than a Wizard, meaning he was destined to follow a path of specialization.

He possessed both Gold Dragon and Silver Dragon bloodlines. Upon reaching level 6 and mastering "Elemental Affinity," he would gain affinity for fire and cold, making him more proficient with those spells and increasing their damage; therefore, his spell choices were best aligned with his bloodline.

However, survival and control spells were equally important.

After agonizing over it for a long time, he gave up on the Misty Step he had been longing for and chose a powerful control spell: Hold Person!

He had a team to back him up now, so short-range personal teleportation was of little significance.

Hold Person, also known as the Hold Person Spell, was a second-level Enchantment spell with a base range of 60 feet (≥18 meters), which extended beyond 48 meters with the aid of his attributes and feats, and it was effective against all humanoids.

It could paralyze the target for one minute, provided the caster maintained concentration. The target had to make multiple Wisdom Saving Throws, only breaking free from the spell's effect upon a success.

Concentration was a special state of spellcasting. Certain spells required continuous guidance and focus; while he could cast other spells that did not require concentration during this time, the spell effect would vanish if his concentration was interrupted for any reason.

Wisdom Saving Throws were easy to understand: once controlled, the target would constantly attempt to regain control of their body, and the higher their Wisdom, the harder they were to control with this spell.

If Anser had known this spell earlier, he might have been able to use Metamagic to cast it instantly, perhaps controlling the opponent for a few seconds—which would have been a great way to save his own life.

As soon as Anser confirmed his choice, a surging torrent of magic erupted from deep within his body, churning and rushing through every part of him, feeling at one moment like scorching magma and the next like freezing frost.

It was both full of vitality and incredibly docile.

His skin shimmered with a faint gold and silver glow, and his body underwent subtle changes; every time a Sorcerer developed their innate magic, it was a sublimation of their life form.

After a long while, the surging magic subsided, but that powerful sense of fulfillment remained, flooding his mind and spirit.

Anser silently digested the three new second-level spells he had mastered, feeling absolutely fantastic.

During the time the original owner had spent painstakingly studying in the Mage Tower, he had more than once suspected he was mentally deficient; the agony and suffering of being unable to learn no matter how hard he tried was something most people could never understand.

No, perhaps those students from his past life who had mistakenly enrolled in mathematics majors could empathize!

"This is great."

He pulled up his character sheet to check his status.

[Name: Anser Horleywen]

"Race": Human - Silver-browed Subrace (Medium size)

"Background": Noble

"Class": Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline)

"Level": 3

"Experience": 1117/2700

"HP": 28/28

"Mana": 20/22

"Sorcery Points": 1/3

"Armor Class": 15 (14+1)

"Alignment": Absolute Neutral

"Religion": None

--Core Attributes--

[Strength: 12]

[Dexterity: 12]

[Constitution: 12]

[Intelligence: 13]

[Wisdom: 13]

[Charisma: 17]

"Skills": Arcana +2, History +1, Acrobatics +1, Athletics +1, Medicine +1, Intimidation +1, Survival +1

"Languages": Common, Draconic language, Netherese, Illyscian

"Feats": Skilled, Tough, Spell Sniper

"Features": Spellcasting, Innate Spellcasting, Draconic Resilience, Draconic Spell, Font of Mana, Metamagic

"Metamagic": Twinned Spell, Quicken Spell

"Equipment": Godberry Staff (Fine), Protection Cloak (Fine), Spell Storing Ring (Rare)

--Spells--

"Cantrips": Light Spell, Freezing Ray, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Sorcerous Burst, Mold Earth

"1st-Level Spells": Disguise Self, Feather Fall Spell, Leap Spell, Shield Spell, Prismatic Sphere, Command Spell, Magic Missile

"2nd-Level Spells": Dragon Breath, Polymorph, Hold Person

--Others--

"Adventure Trait": Magic Control, Extraordinary Talent

"Finally, it looks like something." Anse was very satisfied.

Looking at the experience required, the difficulty of reaching level four was quite high, but he had long been mentally prepared for the fact that leveling up would only get slower.

He was looking forward to level four, where he could choose a new feat or increase his attributes.

Anse opened his eyes, meeting Brat's surprised gaze.

"You... have you mastered new spells?" Brat asked hesitantly.

"Mm." Anse did not deny it.

Professionals did not know their numerical levels, but they had a vague sense of every increase in strength; it just wasn't as exaggerated as leveling up, as they required day-to-day training and study.

"Where are we going now?" Brat didn't press further, respecting the privacy of his profession.

Anse looked at Finn: "What's the situation in the city district now?"

"Chaos!" Finn's voice was dry. "Even Gray Hawk can't tell how many monsters there are—hundreds, maybe thousands..."

These monsters were rampaging everywhere, in groups ranging from two or three to dozens, causing massive disorder.

In truth, ordinary Goblins and Kuo-Toa were not much stronger than the average person, and the human side still had plenty of professionals, but very few were willing to risk their lives.

The Underdark had a harsh survival environment; Underdark Creatures were far more ferocious, cruel, and bloodthirsty than humans!

The largest group of monsters was being held back at the breached levee in the northeast corner, mostly Kuo-Toa, and the situation was not optimistic.

"No wonder there are so many fish-men; the levee breach might not have been an accident!" Anse's voice was cold.

The Underdark Creatures were clearly organized and premeditated—a war between races, a fight to the death with no room for mercy.

"Once they break through the defensive line, I'm afraid we... will find it hard to organize an effective counterattack." Brat knew the nature of Adventurers and professionals all too well; once they saw a situation was hopeless, they would run faster than anyone.

If the Kuo-Toa invaded in force, it would be impossible for humans to cross the river. Even with boats, they would likely be trapped here and slowly picked off until nothing remained.

"Then we'll slaughter them." Anse smiled faintly, revealing a row of stark white teeth.

He originally held no hatred for Underdark Creatures—different species, both struggling for survival—but when that Azure Blade had pressed against his throat, his mindset had changed.

I am human, too. Killing them requires no reason, no sympathy. With such different forms of civilization, there is no room for empathy or humanitarianism, let alone any psychological burden.

"Heh, that suits me just fine!" Brat struck his sword and shield together; the irritation in his heart had yet to dissipate.

"Let's go." Finn shouldered his pack, more proactive than he had ever been.

The three returned to the middle street, walking quickly north along the main road.

By now, there were almost no living civilians to be seen on the road; those who could run had already fled, and the monsters were chasing the crowds deep into the city.

Approaching the bridgehead, the ground was covered in standing water that squelched underfoot, littered with corpses—both human and Underdark Creatures.

Flame Fist Fortress still stood tall in the night, like a silent giant sitting upon a high platform, watching this human catastrophe with indifference.