Chapter 19 – Gacha and Extortion
A soft, almost hesitant knock echoed through the small, dimly lit room.
Alex stirred from half-sleep, rubbing his face with the back of his hand.
"Ugh… hold on, I'm coming…"
His voice was low, rough from being half awake.
Who visits someone this late…?
He shuffled to the door, the wooden floor cold beneath his feet. A faint draft seeped through the walls—Winterhold's air always carried a bite.
But the moment he unlocked the latch and pulled the door open—
His breath vanished.
"A–Astrid…?"
His voice cracked, stunned.
"What are you doing… near Winterhold at this hour…?"
Moonlight spilled over her from behind, outlining her silhouette in a soft, silver glow. Snow drifted gently around her shoulders, melting the instant it touched her skin. Her breath came in warm puffs of steam, her cheeks flushed from the cold.
And her clothes—
"Astrid, your outfit… it's—too revealing. You should really—"
He turned his head immediately, ears burning red.
But she didn't let him finish.
Her fingers curled into his shirt, and before Alex could react, she was pressed against him—warm, soft, trembling with something he couldn't name. Her scent—pine, frost, and something feminine—rose up around him as she leaned in.
Her lips met his.
Not gently.
It was a desperate, hungry kiss, one that stole his breath and made his heart slam against his ribs. Heat surged through him so fiercely he forgot what cold even meant. The icy draft in the hallway vanished—replaced by the burning press of her body.
She backed him into the room with slow, deliberate steps, her boots thudding softly against the wooden floor. The door swung shut behind her with a muted thump, kicked closed by her heel.
The small inn room seemed to warp around them—flickering torchlight casting shadows, the scent of aged wood and warm linens mixing with the rising heat between them.
Astrid pushed him lightly, guiding him toward the bed.
Her breath brushed his ear—warm, trembling, emotional.
"Alex…"
Her voice was thick with feeling.
"You really should notice how I feel about you."
Before he could answer, she kissed him again—deeper, needier, her hands cupping his face as if afraid he might disappear.
—
Alex jolted awake.
The darkness of his real room greeted him. The cold returned. The silence was absolute.
"…Tch. It was a dream?"
He stared down at himself, realization sinking in.
"Damn it… a wet dream? Seriously…?"
He dropped back onto the pillow, covering his face with a groan.
Why Astrid? Why her?
Reality stung him harder than the cold air.
"She's way out of my league," he muttered, rolling onto his side.
But the warmth of the dream still lingered in his skin…
…far more vividly than he wanted to admit.
The Frozen Hearth was silent except for the soft crackle of the hearth fire—its warm orange glow flickering lazily across the wooden beams and rough stone walls. Outside, Winterhold's perpetual blizzard howled faintly, the wind rattling against the window shutters, but inside the inn, everything felt still… almost comforting.
Alex lay sprawled across the bed, sleeping so deeply he might as well have been dead to the world. Fifteen hours slipped by without him stirring. Only when the sun had already dipped low behind the icy cliffs did he finally blink awake and his awakening was caused by a wet dream
He exhaled slowly, air fogging faintly in the chilly room.
His body felt strangely light—like someone who had just respawned with full HP.
He stretched both arms upward, joints popping satisfyingly.
"Yaaawn…" His voice cracked mid-yawn.
Then a lazy smirk tugged at his lips.
"Well… it was just a dream, but… honestly, I kinda wish it wasn't."
He ran a hand through his hair, still flushed from sleep, then swung his legs over the edge of the bed. His feet touched the cold wooden floor and he hissed quietly at the temperature difference.
He change his clothes and stepped out into the hallway. The scent of warm bread and firewood drifted faintly from downstairs. As he descended the creaking staircase, the light grew brighter, illuminated by the inn's large central hearth.
The innkeeper was wiping down the counter when Alex approached.
"Give me a fresh milk," he said, sliding a few coins across the wood.
"Of course, sir." The innkeeper nodded, moving with practiced calm as he fetched a chilled bottle. The glass clinked lightly before he set it down.
Alex took a sip—the cold milk was surprisingly refreshing after such a long sleep. He glanced around the room. Only a few empty chairs and flickering candles greeted him.
"…Is it always this empty?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
The innkeeper shrugged lightly.
"Sometimes adventurers drop by. Sometimes the College students wander in for a drink or two. Depends on the day."
He leaned an elbow on the counter.
"Tonight might get livelier, if the winds calm down."
Alex nodded, then leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
"Hey… any rumors lately?"
The innkeeper didn't even hesitate.
"Oh yes. Quite the one. The Thalmor put up a new bounty. For a blond girl."
He lowered his own voice.
"They claim she's the Dragonborn."
Alex froze.
"…What? Why?" His tone sharpened instantly.
"She infiltrated the Thalmor Embassy," the innkeeper said, eyes widening just a bit, as if still impressed by the boldness. "Caused quite a stir. The Thalmor are livid."
Alex's stomach tightened.
Astrid.
Of course it was her. She must have infiltrated the Embassy to find clues about Esbern. It was exactly the kind of reckless—but effective—thing she would do.
He downed the rest of his milk in one long gulp, heart thudding with urgency.
Within minutes, he returned to his room, hurriedly packing his equipment. Cloak, potions, enchanted gear—shoved into place with a new sense of purpose.
He headed back toward the exit.
"Thanks, uncle," Alex said with a small respectful nod.
"I need to go."
The innkeeper lifted a hand in farewell.
"Stay warm out there. Winterhold isn't kind."
Alex pulled up his hood as he stepped outside.
The cold wind struck him instantly.
But this time, he didn't feel it.
He had a direction—
and someone he needed to catch up to.
The Midden
Deep below the College of Winterhold, far beneath the lecture halls and enchanted chambers, lay The Midden—a place whispered about in the dorms, avoided by most students, and remembered only when accidents needed disposing of.
The air grew colder as Alex descended the winding stone staircase, each step echoing faintly through the hollow space. A thin mist curled around the bottom of the stairwell, clinging to the floor like a ghostly veil. The torches along the wall flickered weakly, as if struggling to stay lit in the oppressive chill.
When he finally stepped inside, the smell hit him—a mix of damp stone, burnt residue from old spells, and the metallic tang of ancient magic.
The Midden was a graveyard of the College's secrets.
Shattered runes lay scattered across the floor. Broken cages sat rusting in corners. Strange carvings decorated the walls, some glowing faintly with faded enchantments. Somewhere deeper inside, he could hear the distant drip of water.
Alex exhaled slowly, watching his breath turn into mist.
"Yeah… definitely as creepy as everyone said."
He moved further in, boots crunching on frost-coated stone. In the dim corners, he noticed piles of discarded items—failed experiments, abandoned research, and alchemy materials students had long forgotten.
He crouched down, brushing dust aside with the back of his glove.
"…Void salts? Seriously?"
He blinked, then grinned wide.
"And daedra hearts? Who just leaves these lying around?"
One by one, he collected everything—carefully placing void salts into sealed pouches, lifting daedra hearts as if handling expensive jewels, and pocketing several grand soul gems already glowing with trapped souls.
and finally he found the altar atronach forge By the end, he stood and checked his bag.
His materials now totaled:
Void Salts (10) Daedra Hearts (7) Ebony Ingots (10) Grand Soul Gems (9) Silver Swords (3)
For wapon :
Daedra Hearts Ebony Ingots Grand Soul Gems Silver Swords
For Armor :
Void Salts Daedra Hearts Ebony Ingots ( Grand Soul Gems
Alex released a long breath, rubbing his palms together for warmth.
"Okay… enough for three weapons and four pieces of armor."
He glanced toward the Atronach Forge, its metal frame looming in the cold air like the jaw of some ancient beast.
"I really hope the summons come out good."
He placed the Sigil Stone onto the altar—its crimson glow pulsing softly, casting eerie shadows over the chamber.
Then he prepared his first set of ingredients:
a silver sword, one daedra heart, an ebony ingot, and a grand soul gem.
His hands trembled slightly—not with fear, but with excitement.
"Alright… here goes nothing."
He gripped the lever.
Pulled.
A burst of cold flame shot upward from the forge—wind whipping around him, stirring his cloak. A moment later, a weapon materialized, floating gently down onto the altar.
A Daedric Bow, obsidian-dark with crimson veins of power, its aura humming with life.
Alex picked it up, eyes wide.
"Absorb Health… fifteen points?"
A grin split his face.
"Nice! Beginner's luck!"
He pumped his fist in the air, unable to hold back his excitement.
He removed the Sigil Stone, reinserted it to shuffle the forging outcome, and prepared the second set of materials.
Pull.
Flash.
Vortex of red-black smoke.
A Daedric Sword landed before him—its edge shimmering with magic.
"Absorb Stamina twenty-five?"
He held the blade up, admiring the glow.
"Damn, my luck's insane today."
Third try.
Last weapon.
He reset the Sigil Stone one more time, feeling anticipation tingle down his spine.
The forge roared to life again, flames spiraling upward.
A heavy shape thudded onto the altar.
"…A warhammer?" Alex's expression dropped.
"Ugh. The most boring Daedric weapon ever…"
But then he touched it—
and felt the enchantment pulse up his arm.
He checked the details.
His eyes slowly widened.
"…Paralyze? For six seconds?"
A slow grin crawled back across his face, brighter than before.
"At least I can learn this enchantment… it's insanely rare."
He held the massive weapon close, admiring the faint crackles of green paralysis magic dancing along its surface.
For the first time since arriving in Winterhold, the icy air of The Midden felt just a little warmer.
Armor Gacha
Using the same combination—void salts, a daedra heart, a grand soul gem, and an ebony ingot—Alex steadied his breathing and reset the Sigil Stone into place. The soft hum of the Atronach Forge vibrated through the chamber, echoing faintly off the cold stone walls of The Midden.
He clasped his hands together dramatically.
"Please let it be a useful enchantment… pleaaase…" he whispered, half-praying, half-begging.
He pulled the lever.
A burst of red light flared, swirling with violet sparks before condensing into a solid shape on the altar.
First summon:
A Daedric shield with wicked horns and a dark, glassy sheen. Runes glimmered around its rim—Magic Resistance 25%.
Alex grinned so wide his cheeks hurt.
"Haha! Excellent!" He spun on his heel like a kid who just unwrapped a rare toy.
He reinserted the Sigil Stone, its eerie glow pulsing like a heartbeat, then lined up the next materials. His hands trembled from excitement—or addiction.
Second attempt:
A Daedric chest armor emerged with a deep metallic growl, the plating thick and intimidating. A warm golden aura shimmered briefly.
Fortify Healing Rate 40%.
He slapped both hands onto his head, eyes sparkling.
"I'm ridiculously lucky today!"
He hurriedly reset the Forge again.
Third attempt:
Another chest piece slammed onto the altar with a dull thud.
Alex's shoulders slumped the moment he recognized the silhouette.
"Damn it! Why the same one?!"
He ran both hands through his hair, pacing in front of the Forge like a gambler losing his streak. His heartbeat thumped in his ears. He knew he should stop—but he couldn't. The rush was too strong.
He took one long, shaky breath and prepared the final set of components.
Final attempt:
A sharp flash lit the chamber in blazing crimson. When the smoke cleared—
Daedric boots.
Alex pumped a fist.
"Nice! A different piece!"
He crouched beside the altar, checking the runes with eager eyes.
Second chest armor: Fortify Restoration + Magicka RegenBoots: Fire Resist 70%
His whole face brightened.
"Perfect. I can learn the chest enchantment, and the boots—and some others—I'll give to Astrid"
He gathered the armor pieces into his arms, the metal cold and heavy, and began making his way up the winding, torchlit corridors toward the Hall of Attainment. The icy drafts of The Midden faded as he climbed, replaced by the warmer, dusty air of the College.
He laid out the gear on an enchanting table and pressed his palms to the surface. The runes lit up, responding to him. One by one, he extracted the knowledge from the items—the room pulsed with magic each time a new enchantment flowed into him.
Paralyze – learnedFortify Restoration & Magicka Regen – learned
A final surge of arcane energy rippled through his hands.
Enchanting 40 → 43
Alex exhaled happily, shaking out his fingers.
"Not bad… not bad at all."
Extorting a Daedra
As Alex gathered the last of his crafted gear and headed toward the exit of The Midden, a strange thought slithered into his mind—terrible, mischievous, beautifully evil.
He stopped mid-step.
"Hm… I wonder…" His eyes narrowed. "That Dremora I summoned earlier… maybe he can give me items other than the Sigil Stone…"
A wicked grin slowly spread across his face—wide, crooked, and absolutely sinful.
"In the game you can't… but here?" He tapped his chin, eyes gleaming. "Maybe I can ask for daedra hearts or soul gems? Mwehehehe…"
He almost rubbed his hands together like a cartoon villain.
On the rooftop of the College—cold wind whipping at his cloak, snowflakes drifting sideways—Alex raised his hand and summoned the Bound Dremora again. Violet flames burst open as the Dremora knelt before him.
"Master, why have you summoned me?"
Alex clasped his hands behind his back and leaned forward, speaking in a low, evil tone, practically dripping with villain energy.
"You're my servant, right?"
"Yes, my lord," the Dremora answered, though his voice trembled slightly.
"So you'll obey whatever I ask… correct?"
The Dremora's burning eyes darted around nervously. He saw the glint in Alex's gaze—the glint of someone about to do something profoundly unreasonable.
"Y-yes, my lord… what do you require?"
Alex grinned even wider.
"Good… gooood…" He paused dramatically, lifting a single finger to his lips like a scheming mastermind.
"…Give me all your wealth. Especially your daedra hearts."
The Dremora stiffened as if stabbed.
"Master, please… daedra hearts are too precious. They belong to my kin—"
Alex leaned forward sharply, glaring.
"Oh, come on. You daedra kill each other all the time for rank and power anyway."
The Dremora froze, eyes widening. He hadn't expected Alex to know such things. A chilling premonition crept up his spine.
He's going to milk me dry…
Alex stepped closer, voice low and sinister.
"Fine then… should I just take yours instead?"
The Dremora recoiled in pure panic, shaking his head rapidly.
"V-very well! I will obtain whatever you need! How many items do you require?"
Alex raised two fingers.
The Dremora exhaled in relief.
"Only two? Yes, master, I will bring you two daedra hearts—"
Alex's expression immediately shifted to furious disbelief.
"What?! Twenty?! You think I—"
Then, without warning, he switched to a soft, innocent smile—eyes sparkling like an angel.
"Oh, twenty? Nah, fifteen is enough."
The Dremora, genuinely relieved, nodded.
"Really? Great—wait—"
Then realization hit him.
"…damn it…"
But bound by the summon, he vanished in a blaze of flames to gather the items anyway.
Minutes later—fifteen daedra hearts dropped into Alex's hands.
He almost fainted from joy.
"HAHA—! I can summon a full set!"
If he needed more materials? Easy. He'd just sell a few hearts. They were worth a fortune.
His insane gacha streak continued:
Daedric Helmet :Fortify Archery 30%Daedric Gauntlets ;Fortify One-Handed 30%Daedric Armor: Fortify Healing 40%Daedric Boots : Resist fire 70%Daedric Shield : magic resistant 25%Daedric sword : absorb stamina 25 pointDaedric bow absorb health 15 point
He held them up to the light, admiring the deep crimson glow of Daedric craftsmanship.
As for Delphine…
Alex shrugged, uninterested.
"She can wait. In the game she always orders the Dragonborn around. Not in this world."
Once all preparations in Winterhold were done, Alex tightened the straps on his pack, took a deep breath of the cold northern air, and set off.
Snow crunching under his boots, cloak fluttering behind him, he headed back toward Riverwood—toward Astrid, new quests, and the chaos he always seemed to attract.
Status
Main Level: 29Perk Points: 7Health: 200Stamina: 160Mana: 230
Skills
Enchanting: 40 → 43
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