Date: 14th Everdusk, 2103 — Location: Verdant Hollow Dungeon, CGA Branch
The
I neither knew nor cared to know.His possessions were mine now. And that was all that mattered.
The window for talent interference remained open, my eyes falling on the sword by my side—still untouched by battle. So far, only weak slimes had crossed my path, not worth drawing steel for.
Still, there was something I had to try.
I turned to the gooey remnants of a defeated slime and knelt beside them. Power surged through me as I activated one of my talent's core abilities.
"Plunder,"I whispered.
A mysterious energy hovered over the remains.
[You have plundered +1 Agility stat.]
My Agility ticked up to 10.With my current Attack Power at 20, bolstered by my Agility and Strength, this passive growth felt... intoxicating. If this continued, I might outpace even higher-tiered enemies—before I even advanced past Tier 0.
Still, I had other tasks to handle.My eyes returned to the sword at my side.
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{Basic Iron Sword
Type: Weapon (One-Handed Sword)
Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0)
Description: A standard iron sword with no frills, perfect for new adventurers. While its power is limited, it serves as a reliable weapon for basic combat.
Attributes:
Attack Power: +7
Durability: 40/40
Weight: Light
Special Notes: Easily replaceable and non-upgradable.}
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Plain. Functional. Boring.But not for long.
I opened the talent interface and selected the sword as the target for enhancement. Several options unfolded before me:
[The talent has detected the basic Iron Sword as the target for enchantment or evolution. Please choose the aspect you wish to enhance:]
--> Sharpness and Attack Power
--> Durability of the Sword
--> Grade of the Weapon
--> Add another effect
That last one caught my attention.
"What do I need for each option?"I asked the system.
[To enhance the sword with the chosen option, you will need:]
1 Evo-Enchant Point
3 Evo-Enchant Points
25 Evo-Enchant Points
8 Evo-Enchant Points + Desired Effect Material
After a moment of deliberation, I chose Option 4.I needed my weapon to harm more than just physical beings. Adding an elemental effect would be a game-changer—and with more points later, I could evolve it further.
[The host has chosen Option 4: Semi-Enhancement and Semi-Evolution. Please gather the necessary items to begin the process.]
I would need five more points, and I already had a way to acquire the elemental effect I wanted.
I turned toward the reanimated skeleton beside me.
"Let's go before your time limit expires."
We moved forward, ready to hunt. Ready to evolve.
Elsewhere: The Witch and the Jungle
A few sectors away, the battlefield was charred.Slimes and jungle monkeys lay dead, their corpses scorched and steaming. The one responsible stood calmly, lowering her flaming staff.
"Cursed Flamebolt,"Lyre whispered as the last monkey screamed and fell.
The crimson glow in her eyes faded as the spell dissipated.
"Blazing Hex is already Level 2? Well, it's semi-passive and semi-active… so I guess that tracks."
She uncorked a small mana potion and took a swig—then winced.
"Ugh. Still bitter. Dad should've let me use those mana berries. Way tastier."
Before she could grumble more, a notification appeared.
[You have slain a Level 4 Forest Monkey. Gained +55 EXP.]
[You have leveled up to Level 3. You have 10 Stat Points to allocate.]
With a flick of her finger, she assigned her stats:
+5 INT
+2 AGI
+1 VIT
+1 STA
+1 STR
Her father had advised against Strength for full mages, but…
"He doesn't understand. My class isn't a pure mage. I can feel it… these skills are dragging me into melee. Better to prepare now than regret it later."
She smiled mischievously.
"But what are those duffers up to? Probably just reached Level 2, I bet."
She had no way of knowing.
Meanwhile: Lucas vs. The Horde
Elsewhere in the dungeon, Lucas was busy wiping blood from a gash on his shoulder.
Around him lay a dozen forest monkeys, their bodies a mess of burn marks and sword slashes.
"Tough bastards," he muttered.
Just then, a fireball had dropped the final one, giving him a brief moment to breathe.
[Congratulations. You have killed 3 Level 4 Forest Monkeys and 5 Level 3 Forest Monkeys. You have leveled up to Level 4.
+10 Stat Points earned.]
"I'll save those for later."
The ground rumbled.
Tree roots twisted and pulled back, forming an oval rift of light—the portal to the second stage.
"There it is."
Without pause, he stepped through.
Outside the Dungeon: Observing Eyes
At the CGA's observation deck, several teachers stood in front of floating holographic screens.
One of the three light indicators glowed steadily—the signal that someone had cleared the first stage.
Most assumed it was Lyre.
But then another light lit up—and this time it was Lyre.
Whispers of surprise rippled among the staff.
Tess, standing at the far end, smiled deeply.
"Tess, believe me,"Lucas had once told her,"I possess something unique. One day, I'll make you the Queen of the world. And then we'll live in peace, I swear."
She clutched her chest as the words echoed in her heart.
One by one, more lights activated as students advanced to Stage Two.
All except for one—Evan.
Whether he was falling behind or simply preparing for something far greater…Only time would tell.
To be continued...