Chapter 9: Rising To The Next Level
Level: 1 [Experience: 68/100]
Besides earning money, Leonard’s goal was to level up to Level 2, preferably even higher.
Crouching down, he retrieved the ghoul’s claws. As crafting materials, they could be sold for a reasonable sum.
"Now that I look at its corpse, the monster doesn’t seem all that frightening." Winston murmured.
"Don’t take this the wrong way, but how did you reach Level 5 if you’re so easily intimidated?" Leonard asked genuinely.
"Most of the experience I’ve gained has come from assist kills like this one. Even if the rewards are reduced, it still adds up." Winston answered with a sorrowful expression.
"To be honest, fighting has never really been my strong point. I wanted to continue my family’s bakery business, but funds started to run dry, and we were on the brink of bankruptcy. That was when I awakened naturally and decided to try hunting monsters to support us."
He let out a weary sigh.
"I know it’s pathetic for a tank to be so fearful, but I can’t just abandon my parents."
Leonard rose to his feet and shook his head.
"There is nothing shameful about supporting those you love."
Winston was taken aback. For the first time he wasn’t mocked after sharing his story. In the end, he could only steel his resolve and follow after Leonard, determined not to hold him back.
Venturing deeper into the dungeon, they came to a stop before a small cemetery. Two ghouls wandered aimlessly, unaware of their presence.
"We each take one." Leonard proposed. An ambush was the most efficient way to kill monsters.
"But won’t we be spotted?" Winston whispered. "The grass isn’t tall enough to hide us, and just in case you’ve forgotten, I’m pretty chubby. It won’t take much for them to notice me."
Leonard smirked. "I’ve got us covered."
With his pool of 100 mana full, he spent 20 points to summon Joker in the form of a mist.
Instantly, a thick fog descended upon the area, severely reducing visibility.
The two ghouls, with their low intelligence, failed to notice how unusually fast the mist had appeared and continued to remain ignorant of their surroundings.
"Did you do that?" Winston almost shouted in astonishment, though he managed to keep his voice low.
He had never looked down on Leonard because of his supposedly Common Bloodline, but he certainly hadn’t expected him to be this versatile.
"It’s not that impressive. Now hurry before they move." Leonard said, taking the lead as he advanced in a crouched position.
Winston didn’t linger, moving towards the second target. His heavy footsteps left deep tracks in the mud.
Once they were behind the ghouls, they exchanged glances and struck simultaneously.
Leonard attacked with his axe, his kill silent and precise. Winston brought down his hammer with tremendous force, mutilating the creature and causing a loud echo to resound through the area.
[You have defeated a Level 2 Ghoul]
[You have gained 6 Experience]
Their methods could not have been more different. Nevertheless, the outcome was the same, both monsters lay dead.
"At least he certainly has the strength of a Level 5." Leonard mused, studying the obliterated ghoul from the hammer strike.
Clearly proud, Winston puffed out his chest as the sensation of newfound confidence took root.
Then he felt a tug on his leg. Glancing down, he witnessed a zombified hand that had grasped him from beyond the grave.
"AAAAAAHHHHHH!"
The confidence crumbled instantly, replaced by pure dread. A not-so-heroic scream erupted from his mouth, sounding like a man enduring unbearable torture.
A zombie’s head poked out from beneath the ground, only to be greeted by a hammer descending with frantic force.
The monster died in a single hit, but the commotion had awakened those still slumbering in their graves in eternal rest. Zombies began to rise, their eyes hollow and their bodies rotten, all of them fixed towards the pair.
"..."
Still a bit pale, Winston could only meet Leonard’s blank expression and offer an awkward apology.
Fortunately, Leonard was the kind of person who looked on the bright side. Killing the zombies should grant him enough experience to level up.
He moved swiftly, repositioning above a rising zombie. With a downward slash, he finished the monster for good.
[You have defeated a Level 2 Zombie]
[You have gained 6 Experience]
Level: 1 [Experience: 80/100]
"Just a bit more!" Leonard’s movements grew urgent as he aimed to strike down as many zombies as possible before they could properly retaliate.
Activating Lightning Strike, he stood out like a flare amidst the foggy surroundings, killing two in a single blow.
Finally, he flanked a zombie of larger stature. This one was surely a level above the rest.
[You have defeated a Level 3 Zombie]
[You have gained 8 Experience]
Level: 1 [Experience: 100/100]
[You have risen to Level 2!]
[You have gained 5 Attribute Points and 10 Evolution Points!]
Given the current situation, with zombies surrounding him, Leonard quickly spent his evolution and attribute points.
[Upgrade Lightning Strike to the next level: 10 Evolution Points]
[Lightning Strike - Level 1 → 2]
[Rank: Rare]
[Infuses your strike with low-affinity Lightning and amplifies your Strength by 210%.]
[Usage cost: 10 mana.]
Name: Leonard
Level: 2 [Experience: 0/200]
Bloodline: Primordial
Vitality: 20 (15 + 5 Temporary buff)
Strength: 17
Agility: 15 → 16
Endurance: 16 → 18
Magic: 10 → 12
Mana: 100 → 120
Skills: Lightning Strike
Attribute Points: 5 → 0
Evolution Points: 10 → 0
Traits: Accelerated Manaflow, Hardened Physique, Devoted Summons
Titles: Lumberjack
Neither his strength nor his vitality was a problem, especially with the buff still applied. What he needed most was the ability to move faster and for longer periods of time.
He also invested two points into magic, after all, a larger mana pool was never a bad thing.
As for the evolution points the only thing that could be improved was Lightning Strike, so he didn’t hesitate.
The changes were subtle but noticeable. The zombies struggled to catch up to him.
Being Level 2 also meant that Joker could assume the form of a zombie or ghoul if needed. For now, however, he was more useful reducing the monsters’ visibility.
Leonard and Winston killed a few zombies, yet their numbers didn’t seem to dwindle in the slightest.
"Why are there so many?" Winston’s breathing grew rough, all the mass he carried finally catching up to him.
Just then, Leonard spotted a hovering figure that seemed to be guiding the zombies.
[You have encountered a Rare Mini-Boss exclusive to the Golden Hour!]
[Level 5 Wraith]
Comments