18. Strong Foe. [2]
"I was curious to visit the dungeon directly, but before that, I have a few things to take care of."
"Lara, come here."
"Yes, Master?"
The attractive blonde milf stood naked in front of me, drying her hair.
"After I return, create a fake identity for me under the name 'Alexander Wolford'. Meet me here again in two days."
"Yes, master. Your identity will be prepared."
Nodding in response, I set out for my dungeon expedition.
"I won't use my real name when I go to the Royal Academy."
As I contemplated the future, I reached the outskirts of the village.
My objective was to find monsters and kill them to practice my martial arts.
From the spatial ring I obtained from the corpses, I retrieved my [Gazel's Sword].
The sword had a black-colored sheath and emitted an ominous aura. There was a reason for its foreboding presence.
"Blood."
The sword had specific requirements that needed to be fulfilled for it to unleash its true power. Blood played a crucial role in this process.
However, I was unaware of these requirements.
...
As I walked towards the dungeon, I encountered numerous monsters, which I dispatched without hesitation. However, it took me a considerable amount of time to kill even
My movements were stiff, rough, and rigid. The only reason I could achieve this was due to my title [God of War], which provided me with comprehensive information about the monsters I faced, including their strengths, weaknesses, defenses, and overall power.
Their names, bloodlines, and races were all detailed within this guide-like interface.
It proved to be helpful, and I made full use of the information it provided.
After some time, my movements began to improve.
While collecting the monster cores, I noticed a growling wolf. This particular wolf's stats were different, and a message appeared at the bottom.
...
Name: Dire Wolf (Alpha)
Bloodline: Rare
Race: Wolf
Strength: 150
Stamina: 229
Agility: 204
Mana: 70
Intelligence: 157
Defense: 160
Affinity: Wind
Abilities: [Defense], [Formation], [Wolf Claws]
Skills: [Pack Leader], [Encouraging Howl]
...
"Can I devour all these monsters?"
"..."
I had stored all the monsters I had slain inside the spatial rings I possessed.
I wasn't aware of the ring's capacity, so as long as the bodies fit inside, it was sufficient.
Observing the large wolf, with its grey fur and piercing black eyes, baring its fangs at me, it assessed my strength.
I calmly returned the wolf's gaze.
"I believe it's time to unleash my demonic energy."
I unleashed my demonic energy, maintaining my human appearance. As the surge of power coursed through my body, I no longer felt any fear in the presence of the beast before me.
"Ha!"
Denying the wolf any opportunity to strike, I executed my sword skills, guided by the knowledge bestowed upon me by [God of War]. Its weaknesses were revealed to me.
To my astonishment, the wolf evaded, parried, and even countered my attacks with its sharp claws.
"So, this is an alpha, huh?"
It was my first encounter with such a formidable opponent.
I aimed my sword at its neck and heart, attempting to slash through its fur. However, its hide resembled iron armor, impervious to my blunt blade.
Unlike here, back on Earth, survival did not demand fighting in such a literal sense. Although I possessed strength and knowledge, this was my first true test.
The wolf was relentless, launching aggressive assaults aimed at my head, heart, and limbs. I had to rely on the guidance provided by the interface, or else I would have perished unknowingly.
Thus, the battle raged on for some time.
...
"Let's bring this to an end."
Having achieved the desired level of practice, I decided to fight like a demon.
Sheathing my sword, I locked eyes with the beast before me.
It wore a taunting expression.
"As if I would fall for your tricks."
Dire wolves boasted iron-hard fur across their bodies, except for the vulnerable region around their necks.
Most creatures would instinctively target the neck in combat. However, dire wolves were far from foolish. They lured their prey into an apparent trap and, exploiting their exceptional agility, swiftly struck them down.
It was the ultimate move in their arsenal.
Taking a stance, I gazed at the wolf, implying that my next move would snap its neck.
The wolf grinned.
Placing my hand on the sword's hilt, I charged forward without unsheathing the blade.
Anticipating my maneuver, the wolf adjusted its position, preparing to counter. Yet, to the wolf's utter surprise...
"Got you."
I extended my claws, plunging them into their exposed neck region.
A smirk adorned my face, while the wolf's eyes widened in disbelief.
Wolves lacked the ability to discern between holy magic, Mana, and demonic energy.
Given that my appearance had not changed, only my strength had increased, this intelligent beast likely assumed I had merely gained a temporary boost in power.
A pitiable creature.
Unsheathing my sword, I drove it into the same wound.
Splurt-
Thud-
The wolf had no time to retaliate, let alone counter.
I had a feeling that my sword would undergo a transformation once it tasted blood, but either nothing occurred or I failed to notice it.
Stepping on its face, I sliced open the wolf's skull and extracted the monster's core.
"Tsk."
"If only I were a progenitor right now, I would have enslaved you and crushed that pathetic pride of yours beneath my feet."
The wolf's eyes portrayed a sense of injustice, but to whom could it voice its grievances?
"Hm?"
It was in that moment that I noticed the presence of threads suspended in the air. Black threads, each varying in width.
"What is this?"
"
"How powerful are these demons?"
I inquired as I attempted to touch the threads, yet they eluded my grasp.
"The host lacks the ability or skill to scan the surroundings."
"Tsk."
How bothersome. Is this how you treat your protagonist?
"Show me something from that skill and ability in the system shop."
"The host does not have access to the system shop. It was a one-time privilege. The host must achieve a breakthrough, after which Level 1 of the system shop will be unlocked."
"How many points are needed to scan the vicinity and provide information on all the monsters, humans, and demons present?"
I was certain of one thing: there was nothing that couldn't be acquired with points. I had even traded in one of my precious chances to obtain something exceptionally powerful. But who were they fooling? Everything had a price to pay. That was the rule of this world. Nothing came for free.
<...>
"A blue tick with no reply, huh?"
I was a patient person. I would refrain from taking action until I obtained comprehensive information. I would wait and then strike.
"To scan a radius of 10km, the host must pay 1500 Evil points."
"What's my balance?"
Evil Points: 3,369
"Confirm the purchase."
"Purchase confirmed."
Evil Points: 1,869
"The effect of [Scan (temporary)] will last for one day, equivalent to 24 hours."
"Time remaining: 23:59:56"
...
"Then, use [Scan]."
***
[A/N: Cut the crap.]