Orion began the next chapter of his journey with a careful assessment of his belongings. Seated at his desk, he tallied his resources: 8,800 credits in his account, a modest collection of coins - 10 silver and 16 gold, which could be traded for an additional 1,650 credits, and two precious spirit stones. The rest of his inventory consisted of essential equipment - his Agile Leather Armor, crystal daggers, and other items crucial for his survival and success in the dungeons. These were not for sale; they were extensions of his capabilities as an awakener.
He pondered his financial position. The quest ahead was daunting, requiring a substantial sum of 100,000 credits to obtain the necessary mana and spirit stones. His current resources were a fraction of what he needed. Orion knew he had to strategize effectively to accumulate the wealth required without compromising his ability to navigate the perilous environments he would encounter.
He had spent the night contemplating his options for the daunting quest ahead. First, he thought about asking his grandfather for financial assistance. Although his grandfather wasn't wealthy, he could probably provide the needed 100,000 credits. However, this meant revealing much of his secretive journey and relying on family support, something Orion was hesitant to do. He valued his independence and wanted to tackle this challenge on his own terms, without leaning on family ties.
Another path he considered was farming dungeons known for their abundance of mana and spirit stones. While this approach promised a slower accumulation of resources, it aligned with his goals as an awakener. It wasn't just about gathering the stones; the process would also offer invaluable combat experience and skill development. This method resonated with his identity, emphasizing growth and self-reliance.
Lastly, Orion thought about focusing on dungeons with lucrative loot drops. Selling these items could provide a steady stream of income, potentially allowing him to purchase the necessary mana and spirit stones. This strategy offered a more direct route to accumulating the required credits and kept him engaged in the adventurous aspects of his journey.
After much consideration, Orion decided to integrate the latter two approaches. He would target dungeons that held the promise of both valuable loot and the chance of finding mana and spirit stones. This balanced strategy would not only help build his financial reserves but also ensure continued growth in his combat abilities.
Orion set out with a clear plan in mind. His objective was to delve into various E-rank dungeons, a strategy that promised both riches and the vital mana and spirit stones he needed. Accompanied by Auf, his Alpha Mana Wolf, Orion ventured into the depths of the unknown, each dungeon presenting its own set of challenges and rewards.
Time passed in a blur of action and adventure. Dungeon after dungeon, Orion and Auf faced a myriad of creatures and obstacles. Their battles were intense and demanding, but with each victory, they grew stronger. Orion's combat skills sharpened with every encounter, and Auf's prowess as a companion in battle became increasingly evident. The bond between them deepened, their teamwork becoming more seamless and intuitive.
As they journeyed through these dungeons, the duo amassed a significant collection of loot. The items they found ranged from simple equipment to valuable minerals, each contributing to their growing wealth. Orion meticulously kept track of their earnings, selling the treasures they accumulated at various shops and trading posts in the city.
This period of relentless dungeon delving bore fruit. Orion reached level 9, a testament to his dedication and skill. Auf, too, had grown, reaching level 8. Together, they had become a formidable team, well-equipped to handle the dangers that lurked within the dungeons.
The continuous combat and encounters also led to the advancement of Orion's key skills. His Shadow Step skill, a vital ability that allowed him to maneuver through battles with agility and stealth, had leveled up, enhancing his capacity for surprise attacks and evasive movements. His Basic Dagger Mastery skill saw significant improvement as well, reflecting his increased proficiency and finesse with his preferred weapons.
Furthermore, Orion's Backstab skill had reached new levels of effectiveness. The skill, crucial for delivering powerful and decisive strikes, had become more lethal in his hands, allowing him to exploit enemy vulnerabilities with greater ease. Additionally, his Enhanced Reflexes skill, crucial for dodging attacks and reacting swiftly to dangers, had also leveled up, augmenting his already impressive agility and combat awareness.
[ Name: Orion ]
[ System: Fused System (Level-Up, Cultivation, Store, Quests) ]
[ Level: 9 ]
[ Mana: 400/200(600) ]
[ Qi: 1000/1000 ]
[ Experience: 12430/25000 ]
[ Skills: Basic Mana Control (Level 1), Basic Qi Cultivation (Level 1), Access to Store (Level 1), Quest Log (Level 1), Basic Dagger Mastery (Level 3), Basic Botanical Knowledge (Level 1), Backstab (Level 2), Spectral Strike (Level 1), Basic Swordsmanship (Level 1), Enhanced Reflexes (Level 2), Shadow Step (Level 2) , Elemental Resistance (Level 1) ]
[ Basic Stats ]
[ Strength: 21.21(31.21) ]
[ Agility: 23.32(35.32) ]
[ Endurance: 17.03(19.03) ]
[ Intelligence: 12.18 ]
[ Perception: 11.99 ]
[ Charisma: 10.51 ]
[ Luck: 25.00 ]
[ Cultivation Realm ]
[ Mortal Realm - Initiation (Rank 3) ]
[ Free Stat Points: 8 ]
[ Free Skill Points: 1 ]
[ Blessings: Blessing of Free Spirits ]
[ Companions: Auf ( Level 8 3320/12500) ]
After what felt like countless expeditions, Orion's efforts culminated in a considerable accumulation of wealth and resources. He had earned a staggering 52,000 Credits from selling his loot. In addition to this financial success, he had managed to gather 89 Mana Stones and 62 Spirit Stones, marking significant progress towards his quest.
With his earnings, Orion visited the city's markets and traders. He invested 46,750 Credits in purchasing the remaining mana and spirit stones required for his quest. It was a substantial expenditure, but necessary to fulfill the daunting requirements of 'The Great Keeper' quest.
After securing all the required items for 'The Great Keeper' quest, Orion knew the next step needed a touch of privacy and significance. He chose the Shadow Veil Dungeon, a place that held a special place in his journey as an awakener. It was here that he had faced many of his early challenges and triumphs, a fitting location to take the next crucial step in his quest.
With the mana and spirit stones securely packed and the four amulets and dungeon keys in his possession, Orion made his way to the entrance of the Shadow Veil Dungeon. The familiar, foreboding entrance greeted him like an old friend, its darkness promising secrecy and solitude.
In the quiet of the chamber, far from prying eyes and ears, Orion carefully laid out the mana and spirit stones in a precise pattern on the ground. He then placed the four amulets and dungeon keys at specific points around the stones, forming a circle imbued with potential and power.
With everything in place, Orion took a deep breath and initiated the submission of the quest. He watched as the items began to resonate with each other, their combined energies creating a symphony of light and subtle vibrations in the air. The amulets glowed brighter, and the keys seemed to hum with a newfound purpose.
[ Quest: The Great Keeper ]
[ Reward: Knowledge on amulets and keys - Processing... ]