In the face of mockery, the Demonized Lizard King became increasingly furious. It raised its diminutive limbs and charged towards Jiang Han once more, engaging in another fierce battle.
However, Jiang Han, with sharp eyes and quick reflexes, chose to evade when it opened its gaping maw. He used rock formations as the center, skillfully maneuvering around, avoiding many attacks while allowing curative potions to take effect, buying him time.
Especially the sweeping attack, with its broad range, was ineffective near cover.
"An ambush comes at a cost," Jiang Han patiently wore down its health.
Although the Demonized Lizard King had an impressive 100,000 health points, Jiang Han's damage was not insignificant. With several hundred points being shaved off regularly, and occasional bursts of frenzied slashes, his offensive efficiency was quite commendable.
However, the corrosive effect of its toxic surface was indeed a nauseating passive skill. Every attack inflicted unavoidable damage, forcing Jiang Han to repeatedly use curative potions for healing.
Fortunately, his health was not low, and he didn't waste the healing potential of the potions.
After a strenuous eight minutes, consuming four bottles of curative potions, Jiang Han finally succeeded in dispatching the Demonized Lizard King. It dropped numerous silver coins and two pieces of equipment: a piece of tan-colored armor and a magic staff.
[Yellow Rock Armor](Bronze-grade)
Defense: 22-25
Effect: +8% Defense
Required Level: 20
Introduction: A sturdy armor suitable for concealing oneself in desert areas and ambushing opponents.
[Magic Rock Staff](Bronze-grade)
Attack: 25-30
Effect: +10% Attack, +5% Spell Vampirism
Required Level: 20
Introduction: A precious beginner's staff, a treasure for novice mages, with considerable allure.
...
The armor attributes were excellent but required level 20 for equipping, making it premature. As for the staff, its attack was quite high, with additional life-stealing properties, but unfortunately, it held no significance for him.
"I have some equipment, interested?" Jiang Han sent a screenshot of the Magic Rock Staff's attributes to Dragon Soars Miles and added a pair of plain leather shoes.
After killing the Demonized Lizard King, his level had reached 15, 89%. A few more kills of minor monsters, and he would be able to equip the Sandwalker Boots. Since his current shoes still held some value, he needed to deal with them promptly.
Dragon Soars Miles: "Brother, the level requirement for this equipment is too high; no one in our guild can use it."
Level 20!
This was outrageous!
According to the information he received, the highest-level adventurers in the Bright Camp of the Eastern Region were only around level 13. Yet, Jiang Han, with a mere splash, managed to obtain level 20 equipment. What level was he?
"Soon enough, and the attributes of this staff are definitely top-notch. Name your price." Jiang Han said, "You know how insane the drop rates are in this game."
Dragon Soars Miles: "I can offer a thousand for the shoes, as for the Magic Rock Staff... I can go up to fifty thousand. It's early-game equipment after all, even if it's top-tier, it'll be quickly phased out."
He wasn't a sucker; he evaluated the value of the equipment properly.
Jiang Han had bid high on the Soldier's Iron Sword and Soldier's Leather Armor early on mainly to secure a few extra hours of leveling time. It wasn't that the actual value of those two pieces of equipment was in the tens of thousands.
"Sure, transfer the amount first, and as usual, send someone to the Desolate Land to pick them up." Jiang Han was in a great mood; it felt like he was turning his luck around.
This was already his third transaction with Dragon Soars Miles, and with this one, he had earned over a hundred thousand!
In just a few days, over a hundred thousand in hand!
But he believed that "Eternal" would bring him even greater profits in the future!
...
Closing the chat box, Jiang Han continued his systematic search for the respawn points of the Demonized Lizards.
Daniel's requirement was to kill five hundred of them, a massive number, and he was still far from completing the task.
Approximately half an hour later...
"Swoosh!"
A golden light soared, and Jiang Han reached level 16.
Taking 10% experience in half an hour, would it take five hours to level up?
Estimating the leveling speed, Jiang Han grinned; he couldn't help but sigh at the absurdly slow leveling efficiency of "Eternal."
Keep in mind, he was only level 16, and this was still the early game. To have a chance of gaining two levels in one day, one had to grind for at least ten hours online. Was this reasonable?
Moreover, for regular players without his high growth star level, their efficiency would be even worse. Teaming up would mean shared experience, making leveling even more challenging.
However, despite his complaints, he couldn't afford to slack off. He continued grinding until six in the evening, observing the 86% experience bar and the 301/500 mission requirements, then satisfied, logged off for dinner.
...
Removing the game helmet, Jiang Han was about to order some takeout with his phone when he noticed several messages from a friend named Wang Kai. He hadn't paid much attention to them during the game.
"Bro, are you there?"
"No response; are you in self-preservation mode?"
"It's been three minutes; it should be over by now, right?"
...
Jiang Han typed back: "Bro, what's up?"
Wang Kai was his best friend from college, and their relationship had always been strong. It was precisely because of this that Wang Kai dared to tease him so casually.
"Let's have barbecue." Wang Kai immediately replied, "Don't tell me you've already eaten. I did a quick calculation and knew you were playing a game."
Playing a game? What a thing to say; am I that neglectful of my responsibilities?
Jiang Han promptly replied with a serious tone: "Not playing a game; I'm working."
"Did you find a job?" Wang Kai responded with a shocked expression.
"Yeah."
"What kind of job?"
"By selling virtual products to acquire sufficient income."
"Sounds sophisticated!"
"It's decent."
"Let's talk more when we meet; same place as usual!"
"Sure."
...
In the nighttime of Su City, the trees were adorned with golden flowers.
Changing into casual clothes, Jiang Han left his rented room and walked along the bustling streets for less than five minutes. He spotted a man, an average-looking human, waving at him from a barbecue stall at the intersection.
As Jiang Han approached, Wang Kai smiled and patted him on the chest, "Bro, not bad! I was ready to introduce you to a job, but it seems you've found one yourself."
"Introduce me to a job?" Jiang Han was surprised. "What job?"
"Professional gamer!" Wang Kai spoke frankly, "With your skills, being anything other than a professional gamer is a waste. I'm currently working for a studio that's preparing to make a big splash in 'Eternal.' I can introduce you, and we can work together."
"I'll pass." Jiang Han
shook his head.
"Scared I'll scam you?" Wang Kai hastily explained, "If I scam you, we're not brothers. The salary there is pretty good. Formal employment starts at eight thousand a month, plus benefits such as insurance and housing. Although there's an entrance test, with your gaming skills, I can honestly say that passing such a level of assessment will be a piece of cake."
"Well..."
"Don't jump to conclusions," Jiang Han chuckled, "What I mean is... I want to go solo this time."
"Solo?"
Wang Kai was stunned, "You're making a living by selling virtual products... Damn! I've been deceived by you, you rogue!"