It took me a few minutes, with a lot more viewers popping in, to fix the misunderstanding. As usual, they felt inclined to believe me when I showed them my status panel. However, for the first time, their reaction changed from the usual.
"Level 2? So the level varies from the start?"
"I'm Level 1 only. D*mned luck."
"Same here, Lv. 1 only."
"..."
When they found that everyone in the chat was level one, they began to realize I was the abnormal one. "Right, this is seemingly a bonus from my ability. I can keep my level from before I die. Although it was supposed to be level 3, it became 2 when I checked after I revived."
"Probably a -1 for each death."
Even the viewers had the same guess as to why my level dropped by one. Well, I guess I would learn about it soon enough, so no rush.
Anyway, after Selen came online, I began explaining to her that any weapons she made were able to damage monsters. Then, I also asked her to make me a weapon before the battle started.
The outside world is too dangerous for me right now, but I know a perfect place with limited space where I could farm a lot of monsters.
"I'll be holing up on the underground floor of the Pine Mall. Last time, there were only the chameleon man and the pack wolves there, so I should be able to farm them nicely."
Although it's great to have more help, I'm not sure if the three from before would be vacant again. Furthermore, this time, I'm not planning on sealing the exits anymore. As long as I can have a narrow space where only one monster can enter at a time, then that's more than enough.
A few of them already chatted about wanting to come with me, but I quickly refused them. For this plan, being alone is essential. Having more people would only make things more complicated.
Am I not afraid of fighting alone? Of course, I am! However, to ensure that I gain enough levels, I need to grind. This isn't the gamer in me talking, but the practical me. Gaining more levels would make me more powerful. Being more powerful means I can hunt more efficiently.
The easier my hunt is, the faster I can level up! In short, the initial "investments" of level-ups were crucial.
'If it's in the 10th basement floor of the Pine Mall, the monsters should be more than enough to raise me to level 10 or so.'
I'm still not sure about how the experience point was calculated, but that estimate should still hold. Even if the experience requirement increases with each level up and/or the experience drops the higher your level is, I should still reach at least level 10 down there.
After that, I made sure to request Selen to give me a total of three weapons. A sword, a dagger, and a spear. For the materials, I told her the same composition she used for my sword on the last loop.
With that out of the way, it's finally time for me to move.
I completed the same process of moving my camera to my GoBro before riding my bike and heading toward the Military Camp. I didn't bother parking nearby and drove my bike straight to their gate.
"I want to meet with Major Lucas." As soon as I asked this of the guard, his gaze narrowed before he radioed it in.
He came shortly after, panting. "Hvir, right? Come in."
And with permission from the one with the highest rank in the camp, I managed to get in. I passed my bike to another guard for him to park before following the Major to where Selen was.
"... And so, during the monster invasion, two giant wolves would come attacking this place." As we walked side-by-side, I started to recount what I encountered during the last loop.
"I see..." Major Lucas nodded his head, the smile on his face vanishing. "So one wolf acts as a decoy, while the other attacks our wide-open back. A nasty tactic indeed."
"Right. Also, I died soon after. In short, I'm not sure if there are any more monsters after that."
"Don't worry, I'm a soldier. I know what to expect, at least."
As our talk continued, we finally reached Selen's workshop.
It was located in the same position, but there were fewer materials behind her. Only a few of them were ores, while the rest were already in their ingot forms. "Selen, Hvir has come."
"Y-Yes, father!"
As soon as we approached, the shy Selen welcomed us. I turned to look around the place, but Garuda was nowhere to be found. Did she go somewhere?
"I-I'm Selen; pleased to meet you, Hvir!" Helen bowed as she extended her hand.
"Right, it's my pleasure."
As soon as we finished our greeting, I asked Selen to show me the weapons I requested, but...
"S-Sorry, but I'm still waiting for the materials. We're out of chromium ores..."
It seems like the weapon wasn't done yet. I frowned, but quickly fixed my expression. It's not really her fault, and I'm the one who's technically begging for a free weapon, so I have no right to blame her for a delayed job.
"It's fine. The monster invasion is still over a day away."
It was about dusk, meaning there were roughly 30 hours left before the monster invasion began. Given that much time, Selen should still be able to arm the entire army with her weapons.
*VROOOO!*
And just as I was thinking about how to pass the time, a large truck came by. In the driver's seat, there was a familiar face. "Garuda?!"
I knew she could drive a forklift since we did that together before, but to think she could also drive a dump truck!
"Hvir, you're a bit too early," Garuda spoke as she jumped down from the driver's seat. "I just arrived with the materials, so Selen should be able to make your weapons soon."
She extended her hand as she spoke, which I grabbed reflexively.
"...!"
Then her shoulders shook for an instant.
"What's wrong?" I asked, a little bit worried.
However, Garuda just let go of my hand and smiled wryly, saying, "It's nothing, just some static electricity."
"..."
Well, I did feel a slight tingle, so that might be it.