As Seun-mi Ho walked away from the lifeless bodies of the mercenaries, the cool night air wrapped around his thoughts, offering a brief respite. Vengeance was fulfilled, but his journey didn't end there. He knew more challenges awaited him.
Suddenly, a notification sound echoed in his mind, and a blue glow appeared before his eyes. His interface had just sent him an important message.
[Notification]
Quest 2 Completed: "Bandits spotted near the trade route"
Rewards:
Experience: 18,000 XP (17500 bonus)
400 Gold Coins
Upgraded Armor: 'Shadow Breastplate'
Seun-mi Ho stood silent for a moment, processing the information. He had completed the quest. The mercenaries he had just slain were indeed the bandits terrorizing the trade route. The mission was accomplished, and the interface was now granting him his rewards.
"Interesting," he murmured, as the armor's details unfolded before him.
[Shadow Breastplate]
Type: Light Armor
Rank: Rare
Effects:
+20 Physical Resistance
+15 Agility
Reduces magic damage by 10%
Activates passive skill: Nocturnal Camouflage
Nocturnal Camouflage: Allows the user to blend into shadows at night, reducing the chance of detection by 50%.
"A nice upgrade," Seun-mi Ho thought. The breastplate was more than he had expected. Not only did it boost his defense, but it also offered a strategic edge in nighttime battles. The nocturnal camouflage could prove invaluable in future fights or infiltrations.
He extended his hand, and with a subtle gesture, the armor appeared in his inventory. He slid it into his equipment, and instantly, a dark glow enveloped his torso. The breastplate materialized on his body, fitting perfectly, almost as if it had been tailored for him.
"Armor equipped: Shadow Breastplate."
The interface pulsed again with a soft glow as it began calculating the experience Seun-mi Ho had earned during the quest. His fights, victories, and efforts to track down the mercenaries were all taken into account.
[Calculating Experience…]
He watched as the experience bar on his interface filled rapidly. 18,000 XP were being added to his total.
[Progress]
Current Level: 14
XP needed for next level: 12,000
XP gained: 18,000
New Level Reached: 20
[Congratulations! You have reached Level 20.]
The change was instantaneous. Energy surged through his body, as though every cell had been revitalized. His power was growing. He could feel his muscles strengthen, his reflexes sharpen, and his mind clear. He was stronger than ever.
[Updated Stats]
Level: 20
Rank: Elite
Strength: 72 → 90
Agility: 65 → 85 (+5/+15)
Intelligence: 74 → 92
Charisma: 55 → 65
HP: 200 → 350
Mana: 250 → 400
"I've made a huge leap," he thought, analyzing his new stats. His brute strength had increased, but what excited him the most was the rise in agility and intelligence. He knew these two attributes would be crucial in upcoming battles—moving faster, predicting enemy movements, and using his abilities with greater precision.
But the interface wasn't finished yet. After updating his stats, it moved on to his skills. The battles, power usage, and accumulated experience had caused some of his core abilities to evolve.
[Upgraded Skills]
[Summoning — Level 2]
Summons stronger creatures and more of them.
New bonus: Summoned creatures gain +10% resistance to physical and magical damage.
Mana Cost: 150 points.
[Intimidation/Passive Aura — Level 3]
His aura now feels more oppressive, affecting weaker enemies more severely.
New bonus: Reduces the willpower of lower-level enemies by 20%, increasing their chances of fleeing or surrendering.
Range: 30 meters.
[Active Poison — Level 2]
This skill's poison is now more potent, causing greater damage and weakening the physical capabilities of affected enemies.
New bonus: The poison also slows the target's mana regeneration.
Duration: 10 minutes.
Mana Cost: 100 points.
Seun-mi Ho studied the upgraded skills with satisfaction. Summoning, one of his favorite abilities, had become far more effective. He could now summon tougher creatures—an invaluable asset in extended battles. His aura of intimidation was also a more potent tool, capable of breaking his enemies' spirits. And the upgraded poison was deadlier, now with the added effect of draining mana—a strategic advantage against magic users.
"I'm ready," he whispered, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
A New Quest?
Just as Seun-mi Ho finished reviewing his new gear and abilities, another notification appeared on the interface. A new quest. The system seemed relentless, always ready to present a new objective.
[Notification]
New Quest: "The Dragon's Heart"
Difficulty: A
Description: A mythical creature, an ancient Dragon, has been sighted in the northern mountains of Naraheim. It is terrorizing nearby villages. Find and eliminate the Dragon to restore peace to the region.
Rewards:
50,000 XP
1,000 Gold Coins
Legendary Dragon Artifact: Dragon Blade
Seun-mi Ho raised an eyebrow at the description. A dragon. It had been a long time since he faced a creature of such magnitude. This was exactly the kind of challenge he sought. A cold smile spread across his face.
"Very well," he said, closing the interface. "A dragon, then."
He cast one last glance at the mountains he had just left, where the mercenaries had fallen. That chapter of his story was over. There was nothing left for him there. Now, his path led north—toward Naraheim, where a far greater danger awaited.
But this time, he was prepared. With his new abilities, upgraded armor, and increased strength, he had no doubt he would triumph over the dragon. The only question was how long it would take.
Adjusting his breastplate, feeling its lightness and protection, Seun-mi Ho began walking, his steps carrying him toward his next adventure.
End of Chapter 22.