System Notice: Player UwUE-kitten has slain creature Sand Scorpion (lvl 11) and gained 935 exp. Level increased from 10 → 11
I collect the 2 dark orbs bringing my total to 53. With only 3 health potions remaining I decide go for one last kill. Scanning the vast horizon I spot a particularly large sand scorpion, a level 15. My confidence wavers, but the potential exp is too tempting to resist.
I activate dark strike feeling the health drain which is already familiar to me and lock onto the target with a swift strike. The sand scorpion strings back but instead of the expected disintegration it hisses back angrily. I immediately realise my mistake for choosing such a high-levelled sand scorpion. The creature's health is too high to be one-shot.
Now that I have provoked the creature it will strike back at me and my only skill, Dark Strike. is on cooldown. My mind races in attempt to find a solution as the scorpion closes in. Just as I think I was doomed seeing the scorpion charging a strike a burst of icy magic slams in, freezing the creature in place. With a second strike the frozen creature shatters into pieces.
System Notice: Player UwUE-kitten and Seraphina have slain creature Sand Scorpion (lvl 15) and gained 845 exp each. Player Seraphina's level increased from 9 → 10
I recognize this username instantly – Seraphina, the best mage in my past life. Her talent at this game is unparalleled by any other mages and her reputation was legendary. The only tragic thing about her is her untimely ending in the game, but that's not for another 2 years.
I quickly picked up the 2 dark orbs dropped on the floor and turned around to greet her. To my surprise, Seraphina's in-game character is exquisitely detailed. Long, curly ice-blue coloured hair cascading down her back and glowing eyes that shimmer like the moonlight. Her intricateb silver mage robe added a layer of grace and power to her aura. To put it more simply, she was beautiful.
System Notice: Player "Seraphina" has sent you a friend request
I accept with excitement. Seraphina then sends over a voice message.
"Hi! Are you alright? I hope you didn't drop any levels or equipment from that fight"
Her voice is otherworldly relaxing and attractive. I stammer a response.
"Uhh….. Yeah everything is fine.. Uhm…. yes.. So why are you here?"
"Like many others I am searching for the hidden reward here. No luck unfortunately. What about you? And what are those cool orbs that dropped next to the creature?"
From these basic responses I had a feeling Seraphina had interest in me. It definitely wasn't an acted interest and genuine. I let my body calm down for a bit and stop overthinking before replying this time.
"I have come here simply to grind for levels. I made a promise with my friend to become the first team to take down a level 20 boss. And about the orbs, it's a specific item to do with my talent. People who don't have my talent can't get any use from them"
"Wow.. sounds interesting. I'd be down to be in your team if you are still missing a mage", Seraphina responds.
Before I can respond, a message notification pops up. It's from Titanz.
Titanz: Found a support, but still no luck with a mage. Our plan might have to delay for a bit.
A smile forms on my face as I glance at Seraphina. Just as Titanz is struggling to find a mage I've met Seraphina whose capability as a mage and reliability as a person is unmatched.
UwU-Ekitten: All good, I've got it covered. The mage I found is definitely worthy to take on that position.
Titanz responds immediately.
Titanz: Great to hear, let's meet up first. I'm curious on who has impressed you this much for you to give such a solid confirmation.