Cruzer took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. With his basic Mystic outfit clinging to him, worn and threadbare, he headed to the Whispering Woods, a location close to the academy.
It was a dense forest known for its eerie ambiance and the dangerous creatures that lurked within. Thankfully, it was also abundant in the lower-level monsters he needed to hunt for his mission.
He approached the student portal, a shimmering blue gate that allowed students to travel to various training grounds.
The portal area was bustling with activity. Groups of students were chatting excitedly, comparing loot and discussing strategies. The lively atmosphere was punctuated by the occasional flash of light as students teleported in and out.
As Cruzer stepped through the portal, he felt a familiar sensation of being pulled and then placed gently at the edge of the Whispering Woods. The air here was thick with the scent of pine and a faint metallic tang of danger.
Taking a moment to survey his surroundings, Cruzer noticed a group of students just returning from the portal. Their leader, a wizard named Ankit, was one of the students who was closing in on advancing to the adept tier.
He was deep in conversation with his party members, Healer Saina and Swordsman Bishal, about their latest raid. Ankit's robes were adorned with intricate magical symbols, and his staff glowed faintly with residual power.
"Great job today, team," Ankit said, his voice confident. "Saina, your healing was on point. And Bishal, your swordsmanship is improving every day. We'll reach adept tier in no time."
Cruzer couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as he watched them. But he quickly refocused on his mission. He advanced cautiously into the woods, his senses on high alert.
The mission had specified Forest Wolf fangs, and he knew they often hunted in packs. As he moved deeper into the woods, he heard the low growls and saw the gleam of eyes reflecting in the shadows. A pack of Forest Wolves emerged, their green eyes glowing with hostility.
The wolves circled him, their movements synchronized and predatory. Cruzer tightened his grip on his sword, ready for the fight.
The largest wolf, presumably the pack leader, lunged first. Cruzer sidestepped, bringing his sword down in a swift arc. The blade connected with the wolf's neck, and it yelped, crumpling to the ground.
Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x56, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1
He was astonished by the sudden message from the system but quickly concentrated on the task at hand. The remaining wolves seemed angered by the loss of their leader and attacked in unison. Cruzer's heart pounded as he fought off the onslaught. He ducked, parried, and struck with precision, relying on his training.
"Fury Cutter!" he shouted, his sword glowing briefly as he swung it in a wide arc. The skill enhanced his attack, slicing through the air with greater force. Two wolves yelped in pain as the blade cut through their fur and flesh, sending them sprawling.
Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x48, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1 Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x52, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1
Another wolf tried to flank him, but Cruzer was ready. "Sword Barrage!" he called out, unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes. His sword moved almost too fast to see, creating a barrier of steel that the wolf couldn't penetrate. Within moments, the wolf was down, riddled with cuts.
Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x50, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1
Cruzer was feeling more confident, but the pack wasn't done yet. They regrouped and launched another coordinated attack. "Fireball!" he chanted, extending his free hand. A small ball of flame appeared in his palm, which he hurled at the approaching wolves. The fireball exploded on impact, scorching two wolves and causing the others to hesitate.
Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x45, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1 Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x46, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1
Seizing the moment, Cruzer dashed forward. Executing the One-handed Swordsman technique, he performed a series of precise, powerful strikes. Each movement was calculated, targeting vital points on the wolves' bodies. The technique was designed for efficiency and effectiveness, and it showed as wolf after wolf fell to his blade.
Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x53, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1
Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x51, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1
Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x54, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1
Ding! Level Up!
Hidden panel unlocked: Attribute Panel now open.
Cruzer quickly opened the panel, eager to see his progress.
Attribute Panel
Level: 2
HP: 140 (+40)
MP: 80 (+20)
STR: 15 (+5)
AGT: 12 (+3)
INT: 10 (+2)
WIL: 8 (+2)
END: 14 (+4)
Skills:
Fury Cutter: A powerful sword technique that enhances attack damage.
Sword Barrage: A rapid series of sword strikes that overwhelms opponents.
One-handed Swordsman Technique: A combat style focusing on precise, powerful strikes.
Magic Skills:
Fireball Level 3: A basic fire spell that creates a small explosive flame.
Heal Level 3: A minor healing spell to recover small amounts of HP.
Sparkle Level 3: A basic lighting spell that creates a streak of light capable of paralyzing low level enemies.
Obtained Attribute Points: 10
Cruzer looked at the transparent screen flickering before his eyes. What shocked him was the fact that while most of his attributes were reset, the attribute points he obtained were double the amount he got before.
He couldn't help but ask the system about this. "System, am I receiving double attribute points than what I used to?"
"Yes, host," the system replied. "Indeed, you will have double attribute points with each level up. With higher ranks, attribute points bonuses will also multiply."
Cruzer nodded, absorbing the information. The increase in his attributes filled him with a renewed sense of strength and confidence. He felt his muscles surge with power, his reflexes sharpen, and his mind clear. The numbers may have been just that—numbers—but they represented a tangible improvement in his abilities.
He decided to allocate his attribute points strategically:
Attribute Allocation
STR: +4 (19)
AGT: +2 (14)
INT: +1 (11)
WIL: +1 (19)
END: +2 (16)
The numbers changed instantly on the screen, and he felt a corresponding surge in his abilities. With his newfound strength and agility, he felt more capable than ever.
After what felt like an eternity, the last wolf lay defeated at his feet. Cruzer panted, wiping the sweat from his brow. He had sustained a few minor scratches, but nothing serious. As he examined the wolves, he found his luck holding—each wolf had dropped the necessary fangs he needed.
Ding! Forest wolf killed, obtained Exp points x56, Wolf fangs x1, wolf claw x1
Cruzer collected the fangs and took a moment to catch his breath. The system's mocking encouragement still echoed in his mind, but he couldn't deny the satisfaction of completing the first part of his mission. With the forest wolves taken care of, he knew he had to move quickly to gather the remaining materials.