The array of numbers and statistics represented his growth, but he was conflicted about how to proceed.
He had initially allocated his attribute points to his stats in the heat of the moment, right after awakening in this new world. The urgency of the situation in the academy and the immediate need for power had driven him to make hasty decisions. However, now that he had a basic understanding of this world and its systems, he realized the importance of a more strategic approach.
"Only at the adept tier do people get a job class," he mused. "It makes sense to wait until then to decide where to put my attribute points. I need to see what my first class is and then allocate my points to maximize its strengths."
With this decision, he resolved to save his remaining blank attribute points until he reached the adept tier and unlocked his first class. The thought brought him a sense of clarity and purpose.
As for his skill points, he decided to invest them in his newly learned skills. These skills would aid him in his current quests and battles, providing him with the edge he needed to survive and thrive in this world.
He opened his skill panel and allocated his skill points:
Skill Points: 30
Mudwall Level 1 -> Level 5 (Cost: 4 Skill Points per level, Total: 16 Skill Points)
Aerial Cutter Level 1 -> Level 5 (Cost: 4 Skill Points per level, Total: 16 Skill Points)
Remaining Skill Points: 2
Cruzer closed the panel and stood up, now that he had rested for a while, feeling the familiar surge of power from the newly enhanced skills. He decided to complete his next quest that involved picking Nocturnal Mint, a herb known for its potent medicinal properties. However, it could only be harvested at night to retain its full effectiveness. He glanced at the sky, the sun still hanging brightly.
He then decided to head back towards the town and visit the guild first and submit his mission to hunt Nightfang Wolves. He would then kill some time before heading to pick up the herbs.
Cruzer made his way back to the Adventurer's Guild, the streets bustling with activity. Entering the guild, he approached the receptionist, who greeted him with a smile.
"Back so soon, Cruzer? Did you manage to complete the Nightfang Wolves quest?" she asked.
Cruzer nodded, handing over the proof of his kills. "Yes, I took care of them. Here's the evidence."
The receptionist examined the Nightfang Claws and Hides, nodding in approval. "Excellent work. Here is your reward." She handed him a pouch containing 600 Energy Stones. "Keep this up, and you'll reach D rank in no time."
Cruzer thanked her and pocketed the reward. He felt more confident now, knowing he had completed another task successfully.
With several hours to spare before nightfall, Cruzer decided to make the most of his time. He visited the local apothecary to stock up on potions and supplies. The apothecary, a kind old man with a wealth of knowledge about herbs and potions, provided him with some useful tips on harvesting Nocturnal Mint.
"The herb glows faintly in the moonlight," the apothecary explained. "Look for clusters near water sources. They thrive in moist environments."
Cruzer thanked the man and left the shop. He then decided to return to his accommodation and have some lunch before heading to the forest.
As the sun began to set, Cruzer felt a growing sense of anticipation. He pulled out a map of the Jura forest, marking potential spots for finding the Nocturnal Mint. He also took the time to review his skills and formulate a plan for dealing with any threats he might encounter.
He set out towards the forest as evening approached, knowing that the Nocturnal Mint would only bloom at night. The forest was a vast, shadowy expanse, the ancient trees casting long, dark shadows. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures filled the silence.
The moon cast an eerie glow over the landscape, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures filled the air. He moved cautiously, his senses alert to any signs of danger. As he wandered around the forest, searching for the herbs, he noticed a faint glow ahead and quickened his pace. Just as he was about to reach the herbs, he heard hushed voices coming from a nearby clearing.
He crept closer, hiding behind a thick trunk to observe the scene. In the clearing, a group of shady figures was gathered, their faces partially hidden by hoods and shadows. They spoke in low, conspiratorial tones, their voices carrying a sinister undertone.
"We'll lure the monsters to attack the merchant caravan," one of them said, his voice rough and filled with malice. "Once the monsters have dealt with the caravan, we'll sweep in and take the goods and money. Any survivors will be sold off as slaves. Hehe, if there are any beauties, I will take the first dip."
Another figure, taller and more imposing, nodded in agreement. "Yes, we have to thank that mysterious young master for giving us this wonderful lure. With these lures, we won't have to worry about having money and beauties."
Cruzer's blood ran cold at their words. The plan was diabolical, preying on innocent merchants and selling any survivors into slavery while trying to defile innocent maidens. As they continued to discuss their scheme, Cruzer's ears perked up at the mention of a familiar name.
"It's a shame we had to leave our captain Tessa in those ruins," one of them muttered. "I would have loved her screaming my name in pleasure."
"Shut up, you idiot, as if you don't know how strong and ferocious she is. If not for her trust in us and that weakening powder from the young master, she would have killed us with a sneeze. If only she would have agreed with us, we wouldn't have had to do that to her."
"That's why we left her to die after trapping her. She was too righteous, too stubborn to see the bigger picture. We couldn't have her ruining our plans."
Cruzer's heart skipped a beat. Tessa was involved in this somehow, and these men had betrayed her. Anger surged through him as he realized the gravity of the situation.
While he couldn't care less about Tessa, what irked him was the fact that these guys betrayed her. His wound was still fresh from what happened to him in the academy, and he loathed betrayal the most.