After much deliberation, I concluded it'd be pretty dumb to invest points into Intelligence at this juncture. I mean, what's the point of increasing my magic stats bring if I yet lacked any magical skills?
Honestly, it made the most sense to focus on what I'm already good at. My Perception's already way above average, so there's no need to boost it any further. At least for now.
So I made a decision: I would split my points between Strength, Agility, and Dexterity. As an assassin, Strength would not be the main focus, but it would give me a sufficient attack in close combat. Agility would allow for quick, evasive movements, while Dexterity would allow me to hit exactly where I needed to.
After distributing the 30 SP, my screen looked like this:
―Stats―
Strength: 45 (+15)
Endurance: 40
Dexterity: 50 (+10)
Agility: 55 (+10)
Perception: 70
―Additional Stats―
Vitality: 0
Intelligence: 0
―Stat Points: 0
---
After a brief moment, I felt something like a click inside mr, as if my body were realigning in real time. Muscles tensed and then loosened. I struck at the empty air before me a few times and discovered my arms had grown more supple and flexible. My movements felt lighter, as if the very air surrounding me had thinned.
And after the potion had worked its magic, my HP bar stood nigh full.
With a heave, I lifted myself from the ground. I approached the fallen War Shadows, and lo, as if in some video game, three radiant lights materialized above their bodies. Three drops. A grin split my face from ear to ear. It was peculiar indeed. Drops were capricious things, and to snag three at once was a stroke of fortune, yet the toil I'd put into this fight could not be discounted.
After all, the odds of a monster mightier than I dropping something of worth were ever higher. And I'd vanquished seven of them. By the gods, I deserved it!
The first item was a small black leather pouch. Hovering above it, the status screen appeared.
[Water Pouch]
―Rank: D-
―Description: Holds cold water that shall never run dry.
---
I gawked at it for a heartbeat, scarcely believing my eyes. Endless water. Infinite cold water. In this dungeon, it was almost better than anything else. Curiosity piqued, I opened it and tipped some water onto the floor, just to see its workings. The crystalline liquid flowed forth, yet no matter how much I poured, the amount within the bag diminished not a whit.
"This is ridiculous..."
I didn't waste any more time and took a long sip. The water was cold and refreshing, as if it had just bubbled up from a spring in the heart of the forest. I swiftly stowed it in my inventory.
The second item was a small black stone, no larger than my thumb. Once more, the status screen flickered.
[Dexterity Stone]
―Rank: E
―Effect: When consumed +3 Stat Points in Dexterity.
---
It was as tough as iron, but the system said that if I gulped it down, I'd gain three Dexterity SP. Was it temporary, or maybe...? I eyed the stone doubtfully, then decided with a shrug that it was worth the gamble. I put it into my mouth and swallowed it whole.
"Damn!"
I knew it was coming, but I couldn't help but grumble when I felt the stone scrape my throat on its way down.
[3 permanent Stat Points added to Dexterity]
The system message flashed before my eyes. I massaged my throat with a wince, but the thrill of knowing I'd gained a permanet effect couldn't be dampened.
At last, the third item was a black ring.
[Shadow Ring]
―Range: E+
---
―Stats―
+10 Perception
---
Passive Skill: "Sharp Instinct".
Effect: Increases Perception by 5%.
---
"Now that's a treasure!"
After admiring the ring, I slipped it onto my finger. A faint tingle buzzed through my mind as the effect took hold, gifting me an extra boost. You could say it was a lot, given I already boasted over 80 SP in Perception.
It was, of course, the happiest day I'd had since I came into this world. Not only had I grown mightier and faster, but I'd also snagged some fresh loot that would likely make my life a little easier in this dungeon.
I dusted off my clothes with a few quick pats. Crouching beside the corpses, my greedy streak not quite sated, I plucked seven Magic Stones from the seven corpses. Only when the Mother Dungeon whisked them away in a cloud of dust did I finally take my leave.
×××
We've reached 100 Power Stones! Thank you all so much!
I'm not exactly good at writing, but I enjoy it a lot. A few months ago I tried to write an original novel and while I was excited by the idea, I soon realized how complicated it could be. I had a clear idea of what I wanted to tell, but connecting the pieces in a fluid and coherent way was really difficult.
I think a writer's most important skill is to communicate their ideas effectively, but I feel like I haven't reached that point yet. The scenes I imagine in my head don't make it to the page. Maybe it's because I lack the vocabulary in English, or maybe it's just because I'm dumb. Either way, it is difficult to write well.
×××
Join my Patreon to read advanced chapters!
Two additional chapters for every 5 members in patreon
www.patreon.com/OlwinMoriarty