{Argus's POV}
Argus successfully learned the Partial Summoning skill, although he only managed to register it as a basic skill in the system. The skill's growth will naturally increase over time as long as the system acknowledges its use. He decided not to use Skill Points to raise its level immediately. Instead, he planned to enhance the skill through regular practice. As the skill is used more frequently, its level will rise and improve in effectiveness on its own.
Skill Points are a limited resource that are not sufficient to raise every skill an Awakener possesses. In school, they were taught that Skill Points should be spent wisely, especially on skills that have slow growth rates, such as Passive Skills or Ultimate Skills that need to be used carefully. Skill Points are quite difficult to earn, and managing them effectively is crucial. The primary ways to gain Skill Points include leveling up, earning Unique Titles, and clearing challenging gates.
Understanding the value of Skill Points and their limited availability, Argus knew that careful allocation was essential for maximizing his abilities. Each decision regarding which skills to enhance with Skill Points had to be strategic, considering the long-term benefits and growth potential of each skill.
After acquiring the Partial Summoning skill scroll, Argus found that his dungeon exploration became significantly easier. With Sylvan now able to assist effectively, thanks to its new ability, and Astrea also contributing her skills, the challenges in the dungeons were greatly reduced.
Sylvan's roots could now entangle enemies, tank some damage, and even pull Argus out of harm's way. This provided Argus with valuable support during battles. Sylvan's leaves could also attack from a distance, but Argus chose not to use this feature with Partial Summoning. He preferred to rely on Astrea's magic skills, which could cause more damage than Sylvan's ranged attacks. Meanwhile, Astrea used her magic skills to inflict damage on the enemies, further improving their combat effectiveness. She was thrilled to be able to help Argus more directly. With her anger from before resolved and her abilities back in full force, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and joy in their teamwork.
Argus used the Partial Summoning skill strategically, deploying it only when needed due to the slow recovery of soul power. Despite this limitation, the skill proved to be a valuable asset in clearing dungeon monsters. With the improved coordination among Argus, Sylvan, and Astrea, he could now handle groups of monsters more easily. The enhanced teamwork allowed them to clear dungeons in a shorter time, making their exploration more efficient and effective.
Fortunately for Argus, he did not encounter another Unique Boss Guardian during his dungeon clearing. This made his task much smoother and easier. Without the added challenge of a powerful boss, he could complete the dungeons more quickly and efficiently.
***
'Master you are really amazing. Thanks for your new skill I can also help you even without being summoned. By the way Master, will you clear the last dungeon today?'(Astrea)
"I'm glad that you are happy. I'm tired from studying that skill and from dungeon clearing. I will rest for now as it is already evening." (Argus)
Argus was on his way to a small village, the nearest settlement close to the 20th Dungeon he planned to clear. As he approached the village, he showed his Adventurer Card to the local guards. The village did not have an Adventurer Guild because it was too far from the city and had a small population that did not generate enough requests for quests.
Villages like this one are usually more peaceful than bustling cities. If villagers encounter any danger or problems, they typically send a request to the Adventurer Guild in the nearest city. Villagers are generally very welcoming to adventurers, as they appreciate the help adventurers provide on their quests. As long as adventurers behave properly and do not cause any trouble, they are warmly received and often given a friendly greeting.
The village was bustling with activity as Argus walked through the streets. He stopped and approached one of the villagers to ask about the commotion.
"Are you an Adventurer?" (Villager)
"Yes, I am. Is there some kind of event happening?" (Argus)
"That is right. Everyone is busy because we are celebrating our yearly harvest festival." (Villager)
Argus was intrigued by the idea of a harvest festival and thought it would be a great opportunity to take a break from his adventures. He decided to join in the festivities and experience the local culture.
'Ugh, why can I not experience this with my own body.'(Astrea)
Astrea grumbled inside his Soul Sea but Argus cannot do anything about it so he did not reply. After finding an inn, Argus checked in and quickly settled into his room. The innkeeper, noticing his curiosity.
"The festival will continue late into the evening with music, food, and various activities. You should definitely join in."
"Yes, I'll get some rest and check it out tomorrow." (Argus)
Argus sleep for an hour, he woke up feeling physically refreshed and ready to explore the village. He ventured out to experience the third day of the festival. The festival will be celebrated for a week. The streets were still adorned with colorful decorations, and the scent of delicious food lingered in the air. Villagers were bustling about, preparing for the final day's activities and chatting about the previous night's events. As he walked, Argus stopped at a stall selling festival foods.
"These look delicious. How long have you been making these?" (Argus)
"For many years. The festival is the best time for us to show our best recipes," (Vendor)
The vendor replied with a smile. Argus continued to explore, tasting some of the festival treats. He saw a small group of villagers playing a game and watched them, enjoying their laughter and the festive mood. This break from dungeon adventures gave him a chance to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a peaceful village. Today was the sixth day of his Quest.
Time Remaining: 1 Day 23 Hours 35 Minutes 3 Seconds
Failure:???
Argus was not in a hurry as he has still time to clear the last dungeon. He will enjoy his rest for today as he will watch the festival. Argus would hear Astrea's grumbling from time to time though as she wants to also experience it.
'Master, let us clear the last dungeon now so I can also enjoy the festival!' (Astrea)
Argus gave a bitter smile, knowing this was the same thing Astrea had been saying since he woke up. She was eager to finish their dungeon work so she could join in the festival activities. Despite the pleasant time he had enjoyed in the village, he understood her enthusiasm. Clearing the last dungeon quickly would allow them both to relax and enjoy the remainder of the festival together so Argus agreed.
'Sigh, okay. I'm going.'(Argus)
Argus gave one last look at the happy faces of the villagers dancing in front of a bonfire. The festive lights and joyful music created a warm and cheerful atmosphere. As he turned to head towards the last dungeon, a sudden cry for help rang out from outside the plaza.
"Undead! There are undeads!!" (Panicked Villager)
"Run!!" (Another Villager)
The once joyful atmosphere instantly turned gloomy. Argus saw many villagers from the south of the plaza running with terrified expressions. His heart sank as he realized the danger the village was facing. The sound of shuffling footsteps and the chilling groans of the undead filled the air.
Dark, rotting figures emerged from the southern edge of the village. They were skeletal and twisted, with hollow eyes and tattered clothing. They moved relentlessly, attacking anyone in their path. The undead charged into the village, their presence causing chaos and fear.
Villagers screamed and tried to defend themselves, but the undead overwhelmed them. The peaceful village, once full of laughter and celebration, was now filled with terror and destruction. Argus knew he had to act quickly to help them and protect the village from the undead invasion. Argus runs in a secluded corner as he wears his mask and cloak to hide his identity.
'Master!'(Astrea)
Summon: Sylvan
"Protect them!"(Argus)
Argus quickly summoned Sylvan's full body to protect the villagers from the undead. With Sylvan fully manifested, its towering tree form, standing at 3 meters tall, moved into position. The sight of Sylvan, with its trunk resembling the trunk of a young cherry blossom tree and its leaves a vibrant pink, was both imposing and reassuring. Argus dashed toward the undead, his scythe gleaming as he swung it with precision. He struck down an undead creature that was about to attack a nearby villager. The villager quickly thanked Argus, then got up and fled to safety.
Sylvan's presence was a formidable force against the undead. With its broad branches and sturdy trunk, Sylvan began to entangle the approaching undead. Thick roots emerged from the ground, wrapping around the undead and pulling them to the earth.
The tree's leaves, glowing with a soft pink hue, were sharp and strong, and Sylvan used them to swipe at the undead, cutting through their decaying flesh. The powerful tree form made it difficult for the undead to advance, allowing the villagers to escape more easily. Sylvan's efforts in controlling and attacking the undead provided crucial support.