Su Bai walked steadily through the Shadowy Forest, still recovering from his recent encounter with the rare coral snake. The fatigue lingered, but the satisfaction of having completed a crucial part of his mission kept him motivated.
Each step echoed softly on the ground, covered in dry leaves and broken branches, and the silence of the forest allowed him to hear the constant beat of his heart, reminding him that there was still much to do. He knew that every battle brought him closer to his true goal, and after reaching level 8, a new horizon of skills and power lay before him.
Leveling up wasn't just a formality in Eryndor—it was a rebirth. After defeating the rare coral snake and receiving his experience reward, Su Bai experienced the familiar golden glow surrounding his body. The sensation was almost spiritual, as if new energy flowed through him, expanding his mind and sharpening his senses. Now, at level 8, he felt like he had crossed an invisible line, gaining not only stat improvements but also unlocking new techniques with his trusty Celestial CloudSword.
"After a brief pause, Su Bai decided to review his skills interface. The recent level 8 upgrade not only enhanced his stats but also unlocked new techniques. With a simple gesture of his hand, the familiar floating screen appeared before him, displaying the new skills of his trusty sword, the Celestial CloudSword:
New Skills of the Celestial CloudSword
Mist Step (Passive):
Description: While inside the mist created by his Endless Icy Cloud (Infinite Ice Cloud) ability, his evasion increases by 10%. This allows him to move more agilely and dodge enemy attacks while taking advantage of the frozen environment.
Function: This passive skill is crucial for defensive maneuvers, giving him a strategic advantage by moving like a shadow within the mist. It would make him almost intangible to his enemies if timed well with his attacks and positioning.
Ice Shield (Active):
Description: He can summon an ice barrier that absorbs up to 500 points of damage for 15 seconds. The barrier not only blocks attacks but also has a 30% chance to freeze any enemy that strikes it, leaving them vulnerable for several seconds.
Function: This skill acts as a powerful defense, giving him time to plan his next move or recover. The ability to freeze attackers adds an offensive advantage to the shield, allowing him to take control of the battlefield.
'Perfect,' Su Bai thought as he examined the new abilities. 'This will definitely give me a crucial edge in future battles.' The ability to move agilely within the mist and block attacks with an ice shield gave him more control on the battlefield. He closed the interface and looked at his sword, feeling how the power of the Celestial CloudSword continued to grow alongside him."
However, before embarking on another mission, he remembered there was something else he needed to monitor: the glitch gauge on his left wrist, a mystery that only he could see. Although he didn't know all the details, after using it once to enter the game early, he knew that this power could break the game's rules, and that intrigued him.
As time passed and his level advanced, the opportunities to use the glitch became increasingly valuable, and Su Bai couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and curiosity about what he might discover with its next use. He watched the percentage on the glitch gauge carefully.
[Glitch Gauge: 85% charged.]
Su Bai knew he couldn't let time go to waste while the glitch gauge continued charging. During his last battles, he noticed how his reflexes and attacks with the Celestial CloudSword were becoming more precise, the result of constant effort and fights. Now, with an 85% charge on his left wrist, he was eager to use that special power again, feeling that each battle made him stronger and prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Su Bai decided to hunt down some smaller creatures so as not to sit idle while the gauge filled up. With each step, he felt the shifting atmosphere of the Shadowy Forest: the shadows grew longer, and the forest sounds seemed to intensify. It was as if the forest itself was watching him. Despite the apparent calm, he kept his sword ready, knowing that at any moment, an ambush could emerge from the trees.
As he moved through the trees, Su Bai detected movement among the vegetation. A small creature, barely visible among the shadows, quickly scurried away. "It's nothing serious," Su Bai thought as he watched the being disappear into the bushes. He decided not to waste unnecessary energy, especially since his potion inventory was practically empty. "Better save my strength... I don't have money for more potions," he said with an ironic smile as he continued on his way.
Su Bai advanced cautiously, his gaze fixed on the shadows between the trees, waiting for a target. Finally, the sound of cracking branches caught his attention. A small beast emerged from the undergrowth, just what he needed to gain some experience while waiting for the glitch gauge to fully charge. "Perfect, nothing complicated," he thought as he adjusted his stance, ready to attack.
He activated the "Explore" function on his interface to assess the creature lurking among the bushes. A floating window appeared before him, giving him details of his nearest target.
[Explore Activated]
• Night Wolf
• Level: 6
• HP: 3000
• Physical Attack: 180
• Skill: "Frenzy" (Increases physical attack by 10% when HP drops below 50%).
"It doesn't look too complicated," Su Bai murmured, quickly assessing his odds.
He wielded the Celestial CloudSword, calculating his moves. He decided to test one of his new skills: Mist Step. With a swift motion, Su Bai activated the Endless Icy Cloud ability, summoning an icy mist around him, and then used Mist Step, giving him a 10% evasion boost within the mist.
The wolf lunged at him, but Su Bai, moving nimbly within the mist, dodged the attack with ease and countered with a precise slash.
• -1200 HP (Night Wolf: 1800 HP remaining).
The wolf, weakened, tried another attack, but Su Bai raised his left hand and activated Ice Shield. A wall of ice appeared in front of him, blocking the wolf's blow.
• Damage blocked: 320 HP absorbed by the shield.
• Freeze chance: Success! The wolf was frozen in place, vulnerable to Su Bai.
With a quick spin, Su Bai delivered a final blow, shattering the wolf with his ice-infused sword.• -1800 HP · Critical (Night Wolf defeated).
System Notification:
• 50% EXP reduction due to level difference
• Total EXP accumulated: 700/8000
Su Bai let out a small chuckle. "Definitely not gaining much experience, but at least I'm honing my skills."
As he continued to cut down lower-level wolves, Su Bai noticed how his movements became more fluid. The Ice Shield activated more easily, and Mist Step allowed him to move through enemies like a shadow, dodging attacks before they could even reach him. There was no doubt: his mastery of the Celestial CloudSword was improving.
"These wolves don't pose any real challenge," he thought while blocking another wolf's attack with his ice shield, "but they're perfect for testing these new techniques."
Although his focus was on improving his techniques, he couldn't help but notice that time was passing and the glitch gauge was slowly nearing activation. He knew that once it was complete, he could use the glitch again, something he couldn't afford to ignore completely.
[Glitch Gauge: 90% charged.]
With a slight smile, Su Bai continued searching for his next enemy, keeping his attention on the fight, but part of him eagerly anticipating what would come next.
The last wolf fell with a quick and precise strike from the Celestial CloudSword, and Su Bai took a moment to observe his surroundings. The forest was quiet, with only the sound of wind-stirred leaves breaking the silence. Though these low-level monsters no longer posed a real challenge, he remained focused on perfecting his fighting style.
[White Night Interface]
• Level: 8
• Current HP: 1170/1900
• Energy: 550/1200
• Experience: 700/8000 EXP
Every battle, although simple, allowed him to refine his movements and explore the full potential of his new abilities. As he spun the sword, he felt his confidence grow. He knew that with each encounter, he was more prepared for whatever awaited him in his adventure.
Taking advantage of the moment of calm, Su Bai checked his experience bar. He had made some progress, but he was still far from reaching the next level. Although the monsters he faced didn't provide much experience due to the level difference, he didn't mind too much. The important thing was to keep practicing the newly acquired skills of the Celestial CloudSword.
Glitch Gauge: 95% charged.
Su Bai wiped the sweat from his brow, scanning the area for more enemies or possible threats. The Shadowy Forest was quiet again, as if the wolves' cries had never existed. "I need more fights, but I also need to be careful," he thought. Fatigue was starting to take its toll on his body, and though his wounds had partially healed, they still reminded him that he couldn't afford another mistake.
He decided to move cautiously. He knew the glitch gauge would soon be full, and though he didn't fully understand its potential, he sensed it would be key to what was coming. With one last glance around, he ventured deeper into the forest, his steps echoing softly in the surrounding stillness.