Lucas stood before his skill panel, ultimately choosing Assassin's Mark. After weighing each skill's practicality, he felt Assassin's Mark was a perfect match for his needs.
Shadow Step looked cool but wasn't practical for his ranged approach—teleporting up close felt too risky.
And while Double Backstab sounded effective, Lucas's tactics rarely involved up-close fights.
If I could pick two skills, I might go for a combo with Double Backstab," he thought. But Assassin's Mark, with its ability to tag bosses, allowing his Elemental Spirits to maximize damage, seemed to be the most strategic choice.
Lucas continued leveling in the minotaur camp, but gaining XP past level 10 was noticeably slower.
He realized that without a breakthrough, reaching his goals before the National College Entrance Exam might be tough. Then a thought occurred to him.
"What if there's a boss deeper in the Dark Forest? A first boss kill would mean a huge XP boost," he considered, setting out toward the unexplored, darker areas of the forest.
The forest's core was cloaked in thick, greenish mist, known as the Toxic Swamp.
The atmosphere was eerie, as if light itself avoided the place, with only the faintest rays trickling through, making it even creepier.
The plants here were thick, sticky, and speckled with dark spots, as if poisoned.
A haze of dark green fog hung low over the ground, and bubbles occasionally popped from the muddy pools, releasing a sharp, rotten smell into the air.
"This place is beyond gross," Lucas muttered, moving carefully and keeping an eye on his surroundings.
The mist in the swamp made his vision hazy, his body felt heavier, and even walking took more effort. Suddenly, several cat-like figures appeared quietly around him, their claws gleaming and their eyes flashing with a dangerous yellow-green glow.
Lucas quickly raised his staff and cast Fire Pillar. A column of flames erupted, enveloping one nearby cat, reducing it to ashes.
But as he focused on these ordinary cats, a sharp pain stung his back.
He turned quickly and caught a glimpse of dark purple fur fading into the fog. Lucas realized this was the Venomous Cat Boss, a stealthy predator.
Its claws, covered in poison, had slipped past his barrier.
"Crafty little thing," Lucas murmured as a wave of dizziness hit, and his vision took on a greenish tint.
The poison spread rapidly, making his limbs feel heavier.
He stumbled as the other cats closed in around him.
"Didn't see that coming," he thought, struggling as the poison took hold. His health was draining, and with his vision fading, he heard the familiar alert: "You have died."
The mist and cats faded away as he closed his eyes, returning to the dungeon's entrance.
After exiting, Lucas ran his hand through his hair, frustrated. He replayed the fight and knew exactly where he'd gone wrong. "
That venomous cat was too sly. The poison here messes with vision and weakens the body," he mused.
"Next time, I'll summon a Wind Spirit to clear the mist. It's like fighting blind."
Despite the dangers, the swamp had piqued Lucas's interest.
Sure, it was risky, but it was also packed with leveling potential, and defeating the Venomous Cat boss would yield valuable dust and XP.
"Alright, swamp, you win today," he thought, glancing at the time. It was getting late. With a plan forming, he decided he'd tackle the swamp again tomorrow—with his team for backup.
He wasn't planning on going straight for the boss.
He'd first farm dust on the outskirts to increase his strength. After all, in the real world, dust could enhance his abilities.
Lucas also acknowledged the importance of teamwork. However fast he leveled alone, the National College Entrance Exam would require team synergy, making soloing unrealistic.
With these plans in mind, Lucas closed his game, already strategizing for tomorrow's dungeon raid with his friends.