Chapter 97: Two Levels Up!
"We are victorious!"
"We are victorious!"
The cries of triumph rang out as players waved their weapons high, celebrating the hard-earned victory. While the battle hadn't been particularly nerve-wracking, the experience of uniting to overcome a powerful foe left every player with a profound sense of achievement and camaraderie.
News of this first large-scale battle spread quickly, capturing the attention of players across the game. With top guilds, elite players, and even the notorious 'Nemesis Leader' involved, it became a trending topic, fueling countless discussion threads on the official forums and live-streaming updates that tracked the unfolding action.
Many players, eager to follow the battle live, logged off to watch the streams and cheered on their favorite guilds and top players from afar. For some, it was their first glimpse of the Nemesis Leader in action, heightening the legend of this enigmatic figure.
Back in the game, Su Yu had earned the respect of the nine guild leaders and was no longer the lone wolf he had once been. Together, they gathered around the fallen form of [John the Baptist], eagerly anticipating the loot.
Yunzhong Mu Di grinned and suggested, "Who here has the luck of a red hand? Let them do the honors with the loot!"
Red-Eyed Black Dragon looked like he was about to speak up, but hesitated.
Noticing his expression, Su Yu chuckled, "Why not let Sky Dragon try? She's got the luckiest hands here."
"Who called for me? Who wants the Sky Dragon?" The little loli skipped over, her excitement contagious.
Red-Eyed Black Dragon was surprised. "Boss Nemesis, how did you know Sky Dragon has such lucky hands?"
With a grin, Su Yu said in a mock-serious tone, "Because I can see the future."
"The future?" Red-Eyed Black Dragon scoffed, playing along. "Then, can you tell where I'll be in a year?"
Su Yu nodded sagely. "You'll meet your fate at the hands of an alien in one year's time."
The Black Dragon's jaw dropped in mock disbelief, and laughter erupted from the group. They all took it as a joke—everyone except Snow Leopard, who scratched his chin thoughtfully, wondering if there was more to Su Yu than met the eye.
…
Meanwhile, Sky Dragon carefully opened the bag the boss had dropped. Instantly, a dazzling purple light spilled out, making everyone stare in anticipation.
"Is that… epic equipment?!" The guild leaders' eyes were glued to the bag in awe.
In the current game stage, most players were still clad in basic white and green gear. Only elite or well-funded players could afford a piece or two of blue gear. But this—a purple item—was a game-changer, likely the first of its kind available to players.
Without hesitation, Sky Dragon drew out the item, holding it up for everyone to see.
**[Blood Dance Crescent Blade lv13 (Epic)]**
- **Attack Power**: 41-51
- **Strength**: +15
- **Physical Critical Strike Rate**: +3%
- **Special Skill**: [Blade Draw] - When used, 12 blood butterflies appear along the weapon's path.
- **Description**: "The blood butterfly is both exquisite and irresistible, a dish prized at court dinners." – Count Vladimir.
The blade was a one-handed weapon, perfect for Warriors and Paladins. Su Yu, being unable to equip it, gave it a quick glance before letting his gaze drift.
For the warriors and paladins present, however, the sight of the blade was enough to ignite fierce determination in their eyes.
"I propose we auction this," Red-Eyed Black Dragon suggested. "Highest bid wins!"
The other warrior and paladin players quickly agreed, and the bidding war began.
"I'll start with 1,000 coins!" Red-Eyed Black Dragon led the charge.
"1,200!" Xia Yi Desolation, the World Guild's president, chimed in.
"1,400!" added another.
Su Yu, uninterested in the bidding, focused on the rest of the boss drops. Finding nothing he could use, he quietly picked up the quest item, [Emblem of John the Baptist], and headed back to the princess's convoy to report in.
…
At the Queen's convoy, Su Yu approached one of the princess's attendants, handing over the emblem with a respectful nod. "Your Highness, John the Baptist has been eliminated. The bandits are in disarray and pose no further threat to you or the convoy."
The princess smiled in approval. "Excellent work, Nemesis! Master Shivan has also driven back Madeline, their formidable leader. Once he returns, we'll resume our journey to Maple Leaf City."
"As you command," Su Yu replied dutifully.
**Ding! Main Quest [Glory of the Gorse Empire] (10/100) completed. Reward: +2 World Reputation, +1000 Experience Points.**
The precious reward of "World Reputation" brought Su Yu's total to five points.
"Halfway there! With 10 points, I can claim my own territory," he mused with satisfaction.
A warm glow enveloped Su Yu as he leveled up to 19. The accumulated experience had finally tipped him over the edge.
As the golden light marked his level-up, the surrounding players grew wide-eyed. The Nemesis Leader had leveled up again, his nine-level lead over the second-place player drawing awe and envy.
One player muttered, "How does he do it? Just… how?"
Noticing the players crowding in, Su Yu raised his voice, "Form lines to turn in the quest rewards, please. I trust everyone was pleased with their rewards?"
"Absolutely!"
"Thanks for the great quest, Boss!"
"The rewards were beyond our expectations!"
The players' smiles were genuine. The mission had indeed rewarded them handsomely.
Each player earned 6,600 experience points, 84 psionic coins, a sizable cut of loot from fallen bandits, and a chance for green-tier equipment. With at least 100 psionic coins per player, they looked at Su Yu with grateful eyes, aware that such rewards would have been impossible without him.
As players gathered around to turn in their quests, Su Yu's system log updated rapidly.
**Ding! Player 'Twist' completed the task. Reward: +66 experience points, -83 psionic coins.**
**Ding! Player 'Running Wild in the Grasslands' completed the task. Reward: +66 experience points, -84 psionic coins.**
**Ding! Player 'Gundam Breaker' completed the task. Reward: +66 experience points, -83 psionic coins.**
With each player's task completed, Su Yu's experience points climbed ever higher.
…
Leveling from 19 to 20 required 28,000 experience points, 20 to 21 took 30,000, and 21 to 22 would demand 33,000. As over 900 players completed their quests, Su Yu amassed a staggering 60,000 experience points.
After leveling up twice, he finally settled at level 21 with 6% experience.
Once again, Su Yu had pulled off the incredible, raising his level by two in a single battle.
(End of Chapter)