As dawn broke, casting a warm golden light over the landscape, Alex, Nina, and Brooke stepped out of the cool, shadowy cave into the vibrant forest. The air was crisp and filled with the fragrant scent of pine and earth, heightening their senses as they embarked on their search. After traversing a carpet of moss and fallen leaves, they soon spotted a creature lurking among the trees. It bore a striking resemblance to a velociraptor, but what set this beast apart was the formidable armor plating that covered its entire body, glistening in the morning light like a knight's armor.
As I saw the creature, a sense of awe washed over me. This monster seemed to inhabit a realm far beyond the capabilities of others we had previously encountered.
"We should set some traps just in case this creature turns out to be much stronger than a level 20," I proposed, my voice betraying a mix of caution and excitement. Both girls turned to me with incredulous expressions, their eyebrows raised in disbelief. "Only level 20 creatures will spawn for the next few months. This monster is at least a rare rank, maybe even very rare," they countered, their eyes wide with both apprehension and wonder at the prospect of facing such a powerful foe.
I gaze at them, a swirl of confusion settling in as I struggle to comprehend their words. The notion sinks in that some monsters seem to possess an unusual strength, even when they occupy the same level as others.
"Hold on a second, what exactly is this ranking system you're referring to? Just to be clear, I grew up in the slums, and I'm completely out of the loop on this. My only exposure to such things comes from the TV dramas I watched," I admit, feeling embarrassed and curious.
Their expressions shift to one of surprise, clearly not anticipating such a candid confession. After a brief pause, Nina took a breath and started to break down the concept of levels and rankings for me.
"Alright, let's clarify things. There are seven distinct ranks of monsters," she begins, her tone Monsters can be categorized into several distinct ranks: common, rare, very rare, super rare, mythical, and legendary. Each of these classifications reflects not only the frequency of their appearance but also the extraordinary skills and abilities that each monster possesses. Common monsters are often found in abundance, showcasing basic abilities, while rare ones exhibit greater power and uniqueness. As we move through very rare and super rare, the monsters become increasingly formidable, displaying exceptional skills that set them apart from the rest. Mythical monsters are shrouded in lore and are renowned for their incredible powers, often tied to ancient legends. Finally, legendary monsters stand at the pinnacle of strength and prowess, showcasing unmatched abilities that instill awe and fear in those who encounter them.
i gazed at them, his eyebrows raised in astonishment, grappling with the shocking realization that this significant information was not common knowledge.
"Why isn't this information available?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Nina hesitated briefly, her expression thoughtful as she considered her response.
"It's not that they're deliberately concealing it," she began, her tone measured. "It's just that information seems unnecessary for those who don't have hunters in their families. Plus people don't teleport as often as they used to."
A puzzled look crept across Alex's face, confusion swirling in his mind like a storm.
"What do you mean there aren't many teleportation happening anymore?" he inquired, seeking clarity.
Nina continued, her voice steady and resolute, as she delved deeper into her explanation. "The sheer size of this planet is remarkably reminiscent of our own, with its expansive landscapes and diverse ecosystems that have captivated us for centuries. We've meticulously charted and conquered three-fourths of its surface, a feat that has notably diminished our reliance on teleportation—once a chaotic and unpredictable method of exploration.
The lower-level dungeons, once fraught with perilous creatures and enigmatic artifacts, have been systematically explored and cleared, revealing their hidden secrets and buried treasures. Yet, it is within the depths of the high-level dungeons that we face an entirely different and formidable challenge. Should we fail to navigate and conquer these treacherous areas, a foreboding red portal will manifest on Earth, with unimaginable consequences."
As Nina concluded her extensive explanation, a realization hit Alex like a freight train: he might be standing in one of the most perilous regions of the planet. The weight of her words settled heavily in the air, painting a vivid picture of a world fraught with danger and uncertainty.
"Doesn't that mean there are only high-level dungeons in the area?" one of them inquired, a hint of curiosity in their voice.
"No, there are low-level dungeons in this area as well," came the reply, "but most of them are high-level."
As they talked about the dungeons, they had inadvertently knocked down a few trees, leaving them hanging precariously and ready to topple with just a nudge. Fortunately, he had the perfect little creatures on hand to help with the task.
I crouched low, stealthily inching closer to the armored raptor, my heart racing with anticipation as I prepared to strike. With a swift movement, I unleashed a powerful tail whip that sent the creature crashing toward the river. The impact sent a spray of shimmering droplets around me, but I quickly shook off the water and steadied myself, gripping my sword tightly.
Suddenly, I noticed the raptor lunging at me, its razor-sharp claws glinting menacingly in the light. I raised my sword just in time to intercept its fierce strike, feeling the force push me back. Yet, I managed to hold my ground, determination fueling my resolve as I set up for a counterattack.
With a precise thrust, my sword clashed against the raptor's tough scales, sending a shower of brilliant sparks flying that lit up the area. However, it quickly became clear that my blow had failed to break through its armored skin, leaving the velociraptor unharmed and as fierce as ever.
sending back to me again. This time, i was able to keep standing and ready
I swiftly evaded the vicious swipes of the velociraptor's claw, my heart racing as I focused my energy. With a determined gesture, I summoned a massive earthen spike that erupted from the ground, aimed directly beneath the feet of the armored predator. As the spike surged upward, it struck the armored velociraptor with a resounding thud. Although the impact did not inflict significant damage, the force was enough to knock the creature off its feet, sending it teetering clumsily to the side.
As the armored velociraptor struggled to regain its footing, I swiftly made my way toward the trap. With each stride, the ground vibrated beneath me, and a series of booming thumps resonated in the air, sending a chill down my spine. The adrenaline surged as I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Reacting instinctively, I dropped into a roll, narrowly evading the creature's fierce attack. As I sprang back to my feet, determination fueled my movement, and I sprinted toward the designated area where the trap awaited.
As I approached the x on the ground, a surge of adrenaline coursed through me. I raised my voice and called forth an earth spike, targeting the armored velociraptor that teetered on the edge of balance. The ground trembled as the spike shot forth, and in a chaotic cascade, four mighty trees toppled over, crashing down upon the repositioned predator.
In the midst of the chaos, Nina unleashed a barrage of fireballs, her mana seemingly endless as she burned the air with her fierce magic. The flames quickly engulfed the fallen trees, turning them to smoldering ash and lighting up the surrounding area with a fierce glow of destruction.
**[You have defeated a level 5 very rare armored velociraptor.]**
**[You have leveled up 4 times.]**
**Alexander**
- **Title:** None
- **Level:** 12 (40%)
- **Health:** Fatal Injury
- **Mana:** 310/310
- **Mana Recovery:** 2.1 every minute
- **Strength:** 21
- **Dexterity:** 21
- **Constitution:** 21
- **Wisdom:** 21
- **Intelligence:** 21 + 10
- **Stat Points:** 55
**Skills:**
- Summon Slime, Level 1 (16%)
**Inventory:**
- Crimson Blade
- Golem Helmet
With the armored velociraptor defeated, we finally found a moment to rest. Brooke approached me, her expression a mix of concern and determination. She began to channel her mana, weaving it into a soft, glowing blue aura around her hands as she applied her healing magic. My body was a mosaic of bruises, vividly colored purples and greens, a testament to the relentless blows I had absorbed while defending against the creature's fierce attacks. Each wound throbbed as she worked, and I felt a soothing warmth spread through me, easing the pain and beginning to mend the damage done.