Fang Yuan stood at the entrance of the gate, his hand resting lightly on the cold metal frame. He had followed the group of hunters, only to be halted by the guard stationed at the checkpoint. His sharp gaze flicked to the guard, whose expression was one of barely contained indifference.
"You cannot enter," the guard said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Your license has expired."
Fang Yuan's brow furrowed. He had hoped to join the dungeon raid and gain some experience, but it seemed the gatekeeper was a stickler for rules. He'd expected a few hurdles, but this one was an unexpected annoyance. His fingers brushed the pouch at his waist, and he momentarily wondered if there was a way to bypass the restriction. His eyes, enhanced by the Eyes of Limitless, swept over the guard, searching for any weaknesses.
"How do I get an updated license?" Fang Yuan asked, his voice smooth and calm, but his mind was already calculating. He could feel the immense potential within him—his new abilities, his Phoenix essence—but he also knew that his starting point was low, just as it had been for any other reincarnation. His current state didn't give him the luxury of impatience.
The guard's lips twisted slightly, almost as if he was amused. "You need to go to the Hunter's Association and pass an assessment. Once you pass, your license will be updated. If you're really in a rush, you can always pay an expedited fee."
Fang Yuan considered the implications of that. The Hunter's Association wasn't far away, but the idea of dealing with bureaucrats seemed like a waste of time. Still, he had no choice.
"Where is the Hunter's Association?" he asked, his tone indifferent.
The guard pointed toward a towering building a few blocks away, the symbol of the association glowing in neon lights atop its entrance. "That way. You can't miss it."
"Thank you," Fang Yuan muttered, his expression neutral as he turned and walked away.
The city's streets seemed louder as he made his way through the bustling crowd, but his mind was far away, calculating. This world—the one he had been thrust into—was one of harsh rules and survival of the fittest. To grow stronger, he needed more than just raw power. He needed resources, knowledge, and connections.
He found his way back to the old, run-down hotel where he had stayed earlier. The familiar scent of dampness greeted him as he entered the dimly lit room. The shabby curtains were drawn, and the worn furniture was the only company. He closed the door behind him with a soft click, ensuring his solitude.
The first thing he did was check his inventory. His fingers hovered over the small glowing icon that represented the gift he had received when he was reincarnated. He had been hesitant to open it earlier, not knowing what it contained, but now, he needed whatever advantage he could get.
With a thought, the gift materialized before him, and his eyes widened in surprise.
Two katana blades appeared before him, each one exuding a faint aura of power. The first katana had a silver blade with intricate blue and white markings running along its length. The second katana was dark, its blade seeming to shimmer with an inner lightning glow. Both weapons seemed to hum with an energy that resonated with his own.
The first sword was named Ice Wolf, and the second was Lightning Wolf.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. These swords were beautiful, each with its own aura of power.
Fang Yuan reached out and gripped Ice Wolf first, feeling its cool, almost otherworldly presence as he tested its weight. The blade was perfectly balanced, and the icy aura around it seemed to freeze the air near it.
Next, he picked up Lightning Wolf. The moment his fingers wrapped around the handle, a surge of energy rushed through him, his body tingling as if charged with electricity. It was as if the sword itself was alive with the power of a storm.
Both swords, in his hands, felt like extensions of his own will.
He decided to check their status. The Ice Wolf katana glowed as a screen materialized before him.
---
[Ice Wolf
Type: Sword
Element: Ice
Rank: Epic
Durability: 100%
Attack power:110
Attributes:
+50 Attack
Freezing Aura (Level 1): Inflicts freezing effect on enemies within a 3-meter radius.
Frostbite Slash: A powerful strike that sends a wave of ice toward the enemy, freezing them on impact (Cooldown: 20 seconds).
Frost Step: Allows the user to freeze the ground beneath them, moving across it as if walking on ice (Cooldown: 15 seconds).]
---
Fang Yuan's eyes narrowed in approval. This weapon would provide him with unparalleled control over the battlefield, freezing enemies in place and creating opportunities for powerful strikes.
Then he checked the Lightning Wolf katana.
---
[Lightning Wolf
Type: Sword
Element: Lightning
Rank: Epic
Durability: 100%
Attack Power :110
Attributes:
+60 Attack
Thunderstrike (Level 1): Sends a surge of lightning through the enemy, stunning them for 5 seconds.
Storm Blade: A charged slash that releases a wave of electrical energy (Cooldown: 20 seconds).
Static Charge: Charges the user's body with lightning, increasing speed and attack power for 10 seconds (Cooldown: 30 seconds).]
---
Fang Yuan felt a rush of excitement as he examined the dual katanas. These were no ordinary weapons—they were born from the very elements of nature, capable of freezing enemies solid or sending them into convulsions with a surge of lightning. Together, they were a perfect combination of control and power.
As he admired them, another notification chimed in his mind.
---
[You have acquired the Stealth Skill Rune.]
---
The screen displayed the rune, and before Fang Yuan could analyze it further, the words shifted.
---
[Stealth (Level 1)
Effect: Grants the user the ability to blend into their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to others for a short duration. The duration increases as the skill levels up.
Duration: 5 seconds (Cooldown: 30 seconds)
Effect Range: 10 meters.]
---
Without hesitation, Fang Yuan activated the rune. A strange feeling washed over him as his body seemed to blend into the shadows of the room. He moved silently, nearly imperceptible, and his breath caught in his throat when he realized just how effective the skill was. He tested it further, moving around the room in a series of quick, fluid motions, watching as the shadows seemed to swallow him whole.
This skill would be invaluable.
After a few minutes of testing, Fang Yuan deactivated the Stealth skill and returned to his seat. He placed the dual katanas on the small table beside him, contemplating his next move.
The world of Solo Leveling was far from easy. To survive, he needed to adapt and grow stronger. It wasn't just about brute strength—he needed strategy, cunning, and the ability to manipulate the battlefield. His new swords would serve him well, but they would only be a part of the equation.
He thought about his future, about the countless dungeons, gates, and challenges that awaited him. His Phoenix nature would give him an edge—he would never truly die, and his regeneration powers were beyond anything most hunters could imagine. But even so, there were powers here that could pose a threat.
Fang Yuan stood, looking out of the small window at the city lights in the distance. The journey ahead would be difficult, but it was one he was eager to embark upon.
"I will rise," he whispered to himself, a fire burning in his chest. "And no one will stand in my way."
He turned away from the window, his gaze hardening with determination. There were many obstacles ahead, but Fang Yuan was ready to face them all.
End of Chapter 2.