บท 71: Beginner dungeon [10]
[14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch.
The <Infinite Evolution & Enchantment> talent I'm currently using is of Supreme grade, a tier those thrones indicated was the result of two quasi-supreme talent mutations. I'm convinced it's the work of that candidate, but his methods of achievement are a mystery to me.
I neither knew nor wished to know, for his possessions are now mine to command.
The window for talent interference remained open, and my gaze settled on my sword, which had yet to see action, as the only foes I had encountered were low-level slimes.
Ah, but I must remember to utilize that particular ability.
Approaching the remnants of what was once a slime's body, I prepared to employ my talent.
"Plunder," I declared, as the enigmatic energy of the talent coursed through me, hovering over the remains.
The display revealed all the attributes available for plundering.
[You have plundered +1 Agility stat.]
My agility stat rose to 10.
With my attack power already at 20, bolstered by my AGL and STR, the benefits were clear, yet the sheer advantage seemed almost too fortuitous. The prospect of my stats soaring while still at tier 0 was tantalizing, potentially placing me beyond the reach of those haughty higher-tiered adversaries.
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly remembered the work awaiting me here.
Glancing at my sword, an idea struck me to enchant it.
I summoned the item's system screen to view its effects.
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{Basic Iron Sword
Type: Weapon (One-Handed Sword)
Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0)
Description: A standard iron sword with no frills, perfect for new adventurers. While its power is limited, it serves as a reliable weapon for basic combat.
Attributes:
Attack Power: +7
Durability: 40/40
Weight: Light
Special Notes: Easily replaceable and non-upgradable.}
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It was quite ordinary, but then I decided to unlock its potential by enchanting it, which could help me defeat monsters more easily. I opened the talent screen and chose the Iron Sword to enchant with the talent as options appeared before me.
[The talent has detected the basic Iron Sword as the target for enchantment or evolution. Please choose the aspect you wish to enhance:
1. Sharpness and Attack Power 2. Durability of the Sword 3. Grade of the Weapon
4. Add another effect.]
That seemed new to me.
"Tell me what I need for all these options," I asked the system, or the talent, communicating through the system's interface.
[To enhance the sword with the chosen option, you will need:
1. 1 Evo-enchant point 2. 3 Evo-enchant points 3. 25 Evo-enchant points
4. 8 Evo-enchant points + the desired effect.]
After much deliberation, I decided on the fourth option, as it seemed the best way to add the effect I wanted. I chose to add an elemental effect, which would allow me to damage non-physical entities, and I could add other effects later as I collected more points.
[The host has chosen the fourth option for semi-enhancement and semi-evolution. Please gather the necessary items to begin the process.]
As instructed, I needed to acquire five points to evolve it, while I already had a way to obtain the magical effect.
"Let's go before your time limit expires," I said to the skeleton standing behind me, and we both started to search for our next target, eager to test my talent for the first time.
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In another dungeon of the same type, several slime creatures and a jungle monkey lay on the ground, their bodies and the earth scorched with burn marks.
The architect of this carnage stood before a large monkey trembling in fear, as she pointed her staff towards it, a flame skill ready to launch like a bolt.
"Cursed Flamebolt," she declared, and the bolt pierced the monkey's chest, ending its life instantly.
The eerie sensation of the blaze began to fade as her skill deactivated.
"This 'Blazing Hex' is already Level 2, huh? Well, it's semi-passive and semi-active, so that's to be expected," Lyre mused, taking a swig from a bottle of blue liquid.
"Blegh, this mana potion is still so bitter. I wish Dad had allowed me to use those mana recovery berries; they were much tastier," she lamented, her thoughts drifting to the berries before a notification interrupted her.
{You have slain a Level 4 forest monkey and gained +55 Experience points.}
{You have leveled up to Level 3. You have 10 stat points to allocate.}
She quickly distributed the points to the stats she wished to enhance.
{You have allocated +5 Intelligence, +2 Agility, +1 Vitality, +1 Stamina, +1 Strength.}
Her father had advised her to distribute her points this way if she awakened as a semi-mage class, but for a full mage, she was instructed to invest sparingly in strength.
"Dad doesn't know everything. My class may seem like a full mage, but I can sense that my skills will evolve and lead me straight into the heart of battle. It's best to invest now before it's too late," she reasoned, planning to proceed with her decision and keep it hidden from her father, though she knew she'd have to confess if he discovered her secret.
"But what could those duffers be doing right now? They might have advanced to Level 2, perhaps," she said, not knowing the answer but unable to do anything about it.
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Meanwhile, in another part of the same dungeon, Lucas was grappling with a large monkey poised to catch him and slam him to the ground. However, before it could, a fireball struck its chin, and it fell back, motionless.
"Phew, that was the last one here," Lucas said as he dusted off his clothes and cleaned the blood oozing from a wound on his shoulder, sustained while hunting the monkeys.
"They were quite tough opponents," he observed, glancing back at the dozens of monkeys of similar size lying on the ground, their bodies marked with slashes and scorched fur.
"It was an intense situation, but the rewards make it worthwhile," he mused, looking at his screen where a notification had popped up.
{Congratulations, host. You have killed 3 Level 4 Forest Monkeys and 5 Level 3 Forest Monkeys.
You have leveled up to Level 4.}
{You have gained 10 unassigned stats to allocate.}
"I'll assign them later when I need them. But now that I've dealt with these monkeys, where is the portal to the next stage?" he wondered. Before he could search for it, the tree roots began to move, forming an oval shape on the ground as a portal emerged. Without hesitation, Lucas stepped through it to reach the second stage.
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At the dungeon's entrance, teachers were observing the hologram displaying the students' activities.
In one of the displays, a second light among three dots flickered and began to glow steadily, indicating that someone had reached the second stage.
Everyone assumed it was Lyre, but it was Lucas who had first cleared the first stage.
Minutes later, the second light of Lyre activated, bringing joy to every teacher's eyes. Yet, it was Tess who overflowed with happiness, witnessing her lover's swift progress through the stage, recalling his promise to her.
"Tess, believe me, I possess something unique, and I will make you the queen of the world one day, I swear. Then, we will both enjoy a peaceful life," he had assured her, a vow that still sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
Following them, several teams and individuals reached the second stage, while others remained at the first, including Evan. Whether he would continue to lag behind was a question only time could answer.
-- To be continued --
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