"[Flying Slash]" Lucas shouted as he recklessly aimed at a [Enchanted Boar]. Despite the almost 20 feet between them, a cut appeared. Although it was shallow, not doing any real harm, the true goal was to damage it's glowing purple horns, the source of it's power. However, the range weakened it's affects, and only a slight chip appeared on it's horn.

"Come here!", Lucas called to the beast. It stamped its leg, once, twice, three times before charging at him.

"Just a bit closer" Lucas murmured, "Now! [Rally]!"

Spurred by the effects of [Rally], A giant man, named Benjamin, burst out of the foliage and into the creature. He pushed it to the ground, crushing leaves and twigs underneath, before he raised his steel-reinforced wooden shield. Slamming it directly onto the [Enchanted Boar]'s neck, they hoped that would be enough to finish it off. Instead of dying, the boar seemed to get stronger as it's horns grew brighter. It effortlessly got up and shrugged off Benjamin.

Meanwhile, Lucas approached the two. As soon as it was clear the beast was going to overpower Benjamin, he let out another [Flying Slash], this time from point blank range. The boar's eyes widened as one horn was torn off. Roaring, the enchanted creature desperately charged Lucas, but before he even reached him, an arrow suddenly protruded from it's side. And then, another one pierced it's head.

[Level up! 14 -> 15]

[Class advancement available]

"Nice one." Lucas panted out of breath

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"Hello what can I do for-" Liam began, "Oh it's you."

"Thanks." Lucas responded to his brother dryly.

"So, not dead yet."

"Nope."

"Damn it."

"oh shut up."

"Hey Liam!" Rachel, the archer responsible for the killing blow, said as she walked in. "Can you get me some soup?"

"Sure! Mind if I try out a new recipe?" Liam responded, "I think this one might finally get me to [Adept Chef]."

"Not at all. Make Benjamin some too?" Rachel and Lucas took turns speaking for the giant man. He was mute, but over the years they gained a keen understanding of one another, so much so that they could practically hear his thoughts.

"Of course. It's on the house." Liam grinned, just pleased to have a restaurant to put things on. He'd always wanted to say that, but at his old job they were strict with money, never giving even a copper coin away.

"Me too!" Lucas exclaimed.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

"20 silver." They glared at one another before grinning.

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[Amateur Swordsman -> Adept Swordsman]

[Would you like to accept class advancement?]

[Yes / No]

Why would I possibly choose no? Lucas thought. A shimmering surface, visible to only Lucas shown with the possibility of new skills. It was another step towards [Knight], and Lucas was willing to take it. The Map, as it was called, offered a way to become better at what you specialize in. For him, it was swords. For Liam, it was cooking. Although many would scoff at non-combat classes such as [Chef], they really were quite important. Focusing on the option to advance, Lucas let out an audible gasp as he felt his strength increase.

[ Yes / no ]

[Class Advanced to Adept Swordsman]

[New skill obtained]

"Sooo, you going to eat that?" Liam asked expectantly.

"Hmmm? Oh, yeah I will, just give me a moment to check out my class advancement." Lucas said while his focus was on the Map. Instantly, Benjamin and Rachel stood up, knocking their chairs to the floor.

"Hey, careful those were expensive-" Liam tried to get out but was instantly talked over.

"What? Your class advanced?" Rachel exclaimed. "Does that mean your an [Adept Swordsman now?]"

Benjamin hung his mouth open. No words came out, but his jaw in combination with his wide eyes expressed similar surprise.

"Yeah! I Didn't tell you?" Lucas was certain he had already informed them.

"No! I feel like I would remember if you did." Rachel's hands were waving, expressing what she meant almost better than her words.

"For the record, I also advanced just now." Liam butted in.

"Yeah but you're a chef. It's not as big of a deal" Rachel turned her head briefly before continuing to stare at Lucas. "No offense."

"Wow." Liam joked with an overexaggerated frown , stressing the word as if he was angry.

Lucas barely heard any of the conversation, simply looking at the new skills.

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[Feint] - Active; replicate any skills owned by the user, but deal no damage. Takes no mana to use. Cooldown depends on replicated move

[Sharpened] - Passive; User's weapon becomes 20% sharper, regardless of what weapon. Does not increase skill damage.

Both were incredible skills. [Sharpened] would be especially helpful if he didn't have enough mana to use [Flying Slash] or [Rally], his other two skills. It was also the only passive ability. [Feint] on the other hand, was very conditional. Lucas spent most of his time fighting monsters with low, such as the boar they were so easily able to lead into a trap. It would be far more effective against an intelligent animal that would know when to spend it's energy to evade an attack. Like a human, for example. But he highly doubted he would fight any. However, there were some intelligent monsters, like orcs or goblins. So, not a completely useless ability. Even better, it didn't require any of his already limited supply of mana.

"Earth to Luke..." Liam interrupted Lucas's train of thought.

"Hey, I told you I don't like that nickname." Lucas grumbled.

"Okay, fine. I won't call you that." Liam paused for a moment and then slowly smiled. Lucas sighed, wondering what his brother was planning.

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After hours of chatter, discussing the possible uses of Lucas's new skills, the group decided it was time to head home. It was getting late, and each of them was tired from the long day. Liam, however, remained in the restaurant longer, cooking late night meals for guests. It was an eventful day, and he also gained new abilities. He could now had [Detect Temperature], a passive ability allowing him to know how hot something was by just touching it, and [Slice], an active ability that cuts anything that is dead and organic with relative ease. In other words, it allows him to chop fruits, vegetables, and meat. Quite handy for a chef.

Across the town, Rachel and Lucas were walking home. They lived next to each other, so they often found themselves going home together. As Lucas was entering his house, Rachel called from her own "Good night Luke!"

"Huh?" Lucas murmured, confused. But then, realization dawned on him.

Liam grinned devilishly to himself as he made another bowl of soup, this one for himself.