Observing his steady progression, Thorian was filled with awe. I’m on the cusp of leveling up once again. At this rate, I should evolve to a kobold champion by the end of the week.

After taking a moment to assess his status panel, Thorian turned his concentration back to his spell.

Waterball Description You summon a watery orb and launch it at your enemies, drenching them and knocking them off balance. Proficiency 79.5%

Not too bad considering I haven’t focused on training it for the past few hours.

Satisfied with his advancement, Thorian dismissed his system screens, bringing his attention back to the present. Just as they had done before, the pair spent the next hour and a half thinning out the incoming beasts, which allowed Thorian to level up twice. During this period, his sole focus was casting his Waterball spell at every opportunity, while Nox dispatched the remaining monsters using his Backstab skill.

The intensity of the monster onslaught against the walls had undeniably dwindled. The goblins, in particular, hesitated to venture forth after witnessing the grim spectacle of their fallen comrades. Their sense of self-preservation warned them that lingering would lead to dire consequences. However, the other forest denizens lacked such cognizance. Consequently, the duo eagerly hunted any beast daring enough to approach Wolvendale's walls.

Once they had eliminated a troupe of Rabbarians, Nox sprinted up to the watchtower, striding toward Thorian with a look of excitement etched on his face.

“I finally finished that quest, it took so long!” Nox exclaimed.

"Quest?" Thorian quirked an eyebrow. "Which one are you referring to?"

“The monster hunting one, the one where we need to kill 500 of them to finish it,” Nox clarified.

The 'Revenge on the Monsters' quest? I wasn't aware someone else had it.

Brow furrowed in surprise, Thorian inquired, "When did you receive it? How did that happen?"

"Erm, when we saw you accept the quest, Thorian," Nox replied, scratching his head in confusion. "Were we not supposed to? I just saw you take the quest and I did the same. The other guys also took it after I did.”

“No, it’s good that you took it,” Thorian responded, shaking his head. "I just didn't anticipate it."

I was under the impression it was a unique quest. I guess I didn’t pay attention.

"So...should I go claim the rewards? They look incredible!" Nox exclaimed, his voice brimming with anticipation.

Thorian paused for a moment before replying, "If I were in your shoes, I'd wait. The 'level up' rewards tend to increase in value the longer you delay. For instance, ascending from level 26 to 27 requires more than double the experience points needed to progress from level 10 to 11."

Nox cast his gaze downward, mulling over Thorian's words. “But there is a time limit for this quest. Should I wait until around the end?”

"That could be overly ambitious," Thorian suggested, scratching his furry chin contemplatively. "My recommendation would be to delay at least until you upgrade your class. Beyond that point, it's a matter of choice. You can opt to wait longer to maximize your rewards, or claim them immediately to boost your strength as soon as possible. Each decision carries its own advantages and pitfalls."

Nox lowered his gaze, nodding in comprehension. "I see. I'll wait until closer to the deadline, then."

"Your decision," Thorian shrugged nonchalantly. He then redirected his attention to his display panel, concentrating on his Waterball skill.

Waterball Description You summon a watery orb and launch it at your enemies, drenching them and knocking them off balance. Proficiency 100%

Spotting his proficiency at its peak, Thorian couldn't suppress a grin. Good, I can focus on the other skills now.

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He then turned to the shadowstalker, "Nox, you'll need to carry on alone for a bit. Continue your hunt and ensure you finish off your prey with Backstab. You should be nearing the point of unlocking a new skill."

With these words, Thorian sprinted into the village, heading straight for the Magus Guild. There, he purchased the last two class skills from Fizzlegrin. The Buzzlekin was delighted to see genuine customers spending Arcane Coins on skills, rather than merely the kobloids who were receiving their first basic skill at no cost.

Upon returning to the eastern gate, Thorian practiced using both of his newly acquired skills concurrently. He utilized Wind Gust to augment Nox’s already remarkable agility, and Rock Bullet to inflict wounds on their adversaries. Of course, he targeted non-lethal areas to ensure Nox could deliver the finishing blow with his Backstab.

As the hours slipped by, the dual suns descended over the horizon, making way for a duo of moons to ascend. These twin celestial bodies sat side by side in the night sky, one a pallid blue and the other a pinkish orange. The sight was truly enchanting, suffused with an element of whimsy that was strikingly absent from the battleground below.

Hours elapsed as Thorian single-mindedly sought to hone his dual skills. His level was already considerably higher than his fellow comrades and, by extension, all the humans in the vicinity. The sole goal that eluded him was class advancement, and he was determined to close that gap as swiftly as possible.

Two hours later, Nox dispatched the final Thumpalope from its herd with a deft Backstab, before he halted, his gaze fixated on an unseen screen.

"Yes! I finally unlocked it!" Nox exclaimed, glancing up at Thorian. "This is the skill, right? Whisper Step!"

Thorian smiled at the shadowstalker's infectious enthusiasm. "Congratulations, Nox. You can now proceed to upgrade your class if you wish."

Nox beamed at Thorian's confirmation before stating, "Hang on, let me test it out first."

No sooner had the words left his mouth, he vanished. Thorian, fully aware of the skill's effect, turned to find Nox behind him on the watchtower.

Seeing Thorian's knowing gaze, Nox stammered, "H-How did you know I was here? Even I was surprised at the speed."

"I am aware of more than you could possibly fathom," Thorian responded, shaking his head. "Now, why don't you return to Whipserwind? After all, you're his employee. If you want your wages, you should at least fulfill some of his tasks."

Recalling the agreement he had made, Nox's eyebrows shot up. “Oh, I forgot about that. I will also go and advance my class, I will become stronger that way!”

With these words, Nox performed a backward somersault off the watchtower and sprinted into the village, heading for the Assassin Guild. Thorian watched him with a proud smile before redirecting his focus to the forest beyond the wall.

As per his training regimen, Thorian continued employing his two new skills to hunt the monsters that emerged from the forest depths. Only the evolved species, like the Tailmasher and Thri-kreens, required him to descend and dispatch them with a Combustion Touch. For the majority of the others, he simply cast a Wind Gust to disorient them before delivering the coup de grâce with a Rock Bullet.

An hour passed swiftly before the rhythmic thudding of heavy footfalls echoed from the forest. Initially assuming it was a monster horde, Thorian readied a fireball spell, but as the figures came into clearer view, he clenched his fist, extinguishing the flames. What approached wasn't a horde, but a tribe— a tribe of brown kobolds and kobloids.

Witnessing the brown-furred creatures emerge from the dense foliage, their forms bathed in the ethereal light of the twin moons, was a sight to behold. More than a hundred individuals stood before him.

From within their ranks, a brown kobold separated from the group and advanced toward him. As the kobold neared the watchtower, he sank to one knee.

"Thorian, my king," he declared, "As promised, half our tribe has heeded my words and sought you out. They are prepared to pledge their service to you, asking for your protection in return."

Lapis… You truly impress me.

Acknowledging the brown kobold with a nod, Thorian leapt from the watchtower and positioned himself before the assembly of creatures. He stood with an air of command, surveying the crowd, his gaze taking in the mix of fear, uncertainty, and hope reflected in their eyes.

"Ladies, gentlemen," Thorian commenced in a deep, authoritative tone, "You've come here, placing your hopes and trust in Lapis's words. I assure you, I am not here to let you down."

He then directed his attention to those visibly filled with fear and uncertainty: the children, the mothers, and the elderly. "If it is protection you seek, then I shall provide it. All I request in return is your loyalty – to me, and to your fellow brothers and sisters. I urge each of you to commit to hard work, so that we may all thrive together."

Thorian's assurances visibly soothed those harboring worries, as though his personal confirmation eradicated any lingering doubts.

Next, he turned his attention to the skeptics, most of whom were young and robust, potential soldiers in their prime. "For those of you desiring to become strong, to ensure no one can intimidate you or harm those you cherish, I have the solution. I can give you an opportunity to attain a level of strength beyond your wildest dreams. You merely need to strive for it, to pursue it. Those willing to work hard and risk their lives will be richly rewarded."

He cast a glance at Lapis's group of evolved kobolds and chuckled, "The proof of my words stands right beside you."

The evolved kobolds reciprocated with a chuckle and proudly displayed their stature, evoking awe from the rest of the tribe. Some hooted and laughed, while others clapped in admiration.

A kobloid, bright-eyed and youthful, stepped forward towards Thorian. "Here, become strong?"

"Yes, you will," Thorian affirmed. "With me, you will grow strong."

Upon hearing Thorian's reassurance, the kobloid's doubtful expression morphed into a broad grin. "Great! Me like!"

His voice ignited a spark in the crowd, setting off an enthusiastic cheer. Despite their rudimentary language, Thorian could discern their excitement.

Glancing to the side, he noticed Lapis beaming at him. With a tilt of his head, Thorian beckoned the brown kobold towards him.

"You did remarkably well, Lapis," Thorian commended, casting his gaze over the crowd. "Finally, this is beginning to resemble a true kingdom."