Pella realized that one of the most valuable aspects of her class was finding skills with matching stat bonuses. If each skill she acquired granted her a bonus to the same stat, she could attain remarkably high values for that particular stat. With enough strength based skills, she could shift a boulder the size of a house, and dexterity based skills gave her enough of the stat that everyone else appeared to move slower.
She preferred speed, and typically leaned heavily on her dexterity stat. There was a combination of skills for every scenario, though, and she was sure to never start a job unprepared.
However, she still hadn’t built up a satisfactory library of skills. If she had a more varied collection, she could specialize even further. The right combination could be the difference between success and an early grave. And so she worked tirelessly, always attempting to add something new to her repertoire.
It had only been a few days since Hashilli joined the group. Pella was loath to admit it, but the man’s enhancement magic was better than Janus’s. Not to mention, Hashilli had enhancement skills other than [Power Enhancement]. She didn’t like comparing the two, but was hard-pressed to avoid it completely.
Unlike Janus, though, Hashilli did not bring much more to the table other than enhancement magic. Not to mention that the man was kind of boring. She already had Devon to contend with in this aspect, but the pair of them were nearly insufferable.
She would be the first to claim that the job was their priority, but it was like the other two never took a break. Even when they weren’t on a job, it was all business.
With a sigh, Pella gave her status a quick look.
Status Name Pella Domino Class Phenom Level 30 Guild None Life 592 / 592 Mana 708 / 708 Stamina 621 / 621 Stat Total Base Class Skill Item Strength 76 30 15 31 0 Endurance 48 30 15 3 0 Dexterity 128 30 15 78 5 Intelligence 51 30 15 6 0 Wisdom 77 30 15 32 0 Skill Level Bonus Recall 5 5 Dex + 1 Int / Lvl Whirling Dervish 10 5 Dex + 1 Dex / Lvl Dagger Fighting 13 1 Dex / Lvl Balance 20 1 Dex / 5 Lvl Acrobatics 18 1 Dex / Lvl Sword Expert 5 20 Str + 1 Dex, 1 Str / Lvl Sprinting 19 1 End / 5 Lvl Perception 20 1 Wis / 5 Lvl Shortbow Expert 6 20 Dex + 1 Dex, 1 Str / Lvl Danger Sense 6 5 Wis / Lvl
They had a new job in the morning, and she was still shuffling her skills around. Pumping one stat as much as possible could have powerful effects, but balance was still important.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
-
Devon had dedicated himself to acquiring any defensive skills available, and the results were evident. He was capable of single-handedly holding off multiple monsters. Pella observed as he ensnared another [Hobgoblin] with his [Entangling Chains], while she simultaneously released another arrow from her shortbow.
Not only that, but the [Gallowglass] could also dish out damage. Monster’s rarely survived the blow after Devon’s sword lit with an intense red light. She likened it to an executioners axe swinging down on the monster’s head.
Their current job was to clear out a small infestation of [Hobgoblin]s. It was unclear if there was a nest, or if the creatures had come from some other source. Occasionally, the system would create monsters if people didn’t frequent an area.
If it was a nest, and it wasn’t taken care of quickly enough, it could become a big problem.
Some metamages posited that nests could eventually become dungeons if they were left alone for too long. Pella wasn’t sure if she believed that, but it would make sense. What she did know was that nests could keep pumping out monsters for a very long time before they stopped.
If a nest had long enough to grow, it could even end up in the Bingo Book.
Some of the [Hobgoblin]s were attempting to circle around, so Pella dropped her bow and unsheathed her swords. Hashilli was already shuffling backwards as the creature attempted their flank. Pella put herself between the [Enhancer] and the [Hobgoblin]s. With a flourish, she separated a goblin’s head from its shoulders.
[Your party has defeated an enemy: Hobgoblin]
The monsters weren’t very threatening on their own, but as a group, they could easily threaten a much higher level enemy than themselves. This job was low risk, but even a moment of distraction could be disastrous. Pella never let her guard down on the job.
Even so, it seemed nearly impossible for the creatures to pierce Devon’s armor. The man swung his sword around, reaping the diminutive monster’s like a mushroom farmer with a sickle.
[Your party has defeated an enemy: Hobgoblin] x3
She ignored the notifications and went back on the offensive. Hashilli cast another [Burst of Speed] on her. She quickly took out the goblins nearby and launched herself at Devon. She rocketed through the air, landing just behind the goblins that the swordsman was locking down. From her new position, it was simple work to dispatch them.
[Your party has defeated an enemy: Hobgoblin] x4
It had only taken a little less than an hour to track down all the goblins they could. They were nearly ready to head back when they encountered a strangely square chamber. In the center was an effigy of a stone goblin surrounded by goblin skulls.
A nest.
They carefully approached the effigy. The guild had provided an enchanted item for this scenario. Devon activated the [Purifier], tossing it towards the nest. One the item had left his had, the trio swiftly turned and ran from the room.
Pella expected an explosion, but instead only felt a woosh of air. Moments later, wisps of pale white energy wafted out of the cave.
“They told us to put distance between ourselves and the nest after activating the [Purifier],” said Devon.
Not seeing a reason to argue, Pella turned and made her way down the cave and away from the nest entrance. She could hear the footsteps of the others behind her.