Hemalith noticed several additional notifications awaiting his attention. Before he proceeded with his journey, he accessed his shortened status screen.

Name: Ethan Drake [Hemalith]

Level: 10 [0/20000 to level 11]

Blood Origin: Hemalith [Patriarch]

Class: Bloodshadow Illusionist [Next class evolution at level 50]

Elements: Blood, Shadow, Mind

Titles: Patriarch of Blood: First of His Kind, The Ascendant One: Level 1 Supreme, Against the Odds: A Trail of Ascension, Ascendant Vanquisher: Dominion's Edge, Transcendent Adept

Negative Traits: Call of the hunt, Ruthless Predator

Stats:

Strength: 100

Agility: 120

Intelligence: 220

Vitality: 120

Wisdom: 243.6

Charisma: 100

Soul: 501

Free stats: 0

Blood Origin Skills:

Soul Absorption: Ultimate

Bestial Transformation - Bloodline Ascendancy: Ultimate

Blood Manipulation: Intermediate (Level 5/10)

Bloodbane: Intermediate (Level 1/10)

Blood Rite: Novice (Level 6/10)

Blood Shield: Novice (Level 2/10)

General Skills:

Level Sight Novice (Level 3/10)

Class Skills:

Shadow blade’s Dominion: Intermediated (Level 1/10)

Illusory dominion: Novice (Level 8/10)

Mindveil Novice (Level 8/10)

The progress Hemalith had made since he last awakened was truly astonishing, and he couldn't contain his excitement to explore the newfound potential of his fully unlocked class. With anticipation building, he shifted his focus towards the pending notifications, eager to uncover what the system had in store for him.

Quest Title: Lair of the Venomweavers [Novice Tier]

Deep within the caverns, you found yourself ensnared in a treacherous journey, stumbling upon a sinister lair. Your only means of escape lie in vanquishing the queen who rules this perilous domain.

As Hemalith observed the quest details, he realized that it belonged to a tier lower than his initial one. However, the venomweavers lurking within this tier already surpassed his current level. Contemplating the challenge that lay ahead, he took a deep breath, a smile spreading across his face. This presented the ideal chance to hone his newly acquired skills and grow stronger, preparing himself for his original quest. The venomweavers would soon regret the day they dared to drag him into their lair.

Before departing, Hemalith carefully surveyed the cave, searching for anything that could aid him. As he glanced down at his attire, a sense of horror washed over him. The clothes he had worn during his hunting expeditions now lay in tatters, shredded by countless battles. His boots had vanished, rendering them useless. With a resigned sigh, he cast them aside, acknowledging that going barefoot would establish a stronger connection to the enemy's blood-soaked ground anyway. Focusing his attention on the mana within the cave, he observed its intricate flows and fluctuations, noting a significant amount being inexplicably drawn away, never to return.

Intuition led Hemalith to believe that following this path would lead him to the queen, but he couldn't be certain until he tried. He continued to scour the aftermath of his recent battle, approaching the lifeless bodies of the venomweavers, hoping that, like in old RPG games, they might yield valuable loot. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side. Undeterred, he meticulously examined the surroundings, vigilant for any peculiarities in the mana. After prolonged observation, a realization struck him—the faintest trace of mana was being drawn towards a shadowy corner in the farthest reaches of the room.

With caution, Hemalith advanced, his heightened senses on high alert for any lurking threats. Despite straining his senses to the limit, nothing revealed itself. Before proceeding further, a surge of excitement coursed through him, compelling him to test out his newfound skills. Employing both Illusory Dominion: Novice (Level 8/10) and Mindveil Novice (Level 8/10), he seamlessly merged with the shadows, concealing his approach. With a mere thought, he wove an intricate illusion of himself, seemingly approaching from a different direction. Adding an extra layer of deception, he enveloped himself in an illusionary cloak, blending seamlessly with his surroundings. Even if someone managed to penetrate the shadows, they would only perceive what they expected—an unremarkable cave wall.

Silently, Hemalith proceeded towards the source of the excess mana he had noticed earlier, allowing his illusion to act as a protective barrier, warding off any potential attacks. Drawing nearer, Hemalith discerned a faint glow emanating from the path ahead. As he closed the distance, his eyes fixed upon a chest, beckoning him to reveal its hidden contents. However, he exercised caution, refraining from succumbing to impulsive excitement. Sending forth his illusion to investigate, Hemalith ensured that any lurking dangers would be revealed before he approached. Fortune favoured him, for as the illusion neared the chest, a creature materialized seemingly out of thin air, thwarted by his pre-emptive measures. Hemalith quickly used Skill Name: Level Sight Novice (Level 3/10) to identify what he was up against.

Level 27: Venomweaver stalker

Weaknesses: Fragile Exoskeleton: The Venomweaver Stalker's exoskeleton is relatively thinner and less resistant compared to larger venomweavers, making it more susceptible to direct attacks.

With its sleek ebony exoskeleton and slender frame, the Venomweaver Stalker stood smaller among its kin, yet it possessed a deceptive grace that made it a master of stealth and subterfuge. Designed for cunning rather than direct combat, this creature excelled at setting up deadly ambushes, seamlessly blending into the cover of darkness before striking its unsuspecting prey.

Harnessing his newfound class powers once more, Hemalith invoked the abilities of Illusory Dominion: Novice (Level 8/10) and Mindveil Novice (Level 8/10), weaving them together in perfect harmony. As he reached out and touched the creature's mind, he skilfully crafted an intricate illusion tailored to exploit its primal instincts. Multiple mirrored images of Hemalith himself appeared, posing as approaching enemies.

Ensnared within the illusion, the Venomweaver Stalker spiralled into a frenzied state, its actions in the real world mirroring its imagined battle against the illusory targets. Skill after skill was expended by the creature, as it relentlessly attacked the illusions, unaware that they existed only within its own mind. Hemalith, hidden safely in the shadows, observed in awe as his carefully crafted illusions took on a life of their own, seamlessly intertwining with the monster's reality.

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Not wasting another moment admiring his work, Hemalith swiftly shifted his focus to the real task at hand. The Venomweaver Stalker, now fatigued and struggling to keep up with the relentless onslaught of illusory enemies, began to show signs of weariness. Seizing the opportunity, Hemalith's illusions of himself launched coordinated attacks. As they struck the creature within the illusion, Hemalith swiftly emerged from the shadows, delivering precise blows that materialized as real wounds upon the Stalker's body.

Confused, injured, and trapped within Hemalith's illusionary realm, the monster attempted to retreat. Yet, there was no escape from the illusory world woven by Hemalith's powers. With an influx of additional illusions, Hemalith intensified his assault. Each blow delivered to the venomweaver in the illusion translated into a tangible strike in the real world. The ground beneath them became drenched in the creature's blood, a testament to its impending demise.

Sensing that the time had come to bring the Venomweaver Stalker's existence to a decisive close, Hemalith summoned all his inner strength and resolve. Channelling the power within his blood, he unleashed the dormant potential of Bloodbane: Intermediate (Level 1/10) and sending a surge of mental energy akin to a speeding car crashing into its target. The intricate illusion shattered into fragments, leaving the drained and disoriented monster vulnerable and defenceless.

Seizing the moment, Hemalith descended upon the creature with his greatsword in hand, a vessel of swift and lethal justice. With a resolute swing, he cleaved the Stalker in two, severing its life force and bringing an end to its existence.

Experience Gained: 2000

Basking in the triumph of his recent victory, Hemalith relished the surge of power coursing through his veins. He knew that this triumph was just the beginning, as he had only scratched the surface of his true potential. The potency of his illusions and the ability to ensnare his foes within their own minds filled him with a sense of awe and confidence. Furthermore, he couldn't help but notice that the drain on his mana was considerably less compared to previous encounters. This realization sparked his curiosity about the limits of his illusionary powers—how many adversaries could he influence simultaneously? The mere thought of testing this newfound capability filled him with excitement. However, for now, the beckoning call of the chest demanded his attention.

Once more, Hemalith dispatched an illusion to ensure there were no hidden threats lying in wait. Though he had a strong feeling that any interference would have revealed itself during the battle, he wanted to be certain. The illusion ventured ahead, cautiously inspecting the surroundings, but encountered no surprises. Assured of his safety, Hemalith proceeded toward the chest. Despite its worn and dilapidated appearance, the chest exuded an inexplicable charm, as if it possessed a hunger for mana and clung to life with desperate resilience. The continuous flow of mana being drawn into it only heightened its enigmatic allure.

Hemalith activated his Skill: Level Sight Novice (Level 3/10), hoping to gather information about the chest. However, to his disappointment, no relevant details were revealed. Realizing that this skill might not work on items without levels or maybe only worked on sentient races, he contemplated an alternative approach. Utilizing his heightened wisdom, intelligence, and soul, he directed his focus towards the surrounding mana, aiming to tap into the spiritual essence of the item. He strained his senses and pushed his mind to its limits, yearning for a breakthrough. Gradually, he could sense the very fabric of the item, understanding its composition and witnessing how it absorbed mana. Within the flow of mana, he heard whispers, unravelling the true nature and workings of the chest. This breakthrough resonated with the system, confirming Hemalith's understanding.

Skill unlocked:

Skill Name: Item Insight Basic (Level 7/10)

Description: With this skill, Hemalith gains the ability to discern the properties, attributes, and potential of various items he encounters. By focusing his attention and channelling his knowledge, he can gain insights into the nature of an item, understanding its origins, functions, and any special qualities it possesses. Hemalith's wisdom, intelligence, and soul play a vital role in the effectiveness of this skill. As Hemalith's proficiency with Item Insight increases, he will be able to discern even more intricate details and uncover hidden potential within items of higher complexity.

Hemalith's smile widened as he realized how useful this newfound ability would be in his future adventures. Without wasting any more time, he activated his new skill on the chest, eager to discover its contents.

System Chest: Novice (Shadow Origin)

Description: This humble chest, originating from the shadows within the venomweaver lair, is a reward bestowed upon Hemalith for his triumph in this section of the cave. As a system-granted chest, its contents are specially curated to cater to Hemalith's needs and progression. Inside, Hemalith can expect to find a selection of items rated at Novice level or below. While the specific items may vary, they will be tailored to enhance Hemalith's abilities and aid him on his journey. The shadowy nature of this chest hints at the possibility of acquiring items imbued with dark or stealthy attributes, aligning with Hemalith's own affinity for shadows and illusions.

A surge of excitement coursed through Hemalith's veins, closely followed by a tinge of dismay as he realized the possibility of having missed out on previous rewards from his victories over the Umbralith Grunt and Colossal Boar. At the time, Hemalith was unable to perceive the intricate mana flows, and it seemed that the system enjoyed adding challenges by not simply placing the chest right before him. Taking a deep breath, he pushed aside thoughts of potential missed rewards and shifted his focus to the chest in front of him. With a moment of anticipation, he placed his hands on the lid and pulled it open.

Inside the chest, Hemalith discovered three intriguing items waiting to be claimed. The first item was a pair of sleek, pitch-black gloves that appeared so delicate, as if a mere touch would cause them to disintegrate. They seemed to whisper ominous promises of death and destruction to Hemalith's ear.

The second item was a cloak, also draped in absolute darkness, with a hood that seemed to devour any light that touched it. It moved with an ethereal quality, fluttering as if there were an unseen breeze caressing its fabric. The cloak emanated an aura of mystery and whispered tales of hidden powers.

The final item he found was a featureless mask, dyed in the same deep black hue to blend seamlessly with the shadows cast by the cloak's hood. As Hemalith gazed upon it, the mask whispered of visions and illusions, hinting at the ability to unveil hidden truths in the darkness.

Item: Shadowweave Gloves [Novice]

Description: These pitch-black gloves are astonishingly thin, as if woven from shadows themselves. Upon touching them, a chilling whisper echoes in Hemalith's mind, speaking of death and destruction. They exude an aura of mysterious power.

Ability: Shadow Grasp - Allows the wearer to channel their inner darkness, enhancing their grip and granting them increased control overshadows. Can be used to manipulate objects or ensnare foes momentarily. Cooldown: 60 seconds.

Defence + 5

Item: Cloak of Veiled Shadows: [Novice]

Description: This cloak, dyed in absolute darkness, sways with an ethereal grace, even without a breeze. It possesses an otherworldly quality, seemingly consuming any light that touches it. The fabric whispers of hidden potential and grants the wearer an air of mystique.

Ability: Shadowstep - Allows the wearer to briefly meld with the shadows, instantly teleporting a short distance to evade attacks or surprise enemies. Cooldown: 90 seconds.

Defence + 8

Item: Mask of Illusory Sight [Novice]

Description: This featureless mask, dyed in the deepest black, is designed to seamlessly blend with the shadowed recesses of the cloak's hood. As Hemalith examines it, the mask murmurs of visions and the ability to perceive hidden truths in the darkness.

Ability: Illusionary Gaze - Grants the wearer the power to peer through illusions and see beyond the veils of deception. Reveals hidden objects, concealed paths, or illusory enemies. Cooldown: 120 seconds.

Defence + 3

Hemalith was filled with awe as he beheld the remarkable items before him, pondering if such exceptional quality was a common occurrence. Handling each item with care, he donned the gloves, fastened the cloak around his shoulders, and secured the featureless mask in place. As he did, a faint mist enveloped him, only to dissipate moments later. Yet, with his enhanced perception, Hemalith could discern a subtle veil of energy enveloping him, emanating from his newfound possessions. Curiosity piqued, he turned his gaze to his status screen, where he discovered a new attribute and its accompanying explanation, patiently awaiting his attention.

Defence + 16

Defence is an essential attribute that can be influenced by various factors such as skills or items. Once defence is established, a shimmering aura of energy envelops the bearer, offering formidable protection against both physical and magical assaults until the defence is breached. The potency of defence determines the magnitude of force required to overcome it. It's worth noting that items and skills capable of bestowing defence are exceedingly scarce, further accentuating their rarity and value.

Hemalith's heart brimmed with delight, recognizing that this newfound defence was precisely what he required. With this additional layer of protection, he knew that in the event of an incoming strike, he would possess a margin of safety, granting him a respite from immediate injury.

Despite Hemalith's thorough exploration of the cave, his efforts to find any abnormalities in the mana concentration proved fruitless. Undeterred by the lack of leads, he redirected his focus towards the unmistakable pull of mana that seemed to be drawing him closer to the queen's location. Determined to vanquish her and secure his escape from the lair, Hemalith embarked on his journey with resolute determination.