Richard spent the next few hours scouring the woods for more monsters to kill. As far as he could tell, there were no nearby settlements. However, he did know that there was some sort of maleficent creator nearby, one who had created the monsters. If he found and killed them, he would likely gain a surplus of levels.

If this system followed any of the ones that he knew, he would likely gain more skills at certain levels. There were two different kinds of skills in his experience. In some books, people had to create their skills. One of his favorites had been called Hellbreaker. He had been a devotee of LitRPGs in his past life, having enjoyed the opportunity for escape that they provided. The one in question had been about a man reincarnated, much in the way that he had been. However, in that story, the main character had died, and had gone to hell. It was an experience that he was glad he did not have to go through.

Richard had gained another level from killing the monsters in the area, using his tried and tested method of using Blood Puppet and Engorge. He had not encountered any monster groups of sufficient size to merit using his Legendary skill. After all, it took a significant toll on his health. Using it once in a while was fine, but he would be the greatest of fools if he died from using his own skill. He suspected that something would be waiting for him at either level 5, or level 10. He only needed to get enough energy to level up once more.

As he trekked through the blasted woods, he gradually noticed a change in the scenery. The trees began to become more alive, but not in a good way. Their bark seemed to become slimy, almost as if they were not entirely made out of wood. Growths that looked like eyes could be seen on their surfaces, and their branches, which had previously looked a little bit like fingers, now actually looked like body parts. This was likely linked to the Flesh-Grafted Monstrosities.

As he progressed through the forest, he could feel the presence of the monsters starting to grow within his mind. He could not see them, but he knew that they were there regardless. At this point, he had grown used to seeing the creatures in the area, and could tell when they were near. They produced a unique creaking noise as their twisted flesh met the wood that made up the forest. As they did not have eyes, they sometimes found it hard to plot their course around the landscape. He had theorized that they used some sort of primitive heat sense to track their prey, which explained the way that they could find him. However, that only made it easier for him. If one’s prey came to them, then they were the best predator of all.

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Richard trudged onward, persevering against the odds. By the time the next wave of monsters came, he was ready. Snatching at the air with a mana channeled hand, he grabbed at their blood, and tore them towards him. As the creatures resisted, digging into the ground, he snapped his fingers, blasting them apart one by one. As the blood settled on the ground, he smiled. He had grown more adept with using his skills as of late, and the five odd pack of monsters were of no trouble to him. Energy rushed into him, granting him another level. As suspected, he was met with a notification.

For reaching level 5, you are eligible to pick a new skill.

Fireball:Common

Blood Bullet:Uncommon

Bloodfire Sword:Rare

The skills were arranged by rarity. It seemed that the higher the rarity, the more the skills drew upon his unique class. For example, the Common one only used Fire. The Uncommon one used only blood. However, the third one blended both. However, despite the differences in rarity, it was quite hard to pick. A ranged option would have been nice, but the Bloodfire Sword sounded powerful. Going through the options Richard started with the first one, Fireball.

Fireball:Common

A common spell used to summon forth a mighty ball of roaring fire.

The skill seemed like it would be a useful addition to his arsenal, nevertheless, he was intrigued by the other skills.

Blood Bullet:Uncommon

An uncommon skill that draws upon the caster’s blood to create a highly concentrated bullet of blood that inflicts piercing damage on its target. This skill reduces health upon use.

Going by the rarity, it likely had a more powerful effect, but the health drain was worrying. Assuming that it went by his total blood volume however, it would probably be fine. Finally, there was the Rare skill.

Bloodfire Sword: Rare

Summon a sword of flaming blood to smite your enemies. Upon use, the caster gains a magical weapon for as long as their mana pool can support it. This weapon can take the shape of any sword, and inflicts slashing damage as well as fire damage upon hit.

The last option was a more melee range attack, which seemed strange given the mage build that the class was going for. However, it would synergize well with his Blood Puppet skills, allowing him to get in some free hits. After a bit of deliberation, he went with his gut and picked Bloodfire Sword. It would serve him best overall.