Chapter 3 The true quest and the devil
Part 1.
Walking in the street many villagers tried their best to avoid a youth with a silver hair. Every time they see him they either run on the spot or stared at him in awe for his absolute strength that he showed at the center of the town earlier.
Threading his way to the workshop of the blacksmith he ignored all the stares directed to him. Some women even tried to approach him but in no avail he just glared at them and they all scattered. Even the guards in the town feared him and since he really didn't break any rule and followed the proper procedure of a duel they decided not to bother him.
Reaching the workshop the smith is already waiting for him with a smirk in his face. In his hand there is an object covered in a white cloth treated like a valuable item.
" hey lad, even me thinks that this is the best weapon i made in my whole life till now, i poured all my skill and soul in making this just like what you told me about it's design. "
Crain eyed the cloth in expectation as the smith slowly uncover it. There are three items inside the cloth. Crain tilted his head since he remembered that only two items were his order. Looking at his reaction the smith laughed.
" After i made the weapon that you ordered there still some ores left so i decided to make another one with my own design. "
Crain looked at the weapons in the cloth. There is a short, wide, triangular blade. Its peculiarity lies in the handle which is made up of two parallel bars connected by two or more cross-pieces, one of which is at the end of the side bars and is fastened to the blade. This weapon is known as katar in his homeland. While the other weapon is a long thrusting dagger with a elegant design at it's scabbard or what you can call a Dirk.
Claiming the weapons he ordered the smith urged him to identify it.
Sig Metal Katar of Fatality[Unique]A work of a skilled blacksmith where he poured all his skill and soul in making this peculiar weapon. Through his effort and perseverance the output is more stronger than what his skill suggested.Damage: 289-299Durability: 800/800Requirements :+ 150 agility
+ 100 Lv.
+ Profession that can equip light weapons.Additional effect:+30% stun
+30%bleed
+30%critical rate
+50% critical damage
+30% fatal hit.
+50 Charisma
Sig Metal Critical Katar[Rare]A work of a skilled blacksmith but due to his low proficiency the weapon were a bit lacking.Damage: 245-250Durability: 650/650Requirements:+100 agility
+75 Lv.
+ Profession that can equip light weapons.Additional effect:+25%bleed
+25%critical rate
+40%critical damage
+30 charisma
+30 agility
Elegant Dirk of Absorption[Rare]A skilled blacksmith created a weapon with a unusual effect due to his creativity in mixing other minerals in the ores.Damage: 250-260Durability: 340/340Requirements:+ 80 charm
+ 120 Agility
+50 luck
+ 70 Lv.
+ Profession that can euip light weapons.Additional effects:+ 150 Charm
+ 20% hp absorption
+ 10% fatal
+ 15% critical rate
+ 25% critical damage
His mouth gaped as the smith widened his smirk.
" what do you think about it, nice isn't it?. "
Crain nodded his head while he is still mesmerized by the weapons in his hand. The smith who were satisfied with his reaction laughed.
" gahahaha..... by the way i heard what you have done in town center, my eyes were never wrong from the start your actual strength is far from what your appearance suggested. "
Crain smiled wryly in response while the smith continued his proclamation.
" i'm satisfied that i entrusted my best work to a strong man like you lad, if by chance some day when your fame is known throughout the continent, at least mention me as your weapon smith...gahahaha.
"i will remember to do that sir. I will advertise you as the best weapon craftsman there is. "
Crain smiled in reassurance slightly bowing his head gratefully to the old smith. The smith patted his shoulder before laughing again enjoying the time of his life.
" then sir i will take my leave here, i'm really in your debt for this weapon i will make sure to use your weapon well. "
" gahahaha, don't mention it, go and venture the world, i will await for my advertisement. "
The old smith laughed gleefully , drowned in his own world. After their conversation Crain walked out of the blacksmith's workshop, he touched the katars and dirk and they were sucked by his ring.
Walking in the street he decided to visit the general store to buy some things he needed for his rank up challenge that he received at the guilds building earlier. Reaching the general store he gently opened the door and the bell resounded inside signalling his arrival.
The old man in the general store looked at him and somewhat afraid of him. He were there when he fought against a red rank adventurer and watched him torture the poor soul, so it's understandable that he is afraid of him.
Crain noticed the reaction of the old merchant so he shrugged his shoulder and smile at him showing that he isnt here for trouble. The old merchant breathed in relief and welcomed him in his store.
" so young lad, what can i do for you? "
" i'm here to buy some, bandages, spices, rye bread and also some potions. "
" okay, i have them so can you specifically tell me if how many and also what spices you want. "
" 10 rolls of bandages, for spices just some salt and pepper about dozen for both, 5 health potions and dozen rye bread. Also if you have some blanket and camping material please also put them in. "
While Crain is talking the old merchant searched for his orders. Finding all what Crain wanted the old merchant placed them in his desk and priced them all. After paying for the items, Crain grabbed them pretending to put them in his beginners bag that he received after passing his test. Crain noticed that his silver ring is quite unnatural, so to avoid any suspicions he decided to hide it for the time being. After putting the items in his bag he made the ring suck them all to lighten it's weight and walked out of the general store.
Walking in the street in to the west exit of the town he saw a figure standing in there. The figure is wearing a simple cloak waved it's hand to him. He noticed immediately that Rina is waiting for him in there.
" Crain i have been waiting for you, i just want to give you some of the foods i cooked before you go. "
" thank you Rina... "
Crain smiled and almost patted Rina but decided not and just received a container covered in pink cloth. Rina gasped his hand before parting and he smiled in response before walking out of the town. Just like last time he walked for ten minutes till he reached the plain were many youths are still killing rabbits with horn and foxes.
Looking at them he smiled wryly since he remembered that he will also be like that once if he didn't train. Just remembering his training make him shudder and thought the rabbits and foxes are cute animals compared to the monster who chased him for a year.
Walking another five minutes he reached the entrance of the forest and immediately entered it. Entering the forest many howls resounded greeted him as he noticed that wolfs are watching his movements as he walked deeper in the forest but paid no mind in them. He want to finish his challenge earlier so he activated his pressure while walking shooing the wolfs who intended to hunt him.
Walking for another hours he noticed that the sun already settled in west. Since the forest is dim in color he relied in his danger sensing and earth sensing to move in the ground avoiding the packs that were waiting for him since it will just delay him further more if he decided to hunt every single one of them.
Just as the day changed to night he gathered many dry woods to make a campfire. Igniting the woods with a old fashion way since he still didn't learn any magic and even his skill are only useful for holy and dark arts. Making a campfire he summoned the container clothed in pink in his hand to try what Rina made for him.
Taking the cloth out the container showed three portion like a three story building. At the first one is full of meat cooked in many different way, in second is a rice, and at third is fruits. Being thankful to Rina he ate all the foods without leaving anything behind. After eating he built a portable camp house beside the campfire to sleep for the night.
Just before he slept he sensed a blood lust coming in his way and so he also sent his pressure to that way. The blood lust didn't go away but instead drew near him.
Within the dark forest a white light formed showing a figure of a big animal walking toward him. When the animal reach him he saw a wolf big enough to rival a full fledged bull but the only difference is that it has a beautiful white fur. The wolf is radiating a holy aura as his fur glowed in white. Guessing that this wolf is stronger than normal Crain immediately got up and took a stance where his left fist is at forefront and his right fist is near his right cheek.
He didn't summon the weapon he had since his level is too low to equip them yet.
* awoooooooooooooooooooo. *
The white wolf howled and simultaneously many normal wolfs appeared covering all of his escape route. In response to the howl of the white wolf Crain also maximized his pressure and used it in AOE rather than a single opponent. Some normal wolf flinched and stepped back but the white wolf howled again and they regained their moral.
' nice, this many opponents i can finally test what my training did. '
Crain unpocketed a black handle of sword and immediately identified it. He forgot to identify it earlier since he was busy and many things happened but now that he was surrounded he remembered the only thing that he has as a weapon.
"identify. "
Devourer[Artifact]Forged by the most ancient craftsman that mastered all his art in many handicrafts and also his magic arts. He combined all his knowledge to create a artifact that devour any weapons to evolve itself and to gain different forms.Stacks: 0/10Requirements:+ profession with a dark and light proficiency
+ weapons to be devouredSpecial effect :+ can form to any weapon it devoured
+ can evolve
+ damage is depended in the devoured weapon
+ the requirement of the devoured weapon will disappear
+1000 mp per use
+can use 2 times a day(i will change after it evolved)Additional effect+20% magic resistance
+10% increase in stat
+ 30% fear
+ 30% confusion
+ 30% stun
+ 30% Critical rate
+ 30% critical damage
+ 30% Fatality
He immediately Summoned the katar and made it devour the weapon.
*trring*
The weapon will disappear after it is devoured.yesno
" yes "
the Devourer immediately sucked the katar. The glyph s and sculpted drawings in the devourer lighten up.
* trring *
the weapons are successfully devoured.do you want to retain it's additional effect or randomized it.
" retain. "
He gasped the Devourer and it immediately formed into two katar from both of his hand. Their appearance is still the same but the color changed into dark silver color. Taking his stance the normal wolfs rushed to attack him.
His movement is slow but he precisely avoided all the attacks that were aimed at him. Sometimes if he moved his hand to punch using the katar with a slow speed many wolfs were either cut to half or sliced cleanly. The technique he mastered with his training isn't a physical one but mental. Using a pure strong mentality to affect the surrounding, his technique is akin to magic but also different from it. Since magic is manipulation of the mana to create a phenomenal effect while his is using his mind to affect the reality.
The fight lasted for many hours since the wolfs keep increasing but he managed to survive thanks to his over highly stat and also his strong will. With the long fight he gained and created many different skills.
Few more hour passed and it's almost day break since the fight started and finally the only one remaining is the white wolf. Crain were battered with some scratches and wounds all over his body but still standing with his two feet. Since the fight started he used four of his potion to heal himself while constantly fighting the wolfs. Even for Crain the endless fight is too taxing for his body and especially his mind since he need to constantly focus his Mind in attacking.
* awooooooooooooooo *
The white wolf howled as if mourning for his fallen brethren while crain just have enough strength to stand up. Thanks to this world that weren't focused enough in the system of a true game since satiety can't cause anyone to die, so Crain contained his hunger as he waited for the wolf to move.
The wolf kicked the ground and dashed very fast toward Crain leaving a afterimage. But for Crain this speed is not enough to trick his eye because he saw more faster monster than this, someone who can leave and create a thousand of afterimages.
Crain took a stance to meet the wolf but the wolf noticed the danger and changed it's direction. Halting it's dash the wolf circled Crain looking for a opening to attack while Crain just followed the wolf with his eye. Finally the wolf couldn't take it anymore and rushed to him. As Crain side stepped and counter attack the wolf he didn't notice that a wolf body is at his feet and he slipped making a opening for the wolf to attack.
He were sliced in the chest before he can even dodge and fell in the ground. He summoned the last one of his potion and immediately drank it. Even the potion recovered his health and heal some of his wound but his mentality is reaching the limit and there's nothing he can do to that. Even how strong someone is if faced with a endless assault of attacks he will meet a inevitable death.
'dammm, this is too hard, my body can't coop up for what i demanded. '
he cursed while dodging another incoming claw to his throat and rolled in the ground gathering some blood in his leather tunic. Standing immediately he left his side open to gamble everything for his last attack. Just as he expected the wolf rushed in his side and gnashed his skin to his ribs, he gritted his teeth to suppress the pain and for the last time he thrusted his fist toward the neck of the wolf.
* awoooooooooooooooo *
The wolf released it's jaw from Crain and wailed in pain, taking the advantage Crain forced his body to move and used all his weight to drive the katar in the neck of the wolf. The wolf released it's last roar and dropped lifeless in the ground same with Crain. His breathing is rough but his life is still intact, he summoned some bandage and covered his side for the time being and closed his eyes to rest.
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After the endless fight with the wolfs, Crain rested for 3 hours to let his wounds heal themselves. The sun is already up in the sky lightening the dim forest. Around the forest there are still many body of wolfs that didn't disintegrate.
'ughhh. '
As the wind blew the foul stench of blood Crain groaned and forced himself to get up and gather the japtems specially the meats to have his late breakfast.
' damm, i need to get a armor soon. '
Crain wailed as he picked up some leathers, pelts, some small change, and also the japtems the white wolf drop. For now he just stored them all in his ring and identify it later as he ignited another fire to cook the meats he gathered.
Crain cooking skills is not that great but at the least he knows how to grill a meat. Putting some pepper in the meats he picked some sticks to put them in and cook in the fire.
While cooking Crain opened his stat window and skill window.
Status WindowNameCrainAlignmentNeutralLevel43ClassTaoistRace??TitleThe miraculous SlayerFame450(+1000)Infamy35Health3600/6460Mana2500/4870SP2356/5350Strength92(+100)Agility87(+100)Intelligence53(+100)Wisdom47(+100)Vitality78(+100)Endurance64(+100)Charisma15(+100)Luck29(+100)Mentality25(+100)Charm15(+100)Magic ResistanceFire20%Water20%Wind20%Earth20%Your profession enabled you to learn any weapons to grand master rank.
+ can equip any weapon
+ enables you te learn light and dark arts
+ 10% to all stats
+ 20% to magic resistance
+ unlimited skill slot
+ create your own skill
+ can communicate with the beings in void.
he gained 5 levels fighting an army of wolfs but since his level is higher than them he only get that much exp. The white wolf he fought is higher level than him for about 3 level so he gained more exp and also 1 skill. He also created a new stat when he equipped the Devourer and when he used his technique.
*trring*
Due to your profession the skills have been segregated to Active, Passive, Masteries, and Techniques.
" show Active skills "
Active Skills[Active][Polymorph[Special Ability]you can combine two skills and create a new skills.
Attention
when used 1-2 or more stat/level will permanently decrease in your stat depending on the skill created[Active]Earth Sensing[Beginner Lv. 9 20%]as long as the target is in the ground he will never escape your senses.
+9m(20%) range of sensing
180 per second.
Attention
your eyes will glow when used. the people will accuse you of being a monster if not properly used[Active]Pressure[Intermediate Lv. 5 88%]when activated your enemy will feel the pressure of your killing intent reducing their mobility.
when used in weaker opponents they will lose their will to fight.
range + 15m(20%)
200 mp per second
Attention
your eyes will glow when used. the people will accuse you of being a monster if not properly used[Active]Roar[Intermediate Lv. 4 25%]weakening your opponent while strengthening your allies
when used the moral of of your party will increase and if the enemy is weaker than you he will lose his will to fight.
+ the enemy will weaken 50%(+20%)
+confusion 50%(20%)
+ allies will strengthen 40%(+20%)
100 mp per use[Active]Sneak[Beginner Lv. 2 10%]can hide your presence while hiding
+13%(20%) chance to hide[Active] Demon binding[Beginner Lv. 1 0%]Can Bind demon that you defeated
+can bind 1 demon per rank up.
Attention
you can't unbind a demon if the contract is signed[Active]Leap [Beginner Lv. 1 0%]by gathering your strength in your feet you will be able to jump at new height and also can stay there for 10 second before descending in the ground.
150 mp[Active]Howl of the strong[Beginner Lv. 1 0%]You can strengthen your allies and also cleanse their confusion
+ 20% morale
+ 50% cleansing of confusion and fear
"show Passive skills"
Passive skills[Passive]Mark of Scorpio[Special Ability]your mark since birth that gives life to your personality and also influence your life.
+20% base to any skill you have
through the positive traits of Scorpio the growth of your skill will increase in 25% faster
through the negative traits of Scorpio 50% more attack if you deemed your opponent to be unforgivable
Attention
the mark of Scorpio also draws misfortune to the user.[Passive]Upserper[Special Ability]- with the mark of the Scorpio and your ambition and greed the mark of Scorpio approved you as a vessel of a king be it a triant or a good king will be your decision
- 80% chance to get 1 ability of the monster that you fight and successfully killed.
- 50% chance to get 2 ability of the monster that you fight and successfully killed.
- 25% chance to get 3 ability of the monster that you fight and successfully killed.
- 5% chance to get 4 ability of the monster that you fight and successfully killed.
the higher the level of the monster you killed the higher the chances to get more skill.
Attention.
if you killed a monster and successfully gained a skill with that monster you can't get any more skill with same monster again.[Passive]Strength of Earth[Intermediate Lv. 1 85%]as long that you are in contact with the ground your strength will increase.
+73%(+20%) increase in strength
attention
if in any way that you are not in contact with the solid ground the effect of the skill will disappear[Passive]Adept[Intermediate Lv. 1 21%]you gain more experience for the monsters that you killed.
+25%(20%) more exp every monster that you killed
+35%(20%) more exp for every monster higher than your level that you killed.[Passive]Iron Will[Intermediate Lv. 5 10%]your mind will be clear even if you are at the toughest situation there is.
+65%(20%) resistance to fear or confusion[Passive]Yin-yang[ Beginner Lv. 1 0%]Can create Light and Dark Based magics
5000 mp per use[Passive]Mana Sensing[Beginner Lv. 1 0%]Can sense and read the mana around you.
+ 10m(+20%) Aoe[Passive]Vengeance[Beginner Lv. 1 0%]with your anger you can and hunger for vengeance your attack and skill will increase.
50%(+20%) increase in attack if you deemed your opponent to be unforgivable.
attention
can only activate in you are drowned in your own anger.[Passive]Danger Sensing[Beginner Lv. 9(0%)]you can sense any incoming danger around you.
+9(+20%) Aoe
+ Abble to tell thier location[Passive]Strong Mentality[Beginner Lv. 6 45%]You can now withstand more taxing abilities using your mind.
+ 30%(20%) Mentality
+ Sp gauge is now accessible[Passive]Agile body[Beginner Lv. 5 32%]Your body will move more in efficient way
+ 15% agility
+ 10% chance to dodge
" show Techniques "
Techniques[Active]Mind slice[Beginner Lv. 6 86%]Using your mind to create a phenomenon to slice your foe.
+60%(20%) ATK
+30%(20%) ATK in AOE
420 Sp per use.[Active]Mind's Eye[Beginner Lv. 7 43%]Using your mind you can read the trajectories of the attacks incoming to you
250 Sp per use[Active]Illusion Body[Beginner Lv. 4 21%]With your mind you can now create a more realistic illusion but they don't have any physical damage.
+ 4 illusion can be made
+ you can control and see what they saw
Attention
Illusion will disappear if attacked or received a damage
500 sp per use.[Active]Mind body[beginner Lv. 5 23%]You can create a complete copy of yourself.
+ 1 copy
+ Can control and see what he saw
+ 30% decrease in stat
+ 30% decrease in skill ATK
+ 30% decrease in DEF
Attention:
It's action will depend in your thought
800 Sp/ 500 Mp
"show masteries "
MasteriesMind combat Mastery[Beginner Lv. 8 43%]increases Attack power using your mind (+80% ATK)(+20%)
Increases Attack Speed using your mind (+40% ATK SPD)(+20%)Punching mastery[Intermediate Lv. 3 30%]increases Attack power with a Fist (+130% ATK)(+20%)
Increases Attack Speed with a Fist (+60% ATK SPD)(+20%)Sword Mastery Beginner (Beginner Lv. 1 0%)increases Attack power with a sword (+20% ATK)(+20%)
Increases Attack Speed with a sword (+6% ATK SPD)(+20%)Dagger Mastery [Intermediate Lv. 4 42%]increases Attack power with a Dagger (+140% ATK)(+20%)
Increases Attack Speed with a Dagger (+80% ATK SPD)(+20%)Food Specialist[Beginner Lv. 0%]you are able to identify any foods if it's edible or not.
+able to identify any kind of mushroom
+able to identify any fruits
Looking at his skills he got confused.
'there's too many of them, how should i use all of this..some of them even have same effect '
Reading all again the skills he also started to eat the meats he cooked.
'should just i use that skill? damm but my level will go down again..... '
He begun a self conflict and came to conclusion. He will just treat it as an investment for the future.
" polymorph skill combine Roar and Howl of the strong. "
*trring*
A new skill have been created.
[Active] Voice of terror[Beginner Lv. 1 0%]+ your voice will instill fear to your foe[100%(20%) fear]
+ your voice will heighten the more of your allies [ 50%(20%) morale]
500 mp per use.
looking at the skill he got more exited and forgot the negative of the skill and combined many other skills.
" combine mana sensing, earth sensing, and danger sensing
*trring*
a new skill have been created
[Active]Sixth Sense[Beginner Lv. 1 0%]+ can sense any enmity around you.
+ can widen your sense in the ground
+ can identify the your foes and their number
+ can sense the change of mana around you.
+ 20m Aoe
+ 250 mp per sec.
Attention.
your eye will gleam and slit like a snake's eye as you use this skill.
" combine Iron will and Strong mentality"
*trring*
A new skill have been created
[Passive]Mind of steel[Beginner Lv. 1 0%]you can achieve a greater hieght using your mind.
+ 50% mentality
+ 30% more Sp
+ 50% chance to avoid fear and confusion
"combine strength of earth and agile body. "
*trring*
A new skill have been created
[Passive]Immovable Body[Beginner Lv. 1 0%]while you are in ground you will reign in any battle through your strength and agile body.
+80%(20%) strength
+25%(20%) agility
+50%(20%) dodge
Attention.
Once you leaved the ground all the effect of the skill will disappear.
Combining all the skill that has the same effect he lost 8 levels and now he is level 35 but he didn't regret at all since all the skill he created have a great effect for him. After he finished eating and also combining his skills he stored the remaining foods that he cooked to eat later and begin his journey again.