Lynn
Age: 17
Level: 2
Race: Human
Strength: 3
Agility: 4
Intelligence: 7
Constitution: 3
Basic Skills:
* Intermediate Housework Proficiency: 901/1000
* Beginner Potion Crafting: 90/100
* Beginner Surgical Skills: 20/100
* Skull Coins: 100
Reputation: None
Introduction: A nameless and weak young human working at the Bloodsaw Apothecary, a boy who's been alive in this world for two years, but who might meet his end at any moment...
Lynn calmly examined the suddenly appearing panel.
The ability to remain calm, honed over the past two years, allowed him to face almost any situation with composure.
He studied it for a moment, gaining a rough understanding of the system’s functions.
"So, as long as I keep completing tasks given by the beings of this world, I’ll receive rewards that can improve my abilities?" Lynn thought to himself.
If that's the case, his chances of surviving in this world just got a little higher.
At that moment, the raspy voice and footsteps of his teacher echoed from the hallway.
"Lynn, I need to go out for a bit. I’ll be back in two days. Watch the store well, lock the doors at night, and don’t let those annoying thieves take anything."
The sound of something being dragged followed.
【Ding! Your teacher, Bloodsaw Maniac, has issued a task: Watch the store. Task rewards: Skull Coins x50, Basic Experience x100, Special Reward x1】
【Failure Penalty: The apothecary might need more inventory.】
Lynn quickly returned to the room.
At the entrance, his teacher, dragging a blood-soaked sack, stood. Inside, something seemed to be struggling.
The teacher’s massive, cyst-covered, two-meter-tall body loomed in front of him.
Another panel appeared in front of Lynn.
Bloodsaw Maniac
Race: Stitching Monster
Level: ???
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Combat Ability: Do not provoke him.
Introduction: Owner of the Bloodsaw Apothecary in Ghost Alley, skilled in various surgeries, but often engages in "interesting" side businesses…
Lynn felt a jolt in his heart but kept his face impassive.
"Teacher, is there anything I should pay attention to while you’re gone?" he asked.
He knew this was a necessary question, or else he might not survive.
Bloodsaw Maniac threw the bloody sack over his shoulder and rasped,
"Those who can pay, take the money. Those who can't, exchange something of equal value. If they refuse to trade, do it yourself."
Thud—
A bloodstained bone saw knife was tossed in front of Lynn.
【Ding! You have received a special item: Bloodsaw Bone Saw x1】
Bloodsaw Bone Saw
Quality: Excellent
Level: ???
Exclusive: Bloodsaw Maniac (Authorized)
Description: The bone saw commonly used by the Bloodsaw Apothecary owner, extremely sharp, effective on both flesh and spirits. Rumor has it that if you use it too long, you’ll find yourself wanting to cut something…
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"Remember," Bloodsaw Maniac said as he shouldered the bloody sack and walked toward the door,
"No matter what noise you hear outside, never step out of the soul lantern's light."
"Don’t listen to anyone asking you to treat them, ignore them."
"Lock the doors at night, close the windows. Anyone who enters, kill them. Don’t listen to anyone shouting, ignore them!"
Lynn nodded, mentally noting his teacher's instructions.
"Yes, teacher. I understand."
Then, under his watchful gaze, the imposing figure of the Bloodsaw Maniac disappeared into the thickening darkness.
Time passed quickly.
Lynn began his daily routine—wiping blood from the floors, preparing common healing potions, and then sitting at the counter with the bone saw in hand, eyes closed, waiting for time to pass.
And then, the next moment…
Knock knock knock
Three knocks echoed from the door.
Lynn lifted his gaze toward the door.
A filthy little girl stood there, holding a doll in her arms, her small hand tapping gently against the door.
Her face bore a pitiful expression as she said,
"Is the boss here? My doll’s arm is broken. Can you fix my doll?"
【Ding! The Blood Puppet has issued a task: Heal the injured doll. Task rewards: Skull Coins +50, Surgical Ability Experience +5, Special Reward +1】
Lynn’s gaze briefly swept over the scene.
The flame of the soul lantern flickered faintly, its chaotic flickering indicating the strength of the visitor. Under the protection of the soul lantern, as long as one doesn’t invite the person inside, they cannot enter.
Of course, powerful beings were the exception.
Lynn’s eyes quickly displayed the information of the girl outside.
Blood Doll
Level: 5
Race: Flesh Evil Spirit
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Combat Ability: You may provoke it slightly.
Description: A doll with a doll, wandering Ghost Alley in search of her mother. Anyone who tries to take her favorite doll… will be devoured by the doll.
Lynn’s heart chilled, but he kept his composure.
"Come in," he said.
As an assistant at the apothecary in Ghost Alley, Lynn knew the rules of the place. As long as you didn’t violate the taboos of these evil spirits and ghosts, they weren’t inherently bloodthirsty, and business could still be conducted.
The girl, still hugging her doll pitifully, sat down at the counter.
Lynn glanced at the doll. One of its arms had been completely torn off, exposing deep crimson blood and filth—like something had violently bitten it off.
"Doctor, please help my doll. Her arm’s been torn off, and we can’t find it. She’s my favorite doll, and if this goes on, she’ll die!"
The girl’s voice trembled with desperation.
Then, without warning, her lips curled into a wild, bloody grin, her face contorting as she suddenly spoke in a voice much more sinister,
"You will save my doll, right? Big brother?"
【Lynn’s Sanity -5】
Lynn kept his composure, extending a hand to inspect the severed arm of the doll.
Just then, a voice echoed in his mind.
【Ding! The wound shows signs of being torn by teeth. The bite marks resemble those of the target’s relative. The blood composition in her mouth matches the doll’s blood. Initial diagnosis: The target’s relative ate her arm.】
Lynn: "???"
The system really was impressive, helping him with a diagnosis automatically.
If that’s the case, things got simpler.
He glanced at the little girl, ignoring her bloodstained smile, and asked casually,
"Have you eaten anything recently?"
The little girl immediately dropped her sinister grin, her face once again returning to a seemingly innocent, pitiful expression. She clasped her hands together and said,
"I haven’t eaten in many days. I’m so hungry, but last night, I had a big meal in my dream."
She licked her lips and suddenly burst into a silver bell-like laugh,
"It was so delicious."
Creeeak — Creeeak —
The doll on the counter suddenly began to laugh in the same eerie way as the girl. It repeated over and over,
"So delicious! So delicious! Hee hee hee!"
【Lynn’s Sanity -10】