----------------------------------------
As they navigated through the forest, they encountered their first opponent—a Level 3 Hog.
Mayon charged at it with his shield, colliding with the beast and forcing both to stagger backward. A damage indicator appeared above the Hog:
-10
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Hog
Level: 3
HP: 300
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Angered by the attack, the Hog retaliated with a headbutt, slamming into Mayon and sending him stumbling back ten steps. A red number flashed above Mayon's head:
-20
Momentarily dazed, Mayon tried to regain his stance. Taking advantage of the distraction, Eminence snuck behind the Hog and activated Neck Break. A critical damage number popped up:
-130
Eminence followed up with a rapid series of five slashes:
-20
-22
-48
-20
-17
The Hog, now frenzied and sensing its impending doom, swung its head wildly at Eminence. With a swift leap, Eminence dodged the attack and delivered a final slash.
-37
The Hog let out a pained wail before dissolving into white light, leaving behind a few coins and a piece of meat.
Both received 10 XP for their efforts.
Eminence glanced at Mayon, noticing his friend's still wide-eyed expression. "Mayon, remember, the shield isn't just for blocking. Try to dodge when you can, and if you can’t avoid an attack, redirect it. Use the shield to guide the force away from you."
Mayon nodded, still absorbing the intensity of the encounter. For a moment, it seemed like the Hog was genuinely trying to take him down, and the pain from the hit felt unsettlingly real. His confidence from charging in had been shaken, replaced by a newfound respect for the game's realism.
"Yeah, got it, Boss," Mayon said, his voice a bit shaky but determined. "This game... it’s on another level."
Eminence gave a reassuring pat on Mayon's shoulder. "It's just the beginning, Mayon. The more you practice, the better you'll get."
Mayon picked up the loot, inspecting it with a frown. "Seven copper and a piece of meat. This loot is garbage."
Eminence, already moving deeper into the forest, glanced back. "It's just the start, Mayon. The good stuff is further in, so let’s keep going. We’ve got seven maps to explore, and we can't waste time."
Mayon nodded and followed, determination building with each step. They moved efficiently through the forest, taking down more mobs. Mayon quickly adapted to the gameplay, learning to time his blocks, dodges, and counterattacks. Before long, he could handle three hogs at once without breaking a sweat.
As they cleared another group of mobs, a bright white light enveloped both—they had levelled up. Their attributes increased automatically, with two points added to their main stat and one to the others. They also received a free attribute point.
Eminence, true to form, added his free point to Speed, enhancing his agility even further. Mayon, wanting to keep up and dodge more effectively, followed suit and boosted his Speed as well.
Status:
Player: Eminence Level: 1 (Xp: 12/2000) Class: Assassin
Race: Human Life Rating: Grade 1 Title: None
Basic Attributes
Hp: 90 Mp: 90 (Hp = End*10, MP = Int * 10)
Str: 9 Spd: 15
Int: 9 End: 9
Physical Attack: 45 (Str*5) Special Attack: 45 (Int*5)
Physical Defence: 45 (End*5) Special Defense: 45 (Int*4 + End)
Passive Skills
Basic Stealth: Decrease Presence by 10%
Proficiency (122/200): Learned
Active Skills
Neck Breck: 120 true damage on neck, else 30 true damage plus Attack * 100
Proficiency (141/800): Proficient
Cooldown: 10 seconds
Attribute points: 0 Skill Points: 0
Equipment:
Novice Dagger
Novice Leather Helmet
Novice Leather Trouser
Novice Leather Shoes
Aside from levelling up, they managed to gather a decent amount of loot: 3 silver and 42 copper. In the Ancient Sky Empire, the currency conversion ratio was straightforward—100 copper made 1 silver, and 100 silver made 1 gold. While they hadn’t found any equipment, the haul of materials was impressive: 7 copper ore, 10 tusks, 12 hog skins, and 40 kilograms of hog meat.
As they continued deeper into the forest, Eminence and Mayon finally stumbled upon a horde of wolves, their growls and snarls filling the air. The wolves were gathered around what seemed to be the remains of a recent kill, tearing into it with ferocity. Eminence raised a hand, signalling Mayon to proceed with caution.
Eminence and Mayon moved stealthily through the underbrush, every step calculated to avoid drawing the attention of the feeding wolves. "We’re almost there," Eminence whispered, glancing at the faintly glowing memory crystal in his hand. "We just need to get within 50 yards to record the information. Let’s keep it cool and avoid spooking them."
The two crept closer, keeping low to the ground. The crystal began to hum softly, indicating it was capturing the details of the wolves' horde. They crouched in silence, the tension hanging in the air as they waited for the recording to complete. Eminence’s eyes scanned the area, taking in every detail to ensure they remained unnoticed.
Just as the crystal’s glow intensified, signalling that the recording was nearing completion, something caught Eminence’s eye—a rusted chest, half-hidden near a cliff above the wolves' den. His pulse quickened at the sight; even a rusted chest could contain valuable loot like equipment, skill books, or crafting recipes, all of which were crucial in the game.
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He nudged Mayon and pointed discreetly towards the chest. Mayon’s eyes widened, he whispered “A chest can we get it?”
***
Recording Complete
Quest Completed (1/7)
***
Eminence handed over the crystal and all the loot to Mayon, his expression serious. “It’s a gamble,” he said quietly, his eyes scanning the terrain. “But it’s worth a shot. I found a way to reach the chest, but opening it will definitely alert the wolves. Worst-case scenario, I lose a level.”
Mayon hesitated for a moment, then nodded, taking the items from Eminence. “Alright, I got it. I’ll wait at the entrance of the forest. Try it, and message me if you need backup.”
Eminence gave him a reassuring nod, then turned his focus back to the chest. He was prepared to take the risk. He could almost feel the weight of the potential loot in his hands, knowing that this was a pivotal moment. If he succeeded, it could set them ahead of the curve, giving them a valuable edge in the game.
With a deep breath, Eminence began to move towards the chest, each step calculated.
The path to the chest was clear; as an Assassin, Eminence could sneak within 30 feet of a common monster 5 levels above him with just basic stealth. His heart pounded as he crept closer, eyes darting to every shadow and every twitch of the nearby creatures. Soon, he reached the chest, its surface marred by rust and time.
Eminence took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. "It's now or nothing," he muttered under his breath. He grasped the lid and pushed it open. The rusted chest creaked loudly, and a faint bronze glow spilled out, casting eerie shadows around him.
Instantly, the wolves feasting nearby lifted their heads, ears twitching. They growled, eyes locking onto Eminence as they surged toward him with alarming speed. His pulse quickened. He frantically grabbed the four items inside the chest, stuffing them into his inventory.
Eminence was clam as the wolves closed in. Eminence darted a glance at the cliff's edge, calculating his escape. He waited, breath held, watching more wolves scramble up the cliff.
As the wolves closed in on his position, Eminence’s heart pounded in his chest. He could feel the urgency clawing at him like the snapping jaws of his pursuers. Without a second thought, he launched himself off the cliff, bracing for impact. The wind whipped past him, and he hit the ground hard, rolling to absorb the fall.
-17
A red damage pointer floated above his head, but he ignored it, adrenaline surging through his veins. Without pausing, he sprinted into the dense woods, the frantic howls of the wolves echoing behind him.
Eminence navigated through the forest, relying on the mental map he had memorized. In Epoch, maps weren't just handed out—they had to be crafted or bought, adding a layer of realism to the game that could mean the difference between life and death. His breath was ragged, each step carefully measured as he weaved through the thick underbrush.
Soon, the sound of rushing water reached his ears, and he stumbled upon a river. Without hesitation, he dove in, the cold water shocking his senses but providing the cover he desperately needed. He swam quickly, cutting through the current with practiced strokes. His increased speed stat allowed him to move swiftly, conserving oxygen as he made his way towards the forest's edge.
Behind him, the wolves prowled along the riverbank, their frustrated growls filling the air as they searched for his scent. Eminence had anticipated this; the river would wash away his trail, buying him precious time. His heart pounded, not from fear but from the thrill of narrowly escaping.
Soon, Eminence regrouped with Mayon, who greeted him with an excited high five. Mayon's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he asked, “So, what did we get?”
Eminence grinned, catching his breath. “Two skill books, a chest plate, and a forging design.”
Mayon’s face lit up, and he pumped his fist in the air. “Nice! What kind of skills?”
Eminence pulled up the details of one of the skill books, his smile widening as he read the description.
----------------------------------------
Active Skill: Justice Roar
Description: A powerful crowd control skill that unleashes a thunderous roar towards enemies, drawing their attention. The number of enemies aggroed depends on the skill proficiency. If an enemy resists the aggro, the user's strength increases by 100%.
Skill Type: Special
Mana Cost: 10
Class: Shield Warrior, Guardian Knight
----------------------------------------
Active Skill: Swift Speed
Description: Increases speed by 10.
Skill Type: Special
Mana Cost: 10
Class: All
----------------------------------------
Savage Chestplate Level 2
Rank: Rare
Requirements: Strength 10
Attributes:
* Endurance +10
* Strength +5
Description: A savage chestplate crafted from the bones of monsters and a small amount of copper ore.
* Class Requirement: Swordsman, Berserker, Guardian Knight, Shield Warrior
----------------------------------------
Forging Design: Savage Helmet Level 2
Rank: Rare
Class Requirement: Swordsman, Berserker, Guardian Knight, Shield Warrior
Material Requirements:
* 2 Copper Bars
* 3 Bones
Description: A design for crafting a savage helmet made from bones and copper.
----------------------------------------
Here's the revised version with improved grammar and added emotion:
----------------------------------------
Mayon’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Boss, we’ve struck gold.”
Eminence nodded, sharing the thrill of their find. “Quickly, equip the chestplate and the skill. We’ve got six more maps to clear.”
Mayon nodded without hesitation. He didn’t want to disappoint his friend, especially after such a promising start. He swiftly equipped the Savage Chestplate and activated the new skill, feeling the surge of power flow through him. With renewed determination, they pressed on, eager to see what other treasures awaited them.
However, luck wasn’t entirely on their side. Despite exploring all seven maps, they didn't come across any more chests. Still, their efforts weren’t in vain. They managed to acquire three pieces of equipment: a dagger, a pair of leather trousers, and a shield. They also collected a substantial haul of ores and crafting materials, and their coin count shot up to 1 gold and 4 silver—enough to make them quite wealthy compared to most players at their level.
The real victory, though, was in the experience gained. Both leveled up to level three, and Eminence carefully allocated his attribute points: one to speed and one to strength. With his speed now at 20, he unlocked a new passive skill: Basic Immunity.
----------------------------------------
Here's a refined version of the item descriptions:
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Snake Bite Dagger
Level: 3
Rank: Rare
Requirements: Speed 18
Durability: 30/30
Description: A dagger crafted from snake teeth and metal. It's lightweight but dangerous—handle with caution, as it carries a poisonous edge.
----------------------------------------
Viper Pants
Level: 2
Rank: Common
Requirements: Strength 10
Durability: 8/8
Description: Poorly made trousers fashioned from snake skin. While they offer minimal protection, they add a touch of style for those just starting out.
----------------------------------------
Bull Shield
Level: 3
Rank: Common
Requirements: Strength 20
Durability: 10/10
Description: A sturdy shield crafted from a bull’s skull and reinforced with metal. While effective in its current form, it can be reforged by a skilled forger to enhance its quality and durability.
----------------------------------------
Status:
Player: Eminence Level: 3 (Xp: 480/8000) Class: Assassin
Race: Human Life Rating: Grade 1 Title: None
Basic Attributes
Hp: 110 Mp: 110 (Hp = End*10, MP = Int * 10)
Str: 12 Spd: 20
Int: 11 End: 11
Physical Attack: 45 (Str*5) Special Attack: 45 (Int*5)
Physical Defence: 45 (End*5) Special Defense: 45 (Int*4 + End)
Passive Skills
Basic Stealth: Decrease Presence by 12%
Proficiency (458/800): Proficient
Basic Immunity: Increase Resistance to Control Skills by 10%
Proficiency (12/200): Learned
Active Skills
Neck Breck: 120 true damage on neck, else 30 true damage plus Attack * 100
Proficiency (788/800): Proficient
Cooldown: 10 seconds
Attribute points: 0 Skill Points: 0
Equipment:
Snake Bite Dagger
Novice Leather Helmet
Viper Pants
Novice Leather Shoes
Eminence and Mayon soon arrived in Maple Leaf Town, drawing the attention of other players who looked at them with shock and curiosity.
"How are they so high level already?" one player muttered.
"Maybe they found a bug, or they're professionals," another speculated, eyes wide with envy.
Mayon couldn’t contain his excitement as he heard the comments and whispered to Eminence, “Boss, your skills are truly godly. We’re way ahead of the average player levels!”
Eminence smiled confidently. “This is nothing. I just understand the game better while others still think it’s like every other VR game. Let’s hurry and submit the quest.”
“Yes, boss.”
They made their way through the bustling streets and soon found the Guard Captain. As they approached, the captain noticed them and raised an eyebrow.
“Did you find anything?” the captain asked, his tone serious.
Eminence nodded and handed over the memory crystal. “Yes, Captain. We discovered hordes of monsters in four regions, with elevated monster activity in the other three.”
----------------------------------------
Quest Submitted
Completion: (7/7)
Gained 4000 XP
Gained 40 Silver
Gained 10 Maple Leaf Town Reputation Points
----------------------------------------
The captain nodded approvingly. “Good work.” He then smiled at them, a glint of opportunity in his eyes. “I have another job for you.”
----------------------------------------
Chain Quest Acquired
Objective: Help the Guard Captain clear the monsters before they attack the town.
Reward: Based on army losses and time taken.
----------------------------------------
“You two, report to the barracks tomorrow morning. You’ll follow the army and help them clean out the mobs.”
“Yes, Captain,” they replied in unison.