Daisuke let out a deep breath as he relaxed his shoulders, his dagger dissolving into nothingness as he casually approached the troll’s lifeless form. His gaze wandered over the massive corpse, eventually landing on the hulking club beside it. On impulse, driven by a flicker of curiosity, he crouched down and wrapped his fingers around the weapon’s hilt, feeling its weight in his grip.
DING!
[Sturdy Club has been acquired.]
[Sturdy Club +2]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Blunt Weapon
Melee Attack Power: 78~92 | Durability: 20/67 | Attack Speed: -12%
The Exiled Hilitroll Chief’s trusty weapon, hewn from the limb of the millennia-old oak known as the Tree of Ascension. Legend holds that every former chieftain’s weapon was cut and carved from this ancient tree.
▪︎ Strength +5
▪︎ Knockback Chance +85%
Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 60+ | Stamina 25+]
Daisuke’s eyes widened in disbelief. “No way! This can’t be right! Are you seriously telling me it’s possible to take a mob’s weapon after killing it? Will this work every time—or is this just some kind of special case? Is there really no limit to what an NPC can do?”
“Kyuu?” Zephyr tilted his head.
Daisuke grinned widely as he stowed the weapon, reaching down to ruffle the pup’s fur. “You did great, buddy—couldn’t have done it without you.” Now I’ll be able to make use of the knockback debuff again. It’s saved my skin more times than I can count.
After securing the troll in his inventory, Daisuke plopped himself down against a nearby tree. “So I gained a single level, huh? A far cry from the ten I got last time. Let’s see… if I got 78k EXP and the split is forty-sixty between Zephyr and me… that means the troll gives roughly… 130k EXP. Not bad for a level 17 Field Boss. I’ve also confirmed that Field Bosses emit a green aura when viewed with the Eye of Verity. A third encounter would solidify that for sure.”
While Zephyr gnawed on his favorite bone, Daisuke popped an Etherberry into his mouth and started browsing through the items he’d received before defeating Adrian and his puppets. I never did take a moment to check these out, did I?
[Aethercore Ring +2]
[Rating: Legendary
Durability: 8/8 | Magical Defense: 8.3% | Magical & Physical Balance: 9.2%
Crafted by the mystics of the Crystal Vale, the Aethercore Ring is a rare treasure, coveted by mages and sorcerers who seek greater depths of magic. Its steady hum of energy empowers spellcasters and is said to bind them to a near-endless well of arcane power.
▪︎ HP & MP Regen Speed +12%
▪︎ Str +5
▪︎ Skill Cooldown Reduction +10%
▪︎ Casting Speed +15%
▪︎ MP +250
▪︎ MP +25%
Conditions of Use: Lvl 29+]
“No way! You’re kidding!” Daisuke exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. “I can’t believe we scored another legendary item! If I remember right, the last one came from that Demihuman Goblin.” He cupped his chin thoughtfully. “The chimera was a unique mob too… maybe unique monsters really do have a higher drop rate for legendary items.”
Summoning his avatar menu, Daisuke eagerly proceeded to equip the new accessory. In the accessory section, there’s only slots for two rings, two bracelets, a single necklace, and earrings are apparently seen as a pair. Like the Titan’s Mind Cuff, I’ll have to swap something out. I guess I’ll chose this since I’m pretty much getting a better stat:
[Dunken’s Copper Ring]
[Rating: Normal
Durability: 5/5 | Magical Defense: +3.3% | Magical & Physical Balance: +4%
A ring polished so brightly it resembles a gold coin.
▪︎ Strength +3
Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+]
The MP boost is definitely a welcome bonus, Daisuke thought, feeling pleased. Man, legendary items are really something else—extra stats and all. He couldn’t help but grin, eager to see what else was there. Let’s see what’s next…
[Celestial Cube (White)]
Celestial Cube… Daisuke mused, savoring the sweet taste of the berry on his tongue. Now that I think about it, the first time I got one of these was from Casimir, but I never took the time to check it out. I think I got these other drops back then, too.
[Runetablet]
[Brothel Blueprints]
Anyway, let’s start with the cube.
[Celestial Cube (White)]
[Category: Alchemy Material
Quantity: White x4 | Blue x1 | Orange x0 | Gold x0
Rarity: Epic
While humans drew inspiration from Cedric’s groundbreaking work, which led to the creation of Reinforcement Tablets, the Dwarves pursued their own path, ultimately developing the Celestial Cube. This rare and precious artifact is used in tandem with Reinforcement Tablets to further enhance the process of equipment reinforcement. Each Celestial Cube is crafted to fit seamlessly into the center of a tablet, significantly amplifying its effects.
The alchemists who viewed Cedric’s work as sacred were outraged by the Dwarves’ audacious adaptation of their technology. They saw the Celestial Cube as a brazen act of exploitation, believing that their invention had been undermined and reduced to a mere stepping stone for the Dwarves’ innovations. The mere thought of any symbiotic relationship between their work and that of the Dwarves was enough to ignite disdain and bitterness.
However, this enmity did little to deter the masses. Despite the alchemists’ resentment, people eagerly embraced the powerful combination of both artifacts, merging the Reinforcement Tablets with the Celestial Cube to elevate their equipment’s strength.
Item Effects:
Celestial Cubes come in four distinct tiers and the rarity and value increases by each increment. Each successive tier carries the effects of the previous:
▪︎ White: Increases the chance of success
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
▪︎ Blue: Prevents the decrease of maximum durability
▪︎ Orange: Prevents the destruction of the weapon
▪︎ Gold: When the reinforcement process of an item with a reinforcement level of +4 or greater fails, the reinforcement level is maintained at +4]
Daisuke arched one brow unenthusiastically. “Okay then, that’s a bit much to process right now. So tell you what, I’ll come back to this when I’m actually ready to start reinforcing my gear. Next up is…”
[Runetablet]
[Category: Ancient Rune Language
Quantity: 5
Rarity: Unique
[…]
The moment Daisuke’s eyes landed on the first complex sentence, his expression instantly dulled. Without a second thought, he bypassed it entirely, moving on without a word.
[Anneliese’s Letter]
[Category: Mail
Quantity: 1
Rarity: Unique
A finely crafted parchment sealed with the distinctive wax insignia of a noble house. The letter is addressed to “Lucienne” and is magically bound to its recipient, ensuring that no one but the intended can break the seal or read its contents.]
Daisuke cupped his chin. Why would something like this drop from a mob? Was Annaliese maybe the mother who was transformed into the chimera? And who’s Lucienne? I don’t think I’ll be able to figure this out on my own, so I may as well put it aside for now.
[Serpent’s Tendon]
[Category: Monster Material
Quantity: 3
Rarity: Epic
A flexible yet powerful tendon from the chimera’s reptilian form. This material is often used to craft high-quality bowstrings or lightweight, high-durability weapons.]
[Chimera’s Scales]
[Category: Monster Material
Quantity: 8
Rarity: Unique
Thick, iridescent scales that are incredibly durable. Ideal for crafting armor or reinforcing shields, these scales carry traces of alchemical residue, making them resistant to elemental magic.]
Daisuke combed his fingers through his hair. After unlocking the Perception stat, I found that I could now view additional information about monster materials, including their rarity. Perception seems like one of those versatile skills that offers a wide range of benefits.
As for regular players, I think it’s likely a case where a basic appraisal skill is learned through a mandatory low-level quest at the beginning of the game—something straightforward like assisting a blacksmith or a merchant with a simple task.
But more importantly, this item…
[Homunculus Serum (Residue)]
[Category: Alchemy Material
Quantity: 1
Rarity: Unique
A curious fluid that seeped from the homunculus’s corpse after its demise as a result of its highly immiscible properties. Now exhibiting a slightly coagulated consistency, this serum possesses mysterious qualities that make it a valuable component for skilled alchemists. However, its unsettling origins provoke ethical questions and caution in its use.]
Daisuke laced his fingers beneath his chin contemplatively, his eyes half-lidded. It feels like the more I’m exposed to alchemy, the more confusing and terrifying it becomes. I vividly remember that bastard shoving something down his lackey’s throat before he transformed into a monster. Reginald used a different method on his mother, but the result was more or less the same. Those two are more alike than they realize.
But, seriously, aside from Reinforcement Tablets and Celestial Cubes, is there anything else positive that alchemy has to offer? Even mana crystals give me the creeps. Just like in the real world, I’m starting to think—
Before Daisuke could finish his train of thought, a familiar growl reached his ears. “Oh, come on,” he sighed, pushing himself to his feet with a lazy stretch. “It was just a few of your pals. Why are you guys always so hung up on revenge?”
It was uncertain whether Kobolds could understand the human language, but the creatures sneered at the boy’s patronizing remark, inching closer with their menacing fangs and claws on display. Zephyr didn’t seem too disappointed about abandoning his bone. He flashed a wicked grin as he squared off against the daring reptiles, his claws digging into the ground.
Daisuke summoned the Lipanthyer’s Fang in his hand, his expression indifferent as he threw himself into the fray alongside his partner, cleaving through their foes like wet clay. While Zephyr was having a field day obliterating the enemies that were several levels below them, Daisuke was deep in thought.
I ventured farther east and have wiped out hordes of general-class mobs, way stronger than the ones near Wonderelle, but the EXP gain is barely anything. This is ridiculous! All that hard work, and it feels like I’m getting the same lousy return as dealing with the cost of living back in the real world.
CLANG!
A barbed tail, bristling with spikes like a porcupine’s quills, crashed violently against a barrier evoked by a perfectly timed parry. Daisuke’s eyes gleamed with cold menace, reflecting the brilliant blue sparks that erupted from the hexagonal shield.
[Needletail Kobold | Lvl 24 | General | HP: 1108/1479]
The Lipanthyer’s Fang sliced through the air with deadly purpose, weaving a sharp, intricate web that rendered the fiend into lifeless chunks in the blink of an eye.
DING!
[129 Experience Points have been acquired.]
That’s insane! Daisuke fumed inwardly, clearly irritated. Between Zephyr and me, that’s only 215 EXP—meaning we’d have to take down well over a thousand mobs just to level up once!
There’s something I’m curious about, Daisuke thought, launching a Kobold with a clean roundhouse kick. In other MMOs that I’ve played, there was this sweet spot—if a player was exactly 10 levels lower than the mob, it was the ideal level gap for grinding optimal EXP.
But the mobs here aren’t exactly tough. I’m level 34, and the strongest mobs around are these level 24 Kobolds. Maybe I’ll run into something stronger on the way to Lunarel.
“In the meantime,” Daisuke muttered, springing onto a high tree branch for what felt like the thousandth time, “I’ll continue scanning for Field Bosses and Dungeons. One Hilitroll Chief is worth more than several hundred of these weaklings—so if I want to power up fast, I need to start focusing on the rarer game.”
Ignoring Zephyr who was clearly lost in a sea of euphoria while massacring the Kobolds, Daisuke activated the Eye of Verity. Instantly, his vision expanded, the world around him sharpening with crystal clarity. Squinting against the harsh sunbeams, he scanned the surroundings, his senses heightened and alert—
DING!
[The proficiency of the active skill «Eye of Verity» has advanced to level 3! The affiliated active skills «Bird’s-Eye View» and «Eagle Eye» have been acquired.]
[Eye of Verity]
[Rank: Unique
Classification: Active Skill
Lvl: 3
Proficiency: 0.6%
Your inherent distrust of people and desire for transparency have culminated in this power bestowed through Alchemy.
Skill Effect:
▪︎ Endows the wielder with the ability to discern truth from falsehood, analyze target stats, and glimpse beyond the boundaries of reality.
▪︎ Unlocks the «Sixth Sense» skill
▪︎ Unlocks the «Bird’s-Eye View» skill
▪︎ Unlocks the «Eagle Eye» skill
Stamina Cost: 0.7% ⅌ Second
Skill Cooldown: None]
[Bird’s-Eye View]
[Rank: Rare
Classification: Active Skill
Lvl: 1
Proficiency: 0%
Harnessing the ability to transcend ground-level perspective, this skill allows the user to view the world from above as if soaring on wings. Enemies, terrain, and traps become visible from an aerial vantage point, offering tactical insight.
Skill Effect:
▪︎ Temporarily shifts your perspective to a bird’s-eye view.
Mana Cost: 50
Skill Duration: 40 Seconds
Skill Cooldown: 5 Minutes]
[Eagle Eye]
[Rank: Rare
Classification: Active Skill
Lvl: 1
Proficiency: 0%
This skill grants unparalleled vision, allowing the user to clearly see across vast distances up to 800 meters. Whether spotting distant enemies, hidden threats, or crucial details in the landscape, nothing escapes your enhanced gaze.
Skill Effect:
▪︎ Extends your sight to 800 meters.
Mana Cost: 50
Skill Duration: 40 Seconds
Skill Cooldown: 5 Minutes]
The world looked unfamiliar from an aerial point of view. Considering the fact that the Arcanium Kingdom experienced lighter winters, multicolored leaves still clung to the trees as the season gradually shifted to winter. It was breathtaking.
Using both newly acquired skills in tandem, Daisuke began scoring the forested landscape. His eyes widened in surprise as his field of vision expanded dramatically. It was like his eyes were linked to a drone—no, more like being fully immersed in the Google Earth application. The sensation disoriented him briefly, but his Composure stat quickly settled the dizziness, grounding his senses.
“This is unbelievable!” he marveled, his gaze sweeping over the vast expanse of treetops. He had to remind himself to stay still, knowing one wrong step would send him plummeting from his lofty perch and landing flat on his face.
All of a sudden, an orange aura as large as a mountain caught his eye, glowing brightly from the northwestern coastal region, and it left him utterly speechless. “Isn’t that near Dusthaven?” he muttered in disbelief. The source of the glow was over 800 meters away—well beyond the reach of his heightened gaze.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen an aura that big, and orange, no less! What could it be?” He clenched his fists, torn by curiosity. “Damn! I want to check it out, but I can’t turn back now. Guess it’ll have to wait for another time.”
As the final set of words faded from his lips, Daisuke’s attention was snagged by something else—less mysterious, yet equally intriguing. A faint green glow shimmered just beyond his range of sight, which he was almost certain marked the presence of Field Bosses.
He was about to call out to Zephyr, who had nearly finished exacting his delicious vengeance on the reptilians, when he suddenly froze. His expression darkened, and his senses honed in on something far off in the distance, something unsettling… and possibly alive.
Without a second thought, Daisuke willed a kunai into his hand and hurled it with lethal precision. His golden eyes glinted as the blade sliced effortlessly through the thick forest foliage.
CLANG!
The weapon embedded itself deep into a tree trunk, and for a brief moment, the forest remained still. Then, slowly, as if peeling away from the shadows themselves, a creature began to materialize around the kunai, its natural camouflage fading as its lifeless form was revealed.
Daisuke frowned. A chameleon?
Since unlocking the Sixth Sense skill, he had grown accustomed to the unsettling feeling of being watched. It lingered like a nagging whisper in the back of his mind, never fully retreating, never allowing him to relax. For the longest time, he chalked it up to paranoia, maybe even a touch of PTSD.
But now, with the combined power of Eagle Eye, the truth became undeniable. That eerie sensation wasn’t just a product of his imagination; he was being closely monitored all along. But the pressing question loomed larger than ever: by whom?
“Looks like the perfect candidate for a familiar,” Daisuke murmured, leaning in for a closer inspection of the motionless creature.
Zephyr cocked his head curiously, hanging off Daisuke’s shoulder.
“I have a feeling it was staying just beyond my line of sight, but I bet it never anticipated I’d acquire a skill that lets me see 800 meters away. But lingering here to come up with wild theories isn’t going to help me. I can sense trouble brewing on the horizon, and the best I can do right now is get ready for whatever lies ahead.”
Daisuke’s eyes flashed as he turned in the direction of the green aura he’d seen earlier, an evil smile teasing his lips.