With the Kobold King and his royal knights defeated, the throne room fell silent, save for the echoes of battle that still reverberated off the stone walls. Zealot and his skeletal companion stood triumphant amidst the fallen foes, their victory hard-earned but well-deserved.
Breathing heavily, Zealot surveyed the scene before him, a sense of accomplishment swelling within his chest. "Excellent work, bony! We've done it," he said, his voice filled with satisfaction.
The Skeleton Bronze Warrior nodded in agreement, its metallic form gleaming in the sunlight streaming through the towering windows of the grand throne room. Though devoid of expression, its empty eye sockets seemed to radiate a sense of pride at their success.
GROWL!
Zealot’s stomach growled loudly, a clear indication of his hunger. "Right, I haven’t eaten much since this morning," he remarked, suddenly aware of his empty stomach. "Alright, let's get out of here and find something to eat," he decided, eager to satisfy his growing hunger.
Approaching the exit portal, positioned directly above the lifeless body of the Kobold King, he stepped through. Emerging from the dungeon, he found himself back at the entrance, his heart still pounding from the thrill of victory.
Despite spending nearly half a day in the dungeon, it was still bright daylight in the outside world. Without wasting a moment, Zealot hurried back to his castle, his hunger gnawing at him relentlessly. Having expended considerable energy in defeating the boss monster, it was only natural that he needed to replenish his strength with a hearty meal.
As Zealot made his way back to his castle, a feeling of exhilaration bubbled up within him. The thrill of victory still pulsed through his veins, infusing each step with a newfound sense of joy and accomplishment.
Entering the grand halls of his castle, Zealot couldn't help but feel a sense of pride wash over him. The familiar surroundings greeted him like an old friend, and the quiet solitude of his home felt welcoming after the chaos of battle.
‘Ah, it feels great to be back... Perhaps I should consider making this castle my permanent home. However, as much as I wish for it, I can't linger here for long. Once I've conquered all the dungeons within this kingdom, I'll embark on an adventure to seek out even more challenging dungeons elsewhere, perhaps venturing to other kingdoms or continents,’ he mused to himself.
With a skip in his step, Zealot headed straight for the kitchen, eager to celebrate his triumph with a delicious meal. As he surveyed the ingredients available to him, a wave of inspiration struck, and he began to concoct a culinary masterpiece fit for a hero.
With the skill of an amateur chef, Zealot chopped, sautéed, and seasoned, his movements fluid and confident. The kitchen soon filled with the mouthwatering aroma of his cooking, a tantalizing preview of the feast to come.
As the final touches were added and the meal was plated, Zealot stepped back to admire his handiwork. The sight of the delicious spread before him filled him with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that he had created something truly special.
"Alright, time to dig in!" he exclaimed eagerly, his appetite whetted by the tantalizing aroma wafting from the dishes.
Seated at the dining table, Zealot savored each bite of the meal he had prepared, reveling in the flavors and textures that danced across his palate. With each mouthful, he felt a sense of happiness wash over him, grateful for the simple joys of good food and good company, even if that company was his own.
MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH! NOM! NOM! NOM!
“Mmh! Yummy! Delicious!” he exclaimed between mouthfuls, unable to contain his appreciation for the culinary masterpiece he had created.
‘Good thing I've watched and learned a lot from cooking videos on YouTube, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to cook this well,’ he thought, acknowledging the role of online tutorials in honing his culinary skills.
With his hunger satisfied and his heart full, Zealot leaned back in his chair, a contented smile playing at the corners of his lips. As he gazed out the window at the setting sun, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for the life he had built for himself, filled with adventure, excitement, and delicious food.
After indulging in a refreshing bath, he readied himself for slumber. As he drifted into the embrace of sleep, he knew that whatever challenges tomorrow might bring, he would face them with the same joy and determination that had carried him through the day.
The next morning…
Upon waking up, an unexpected notification popped up from his system:
[New Main Quest!]
[Main Quest: Reach Level 60]
[Reward: One random skill]
Zealot rubbed his eyes and read the notification again, a grin spreading across his face.
"Well, looks like I've got a new goal," he said to himself, his voice filled with anticipation. "Level 60, huh? And a new skill as a reward... This will be interesting."
He sat up in bed, the morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. The thrill of a new quest reinvigorated him, filling him with a sense of purpose.
"Alright, bony, it’s time to grind," Zealot declared, addressing his skeletal companion, who stood silently at the side of his bed. "We've got more dungeons to conquer, more enemies to defeat, and more levels to gain!"
The Skeleton Bronze Warrior gave a nod, its eye sockets glowing with an eager light. Zealot swung his legs over the side of the bed and stretched, feeling the satisfying pop of his joints.
CRACK!
"But first, breakfast," he said with a chuckle, patting his stomach. "Can't face new challenges on an empty stomach."
After a quick breakfast, Zealot felt energized and ready to tackle the day's adventures.
"Alright, let's head out," Zealot said, his voice filled with determination. "Today is a new day, and we're going to make the most of it."
With that, he and his skeletal companion set out from the castle, their sights set on the next dungeon. As they journeyed through the lush green ancient forest under the radiant sunlight, Zealot's mind remained focused on his quest. Each step brought them closer to new adventures and, ultimately, the reward that awaited him at Level 60.
As they approached the entrance of a new dungeon, nestled deep within a crystal cave, Zealot paused, casting a gaze upon the ominous opening with a blend of excitement and determination. Despite the cave's darkness, the dungeon's portal shimmered with a radiant glow, illuminating its surroundings.
"Ready, bony?" he asked, glancing at his companion.
The Skeleton Bronze Warrior nodded, its empty eye sockets gleaming with anticipation.
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As they prepared to enter the dungeon, a sudden sense of urgency gripped them when they detected a group of adventurers approaching from behind. Reacting swiftly, they sought refuge behind a towering crystal, their movements quick and decisive as they concealed themselves from view.
As Zealot and his skeletal companion hid behind the giant crystal, they observed the group of adventurers approaching the entrance of the dungeon. The adventurers appeared well-equipped, their armor gleaming in the light from the glowing portal as they chatted amongst themselves in casual tones.
"Seems like we have company, bony," Zealot whispered, keeping his voice low as he glanced back at his skeletal minion.
The Skeleton Bronze Warrior nodded in agreement, its empty eye sockets reflecting the determination in Zealot's gaze. Together, they remained hidden behind the crystal, observing the adventurers' movements as they approached the dungeon entrance.
As the adventurers drew closer, Zealot was finally able to get a clear look at their faces. It turned out they were demon adventurers, not humans. However, among the fifteen demon adventurers, one individual stood out to Zealot. It appeared to be someone he recognized from the novel.
‘W-Wait! Isn’t that Belial Nocturnus?! One of the early villain characters who tried to harm the protagonist?!’ Zealot thought.
Belial Nocturnus was a cunning villain, a demon who could disguise himself as a human. Zealot recalled that Belial would befriend humans to gain their trust, only to betray them in the end and steal all the loot for himself. This was precisely what happened to the protagonist, though the protagonist proved too powerful for Belial to defeat. Consequently, Belial's plan failed, and he met his demise at the hands of the protagonist.
The protagonist's animosity towards demons already ran deep, but it reached new heights when Belial, whom the protagonist had once considered an ally, betrayed him and tried to take his life. This betrayal served to intensify the protagonist's existing distrust and antipathy towards demons. It became a pivotal event, solidifying his conviction that demons are inherently untrustworthy and dangerous, even though he acknowledged that not all demons share Belial's malevolence.
At this very moment, Zealot resolved to eliminate Belial Nocturnus. He believed that by vanquishing all of the protagonist's enemies, he could gradually diminish the protagonist's animosity towards demons. Zealot saw this as a strategic move to foster friendship and ultimately earn the protagonist's trust more easily in the future.
‘Belial Nocturnus, you bastard!’ he thought. Having read the novel, Zealot was keenly aware of Belial's wickedness; he was one of the villainous characters that Zealot despised the most. This sentiment stemmed from Zealot’s status as a big fan of the protagonist, making it entirely natural for him to harbor such animosity towards Belial.
‘To think that the villain character I despise is right in front of me…’ Zealot clenched his fists, his determination burning brighter than ever. He knew that defeating Belial Nocturnus would not only be a personal victory but also a step towards securing the protagonist's trust and friendship in the future.
"Alright, bony, here's what we'll do," Zealot whispered, his voice barely audible as he outlined his plan to his skeletal companion. "We'll wait for them to enter the dungeon, then follow behind them at a safe distance. Once they reach the boss room, we'll sneak up on them. Remember, we're targeting Belial alone. No one else."
The Skeleton Bronze Warrior nodded in agreement, its empty eye sockets gleaming with anticipation. Together, they waited patiently as Belial and his group disappeared into the dungeon.
Once Belial’s group was gone, Zealot and his skeletal companion emerged from their hiding spot, cautiously making their way towards the dungeon entrance. "Alright, let’s wait for ten minutes before we proceed to avoid clashing with them too soon," Zealot suggested.
With a nod of agreement, Zealot and his minion settled into a watchful vigil, allowing the minutes to pass in tense anticipation before they would dare to take the next step into the unknown depths of the dungeon.
10 minutes later…
Zealot and his skeletal companion exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging that the time had come to proceed. With cautious steps, they approached the entrance of the dungeon, the portal shimmering with an otherworldly light.
Stepping through the gigantic portal, they found themselves immediately transported to an entirely different world—a primeval sanctuary frozen in time: a prehistoric ancient forest of unimaginable proportions. Every element of this verdant landscape seemed to defy the scale of modern comprehension.
Towering trees loomed overhead, their branches reaching towards the heavens. Bushes and shrubs sprawled out in all directions, their foliage thick and vibrant. Flowers adorned the forest floor, their blooms larger and more vibrant than any they had ever seen. Even the grasses beneath their feet swayed in the breeze, each blade of grass towering above them in majestic splendor. This was a realm where nature reigned supreme, where everything existed on a grand and awe-inspiring scale.
In short, Zealot and his skeletal companion felt like ants in this expansive prehistoric forest, experiencing a sense of smallness that was entirely new to Zealot. It was the first time in his life he had felt so insignificant. Yet, from this experience, he gained a newfound understanding: he now comprehended what it truly felt like to see the world from an ant’s perspective.
For a short moment, Zealot and his skeletal companion stood in awe at the sight before them, the primeval forest stretching endlessly in all directions. The sheer scale of the ancient landscape left them both humbled and invigorated. Zealot, ever the strategist, quickly refocused on the task at hand: first reaching level 60, then locating Belial Nocturnus and his group afterward.
"Alright, bony, let's move," Zealot whispered, his voice barely audible in the stillness of the prehistoric forest. He motioned for his skeletal companion to follow, and together they began to navigate through the towering flora, keeping a careful eye out for any signs of the adventurers.
As Zealot and his skeletal companion ventured deeper into the forest, their senses on high alert, they soon encountered their first group of monsters. Five Giant Butterflies fluttered lazily amidst the towering flowers, their delicate wings casting vibrant patterns of light and shadow in the canopy created by the massive blooms, which stood nearly thirty feet tall.
FLUTTER! FLUTTER! FLUTTER!
Zealot's keen eyes narrowed as he observed the graceful 15 feet giant creatures. Despite their mesmerizing beauty, he knew better than to underestimate them. Giant Butterflies were known for their deceptive allure and venomous sting. Their wings, adorned with striking colors, concealed razor-sharp edges capable of slicing through even the toughest armor.
[Name: Giant Butterfly]
[Level 60]
"Stay on guard, bony," Zealot murmured, his voice low but resolute. "These Giant Butterflies may seem harmless, but their beauty belies their danger."
His skeletal companion nodded in understanding, its grip tightening on its weapon as they prepared to engage the creatures. The air around them seemed to hum with anticipation as the Giant Butterflies, sensing intruders in their territory, began to circle closer, their wings shimmering in the dappled sunlight.
EYES OF TRUTH!
CURSE OF DIARRHEA!
Upon unleashing his potent Diarrhea skill, a sudden wave of extreme discomfort swept over the Giant Butterflies, causing them to falter mid-flight. The once-graceful monsters spiraled to the ground, their movements slowed and erratic as they struggled to regain composure.
Moreover, the Curse of Diarrhea wreaked havoc on the creatures' senses, leaving them disoriented and vulnerable to attack. With their attention diverted by the sudden onset of discomfort, the Giant Butterflies were unable to mount a coherent defense against Zealot and his skeletal companion.
"Bony, now's our chance! Finish them off while they're vulnerable!" Zealot shouted, seizing the opportunity.
With a nod, the Skeleton Bronze Warrior lunged forward, its weapon gleaming in the sunlight as it delivered precise blows to the incapacitated creatures.
"Curse you, intruders!" one of the Giant Butterflies hissed weakly as it fell.
"You’ll regret trespassing in our territory!" another screeched, its voice strained with pain.
A third joined in, its voice filled with determination despite the chaos, "We will not be defeated so easily!"
But Zealot and his skeletal minion pressed on, their coordinated attacks driving the creatures back with each passing moment. Despite their initial advantage, the Giant Butterflies proved to be resilient opponents, their venomous stingers posing a threat even in their weakened state.
HORIZONTAL SLASH! VERTICAL SLASH! DIAGONAL SLASH!
PUNCH! KICK! HEADBUTT!
Finally, with a final flurry of blows, Zealot and his companion delivered the decisive strikes that brought the battle to an end. The last of the Giant Butterflies fell before them, its once-vibrant wings now motionless amidst the verdant foliage of the forest floor.
[You have slain five Giant Butterflies!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Level: 56 >> 58]
[Skeleton’s Progression: 100%]
[Congratulations! Your Skeleton Bronze Warrior has reached 100% progression! You can now choose to evolve or upgrade your Skeleton Warrior.]
“Woohoo! Fantastic work, bony!” Zealot exclaimed.
After a moment of contemplation, Zealot made his decision. He opted to upgrade his Skeleton Warrior, intrigued by the idea of increasing his skeletal army.
[Upgrading Skeleton Warrior… Estimated time, approximately 10 seconds…]
10 seconds later…
[Congratulations! Your Skeleton Bronze Warrior has been successfully upgraded! You can now summon up to two minions simultaneously!]
“Awesome! Alright, Skeleton Bronze Warrior number two, step forth!" he commanded.
Instantly, a summoning portal materialized behind Zealot, and from it emerged the second Skeleton Bronze Warrior, its bony form poised and ready for combat.