Not far away from the imposing walls of Zealot's city, nestled deep within the dense, ancient forest, the dappled sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, casting a golden hue upon the forest floor. Here, amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, Zealot could be seen stalking his prey with a predatory grace.
CHIRP! CHIRP! CHIRP!
The air was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, a serene backdrop to the intense focus of Zealot's hunt. His senses keen, he moved with silent purpose through the undergrowth, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.
And then, he spotted them: a group of adorable, round-shaped creatures known as “Green Slime” monsters. Their vibrant emerald hue stood out against the earthy tones of the forest floor, a stark contrast to the serene backdrop of their surroundings.
[Name: Cute Green Slime]
[Level: 1 - 5]
‘I don’t know what levels those Green Slime monsters are, but from what I recall from reading the novel, I believe they range from level 1 to 5. Well, for now, let's start by defeating these beginner monsters first as a warm-up before moving on to face the higher-level ones.’
With a confident smirk, he approached the group of Green Slimes, ready to take them on with his bare hands. Unfortunately, lacking a designated class, wielding a sword or shield wouldn't enhance his stats—unless he belonged to the Warrior Class; only then would he benefit from wielding class-related weapons. Thus, he had no choice but to fight bare-handed for now.
WHOOSH!
Bounding forward, Zealot closed the distance between himself and the Slimes in a matter of seconds. With a series of quick strikes and well-placed kicks, he swiftly vanquished them one by one.
KICK! KICK! KICK!
PUNCH! PUNCH! PUNCH!
“Hahaha! Die! Take this!”
Within moments, the forest floor was cleared of the beginner creatures. With a satisfied nod, Zealot lay down on the ground to catch his breath. Content with the warm-up exercise, he now aimed to seek out monsters ranging from level 10 to 20 for his next challenge.
After sufficient rest, he rose to his feet. “Alright, let's head deeper into the forest to find some higher-level monsters.”
Zealot's determination burned brightly as he delved deeper into the forest, his senses on high alert for any sign of movement or danger. He knew that the creatures lurking within the shadows could pose a significant threat, but he was undeterred in his quest for power.
As Zealot ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, the atmosphere shifted subtly, enveloping him in a sense of mystery and wonder. The dense canopy overhead filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns, casting a gentle glow upon the forest floor below. The air was filled with the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds, creating a symphony of natural sounds that soothed Zealot's senses.
Occasional beams of sunlight pierced through the foliage, illuminating patches of vibrant greenery and colorful flowers that dotted the forest floor. Shafts of light danced and played among the trees, creating an enchanting display of light and shadow.
Though the forest was quiet and serene, there was an undeniable sense of life teeming all around. Small monsters scurried through the underbrush, their movements barely audible against the backdrop of nature's melody. Birds flitted from branch to branch, their songs adding to the tranquil ambiance of the forest.
Despite the occasional strange noise echoing through the trees, Zealot found himself captivated by the beauty and serenity of his surroundings. Each step he took filled him with a sense of awe and wonder, as if he were exploring a fantasy world untouched by time.
‘No matter how much I contemplate it, I still find it hard to believe that I'm inside the world of a novel.’
Suddenly, a loud growl echoed from nearby, causing Zealot to freeze in his tracks. He turned toward the source of the noise, his senses sharpening as he prepared for a potential confrontation.
AWOOOOOOO!!!
GROWL!!!
ROARRRRR!!!
Emerging from the bushes, a massive creature loomed before him—a fearsome Red Dire Wolf, its fur bristling and its fangs bared in a menacing snarl.
[Name: Red Dire Wolf]
[Level: 15]
‘R-Red Dire Wolf?! Hmm, this isn’t good… it’s five levels higher than me. However, it's worth giving it a try to see how far my skill ‘Eyes of Truth’ could lead me.’
Zealot's heart raced with excitement as he faced off against the formidable beast.
EYES OF TRUTH!
Without hesitation, he activated his skill with his thought and launched himself into battle, meeting the Dire Wolf head-on with a ferocious display of martial prowess.
“Raaargh! Bring it on, doggy!”
STRIKE! STRIKE! STRIKE!
DODGE! DODGE! DOGGE!
COUNTER! COUNTER! COUNTER!
With lightning-fast reflexes, Zealot evaded the creature's attacks and retaliated with swift and precise strikes of his own. Blow after blow rained down upon the Dire Wolf, each one bringing him closer to victory.
ROARRRRR!!!
"Not bad... I never imagined that despite being five levels lower, I could still fight on par with it.’
Zealot was impressed; he never thought a simple mind-reading skill could provide such a significant advantage, allowing him to challenge a monster five levels higher than himself.
As the battle raged on, Zealot's determination never wavered. With every move, he grew stronger and more confident, pushing himself to his limits in pursuit of victory.
PUNCH! PUNCH! PUNCH!
KICK! KICK! KICK!
“Hahaha! Nice one, big doggy!”
Finally, after a fierce struggle, the Dire Wolf let out a final, defeated whimper and collapsed to the forest floor. Victory belonged to Zealot, as he stood triumphant over his fallen foe.
AWOOOOOOO—!
THUMP!
“Finally… Phew! That was one hell of a fight…”
[You have slain a Dire Wolf!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Leveled Up!]
"Whoa, two levels in an instant? As expected, taking down monsters above my level really nets a lot of experience points."
With a sense of accomplishment, Zealot took a moment to catch his breath, his chest heaving with exertion, sweat glistening on his forehead.
However, even as he basked in the glow of his victory, Zealot knew that his journey was far from over. There were still greater challenges ahead, and he was determined to face them head-on, with courage and determination.
HUFF! HUFF! HUFF!
"Well, for the time being, let's take a short break first before we continue."
[Level: 10 >> 12]
[Strength: 45 >> 50]
[Agility: 15 >> 20]
Zealot sat down on a nearby fallen log, taking a moment to rest and recover his strength. Despite his exhilarating victory over the Dire Wolf, he knew he couldn't afford to let his guard down. In a world filled with danger and uncertainty, he needed to stay vigilant at all times.
As he caught his breath, he took stock of his surroundings, his eyes scanning the forest for any signs of movement. The air was alive with the sounds of nature, a cacophony of chirping birds and rustling leaves that served as a constant reminder of the world's vitality.
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‘Hmm… I wonder if there are any other monsters nearby...’ he pondered, his mind already considering his next move. He knew that every encounter was an opportunity to grow stronger, and he was eager to continue his journey of self-improvement.
With renewed determination, he rose to his feet, his muscles still tingling with the adrenaline of battle. He stretched his limbs, loosening up after the intensity of the fight, before setting off deeper into the forest once more.
As he ventured further into the dense lush undergrowth, he remained alert, his senses attuned to the slightest hint of danger. He knew that in a world teeming with monsters and otherworldly creatures, complacency could be deadly.
Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes caught his attention, causing Zealot to tense up in anticipation. He braced himself for whatever might emerge, his hands instinctively clenching into fists, poised for combat.
But to his surprise, instead of a fearsome creature, a small, timid-looking rabbit hopped out from the underbrush, its nose twitching nervously as it surveyed its surroundings.
Zealot couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, his tension melting away at the harmless creature before him. With a smile, he watched as the rabbit hopped away into the forest, disappearing from sight as quickly as it had appeared.
‘Haha, seems like it was just a false alarm after all,’ he thought, relieved that he didn't have to face another battle so soon. He took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the forest around him, the sunlight filtering through the trees in golden shafts of light.
As he moved through the dense undergrowth, he kept his eyes peeled for any signs of movement or unusual sounds that might indicate the presence of monsters nearby. He knew that he needed to be cautious, as the creatures lurking in the shadows could pose a significant threat to his safety.
KRAAARRRR!!!
Suddenly, a loud growl echoed through the trees, causing Zealot to freeze in his tracks. He listened intently, trying to determine the source of the noise and the nature of the creature that had produced it.
After a moment of tense silence, Zealot spotted movement up ahead—a pair of glowing eyes peering out from the darkness of the underbrush. As he focused his gaze, he recognized the unmistakable silhouette of a large, hulking figure—the infamous Forest Troll, standing at an imposing height of 10 feet.
[Name: Forest Troll]
[Level: 20]
“Ha! Looks like I’ve hit a jackpot!”
GRAAARRRR!!!
Zealot's heart quickened with excitement as he realized that he had stumbled upon his next challenge. The Forest Troll was a formidable opponent, known for its immense strength and toughness. However, it had a weakness; due to its large size, it tended to move very slowly, even slower than the Dire Wolf he had fought earlier.
In terms of speed, he was only marginally faster than the Forest Troll. However, with his mind-reading skill, he didn’t need to rely solely on speed. He could predict the movements of the Forest Troll effortlessly, making dodging every attack as easy as taking a stroll in the park.
With a confident smirk, Zealot readied himself for battle, his muscles tense and his senses honed for combat. He understood that victory wouldn't come easily without efforts, but he was prepared to give it his all in order to emerge triumphant.
‘As long as I don’t get hit or make any mistakes… I should be fine.’
As he approached the Forest Troll, Zealot's mind raced with thoughts of strategy and tactics. He knew that he would need to rely on his agility, quick reflexes and mind-reading to evade the creature's powerful attacks, while also finding opportunities to strike back with his own formidable strength.
With a deep breath, Zealot launched himself into battle, his movements swift and precise as he engaged the Forest Troll in a fierce struggle for dominance.
EYES OF TRUTH!
“Here I come, Mr. Forest Troll! Get ready!”
GROWL!
GRAAARRRR!!!
Blow after blow rained down upon the creature, each one bringing him closer to victory.
KICK! KICK! KICK!
PUNCH! PUNCH! PUNCH!
DODGE! DODGE! DODGE!
‘No matter how tanky this troll may be, it's only a matter of time before it loses all its health points and dies.’ he thought.
Despite the Forest Troll's formidable strength, Zealot stood firm, his determination unwavering as he fought with all his might. With each passing moment, he grew stronger and more confident, pushing himself to his limits in pursuit of victory.
‘Tch! What a tanky bastard! I wonder how much HP it has left.’
GROWL!
ROAARRRR!
"Ugh! What a tough guy! Can you just die already?!"
Finally, after a grueling battle, the Forest Troll let out a final, defeated roar and collapsed to the forest floor, vanquished by Zealot's skill and determination.
GRAARRRR—!
THUD!
[You have slain a Forest Troll!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Leveled Up!]
With a triumphant shout, Zealot celebrated his hard-won victory, his spirits soaring as he basked in the glow of his success.
"At last! Hahaha! Yes, victory is mine! Woohoo!"
Huff! Huff! Huff!
As he caught his breath and surveyed the scene of his triumph, Zealot felt a surge of pride and satisfaction wash over him, content in the knowledge that he had overcome yet another challenge.
[Level: 12 >> 15]
[Strength: 50 >> 60]
[Agility: 20 >> 25]
After a brief five-minute rest, Zealot rose, invigorated by his recent victory. With renewed determination, he resumed his journey through the forest, his spirit unyielding as he pressed forward into the unknown.
“Alright! Five more levels to go! Let’s do this!”
As he wandered through the forest, almost unknowingly, he arrived at the edge of a cliff. Below him stretched a breathtaking view of the lush, verdant landscape. Overwhelmed by the beauty spread out before him, he stood in awe, captivated by the scene unfolding from this lofty vantage point.
"Whoa! What a view from up here," he exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder and amazement.
As Zealot stood at the edge of the cliff, taking in the breathtaking view before him, the tranquility of the moment was shattered by a thunderous growl that echoed through the forest. His senses immediately snapped to attention, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he realized the source of the sound.
AWOOOOOO!!!
GROWL!!!
Before he could react, a pack of 18 Dire Wolves burst forth from the dense underbrush, their eyes gleaming with feral determination. Zealot's heart quickened with both apprehension and caution; he suspected that these wolves had come seeking revenge for their fallen pack member, as he had just slain a Dire Wolf not too long ago.
With a swift movement, Zealot positioned himself with his back against the cliff, his muscles tensed and his mind focused as he prepared to engage the incoming threat. The pack of Dire Wolves advanced with predatory grace, their snarls and growls filling the air with a palpable sense of danger.
‘Looks like I’m outnumbered, but that won’t deter me. With my recent level-up, I've become significantly stronger. The main issue now is the limited space to fight, and being near the cliff increases the risk of me falling off. I must relocate to a safer spot before engaging in battle.’
EYES OF TRUTH!
As Zealot activated his skill, "Eyes of Truth," he scanned his surroundings, searching for a strategic advantage in the face of the impending wolf pack. His heightened senses allowed him to perceive the terrain more clearly, and he quickly identified a nearby clearing that offered a more suitable battleground.
WHOOSH!
With a swift yet cautious movement, Zealot darted away from the edge of the cliff, leading the Dire Wolves toward the open space. His agile maneuvers allowed him to outmaneuver the wolves, keeping them at bay as he strategically positioned himself for the impending confrontation.
GRRRRRR!!!
GROWL!!!
As the pack closed in, Zealot braced himself for the onslaught, his mind focused and his body poised for action. With his newfound strength and agility, he was determined to overcome this formidable challenge and emerge victorious once again.
“Alright! Bring it on! Hahaha!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and determination as he prepared to face the incoming threat.
With a fierce battle cry, Zealot launched himself into action, meeting the Dire Wolves head-on with a combination of martial prowess and strategic cunning. Blow after blow, he fought with a ferocity born of determination and skill, his every move calculated to maximize his advantage and minimize the wolves' threat.
KICK! KICK! KICK!
PUNCH! PUNCH! HEADBUTT!
DODGE! DODGE! DODGE!
Despite the odds stacked against him, Zealot held his ground, his resolve unwavering in the face of adversity. With each passing moment, he gained the upper hand, slowly but surely whittling away at the pack's numbers with well-timed strikes and evasive maneuvers.
GRAAARRR!!!
GROWL!!!
As the battle raged on, Zealot's determination never faltered, his focus unbroken even as fatigue began to set in. With every ounce of strength and skill he possessed, he fought on, driven by a fierce desire to emerge victorious against all odds.
HAMMER PUNCH!
UPPERCUT!
JAB!
Finally, after a grueling struggle, the last of the Dire Wolves fell before Zealot's relentless assault, defeated by his unwavering resolve and indomitable spirit.
AWOOOOOO—!
THUMP!
With a triumphant roar, he celebrated his hard-won victory, his chest heaving with exhaustion but his spirit soaring with triumph.
"Hahaha! Hell yeah! Take that!”
[You have slain a total of 18 Red Dire Wolves!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Level: 15 >> 17]
As the echoes of battle faded into the forest, Zealot took a moment to catch his breath, his eyes scanning the clearing for any sign of further danger. With the immediate threat vanquished, he allowed himself a moment of respite, basking in the glow of his hard-fought victory.
HUFF! HUFF! HUFF!
“Three more levels to go… Alright, let's rest up for a bit first." he muttered between breaths, his voice tinged with fatigue but his determination shining through.
While resting, he opened his status window and began allocating points to his stats.
[Strength: 60 >> 65]
[Agility: 25 >> 30]
***
Deep in the forest, not far from Zealot’s city, Jack’s party could be seen sitting beside a campfire, indulging in bowls of soup. Despite their efforts, their injuries remained severe, with only 35% healed thus far, leaving 65% yet to mend.
"Dammit! We should have hired a Healer to accompany us, our injuries would have healed much faster and we'd be in better shape."
"Yeah, you're right. Next time, let's not underestimate the value of having a Healer in our party."
"Agreed. Our adventures would be far less perilous with a dedicated Healer at our backs."
In this world, hiring a Healer was prohibitively expensive, mainly because the Healer/Cleric was perceived as the most boring class to play and the least effective in dealing damage. Consequently, with a shortage of Healers in this world, they became highly sought after and in high demand.
In this instance, Jack’s party wanted the treasures solely for themselves, which is why they didn’t include a Healer in their party, knowing that Healers would demand a larger share.