As Knox dashed through the dense undergrowth of the forest, his heart raced with adrenaline, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. The Nightmare Stalker pursued him relentlessly, its shadowy form looming ever closer with each passing moment. Desperation clawed at Knox's chest as he searched frantically for an escape route, his mind racing through his limited options.
Then, as if by some stroke of luck, he spotted it—a small clearing up ahead, bathed in a soft shaft of moonlight filtering through the dense canopy above. With a surge of hope, Knox pushed himself to go faster, his muscles burning with exertion as he sprinted towards the opening.
As he neared the clearing, Knox risked a quick glance over his shoulder, his heart pounding in his ears. The Nightmare Stalker was still hot on his heels, its glowing eyes fixed hungrily on its prey. But Knox could see the opening now, just a few more strides and he would be free.
Knox propelled himself forward, summoning every ounce of strength, launching his body into a daring dive beneath the Nightmare Stalker's outstretched claws. As he passed beneath the creature, he twisted his body mid-air, summoning the power of his Eternal Flame to ignite his fist with searing heat.
With a primal roar, Knox drove his fiery fist straight into the creature's gut, the flames engulfing its shadowy form in a blaze of intense heat. The Nightmare Stalker let out a guttural shriek of pain, its dark form writhing and contorting in agony as Knox's attack found its mark.
Killed Nightmare Stalker Level 69. Experience gained
Level up.
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Level: 53
Titles:
Master Scroll: Ether +20 Stat Points/Level
Achievements:
None
Skills:
Eternal Flame: Has the capabilities to destroy and heal.
Null Style: Destroys any form of mana.
UNLOCKED AT LEVEL 100
UNLOCKED AT LEVEL 150
Stat Points Available: 30
Speed; 120
Strength; 100
Endurance; 100
Durability; 100
Mind; 220
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Level: 53
Titles:
Master Scroll: Ether +20 Stat Points/Level
Achievements:
None
Skills:
Eternal Flame: Has the capabilities to destroy and heal.
Null Style: Destroys any form of mana.
UNLOCKED AT LEVEL 100
UNLOCKED AT LEVEL 150
Stat Points Available: 0
Speed; 120
Strength; 110
Endurance; 110
Durability; 110
Mind; 220
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As the flames died down, Knox landed in a crouch on the forest floor, his chest heaving with exertion. The Nightmare Stalker lay motionless before him, its once fearsome form reduced to nothing more than a smoldering heap of ash. With a weary sigh of relief, Knox knew that he had narrowly escaped death once again. But in this unforgiving world, he knew that his next challenge was always close.
"You're improvement is quite impressive, Knox," Ethos suddenly spoke, breaking the silence that had settled between them.
Knox offered a weary smile in response. "Thanks. It really isn't that complicated, though. I still can't use Null style consistently, which means it might let me down in a life-or-death situation."
"Do not fret. When there is an opponent you can't defeat, I'll be there to warn you," Ethos reassured him.
Knox furrowed his brow in thought. "You've said that before, but how would you know something is too powerful? I mean, you can't see someone or something's level before killing it, right?"
"I'm connected with the System, meaning I can vaguely gauge the level of any opponent," Ethos explained.
The revelation gave Knox pause, his mind racing with the implications of Ethos's words. "I guess that makes sense," he finally conceded, though a flicker of uncertainty still lingered in his heart. Changing the subject, Knox inquired, "When do you think I'll be strong enough to venture into the next zone?"
Ethos considered it before answering: “With your current progress, somewhere between level 55 and 60 should suffice, but above level 60 would be ideal.”
Taking in the information, Knox nodded. "If the pattern repeats from the previous zones, the monsters in the next zone should be leveled between 69 and 77."
“That’s correct. We’ll be in the level 9 zone for at least three to four months,” Ethos confirmed.
Knox's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Why so long? Is it because my leveling up speed is decreasing?"
Ethos shook his head. "No, nothing of the sort. It’s just the simple fact that zone 10 monsters are leveled in the hundreds."
His eyes widened in shock. "What… why?"
“I do not know,” Ethos admitted, a note of uncertainty creeping into his voice.
*** *** ***
The messenger approached the elite, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor of the war room. His breath came in short bursts, a mixture of nerves and urgency driving him forward. The elite, a formidable figure with an aura of authority that seemed to emanate from every inch of his imposing frame, stood with his back to the entrance, studying a detailed map of the surrounding territories.
"Sir," the messenger began, his voice carefully modulated to convey the gravity of the situation. "I bring urgent news from Commander Jake."
The elite turned his attention to the messenger, his steely gaze piercing through the dimly lit chamber. "Speak," he commanded, his voice resonating with authority.
The messenger took a deep breath, steeling himself for the weight of his words. "Commander Jake has issued a directive of utmost importance," he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "He requests your immediate presence to discuss a matter concerning his son, Knox."
A flicker of intrigue sparked in the elite's eyes, though his expression remained stoic. "Knox," he mused, the name carrying weight even in the hushed confines of the war room. "What does Commander Jake require of me?"
"He wishes for you to embark on a mission to locate and kill Knox," the messenger explained, his voice betraying a hint of apprehension. "It is imperative that the boy is disposed of without delay."
The elite nodded, a sense of purpose settling over him like a cloak. "Understood," he declared, his voice firm and unwavering. "Prepare my horse and gather my gear. I shall depart at once."
With a crisp salute, the messenger turned on his heel and hurried out of the war room, leaving the elite alone with his thoughts. As he prepared to embark on his mission, he couldn't shake the feeling that this assignment would test him in ways he had never imagined. But he was a warrior, trained to face any challenge with courage and determination. And with Commander Jake's orders ringing in his ears, he knew that failure was not an option.