The dense canopy of the forest began to thin, signifying their gradual approach to the borders of the Solari Confederation. Over the last several days, Amar had embraced the rigors of survival and combat in the wilds of Astralis, his body and skills honed through constant practice and encounters. The sedentary lifestyle he once led was now a distant memory, replaced by the lean muscle and resilience of a warrior forged in the wilderness. Amar's transformation was not just physical; his understanding of mana, combat tactics, and his own inner strength had deepened, shaping him into a formidable presence on this journey alongside Mira.
Their daily regimen was grueling yet effective. Mira, with her keen sense of strategy and understanding of Amar's capabilities, would identify potential threats that were challenging yet manageable. This practice allowed Amar to confront his opponents head-on, each victory serving as a lesson in combat and survival. The one-on-one battles, followed by Mira's timely healing, ensured that Amar could push his limits without the risk of long-term injury. This cycle of combat and recovery had accelerated Amar's growth, bringing him to level 5—a milestone that marked a significant improvement in his combat proficiency and magical understanding.
As Amar glanced over his new stat window, he was happy to see the increase in stats. Amar was pleased to see his strength go up.
Name: Amar
Race: Human (Earth)
Class: No Class
Jobs: None
Level: 5
MP (Mana Points): 75/75 (+20 from Level 2)
HP (Health Points): 150/150 (+40 from Level 2)
SP (Stamina Points): 150/150 (+40 from Level 2)
Stats:
- Strength: 15 (+4 from Level 2)
- Agility: 17 (+4 from Level 2)
- Intelligence: 20 (+4 from Level 2)
- Wisdom: 19 (+4 from Level 2)
- Constitution: 16 (+4 from Level 2)
- Charisma: 15 (+2 from Level 2)
Basic Skills:
- Basic Mana Sensing (Lv. 2)
- Hand-to-Hand Combat (Lv. 4)
Special Skills:
- Elemental Affinity: Water (Lv.2)
Unique Skills:
- Universal Translator
- Stat Window
- Inspect
** Unspent Stat Points: 15 **
Upon reaching level 5, Amar discovered he had unlocked a Unique skill, a revelation that caught him off guard. Until now, he had no inkling that skills would be bestowed upon him automatically, possibly a reward mechanism devised by the system to acknowledge his advancement. Additionally, the windfall of 15 unspent points was an unexpected but welcome surprise.
Amar, holding onto his unspent points, mused, "These might just be our ace up the sleeve when we least expect it."
As the duo ventured deeper, practicing Amar's skill became their routine, examining everything from towering trees to the crawling insects beneath. "It's fascinating, isn't it?" Amar remarked, marveling at a peculiarly shaped leaf.
"Yes, but remember to keep your eyes ahead too," Mira reminded him, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Their discovery of a dirt road through the forest sparked hope. "This must lead to the main road," Amar speculated, excitement in his voice.
Following the path, they stumbled upon tracks. Amar knelt, inspecting them closely. "These aren't beast tracks; they're made by humans," he concluded.
"Should we follow them?" Amar pondered aloud, his curiosity piqued.
Mira hesitated, her voice tinged with caution, "It could lead us to allies, or into a trap, as sometimes humans are far worse than beasts. We must tread carefully, Amar."
Their cautious steps mirrored the silence of the forest. Amar's grip on the goblin short sword tightened, a physical manifestation of his readiness for whatever lay ahead.
"Keep your senses sharp, Amar," Mira whispered, her eyes scanning the dense foliage that flanked the road. Her demeanor suggested a blend of vigilance and an innate understanding of the forest's unspoken language.
As they progressed, the footprints became more numerous and fresher, indicating they were closing in on their source. Amar's newfound skill, Inspect, pulsed at the edge of his consciousness, urging him to probe deeper into the surroundings. Heeding its call, he extended his senses, the skill painting a vivid picture of the life forces around them—small critters, the distant heartbeat of the forest, and, importantly, the human presences not far ahead.
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"There's a group," Amar murmured, "Not too far from here. I can't discern their intentions, but there are many."
Mira nodded, her face set in a grim line. "Numbers don't always mean strength, but they do complicate matters. Let's approach with caution. If they're friendly, we may find allies. If not..." Her voice trailed off, leaving the unsaid threat hanging in the air.
Their approach was slow, a dance of shadows amongst the trees as they neared the source of the footprints. The sound of voices, at first just a murmur, grew clearer. Amar could make out bits and pieces of conversation, the tone neither overtly hostile nor welcoming.
Mira held up a hand, signaling Amar to stop. They crouched behind the thick trunk of an ancient tree, observing. A band of men and women, rugged and armed, their camp cluttered with the spoils of travel and, Amar noticed with a sinking feeling, items that suggested not all their encounters had been peaceful.
"We need a plan," Amar whispered, his voice barely audible. "If they're not friendly..."
Mira's eyes were sharp, her mind racing through possibilities. "Watch and learn. Let's see what they're about before making a move. If it comes to a fight, remember what you've learned. Use your surroundings, and don't let them overwhelm you."
Amar nodded, he decided to use inspect to further improve their knowledge before any action was taken.
Upon closer inspection, Amar discerned the presence of five individuals clustered together, with an additional two off to the side, totaling seven.
Upon closer inspection Amar was able to gather information on the main group:
1. **Notification**: Detected - **Crag Beard**, Bandit, Level 5
2. **Notification**: Detected - **Silent Tom**, Bandit, Level 5
3. **Notification**: Detected - **Mirta the Swift**, Bandit, Level 5
4. **Notification**: Detected - **Garrick Twin-Blade**, Bandit, Level 5
5. **Notification**: Detected - **Eldon the Hawk**, Bandit, Level 5
Focusing on the two individuals in the back, Amar's skillful application of Mana Sensing and Inspect yielded another set of notifications, identifying them confused Amar as they seemed more like prisoners:
1. **Notification**: Detected - **Lila Meadow**, Level 1
2. **Notification**: Detected - **Nora of the Brook**, Level 1
This revelation added layers of complexity to their encounter, suggesting a potential rescue mission alongside the looming confrontation.
“So by the looks of things, we have 5 people in the front similar in strength to me. The two in the back seem to be prisoners by the looks of things.” whispered Amar to Mira.
“And what do you wish to do in this situation.” asked Mira.
If he had not gained Inspect this would be a different situation. But now Amar had an idea that this will turn ugly. Therefore strike first strike hard.
He also turned his insightful skills upon her, seeking to understand his companion more deeply. The revelations were startling.
Amar, in a mix of awe and curiosity, initiated the conversation. "Mira, you've been hiding your strength from me this whole time? You've been far stronger than I realized. Why keep this a secret?"
Mira smiled softly, her gaze thoughtful. "Amar, sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. It's not about the battles we can easily win, but the challenges we overcome together. Your growth, your discoveries. You had to grow by learning, otherwise you wouldnt have survived this long.”
Amar paused, considering Mira’s words carefully. "I understand your thirst for growth and the need to face challenges on your own. It's a brave stance, Amar. Just know, I'll always be nearby, watching, ready to step in if the danger is beyond what you can handle. Your safety is paramount."
Amar nodded, grateful for her understanding yet determined to prove his worth. "Thank you, Mira. Knowing you're there gives me strength, but I want to become strong enough to stand beside you as an equal, not just under your protection."
Before Mira could respond, Amar sprang into action with a decisiveness that left no room for hesitation. From his concealed position behind a tree, he rapidly transitioned to a low crawl, closing the distance to Eldon with stealth. Each movement was calculated, his eyes fixed on his target. Amar's strategy was to prioritize the Archer, Eldon, from a tactical assessment of the battlefield. In the absence of a healer among the enemy ranks, taking out a ranged threat like an Archer can significantly tilt the odds in their favor. Amar doubted there would be a healer amongst these bandits.
This was it. This was the moment of truth Amar knew once he attacked there would be no going back. It's kill or die. Could he take another life? Goblins were different, animals are different. This would be his first time attempting to kill a human.
It was too late to have second thoughts, he knew what he had to do now. With a strong resolve Amar made his move.
As the five enjoyed their meal Amar struck from behind. Quickly he grabbed Eldon’s neck jerking him backwards, due to his increased agility and strength Amar felt confident in his attacks, he quickly drew his sword. With a full swing of motion he struck, once, twice, three quick strikes to the neck with enough power to rip Eldons head cleanly off.
“What in the fu..” before Crag beard could finish his sentence, Amar threw Eldons head towards Silent Tom, who stood far off on the right. The bandits were also under the influence of alcohol of some sorts so Amar was able to completely catch them off guard.
Before Garrick could even draw his swords Amar threw his sword towards his neck. Garrick was seated on the right of Eldon. Before the strike could land he quickly lept towards Mirta sitting left of Eldon.
As he grabbed Mirtas neck he understood he had to be quick or the situation could turn worse for him. Amar covered Mirtas mouth and nose after crashing on top of him. The goal was simple: cleanse his insides.
One blast, two blasts, three blasts of what Amar started calling, what Amar felt was his most powerful attack currently. Water gun. Basically blasts of Mana infused with his water Affinity. In his world this was a very effective interrogation technique used by multiple organizations.
The blasts had nearly depleted his mana so Amar had to be careful. During his training he had discovered each shot had cost him 20 mana. So he couldn't make an effective fourth attempt even if he wanted to.
Before he could make his next move, Amar caught Tom throwing his axe towards him. His body moved on his own, shielding himself behind Mitra. The axe pierced through Mitra like he was butter. Blood splattered everywhere and lucky for Mitra all the water came out as well. Unfortunately the axe had already pierced through him and managed to reach Amar as well. Fortunately only his shirt suffered any damages. Mitra sadly did not make it.
Before Amar could react he was hit hard with Cargs shield attack, causing him to crash two meters away. This surprise attack knocked the wind out of Amar, but as he was hit he held onto Mitra. His body was the perfect cushion to soften his landing. Even with Mitras body being used as a shield this attack had damaged Amar, he landed on his right knee, due to the pure attack power the landing had disjointed his knee. The initial hit had come from his left side which had caught him off guard and shattered his arm.
Amar realized what the problem had been; he had been too concentrated on his right side; he had ended up neglecting his left. So now he was without his left arm and his right leg. Just perfect.
“WHO ARE YOU.” shouted Carg as he glared at Amar.
Tom started slowly approaching Amar as he attempted to stand up on his one leg. As Tom slowed down and Carg cautiously inspected Amar, things calmed down. This gave Amar an opportunity to pull his last trick before he had no mana left.
“Who are you, you bastard and why did you attack us.” shouted Carg.
“Would you believe me if I said this is a misunderstanding.” replied Amar with a mischievous smile.
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### Mira's Stat Window:
**Name:** Mira of the Sylvan Sentinels
**Race:** Elf
**Class:** Guardian of the Forest
**Level:** 15
**HP (Health Points):** 250/250
**MP (Mana Points):** 350/350
**SP (Stamina Points):** 180/180
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