Past Nondeor Hill lies Wood End, a softly rolling woodland that guides the path to the vast Shilian Grassland. Inhabited by a plethora of regal and towering pine and elm trees, this pristine terrain is a true treasure trove, undiscovered and unspoiled by any adventurers thus far. The lively ecosystem not only overflows with vitality but also harbors concealed wealth. Nevertheless, Ryou was still feeble to lay claim to these hidden treasures.
Cloaked in lush shrubs of greenery upon their body, Ryou and Namika shroud themselves in verdant foliage. Advancing with the utmost discretion, Ryou assumes the forefront, each step marked by vigilant silence, wary of the potential perils concealed within the captivating depths of this unexplored realm.
Ryou could feel the forest air was very refreshing compare to the real world, perhaps it was 100% more purer than his living area, where air was polluted and filtered. Moreover, this forest had the capabilities to take one’s breath away by the beautiful scenery and also by local level 10 to 20 monsters.
"As much as I detest this plan, I am equally impressed by its efficacy," remarked Namika from behind him, her tone tinged with mild confusion. She was talking about the shrubs they were covered in, from their abdominal area to their head.
Ryou could sympathize with her sentiments, recalling his initial bewilderment in his past life upon stumbling upon this internet-suggested stratagem to evade the vigilant monkeys that usually traverse this area from the trees and also the pack of wolves. The idea of covering themselves with shrubs and leaves not only masked their presence but also eluded the discerning sense of human smell.
Ryou jokingly said, "Despite monsters possessing a modicum of intelligence compared to real animals, they still are not smart," he spoke softly, maintaining a hushed tone as he continued navigating the route he remembered, where terrestrial monsters seldom ventured.
"Is the river you mentioned nearby?" inquired Namika.
"If we're close, you'd hear the gentle murmur of the running stream." Shifting the topic, he inquired, "On a different note, what are your HP and total Physical Defense stats?"
Namika emitted a disgruntled 'hmph' before disclosing, "I have 850 HP and 40 Physical Defense."
"Very solid stats," Ryou blurted sincerely. Despite early-game stats often depending on equipment, the capacity to attain such gear also reflects a player's intrinsic capabilities.
"What's your plan with those numbers?" Namika's tone hinted at her lack of enthusiasm for Ryou's earlier compliment.
"I asked to calculate how many attacks you can endure before dying by the hands of those Crocs," Ryou responded concisely.
Namika grumbled in response. "And?" she pressed.
"Based on your stats, I estimate you can withstand only 6-8 hits or approximately 5-10 seconds before meeting your demise," Ryou stated matter-of-factly, eliciting a discontented hiss from Namika.
After descending through the forest for a while, Ryou halted abruptly and crouched down, prompting Namika to follow suit. "What's happening?" she inquired.
"Pack of wolves," Ryou murmured.
The rustling of bushes and the unmistakable sounds of sniffling and barking signaled the wolves' inclination to scour the area, as if they had detected Ryou and Namika. Drawing closer to their hidden position, the wolves prompted Ryou to used his [Shadow Doppelganger] skill.
Ryou's shadow twitched and wriggled, swiftly darting to the right before coalescing into a humanoid form. It began to dash away, utilizing his [Fast Step] and [Jump] skills to outpace the encroaching wolves. Fully fixated on the doppelganger, the wolves eagerly pursued the illusionary figure with unbridled gusto.
Ryou and Namika bided their time until the wolves had sufficiently distanced themselves, then swiftly darted in the opposite direction. Reaching an open area, they discarded the foliage-covered shrubbery.
As Ryou caught his breath, Namika chided, "What happened to the supposedly monster-free path you mentioned earlier? We've encountered four packs of wolves on our journey." Her puffing and labored breathing added a cute touch to her face, but her tone remained as sharp as ever.
Ryou chose not to engage in an argument, not just due to his deficiency in counterarguments but also because he lacked her inexhaustible repertoire of cutting remarks. Instead, he redirected the focus, saying, "Koyoma-san, we're near our destination."
Namika raised her chin, turned slightly as if trying to catch a sound, then nodded in confirmation, though her expression still bore a dissatisfied scowl.
"Koyoma-san, do you possess any healing spells or skills for our upcoming battle?" Ryou inquired.
"I have a spell that can heal 150 HP," Namika began, "but can't I use potions? Why limit the inquiry to skills and spells?”
"You are the lone Guardian here, Koyoma-san. There would be no luxury for guzzling potions; it leaves you vulnerable to attacks, risking more health than you seek to gain," Ryou chuckled.
Namika, however, didn't share the amusement; her expression twisted into a grimace at his jokingly cautious words.
Sensing her incoming jab, he promptly said, "Fear not, I possess a ring capable of adding Vitality by 4 and could restore 300 HP in 3 seconds." With a flourish, he extracted the Elsa Engagement ring from his index finger.
Unlike ordinary plebs who might shun kindness with a burdened conscience, he knew, Namika was a person driven by pride, who would refuse to accept anything for free without earning it. So, Ryou persisted, "Consider it a temporary loan," he emphasized 'temporary' with significance.
Namika peered at his extended hand, where a gleaming silver ring rested, her gaze a mix of contemplation and a discerning squint.
Inwardly, Ryou thought, 'Just take it, you egotistic bitch.’
Perhaps catching a glimpse of his humble internal request, Namika reluctantly accepted the ring.
However, she unscrewed a ring from her own finger also, and extended it towards him. "In return, I'll lend you this ring. It enhances your damage output," she stated stolidly.
Her pride was palpable in this gesture. He didn't wish to take the ring, but realizing the potential escalation of this matter, he received it with a mix of hesitancy and gratitude.
[Shining Star] (Iron-rank)
Strength +6
Skill: [Power Ball] - Launch a sphere of aura with intensity. Damage is based on the user's vitality.
His strength had risen to 12; he now met the Strength requirements for the Bone Armor, so he switched his previous armor.
Bone armor (uncommon rank)
Level 9
Equipment Requirement: Strength 8
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
HP +130
Mp +15
Defense +5
Strength +3
Endurance +3
Durability: 19/20
He also exchanged his previous sword to Ash sword after he met the Defense requirements.
Ash sword (Uncommon)
Equipment Requirements: Defense 9
Level 9
MP+20
Strength + 5
Vitality +1
Magical attack +6
Attack speed +6
Intelligence +2
Durability 18/20
His other sword was the Bee Sword.
Bee sword (uncommon)
Equipment Requirements : +5 strength
Level 5
Agility+6
Strength +1
Physical damage +6
Durability 7/15
Having savored the satisfaction of donning his elevated gear, Ryou's attention pivoted to Namika, whose eyes at this moment, intersected with his, bearing an inscrutable countenance that roused a disconcerting unease within him.
Unable to withstand the penetrating intensity of her gaze, he queried, "What?"
Amusement threaded through her reply as she quipped, "Why do you bear Elsa's engagement ring, and what compels you to entrust it to me? Are you nurturing covert proposal intentions through this ring?" She guffawed, clearly unimpressed and expressing her disapproval of such notions.
"I acquired the ring through a quest from Miss Elsa," Ryou replied succinctly. "I loaned it for its potential battlefield utility later, devoid of any delusional or fanciful notions." Sincerity marked his words. He wasn't having any wierd idea against her.
The notion of courting this wild tigress was ludicrous to him, only a loyal lover like Hirosaki might be able to endure her acid tongue and her overbearing personality.
Namika was briefly devoid of her usual acerbic remarks, so he said, "Let's proceed, Koyoma-san. I still need to elevate you to level 10," he declared assertively and set forth, leading the way.
“...”
They finally reach the river that delineates the End Woods from the Shilian Grasslands. Despite a 5-hour long journey from Blackwater town, in the vast temporal expanse of New World's 48-hour day, it was still morning.
The radiant sun bathes the seemingly tranquil green water in its brilliance. However, beneath its calm surface were lurking level 10-15 crocodiles.
Executing their preconceived strategy, Ryou summons his Shadow Doppelganger, giving upon it a substantial slab of meat. With a mental command, the doppelganger confidently strides toward the river, agitating the water with three purposeful strides before deftly retreating to the water's edge. Emerging from the river are three formidable crocodiles, their eyes exuding menace, and elongated fangs bared. One was at level 10, while the other two were at level 11.
Green swamp Crocodile (Common Rank)
Level 10
Hp: 1000/1000
Green swamp Crocodile (Common Rank)
Level 11
Hp: 1100/1100
The doppelganger, holding the meat, entices the crocodiles with a playful wiggle. As the reptiles approach, the doppelganger gracefully Jumped 5 meters towards Ryou and Namika. The crocodiles, now fixated on the living targets, redirect their attention from the doppelganger, charging toward the duo with drool dripping.
Namika, positioned at the forefront in a battle stance, radiates confidence, yet beneath her façade, Ryou senses a subtle undercurrent of nervousness. Tauntingly, he probes, "Are you afraid, Koyoma-san?”
"I don't know the meaning of fear," she retorts with sudden anger, her bravado supplanting the earlier nervousness. Holding herself high, she readies for the impending impact.
Crocodiles possess formidable attack potency and robust defenses, and if, in a hypothetical clash between three wolves and a lone crocodile, the odds would undeniably favor the reptilian behemoth. However, though Ryou and Namika might currently lack the capabilities to overcome three level 10 wolves, facing off against the crocodiles, though hard, still falls within the realm of possibility.
However, Ryou comprehends the potential danger they pose, particularly for Namika, who hasn't faced these monsters before. Swiftly, he urges, "As planned, focus on evasion and defense—no offensive maneuvers." With those words, he advances and executes the [Fast Step].
"Shut it, I've grasped the plan since our earlier discussion," she countered, irritation tainting her tone but she skillfully intercepted a biting assault from one of the level 11 crocodiles with her shield.
Crocodiles have robust, stout, and flat physique, limiting their flexibility and agility for offensive maneuvers. Their attacks hinge solely on formidable elongated jaws and muscular tails, lacking the nimbleness seen in other quadrupedal monsters. Jumping and evasion are foreign concepts to these creatures, and they don't communicate or call for backup during battle—an advantageous Ryou like the most in their current circumstances.
Simultaneously, Ryou advances towards the crocodile on the left. With lightning speed and precision, he stabs at the crocodile's eyes. The crocodile's height, reaching up to his chest, makes targeting its eyes relatively easy. The creature growls in pain, and seizing the moment, Ryou doesn't miss the chance to stab its eyes again with his other swords. The two stabs result in -26 and -27 critical hits, rendering the crocodile completely blind.
In New World, where graphic scenes are tempered to spare weak-hearted players from gruesome displays of blood bleeding and severed limbs, severed head, the game still allows for the realistic depiction of internal structures—bones, organs, muscles, and eyes—being subjected to damage.
Ryou halts his attack on the blinded crocodile. Opting for the [Jump] skill, he channels swift energy into his legs. Performing a seamless front flip, he effortlessly neared the crocodile to the right. While still in mid-air, his sword glides with accurate dexterity, slashing at one of its eyes, provoking a growl of agony. Unhesitatingly, Ryou seizes the element of surprise, executing a deft and unforeseen maneuver to stab the monster's other eye and making it blind as well.
‘Here comes a tail swipe,’ Ryou thought, observing the crocodile lean its head and move its body. Rushing headlong, he executed a swift [Chop] on the incoming tail. Though his maneuver mitigated the impact, 97 HP dwindled, launching him towards another lurking Crocodile.
‘Shit, I am very slow,’ he lamented. He understood that if only he could move faster, he might have positioned himself more effectively and taken less damage from the tail swipe.
Propelled by a formidable force, Ryou soared uncontrollably and collided with the crocodile locked in combat with Namika.
As the unblinded crocodile targeted Ryou's head for a bite, Namika intervened just in time, employing [Rush] to thwart the impending attack. Meanwhile, the two blinded crocodiles, gripped by fear induced by their blindness, hastily retreated toward the river, their natural domain.
“Koyoma-san, now,” Ryou blurted in a hurry.
“Damn it! I know already,” Namika exclaimed, using the skill at this critical moment – the [Taunt] skill.
Suddenly, all the crocodiles, even the blinded one, turned their heads toward Namika with apparent anger, and they all rushed towards her. Seizing the opportune moment as his [Jump] cooldown concluded, Ryou executed the skill. Landing on the back of the last sighted crocodile, he swiftly thrust both his swords into its eyes, dealing 27 and 30 damage respectively.
The creature convulsed in agony, rendered completely blind by the ruthless strikes. With the crocodile writhing in pain, Ryou dismounted and returned to the ground.
Namika's [Taunt] skill exerted its influence, causing all three crocodiles, including the freshly blinded one, to disregard him entirely and persist in their assault on Namika.
Crafted for Guardians and Berserkers, the [Taunt] skill demonstrated its effectiveness by compelling the monsters to single-mindedly target Namika, the user.
The blinded crocodiles, now robbed of their sight, unleashed erratic attacks, momentarily granting Namika a tactical edge as she skillfully avoided their haphazard yet deadly tackle, bite and tail swipes. However, with each unsuccessful dodge, a substantial 15-18% portion of her HP was gradually depleted.
Ryou unleashed [Snowy Field], inflicting rapid damage on the crocodiles— -32, -32, -35, each second respectively. Mindful of Namika's proximity, he ensured the chilling assault didn't harm her. Following this, [Shadow Flash] emitted three dark beams, causing -27, -25, -26 damages. The physical defense of the crocodiles somewhat dulled the impact of [Chop], dealing -22 damage.
Namika held her ground in the skirmish, dealing damage to assert her strength, perhaps driven by a desire to secure ample EXP after the kill, or simply to prove her capabilities. While her damage output didn't quite rival Ryou's, it still inflicted noticeable harm.
Together, Namika and Ryou concentrated their efforts on the singular foe—the level 10 Green Swamp Crocodile.
After enduring relentless assaults from both, the targeted creature collapse, its HP reaching zero by Ryou executing the decisive [Shadow Flash]. The body vanished dropping a belt, leather and shoes.
System: Level 10 Green Swamp Crocodile killed. Normal Rank. Level difference of 9. EXP obtained increased by 9 times. Obtained 150 EXP.
With the first crocodile vanquished, the remaining two posed less of a challenge, alleviating the strain on maneuvering and enabling swifter damage infliction. Over time, the second crocodile was killed, followed by the last one. This kills prompted notifications for experience gain, resonating with the system level-up for Ryou.
System: Level 11 Green Swamp Crocodile killed. Normal Rank. Level difference of 9. EXP obtained increased by 9 times. Obtained 160 EXP.
System: You reach level 2. You gained 4 attributes points.
Wearing a contented grin, Ryou allocated 1 points to Strength, 1 on Intelligent and 2 to Agility, a strategic choice borne from lessons learned in the battle with the Spirit Paladin before. He realized that physical and magical damage was needed if he wanted to kill higher levels monster faster.
In the wake of triumph, Namika's resolute voice pierced the air, "Hey, douchebag! Are you just going to grin, or will you grab the loot?" she was visibly fatigued and was breathing heavily, as Namika had expended more effort than him in the course of the battle.
Persistently employing skills like [Taunt], [Mock], and [Leer], Namika deftly steered the monsters towards herself, ensuring they didn't escape into the rivers. Constant movement for evasion compounded with defensive maneuvers, taking a toll that naturally led to fatigue.
Ryou harbored no resentment for Namika's command to collect the loot. He understood her nature from his past’s life venture with her, Namika was the type of person who might even ask guests to arrange tea and prepare snacks for her.