My fists raised, I stared down the bull man. It glared back, bellowing loudly before charging. Swinging its dual axes, I jumped and twisted, passing in between the weapons. Punching outward, my fist impacted the monster’s abdomen. However, unlike every single other monster I had fought until now, this one survived my punch. Though it was still blown backwards as if shot out of a cannon.
“You are. Very strong. For a human.”
The monster staggered back up to its feet. Gripping its axes tightly, it roared once more. However, something seemed different this time.
[You have resisted status effect Fear]
“So. That roar of yours can make people scared, huh? Too bad it didn’t work! And now that I know you’re tough enough to handle my punches, I’mma go all out! [Body Enhancement]! [Ogre’s Strength]! [Strengthen Arms]!”
Rushing forward, I dodged a panicked attack from the creature. Punching once more, this time, due to the Skills enhancing my Strength and Attack Power, my fist blew a hole through its torso. It grunted and fell to its knees, gasping for breath. Once more, it bellowed before dying, and I received messages from the system.
[Congratulations! You have defeated Sentinel Monster [Minotaur Guardian] by yourself!]
[You have accomplished an amazing feat!]
[You have obtained Title [Offense Specialist]]
[You have been awarded 300 points]
[You killed a Sentinel Monster bare handed]
[You have accomplished an amazing feat!]
[You have been awarded 1000 Points]
[You have leveled up x5]
[Str +30]
[End +14]
[Sen +20]
[Arc +12]
“Alright. My stats have gotten pretty ridiculous. Now, I should check my new Title.”
[Offense Specialist]
[Requirements: defeated a Sentinel Monster by yourself]
[Effects:
1. +50% Attack Power
2. +25% damage dealt to sentinels
3. +10% Defense penetration]
“Dang. That’ll certainly come in handy, I’m sure. Anyway, how’s everyone doing?”
Turning around, I saw all four of the others trembling. It seemed that they had been scared of the monster, but also that they were affected by its roar. But they were recovering, coming back to their senses and starting to move again.
“Y-yes, I think everyone’s alright.” The professor looked over his students, verifying his claim.
“Good. I’mma loot the corpse, then y’all can escape.”
Walking over to the minotaur’s body, I began searching. I found its twin axes, a leather bound red tome, a leather chest plate, and a large golden ring.
[Dual Cleavers]
[Type: Item]
[Subtype: Axes, One-Handed, Heavy]
[Restrictions: 50+ Str each]
[Durability: 573/600]
[Damage: 75 + Attack Power each]
[Options:
1. +10 Str each
2. [Cross Chop] Skill]
[These twin axes were wielded by a minotaur to brutally and efficiently kill any intruders within its domain.]
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
[[Reckless Charge] Skill Book]
[Can be used to learn Skill [Reckless Charge]]
[Minotaur Hide Cuirass]
[Type: Item]
[Subtype: Breastplate, Defense, Buff]
[Rank: Rare]
[Restrictions: 50+ Con and 25+ Str]
[Durability: 750/750]
[Defense: 75 + Con]
[Options:
1. +30 Con
2. +30 Str
3. [Bull’s Vitality] Skill]
[A cuirass made from the hide of a minotaur, it retains the minotaur’s durability and strength.]
[Minotaur Nose Ring]
[Type: Item]
[Subtype: Piercing, Buff]
[Rank: Rare]
[Restrictions: 30+ Str, End, Con, and Agi]
[Durability: 500/500]
[Options:
1. +10 Str
2. +10 End
3. +10 Con
4. +10 Agi
5. [Minotaur’s Rage] Skill]
[A golden ring worn through the nose of a minotaur, it was kept shiny and well polished.]
“Hmm. Hey, Professor, do you think you’d like these Items that the minotaur dropped?”
The older man walked over, looking at the Items I was referring to. After he examined them, he happily agreed to take them. The professor tried offering his current ax to me, but I refused. Since, you know, I do more damage when fighting barehanded.
“Again, thank you for everything! We’ve all gotten much stronger and are still alive thanks to you!”
“Eh, it’s nothing much. Just glad I could help. Now, y’all get out of here and complete the Quest.”
The four of them waved goodbye as they exited the campus. I watched as they walked away, feeling just a little sad to have lost my new companions. But, I still had to find Johnathon. Give him the Items I acquired from hunting the hobgoblin mage or whatever it was.
“Now, where did he wonder off to after we got separated?”
Running back in the direction of the last place I saw him, I made it there within a couple seconds.
“I’ll admit, it was nice being in a group for a short time. But I’m glad I can now move at full speed again.”
Entering the partially devastated building, I looked all around for my acquaintance. However, there was no trace of him so far. Suddenly, though, I felt a presence behind me.
“Easy does it. If you’re human, don’t attack. If you’re a monster, I’ll give you a 30 second head start.”
“Dexter? Is that you?”
Turning around, I saw that it was Johnathon. Even though it had only been a handful of hours, he looked different. His clothing was torn and bloodstained, his face was smudged with who knows what, and his hair was very disheveled.
“Looks like you’ve been through some stuff.”
He grinned.
“Yeah, man, I’ve been having to fight off a few monsters here and there. I’ve reached Level 5 and even got a couple of Skills and Items. How about you?”
“I fought some more bosses, got some Skills and Items, reached Level 17, and helped some people escape the campus. Oh, and I also have some Items I think would be good for you.”
I handed Johnathon the [Curse Bolt] Skill Book, the [Magician’s Staff], and the [Orb of Darkness].
“Woah! Where’d you get these?!”
“I fought some kind of hobgoblin mage in the gym. It was annoying, especially since it got darker the deeper I went in, but I won. And since I don’t have a high enough Int stat, or a lot of MP, I figured you could use those better than me.”
“Well, thanks. These are really sweet Items. I’ll definitely take good care of them.”
“Good. Also, I discovered some things. When you get achievements, not only can you get Titles, but you also get points. Not sure what all they’re used for, but so far, I’ve used them to buy Class Skills. Because when I reached Level 10, I was able to pick a Class Card.”
“Oh, interesting. Have you tried doing anything else yet with these points?”
“Nah, wanted your opinion and ideas first. You know more than I do about stuff like this.”
“Alright, I’ll give it some thought. Also, what Class did you get?”
“I grabbed a card that had six stars on it, which gave me the [Asura] Class. However, it said my body was too weak and I was forced to be a [Lowest-Grade Asura] for now.”
“Wait, it says you were too weak? Then how strong does someone have to be for that Class???”
“I’ve got no idea. Anyway, I’m gonna get back to killing monsters. I want to complete this Quest by killing all the monsters.”
“If anyone could, it’d be you.”
“Thanks. Now, where do you think I should start?”
“Well, we know there’s several bosses roaming around the campus, and that they seem to have different monsters under their command. Now, how many bosses have you killed so far?”
“I think it’s been four. Because there was the [Enraged Ogre], the [Hobgoblin Black Magician], and the [Minotaur Guardian]. Though it said that the minotaur was some kind of Sentinel Monster, not a Boss Monster. Also, I think I killed an Elite Monster at some point?”
John’s eyes went a bit wide. However, he didn’t seem too shocked or surprised by these accomplishments.
“Makes sense, given your monstrous strength. So, what I suggest, is that we focus on eliminating all of the bosses and other similar types of monsters, such as sentinels and elites. That way, the weaker monsters won’t have any leadership and hopefully will lose their morale and organization.”
“Okay, sure, sounds good. Any ideas where another boss might be?”
“Nope.”
“Well, that’s helpful.”
Stopping to think for a moment, I remembered something.
“After I killed that Elite Monster, which I think was an orc or something like that, I got a notice saying that a Boss Monster called the [Orc Warlord] was now watching me. Maybe I can lure it out and challenge it to a duel? The elite I fought seemed to place importance on things like that.”
“Sounds like a plan to me. Alright then, Dexter, I guess you’ve just gotta get its attention now.”
“Right.” Leaping out of the hole in the building, I landed in the grass below. Inhaling deeply, I shouted to get the boss’s attention. “Hey! [Orc Warlord]! I killed your minion! Now it’s your turn! Face me in a duel, or else you’re a coward!”
[Boss Monster [Orc Warlord] has taken notice of your challenge.]
[It has chosen to accept your challenge and face you in a duel.]
[This duel has been recognized by the System and acknowledged as an official Quest.]
[Quest: Defeat the [Orc Warlord]]
[You have issued a challenge to the Boss Monster [Orc Warlord]. You must now face it on your own in single combat.]
[Rewards: ???]
[Failure Penalty: death]
The ground began shaking. Looking around, I saw a massive figure that looked similar to the orc I fought before. However, this one was wearing sturdier, less mismatched armor and was almost twice as big. Its ape-like face was covered with scars and its tusks jutted far above its bottom lip. Raising the swords it held in both hands, it roared and charged.
“I have come for our duel, human!”