The information infront of Joe was a lot, he needed a few seconds just to read everything carefully. This had to be by far Syr's biggest notification dump, and rightly so considering he just killed a Dungeon Boss. If he got these kinds of rewards, did Shelly receive similar rewards for playing such a huge role in killing the Dungeon Boss? Did she also have a Syr in his mind? Joe realized that he never close to nothing about how Inhabitants of this world lived their lives.
It was to be expected considering this was an entirely different realm when compared to Earth. But it also intensified the feeling, that he didn't belong here—this was not his home.
Realizing he was going to depress himself, Joe decided to shake his head. His attention turned back to the notifications infront of him.
Joe had received a new reward for killing the Dungeon Boss which gave him 5 Additional Attribute Points these were by far the biggest points he'd received from an achievement. His first focus was on distributing his points as best he could.
“Ok Syr give 4 to my defense and give 3 to my memtal strength.” These were Joe's default stats whenever he leveled up because this forest showed him just how important they were in his survival. “Give 2 points to my skill” two points probably wouldn't be much in the grand scheme of things, but Joe wanted to reinforce his skil even if it was slightly. The Great Woflin's [Crimson Claws] skill tore through his [Mana Slash] like it was nothing. He couldn't let that happen, not ever again.
[Updated Attributes]
▪︎ Skill: 43>45
▪︎ Defense: 32>36
▪︎ Mental Strength: 34>37
Joe nodded at the confirmation. His eyes fell back to Shelly's sleeping form. He moved further away from her, before finding a nice spot under a tree. “Hey syr, would it be possible if we communicate using my inner thoughts. I don't want to wake Shelly up, she's exhausted because of me. The least I can do Is let her rest.”
[Sure, I'm Already In Your Head. We Can Communicate Whichever Way You Prefer.]
“Great” Joe was already using his mind to relay that message.
His eyes fell on one of his notifications. He had recived what was called a Dungeon Item. Since he had no idea what that was, consulting Syr was the only option. “Can you explain what a Dungeon Item is to me Syr?”
[Dungeon Items, Are Items Recived After The Clearing Of A Dungeon. They Come With A Condition, You Can Not Use A Dungeon Item Outside A Dungeon.]
“Well that's disappointing.” Joe decided to keep the White Fang in his inventory for now. He'd call upon it later if things really got dangerous. Since it wasn't an item he could use outside of dugeons, Joe's excitement for acquiring it was tame.
[Outsider’s Enhancement] and The Black Blade gaining levels did bring a smile to his face but they also brought worry. Everytime his skills got stronger, they also became harder and harder to use, due to their increasing costs to activate them. During his battle with the Great Wolfin he had completely depleted his mana due to this very fact. But Joe chose not to worry about it too much, getting stronger was always a positive. He just had to manage his mana supply to ensure he never got into a situation like that one again.
He noticed that the Black Blade gained a new skill, which immediately shut down the theory he had about the Black Blade not having other skills. “Charge? What does that skill do Syr?”
[The Black Blade]
[New Skill: Charge]
Charge
▪︎ Effect: The Skill Allows You To Double The Amount Of Mana Injected Into The Black Blade, Thereby Doubling The Power Of The Black Blade's Skills.
Note: You Need A Period of 10 Seconds To Allow The Black Blade To Gather Enough Mana. After [Charge] Has Been Unleashed. You Will Lose Access To The Black Blade's Skills For A Duration Of 90 Seconds.
This was it, the skill he desperately needed if he wanted to survive attacks like [Crimson Claws] in the future. This Skill also complemented [Outsider’s Enhancement] perfectly. Joe's heart started pumping with excitement. He couldn't wait to try these out. Even after a near death experience, the idea of another battle was exhilarating. Was he always like this? This battle hungry maniac? Joe couldn't find the answer.
“The Black Blade has unlocked a new seal, what does that mean exactly.” Joe had seen these seals when Syr first described The Black Blade to him, he was intrigued by them then, but even more so now. Considering he had unlocked one of them.
[Mana Tool Seals Are Essentially The Steps You Need To Take Towards Unlocking A Mana Tool's True Potential. Almost Every Mana Tool In Existence Possess These Seals. They Can Enhance A Blade's Power Considerably.
At This Level, This is The Boost You Receive When Releasing One Of The Black Blade's Seals.
Seals: 1/ 5
▪︎ Boost: +30 Attribute Points To Your Skill.
▪︎ Mana Cost: 20 Mana Pool Points.
Like Everything Else, The Boosts And Costs Will Increase As The Black Blade Levels Up And As You Gain Access To More Seals.]
The Black Blade was finally starting to give back, after Joe's heavy investment in aiding it to grow. This also reminded him of the idea that had sparked in his brain earlier.
“Syr, the core I've just absorbed is much larger than any of the cores I've devoured up to this point. It also belongs to a (lvl 20) Mana Beast. I was thinking, would it be possible to split this core into four pieces.”
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[You Want To Split Into Four?]
“Yes, there's something I want to try.” Joe had a sly smile on his face.
[This Mana Beast Core Should Be Able To Handle That. It Belongs To A Dungeon Boss So It's Stronger Than Your Average (lvl 20) Core. What Do You Plan To Do With It.]
“Well I was thinking… my current attributes are stronger than before Yes, but I fell like i need something… something to reinforce my body. Outsider’s Enhancement X3 nearly killed me when I used it. If it wasn't for Shelly I'd be dead.
[So You Want Armour?]
‘Yes!” Joe responded emphatically. “I want 4 things. One. I want you to improve my current Outfit. Use a piece of the Mana Beast Core to improve its durability. As it is right now, it doesn't provide any protection for my body. That Dungeon Boss’s skill tore through it without an issue. I need something stronger.”
[I Can Help You With That. I'm Actually Surprised You Thought Of This Yourself.]
”I Think you'll find that I'm pretty crafty if I put my mind into it.” Joe couldn't hide his smug facial expression.
[The Dividing Of The Mana Besst Core Will Begin Shortly..]
A few seconds rolled by, before Syr came back with another notification.
[Division Complete!]
[The (Lvl 20) Dungeon Boss Mana Beast Core Has Been Split Into Four Pieces.]
[Remaining Pieces: 4]
[Since It's Been Divided Like This, Know That You've Splt It's Power Into 4. The Upgrades It Can Make With 4 Individual Pieces, Will Be Much Weaker Than They Would Be If The Core Was Still A Single Perfect Piece]
“I expected that to be case.” Joe admitted. He stood uo momentarily as he prepared for the Upgrades. “Ok Syr, Let's do this.”
[You Have Used 1/ 4 Pieces. Your Upgrade Will Begin Shortly..]
A bright blue light submerged Joe's figure. For a moment his senses dulled, he felt like he had been lifted up to heaven by an angel. Everything felt easy and weightless. This lasted for a few seconds before his senses snapped him back into reality.
[Upgrade Complete!]
Joe's jacket had been fully transformed. It had morphed into a long black cloak that reached the back of his knees. It had a tight and snug collar around his neck and overall was more comfortable and warmer than before. His pants also got the same treatment. They felt tighter and more solid around his waist and thighs. Joe's entire body felt more protected—this was exactly what he had hoped for. The best part about all of this, was how light everything was. He could move his body freely without worrying about being slowed down. It was honestly perfect for him.
[Light Armour: The Black Sheep]
Level: 5
Class: D
Description: A smooth and light piece of armour made out of a small piece of a (lvl 20) Mana Beast Core. The armour takes the form of a durable cloak and pants. This piece of equipment increases the Defensive Attributes of the wearer considerably.
Boost: +15 Defense Attribute Points. (Passive)
▪︎ Skills
Elemental Block (Passive)
The Skill Reduces The Strenghth Elemental Skills That Make Contact With The Black Sheep, While Enhancing Your Defense Attribute.
Boost; +15 Defense Attribute Points When Up Against An Elemental Skill.
Metal Skin. (Passive)
The Skill Provides Moderate Defense Against Sharp Mana Tools.
Boost: +5 Defense Points When Up Against Sharp Mana Tools
[Updated Attribute]
Defense: 36>51 [Black Sheep Passive Boost]
[Are You Happy With It?]
“Yes, I have two skills on top of my passive boost, of course I'm happy. You did good Syr.” Joe couldn't stop
admiring his new fit.
[So What Do You Want To Do With The Other Pieces]
“I want you to upgrade my boots and my gloves to protect my fists. Hitting a mana beast with your fist is satisfying, but its not fun. I want something to reduce the stress on my knuckles. As for the boots, I think I could move a lot faster, these ones feel a little bit heavy. If that makes sense.”
[I Get It]
[You Have Used 3/ 4 Pieces. Your Upgrade Will Begin Shortly..]
Joe's fists and boots were both consumed by a blue light. His hands and feet both felt tingly and ticklish. He had a wide smile on his face while the process was taking place. After a few seconds the light dimmed and the process concluded.
[Upgrade Complete!]
[Equipment: The Black Gloves.]
Level 5
Class: D
Description: Black Gloves Made Using A Small Piece Of A (lvl 20) Mana Beast Orb. The Gloves Provide Comfort Around The Hands And Enhance The Wearer's Strength Attribute.
Boost: +10 Strength Attribute Points (Passive)
[Equipment: The Black Boots,]]
Level: 5
Class: D
Description: Black Boots Made Using A Small Piece Of A (lvl 20) Mana Beast Orb. The Boots Grant The User A Stable Footing While Enhancing Their Speed Attribute.
Boost: +10 Speed Attribute Points (Passive)
[Updated Attributes]
▪︎ Strength: 42>52 [Black Gloves Passive Boost]
▪︎ Speed: 44>54 [Black Boots Passive Boost]
Joe gazed at his new boots and gloves, his already large smile growing bigger by the minute. He clenched his fists and stomped the ground to check his footing.
“Perfect! You can use the last piece on the Scorching Dagger. If I plan to use it in the future, I can't neglect it.”
[You Have Used The Last Piece To Upgrade The Scorching Dagger]
[The Mana Tool (Scorching Dagger) Has Reached (Lvl 10)]
“Great!”
Joe exhaled, he took a seat against the tree once more and he gazed at the heavens. He was making great progress, but something had been at the back of his mind, even since he arrived here in Grisha. He didn't have time to share it due to all the things he had to deal with, but now was the chance. His chance to release it all.
“Tell me Syr, what really is an Outsider? Why in the world was I transported to a world like this.”
[Well… It’s Complicated, But I’ll Try To Simplify It For You. Its A Class Assigned To Individuals Who Have Been Transported From One Planet To Another, After Their World Has Been Deleted. To Put It Simply, They Were Not Born In That World And Do Not Belong There, Hence The Name 'Outsider.' As For Why You Were Sent Here, I Can’t Answer That.]
“And why is that?”
[God Asura Has Forbidden Me From Doing So]
“Screw him Syr! Just tell me! You can't expect me to wonder around this planet without knowing why I'm even here. I need answers, now!”
[You Mustn’t Speak ill Of A God. You’re Lucky God Asura Has Not Been Himself Lately. Otherwise, You Would Be Dead.]
Joe's heart raced at Syr's words. The idea of being killed just for uttering a single insult was unreasonable and horrifying.
[Just Think Of This As Another Opportunity. A Second Chance At Life That Many Others Were Not Given. You've Seen For Yourself How Drastic This World Differs From Your Own. You Can Do So Many Things You Weren't Able To Before. Can't You Just Accept That You've Been Given Another Life And Enjoy It?]
“You want think of this as my second life?” Joe snapped. “What bullshit! What about the others Syr.” His voice grew, as spittle flew from his lips with every word he spat. “What about the billions who lost their lives? Why was I the one chosen to survive! Just… Why did my sister have to die..” Joe's tears flowed down his face, snot was also seen dripping from his nose. He sniffed it back, wiping his tears as best he could.
[I Can’t Answer All Your Questions But, I Can Tell You This. You're Not The Only Person From Earth Who Has Been Transported To Grisha.]
Joe lifted his head, he looked up at Syr’s notification with wide and hopeful eyes. His heart raced, “Are You Serious!”
[Yes, Your Family Could Still Be Alive]