Perched atop the colossal tree branch, the group decided to unveil the rewards of their initial challenge before moving. Casper, fixated his eyes on the ethereal system window, whispering, "Open reward."
In response, a mysterious silver box materialized in the air, its otherworldly aura capturing the moonlight. The silver box slowly unfolded, revealing a metallic hatchet adorned with intricate golden symbols.
As the hatchet emerged, a window materialized before it, providing cryptic details. [A metallic hatchet, weighing 2.5 tons, with the unique ability to return to its owner.]
Casper, disappointed by a hatchet, tossed it to Fray, remarking, "This weapon suits you more, Sir."
Fray, seized the weapon, scrutinizing it with an expert eye. "Yes, this will be useful. Thank you," he acknowledged with a nod.
Casper, seeking an alternative item, inquired, "Does anyone possess an item ill-fitted to their needs?" A glimmer of hope sparked in his eyes.
Yet, Adam with calm eyes clutched a bracelet with resolute determination. "This bracelet adds 10 points of energy. Perfect for me," he proclaimed.
Casper's crestfallen gaze then turned to Elisa, who cradled a book with an air of contemplation. "It's a sword energy manipulation skill but I already have a skill. However, I believe I have found a worthy recipient," she mused, her gaze fixated on Rin's agile maneuvers against the monsters below.
Sighing in acceptance, Casper redirected his query as he observed three stones of varied hues and textures cradled in Fray's hand. Unable to conceal his curiosity, he inquired, "What is this, sir?"
In his characteristically calm voice, Fray responded, "These are enhancing gems. However, we can't utilize them at this moment."
Enhancing gems, cryptic relics of power, used to forge formidable weapons. Yet, in the novel the current generation lacked the knowledge and skills to unlock their true potential, so they remained a mystery for years to come.
It was only when humanity discovered other continents that the true might of these gems became apparent. Other races wielded weapons crafted with gems, weapons that could turn ordinary humans into formidable warriors without the need for extensive training.
Stowing the enhancing gems away with a deliberate motion, Fray turned to the expectant group. "It's time to open the golden reward," he declared.
The air became charged with intrigue, for the silver boxes had already yielded items coveted even by the mightiest families. As the golden box was unveiled, anticipation gripped the group.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Suddenly, a golden necklace adorned with a gem resembling an eye emerged—the golden eye.
Fray's gaze widened as he beheld the artifact, his thoughts racing, (This is a cheat code.)
[ Item name: Golden Eye
Description: You can examine the information, stats, and weaknesses of every creature in the Old Continent. You can use this item once every day. ]
" Use all your exp points to raise your stats, it's time to advance " Fray said
. . .
Upon the desolate battlefield, tens of human warriors formed a grim wall, a feeble defiance against the encroaching tide of inky monsters. The realization dawned upon them - unity was their only chance at survival.
Amid the chaotic struggle, a squad of four women emerged, veiled in cloaks of black and red, obscuring their identities. Their swords danced with lethal precision, weaving a deadly symphony within the grim tableau.
Among them, a woman named Lila, clad in light black metallic armour with a distinctive red cloak adorning her head, wielded a tall black and razor-sharp scythe { image in comments}
In the brutal melee, Lila's blade clashed against nightmarish foes, and her thoughts echoed bitterly. "To think such low creatures would pose a threat to me, the once-great witch of the dark hollow. Damn it, we're still distant from the Fortress," she thought with a frustrated expression.
In the relentless downpour and the oppressive darkness, Lila's dance with the nightmarish horde continued each movement a testament to the resilience of those who had once wielded strength, now reduced to seeking survival within the shadows of a besieged land.
As a glimmer of hope ignited among the warriors, the monstrous onslaught seemed to wane. Victory appeared within reach, and a fleeting sense of relief touched their hearts. Yet, their optimism turned to terror as, emerging from the dense forest, a horde of hundreds more monsters charged forth.
Horror-stricken, the warriors let out screams of fear. Some fled, succumbing to panic, while Lila, with a pallid face, pondered, (Am I going to die here?) Just as despair threatened to engulf her, a mighty rush of wind shattered the oppressive air.
Attempting to discern the source, Lila's attention was drawn to a metallic object hurtling past her at an unimaginable speed, cleaving through the rain with lethal precision. It targeted the monstrous horsemen, its searing heat decimating the front line of the horde, leaving behind a trail of fallen bodies.
Upon the metallic object's impact on the earth, Lila's gaze fixated on an emerging metallic hatchet, an ominous artifact embedded in the ground. Peculiar, dark creatures clung to its handle, ensnared in the aftermath. Before Lila could fathom the surreal sequence, an immense explosion erupted from the hatchet, annihilating every monstrous entity within a diameter exceeding tens of meters.
Simultaneously, a digital window materialized before Lila:
[ Merciless Clan killed 52 Dark Cruellers, gaining 52 experience points. ]
( Merciless Clan ?? ) Lila's gaze shifted, and she beheld a group of six figures, clad in dark armours with massive wings unfurled on their backs, soaring above them.
As the group continued their surge, their dark silhouettes cutting through the stormy night, Elisa's ethereal prowess unfolded.
With a sword materialized in her grip, she held it down, white energy swirling around the blade. Suddenly, the energy transformed into a tempest of sharp force, a blinding storm cleaving through the darkness.
Elisa descended upon the monstrous horde, her sword slicing through the air. The storm of energy surged forward, a merciless cascade that landed upon the twisted forms of the monsters. In its wake, tens of creatures fell, their grotesque forms dissolving into the shadows.
[ Merciless Clan has killed 61 Dark Cruellers, gaining 61 experience points. ]
Lila, eyes wide with astonishment, murmured in disbelief, "When did they become this powerful?"
Unrelenting, the Merciless Clan, without pausing, swiftly halved the monstrous horde with just two devastating attacks as they pressed forward towards the Fortress.
. . .
The six figures, clad in ominous dark armour, stood stoically at the river's edge under the ceaseless rain. Their eyes fixed on the foreboding fortress across the strong current, a silent behemoth wrapped in a malevolent aura. An ancient, worn bridge spanned the river, connecting their side to the mysterious stronghold.
Fray, gazed at the fortress and asked, "Are you ready?"
The group responded in unison with a resolute "Yes."
Thus, as Fray took the first step onto the bridge, the closed windows on the fortress walls creaked open, revealing a multitude of grotesque eyes staring out from the darkness.
Simultaneously, the massive wooden doors swung wide, exposing a cavernous mouth with razor-sharp teeth. A deafening roar echoed through the desolate landscape.
"Roooar!!"