Red Maple Leaf was eager for Xiao Hua to join, and there was a reason for this.
This reason lies in the structure of the monster zones surrounding the game cities. The monster zones outside major cities are divided according to their distance from the city, ranging from normal monster zones, reinforced monster zones, to deep monster zones.
In the normal monster zone, the monsters' levels range from level 10 to level 60. Currently, most players are active in this area. At the end of the normal monster zone around each city, there are often impassable mountains, seas, or forests, etc., where entrances leading to other cities can be found. However, simply following these paths won't lead you directly to the next city; within these entrances lies an even larger area!
This larger area is the reinforced monster zone, where the monster levels range from 50 to 65. Although the experience gained here is higher, the monsters are much stronger than those in the normal zone, both in attack and defense. The monsters respawn densely, making it extremely dangerous and costly to navigate. It's too far from the city, and although there are supply villages within, they are occupied by monsters and need to be captured by players before they can be used.
For players who still suffer casualties when dealing with high-level monsters in the normal zone, venturing into the reinforced zone is almost impossible. Therefore, no guild has yet attempted to establish a presence in the reinforced monster zone.
As for the deep monster zone, it can be accessed through specific entrances found in the reinforced monster zone. The monsters here are so powerful that only high-level rogues and thieves with advanced stealth skills have ventured in. According to their descriptions, the deep zone is not a place for humans, with anti-stealth monsters everywhere and densely packed areas, making survival difficult.
Since the game’s release, no player has walked from one city to another. Travel between cities is typically done via airships. There is even a legend that states if a player can walk from one city to another, they will receive a special reward. While everyone knows this legend, nobody has been able to verify it.
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The main quest of Oak Forest Guild requires them to operate in the reinforced monster zone. With a full guild effort, they can barely navigate the reinforced zone, but the risk of being wiped out is significant. In the past, a guild focused on exploration tried to clear a path between cities with a force of over a thousand people, only to be wiped out in the reinforced monster zone.
To reduce losses and avoid being wiped out, obtaining monster data in advance is crucial. For this, a scouting team equipped with master-level stealth and appraisal skills is essential. However, the scout team must also be able to handle combat situations when necessary.
"Let’s do this. You two have a match. Be careful not to kill each other, just let me see your skills, and I’ll make a decision afterward. Oh, and no stealth." Maple Leaf quickly came up with an idea for a PvP test. If the thief proves too weak, she would not recruit him, as losing a scout would mean the healers couldn’t revive them in time.
"This sounds good. Kid, better admit defeat now, or don’t blame me if you die. It’s easy for an assassin to accidentally deal a critical hit to a thief!" The assassin licked his lips and said with a sinister expression, willing to eliminate the competition for the spot.
Xiao Hua considered his equipment and decided to swap out some pieces. After his previous PvP experience in Black Mist City, he had kept several blue items in his bag for emergencies. He swapped his weapons and armor to appear less intimidating.
The assassin, unable to use stealth, was at a disadvantage against any class, but he showed no hesitation against the weaker thief. He charged at Xiao Hua with a dagger, eager to show his strength.
Xiao Hua observed the assassin's movements and realized his equipment was average. Xiao Hua’s familiarity with assassins gave him confidence, and he dodged the attacks easily.
The assassin was surprised by Xiao Hua’s agility and began to struggle, missing every strike. Xiao Hua continued to dodge, causing frustration for the assassin.
"Stop running, kid. You won’t beat me like this!" The assassin shouted in anger.
Xiao Hua felt a rhythm in his movements and smiled, deciding to counterattack. He allowed himself to be hit once to turn the assassin hostile before retaliating effectively.
Red Maple Leaf intervened when she saw Xiao Hua's skillful dodging and effective attacks, declaring the contest over.