Following the grueling battle with the lightning cats, Gabriel was utterly spent. He had been pushing himself relentlessly ever since leaving the Valley of Wolf, venturing deeper into the treacherous Lightning Forest. One battle led to another, leaving him no opportunity to rest, and to compound his exhaustion, he hadn't taken any Mana Potions to replenish his rapidly depleting reserves.
Feeling both physically and mentally drained, Gabriel sought out a secluded corner where he could finally rest and recuperate. He knew that if he was to continue his journey, he would need to restore his strength and energy. Taking out his potions, he drank deeply, allowing his weary body to begin its recovery.
[Convert Beast Core to Harmony Essence? Y/N?]
Gabriel clicked "Yes," and another prompt appeared.
[Prompt! You obtain 2600 Harmony Essence]
With newfound confidence, Gabriel decided to upgrade his equipment. Using the Harmony Essence, he enhanced his gear, transforming his current robe into a Wolven Robe.
[Can be upgraded, use 10,000 Harmony Essence, Y/N?]
As he clicked "Yes," a sudden surge of energy coursed through him. The robe he wore began to radiate an intense black and white light, so bright that it momentarily blinded him. Gradually, the light subsided, revealing a new piece of equipment that replaced his old robe. This garment was unlike anything he had ever encountered before. Intricate patterns adorned the fabric, and an otherworldly aura seemed to pulse from it. Excitement and anticipation welled up inside Gabriel as he donned the new robe, eager to uncover the powers it held.
[Name: Gold Robe]
[Type: Cloth Armor]
[Defense: 75]
[Rarity: Green]
[Description: The church honors those who stand with them in battle by bestowing a unique and distinguished robe. This garment symbolizes honor and commitment, reminding the wearer of the sacrifices and dedication required to fight alongside the church.
Additional Attributes:
+30 INT
+15 VIT
+15% Max HP
Special Effect: Healing +10%
Set Effect:
2-Piece Bonus:
+10% Healing
+300 HP
[Durability: 100/100]
...
Gabriel couldn't believe his luck today. When he upgraded his equipment, he never imagined he would acquire not just one, but two pieces of a set. Overcome with excitement, he quickly equipped his new robe and eagerly checked his updated stats, marveling at the significant boost in his power and abilities.
[Name: Gabriel Heart]
[Class: Cleric]
[Level: 3, Iron Early Stage]
[Health Point: 1590/1590 (400)]
[Mana: 2520/3320]
[Experience: 21/3000]
[Magic Attack: 282 (+500)]
[Defense: 117+75+45]
[Attributes: STR: 10, AGI: 6, DEX: 12, INT: 39 (+47), VIT: 21 (+32)]
[Skills:
Light Hurricane Level 3
Healing Totem Level 3
Goddess Blessing Level 1]
[Tome Skill:
Tail Wind]
[Talent: [☯] Yin-Yang Soul Harmony (D)]
[Harmony Essence: 1600]
[Equipment: Gold Staff, Gold Robe
Equipment Effect:
Healing +40%
+25% Max HP
+300 HP]
...
Gabriel's laughter rang out through the forest as he reviewed his stats. He couldn't contain his excitement as he fully grasped the power of his skill, [Healing Totem]. The numbers showed that it could heal a minimum of 3500 points per second, even without any buffs. But the real kicker was that if he reversed the skill using his talent, he could unleash a devastating 18,000 points of damage.
As he considered these possibilities, Gabriel's mind raced with thoughts of facing the Wind Wolf King. Just by standing still and casting his skill, he could defeat the beast in under five seconds. And if he enhanced his damage output by another 20%, he could bring the creature down in just four seconds.
Feeling a deep sense of calm, Gabriel closed his eyes and allowed himself to rest, his thoughts still buzzing with the potential he now wielded.
...
In a remote and enigmatic corner of an ancient forest, a determined warrior found himself locked in a fierce battle with a wild boar. The air was filled with the clash of metal and the enraged snarls of the boar as the warrior skillfully dodged and countered with lightning-fast strikes.
As the boar charged toward him with unyielding determination, the warrior grimaced, silently cursing his misfortune at being caught in such a dangerous situation. Despite his fear, he didn't hesitate, swinging his razor-sharp axe with deadly precision at the charging beast. The loud clang of metal reverberated through the forest as the warrior fought with all his might to fend off the ferocious creature.
"Damn it!" someone muttered under their breath as they checked the assessment ranking, bewildered by how Gabriel had managed to secure such a high position.
As the warrior continued his relentless assault, his axe moved swiftly and decisively, cutting through his enemy with the resolve of one who would not be defeated.
[Prompt! You have killed Earth Boar! Gain exp 77]
After dispatching the Earth Boar, the warrior yanked his axe from its skull and immediately checked the ranking list.
[Assessment Ranking Board]
[First Place: Gabriel Heart
No. of Kills = 29 - Iron ★, 18 - Iron ★★, 13 - Iron ★★★, 3 - Iron★★★★, 1 - Iron ★★★★★★★★★★
Points = 1260
Class: Support-Type, Healing]
[Second Place: Tigram Gray
No. of Kills = 21 - Iron ★, 15 - Iron ★★, 5 - Iron ★★★, 3 - Iron★★★★
Points = 780
Class: Berserk-Type, Barbarian]
[Third Place: Dave Blake
No. of Kills = 19 - Iron ★, 11 - Iron ★★, 5 - Iron ★★★, 1 - Iron ★★★★★
Points = 610
Class: Warrior-Type, Swordsman]
Tigram's voice echoed in frustration, "How is it possible that Gabriel has more points than me? He doesn't even have a party!" Tigram couldn't comprehend why his score was so much lower than Gabriel's, despite his relentless efforts.
...
On the day of the assessment, Tigram arrived at the school early, not to show off his status as a student, but to warn others against teaming up with Gabriel. He was convinced that this was a one-on-one competition. To Tigram, the true measure of success wasn't how fast one could level up, but how many monsters one could slay in the Mystical Realm.
Both Tigram and Gabriel had passed the awakening ritual and obtained classes that suited their respective strengths. They had also acquired unique talents and skills that set them apart. But Tigram was determined to prove who was truly stronger by challenging Gabriel to kill a monster without any assistance. This was his way of testing their abilities, to see if Gabriel's intelligence could truly surpass Tigram's raw strength.
No matter what class they had awakened, Tigram refused to underestimate Gabriel. He had known since childhood just how formidable an opponent Gabriel could be. Tigram's pride wouldn't allow any outside intervention, even if it meant putting their lives on the line during this challenge.
...
Tigram checked his status panel.
[Name: Tigram Gray]
[Class: Barbarian]
[Level: 3, Iron Early Stage]
[Health Points: 540/540]
[Mana: 30/250]
[Experience: 424/1500]
[Defense: 83]
[Physical Attack: 96 (+110)]
[Attributes: STR: 23 (+3), AGI: 7, DEX: 6, INT: 3, VIT: 13 (+2)]
[Skills:
Wrathful Attack Level 3
War Cry Attack Level 1]
[Talent: Berserk (O)]
[Equipment: Iron Battle Axe, Battle Plate
Equipment Effect:
+100 HP]
...
Tigram was fueled by an intense desire to prove himself and surpass his rival. Determination etched across his face, he closed his status panel and set off towards Dusk Valley. Little did he know that the valley was teeming with dangers that could threaten his very life. But Tigram's focus was solely on his goal, and he pressed on, oblivious to the perils that lay ahead.
...
Grassland, inside the Mysterious Realm.
[Prompt! You have killed Forest Snake! Gained exp +250]
[Congratulations! You leveled up, +1 level]
[Congratulations! You obtained 5 status points]
[Congratulations! You obtained 1 skill point]
The forest reverberated with a deafening roar that shattered the serene silence. The figure, his face twisted in rage, had just checked the Assessment Ranking List and was infuriated to discover that Gabriel had overtaken him.
[Name: Dave Blake
Place: Third
No. of Kills = 19 - Iron ★, 11 - Iron ★★, 5 - Iron ★★★, 2 - Iron ★★★★★
Points = 660
Class: Warrior-Type, Swordsman]
Dave vented his frustration by picking up a nearby tree and slicing it in half with a single blow. The sound of the trunk splitting echoed through
the forest. He repeated the act several times until his rage began to subside.
As he struggled to regain his composure, Dave muttered curses under his breath, all directed at Gabriel. He had been certain that his series of fights and kills would place him ahead of Gabriel, but instead, the gap between them had only grown wider. His jealousy and frustration were driving him to the edge of sanity, but he forced himself to calm down by taking deep, steadying breaths.
After a few moments, Dave opened his status panel and allocated his points, splitting them between 3-STR and 2-AGI. He was determined to deal more damage and become more agile in battle.
...
[Name: Dave Blake]
[Class: Squire]
[Level: 3 - Early Iron Level]
[Health Points: 650/650]
[Mana: 300/300]
[Experience: 57/1500]
[Defense: 110]
[Physical Attack: 87(+95)]
[Attributes: STR: 20 (+3), AGI: 14 (+1), DEX: 6, INT: 3, VIT: 11 (+5)]
[Skills:
Triple Slash Level 3
Parry Level 1]
[Talent: Infinity Edge (O)]
[Equipment: Iron Sword, Breast Plate
Equipment Effect:
+300 HP]
With his eyes blazing with anger, Dave closed the status panel and began to roam the forest, hunting for prey.
...
As we venture into Dusk Valley, we observe three individuals moving in different directions, unaware that their paths are gradually converging toward the valley's center. One of them is about to step into the dense forest, another has already entered the valley, and the third is already halfway to the center. As we follow the path they tread, we notice numerous lifeless monsters strewn about, each a silent testament to the fierce battles that have occurred in this haunting place.
...
"Light Hurricane"
Whoosh!!
-2500 HP
[Prompt! You Killed Nether Bat! Gain exp 15!]
Gabriel's skill sliced through the creature, leaving it lifeless on the ground. Despite his victory, frustration gnawed at him as he stared at the dozens of Nether Bats ahead. He had hoped for a more formidable foe, but all he encountered were these 1★-Iron stage pests.
As he continued toward the valley's center, he couldn't help but feel disheartened by the sheer number of Nether Bats he encountered. Though not particularly strong, they were slowly draining his mana, and he knew he couldn't afford to let his guard down. His instincts urged him to prepare, so he cast [Goddess Blessing] and [Tail Wind] on himself, readying for whatever awaited him.
[Damage Up] Experience Effect! Increase Magic Attack!
[Shield] Experience Effect! Blocks damage 3x the caster's HP!
[Immunity] Experience Effect! Immune to negative buffs!
[SpeedUp] Experience Effect! Increase movement speed!
Gabriel had been using his magic extensively, and he could feel his mana levels depleting rapidly. He knew he had to act fast before they ran out entirely. Without hesitation, he stopped, reached into his magic bag, and pulled out a small flask containing a bright blue liquid. He unscrewed the cap and took a long swig, feeling the cool liquid flow down his throat and into his system. As he drank, he could feel his mana levels gradually climbing back up. He continued drinking until he felt the familiar surge of power course through his veins. His mana capacity restored to 1900, Gabriel was now fully prepared for whatever lay ahead.
Suddenly, as if responding to his renewed strength, a deafening roar echoed through the forest, startling Gabriel. The roar was followed by a powerful explosion, sending shockwaves through the air and shaking the ground beneath him.
ROOOOOOAAAR!!!!!
BOOM!!!!!
Gabriel knew he had to be ready for anything. Bracing himself, he prepared for whatever might come next.