Leo pulled out the charm he had salvaged earlier and used an Identify Scroll.
> Sun's Small Charm
> +5 Light Radius
> +5% Bonus to Attack Rating
> Required Level: 12
> Note: Left behind by one who aspired to bring light to the world.
>
In the game, the base light radius was 13 and capped at 18; this charm brought Leo straight to the limit. He tightened his fist and placed the charm in the very first slot of his inventory.
As if the heavens themselves were responding to his mood, they soon encountered two zombies. Leo, harboring a lingering spark of rage, didn't hesitate. He launched a short spear with such force it pierced one zombie's mouth.
Switching to The Gnasher, Leo initiated a Smite. Driven by his full strength, the shield strike triggered Crushing Blow, Open Wounds, Knockback, and Stun simultaneously. The zombie's chest collapsed, and the spear protruding from its mouth was driven through the back of its skull.
He followed up with Sacrifice, the dark power of the skill draining a bit of his own life to fuel a devastating axe swing. The zombie was hacked apart in seconds. Its companion fared no better. Among the drops was a Metal Buckle (Belt) with 16 potion slots—a massive upgrade that required 60 Strength, which Leo could now meet thanks to the bonus from The Gnasher.
Later, they encountered a Fallen. Yesterday's "Dangerous Threat" was now a "Weakling." Leo stood his ground, weathering a barrage of Fallen projectiles before closing in. He stomped on the demon's back and ended it with a few shield bashes and axe swings. The speed of their growth was terrifying.
Level 7. Leo learned Resist Cold.
> Resist Cold: Reduces cold damage for the team. Radius: 10.6 yards. Cold Resist +52%. (Hidden effect: Every 2 levels increases max resistance cap by 1%).
>
As they sat on a dry rock to eat lunch, the reality of "Nightmare Mode" logistics hit them. Without a "Cooking" skill, they were stuck chewing on cold, rock-hard bread and jerky.
This won't work, Leo thought. As we level up, we'll spend days in the wilderness. If we eat like this, our combat effectiveness will plummet. We need a teammate who can cook.
He wondered if he could hire a Rogue mercenary soon. They were known for being survival experts. I need to kill Blood Raven and get a mercenary ASAP, he resolved.
The afternoon brought another challenge: a yellow-tinted Zombie Boss.
[Fanatic Zombie. Level 38.]
Unlike the group-traveling bosses in the game, these seemed to be solo hunters. This one was fast—as fast as a Fallen. Leo held the front like a sturdy boat in a storm, using Smite to knock the boss back every time it lunged, while Majesty peppered it with Psychic Hammers and Shock Webs. They took it down without a scratch.
Ding! The sweet sound of a drop. A pile of gold, some potions, and a... Unique Dagger.
Leo's hand trembled as he identified it.
> Gull (Unique Dagger)
> One-Hand Damage: 2-19
> 100% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
> -5 to Mana
>
A Gull Dagger! It was a "Magic Find" (MF) legend, though useless for actual combat. He gave it to Majesty for self-defense and luck. Her face flushed with joy—everyone loved a Unique, even a tiny dagger.
By the end of the day, they reached Level 8. They returned to camp via Town Portal.
The mood in the Encampment was much better today. Many had survived their second day and were boasting of their exploits. Leo smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Reinhardt, look at them. Hope doesn't need to be given; it's earned.
However, his smile faded at the repair shop. Charsi's bill was 2,000 Gold. Between repairs and buying 60 Mana Potions (3,240 Gold), they were nearly bankrupt again. We need a better income stream, Leo noted grimly.
Walking toward the tavern for a celebratory (but budget) meal, a heavenly scent caught Leo's nose. It was the smell of perfectly roasted meat.
He followed the scent to find a slender girl roasting a rabbit over a small fire in front of her tent. She looked malnourished and wore basic cloth armor and leather boots—the same "scrawny Barbarian" he had seen earlier.
Despite her lack of gear, she didn't seem bothered by Leo's staring. She looked up and offered a gentle, steady smile.
Leo's mind began to race. Her physical stats might be low, but her psychological state was top-tier. In this world, attributes can be fixed with levels and gear, but a strong heart is a rare drop.
Majesty, knowing her brother all too well, whispered, "Brother, that sister is amazing. I've never smelled anything so good. Let's go talk to her."