I'm all good, just navigating through the day. Hmm, what's going on? Are you lost?" Michael interjected, approaching me.
"Y-Yes, I seem to have lost my way to the library. Could you lend a hand?" I requested, not entirely deceptive as this body lacked knowledge of the library or laboratory, solely familiar with the classroom and the direct route home.
~Ding
You garnered 10 points from Michael (Confusion).
Michael raised an eyebrow, "Hold on, you're a fourth-year student based on your uniform. Why wouldn't you know the route to the library?"
"Well, truth be told, I've never ventured into the school library before. I urgently require a specific book," I replied, maintaining partial honesty as the necessity to locate that book arose.
"What book exactly?" he interrogated me, an edge of suspicion in his gaze.
~Ding
You earned 10 points from Michael (Suspicion).
I couldn't disclose the actual book's significance, but hesitated, "It's the school's history book."
"Enough, Michael," Richard interjected, glancing at me with a smirk. "Can't you see you're making him uncomfortable?"
Perplexed by the reference to peeing my pants, I refrained from retorting and simply observed their towering presence. Were they akin to tall trees or some other colossal entity?
They exchanged glances and chuckled at the exchange.
"I'll cease the inquiries, my apologies for that," Michael apologized.
"T-then could you please direct me?" I implored.
Sighing, Michael relented, "Alright, the library is located on the first floor to the left, then turn right, and you'll find it."
"Thank you," I expressed gratitude, relieved that they didn't resort to violence.
~Ding
You gained 20 points from Richard, Michael (Amusement).
~Ding
You have completed Mission #1; please claim your rewards.
With the rewards in hand, I excused myself, heading to the restroom first before accessing the rewards.
~Ding
Here are your rewards:
Golden Key
Unique skill: Guardian Summon (evolvable)
Job: Summoner (evolvable)
Guardian Summon: This skill summons two tank-type guardians to protect you, capable of deflecting various attributes and skills.
Cooldown: 3 days
Summoner: You have the ability to summon any creature you've defeated; however, their skills are limited, and their ranks are reduced by one.
That should help me on my journey.
Golden Key: Enables access to an A-EX rank realm.
Usage: Twice
~Ding
Your Level 2 mission: Acquire 0/1,000 experience points from the realm. Your rewards will be contingent on your cumulative experience points gained.
Although I contemplated attempting it now, my academic responsibilities must take precedence. Additionally, I need to retrieve that book.
~Ding
Notification: The Golden Key will randomize doors within D-S ranked realms. The key's validity extends for one month.
However, time is of the essence. I must swiftly progress to level 100 to confront the impending trials effectively.
"System, activate the key," I decided, notifying my teacher of my absence.
~Ding
The designated realm: [Arachnae Cave], featuring an A-ranked classification.
Cursing under my breath, I brace myself for the task ahead.
~Ding
Linked mission: Raid and Defeat the Spider Empress. Reward: 2 Legendary skills tailored to your job, 10,000 experience points, Skill Enhancement (allows for randomizing enhancements, alteration, and enhancements to a chosen skill), and unlocks missions 3-5. Fixed bonus rewards will be tied to your progress.
The stakes are high with a potential penalty of death.
"System, open the status window."
~Ding
|Name: Nyx |Rank: EX |HP:250/250
|Karma:110
|Level: 1 |Title: Pioneer |MP: 250/250
|Job: Summoner |Occupation: All-Rounder
|Skill tree (locked) |Karma Market
|Achievements |System Store (locked)
"Access Karma Market."
~Ding
Karma Market: Just state an item to search for.
"Locate a fire mage staff priced between 50-70 points."
~Ding
Searching...
Kestis Flame Staff: 50 points
Margrave Staff: 50 points
Blackwood Staff: 50 points
"Find antidote potions next."
~Ding
Searching...
Small Antidote Potions (1 set): 20 points
Medium Antidote Potions (1 set): 30 points
Large Antidote Potions (1 set): 60 points
"It's pricey, costing 4 pieces in 1 set...Nevertheless, I have no choice. System, I'll purchase the Blackwood Staff and one set of Large Antidote Potions. Also, provide me with a map of the cave."
-Blackwood Staff
Deals 150% magic damage. Contains 3 advanced fire magic types and basic spells.
-Advanced Magic
Fire Wall: Generates a fire barrier around you, lasting for 3 minutes, with 10 mana consumption.
Chain Explosion: Releases a fireball that explodes multiple times upon impact with an enemy, lasting for 3 explosions, and 20 mana consumption.
Fire Spirit: Summons the low fire spirit Ingrid to assist you for 5 minutes, with 70 mana consumption.
Large Antidote Potions
-Neutralizes poison effects for 30 minutes.
Entering the cave, I examined the map of [Arachnae Cave], revealing three underground floors. The initial level concealed a toxic fog, along with Arachnae guards and warriors. In most games, Arachnae beings resemble spiders, complete with venomous threats. Their webs are similarly poisonous, inflicting ongoing damage upon entrapment. They attack in groups, releasing wave after wave. However, their vulnerability is to fire.
I'll consume the potion first and confront the waves while advancing towards the center of the first floor.
After nearly two hours of relentless combat, with one potion set already consumed, and my mana reserves depleting, I pause to rest, only to be confronted by the final wave.
Time to conclude this. Initiating the incantation,
"Fire Wall," A towering barrier of flames envelops me, its heat enough to induce profuse sweating, but it serves as a defensive shield against the oncoming threat.
"Chain Explosion," A small fireball aimed at the heart of the wave detonates thrice, obliterating the final assault.
The sub-boss of the first level emerges, the Arachnae General, larger than the previous foes, boasting triple my HP. Thanks to the prior Chain Explosion, its health is now equal to mine. I cast the spell once more, draining my remaining mana, but the outcome justifies the sacrifice.
~Ding
I vanquish the first-floor boss, the Arachnae General.
Rewards: 3000 EXP, Rare Skill, Random Items, 3 uncommon skills. A new system function is unlocked.
I've reached level 5 without relying on the Level up Missions, resulting in special and bonus rewards.
Special Rewards:
3 random special skills
Bonus Rewards:
5000 Exp
10,000 Karma points
In my curiosity, I inquire, "System, what distinguishes Unique from Special skills?"
~Ding
Unique Ranks: Exclusive to a select few individuals
Special Ranks: Tailored for only one individual
"Oh, please reveal the Special Skills to me," I request.
~Ding
Random Special Skills:
Abyss Magic
Nether Magic
Sacred Magic
These special skills have opened new avenues within my skill tree.
"Skill Tree," I command, summoning a constellation of stars to surround me.
~Ding
|Skill Tree
-|Gaia [Earth, Air, Fire, Water]
-|Nether [Dark Elements]
-|Abyss [Death and Soul Elements]
-|Sacred [Holy Scriptures]
-|Void [Locked]
-|Mystic [Locked]