Chapter 33 - Choice of title

After reaching level twenty-five, I progressed by defeating monster after monster until reaching level 26. It was exactly the level I needed to elevate my skill to level 5. From the start, my main goal was the giant bees.

Currently, they were the highest-level monsters and, overall, represented a considerable challenge to defeat. However, that changed since I upgraded my skill [Kinetic Touch] to level 5. Now, I was capable of bringing them to me, and once close enough, they became nothing more than walking experience points.

At this exact moment, I fixed my gaze on the last of the giant bees. My hand pointed in its direction, and my skill [Kinetic Touch] was activated. Its body trembled as I controlled it, forcing it to approach me. Once it was close enough, I simply severed it with my scythe. At that instant, new translucent screens appeared before me.

You defeated [Giant Bee - Lv - 25] Experience was gained.

You leveled up [26] -> [27] and gained 5 stat points and 1 skill point.

After defeating one of the last remaining monsters, once again a screen indicating that I had increased my level appeared. Since reaching level 25, I didn't think I could rise beyond level 26 before the end of the blood moon, but in the end, I somehow managed.

After defeating this last Giant Bee, the monster outbreak had finally ended. At least, I couldn't spot any more monsters, no matter how much I looked. The only visible beings now were the dead, many of them with severed heads or missing body parts.

Anyway, we could finally rest again, at least until the next blood moon arose. If we consider that each blood moon marks the advent of night, then at this moment, we are probably entering our third day here.

"Just five more days..." I murmured as I watched the sky. "Just five more days and we'll finally go back home. Finally, I'll be able to see my little sister" My words escaped as a audible whisper only to me.

After that, I started walking towards the bus once again. On the way, I came across several monster corpses scattered on the ground, along with some of the passengers. By now, they didn't even look me in the eye. Honestly, I can't blame them. After what I did to that guy in front of everyone, they probably see me as a lunatic capable of killing without apparent reason.

But no one knows that guy actually tried to kill me. In fact, he almost succeeded, if it wasn't for my rune, I'd be dead now. There was no way I could spare him after what he did to me. That's why I killed him.

As these thoughts swirled in my mind, I barely noticed I had already reached the bus. Ellen and Noelle were there, waiting for me. Although Noelle still seemed a bit shy around me, her sweet smile was evident on her face.

"I fulfilled my promise, didn't I?" I said, approaching Noelle.

Hearing my words, Ellen seemed confused, but Noelle, behind her, nodded with a happy smile on her face. With that, the three of us boarded the bus. There were only a few passengers left who refused to leave. Somehow, most seemed to have understood that staying there meant being in constant danger.

"Oh, right! I got a weapon just like yours" exclaimed Ellen with a proud smile on her face.

Saying those words, Ellen spread her hands to the sides and, in a bright flash, a bow appeared in her hands. Holding the bow firmly, she looked at me with a proud smile on her face. Honestly, I wasn't sure why she was acting like that.

"Okay... so you must have reached level 20, right?" I spoke, keeping a calm look as I stared at Ellen.

"... honestly, I thought you'd be a little more surprised. Not everyone can reach level 20, you know? Probably the others closest to it are Noelle and... well, Leo" said Ellen, the last part making her scratch her cheek.

I raised an eyebrow at her words. Ellen probably thought Leo and I were fighting or something. Well, I can't blame her for thinking that. Technically, I had punched him a few hours ago, but honestly, I didn't care much about Leo.

"Putting Leo aside, what level are you and Noelle at?" I questioned.

Listening to my words, Ellen pointed to herself.

"I'm at level 21 and Noelle is at level 18" explained Ellen. Then she focused her gaze on me, clearly wanting something.

"I'm at level 27, if you're wondering" I declared.

The words seemed to surprise Ellen, who opened her mouth in astonishment. Well, even I understood why she would react like that. It might not seem like it, but leveling up is much harder than it seems. After all, not dying in the process becomes the trickiest part.

"Anyway, congratulations. But why a bow?" Hearing my question, Ellen put on a smug smile for some reason. "Curious about me, are you?"

I almost laughed at her words. For some reason, she suddenly started acting like an adult. Well, technically, we were both adults.

"I wouldn't necessarily say I'm curious about you. I mean, when I chose a scythe instead of a sword or dagger, didn't you find that strange?"

My words made the smug smile on Ellen's face almost instantly fade away. Then she simply sighed.

"Well, it's you we're talking about. Anyway, when I was choosing rewards, this bow was being recommended, saying it would be the best match for my rune" explained Ellen as she made her bow disappear again.

"By the way, since you've passed level 25, you can choose your title now, right?" Ellen asked as she looked at me with curiosity shining in her eyes.

"I was just about to do that now, actually. I haven't looked at the available classes for me yet"

With these words, I opened my status window and mentally visualized the icon to claim my reward for reaching level 25. Just like when choosing a weapon, a series of screens popped up, each displaying a different title accompanied by a detailed explanation.

Indomitable Warrior.

This title is reserved for true seekers of excellence in combat. The class of indomitable warriors is dedicated to mastering the sword, granting extraordinary abilities to its users. With unwavering dedication, they hone their battle prowess, elevating their fencing skill by 30% and their strength by 25%.

Sharpshooter.

This title is reserved for long-range shooters. When wielding a bow, a bonus of 30% accuracy and an additional 25% hit chance is granted.

Furious Berserker.

This title is reserved for warriors who seek glory on the battlefield. It not only increases the bearer's physical strength by 30%, but also grants a special ability. The more enemies the title bearer faces, the greater the bonus, up to 50%.

Loyal Guardian.

The title of Guardian is for those who seek to defend not only themselves but others as well. When used in conjunction with a shield, it amplifies defense by 30%. Furthermore, as more people require protection, the bonus can grow, reaching up to 50%.

Although I already knew the titles would earn me benefits, I didn't expect this much. However, except for the title [Indomitable Warrior], none of the others interested me. So, I continued to scroll down, going through several other titles, in search of something specific that might be present. It didn't take long for a smile to form on my face as I found the desired title on the translucent screen in front of me.

Bloody Reaper.

The title of Death Bearer is conferred only upon those who have faced death and understand it in its essence. The one who holds it gains the power of the dead, growing in strength with each life they reap, able to reach up to 60% of their total potency. Additionally, their death-related abilities are amplified by 25%, thanks to this unique skill.