Special Quest

He had recovered some HP, MP, and SP while fighting for some reason. Without wasting time, Bruce shot a Fireball toward the rat that was coming in his direction. Since the monster was just ten meters away from him, Bruce hit the monster's face and made it explode.

Diane and Chris couldn't believe what they saw, but when they checked their HUD bar, they noticed that, somehow, they also recovered some of their energy. Without a hint of hesitation, they shot Fireballs toward the monsters. When the creature's head exploded, they noticed something once again: their MP had recovered by one point.

"You obtained 14 experience points.

You obtained 01 spiritual coin."

"It seems we can recover our energy by defeating monsters," Bruce said and then turned around and picked up the thing that had fallen on the ground before. "However, the values recovered aren't the same for HP and SP."

"That sounds... dangerous," Chris said. "If that is the only way to recover energy, it will be risky to let ourselves get wounded."

Diane and Bruce nodded. However, complaining about it wouldn't change anything. Instead of that, they decided to focus on the things they could control. Diane and Chris leveled up and now were checking their status while deciding what they would do with the free points they obtained. Meanwhile, Bruce picked up the helmet that had appeared when the first goblin died.

Helmet (Common) (+0):

A common helmet that possesses no significant capabilities or effects. Forged by an average blacksmith.

Physical Defense: +4

Durability: 20/20

Requirements: 5 Strength

The helmet was quite simple, made of iron and resembling a bowl, but at least it covered his ears, forehead, and the back of Bruce's head. However, since there was nothing to secure it in place, Bruce wondered if it would fall off while running or during a fight.

"I guess I will have to find a solution for this problem myself," Bruce said and then equipped the helmet. "Some sewing thread or a piece of cloth might do the trick."

"Don't you think you should consult us before equipping that?" Diane said.

"You sure like to nag, don't you?" Bruce sighed. "If you want to split the loot among us, how do you intend to do it? As far as I'm concerned, to avoid problems, the loot should go to the person who killed the monster. That way, everything will be shared based on individual luck."

"Alright then, but don't change your mind if something unexpected happens," Diane said.

Bruce sighed again, accustomed to such situations in games. Besides, he wouldn't stick with them forever. Even if Diane and Chris obtained some equipment through luck, eventually, it could be sold or traded. Instead of complaining, it was better to collect spiritual coins and find a place where they could be used.

Regardless, Bruce felt somewhat strange with the helmet on his head. It would take some getting used to, but he worried it might hinder him temporarily.

"Well, this should help me fight with more ease," Bruce muttered. "The impact of the attacks will decrease, but I shouldn't let the helmet suffer too much damage."

Bruce was ready to move on, but unlike him, who allocated all his points into strength instantly, Diane and Chris were indecisive about their choices. Although both were athletic and had good aim, they didn't enjoy close combat with enemies. They felt fear for their lives instead of the excitement Bruce felt when trading blows with monsters. It was natural since they were entirely sane, unlike Bruce.

The easiest way out would be to increase their intelligence and strengthen the power of Fireball. However, if the only way to recover energy was by defeating monsters, it would be problematic for them to engage in prolonged fights. They knew about the existence of potions, but they had no idea where to buy MP potions or if they had enough coins to purchase even one.

"We don't have all night, you know," Bruce said. "If you're worried about changing your fighting style later, then just increase your vitality. It will boost your physical defense and decrease the power of the monsters' attacks, increasing your chances of survival."

Chris and Diane acknowledged the logic behind it, but they still hesitated. Overthinking and focusing on details were common pitfalls for people who took things too seriously. While those details might save their lives someday, Bruce was more concerned about enjoying himself and achieving his objectives. If he died that night or the next day due to his choices, so be it. That was the extent of his existence.

Bruce's patience wore thin as minutes passed. Maybe it was time to part ways with the two, as he had expected would happen sooner or later. However, those thoughts vanished when he felt the ground trembling.

"An earthquake?" Bruce muttered in shock, nearly losing his balance.

It wasn't an earthquake. Bruce and the others heard something in the distance after the tremor. It was the sound of something significant collapsing... most likely, a building from the north.

"I don't like this," Diane said.

Ignoring Diane's words and hesitation, Bruce returned to the crossroad and looked north. As expected, he saw a dust cloud five hundred meters ahead. Power poles had fallen, and others were failing. From within the dust cloud emerged something massive... a gray monster. It was much larger than goblins and much bigger than himself.

"You received a special quest!

Kill the Stone Golem!

Reward: Long Sword (Rare)."

The target was a new type of monster, a Stone Golem capable of toppling a small-sized building. It was likely immune to physical attacks in Bruce's current state. However, Bruce couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.