Black Panther

Upon reaching level 40, Jiang Han adorned the Flame Helmet dropped by the Sharp-mouthed Fire Ape King. Upon opening the panel to examine the advancements due to his breakthrough to the Golden level, he discovered the new title — "Dark Dominator": a 250% increase in final health compared to the Dark Controller. This additional 50% boost in final health drew him closer to the true status of a Golden-level BOSS.

"On that day, perhaps I will be the strongest BOSS in 'Eternal'!" Jiang Han couldn't help but fantasize about leading countless dark legions against players, his heart surging with excitement. However, for now, he could only think about it. After all, he had checked his ranking on the Dark Camp's strength leaderboard – 84505217th place!

Due to the expedition to the Sword Pavilion, it was already eleven o'clock at night. After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Han decided to log off and conserve his energy.

"Ding!"

As Jiang Han removed his gaming helmet, his phone rang coincidentally. It was Wang Kai calling.

Picking up the phone, Jiang Han answered, "Hello?"

"Brother, amazing!" Wang Kai's voice carried excitement. "You've become the attacking BOSS for the event!"

If given the choice, who wouldn't want to become a BOSS in the game? Unfortunately, ordinary players didn't have that option. Of course, the price Jiang Han paid for this privilege was the Light Camp's wanted status and the loss of the right to resurrect – an unbearable cost for an ordinary player.

"Yeah," Jiang Han smiled. "It might be an opportunity to go abroad early."

At least in the early stages of the game, various national servers were distinct, making cross-border interactions nearly impossible. If he hadn't been assigned to the Dark Camp, he wouldn't have had this privilege.

"Make sure to stay safe," Wang Kai advised. "I checked the forums in the Romantic area, and it's already in chaos. Many players are heading to Ice and Snow City, hoping to get the first kill on you."

"I'll try to be cautious," Jiang Han assured.

...

Later, the two exchanged pleasantries on daily matters and ended the conversation.

Putting down his phone, Jiang Han took a shower and went to bed.

The next day, in the morning, like any other day, Jiang Han bought a few buns to satisfy his hunger, drank some warm water, and re-entered the game, embarking on a new day's journey.

"Swoosh!"

As white light flickered, Jiang Han reappeared in the Ghostly Swamp.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: The equipment [Swift Boots] (Silver-level) you consigned at the Qingfeng Town Auction House has been sold, earning 112 gold coins!

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: The equipment [Flame Dagger] (Golden-level) you consigned at the Qingfeng Town Auction House has been sold, earning 2147 gold coins!

...

Many system notifications chimed. Jiang Han checked and found that all the items he put up for sale had been sold.

"Can these items really fetch so many gold coins?"

Jiang Han was surprised by the unexpected outcome. After carefully examining the information panel, he realized:

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: The currency exchange system is now open, with the current exchange rate of 1 gold coin to 193 RMB!

In other words, the recharge system was fully operational, indicating that the wealthy players were ready to flex their financial muscles. Without hesitation, Jiang Han directly converted most of his gold coins into cash. The money was instantly credited to his bank account, adding nearly half a million.

Oh, what a windfall!

"Rustling..."

Suddenly, footsteps approached.

Jiang Han turned towards the source and saw five players emerging from the mist into his sight.

Apparently, they were searching for a leveling spot.

"Jiang Han Shui?"

The leader's expression changed slightly.

"Isn't our luck terrible? Encountering him here?"

"Handsome guy, it's not easy for us to level up. Spare us, okay?"

...

Encountering Jiang Han Shui was definitely not a good thing for them.

"Foolish adventurers, this is not where you should be. Allow me, the handsome guy, to send you back." Jiang Han assumed the role of an NPC, raised the Bloodthirsty Sword, and rushed in, dispatching each player with a single stroke, sending them all to the resurrection point.

-38417!

-39248!

-36741!

...

Their defenses were like illusions, with damage reaching over thirty to forty thousand. Currently, leaving aside top professional players, he had a level advantage of over ten levels compared to mainstream players, wielding a remarkably powerful Spiritual-level weapon. Anyone who could withstand his second strike was considered skilled.

"Mentor, are you there?"

After the kills, Jiang Han called out. Confirming that Cheryl had not returned yet, he decided to search for a new leveling spot on his own.

Certainly, he was intrigued by the city siege in three days, but he couldn't neglect his own level. Maintaining a sufficient advantage was crucial to avoid being killed in a player siege.

Killing a few decaying skeletons blocking the way, Jiang Han traversed the Ghostly Swamp, heading north. As the dilapidated trees gradually disappeared from his sight, a desolate and chilly wind swept through the air. Far away, a sturdy black panther roamed, indicating imminent danger.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: You have entered the map [Desolate Wilderness]!

Approaching slowly, Jiang Han threw an Insightful Eye towards the black panther –

[Black Demon Panther](Elite Monster)

Level: 50

Health: 650,000

Attack: 2650-2800

Defense: 1300-1550

Skills: [Claw Strike], [Pounce Kill], [Bloodthirsty Rampage]

Introduction: One of the predators in the Desolate Wilderness, possessing frightening speed and attacks. After being tainted by dark energy, it becomes increasingly bloodthirsty, craving slaughter.

...

Seeing the attributes of the Black Demon Panther, Jiang Han raised an eyebrow, "These stats are much higher than the level 45 Lava Python."

Elite monsters were on a completely different level than regular ones, almost described as overwhelming.

Of course, Jiang Han was not one to be intimidated.

Approaching calmly, he stepped on the Evil Tread, followed by a combination of output and control, taking away a quarter of the Black Demon Panther's health.

"Roar!"

The ambushed Black Demon Panther roared, biting Jiang Han's lower leg.

-18361!

For Jiang Han, with a health pool exceeding three hundred thousand, this damage was negligible. A few more strikes, coupled with the 15% lifesteal effect of the Bloodthirsty Sword, quickly restored his health.

Two minutes later, Jiang Han had depleted the Black Demon Panther's health bar, and it fell to the ground.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Congratulations on killing the [Black Demon Panther](Elite Monster), gaining 8000 experience!

Not bad. Although the difficulty of killing was higher than normal monsters, the experience was quite substantial. With Jiang Han's current level, killing two hundred of them would be enough for a level-up.

In the coming days, Jiang Han decided

 to search for more Black Demon Panthers in the Desolate Wilderness.

Since panthers were solitary creatures, their habits in the game remained unchanged. Therefore, attempting to improve efficiency by luring them in groups was impractical. He had to search for them one by one.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Please note that the difficulty of the main quest [Siege and Conquer] you have undertaken has changed!

Several hours later, while still grinding monsters, Jiang Han heard a system notification that made him uneasy.

Difficulty has changed...?