7 Foraging and Fighting      

When Xin took a step away from Flora, two players barged into his path.

"Hey, there," |EXP is Life| greeted.

"Can we have a bit of your time?" |Daoist Yun| added.

Xin nodded.

"Did that NPC gave you something?" |EXP is Life| asked.

"We saw you talking to her, and she seemed to have shoved something into your hand."

Xin nodded.

Their faces brightened.

"Thanks. Let's go."

"I told you that some NPC will give you items. I read it in the forums."

"But I talked to her before. She only gave me basic instructions about Foraging and ignored me the next."

When the two went away, Xin swiftly made his way to a nearby foraging spot, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of untouched resources. He hoped that luck was on his side and that the spot hadn't been completely cleared by other players.

As he arrived, he noticed several players engaged in foraging activities, just like him. It seemed that the spot was popular, but there was still enough space for everyone.

The island wasn't overcrowded, perhaps because new players arrived as others left.

"It's a continuous cycle," Xin mused to himself, realizing that the game must have regulated the population in the island, making sure that it was balance.

[ ACQUIRED!

❶ Breath of Life Algae x4

The blue-green algae found in these waters is highly valued by sailors for its beneficial properties. They will often store it in vials of water to maintain its freshness.

When consumed, the algae granted the ability to breathe underwater, similar to a water-breathing spell.

This effect will last for one hour.

❷ Flowering Jasmine x5

The white flowers in this area produce yellow pollen that can cause sneezing sickness in many people.

However, for those who are not affected by the pollen, these delicate blooms are perfect for making herbal tea.

When used as an ingredient in crafting a pollen bomb, it reduces the crafting time by 25%.

❸ Bee Balm Tree (Sap) x1.

The palm trees in this area have thick bark and produce waxy sap. This sap is valuable for crafting polishes, varnishes, and candles, like glamor varnish.

❹ Spark Stone (Powdered) x1

This stone appears clear like a crystal until you touch it. Then, it flashes blue and emits electric shocks.

It is often used as a fancy desk ornament by rich merchants and nobles.

When you use it to craft potions that either cause or protect against lightning damage, like a potion of lightning resistance, it cuts the crafting time by 25% or doubles the potion's duration (you get to decide). ]

As Xin explored the foraging spots, he managed to find a few items that hadn't been taken yet, while others were already picked clean by other players.

When he attempted to forage at a spot, a notification appeared on his screen, indicating that he had to wait for a specific amount of time before he could gather from that spot again.

[ 4:57:24 left before this spot can be forage ]

However, Xin discovered that using specialized tools, such as the [Golden Clippers], increased the yield of herbs and flowers he obtained.

Little did he know, the items he collected were actually rare and could only be acquired with these special tools. Some of them were even ingredients that could reduce crafting time.

With the goal of earning money in mind, Xin planned to sell all the items he gathered, hoping to make a profit from his foraging endeavors.

When Xin came too, he was surprised that an hour had already passed and he still hadn't explored the island. He was still on the coast, foraging for some more items.

He only had one hour before he would be logged out, so he hurried forward.

"Hoi!"

Xin looked over his shoulder when he noticed an NPC running towards him.

His skin was radiating a dark and glowing hue. As he stepped onto the sandy shore, his presence seemed otherworldly. His back was adorned with elegant fins, shimmering in the sunlight, and his body was covered in glistening scales with webbed hands and feet.

As he walked, droplets of water dripped from his scales, leaving a trail of tiny wet marks on the sand. The mereman's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and wonder as he eyed him.

Is he a [Merefolk]?

"You're going to leave the coast and enter Seagull's Nest, right? The path ahead is perilous. Do you know how to fight and defend yourself?"

Come to think of it . . . Xin shook his head.

[CONGRATULATION! Your Relationship Level with Triton increased to ACQUAINTANCE!]

This again?

"Then let me show you how it's done," Triton said and brought out his weapon, a halberd.

Though to Xin, it appeared like a pitchfork.

"It's just a matter of knowing your enemy. See that Giant Crab over there." Triton pointed to a creature not far away from them.

"You can use [Monocle] to see the monsters' stat. That Giant Crab's hard shell makes it resistant to [SLASHING] damage from swords and blades and [PIERCING] damage from rapiers, arrows, and bullets. Though there's still damage, it's only minuscule.

"Creatures like that have a weakness to [BLUDGEONING] damage from hammers and lightening spells from mages. And if you use their weakness against them, your chances of [CRITICAL] hit increased."

". . . Is that so?"

[CONGRATULATION! Your Relationship Level with Triton increased to FRIENDS!]

". . ."

"That's right," Triton exclaimed with excitement. "But here's the trick . . . If your stat is higher than your opponent's, you can simply overpower them without worrying about any restrictions or strategies!"

As he spoke, Triton proudly showcased his strength by flexing his Halberd. In a swift and lightning-fast motion, he thrust the weapon into the Giant Crab, causing it to shatter into countless particles.

With a triumphant laugh, Triton declared, "You see? When your stats are superior, you can dominate the battlefield with sheer force! Ahahahaha!"

". . . Ha . . ." Xin could only reply.

[CONGRATULATION! Your Relationship Level with Triton increased to INTIMATE!]