Rising Power

Seun-mi Ho walked along the rocky path descending from the mountain, leaving behind the cavern and the armored man, still kneeling, too frightened to make any move. The cold mountain wind brushed against his face as he moved forward with a determined stride, the five pieces of rare ore safely stored in his inventory. But just as he had taken a few steps, a familiar notification appeared before his eyes.

[Congratulations!]

You have gained experience.

Level up: Level 14.

"Finally," Seun-mi muttered, a smirk playing on his lips. He had been waiting for this level-up for a while. The intense battle against the goblins and the confrontation with the warrior had greatly contributed to his experience gain.

The Interface now projected his updated stats into his field of vision, detailing the changes that had come with this level increase.

[Current Stats:]

Level: 14

Rank: Experienced Adventurer

Strength: 38 → 42

Agility: 46 → 51

Intelligence: 32 → 35

Charisma: 29 → 31

Health Points: 450 → 500

Mana Points: 220 → 250

Seun-mi quickly scanned the changes. His health had significantly increased, as had his agility, which had always been his strongest attribute. Now, with agility reaching 51, he moved even faster, at a speed few opponents could match. His strength had also seen a notable boost, allowing him to deliver more powerful blows.

He also noticed that his intelligence, though lower, was gradually improving. This would help him enhance his mana-based skills and increase his mental endurance in prolonged fights. As for his charisma, it had risen too, a stat often underestimated but crucial for handling social interactions and manipulating situations to his advantage.

"Not bad," he thought, observing the overall increase in his capabilities. But that wasn't all. A new notification appeared shortly after, catching his attention.

[New Skill Enhanced: Intimidation (Level 2)]

Seun-mi paused for a moment to take in this notification. His passive intimidation skill had played a crucial role in his recent battles, especially against the warrior who, despite his high level, couldn't resist the pressure. Now that it had reached level 2, the effects of this skill would be even more powerful.

He immediately checked the updated description of his intimidation ability.

Intimidation (Level 2)

Description:

The user's aura of intimidation becomes more intense, affecting not only those who are already weak-minded but also opponents of the same level or slightly higher. This aura creates both mental and physical pressure on those nearby, potentially inducing fear, mild paralysis, or instinctive flight.

The effects include:

Increased Fear: Enemies of level 14 or lower experience intense, inexplicable fear, reducing their combat effectiveness.

Stat Reduction: Affected opponents see their strength and agility reduced by 5% while under the aura's influence.

Mild Paralysis: Those with weak wills may be partially paralyzed, slowing their movements or even preventing them from defending properly.

Extended Radius: Intimidation now affects a 10-meter radius around the user, increasing the aura's range.

Visual Effect: When the aura is activated, a subtle shadow seems to surround the user, amplifying the sense of threat.

Seun-mi nodded, satisfied. Intimidation at level 2 greatly expanded his range of influence and increased the impact his presence had on others. Now, even opponents of the same or slightly higher level might feel the pressure of his aura. This gave him a significant advantage in future fights, especially against groups or more experienced enemies.

"With this, I'll really be a problem for them," he murmured, smiling. He could already imagine how this skill could influence his next confrontations, making his enemies unstable and hesitant before he even struck.

The Interface then showed a summary of his experience progression, giving him an idea of how quickly he had evolved since his early days.

Experience Progression:

Level 1 → 2: 100 experience points (XP) required

Level 2 → 3: 200 XP required

Level 3 → 4: 350 XP required

Level 4 → 5: 500 XP required

Level 5 → 6: 750 XP required

Level 6 → 7: 1000 XP required

Level 7 → 8: 1300 XP required

Level 8 → 9: 1600 XP required

Level 9 → 10: 2000 XP required

Level 10 → 11: 2500 XP required

Level 11 → 12: 3000 XP required

Level 12 → 13: 3600 XP required

Level 13 → 14: 4300 XP required

Seun-mi observed the curve of progression. As he leveled up, the number of experience points required increased significantly. But with the increasingly powerful enemies he was facing, he also gained larger amounts of experience. The fight against the goblins and the warrior had been particularly fruitful, giving him a significant boost toward level 14.

"The levels are harder to reach, but the rewards are also greater," he thought. He knew the next stages would be even more challenging, but he was ready for it.

Another notification appeared, concerning his available skill points.

[You have 5 skill points to assign.]

Seun-mi considered for a moment. He had several options: increase his strength to become more formidable in close combat, or boost his agility to further enhance his speed and dodging ability. His health and mana also needed some attention, but he decided to focus on his current strengths.

"Interface, assign three points to agility and two points to strength."

[Points assigned:]

Agility: 51 → 54

Strength: 42 → 44

"Perfect," he thought. With even greater agility, his enemies would find it nearly impossible to keep up with him, and his increased strength would allow him to land more powerful blows. These adjustments further solidified his combat style based on speed and precision.

He took a deep breath, feeling the new energy coursing through his body. This level-up meant more than just an increase in stats. It was a step toward an even more dangerous, but exhilarating future. His enemies would become stronger, but so would he.

"And now?" he murmured, gazing at the mountainous horizon stretching before him. The path back would be quiet, but he knew he could never let his guard down. The world he navigated was unforgiving, and every victory only set the stage for the next challenge.

He smiled, his gaze as determined as ever. He was ready to face whatever came his way. The stronger he became, the closer he got to his ultimate goal, even if that goal remained hazy in his mind.

"Let's keep going," he said as he resumed walking, his steps lighter but his mind sharper than ever.

End of chapter 10.