Chapter 9

Before Anastasia and Elliot knew it, four of the five new characters had taken a seat without even asking for permission. "You two must have had an amazing skill in hiding." Liam exclaimed, bursting into laughter as if it were all just a harmless joke. The others had joined in. However, beneath his playful demeanour lay a sharp edge; this was his way of insulting people while masquerading as a nice guy. It made perfect sense that Anastasia would recognize this tactic, as Liam was one of the main reasons she had retreated into her shut-in life. His presence was a reminder of the taunts and jabs that had pushed her to seek solace away from the world. "Since you two made it this far, what levels and classes are you two?" Liam asked, his tone dripping with faux curiosity. Elliot turned towards Anastasia, glancing at her for guidance. The anticipation in the air was palpable, as she had always instructed him to respond strategically when faced with such inquiries. Her gaze scanned the four men before her, using her [Insight] ability to assess their intentions and gauge the atmosphere. She knew that how they answered could determine something. The stakes felt high, and the tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Status

Name — Liam Major

Age — 25

Level — 10

Rank — F

Class — Spear User

Stats

Potential — C

Strength — 15

Agility — 3

Stamina — 6

Intelligence — 5

Senses — 3

Mana — 4

Luck — 4

Affection — 5 (Sexual)

Skills

Spear Art (Lv 7)

Poison Spear (Lv 10)

Flaming Spear (Lv 6)

Poison Resistance (Lv 9)

Other than Liam, the other three members of their group were performing at levels that were significantly lower than expected, which raised concerns about their collective abilities and potential for survival. Not only that, but it was glaringly obvious that Liam had poured all his points into his [strength], which was a classic rookie mistake that could lead to dire consequences down the road. She couldn't help but glance at Elliot, who had was waiting for her to speak first. He come to trust her with his life, since he wouldn't have been able to survive if not for her. It was when Anastasia finally turned her attention towards the last member of their group that her curiosity piqued. This girl was skinny and short, with a delicate frame that made her appear fragile, gaving her an oddly cute appearance, almost as if she were a porcelain doll. She had fair skin, straight shoulder-length dark blonde hair, and her dead, brown eyes. Once again, Anastasia activated [Insight], directing the skill towards the girl. The moment the skill activated, she noticed the girl's eyes widen in surprise, as if something deep within her was stirred.

Status

Name — Rosetta Campbell

Age — 17

Level — 3

Rank — F

Class — Monk

Stats

Potential — S

Strength — 3

Agility — 3

Stamina — 4

Intelligence — 8

Senses — 3

Mana — 8

Luck — 5

Affection — 0 (stranger)

Skills

Healing (Lv 3)

Poison Resistance (Lv 2)

She couldn't believe that a monk had suddenly appeared right in front of her. This couldn't be a mere coincidence, not in a world filled with magic and uncertainty now. The very notion that a monk would materialise at such a critical moment sent a shiver down her spine. Not only was she a monk, but she also recognised that her first skill had been [Healing], which no one typically revealed until they had ranked up significantly after choosing the path of a priest. Yet, despite the impressive skill set, her own level was painfully low.

As Anastasia focused on the girl named Rosella, she was drawn to the emptiness in her eyes. They were devoid of life, which struck a chord deep within her. It was then that she turned to Liam, ready to speak as she knew exactly what her answer towards his question from before.

"I'm Level 10, Sword User." She replied, fabricating the truth with ease.

"And I'm a Bow User, Level 5." Chimed in Elliot, following suit and weaving his own lie into the fabric of their conversation.

Anastasia had instructed him carefully on this matter; if anyone inquired about their levels, they were to claim lower ranks than they truly possessed, especially if the other party seemed untrustworthy. Despite his kind demeanor and strikingly handsome face, the man sitting before them was the last person she would ever consider trusting.

"Level 18?" he queried, a hint of skepticism evident in his voice, as if he were trying to gauge the truth behind their fabricated levels. Not that she cared about the man who had played a role in causing her pain; she simply wanted to escape this encounter unscathed, to navigate the treacherous waters of deceit and survival in a world that seemed increasingly hostile. The stakes had never felt higher, and every word felt like a tightrope walk over a chasm of uncertainty.