Grasp of the Dead

Hoarse roars echoed in Jiang Han's ears as he wielded the Frost Cloud Sword with determination, clearing monsters effortlessly with an attack power exceeding a thousand. Dealing with the decaying bones was a breeze, requiring only a few strikes per creature. The only challenge lay in locating the respawn points.

"Crack!"

Upon slaying the 486th decaying bone, a staff dropped, a level 30 bronze-grade equipment. Although not usable for Jiang Han, it promised a lucrative sale.

"The drop rate remains mediocre," Jiang Han sighed.

Seeing a staff drop from a decaying bone surprised him, as he had almost forgotten that even low-level creatures could yield equipment.

"Ding! ~"

System Prompt: Congratulations on completing the quest [Qualification Proof]. You may now proceed to Undead Swordsman Sherill to claim your reward!

By the early hours of the morning, Jiang Han successfully met the requirements, reaching level 25 with 95%. After collecting the quest reward, he anticipated reaching level 26.

Just as he prepared to summon Sherill for further instructions, the system notification chimed again.

"Ding! ~"

System Prompt: Concealment spell cast by Undead Mage Daniel has expired.

"Swish!"

In the next second, his skin turned purplish-black, nails darkened, and a crimson glow emanated from his pupils, giving him a demonic appearance.

"Is this the original form of a Dark Swordsman?" Sherill's voice sounded from the side.

Turning around, Jiang Han saw Sherill approaching and appraising him.

"Mr. Sherill, I have completed the task," Jiang Han politely expressed.

Though an Undead Swordsman, Sherill possessed a physical body and astonishing speed, making him a formidable force beyond Jiang Han's current capabilities.

Sherill nodded, "Very well. I've been observing in secret. Your attacks surpass those of peers; even a multitude of decaying bones cannot pose a challenge."

"Ding! ~"

System Prompt: Congratulations on completing the quest [Qualification Proof]. Reward: Experience +200,000, and the qualification to learn skills from Sherill!

"Swish!"

Golden light soared, reaching level 26!

"You need not address me as 'Mister'; it creates a distance. Since Daniel has asked me to teach you some techniques, consider me your teacher," Sherill smiled.

Understanding, Jiang Han changed his address without hesitation, "Teacher."

"Hmm."

Sherill nodded slightly and threw out a skill learning interface, "Do not expect too much. Due to your current strength, the techniques at your disposal will be limited."

[Grip of the Undead](Grade A)

Introduction: A control technique derived from the skills of the Undead Swordsman Sherill during his living days, possessing a formidable restraining effect on a single enemy within ten meters, lasting up to three seconds.

Cooldown: One minute

Level Requirement: 25

Price: 2 gold coins

[Necrotic Strike](Grade B)

Introduction: A striking attack mastered by the Undead Swordsman since its birth.

Effect: Inflicts 250% damage based on self-attack on a single enemy, reducing its movement speed by 10% for two seconds.

Cooldown: Fifteen seconds

Level Requirement: 25

Price: 1 gold coin

As Sherill had mentioned, without slaying a thousand decaying bones, Jiang Han couldn't learn any skills, as the minimum requirement was level 25.

"So many skills..."

The unlearnable skills in the skill panel were gray, visible to Jiang Han. Curious, he scrolled down, discovering numerous pages before reaching the bottom, where he found an SS-grade skill. It solidified his belief that Sherill's identity was extraordinary.

"Ding! ~"

System Prompt: You have successfully mastered the skill [Grip of the Undead]!

"Ding! ~"

System Prompt: You have successfully mastered the skill [Necrotic Strike]!

The two skills cost three gold coins, but with over a thousand decaying bones slain, Jiang Han had more than enough in his inventory.

"Alright, I've taught you what you can learn. When your strength is sufficient, return to me for further teachings," Sherill said as he ushered Jiang Han out after the skill acquisition.

Jiang Han asked, "Teacher, when is one considered strong enough?"

"When the power of the Dark Swordsman within you becomes difficult to restrain, allowing you to master new techniques," Sherill replied.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Han suddenly realized. If he remembered correctly, he comprehended the Dark Reincarnation at level 50. In other words, he should return to Sherill at level 50 for advanced teachings.

"I won't disturb you further, Teacher. Goodbye."

"Hmm."

...

Exiting the Ghost Swamp, Jiang Han promptly chose to log out. Having completed the quest and learned new skills, it was now past three in the morning, and his well-being demanded immediate attention. Sleep was a necessity.

...

The next day.

"Ding ding!"

The ringtone of his phone disrupted Jiang Han's slumber.

Rubbing his tired eyes, Jiang Han picked up the phone beside his pillow and answered, "Hello?"

"Bro, it's already noon. Are you still sleeping?" Wang Kai's voice resonated from the other end.

"Burning the midnight oil. What's up?"

"Do you know about the large-scale event announced by the system yesterday?"

"Yeah."

Jiang Han massaged his slightly throbbing head and chuckled helplessly, "Siege battle, I know."

To be honest, as one of the defending city bosses, he couldn't afford not to know.

"Are you going to join the fun?" Wang Kai asked. "The rewards for this siege battle event are generous. The top few can even get golden-grade equipment and extremely rare items."

"Event rewards?"

Suddenly, Jiang Han became alert, "Where did you find this information?"

If he recalled correctly, the system hadn't provided details about the rewards.

"Not publicly disclosed. Got the information through a special channel," Wang Kai lowered his voice, saying, "No harm in telling you. I haven't signed any confidentiality agreements."

"Okay."

Jiang Han's reminder stemmed from concern, and since Wang Kai felt unconcerned, he wouldn't press further.

"Check it out yourself. It's a good opportunity to accumulate points by casually killing some monsters," Wang Kai suggested.

"Alright."

Jiang Han understood his friend's intentions. After all, it was an event, and the rewards were bound to be more substantial than the usual monster-killing and quest completion.

Huh?

Wait a minute!

Event rewards...

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Jiang Han. He thought of something, sprung out of bed, and with an excited mood, said, "I have a solution!"

"A solution?" Wang Kai was completely bewildered by Jiang Han's seemingly random and confusing statements, "What solution?"

"After everything is done, I'll treat you to a meal."

"Can you tell me what's going on first?"

"Sure!"

...

Wang Kai fell into silence.

Bro, I'm a man.