The Western Woods

With his plan in mind, August opened his map and located a nearby information hub.

He knew that a careful and strategic approach was necessary to maximize his progress without risking unnecessary deaths, which would cost him valuable experience points and potentially a level.

August headed towards the Adventurer's Guild, a large building near the Questing District that served as a hub for players seeking information, quests, and companionship.

The guild hall was a lively place, filled with adventurers of all levels discussing their latest exploits, forming parties, and exchanging tips.

He approached the information desk, where a helpful NPC named Clara greeted him with a warm smile. "Welcome to the TG Adventurer's Guild. How can I assist you today?"

"I'm looking for information on grinding areas suitable for my level," August replied, trying to keep his voice steady amidst the excited chatter around him.

"For non-members of the Guild, a payment of five silver coins is required," Clara immediately charged him.

"Erm... And what about members?" August inquired.

"Information is free for members," Clara stated.

"Then how do I become a member?" August wasn't really interested in joining Guilds, much less an NPC-owned type but information was very much a currency so it piqued his interest.

"Player must be level 20 first," Clara revealed.

August sighed and handed her five silver coins.

Clara received it and pulled out a more detailed map of the surrounding areas than the one August had. "Let's see... You're currently level 13, correct? There are several areas within the kingdom that would be ideal for you. The monsters here start at level 10 and go up to level 15. You'll find a variety of creatures, each with unique abilities and strengths."

She pointed to several spots on the map. "The Western Woods are a good starting point. You'll find level 10 minions there, along with a few level 12 - 17 arch lords who lead monster packs. The drop rates and loot in these areas are quite high, so it's a great place to farm both experience and items."

"Thank you, Clara," August said, memorizing the locations and details she provided.

"Be careful out there," she advised. "And remember, it's always wise to avoid monsters that are significantly higher in level. The penalty for dying can set you back quite a bit."

With this valuable information, August left the guild and made his way to the Western Woods.

====

The Western Woods were home to a wide variety of monsters, vastly different in physical appearance and strength compared to those near Unhidden Mist.

August moved cautiously, scanning the area for potential threats. His first encounter was with a group of level 10 goblin minions, small but vicious creatures with sharp claws and teeth.

The goblins' green skin glistened in the dim light filtering through the canopy as their yellow eyes gleamed with malice.

They moved quickly, darting between the trees with surprising agility and crude weapons in their grasp. As they spotted August, they let out guttural growls and charged at him.

August engaged the goblins, using his Shadow Dance skill to distort their senses and strike from unexpected angles.

[ - 150HP ]

He moved fluidly as his newly acquired dagger slashed through the skin of the closest goblin, leaving a fiery gash on its back.

The goblins were quick and aggressive, but August's agility allowed him to dodge their attacks and counter with lethal precision.

[ - 200 HP ]

[ - 220 HP ]

He targeted the goblins' vital points, aiming for their throats and hearts. With multiple successful strikes, satisfying system notifications appeared:

[You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP]

[You have defeated Goblin Minion. +1200 EXP]

[Item Drop: Goblin Tooth, Minor Health Potion]

The goblins dropped various items, including goblin teeth, minor health potions, and scraps of armor.

The higher drop rate and valuable loot made each encounter rewarding, and August felt his confidence growing with every victory.

Moving deeper into the forest, he encountered more challenging foes.

Packs of thunder wolves, led by level 12 arch lords, roamed the area. These creatures were larger and more coordinated, requiring a more tactical approach.

The wolves had smooth silver fur and glowing red eyes. Their howls echoed through the forest.

As the pack approached, August quickly assessed the situation. One of them spread its dangerous mouth open and spat an electric bolt at August.

<[ You Have Activated Arcane Shield ]>

[ - 70 MP ]

He immediately activated his Arcane Shield, creating a shimmering barrier to protect himself.

The wolves circled him, snarling and snapping their jaws.

The arch lord, a particularly large and menacing wolf, led the charge.

<[ You Have Activated Fireball ]>

[ - 50MP ]

August cast a Fireball spell, launching a blazing orb of fire at the arch lord.

The spell hit its mark, scorching the wolf's fur and causing it to yelp in pain.

However, the arch lord quickly recovered and tried to continue its attack but the flames had created a sort of demarcation on the ground.

August made use of this opportunity to deal with the others since he had to be careful... these wolves were not as easily defeated as the goblins.

He swung his dagger at the one closest to him, taking a huge chunk from its health points. Another one leapt at him from his blind spot but thanks to his heightened speed and agility, August was able to swerve sideways quick enough.

He raised the dagger and stabbed it at the left eye of the creature, causing a fountain of blood to spill out.

[ -300HP ]

[ Wounding Effect Has Taken Root ]

Due to the toxic nature of the dagger, the wolf acquired the wounding Effect which caused it to lose 50HP per second.

[ You Have Defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. +1500 EXP ]

August turned to face the others and dealt with them while the arch Lord Thunder wolf found a way around the flames.

[ You Have Defeated Thunder Wolf Minion +1500 EXP ]

It lunged at August while he was dealing with one of its minions. August dodged to the side, using his Dash skill to create distance.

He followed up with a series of quick slashes, aiming for the wolf's legs to hamper its mobility. The arch lord retaliated with a powerful swipe of its claws, breaking through the Arcane Shield and sending August sprawling.

-200 HP

August felt a sharp pain as his health dropped, but he quickly regained his footing. He couldn't afford to let his guard down. He cast another Fireball, this time targeting the other smaller wolves to reduce their numbers.

The spell exploded on impact, sending two of the minions flying.

[You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. +1500 EXP]

[You have defeated Thunder Wolf Minion. +1500 EXP]

With fewer wolves to deal with, August focused his efforts on the arch lord. He activated Shadow Dance again, slipping into the shadows and striking from unexpected angles.

The arch lord's movements became more sluggish as its health dwindled, but it remained a formidable opponent.

Finally, with a well-timed Hidden Strike, August drove his dagger into the arch lord's heart. The wolf let out a final, pained howl before collapsing to the ground.

[You have defeated Thunder Wolf Arch Lord. +7500 EXP]

[Item Drop: Wolf Pelt, Iron Claw, Mid-tier Mana Potion]

[ You Have Leveled Up ]

August surveyed the battlefield after clearing the surroundings. The loot from these higher-level monsters was even more impressive.