Getting in the way

"Master, could you apply the concealment technique to me again?" Jiang Han asked.

Adorning a complexion of purplish-black skin was undeniably unique, possessing an overwhelming presence that made it unsuitable for self-concealment, and it was prone to attracting undue attention, risking social death.

"Even if you didn't mention it, I would still apply it, given your current strength. Once you catch the attention of certain powerful figures, death is inevitable," Daniel said, raising his wand and uttering incantations.

After a moment, black light surged from the wand, enveloping Jiang Han and restoring him to the appearance of an ordinary human.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: You have obtained the concealment technique applied by the mentor, Undead Mage Daniel, restoring human form, lasting for one month.

One month!

Jiang Han was somewhat surprised. "The duration has been extended?"

"My strength has increased, and the injuries have healed. Naturally, the concealment technique I apply lasts longer," explained Daniel. He then shifted to another topic, "Have you met Cheryl?"

"Yes," nodded Jiang Han. "I learned two skills from him, and he suggested I come back for further learning after becoming strong enough."

"That's good," Daniel sighed in relief. "It seems he has no intention of returning to the Radiant Alliance. It's a timely support for you."

Jiang Han seized on a crucial keyword. "Returning?"

Does that mean Cheryl was part of the Radiant Alliance before?

Or, to be precise, he was part of it during his lifetime...

"He was a formidable individual," Daniel spoke frankly. "As I mentioned in the letter, if I die one day, he will be your next mentor."

Jiang Han was taken aback. "..."

"Don't be surprised," Daniel shook his head. "Following me, you won't go far. Moreover, death is not my end. Remember, if I die one day, don't be sad for me because as long as you live long enough, we will meet again in the future."

"This..."

Jiang Han was bewildered. "It seems the mentor's identity is quite astonishing. Can he really die and come back to life?"

"Undead Mages are not to be taken lightly," Daniel smirked proudly and then waved his hand. "You are still too weak. Go and become stronger. I hope when the points are settled, you will be truly deserving of the first place."

Truly deserving!

With this statement, he was reminding Jiang Han not to engage in any trickery during the points settlement.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: You have received the quest [Obstructing from Within]!

[Obstructing from Within] (Difficulty: S)

Introduction: Since it was your suggestion, the cost naturally has to be borne by you.

Requirements: Secure the first place in the city defense points leaderboard.

Quest Reward:???

Quest Penalty: Deprivation of the protection of the Dark God.

...

This was a quest forcibly imposed on the player, not one initiated by Daniel.

Clearly, the system wouldn't stand idly by and watch Jiang Han disrupt the main storyline without facing any consequences.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Do you accept the quest [Destroying the Enemy Camp]!

"Yes!"

Jiang Han chose to accept it.

The second ringing bell was the quest proclaimed by Daniel.

[Destroying the Enemy Camp] (Difficulty: B)

Introduction: In the southeast direction of the Dark City, there is a camp of the Radiant Alliance. According to the scouts, they are a part of the forces intending to attack the Dark City. Go and destroy them to relieve the pressure on the city siege.

Quest Requirements: Eliminate human soldiers and kill the camp's BOSS.

...

Daniel solemnly stated, "After arriving at the Dark City, you have already gained some experience. Now, you must slightly increase the difficulty and apply some pressure. I hope you won't disappoint me and tarnish the title of Dark Swordsman."

"Good!"

Jiang Han nodded.

Subsequently, he left the Dark City, trying not to attract the attention of players, and headed towards the southeast.

Passing through the territory of the Dark City, he entered a lush forest. Different from the Ghost Swamp, this forest was thriving with many small animals dwelling within.

At noon, the radiant sunlight filtered through the dense branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Jiang Han continued deep into the forest, discovering traces of human activity.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: You have entered the map [Sunlight Forest]!

"Rustle..."

Treading on soft soil, Jiang Han quickly arrived at a camp, spotting his target – a group of soldiers clad in armor, wielding long spears:

[Starlight Soldiers] (Normal enemies)

Level:???

Health: 100,000

Attack:???

Defense: 250-280

Skills: [Combo], [Critical Strike], [Star Cloud Formation]

Introduction: Elite soldiers dispatched by Starcloud Town stationed in the Sunlight Forest. Well-trained and formidable, they are part of the forces intending to attack the Dark City.

...

Having no higher-level reconnaissance means was indeed troublesome!

After reviewing the attributes of the Starlight Soldiers, Jiang Han sighed helplessly.

The novice-level reconnaissance art he possessed could only investigate the attributes of creatures no more than five levels higher than himself. As players gradually moved beyond the novice stage, this skill became somewhat insufficient.

Approaching cautiously, he used trees as cover, getting close to one of the soldiers until he was not far behind. Without a word, he executed the Evil Tread skill. He leaped high and stomped fiercely, suppressing the soldier beneath his foot for 0.5 seconds.

Taking advantage of the fact that the soldier hadn't yet raised an alarm, Jiang Han thrust his sword into the neck, bringing forth a gush of flowing blood.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: You used the skill [Deathstrike], dealing 24,765 damage to the Starlight Soldier and reducing its movement speed by 10%!

Due to the overwhelming power granted by Dominance, the damage was so exaggerated that a single slash took away a quarter of the enemy's life.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

The soldier, despite the pain, shouted loudly, "Quick, someone come!"

Jiang Han remained unfazed. After Deathstrike, he followed up with a frenzy of slashing. Then, he stepped back a few paces. Seeing the opponent struggling to get up, he raised his left hand. In the void, he clenched it.

"Swoosh!"

Suddenly, purple-black energy emerged in the air, rapidly converging into a massive palm that gripped the soldier.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: You used the skill [Grip of the Undead], immobilizing the Starlight Soldier for one second!

Although Jiang Han's attack far exceeded those of his peers, the level difference meant the control effect didn't last too long. Nevertheless, seizing this opportunity, he approached and delivered two more sword strikes, finishing off the opponent.

"Combining Deathstrike with the chaotic onslaught for damage output, Evil Tread coupled with Grip of the Undead for control – this synergy is truly powerful!" Jiang Han deeply felt the nauseating effectiveness of this skill combination.

"Enemies are here!"

However, the soldier's dying warning still served its purpose. Many soldiers quickly gathered with hostile intent.

Seeing this, Jiang Han prepared

 to turn and flee.

The Starlight Soldiers might not be enough to make him flee in disarray, but there could be a BOSS of unknown strength in the enemy camp. He had to act cautiously.

"Where is General?" a Starlight Soldier shouted.

"He and his mistress went out to play..."

"Damn it!"

...

Jiang Han had just taken a step when he overheard the conversation among the soldiers behind him, leaving him stunned.

Let me kill the grunts first, then deal with the BOSS?

This...

Is the system deliberately messing with me?