Chapter 6: Stats, Skills, and Swamp Secrets
Leo leaned against a gnarled tree trunk, panting heavily. Sweat dripped down his face, reflecting the fading glow of the setting sun filtering through the dense swamp canopy. The adrenaline rush that had fueled his desperate battle with the Swamp Terror faded, replaced by a dull ache in his muscles and a nagging sense of inadequacy.
'There's got to be a better way,' he thought, replaying the fight in his mind. Wild swings, desperate lunges, blind rage – it wasn't enough. He needed a more strategic approach.
He turned to the faint blue glow beside him, a determined glint in his eyes.
'Gemini,' he thought, 'can you show me my stats… in numbers?'
A holographic interface materialized in front of him, displaying his profile data:
[Name: Leonis Lionheart (Leo)
Age: 16
Affinity: Hidden (True Affinity: All Magic Elements)
Stats
Strength: 15
Speed: 18
Defense: 16
Health: 45
Mana: 40
Intelligence: 17
Skills
Fire Bolt (Level 1, Rank E)
Flame Burst (Level 3, Rank E)
Spiked Bastion (Level 1, Rank D)
Lesser Heal (Level 1, Rank E)
{Notes:
The average adult in this world at the age of 16 typically has stats around 20 in each category. Mana and Health tend to be slightly higher at around 50 for an average adult.}]
Disappointment washed over him as he scanned the numbers. His stats were below average, especially his mana pool. Even a measly Level 1 Fire Bolt spell consumed a significant chunk of his reserves.
The skill list below the stats revealed the culprit – inefficient magic. Fire Bolt, a basic attack, took 5 MP. Flame Burst, a higher level but still a lowly Rank E spell, gobbled up 8 MP. Even his defensive Spiked Bastion, though ranked higher at Rank D, consumed a hefty 20 MP to activate. Healing magic, as he would soon learn, was even more draining. Lesser Heal, a basic healing spell, cost a whopping 10 MP, highlighting the trade-off between offence and defence when it came to magic use.
He glanced at the approaching guards, their figures silhouetted against the dying light. Scanning one of them revealed a different approach – their interface displayed skills like "Strength Enchantment" and "Iron Heart." Perhaps combining magic with physical prowess was the key.
A warm tingle spread through his hand as he focused on the guard and copied both Strength Enchantment and Iron Heart. The message popped up on his interface, confirming the acquisition of both skills.
Emboldened, he turned his attention to the dead Swamp Terror. A faint shimmering light emanated from its body. Could he…?
[Warning: Skill Copying Functionality Limited] Gemini interjected in his mind. [The creature has to be fresh. The ability to copy skills fades after about three hours.]
Disappointment threatened to engulf him again, but then a new idea sparked. He focused on the shimmering light, deciphering a combat manoeuvre using water constructs. The information flowed into his mind, solidifying it as a new skill.
"Water Claws," he murmured, the name appearing on his interface alongside his other acquired skills.
[Name: Leonis Lionheart (Leo)
Age: 16
Affinity: Hidden (True Affinity: All Magic Elements)
Stats
Strength: 15
Speed: 18
Defence: 16
Health: 45
Mana: 40
Intelligence: 17
Skills
Fire Bolt (Level 1, Rank E)
Flame Burst (Level 3, Rank E)
Spiked Bastion (Level 1, Rank D)
Lesser Heal (Level 1, Rank E)
Cinder wall (level 1, Rank D)
Strength Enchantment (Acquired from Guard)
Iron Heart (Acquired from Guard)
Water Claws (Copied from Swamp Terror)]
A newfound purpose surged through him. He wasn't just a reckless brawler anymore. He was a learner, an adapter. With a deep breath and a determined glint in his eyes, he joined the guards, ready to face the remaining dangers of the journey.