Chapter 6 - Royal Cart

"Apprentice? Seriously? Are you pulling my wing here? I've been slogging away in this dark, gloomy pit for days, and all I get is an 'Apprentice' badge? Give me a break!" Bong's frustration was palpable as he ranted at the system's proficiency level alert, his bat-like expression resembling a mix of disbelief and annoyance.

[ALERT]

[It's important to understand that I'm not a cheat system. My purpose is to assist and guide you through your journey.]

"Wait, did I hurt your feelings? Aw, don't be mad at me! I'm just a little bat, after all." Bong's voice was filled with a mix of innocence and humor, his expression turning into a comical pout.

[ALERT]

[Focus on your training]

"Alright, alright! I'll get back to my training, " Bong's tone was playful, as if having a lighthearted conversation with the system.

"But seriously, hunger strikes again? Oh boy, here comes the dilemma - slurping on some human juice or starving like a health - conscious bat, "Bong quipped with a sigh, his internal conflict voiced with a touch of wry amusement.

"I guess I need to set some boundaries here. Former human, remember? No chugging down regular human blood for me. Only the villainous variety will do. Evil blood, come out, come out, wherever you are! Time to savor some diabolical deliciousness," Bong declared with a mischievous grin, his lighthearted tone adding a touch of humor to his macabre craving.

"Time to locate some weak, despicable scoundrels! Ha ha! Where are you, my delectable delicacies? Dinner's on the menu, and after that, it's training time!" Bong chuckled, his determination laced with a playful twist as he embarked on his unconventional journey.

As Bong wandered through the forest, he stumbled upon a chaotic scene. A group of bandits was ruthlessly attacking a royal cart, and a brave group of knights were valiantly defending it. Within the luxurious confines of the cart, his eyes fell upon a sight that left him in awe - a strikingly beautiful lady, her presence exuding an ethereal quality akin to that of a goddess. The knights fought fiercely to protect her, and it was clear from her regal bearing that she was of noble birth, perhaps a daughter of a Emperor hailing from one of the states within the Kingdom.

"What a cliche plot, with bandits and knights like a scene from a fantasy novel. This could be the perfect opportunity for me to indulge in some bandit blood. I'll use my 'Shadow Stealth' to hide and strike when the time is right, " Bong chuckled to himself, finding a macabre humor in the situation.

"Let's wait for the right timing. I should hide among the knights to avoid being mistaken for a monster. Well, I am a monster, but that's beside the point, " Bong muttered to himself with a mixture of amusement and self-deprecation.

"Shadow Stealth, " Bong activated the skill, blending into the shadows among the knights.

As the knights engaged the bandits in combat, Bong seized the opportune moment to strike. He attacked the bandits one by one, swiftly and silently sucking their blood. With each bandit that fell, Bong gained experience and leveled up. The knights were perplexed by how easily the bandits were being defeated by their strikes, unaware of Bong's sinister plan as he hid within their shadows.

[ALERT]

[LEVEL UP]

[LEVEL UP]

[Skill Acquired: Soul Siphon]

[Upon extracting blood or life force from opponents, Soul Siphon automatically activates. This skill enables you to not only drain their blood but also absorb their life force, replenishing your own energy and restoring your health.]

"Woww, System, you care for me! this is a great skill for an immortal bat like me, ha ha ha!, now I can train more and become even stronger! " Bong exclaimed with genuine surprise and excitement. His voice brimmed with delight as he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

[ALERT]

[Oh come on, don't burst my bubble!]

"Show me my status." Bong eagerly commanded, his tone was a mix of curiosity and excitement.

[Name: Bong Jum]

[Species: Immortal Bat]

[Class: Shadow Bat]

[Level: 13]

[Health: 500/500]

[Mana: 100/100]

[Innate Skill: Immortality, Gluttony]

[Skills: Shadow Stealth (Apprentice), Sonic Sense (Beginner), Swordmaster ( Proficiency: Beginner)]

[Passive Skill: Soul Siphon (Beginner)]

"Gosh, another Beginner Proficiency skill? I need to level up," Bong exclaimed with a mix of exasperation and determination in his voice.

[ALERT]

[You can level up the proficiency of more than one skill at the same time. For instance, you can use the skill Shadow Stealth along with Sonic Sense.]

"For real? Why are you telling me this now? Why didn't you inform me earlier? " Bong exclaimed, his eyebrows furrowing in a mix of surprise and frustration. He looked at the system screen with a slightly annoyed expression.

[ALERT]

[Well, aren't you a genius? It's almost like you were the last hope of humanity once.]

"Oh, really? You think you're clever now, huh?" Bong's eyes widened in response to the alert from the system. A hint of irritation flashed across his face as he read the message. He muttered to himself with a wry smile, a mix of annoyance and amusement in his tone.

"Time to head back to the training grounds, my lovely cave," Bong remarked with a touch of humor in his voice.

Just as he was about to head back to his beloved cave, the lady in the royal cart caught sight of him. She hurried over to express her gratitude, but before she could reach him, he disappeared into the shadows.

"Your Highness, where are you going? The forest is still dangerous. We must return to the safety of the castle to meet the prince," one of the knights urged her.

The main army of the Kingdom arrived, following closely behind. They were the formidable Knights of the Kingdom, led by the SS Rank Knight Captain himself, dispatched to ensure the safety of the princess.

However, the lady couldn't catch a glimpse of him, her eyes filled with disappointment as she turned back to her guards. She took a step towards where he had disappeared, hoping to see him again, but there was no trace of him. Eventually, her guards guided her back to the royal cart, which then set off towards the royal palace.

"Phew, how did she sense me? That was a close call," Bong muttered to himself, hiding in the shadow of a tree. He took a moment to catch his breath, his heart racing as he realized how narrowly he had escaped being detected.