Shadowveil Catacomb (1)

This bizarre experience confused him greatly. "That person seemed surprised. What did he discover?"

After thinking to no avail, Heizen put aside those thoughts. He would be careful when doing things in the future. 

Finally, after strolling around, Heizen reached the Ford Chamber of Commerce. 

An ancient building made up of enchanted wood, covered with the faintly glowing magic array located at the center of a bustling market square. You could find it even from afar as it stands out impressively among all the mediocrity. 

After entering the Ford Chamber of Commerce, Heizen found out that the interior was massive. And finally, he saw the beast shop in this fantasy world, though only small pets were being sold. 

He had heard before there were many people with Summoner ability. But he didn't see a single one with their companion in this Ravenwood Town. 

After walking around and familiarizing himself, he sold some treasures he had encountered on his journey. Looking at the hundred mana crystals in his portable ring, Heizen was satisfied. 

"Finally, I am not a pauper." 

After coming out of the building, he went towards Midnight Tavern to sleep. Today, he would take a rest here since he had already paid the rent. 

********

Deep beneath a wide cavern covered in moss and behind a cascade of ivy, a path leading towards a cave was barely noticeable. The area around the forest appeared particularly eerie as it was enveloped in profound silence. 

Suddenly, a string of smoke destroyed the heavy atmosphere along with the appearance of a black-robed figure. 

The figure walked inside the cave without touching anything as if he were one with the wind. Even when there was someone, the silence was still suffocating. 

Suddenly, the person knelt on the ground and said in a pious tone.

"Master, we found a Deathwalker. I confirmed he had died more than once before."

Silence. After the figure talked, he continued to kneel on the ground. There was no change around the cave as the heavy silence was still so pressing. 

After what felt like an eternity, a sound that was difficult to distinguish replied in a playful tone, "Those who embrace death cannot run away from the abyss." 

With the disappearance of the sound, the cave and the figure also disappeared as if they weren't there to begin with. 

.....

[Forbidden Forest-Ravenwood Town-Sirus Mage Academy]

Heizen had been living in Ravenwood Town for more than a week. In this short period, he experienced many things. However, the most notable feature was his increased strength. 

After a week of grinding, he was finally at level 14. All because there weren't many high-level monsters in the periphery and he didn't have the guts to go deeper. 

He did get tons of mana crystals though. Although he didn't encounter any precious treasures, occasional notice from the System was enough. 

At this time, Heizen was looking at his Status Panel lying on his bed. 

[Host: Heizen Windward]

[Level: 14 (5%)]

[Strength: 24]

[Agility: 22]

[Stamina: 15]

[Mental Power: 25]

[Soul Power: 10]

[Elemental Resonance: 3-star dark affinity, 5-star life affinity (??)]

[Passive skill: Runner, Serene Touch, Iron Resolve]

[Active skill: Ghost Step, Raging Strike)]

[Mythical skill: Divine Sense (Active)]

[Profession Unlocked: Mage, Necromancer (inactive), Summonor(inactive)]

[Artifact: Eye of the Ancients, Nexus]

[Weapon: Eclipse Blade]

After reaching the level 14, he got an additional 20 attribute points. He placed 10 points on strength, 5 points on mental power, and 5 points on stamina. 

After crossing the 20 points on strength stats, he got two skills. 

[Passive Skill: Iron Resolve:-

Effect: Increased resistance to the aura of a higher-level lifeform. 

Increased resistance to crowd control skills stuns, slows, etc.

Note: Depends heavily on the mental power.]

[Active Skill: Raging Strike

Effect: Change your fury into strength. Increase the attack power at the expense of your defense.

Note: Be careful and note your mental power before using it.]

Heizen noticed that he would get two skills once his stats crossed the 20-point mark. Moreover, he had a hunch that only his four original stats were like that.

Looking at his skills that were interdependent with each other, the System was reminding him to improve all of them. 

Putting aside those thoughts, Heizen got up from his bed. Today was the day they were planning to explore the ruin "Shadowveil Catacomb." Bernard had already sent a message to assemble at the gate.

In these few days, he had honed his fighting skills in the Forbidden Forest. Their team also went out a few times to improve their coordination. 

Exploring ruin in the inner forest was no joke. So, everyone was extra careful. The only regret was that Heizen didn't find any extra spells to learn at the Academy. 

After packing the daily necessities and emergency supplies, he made a beeline towards the Town gate. There he saw all the team members already waiting for him. 

However, everyone was paying attention to Bowen. He was getting scolded by a little girl in a floral skirt. 

"I told you not to go on such dangerous ruin exploration, why don't you listen." 

When Heizen came near Bernard, he heard the girl scolding Bowen.

"What's happening here." Heizen tapped the shoulder and asked. 

"Haha, Bowen is getting scolded by his sister. He forgot to tell his sister about his exploration plan." Bernard said. 

"I am sorry, Okey. Don't make a scene at the gate. Also, don't get too excited. Your health is not good." Bowen said worriedly. 

He looked very different when talking to his sister. 

Elara looked at her brother with tears in her eyes. She understood clearly how dangerous it was to explore ruin. You need to put your life on the line.

However, she couldn't stop her brother or even accompany him. She was weak from birth. And her brother wouldn't listen to her words. How could she not know that he had been taking risks for her treatment?

After Bowen consoled his sister, he took her back. 

"Ok, Bowen will come shortly. Did you all make your preparations?" Bernard asked. 

Heizen and both girls nodded. 

"Hm, this time we are going with our Seeker Adventurer team. The inner layer of the Forbidden Forest is dangerous. So, we will separate from them once we reach inside the catacomb." Bernard solemnly said. 

The danger in the Forbidden Forest would increase exponentially after you left the periphery.

Once you were inside, the monsters were the least concern. If you didn't know the path and entered a fallen realm, the best thing that would happen was to be trapped inside. 

Not to mention, getting lost in many unexplainable things. So, it was necessary to follow an experienced team.

Heizen and the girls also understood this clearly. They were here to learn not to show off. 

After waiting for a while, Bowen came with a large stride. 

"I am sorry about earlier." He apologized in a rare tone. 

"Haha, it's ok." Everyone laughed and went toward the meeting location.