Miguel's eyes finally drifted to the last reward on his panel—10 Divinity Points. In Godmaking Online, Divinity Points were essential for one thing above all else: breaking through the final barrier from Epic peak to God-tier. For any other player, just a single point would have been a miraculous windfall, enough to send them dancing with joy.
But Miguel barely raised an eyebrow. He had seen countless Divinity Points in his previous life as a Main God. Compared to the treasures he once held, ten points meant little.
His attention shifted to the real jackpot—the 10,000 Free Attribute Points from the sacrifice.
If he was going to commit to the mage route this time, there were only two stats that mattered most: Spirit and Intelligence. Spirit determined Mana capacity and regeneration, while Intelligence directly boosted spell damage. But with his new Heart of the Thunder God talent, lightning spells would cost him no Mana at all. That made Spirit nearly irrelevant.
Without hesitation, Miguel dumped 8,000 points straight into Intelligence, knowing it would skyrocket his magical power to absurd levels. The remaining points were split evenly: 1,000 into Strength for some physical resistance and melee capability, and 1,000 into Constitution for raw health.
A familiar ding echoed in his ears as his status panel updated.
Player: Stellar Mist
Level: 0
Health: 20,100 / 20,100
Mana: 100 / 100
Constitution: 1005
Strength: 1012 (+2)
Intelligence: 8010
Miguel stared at the glowing panel, a slow grin spreading across his face. From a mere beginner with pathetic stats, he had transformed into an absolute powerhouse within minutes. His Intelligence had leapt from a pitiful 10 points to an overwhelming 8010, his Strength and Constitution both over a thousand. His health pool alone was monstrous, over 20,000 at level zero—a living tank in the starting zone.
"There's no way the top player on the current leaderboards has stats anywhere near this," Miguel thought smugly. "Even the luckiest newbie with a god-tier weapon wouldn't break a thousand Strength or Constitution yet."
Closing his panel, Miguel finally stepped out of the dimly lit starting cabin and into the bustling Novice Village.
Each beginner village in Godmaking Online could hold up to ten thousand players. His was Village #10086, and though not yet full, it already swarmed with thousands of players rushing around like ants in a frenzy, shouting, trading, and fighting over quests. The entire place buzzed with chaotic energy.
Miguel, gripping the crude wooden stick from his starter pack, strolled calmly toward a less crowded corner of the village. While the numbering of villages differed from his last life, their layouts were identical. He could navigate blindfolded if he wanted.
On his way, he passed a massive wooden hall, swarming with players jostling to get in. It was the village chief's house—the hub for all beginner quests. He spared it a glance but didn't bother stopping. With his knowledge of future events and the power now coursing through him, those beginner quests were worthless crumbs he had no time for.
Others didn't share his view. More players continued to flood the area, desperate to grab any early advantage they could.
Miguel continued until he reached a small, worn-down smithy. The rhythmic clang of hammer on metal rang out, echoing through the air.
Peering inside, Miguel saw a familiar figure—an unassuming middle-aged man, swinging a hammer half the size of his own head, sparks flying with each strike. He looked frail, almost scholarly, with long flowing hair and deep black eyes that shimmered like polished gemstones.
In Miguel's past life, players had overlooked this man for months, thinking he was just a generic NPC blacksmith selling basic weapons. It wasn't until three months after the game launched that someone in the North American server discovered his secret—a hidden quest trigger that most had missed.
The man looked up as Miguel approached, pausing his hammering. "Traveler," he called, voice gentle yet firm, "are you here to buy a weapon? My wares are the finest in this village. Surely you could use one?"
Miguel narrowed his eyes slightly, suppressing a smirk. "I'm planning to head deep into the forest to hunt the Boar King," he said, his tone calm but resolute. "I was hoping you might recommend a powerful weapon for the task."
At the mention of the Boar King, a shadow passed over the blacksmith's face. His hammer stilled mid-swing, sorrow clouding his features.
"You're… you're going after that beast?" the man muttered, voice trembling with barely restrained emotion. "It's dangerous beyond measure. Years ago, the village sent dozens of strong men to cull the wild boars. They provoked the Boar King instead. None of them made it back alive." His eyes darkened, his voice hardening into a low growl. "Not one…"
Miguel's eyes flickered with satisfaction. Hook, line, and sinker.
He knew the man's backstory well. According to a forum post from his previous life, the blacksmith's younger brother had died in that very hunt, slaughtered by the Boar King. Mentioning vengeance was the key to unlocking the hidden quest.
"I know the risk," Miguel said firmly, stepping closer. His tone was unwavering, eyes alight with determination. "But I can't let those villagers die in vain. I'll hunt down that monster and bring justice to the fallen."
The blacksmith studied Miguel in silence for a long moment, searching his face. Finally, with a sharp nod, he turned and disappeared into the back room.
Moments later, he returned carrying a gleaming longsword. The weapon was far superior to anything sold in the village's public shop, its polished blade humming faintly with dormant power.
"This sword belonged to my ancestor," the blacksmith said solemnly, holding it out with both hands. "Take it. If you succeed in slaying the Boar King, it will be yours to keep. If you fail…" His jaw tightened. "At least let my blade taste the blood of that beast."
Miguel accepted the weapon without hesitation, feeling its weight in his hand. This was exactly what he had come for.
Ding! You have triggered the hidden quest: "Huang Tao's Vengeance."
Objective: Hunt down and kill the Boar King deep in the forest to avenge Huang Tao's fallen brother.
"Leave it to me," Miguel promised, confidence radiating from his every word. "That monster won't live to see another sunrise. I'll bring its head back to you."
"I believe in you, Traveler," Huang Tao said softly, hope flickering in his eyes for the first time in years.
With a nod, Miguel turned and strode away, the borrowed longsword glinting at his side. Behind him, the blacksmith watched his retreating figure, murmuring to himself, "They say adventurers are immortal, that their strength grows faster than any mortal's… Maybe this one truly can kill that damned beast."