[Quest Complete: Kill Bandits with Gun]
[Reward: Armory Store Unlocked]
Ash suppressed the grin tugging at his lips. Finally. A way to upgrade his weapon. A way to truly carve his path in this world.
But outwardly, he stayed calm, giving only a tired nod.
His focus was on the information that followed.
[Total kill count: 10]
[10,000 Store coins have been awarded]
[+400 Exp]
[Level up]
[+3 Stat]
[Level 6 Skill Choices]
1. Precision Edge
Effect: Increases chance of striking a vital point. Successful vital strikes deal bonus damage.
Cost: Passive.
2. Silent Movement
Effect: Footsteps and weapon swings make no sound. Greatly increases stealth efficiency.
Cost: 1 MP/second.
3. Killing Intent
Effect: Releases a focused aura of bloodlust, locking enemies in fear.
Cost: Depends on target.
Precision Edge was tempting, but it overlapped with his Shadow Veil's "first strike damage boost." If he already had surprise attacks, he didn't need another "extra damage" modifier right now.
Silent Movement was good, but Shadow Veil already suppressed his presence. But of course, it didn't silence his footsteps—it only evaded anyone noticing him with senses. So it could prove a nice combo, if just… just it had something to hide his physical self also.
Killing Intent, however, was different. It gave him control over the battlefield. If stronger enemies froze even for a second, that second was enough for Ash to strike their vital point. Unlike Shadow Veil, this was about dominating openly.
He needed something to face stronger enemies or beasts. But he was sure using it on strong enemies would cost him high MP, while for enemies like the commander it wouldn't even affect them for the blink of an eye.
Despite all that, he was fixed on it.
[You have acquired Killing Intent]
Now it was time for what he awaited most: the Armory Store.
But his eyes shifted to the commotion that was going on.
"Why do they have a hole in their head? Which skill is it?" Durnok asked in confusion.
He knew there were many skills a person could acquire, but such precise and concentrated to one point… he could clearly feel the lethality.
But he didn't know which hunter had the skill. It was almost a one-shot kill, since there was no blood elsewhere.
There were still three dead bodies who were killed by Ash. Hiding all of them was impossible, but who cares about that?
As no one answered, Durnok paid it no more attention. He knew whoever it was didn't want to reveal his skill, which was normal in this world.
"We should get out of this valley as soon as possible. Whoever is injured, please bear with it. We will take a rest after getting out of the valley," the merchant announced.
His voice was authoritative, which forced Ash's body to move on its own. When he realized what was happening, he bit his tongue, using his sheer will to break the spell.
It was scary that this man had power to make others obey him. What a fascinating power. But then it made sense. Skills are tailored for different professions, and it was really a useful skill for someone like him who hired hunters to defend him.
He needed to be influential to make them follow his orders.
The cohort traveled through the valley for half an hour when the mist started clearing up and the visibility increased. After some time, they were out of the valley.
As the cohort stopped, some of the hunters fell down from their horses. They were crying in pain, as if the merchant's order had been keeping them sane till now.
It was enough to prove how useful the skill was.
As everyone relaxed after all this time being on their toes, Ash felt a tingling sensation as if something was going to happen.
There were large trees Sprawling in some distance, smell of wet leafs was catching their nose.
As he felt that, a large behemoth revealed itself from the forest. It was a massive creature, elephant-sized, with thick skin and short legs. Its two tusks curved upwards, glowing with a faint rainbow color.
Ash checked his MP, which was back to 7, and in his pistol he had 5 bullets left.
Well, he was barely confident with his resources, and it wasn't like he could use the gun openly.
His hands reached for the bag, he wasn't as hopeless.
"Hey, be here. Don't dare run like last time," Arlan said, rushing towards the beast.
'I wouldn't mind a free show.' Ash laughed inwardly.
Three hunters who weren't seriously injured joined Arlan, including Durnok.
The beast gathered an orb of energy on its tusks. Rippling energy could be seen around the it.
Ash felt the weight of the attack; he could see himself turning into dust if it touched him.
Seriously, Ash wanted to know why he was able to feel these things—what changed from yesterday?
Then he realized something he had ignored all this time. His Luck stat had increased by one.
'Is it responsible?'
To test it, Ash put two more stats into Luck, making it 4.
Ash instantly felt fear clenching his heart. Till now he was unable to comprehend the beast's power, but now he could feel a large shadow corrupting his very core.
'So it is related to threat detection.' Ash thought, but he knew it was more than that. Still, it was a nice start to find the mystery.
But now he was agitated, realizing the heavenly power of this beast.
Arlan stood ahead of the soldiers to take the hit head-on. As it completed its preparation, the orb shot towards Arlan.
The surroundings rippled, uprooting the ground in its path.
Arlan used a defensive skill that made a sphere around to protect. As the orb touched the sphere, the sound of cracks could be heard. As both powers kept clashing, part of the sphere crumbled little by little, breaking eventually.
Arlan spat a mouthful of blood, but it seemed he had done his job. Hunters behind him were saved.
Before the beast could charge another attack, all four hunters rushed. Durnok with his spear stood behind. He seemed to be doing something in the back.
The first hunter holding his sword sent a fiery slash towards the beast, which left some faint scratches. The second hunter used a staff, and wooden vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around the beast.
The third hunter used a skill to strengthen the vines, giving them a bright glow.
While all that happened, Durnok was preparing something. His spear was levitating in the air, glowing with a red aura. The energy inside made it tremble in the air, but just before he launched it, the beast broke all restrictions. The vines shattered, throwing hunters off guard.
Everyone had given their all without holding back, and now if it didn't die, then their death was certain.
As they accepted their fate, it suddenly froze, a frightening look on its face.
Ash stood behind Durnok with a grin.
[Killing Intent Activated: 30 MP/Second]