The Obsidian Citadel’s marketplace sprawled like a necrotic hive, alchemists hawking potions that glowed with dubious efficacy. I winced as six copper coins clinked into a vendor’s palm—my entire fortune traded for a single [Lesser Healing Tincture].
Inventory Update:
? Copper Remaining: 1
? Active Consumables: [Lesser Healing Tincture] x1 (Restores 150 HP over 10s)
The steppes beyond the city walls teemed with Level 27 [Ashhorn Bison], their obsidian horns glinting under the sulfurous sun. I lunged at an isolated bull, void-infused claws raking its flank.
Combat Log:
[14:32:07] [Violet Sun] attacks [Ashhorn Bison] → 238 Void DMG (Critical: Weak Spot)
[14:32:09] [Ashhorn Bison] enrages (+20% ATK, -15% DEF)
[14:32:11] Limb Strike: Right Hind Leg → Mobility Debuff Applied (-3 AGI)
The beast staggered, ichor-black blood pooling around its crippled limb. Two more strikes finished it—a crimson +1,250 XP flare confirming the kill.
Tactical Insight:
Ashhorn Bison (Lv.27): ~1,000 HP | Weak to Void/Shadow
Optimal Strike Zones: Flanks (-15% DEF), Legs (Mobility Debuff)
By sundown, the XP grind bore fruit:
Level Up!
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? Current Level: 24 → 25
? New Perk: [Nether Reflexes] (+5% Dodge Chance in Darkness)
The leaderboard mocked my progress:
Global Rankings (Top 5):
BladeLord (Lv.32 Warrior)
BoneCrusher (Lv.31 Berserker)
SoulSiphon (Lv.30 Necromancer)
...
Violet Sun (Lv.25 Demonkin)
"Algorithm farmers," I spat, watching distant players kite mobs with surgical precision. Time to gamble.
Obsidian Citadel - Guild Hall
The dusk elf clerk arched an eyebrow as I dumped 79 copper coins onto her desk. "Triple certification? Ambitious for a pauper."
Secondary Class Unlocks:
? Blacksmith (Lv.1)
├─[Prospecting] (Detect harvestable minerals)
├─[Forge] (10% success rate for basic gear)
└─[Enhance] (Slot gems/runes → 5% break chance)
? Beast Tamer (Lv.1)
├─[Capture] (5% base chance vs equal-level mobs)
└─[Nurture] (+0.1% stat growth per feeding)
? Appraiser (Lv.1)
├─[Identify] (Reveal basic item/mob stats)
└─[Arcane Affinity] (Unlock hidden weapon traits)
"Pro tip," she whispered, sliding a crumpled parchment across the desk. "The [Ember Lynx] den near Sulfur Falls—their alpha drops [Molten Cores]. Perfect for your first enhancement."
I pocketed the map. "What’s the catch?"
"Survive." Her fractal eyes glinted. "Oh, and that cosmetics promise? I prefer ruby-infused serum."
Open World - Shattered Peaks
The volcanic highlands seethed with Level 30+ [Magma Sprites]. My hellhound whined, sensing the coming storm.
New Objective:
? Farm [Molten Core] x3 (Enhance Material)
? Test [Capture] on [Ember Lynx] (Minimum Lv.28)
A notification pulsed—Lijia’s ID blinked urgently.
Private Message [Lijia]:
"Big sis! Trapped in [Scorchwind Cavern]! These fire bats keep respawning!! Help??"
I sighed, adjusting my collar. Seven lives against a swarm… might as well test the Soulbond mechanics.
Reply [Violet Sun]:
"Don’t call me sis. Coordinates."
The hellhound’s eyes burned crimson as we plunged into the geothermal maw—a living shield against the coming inferno.