The preparations were complete. Once I returned to the base, I logged out briefly to have lunch and quickly logged back in. I passed the time reading research materials until nightfall, and then set off with the sunset. And now I had arrived at the place that led outside.
“Hey, huff, phew!”
I climbed upward, maneuvering through the debris. Although I struggled with unfamiliar movements that resembled an obstacle course, I managed to reach the top. I discreetly checked the situation outside.
“So, this is the outside of the city.”
I had foreseen that the exit would lead to the outskirts of Firth, the city of newbies. However, this location seemed different. According to the map, it was a forest on the outskirts, with a rugged mountain nestled within. It appeared that no daring players had ventured through the gaps in the rocky mountain. Had there been any, I surely would have noticed them in the sewer system.
The sewers served as a decent hunting ground, provided one could endure the stench and the sight of enemies lurking within. I wished for it to remain undiscovered, just as it was now.
However, something was strange. The sight before me meant that the sewers were connected to the outside of the city. It was hard to believe that there was a positional discrepancy between the sewers and the above-ground area in the newbies’ city, so perhaps there was some secret within the sewers. Personally, I found the south side, where the Ratmen resided, to be suspicious, but for now, I would set that aside.
“Oh, I can smell the scent of vegetation…! Even though I don’t have a nose.”
For about four in-game days since starting this game, all I had smelled was the stench of the sewers. Thinking about it made me a little sad… If I weren’t a skeleton, perhaps sweat would be trickling down my face.
Moreover, the night sky was beautiful. A slightly larger pale blue moon and countless stars were scattered, making me want to keep gazing up at them forever. However, I couldn’t afford to linger around like this. The forest was waiting for me!
“Hmm, thanks to [Night Vision], the visibility at night isn’t a problem at all.”
Even though there was a moonlight, the forest would normally be pitch dark, but I had obtained [Night Vision] thanks to my race selection, so it wasn’t an issue for me. Still, having the moonlight was better than being in the sewers alone. Let’s continue moving forward smoothly.
I wonder if there’s any prey around… Oh, there it is. Is that… a wolf? And there are three of them, forming a pack. It seems like they haven’t noticed me yet. I’ll take this opportunity to use [Appraisal] on them.
――――――――――
Race: Wolf Lv3
Job: None
Skills:
- [Sharp Fangs]
- [Sharp Claws]
- [Heigtned Sense of Smell]
――――――――――
They were weak. Much weaker than the very first opponent I ever faced, the Lesser Ratman. Even though this was supposed to be a training ground for newbies, these creatures appeared unusually feeble in comparison.
Oh, but there was a reason why the wolves, with their skill [Heigtned Sense of Smell], didn’t notice me, despite the sewers’ lingering stench. During the early days of immersive VR, there was a game that implemented a feature where characters could be affected by body odor based on the in-game environment. Some players vehemently protested against this feature.
The exact details of the protest remained obscure, but it seemed to be spearheaded by individuals who harbored insecurities about their own body odor. Various human rights organizations and similar entities quickly joined the cause, resulting in a widespread outcry. Some even went as far as calling for a boycott of VR devices, which were rapidly gaining integration into society.
Since then, the implementation of virtual reality body odor has been subsequently restricted to either a “pleasant” scent, an “environmental odor,” or simply described as “the smell of living creatures” without further specification. That’s what I heard from news websites, at least.
With all that being said, the putrid stench of the sewers didn’t emanate from me due to the game’s design. If there was any scent wafting from my presence, it would resemble that of a dried bones. The wolves might have detected my odor, but they seemed to dismiss it as nothing more than a mere lifeless skeleton. It’s strange how the game mechanics work in peculiar ways.
“Deploy the magic circle: Dark Wave!”
“””GYAAH!”””
I launched an attack from behind using magic skills. As expected, the level difference between us was significant, and so I swiftly disposed of all three wolves. Now, it was time to skin them and see what they had to offer.
――――――――――
Wolf Pelt- Quality: Fair, Rarity: C
Wolf Pelt: It can be processed into high-quality clothing and cold-weather gear.
Wolf Fangs – Quality: Fair, Rarity: C
Wolf fangs: They possess the sharpness to tear through flesh but are not sturdy enough to be used as weapons. They are popular as materials for accessories.
――――――――――
In terms of experience points, the monsters didn’t offer much, but their dropped items seemed quite useful. Perhaps newbies could make armor from their skins and use their fangs to earn some extra money? Any novice player with aspirations for crafting would surely be delighted.
Indeed, it appeared that various things sought after by newbies were readily available. Therefore, it was highly likely that I would find the herbs and medicinal plants I had been searching for. Let’s venture a little further ahead and see what awaits.
◆◇◆◇◆◇
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Yaru Grass – Quality: Fair, Rarity: C (Common)
A common herb found in the forest. It has the lowest effectiveness, but as a result, it is cheap.
On its own, it has no effect, but it can demonstrate its true value through concoction or alchemy.
Doru Grass – Quality: Fair, Rarity: C (Common)
A poisonous weed that grows anywhere. It has weak toxicity but strong reproductive abilities.
It is one of the ingredients for hunting poisons.
Mapi Grass – Quality: Fair, Rarity: C (Common)
A poisonous weed that grows anywhere. It has weak toxicity but strong reproductive abilities.
It is one of the ingredients for hunting poisons.
――――――――――
After about twenty minutes of progressing while using [Appraisal] on items, I managed to avoid engaging in unnecessary battles with the wolves in the forest and focused on gathering herbs and grass. This was the result of my efforts. Finally, I could delve into the world of [Alchemy].
The Yaru grass was a material used for making recovery medicines, commonly known as potions. It wasn’t something I personally needed, but it should prove useful for gaining experience in [Alchemy].
The other two items had practical applications. When these two types of poisonous herbs were combined through [Alchemy], they created a moderately potent paralysis toxin. This was something I had learned in the “Fundamentals of Alchemy” book. The processing method was also clearly described, so I would make them while double-checking the instructions.
Incidentally, it seemed there were no other players around. It was just as I had hoped for. Perhaps the other players found it best not to hunt during the night, especially those who lacked the [Night Vision] skill. It was certainly dangerous.
Oh? I see something sparkling. Could there be someone there? Let’s go and investigate.
――――――――――
Race: Will-o’-Wisp Lv5
Job: None
Skills:
- [Physical Attack Resistance]
- [Non-Elemental Magic]
- [Status Resistance]
――――――――――
There were actually times when I also reacted, “There might be someone there.” like the protagonists in those movies. And there it was—an eerie-looking monster. But it wasn’t just any monster; it was an undead creature resembling the soul of a human.
No wonder players were reluctant to venture into the forest at night to hunt.
If creatures like this show up, ya know, the nights won’t be popular, ya see? Sorry for slipping into a fake Kansai dialect there, but seeing a human soul floating in the pitch-dark was genuinely chilling. It carried a different kind of terror compared to a mass of large slugs.
To make matters worse, it possessed the [Physical Attack Resistance] skill, enough to make any melee fighter lose hope. It was simply of a higher level than the previous wolves, which might explain its unpopularity. Oh, it’s approaching now. Alright, let’s test out some magic that I haven’t used before.
“Deploy Magic Circle, Magic Sword… Heh!”
One of the spells from the [Non-Elemental Magic] skill, the Magic Sword, came to life. When activated, an invisible blade crafted from magic materialized from the tip of my staff, nearly imperceptible to anyone other than the caster.
I swung the Magic Sword at the Will-o’-Wisp, which was moving at a slower pace compared to the Ratman. The blade of magic effortlessly sliced through the Will-o’-Wisp, causing it to vanish completely.
――――――――――
You have won the battle.
The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Non-Elemental Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Circle] skill has increased.
Newly learned the “Dual Magic Circles” and “Remote Placement” spells.
――――――――――
Oh, the skill level has increased. I should quickly confirm the newly acquired spells of [Magic Circle].
The Dual Magic Circle was a skill that allowed me to deploy two magic circles simultaneously. It consumed a significant amount of magic power, but the instant firepower doubling was quite appealing. It would be even better if I combine it with [Ambush].
The Remote Placement was a skill that allowed me to deploy magic circles anywhere within my line of sight. Previously, there had been restrictions on the placement range, but it seemed those had been lifted. However, it was not without conditions. As the distance increased, the magic power consumption accelerated, and there was even a possibility of failure.
The only way to mitigate the drawbacks was to increase the skill level. Excellent. Since I regularly use it to enhance my attack power, it should naturally improve over time.
Incidentally, the drop item from the Will-o’-Wisp was a magic stone. It was not something I desperately needed, but I might as well hunt them occasionally.
“GRAAAAAAA!”
“!?”
Justas when I was thinking and having a good time, I heard the roar of a beast coming from deep within the forest. I instinctively prepared myself, but this didn’t to be some sor of surprise attack.
What should I do? Should I go? Maybe I could make the best of the situation, like when I ambushed the Ratmen who were fighting the Big Slug. No, no, I shouldn’t get greedy. That would be my downfall.
However, I was going to stay here for a while. If such a terrifying beast existed, it would be necessary to find out what kind of opponent it was. If I could defeat it, I would. If it seemed impossible, I would run away. And if worst came to worst, I would use my minion as a shield. Alright, let’s go with this plan.
Growl, growl…
In the place where the roar came from, there was a bear. No, let me correct that. It was a brown bear.
――――――――――
Race: Brown Bear Lv9
Job: None
Skills:
- [Sharp Fangs]
- [Sharp Claws]
- [Heightned Strength]
- [Tracking]
――――――――――
The first impression upon seeing it was its enormity. That was the only way to describe it. It reminded me of the time when I saw it in the zoo as a child.
Right now, it was fervently devouring what appeared to be a deer. Oh, why did I say “appeared”? This was because the creature didn’t have a head, so I couldn’t make a definite judgment! Was the roar from earlier a cry of joy after a successful hunt?
Now, what should I do? In terms of levels, the opponent was superior. A single physical attack would send me to the afterlife and into the sewers. … Saying “sent to the afterlife and into the sewers” myself sounded quite dramatic.
However, during its meal, I could definitely catch it off guard. I couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity!
“Set trap, deploy dual magic circles… Dark Lance!”
“GAAA!?”
Ambush successful! The two Dark Lances, unleashed by the dual magic circles I just used, pierced it simultaneously. They dealt massive damage, taking away eighty percent of its health. This might also be thanks to the title of “Underdog” that I held.
“GRAAAAAAA!”
The enraged brown bear charged straight towards me. After all, it was just a wild animal, as I had expected.
“GA…!”
“Stone Wall!”
The trap I set off triggered the Fire Lance spell, which struck the brown bear directly from below. Caught off guard by the unexpected attack from beneath, the brown bear’s momentum was weakened, and it crashed into the Stone Wall I imminently cast with diminished force.
Although the Stone Wall crumbled, the bear’s movement came to a complete halt, and it was knocked unconscious from the impact of hitting its head. I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away!
“Water Lance, Wind Lance, followed by Magic Shield!”
While the brown bear lay on the ground, I unleashed two consecutive attack spells, Water Lance and Wind Lance, and as an extra precaution, I activated the Magic Shield right above its head, pressing its head firmly against the ground. Wasn’t there some kind of restraining magic available that was better than this one?
It was a makeshift form of restraint, but it seemed to be effective. The brown bear, having recovered from its unconscious state, struggled to get up but couldn’t manage to do so.
“Save your futile cries… There will be no next time. Dark Lance!”
“Gaa…”
Finally, I delivered one last blow with the Dark Spear, and the brown bear’s health bar emptied completely. It was my victory.
――――――――――
You have won the battle.
Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
Newly learned martial art, “Meditation”.
The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Earth Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Fire Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Wind Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Dark Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Non-Elemental Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Summoning Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Circle] skill has increased.
The level of [Necromancy] skill has increased.
The level of [Trap Magic] skill has increased.
――――――――――
Alright, that went well. Except for the [Enchantment] and [Curse] skills that I didn’t use, everything else seems to have leveled up.
Now, let’s see about the martial art thing. According to the Help section… It was a technique designated for each weapon, but what’s this meditation?
Holding the staff without moving increased the rate of magic power regeneration, huh? It seems useful both in and out of combat. I should actively make use of it. Alright, let’s move on to skinning.
――――――――――
Brown Bear pelt – Quality: Good, Rarity: R (Rare)
The fur of a brown bear. With some processing, it can be turned into high-quality cold-weather gear or armor.
Brown Bear Gallbladder – Quality: Good Rarity: R (Rare)
One of the internal organs of a brown bear. It has medicinal properties and can be used as an ingredient in concoctions and alchemy.
――――――――――
So, there were two drop items, huh? Was it because of its large size? Or is it a reward for defeating a superior opponent? Either way, it doesn’t really matter.
The pelt, as expected, was useful, but the gallbladder caught my attention. The book mentioned recipes that specifically required it, so I knew I would definitely give them a try once my level increased.
Initially, I had my doubts about how this expedition would unfold, but it turned out to be quite rewarding in terms of both valuable items and valuable experience. Well then, shall we make our way back?
――――――――――
Name: Isam
Race: Skeleton Lv8 up!
Job: Apprentice Mage Lv8 up!
Titles:
- Knowledge Seeker
- Title Earner
- Heretic
- Underdog
- Mastermind Strategist
Remaining SP (skill points): 112
Skills:
- [Staff Mastery] Lv10 up!
- [Magic Control] Lv10 up!
- [Earth Magic] Lv7 up!
- [Water Magic] Lv7 up!
- [Fire Magic] Lv7 up!
- [Wind Magic] Lv7 up!
- [Dark Magic] Lv9 up!
- [Non-Elemental Magic] Lv8 up!
- [Summoning Magic] Lv7 up!
- [Enchantment] Lv4
- [Magic Circle] Lv6 up!
- [Necromancy] Lv4 up!
- [Curse] Lv3
- [Trap Magic] Lv4 up!
- [Archaeology] Lv6
- [Linguistics] Lv4
- [Pharmacology] Lv0
- [Alchemy] Lv0
- [Appraisal] Lv7
- [Night vision] Lv-
- [Stealth] Lv8
- [Sneak] Lv7
- [Ambush] Lv5
- [Status Resistancey] Lv-
- [Light Weakness] Lv7
- [Blunt Attack Weakness] Lv10
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TN: Changed Underdog Unsurper to Underdog. The current title is more meaningful.
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