[14th Everdusk, 2103] – Verdant Hollow Dungeon, CGA Branch
"Looks like I'll have to use them on other things until I get the material for grade evolution," I muttered, scanning my gear, eyes drifting until they stopped on a particular piece.
"Ah… my chainmail chestplate," I said with a grin, remembering the minor yet annoying restrictions I'd felt in my movement. "Maybe it's time to enchant this bad boy for better defence and mobility."
But before that...
"Let's get those stat pointssss, boiiissss~," I smirked as I activated my talent,
The familiar energy surged from within, curling out of my body and hovering above the corpses of the two forest wolves I had slain earlier. Then, a notification appeared:
[Talent has detected 2~ Lv.6 Forest Wolf bodies. What do you wish to do: Plunder, Dismantle, Store.]
"Plunder," I selected without hesitation. The other options weren't worth it right now.
[No talent, skills, or abilities, bloodline detected. Stats identified.]
[You've gained +2 Agility, +1 Stamina stat.]
"Okay, decent haul," I muttered, watching my stat screen flicker as the numbers increased.
I could already feel the difference. My body grew slightly lighter, my stamina just a bit more enduring. Bit by bit, I was getting stronger. At this rate… maybe I could get rid of the weed that plagued my life. Just a few more weeks, and I'd rip it out, roots and all.
But first—enchanting.
__
{Basic Chain Mail Chestplate
Type: Armor (Chest)
Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0)
Description: A beginner's chain mail chestplate crafted from low-grade iron, designed for minimal defense. It provides adequate protection against weak physical attacks, suitable for those just starting their journey.
Attributes:
Defense: +5
Durability: 46/50
Weight: Moderate
__
I opened the enchantment interface using my talent.
[Talent has detected an item
"Enchant it," I said. "I mean, what else can you even do?" I joked aloud—until the system actually replied.
[Talent can enchant, evolve, modify, reanimate and ???????. The thing to the user wish.]
"...Wait, reanimate?" I blinked. "You can bring back broken items?"
[Talent can reanimate any item with necessary stuffs and the last option is not available till certain requirements are not achieved.]
"Tch. So mysterious with those question marks, huh?"
I shook my head and opened the enchantment menu.
[Please choose the aspect you wish to enhance:
1. [Sturdiness and Defense]: 4 Evo-enchant Point.
2. [Durability of the Chestplate]: 9 Evo-enchant points.
3. [Grade of the armour]: 40 Evo-enchant points + Additional things.
4. [Add another effect.]: 30 Evo-enchant Points + desired effect.]
"…Damn, why is everything so expensive now? You jacked up the prices!" I scowled.
The talent didn't respond.
"Oiii, don't ignore me now! Are you trying to scam me out of my hard-earned points?!"
[System Notice: Talent has gone dormant for several minutes.]
"…Oh sure. Run now, huh? I'll get to the bottom of this later," I grumbled.
"Fine. Talent, choose options one and two. Proceed with the enchantment."
[The process is being proceeded; it may take a few minutes.]
[1....4....7...9....11....18...25....29....32....39....44....51...59....64.....75...86.....93...100%]
[Enchantment is successful, proceed to check it.]
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Basic Chain Mail Chestplate (Enchanted)
Type: Armor (Chest)
Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0)
Description: A beginner's chain mail chestplate enhanced with a basic enchantment. While still modest in appearance, the enchantment fortifies its defensive capabilities and durability, making it a reliable choice for budding adventurers.
Attributes:
Defense: +12
Durability: 80/80
Weight: Moderate
__
"Oh, noiceeee~ Even the durability's been restored—tha—"
A sound cut me off. Snapping twigs. Low growls.
I turned quickly. A pack of wolves, eight in number, eyes glowing with bloodlust, closed the distance fast.
"Guess I won't have time to admire my gear..."
The lead wolf lunged, but my sword was already mid-swing. One clean slash across its neck—dead on impact.
The rest began circling me warily, eyes darting to their fallen comrade.
Even I was momentarily stunned. One hit? But then I noticed the wound—severed cleanly. A perfect critical. That explained it.
I grinned, eyes narrowing.
"Alright then. Come at me."
This time, I was the one charging. My sword slashed at another wolf's back—wounded, but not dead. The others sprang in from all directions, hoping to pin me down. But I was ready.
I dropped low, sweeping my blade up into another wolf's chest. Blood spurted as its body was impaled and lifted into the air.
Without missing a beat, I threw the corpse at another attacker to stagger it.
I lunged forward again.
My aggression stunned them. They weren't prepared for a prey to turn predator. One of them lunged, and in that moment—Fire Strike activated on my blade. The blade ignited, cleaving through its neck in a burst of searing flame.
"Hahaha! Now that's a massacre!" I roared, blood splashing around me.
I didn't stop. Slash after slash, I carved through the pack like a storm of steel. Cuts bloomed across their bodies as they howled in agony.
But even adrenaline has its limits.
My breath grew ragged. Fatigue set in. My stamina was low—and they noticed.
Four surviving wolves tried to flee.
"Not happening."
I surged forward in a burst of speed, taking down one more before the others escaped.
Three left. Five dead.
The surviving wolves fled into the forest, leaving behind only their fallen kin—and the crimson-stained ground.
My bloodlust faded. Calm returned.
"Huff… that adrenaline rush really hit me," I muttered, glancing around at the scene of carnage.
Then, one by one, the notifications began to roll in—sweet, glorious XP.
{To be continued...}