[14th Everdusk 2103], CGA Branch, Dyna Crest country, Test Dungeon.
"I will not let your sacrifice be in vain. I will even use your body to become strong, defeat your enemies, and bring you peace," I said, my voice filled with determination, a big smile stretching across my face. (^ U ^)
As I was about to activate my power on the boss's body, a sudden notification from the dungeon appeared before my eyes.
[You have defeated the Boss unit, Stormblade Skeleton Knight. You have met all the requirements to clear the dungeon.]
[You have defeated a Lv.29 Stormblade Skeleton Knight. You have gained 8,530 EXP. (+400% for higher-level monster.)] [9,505/1,000 EXP]
[You have leveled up to Lv.20 (6^)] [720/2,200 EXP]
[You have gained 60 unassigned points.]
[
[Ding! It has been detected that the host has some power coursing through his body. A skill is being forcibly awakened within your body, Phantom Bond – Zephoros.]
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<<
Skill: Phantom Bond – Zephoros (Tier 0, Lv. 10) --->
Type: Passive/Active
Mana Cost: N/A (Passive) / 50 MP (Active)
Cooldown: 30 seconds
Proficiency: 0%
Description ->
Binds the undead wind-elemental steed, Zephoros, the Phantom Gale, to the user as a loyal mount. Zephoros' strength grows alongside its master, never falling behind by more than 10 levels.
Effects ->
Passive:
Level Synchronization: Zephoros' level is always below 10 levels of the master.
Wind Affinity: +10% movement speed when mounted.
Spectral Resilience: 12% resistance to physical damage.
Active:
Phantom Dash (30s Cooldown): Zephoros becomes intangible for 1 second, allowing it and the rider to phase through attacks and terrain while gaining +50% movement speed.
Stats (Lv. 10):
Health: 80% of the caster's max health.
Speed: 150% of the caster's speed.
Defense: 70% of the caster's defense.
Growth Potential:
Gains new abilities and enhancements as the user levels up.
Can evolve into a higher undead form with stronger abilities.
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[You've cleared the dungeon. It will collapse in thirty minutes when the portal appears.]
I quickly examined the skill and was pleased to find something comparable to what protagonists acquire on their journeys.
"I may have received the opportunity of Lucas by chance, but I am not afraid, as my opponent is not a regressor like me," I said, my resolve hardening. Without further consideration, I walked toward the boss's body lying before me.
"Hmmm, maybe I can get those items," I muttered, as I began to remove the armor and sword from the boss's body. After a few minutes, I paused and looked at the items.
"Well, they are indeed good items, but not my type," I said, scanning the descriptions of the set.
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<<
A once-proud Tier 1, Vireth Rank armor set and sword, now degraded over time, yet still retaining a fraction of its former power. Forged with enchanted steel and imbued with lingering wind essence, this set enhances agility and speed while offering decent protection.
Armor:Zephyrwind Steel Plate (Tier 0, Erith Rank) -->
Type: Full-body Heavy Armor
Durability: 900/900
Weight: Moderate
Defense: 65
Wind Affinity: Low
Description ->
A steel-plated armor set forged with wind-aligned runes. Though it has degraded from its original Vireth Rank, it still grants the wearer enhanced agility uncommon in heavy armor. The lingering wind essence reduces weight while offering decent protection.
Effects ->
Gale Step: Reduces armor weight impact, increasing movement speed by 10%.
Windflow Guard: Incoming projectile attacks are slightly redirected, reducing ranged
damage by 5%.
Aerodynamic Defense: Wind energy reinforces the armor, increasing agility and evasion slightly.
Weapon:Stormrend (Tier 0, Erith Rank) -->
Type: One-Handed Sword
Durability: 750/750
Weight: Light
Attack Power: 85
Wind Affinity: Moderate
Description ->
A finely crafted steel sword that once resonated with storm energy but has since weakened. Though no longer at its peak, it still retains its wind-aligned properties, allowing for swift and precise strikes.
Effects ->
Wind Edge: Increases attack speed by 10%.
Gust Slash: Normal slashes generate slight wind pressure, extending attack reach slightly.
Whispering Blade: The sword hums with the wind, making it easier to control in combat.
The appearance and power of these items were truly overwhelming, and they could serve me well for a few months. But, they weren't my style. I wasn't a wind-element fighter, and I wasn't a fan of full armor. Although protective, it was far too limiting in combat for me.
"Well, I can always sell these in CGA," I muttered, considering my options. "Let me get the stats first." I raised my hand and activated my talent. "Plunder."
A moment later, energy erupted from within me, surrounding the boss's body like a shell. I watched as the energy seeped through the gaps, entering the body to begin its work.
[
"Huh, what the hell is this massive upgrade? Does this mean I can randomly acquire the skill of beings, or are there set effects?" I said, feeling a surge of strength as the new stats integrated into my body. But I quickly realized that, being undead, there was no stamina stat in its body.
I didn't waste much time and immediately checked the description of the new passive skill. Passive skills were far more useful in battle, after all, and some of my other skills had even upgraded during the battle, making the fight easier than expected.
<<
Skill:Blade of the Tempest (Lv. 1) -->
Type: Passive
Tier: 0
Proficiency: 0%
Description ->
Each melee attack carries the force of the wind, granting a chance to release a cutting wind blade that slashes enemies from a distance. The wind blade moves swiftly, dealing additional damage.
Effects ->
Activation Chance: 5% per melee attack.
Wind Blade Range: 3 meters.
Wind Blade Damage: 30% of weapon's base attack power.
Skill:Necrotic Aura (Lv. 2) -->
Type: Passive Skill
Cooldown: N/A
Mana Cost: N/A
Proficiency: 4%
Description ->
Your presence radiates a growing aura of death, further empowering undead allies and slightly draining the vitality of living beings within range.
Effects ->
Undead Empowerment: Increases the attack and defense of undead under your control by 6%.
Living Debilitation: Living creatures within a 5.5-meter radius experience a minor reduction in stamina recovery (-3%).
Skill:Magical Focus (Lv. 2) -->
Type: Passive Skill
Cooldown: N/A
Mana Cost: N/A
Proficiency: 1%
Description ->
Your refined concentration enhances spellcasting further, increasing accuracy and reducing casting time.
Effects ->
Spell Precision: +6% accuracy with all spells.
Skill:Basic Battle Instinct (Lv. 2) -->
Type: Passive Skill
Cooldown: N/A
Mana Cost: N/A
Proficiency: 9%
Description ->
Your combat awareness sharpens, further enhancing your reaction speed and ability to anticipate enemy movements.
Effects ->
Reaction Speed: +6% increased reaction speed to attacks.
Threat Awareness: +6% chance to avoid basic attacks.
I was pleased to see my skills improving over time. These improvements would be essential for the challenges ahead.
With the portal ready to take me back to the CGA Branch and receive my test results, I prepared to leave. I had a feeling my results might surprise a few people.
"Well, let's set off, and thank you for everything, sir," I said, bowing slightly as I paid my respects to the grave I had made for the boss knight. The inscription read, "THE GRAVE OF A LOYAL KNIGHT."
With that, I stepped into the portal, leaving the knight's soul to rest in peace until I could fulfill my promise and defeat his enemies.
-- To be continued --