Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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>Translator: penny
>Chapter: 25
>Chapter Title: Raven Plains
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>Raven had two entrances.
The East Gate, called the main gate, and the West Gate, known as the back gate.
Of these, the grassland outside the East Gate was the hunting ground chosen by users newly arriving in Raven.
[Raven Plains]
It was the first hunting ground encountered on the main continent and also the most unremarkable one.
True to its reputation, even the monsters were ordinary.
Goblins from various tribes appeared, like Red Goblins and Blue Goblins.
The only difference from Arde was that the diversity of tribes meant the goblins wielded distinctive weapons and attacked in unique ways.
'No wonder it's considered the most ordinary hunting ground on the main continent.'
In other words, it was also a place that was easy to adapt to.
There was no better spot for users fresh out of the beginner city.
And that was why the Warrior Set was so highly valued and why it was considered Arde's graduation gear.
[Warrior Set Options]
>-3set: Grants 'Intimidation' effect against Goblin types. +7% additional damage against Goblin types, +2 to all stats.
'Nothing beats this against goblins.'
It was great for inflicting status ailments and bonus damage, limited to goblins.
Do-hyun smirked and walked right into the middle of the plains.
Goblins from various tribes were scattered in groups all around, but none dared attack him.
[Warrior Set option applies 'Intimidation' effect to the enemy.]
>[Red Goblin feels an inexplicable fear.]
>…..
>[Blue Goblin's morale breaks.]
>It was the Intimidation effect.
It didn't specifically lower stats or stun, but breaking morale was a crucial effect.
'When they're intimidated, their judgment slows, and that soon shows in their actions.'
Plus, he could walk through the heart of the hunting ground without worrying about ambushes.
It wasn't for nothing that boosting morale was emphasized in wars.
He felt a bit like a thug beating up innocent goblins who showed no will to fight, but they were naturally aggressive types.
To those without a Warrior Set, these goblins were the real thugs.
'Red Goblins have high attack power, Blue Goblins have high health.'
For testing, Blue Goblins seemed suitable.
Do-hyun made his decision and immediately used a skill.
[Skill 'Charge Slash' used.]
His body slid forward in an instant.
Even with the greatsword in hand, the speed was impressive.
It was thanks to the necklace and title boosting his speed by 15%.
Whoosh-!
Kee-rik!? Kee-rik!!
The Blue Goblins, who had been cautiously watching him, startled and backed away as the distance closed in a flash.
Unfortunately, the one at the front didn't even have time for that.
Slash!
By the time it realized, its body was already bisected.
And right after.
Ding-.
[Warrior Set option inflicts additional damage.]
>[Blue Goblin defeated.]
"Huh?"
The Blue Goblin vanished after a crisp notification.
Dead in one hit.
"This I didn't expect."
Do-hyun couldn't help but be stunned.
Blue Goblins had 1.5 times the health of other goblins. Compared to the Green Goblins from Arde, it was over twice as much.
Yet he'd taken one down in a single blow.
And not with some special skill—just a Charge Slash.
'Is this the power of the Warrior Set?'
It wasn't entirely the set's doing.
The 7% bonus damage was huge, but beyond that, Do-hyun's base stats had skyrocketed beyond his Arde days.
On top of that, he was wielding a Rare+ grade greatsword, not some rusty iron sword.
Especially since greatswords topped the charts for attack power among swords, this absurd damage was almost inevitable.
[Defeated enemy. Attack power of Red Greatsword of the Variant Goblin Warrior increases.]
What was truly amazing was that it would grow even stronger with more kills.
Sure, it broke down if you didn't kill within 10 minutes, but no option suited easy farming better.
And Do-hyun wasn't the only one reacting to its ridiculous performance.
Kee…… kee-rik!
The Blue Goblins didn't charge despite a comrade's death; instead, they trembled and retreated.
It was unlike their belligerent nature.
Already demoralized by Intimidation, the one-shot demo had completely shattered their will.
"Wow…… who is that guy? Did he just one-shot it?"
"What? Nah, you must've seen wrong. No way a Blue Goblin dies in one hit."
"No…… it just sliced and it was gone."
Whispers from nearby users hunting reached his ears.
Fortunately(?), few had seen it clearly, so most dismissed it, but that also meant it defied common sense.
Perhaps that's why the topic quickly shifted.
"But that guy's outfit is weird. Why's it so red?"
"Huh? Whoa, Warrior Set? Yeah, look at the goblins cowering."
"Warrior Set? What's that?"
The problem was, the new topic was still about Do-hyun.
"Arde graduation gear…… super rare on the market. Gotta be some mega-rich guy, right?"
"That pricey? How much?"
"Dunno…… probably at least a thousand gold. Not many splash that much cash here. Useless once you hit the next city anyway."
"Ah. Then why buy it?"
"Overkill performance here, though. Goblin bully…… rich folks drop big to level fast…… tsch."
A guy suddenly clicked his tongue, muttering irritably.
"Same crap everywhere—money wins."
"Seeing more'll just make me jealous. Let's go somewhere else."
Do-hyun scratched his head after glancing at the woman placating the guy as they left.
'Hmm. Didn't spend a single copper.'
He was misunderstood, but it didn't bother him.
P2W was at least honest; he was straight-up scamming.
He'd feel jealous too in their shoes.
'More importantly…… the vibe's definitely different from Arde.'
Unlike Arde's upbeat party-hunting atmosphere, this place felt cutthroat.
Some hunted in parties, some solo, but a clear wall divided them.
It made sense.
Parties split EXP, so solo was theoretically best.
Yet about two-thirds preferred parties.
'Had to.'
Hunting solo was too tough otherwise.
That meant solo players had something superior—talent, traits, items…… whatever trumped parties.
So the guy earlier must've resented Do-hyun soloing in Warrior Set.
'Such people exist everywhere.'
Even in Delrock, top performers got backstabbed with gossip.
Do-hyun had been a target too.
Hailed as a god on the throne with tons of fans, but equal haters.
Some ambushed, one even partied up pretending to be nice then tried paralyzing him with poisoned food.
For fame, spite, gigs…… motives varied.
'Crushed them all, though.'
Varied days until he teamed with his crew.
After fixed party, ambushes stopped—too daunting.
Do-hyun chuckled at the old memories and turned.
'Not important now.'
Past was past.
His foes were mere goblins.
"Alright…… time to warm up?"
He spun, locking eyes with goblins that flinched.
They sensed an ominous vibe in his smile. No message popped, but their morale surely plummeted further.
[Skill 'Charge Slash' used.]
Kieeeek!
Thus began Do-hyun's rampage.
* * *
"Wow…… who is that guy?"
"Solo rampage…… how stacked is his gear?"
"Tch. Enjoy it now. Useless later."
"Yeah…… still kinda jealous."
How much time passed hunting?
Ignoring the awed glances, he swept the area clean, and notifications rang.
[Swordsmanship proficiency increases.]
>[Swordsmanship proficiency reaches LV8.]
>[Level up.]
'Oh, swordsmanship proficiency and level-up.'
About 50-60 kills?
Definitely over ten packs, so more than that.
The rewards:
[Player: Kaiser]
>[Level: 15]
>[HP: 1,810 / 2,250]
>[MP: 340 / 600]
>[Stamina: 200 / 350]
>[Class: Last Adventurer [Apostle of Kashyar]]
>[Titles (3)]
>-Starting with Max Affinity?
>-First Slayer
>-Throne of Time Attack
>[Stats]
>[Strength: 35(+38)] [Agility: 35(+35)]
>[Stamina: 5(+35)] [Senses: 22(+35)]
>[Mana: 5(+34)]
>Remaining Points: 21
Level up three times.
'Rose better than expected.'
Low level helped, but solo meant no EXP split.
Devouring it all while killing faster than most parties.
One thing learned while hunting:
'Using skills drains stamina faster.'
Hadn't minded low stamina before, but now down 110 already.
Just adding Charge Slash.
At this rate, Backstab or multi-skills would burn it quick.
That's why.
'Hold onto points for now.'
No need to spend with one-shots ruling; save for emergencies.
Also to watch stamina and allocate if needed……
'Never know what skill drops next.'
Do-hyun was an all-master.
Lucky assassin skills matched his agility/senses mains, but a hero/legend mage/tank skill?
'Tears.'
Better keep spare stats ready.
Closing status, he checked inventory.
To see hunting spoils.
-Blue Goblin Leather (21)
>-Red Goblin Leather (23)
>-Goblin Teeth (11)
>…..
>Plus Arde junk.
Inventory full of trash.
Drop rates sucked, but usually you'd snag one decent by now……
'……Yeah, fits me.'
Familiar for Delrock's unluckiest.
No big deal.
Do-hyun wasn't after gear anyway.
[Goblin Extermination]
>-Rank: Common
>-Description: Goblins are causing trouble in Raven Plains lately. Scout 'Palsson' wants you to thin their numbers.
>-Kill any goblins regardless of tribe (40 / 40)
>-Clear Reward: 70 silver, some EXP
>-Failure Risk: None
>-Time Limit: 24 hours
[Hunter's Request]
>-Rank: Common
>-Description: Hunter 'Teber' in Raven Alley has a gross hobby of collecting goblin teeth. Bring him some.
>-Goblin Teeth (11 / 10)
>-Clear Reward: 80 silver, some EXP, Necklace of Beast Teeth
>-Failure Risk: Teber's affinity may drop.
>-Time Limit: 24 hours
[Gather Goblin Leather]
>-Rank: Common
>-Description: Tailor 'Emily,' who works goblin leather, made this request. Gather leather for her always-busy shop.
>-Red Goblin Leather (21 / 30)
>-Blue Goblin Leather (23 / 30)
>-Clear Reward: 1 gold, some EXP, Red Goblin Leather Belt or Blue Goblin Leather Pants
>-Failure Risk: Emily's affinity may drop.
>-Time Limit: 24 hours
'Goblin Extermination' and 'Hunter's Request' were done, but leather short.
Stepping deeper for more packs.
'……Hm?'
Something odd caught Do-hyun's eye.
No other way to describe it.
Glowing faintly red, like a red dot from afar……
'Person…… no, ghost?'
Translucent but unmistakably human-shaped.
And it was approaching. Slowly, but surely, toward Do-hyun.