Episode 12: The Road to Level 10
With Seiji now part of the team, Renji and the others knew what their next goal had to be—getting stronger.
While their fight against the Dire Fang had proven their skills, it had also made one thing clear: they weren't strong enough yet. If they wanted to survive in this world and face even greater dangers, they had to reach Level 10 as fast as possible.
The Journey Begins
After stocking up on supplies and upgrading their equipment, the team set out from Hamlet toward a region known as the Emerald Highlands—a vast expanse of rolling green hills, dense forests, and hidden caves.
It was the perfect place to train.
As they walked through the grassy plains, Leon spun his rapier with a smirk. "So, what's the plan, leader?"
Renji adjusted the Steel Longsword at his side. "Simple. We find strong monsters, fight them, and level up fast."
Seiji raised an eyebrow. "Efficient. I like it."
Airi checked her bow. "We should also test our teamwork now that Seiji's with us. We don't know how he fights yet."
Eve nodded. "Agreed. Let's not rush into anything reckless."
Kai grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Come on, let's just find something to fight already."
They didn't have to wait long.
As they crested a small hill, Renji's sharp eyes caught movement in the distance. A group of four-legged creatures with glowing red eyes prowled through the grass—Shadow Wolves.
[Shadow Wolf - Level 9]
A pack of five wolves. Stronger than what they had faced before, but exactly what they needed.
Renji smirked. "Perfect. Let's go."
Battle in the Highlands
The wolves snarled, their bodies blurring as they dashed toward the team at high speed.
"Fast!" Airi said, quickly drawing an arrow.
Leon reacted immediately, stepping forward. "I'll intercept!" He lunged with his rapier, stabbing the ground in front of him. A burst of wind erupted from his blade, slowing the incoming wolves.
Eve sprinted forward, daggers flashing in the sunlight. She vanished in a blur, reappearing behind one of the wolves and slashing its hind legs. The creature yelped but quickly turned, snapping its fangs at her.
Renji charged at another wolf, gripping his sword tightly. He activated Agility Boost, feeling the surge of speed through his body. The wolf lunged at him, but he sidestepped, slashing its side as he passed.
Critical Hit!
The wolf howled in pain but didn't go down. Instead, it turned aggressively, its red eyes glowing brighter.
A howl echoed across the battlefield. The wolves were calling for reinforcements.
"More are coming!" Seiji warned, his hands glowing with golden light. "Buffs incoming—Strength Surge!"
A golden wave of energy spread across the team, making their weapons feel lighter and their attacks sharper.
Kai took advantage of the buff immediately, charging into a wolf with full force. His fists glowed with energy as he landed a powerful uppercut, sending the creature flying backward.
Eve leaped onto another wolf, using her daggers to slice across its throat, dealing massive damage.
Leon weaved between attacks, his rapier moving like lightning. "We need to take them out fast before more arrive!"
Airi fired an arrow straight into a wolf's eye, killing it instantly.
Renji focused on his own opponent, gripping his sword as his Mastery Level activated. He could feel the difference in his attacks—his movements were smoother, and his blade sharper.
The wolf lunged again, but this time, Renji was ready. He ducked under its bite and drove his sword into its chest.
[Shadow Wolf Defeated!]
More wolves approached, but Seiji stepped forward. "Stand back."
He raised his hands, and suddenly—golden chains of light erupted from the ground, wrapping around the remaining wolves and binding them in place.
The team took advantage of the opening, launching a coordinated attack.
Eve and Kai struck first, dealing heavy damage to the trapped creatures. Leon followed with a precise thrust to a wolf's heart, and Airi finished the last one with a well-placed shot.
As the last wolf collapsed, the battlefield fell silent.
Then—
[Level Up!]
A notification appeared before Renji's eyes. He had finally reached Level 10.
The rest of the team checked their stats, confirming that they had all leveled up as well.
Kai grinned, wiping sweat from his forehead. "That was insane."
Leon smirked. "And we're only getting started."
Renji sheathed his sword, looking at the vast landscape ahead. The Emerald Highlands stretched endlessly, full of new challenges waiting for them.
For the first time since entering the game, Renji felt ready.
This was only the beginning.
To Be Continued...