531 Chapter 531 - Similarly Unconfiden (2/2)

Sword Demon truly believed that he was terribly unlucky. So what if he lost a level?! The real issue here was that, in the two times he had lost a level, it was at a point when he was about to reach the next level, which was as good as losing two levels at one go. The last time was when he was at level 30 and was about to reach level 31, which dropped him down to level 29. This time, he was about to reach level 42 from level 41. Now, he found himself back down to level 40. The system's simple and direct calculation of the loss of a level upon death did not consider how much experience points was earned. Thus, in some ways, losing a level depended on a person's luck. Sword Demon naturally felt that he must truly have the most wretched fortune to have pretty much lost two levels at one go.

Sword Demon heaved a deep sigh and looked up at the sky. Falling leaves was commonplace in Linyin City, so it would really be quite uncanny if any breeze would not be carrying along a handful of loose leaves each time. At the moment, leaves were dancing about in the wind as he watched them in a daze. Suddenly, he felt that these falling leaves complemented what he was feeling too damn well right at this moment.

Sword Demon sighed once more and was about to continue his way onward when, in the instant that he lowered his head, he spotted a leaf that was gliding with the light breeze suddenly whirl upward…

Sword Demon did not have the level of skill that Gu Fei possessed, but it would be preposterous to call him a novice when it came to practical combat experience. Having been gaming for such a long time, and as someone who conscientiously improved upon his skills and knowledge, why would he not take note to accumulate experience in this avenue? Seeing the fallen leaves abruptly whirl upward just like that despite the lack of change in the wind, he could only surmise that someone was responsible for this wind flow! It must be an attack!

While it was rather impressive of him to arrive at such a deduction just from that, Sword Demon's reaction was just a few milliseconds too slower. He could immediately feel a sharp pain blossoming from his shoulder. Without even turning around, Sword Demon took a quick step forward before he moved 45 degrees to the side and dashed toward the nearest wall. As soon as his back was against the wall, he pivoted with his dagger already in hand and swiped out with his own cold gleam.

The person behind him retreated quickly, evading Sword Demon's attack. The man stuck his tongue out and leered at Sword Demon sinisterly. ”Your reaction's pretty quick!”

”Who are you?” Sword Demon more or less had an idea who had sent this person after him. To ambush him in such a foreign place, this man was most likely a companion of that Priest.

”He he. Haven't we already met each other before?” That smile was still plastered upon the person's face.

Sword Demon's heart seized, for he had already guessed who this person was! Back in the forest, he saw a hazy image of a Thief appearing right behind him. Given the speed the latter had demonstrated, he was guaranteed to be using a skill. Sword Demon would have no idea what skill this was if this happened a few days ago, but after joining the League of Assassins and having the opportunity to choose the skill upon initiation, he was very certain that he could recall a certain skill description that went: 'Leaving behind afterimages, abruptly appear behind the target and deal a fatal blow.' Shadowstep.

At the same time, Sword Demon also remembered Gu Fei mentioning how he had met someone with this very same skill.

”Cool Apple?” Sword Demon asked.

The man nodded, his expression turning somber, as if he were a predator that had his eye on Sword Demon.

There was no doubt that someone who had PKed over 1600 players would have plenty of experience when it came to the act itself. There was no room for errors when facing off against such an opponent. Sword Demon focused his mind and sharpened his senses as well. Although he knew that, having just left the tavern, his companions might still be nearby, he simply had no intention of calling for help at all.

While his opponent did take the initiative to sneak-attack him, the man had yet to call for any helpers on his side, either. Ultimately, this was a duel, and Sword Demon's pride did not allow him to cry out for aid over such a minor setback. He was used to being in the role of the rescuer and not the other way around.

Should I use Shadowmist Assault? The skill was waiting patiently for Sword Demon to use, but just as he got this thought, he realized that Cool Apple's posture had changed. The man lowered his center of gravity, pretty much like what Broken Water Arrow had done, to the point of looking if he were about to crawl on the ground.

He's already aware of the skill's weakness… Sword Demon could tell that the Priest, familiar with the game data, had already revealed this to his companions. This sort of information would probably take players several encounters of the skill before they could figure it out, yet the other party had already learned this effortlessly right now. Why else would they say that wars in the 21st century would be informational warfare…

Still, by comparison, Broken Water Arrow was clearly much better than Cool Apple at this, for at least the man still had the confidence to make the dodge at the same time as Sword Demon unleashed the skill. Cool Apple, on the other hand, in order to be on guard against the skill, hunkered down to the ground in advance, disregarding how unseemly he looked by doing so.

But how am I any better? Sword Demon could not help chuckling bitterly to himself. He had no idea when, but his back was firmly glued to the wall behind him. The reason was not lost to him, for he similarly had no confidence in being able to dodge Cool Apple's Shadowstep.

”I really envy guys like Miles for their superior reflexes…” Sword Demon could not help sighing at this.

”Hey. How can you let yourself be distracted when facing an opponent like me?” Cool Apple's voice called out, and it was from a relatively near position. Very near, in fact, as it was right next to his ears! Sword Demon was shocked as Cool Apple sent him flying with a kick.

This one kick did not do much damage, but Sword Demon understood that, since his opponent could deliver this kick, it naturally meant that he could have executed a stab outright, too. The man was clearly underestimating him by doing this.

”Don't you even know about the technique of skill canceling?” Cool Apple eyed Sword Demon with disdain.

By the eaves of a house a good distance away, a sharp arrow glistened in the sun.3 chapters back, Ye Xiaowu made a comment about Sword Demon being level 40, yet here it was mentioned that he was level 41.

Readers can either accept that Butterfly Blue had made a mistake here, or that Ye Xiaowu was the one who made the mistake with his level. Either way, Sword Demon is now level 40.