Chapter 34 (2/2)

Nul stepped forward with a happy expression. “Finally, one of the villagers has reached Level 10. As such, I can now provide a new function for the Newbie Village and…. Other guests,” He said, giving Randidly a distasteful look.

But at least he was now willing to talk to Randidly, so having some people here, getting classes and leveling, must put him in a good mood.

“Players may use me to transport themselves into far off parts of the Nexus, competing in what are called Skill challenges. The Prizes are self-evident: Skills.”

Randidly straightened, his eyes narrowing at Nul. “...you can earn skills?”

Nul nodded. “But of course, the usefulness depends on how many skill slots your class provides: in that way, production focused classes have a definite edge. In addition, your options are limited by what Tier you are in.”

“Tiers?” Daniel sounded like he was salivating at the thought.

“Yes,” Nul continued. “No doubt you have noticed that there are certain ‘main’ paths that unlock naturally, based on total stat value. For example, you start with Newbie Path, and Trainee Path unlocks at 100. Apprentice is 400, Journeyman 750. So although the Skill challenges provide breadth of skills, they won’t give anyone a skill more powerful than they are.”

Nul made a strange gesture with his hand, and a notification appeared before Randidly. He instantly clicked skill challenges.

Newbie: Running 5 SP, Jumping 5 SP, Dogding 5 SP

Trainee: Slash 10 SP, Endure 10 SP, Roundhouse Kick 10 SP, Sneak 10 SP, Magic Missile 15 SP, Healing Palm 25 SP.

Apprentice (Locked): ????

Randidly did some quick math. His current total stats were 358, not including items, which Randidly suspected did not count. That meant he needed less than 50 to unlock the Apprentice Path. But for now…

Of the available skills, some Randidly already had. Others, like Jumping, Slash, and Endure, seemed like they would be easy for some levels, but he ultimately wouldn’t use them. On the other hands, Roundhouse Kick, Magic Missile, and Healing Palm intrigued him. The first for some variance in his fighting style, the second for another spell, and the third for the utility it could bring, should he ever be injured while alone.

“How do you get SP?” Randidly asked shortly, turning to Nul.

Nul’s lips pursed in distaste. “Normally, you would earn it passively by gaining levels and killing a certain number of enemies. You… will need to trade in especially rare items, in order to gather it.”

“Will this suffice?” Randidly produced a third gold coin, this one taken by killing the rare boss of the lizards. Nul’s eyes widened and he nodded, happily accepting it.

“Yes…. this is good for 500 SP.” Randidly’s eyes narrowed at the amount, but he didn’t ask for the coin back. If Nul was so willing to part with SP, it was probably a treasure…

But Randidly knew nothing about the system, so it was hard to gauge. Still the smug grin on Nul’s face did not sit well in Randidly’s stomach.

“How does it work?” Daniel inquired. Most of the other nearby people had turned away, uninterested. After all, although the skills would give them variety, they would take up a valuable skill spot. As their class advanced, they would naturally unlock paths relating to that class, giving them skills. As such, this was a cost they weren’t willing to pay.

“Simple, just select the skill and the trial begins. Time will flow differently there, so if you pass, others will think it took you but a moment. But of course, if you fail…” Nul snorted, giving Randidly a glance.

But Randidly flashed him a grim smile and selected the Roundhouse Kick skill.