Pitstop
At least a month has passed since I started this life. Not much has happened during these days, but I am continually getting stronger.
According to Ed, I am now strong enough to survive on my own in this world. Of course, I am far from the real powerhouses.
My techniques are probably more refined, but the difference in pure attributes would be my downfall.
As such, Ed and I decided that it was time to level up. Also, sitting here and doing nothing might sound nice, but it won't help me get stronger.
As for why I want to get stronger? There's no reason. In my first life, I was spurred by the thought of returning to Earth.
I got stronger in my second life because I wanted to live, and I wouldn't be able to survive in that world without strength.
My third life… was lived by my dog.
This life, I have no goal except for living as I want. Free from machinations, from schemes, from authority. I just want to do what I want to do.
As for Ed's goals, I don't know about them. But I'll complete them the best I can, since he's providing me with power and strength.
Actually, the main reason I'm moving is because I've run out of food. Even eating the food sparingly has only lasted until now.
In the past couple of weeks, I finally managed to make my Bone armor. Whenever I was resting from my physical training, I would activate my Bone Manipulation and shape the Purple Death Scorpion Shell. I managed to make a full set of armor; cuirass, leggings, boots, gauntlets, pauldrons and helmet.
Purple armor looks quite weird on me, so I changed the colour to blue. I also used some of the Blue-Mane Lion's mane fur and placed it around my pauldrons.
The Tri-Horned Tiger's leather was fashioned into a cape. On my left hip the Mithril Longsword was attached, and behind my back was my Orichalcum Dagger.
(A/N: The armor in in the cover image.)
Quite a nice look if I say so myself. My status was updated as such.
[Status:
Name: Daniel
Age: 14
Class: None
Level: 10
HP: 120/120
MP: 300/300
STR: 30
VIT: 30
AGI: 28
DEX: 31
INT: 12
Skills: Bone Manipulation LV4, Utility Magic LV2, Swordsmanship LV7, Dismantling LV2, Tanning LV2, Mana Regeneration LV6, Tailoring LV3
Inventory: 5 x Health Potions (Rare), Blue-mane Lion Leather (Uncommon)
Equipment: Mithril Longsword (Unique), Orichalcum Dagger (Rare), Purple Death Cuirass (Rare+), Purple Death Leggings (Rare+), Purple Death Boots (Rare+), Purple Death Gauntlets (Rare+), Purple Death Pauldrons (Rare+), Purple Death Helmet (Rare+), Tri-Horned Tiger Cape (Uncommon)]
The + sign next to the Rare grade designation shows that it can be upgraded. At least, that's what Ed told me.
I have no idea how to change my class, or how to increase my INT. I'm guessing reading books, researching theories about the world or levelling up are the only ways.
In any case, according to Ed, the increase in INT will be multiplied by 10 and added to my MP capacity. For example, if INT increased to 24, then I would gain another 120 MP capacity.
My swordsmanship has almost reached the peak of my past two lives. Reaching level 8 would definitely surpass my peak.
I'm unsure as to which way I should move towards, so I just placed my sword vertically on the ground and let it fall over. Whichever way the hilt points towards is the way I'll move.
Ed wasn't any help either. Despite possessing a 'Mapping' function, apparently we have too little information on this current world for him to use it.
And so, my solitary journey with my eccentric system began. The armor that I made was really stuffy, so I ended up taking it off and putting my original clothes back on.
I'll change back if we encounter anything dangerous or reach a settlement. Speaking of which, I need to find one soon. My water bag which I made from leftover Tri-horned Tiger leather is already only half full.
I also need some new clothes. Inner wear made of Lion leather is not exactly the most comfortable.
Sigh… so many things I need to do, yet I'm nowhere near civilization. Why did Bloody Dumb Idiot even want to be here anyway?
Speaking of Bloody Dumb Idiot, he's been sound asleep all this time. He really likes to sleep after all. He was mostly asleep during my first life, and he only woke up just before I died.
I get angry just thinking about it. My wife in that life was a complete yandere. My dog had taken over my body, making her think I was an imposter! She killed me on accident! Talk about bad luck!
I may actually be unluckier than a certain hero of Ulster!
While on the topic of luck, it seems like mine has finally changed. After wandering the desert for close to 3 hours, I finished all of my water and was famished.
And what do I see in front of me? Another oasis! This time, however, there were live beasts around. Actually, there was a pair of Tri-horned Tigers. Do they only live near oases?
Using Ed's Appraisal, I found out that they are only level 15s. My Mithril Longsword and Purple Death armor should be able to fend them off.
One problem though, is that they are much bigger than me. Almost twice as tall and three times as wide. With such a size, it will be hard for me to kill them with one strike.
Whatever, I'll have to face them eventually. I should prepare for now. Luckily, the wind is blowing away from them, so they can't smell my scent.
I take out my Purple Death armor and put it on. I also re-equip my Mithril Longsword. The Dagger has always stayed on my body.
Breathing a deep breath, I calm myself and enter my battle mode. All irrelevant thoughts disappear from my mind, and the only thing I can even think of is taking down my opponent.
Which in this case is two massive Tigers.
The Tigers are still in a relaxed mood. They have not detected me yet, which gives me the element of surprise. How should I do this? Just charge in and run as fast as I can?
No, I'm sure the Tigers can run faster than me. So that leaves sneaking up to them?
I'll take advantage of the fact that they are dominant in this habitat and have their guards lowered.
Sheathing my Mithril Longsword and instead drawing my Orichalcum Dagger, I crouch into a low position and creep towards the tigers.
One of them looks around, as if they found something. However, after a minute or so of searching, it returns back to its resting position.
This is the chance I was waiting for!
I dash out of my cover and run straight for the tiger!
Seems like I overestimated their strength. Perhaps it was because they were relaxing, they didn't really react to my charge.
My first target didn't even get the chance to move before my dagger ran through its throat, spraying blood everywhere.
The other tiger was now on full alert. It stared at me with its feline eyes full of hatred. As if it was saying 'how dare you try to fight me?'.
Since the battle had already become a head-on engagement, I put my dagger back and retrieve my Longsword from my waist.
"Come at me!" (Daniel)
The tiger, as if responding to my provocation, flared its sharp canines at me. Taking this opportunity when it was clouded with rage, I sprinted as fast as I could towards his front paw.
I pushed myself to the point where my legs were almost about to give.
Even then, I pushed myself further. To the point where the wind was whistling past my ears and ruffling my hair.
Finally, I reached the tiger. Barely two seconds had passed since the start of our engagement.
I ruthlessly stabbed my longsword into his leg, as far up as I could reach.
Howling in anger and pain, the tiger attempted to swipe at me with his other paw.
Using the momentum it provided, I jumped onto the paw before jumping again, almost like a double jump.
I landed on my sword.
Crouching down and preparing my legs like a spring, I vaulted towards the underside of the tiger's head.
Drawing my dagger once again, I slid it effortlessly across its neck, once again getting covered in blood.
Tumbling back onto the ground in exhaustion, I turn around and see the tiger twitching in its dying throes.
"Heh. Serves you right. Trying to provoke me?" (Daniel)
I just could not get up anymore. My body was so tired that I had to lie there for about an hour before I could move again.
Now, looking for the spoils of war began.