Chapter 7

Itennu gripped his wound as he exited the cave into the dark of night. He immediately went to where he put his boar sack groaning as he bent over to retrieve it. His left arm was now very bloody and he retrieved two rabbit furs he had left, He went to the river which he knew was nearby, and he drank from the cold river and splashed some water on his wound, his body felt very cold and he shivered, he wrapped the furs around his wound and tightened it causing him to groan in pain.

He got up slowly, his eyes starting to close, but he forced them open and walked back to his boar sack stumbling and tripping as he did. Itennu needed to sleep but was afraid his wound might start to bleed again if he tried to climb a tree. He thought about sleeping in the cave, as much he didn't want to do so he felt like there was no other choice to sleep safely.

He dragged his boar sack and belongings into the cave, his legs starting to get heavy. He threw his stuff inside the area where he found the chest that gave him the ring that boosted his stats. He slowly dropped down on his knees and turned over as he laid on the cold stones, illuminated by the torches in the room.

He stared at the ceiling for a while and wondered if he would die, but he reassured himself that he wouldn't die from a flesh wound, and closed his eyes, giving in to his body's tiredness. The torches illuminating the room gave some warmth to Itennu and gave his body a comfortable temperature as he quickly drifted to sleep.

Itennu slowly opened his eyes, rising up from his slumber. He stretched his neck and back while sitting as they felt a little stiff. He sighed as he scratched his head, and looked around remembering he had chosen to sleep inside the cave.

He remembered the events of yesterday and brought up his stats to see if he leveled up.

LvL: 8->10

Titles: Forgotten, Hunter, Skeleton Slayer, Betrayed

Class: None

Exp: 1015/4710

Stats:

-Str: 37

-Vit: 24

-Agi:49

-Int: 28

-Wis: 11

Stat Points Remaining: 20

Skills:

-Armor Worker lvl 1,

-Hide Presence lvl 10,

-Silent Foot lvl 8,

-Skinning lvl 7,

-Magi's Knowledge lvl 3 (Requirements not met (lvl 28/34), Max level 10)

-Engineering lvl 2,

-Crafting lvl 4,

-One-Handed Sword Mastery lvl 6,

-Spear Mastery lvl 6,

-Dagger Mastery lvl 5,

-One-Handed Mace Mastery lvl 2,

-Martial Mastery lvl 3,

-Throwing Mastery lvl 3,

-Knowledge of the Ancients Lvl 1 (Requirements not met (lvl 10/20)) (Max Level ****)

Abilities:

-Forgotten Magic of the ***** lvl 0 (Requirements not met, Requires Forgotten Knowledge Lvl 2, Requires int:74, Requires Wis: 42, and Magi knowledge, lvl 8),

-Forgotten Magic of the Earth lvl 0 (Requirements not met, Requires int: 50, Requires Wis: 20, and Magi knowledge, lvl 5),

-Forgotten Magic of the ***** lvl 0 (Requirements not met, Requires Forgotten Knowledge Lvl 3, Requires int: 90, Requires Wis: 78, and Magi knowledge, lvl 10),

-Forgotten Magic of the ***** lvl 0 (Requirements not met, Requires Forgotten Knowledge Lvl 5, Requires int: 280, Requires Wis: 220, FM of the ***** lvl 10, FM of the **** lvl 10, FM of the Earth lvl 10, Magi Knowledge lvl 10, Advanced Magi Knowledge lvl 5)

Ability Points: 30

Itennu immediately noticed he had leveled up twice and felt proud of himself. He thought about putting his points into Str, Vit, and Agi, but he felt he needed to figure out what this Forgotten Magic and Magi Knowledge is about. Forgotten Knowledge could easily be seen as knowledge of his past and would lvl up as he does so.

Forgotten Magic needs Magi Knowledge, and he wondered want it would grant him, it was listed under his ability category and so far he has not gained any new abilities. His mind also seemed to have no information on the word of "magic" and was intrigued by what it meant. He needed to spend his stats wisely. After careful thinking, he decided to put a few points into Str and Agi, and the rest into Int and Wis with most of the points going to Int.

He put 10 stat points into Int, and 3 into Wis, he then put 4 in Str, and 3 in Agi. Itennu had second thoughts about his decision since he was injured in his last battle, he probably should've invested into Str, Vit, and Agi but he assured himself the seven points into Agi and Str were enough.

Stats:

-Str: 37->41

-Vit: 24

-Agi:49->52

-Int: 28->38

-Wis: 11-> 14

Magi's Knowledge lvl 4 (Requirements not met (lvl 38/42), Max level 10)

As he did this a large window appeared seemingly congratulating with having reached the 50 point mark on his Agi stat, the transparent window showed him three different options and told him to choose one reward.

50 Agility Stat Milestone: Choose one Reward:

-Speed Focus(Skill)

Increases one's Speed capabilities by 10% and Dodge and Attack Speed capabilities by 5%

-Dodge Focus(Skill)

Increases one's dodging capabilities by 10% and Speed and Attack speed capabilities by 5%

-Attack Speed Focus(Skill)

Increases one's Attack speed capabilities by 10% and Dodge and Speed capabilities by 5%

Notice: Depending on the chosen skill, rewards will be changed upon the next milestone.

Next Milestone: (Agi:100)

Itennu looked at his choices carefully. It appeared these skills affected the aspects of agility with each boosting all aspects of it but greatly improving on one. Itennu didn't know attack speed also increased as he leveled up agility, he welcomed the nice piece of information and wondered why he didn't notice sooner. Probably the increase was too minuscule, he thought. He looked over each skill once again carefully deciding on what to choose.

He then noticed the sentence at the bottom stating, "Depending on the chosen skill rewards will be changed upon next milestone" and "Next Milestone: (Agi:100)" Itennu became in deep thought. Luckily and generously, there are more rewards to come but whatever he chose now would affect him greatly in the long run.

Dodging is what he mainly does and seeks when allocating points into agility, but, is getting an extra hit in before backing off, or being able to quickly close or put distance between himself and another matter more? Itennu stared down at where he was cut.

Between attacking faster, moving faster, or dodging better, he would rather be able to dodge a fatal hit more reliably and safely. He had second thoughts on whether it was a good choice or not but it wasn't like he was missing out on speed or attack speed. He rested on the skill Dodge Focus. The translucent text evaporated at his decision and Itennu checked his status to see if the skill was really there.

Dodge Focus lvl MAX

Well no going back now, Itennu thought, checking his wound before getting up. He expected the wound to have healed up a bit at least stopping the bleeding, but what he saw shocked him. He couldn't believe his eyes, he rushingly took off the rabbit pelts he used as bandages and touched where he had been cut.

There was nothing there, no scar, no wound, just dried blood that gave his skin a red hue. Itennu couldn't believe it, he felt as if this were impossible, he had completely healed overnight and smooth skin had taken the place of the wound. Itennu couldn't help but feel as if he was dreaming, like if he was in some other world.

The thought in his head lingered there but seemingly vanished in the air, Itennu didn't notice but the thought of being in another world had been forcibly purged from his mind, not by him but by something else as he blankly stared to the ceiling… A short time passed and Itennu scoffed as he stretched and moved around and felt no pain. He couldn't believe the wound healed in such a short time.

Itennu rubbed his stomach feeling hunger as such he left his belongings in the cave only carrying out his dagger to hunt. He easily hunted down two rabbits skinning them for their furs and making a fire. He destroyed the fire quickly as the rabbits finished cooking and used sticks to carry the cooked rabbit and eat it at the same time.

He walked back to the cave and began rummaging through his things retrieving his weapons. He equipped his sword, dagger, and mace and let them hang off his loincloth with the help of guards he found off the skeletons he slain.

He also brought his boar sack using the string he made from cutting the fur thinly, and tying it under his armpit and over his shoulder and letting it rest just behind his shoulder.

He paused for a moment and touched his side again and then began sneaking throughout the cave, he reached the clearing where he fought the skeletons earlier and sneaked around the outskirts of the clearing. He hid behind a rock assessing his choices.

Here the cave departed to three more paths two on either side of him and one straight ahead. Itennu took the path to the left. There, after a short distance, he encountered two regular skeletons with spears, guarding a wooden door. The torches illuminated the path, but the skeletons seemed to have not spotted Itennu yet.

He should have hunted a boar so he could make some more throwing weapons but Itennu felt it was fine. He was confident in his abilities, he took a deep breath before making a dash towards his enemies.

The skeletons immediately prepared themselves, as they saw Itennu with both his sword and mace unsheathed and at his sides. Itennu crossed his weapons in front of him bracing himself to parry the skeletons' attacks. The skeletons thrusted their spears at the same time, the strikes aimed at his body. He used his mace to counter one and let the other spear slide off his sword altering its trajectory.

Itennu quickly swung his mace at the left skeletons head, as its spear slid off his sword. The right skeleton poised for another strike, but Itennu swept its legs, cracking them, and causing the skeleton to fall.

He swept the spear away with his sword and brought his mace crashing down on the skeleton's skull. Itennu took another deep breath in and sheathed his sword as the skeletons left their usual purple crystals as they dissipated with light.

He looked at the door in front of him. The door was made out of wood and was obviously very old, having many cobwebs all over it and seemingly having not been open for years. He could see light coming from the inside and slowly opened the door via the iron handle on the door.

The hinges squeaked louder than the bashing of skeleton skulls. Itennu carefully peered inside, as he opened the door wider and wider. He saw destroyed wooden crates littering the small room and saw one book and a pair of bracers sitting on the ground in the middle of the room.

Itennu fully opened the door and used his dagger to keep it from closing and shoving it into the ground and making it act as a doorstop. He scanned the room once more and found nothing else apart from the book and bracers.

He picked up the bracers, which had an enteric leaf design etched on the leather to it, and used a belt to tie itself onto one's forearm. He strapped the bracers on his forearms and adjusted its size with the belt to better fit his forearm. The bracers also had some type of soft material on the inside so it can be comfortable.

Itennu then picked up the book, it was pretty small and had a small number of pages. The book had a purple leather cover and had a kind of lightning bolt design on the front. Itennu opened it and saw a bunch of symbols he didn't understand.

The book must be in another language he thought, as he placed the book in his boar sack, but he stopped half-way, his body knows how to read, and speak a language, but does not recognize the one in front of him? What could this mean? Itennu was about to go into deep thought before stopping himself. It's just a random book in a deserted cave he said..... But then why would anyone leave such well-kept items here he thought.

These items seem to be in good condition compared to how the cave looks. Another mystery he thought, at this point, he was getting frustrated he had too many questions and no answers. He kept onward searching the cave. In the clearing he went straight ahead taking the right path, there he found three skeletons standing completely still, their soulless eyes peering straight ahead.

Itennu was behind cover so they didn't spot him as he took a slight peek from where he was positioned. All three bore swords and shields. Itennu took a deep breath and exhaled out slowly.

He unsheathed his sword and mace and bursted out of cover, Itennu covered the distance in a short time but the skeletons had enough time to react and lifted their shields in defense. Itennu got down low and swung his mace hard, shattering the frontmost skeleton's legs. The skeleton fell hard at the sudden change in its balance. The other two skeletons swung their blades at Itennu which he swiftly dodged, twisting his body at a sharp jab and arching his back at a wide swing. The skeleton without legs lost its blade and instead used its boney head to grab hold of Itennu's ankle.

Itennu felt like everything was in slow motion as he twisted his sword in his left hand and drove it into the downed skeleton's skull, he let himself lose his balance as he used his mace to destroy the right skeleton's skull.

The other skeleton seeing Itennu lose his balance raised his blade to deal a killing blow. Itennu let go of his sword on his left hand and caught himself, he then let a vicious roundhouse kick aimed at the side of the skeleton's knee. The skeleton's knee cracked and bent inward from the strike causing it to fall. The skeleton dropped its shield and used its sword to not fall over. Itennu took advantage of this situation delivering another kick that he thrusted into the skeleton's face. The blow cracked the skull of the skeleton severely and sent it flying back into the cave walls. It collided violently and the skeleton's skull shattered from the impact.

Three bright lights came and went and left purple crystals lying about. As he picked them up, Itennu saw something shiny out of the corner of his eyes. He looked over where he thought he saw it, moving loose rocks from he thought he saw it. As he moved another loose rock a shiny ring appeared from under it.

He picked it up inspecting it. The ring seemed to be made of silver but had a darker hue than a regular silver ring, he was interested as to what it did and put it on. He checked his stats and saw that it didn't change anything he could see… He left the ring on as he continued throughout the cave. He took the final path straight down the middle. Here the sounds of bones rattling finally came up again. Itennu took his time dipping into cover and out.

He also looked behind him from time to time. Itennu stopped as a bony hand came into view. He peeked slightly behind cover, seeing a patrol of four normal skeletons one carrying a mace and shield, another a sword and shield, another a spear, and the last one carrying a curved blade which shone brightly in the light. Compared to the other skeletons' weapons and his weapons, the curved blade was in very good condition.

He didn't notice anything else unusual from the skeleton with the curved blade which he recognized as a Sabre. Itennu readied himself as the skeletons came upon his position. But before they could pass him they all turned and walked back to where they came. Itennu felt uneasy and didn't follow them.

He instead waited for them to come back which they did five minutes later, doing the same thing they did, turning just before they got into Itennu's range. Itennu opted to sneak behind them when they turned next time. He did this and quickly followed the skeletons. The skeleton with the spear was on the far left, then there was the mace wielding one, then the sword one, and then finally the one with the shiny saber on the far right. They weren't spaced out that much and Itennu felt like he could destroy two of them at the same time.

Itennu sped up to the slow-moving skeletons, muffling his footsteps with Silent Foot. He prepared to swing both of his weapons as he got closer. As soon as he was in range he swung his mace first destroying the skeleton with the mace, and then his sword destroying the skull of the skeleton with the spear. The strikes were quick and decisive. The other two skeletons quickly went on the attack, cutting and slashing at Itennu.

Itennu dodged each strike steadily backing away trying to find a gap between both the skeletons combined assault. Itennu bumped into the wall and quickly ducked as the skeleton with a double-edged sword thrusted his blade. The blade got stuck in the wall, and as it tried to pull it out, it received a smash to the chin from Itennu's mace. The blow sent the skeleton's skull flying and caused it to crumble.

The skeleton with the saber still continued the attack, slashing at Itennu's body. Itennu back towards the wall blocked the quick strikes with his sword and mace. He finally got a parry off letting the blade slide off his sword, sparks flying. He brought his mace around delivering a clean swing to the head, the sound of the skeleton's skull being blasted to bits rung out through the cave. The skeleton slowly lumbered towards Itennu, now without its head Itennu kicked it away, making it drop its blade, and turn to light as it crashed to the ground.

LvL: 10->11

Stats:

-Str: 41 -> 50

-Vit: 24

-Agi:52

-Int: 38 -> 39

-Wis: 14

Skills

-One-Handed Mace Mastery lvl 4,

-Martial Mastery lvl 5,

-One-Handed Sword Mastery lvl 8,

Itennu invested 9 points into str to see if it also had a milestone like agility, and put the other point into Int. As he did this a large window appeared congratulating him for having reached the 50 point mark on his str stat much like the last one. Three rewards were presented to him,

50 Strength Stat Milestone: Choose one Reward:

-Physical Focus(Skill)

Increases one's Physical Capabilities by 10% and Stamina and Health by 5%

- Stamina FocusSkill)

Increases one' Stamina by 10% and Physical Capabilities and Health by 5%

-Health Focus(Skill)

Increases one's Health by 10% and Stamina and Physical Capabilities by 5%

Notice: Depending on the chosen skill, rewards will be changed upon the next milestone.

Next Milestone: (Str:100)

He looked at each reward carefully, it appeared strength increased his Stamina and his Health, whatever that is, as well as his Physical Capabilities which he already knew. Itennu looked at health and wondered what it could mean. Is it referring to how healthy he is, but then why does it have its own category separate from being physically strong or how much stamina you have. Itennu decided to ignore the last option.

He focused on the two above. More stronger or more stamina? So far he hasn't encountered an enemy which he couldn't damage, but that would probably change.

He thought about the time when that large lizard completely obliterated his prey and wondered if he even had the strength to inflict damage to them with their armored like skin. On the other hand, he encountered a stamina problem while fighting the large group of skeletons. It seemed obvious to go for physical strength for the possibility it could be useful in killing strong creatures.

But Itennu was reluctant. If he faced a strong creature and wasted out of stamina it wouldn't matter how strong he was. He'd rather have more stamina to either run, attack, or dodge. Itennu settled on Stamina Focus

Stamina Focus LvL Max

Itennu almost forgot about the saber as he got ready to move on. He picked up the blade and examined it. The leather handle and the iron crossguard were a bit roughed up with the crossguard being chipped. The blade however showed no signs of wear, the metal blade shining in the torch-lit cave. Itennu dropped his old chipped blade and gave the saber a few swings.

It felt right and more comfortable than a double-edged blade, in fact, it gave the same sense of familiarity he got when he did certain activities. He gave the blade a couple of swings, the weight of the blade was lighter than the double-edged one, and it was longer than his arm measuring at 90 centimeters or about 35 inches.

He sheathed the blade using his loincloth, the blade reaching just past his knee. He sheathed his mace too and continued onward throughout the cave. As he continued down the path he felt the same malicious energy that almost deterred him from entering the cave, it died down as he fought off the skeletons but now it grew stronger.