Power And Pride

"Alright, everyone hand in the loot so we can distribute it in the best way possible." Dain had shouted, and most people had obliged, handing in the drops they recieved. The boss gave out random drops, so for example a mage could get a warrior's sword. Thus Dain's method was approved by most.

The tension in the camp was thick enough to cut with a blade, and ironically, that very blade was the cause of it.

"I got the drop. It's mine," Julius said, gripping the hilt of the sword like his life depended on it. His black hair hung over his eyes, his expression dark and defiant. "You know, if you get the last hit on the boss you get a higher chance to get a drop? If any of you have a problem, maybe you should have got the finishing blow."

"You only got that sword from luck, you are weak. Your attitude is proof of that." Dain sighed.

He crossed his arms, towering over Julius. "You wouldn't have even had the chance if we hadn't been covering you." His voice was calm but edged with frustration. "You're not the only one who fought for it. Infact people died here, the loot should be distributed fairly."

Julius scoffed, his knuckles whitening around the weapon. "I'd say it has been distributed fairly. See, I'm the one who picked it up because I got the finishing strike. If anyone has a problem with that, perhaps they need to get checked up here." He pointed to his head mockingly.

He wasn't going to let them take away what was his.

The group shifted uncomfortably. Just moments ago, they had been celebrating their victory, the rush of battle still fresh in their veins. But now, the mood had soured, the sense of camaraderie unraveling with each passing second.

Yara sighed, arms crossed. "You know, I was starting to think you weren't so bad, Julius," she said, her voice quieter but laced with disappointment. "But you're really making it hard, the group relationship should be first-priority. The sword will be put to good use regardless of who has it! It's not a competition."

Others murmured in agreement, their gazes shifting toward Julius with a mix of resentment and disillusionment. The divide was forming, and he could feel it—sharp, almost suffocating.

He exhaled harshly, shaking his head. "I don't care what any of you think," he said, his voice flat. "I'm doing this for myself. Everything I've done, everything I will do—it's so I can survive. I'm sure this is secretly the same for most of you."

Kael, the scout walked up, his gazing at Julius pitifully. "Why?" He asked. "What will happen if you don't get this sword?"

Julius looked at her for a long moment. For a second, something flickered in his expression—something hateful, something almost vulnerable. But then, just as quickly, it was gone.

"Doesn't matter," he muttered. "Just don't get in my way."

Silence followed, heavy and thick. The air between them was filled with unspoken words, but no one dared to voice them.

Then, as if to break the moment, a voice called out from the outskirts of camp. "Next quest's coming in soon. We need to be ready. Good job on beating the Guardian guys, some of us scouted around and the barrier is gone."

Dain laughed, hiding his emotions behind a smile. "Of course, the fact we beat this Forest Guardian proves the strength of our group. Let's just hope we all work together, I'm dissapointed Julius. If you just let us distribute the loot there would be no problem.

The group shifted their focus, but the scars of the arguement lingered, the wound left by Julius's words still fresh. One thing was certain—whatever came next, they wouldn't be facing it as united as they once were.

Everyone in the group had gained two levels from the fight.

Thus their levels were as such:

[Dain- Level 8 Warlord]

[Julius- Level 7 Rogue]

[Yara- Level 7 Mage]

When they returned to camp, the next quest took a while to be sent, 3 days approximately. Julius spent the time relaxing and admiring his new sword.

[Sword- No Level Requirement- The Soul Blade] [Legendary Boss Drop]

[Soul Breaker: Release a blast of energy from the blade that goes through all armor and barriers. Once per 24 hour Cooldown]

[Passive: This sword only has one master, to utilize it's power it's current master must be killed. Furthermore, it is dull as a hammer if it is not in it's owner's hands."

The blade was black as night. 

When Julius swung the sword around, he felt powerful. There was no way he was giving it up for 'Group relationships.'

Julius looked at his level: 7.

[Congrats on reaching Level 7]

[You have unlocked the Skill Shop (For Rogue Class)]

[Avaliable Skills: You can learn one from each category, skills you start with do not count towards the capacity limiter.]

[Basic Level 1-10]

[Advanced Level 10-15]

[Expert Level 15-30]

[Master Level 30-40]

[Ultimate Level 40-50]

[Perfected Level 50-60]

Judging that he was level 7, Julius checked out the [Basic Level] skills.

[Quick Slash] – A fast, precise attack that deals moderate damage. 

[Endure] – Reduces incoming damage by 30% for 3 seconds. (Passive: 10 Minute CD)

[Sprint] – Increases movement speed passively.

[Poison] – Your poison is 25% more effective.

[Minor Heal] – Heals small wounds instantly (Once per Day)

{Which would you like?}

"What do you think system?" Julius asked innocently.

{System reccomendation... [Quick Slash]}

{Judging by your current statistics, your movespeed is already boosted by your Speed+, you don't have any poison, you lack any offensive options other than basic attacking opponents.}

"Then I'll have that."

{User has learned [Quick Slash]}

"Now let me use my medallions to buy an instant level up."

{That will leave you with 11 Medallions (-50)}

"Do it."

{User has levelled up to level 8}

Now he was the same level as Dain. He needed to keep up, it was clear the others weren't going to be very helpful from now on. 

"From this point on, I actually need every advantage I can get..."

The next day, Dain called everyone to meet in the centre of the main camp.

"Hello all. As you heard, we defeated the Guardian of the forest, we lost one warrior but other than that it was a complete success."

A round of applause thundered through the air.

"Thank you, thank you. It was all thanks to the team though. Now, I'm sure you've all seen the next system quest."