Eliminate the Slimes

Arsen observed the skill demonstration with keen attention. His expression revealed his perception that the Blink skill was considerably more intricate compared to the Stab skill.

While observing the execution of the Blink skill, Arsen couldn't help but be filled with awe. The skill was remarkably intricate, involving numerous precise steps and movements that had to be flawlessly executed.

Although the Blink skill presented a formidable challenge, Arsen's determination remained unwavering. He recognized that mastering it would require dedication and perseverance, yet he was prepared to invest the necessary time and effort. Taking a deep breath, Arsen steeled himself for the forthcoming task, fully prepared to embrace the challenge of acquiring proficiency in this complex skill.

Arsen was in awe as he watched the player perform the Blink skill flawlessly. The player ran a short distance of three meters and suddenly appeared behind the target, only to disappear and reappear in a different spot. What impressed Arsen even more was that this skill could only be used every five minutes, so the player had to execute it perfectly to make the most of the chance to improve their skill.

_

After ten minutes had passed, Arsen made two attempts to use the Blink skill. Despite replicating the movements he observed in the hologram, he couldn't quite grasp the technique of teleporting next to his target.

Frustration settled in as he felt his mental strength, stamina, and mana draining with each unsuccessful try. Confidence waned as his failed attempts took a toll on him.

The holographic image of the skilled player effortlessly executing the maneuver appeared like a graceful dance, but Arsen began to understand that mastering the art of Blinking required more than just physical agility.

Feeling tempted to abandon the pursuit of learning the Blink skill in favor of monster hunting, Arsen contemplated his options. However, he swiftly dismissed the thought, shaking his head with resolute determination. "This is merely a minor hurdle," he reminded himself. "I've encountered much greater challenges in the past."

Though mastering Blink seemed like a daunting and challenging task, Arsen refused to let it conquer him. He was resolved to conquer the challenge, regardless of the considerable time and effort it would demand.

Following over an hour of dedicated practice, Arsen successfully raised his Blink skill proficiency to 5%. However, he acknowledged that there was still a substantial amount to comprehend. Arsen learned that executing a successful Blink required careful consideration of his intended destination, ensuring it fell within a 10-meter radius. This seemingly insignificant yet crucial detail made Blink mentally demanding for players. Fortunately, as Arsen's proficiency improved, the mental strain of utilizing the skill lessened, enabling him to continue his practice with greater ease.

Before returning to his business, Arsen consumed an orange juice to replenish his stamina, mana, and mental strength. Afterward, he went back to town. If he remembered the article correctly, the next step for the player was to acquire a quest.

As Arsen approached the Mayor's hall, he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. Two guards stood at attention, their spears glinting in the sunlight as they surveyed the crowd of players waiting in line. Arsen joined the queue, his eyes wandering over the other adventurers who were also eager to pick up a quest. He saw warriors clad in gleaming armor, mages in long robes, and rogues with their faces obscured by hoods. However, Arsen didn't pay them too much attention, focusing instead on his own goals.

After only a few short minutes, it was finally his turn to enter the hall and speak with the mayor.

As Arsen entered the hall, his eyes were immediately drawn to a striking figure seated at a wooden desk. A man with curly white hair that reached down to his shoulders regarded him with a sharp gaze. Dressed in simple brown attire, he exuded an air of authority that left no doubt as to his position. This was Mayor Army Whitlock, the current leader of Riverside Town. Arsen approached the desk, feeling a bit nervous under the mayor's penetrating stare.

How can I assist you today, Immortal?" Army asked him in a deep tone.

Arsen respectfully lowered his head. "May I request a quest?" he asked politely.

Mayor Army nodded. "Of course. However, I only have one quest left for today, as the other immortals have already claimed theirs. I can only offer ten quests per day," he explained before placing a sheet of paper on the table. "This quest is to eliminate the slimes, with an ordinary difficulty level. If you're looking for something more challenging like the other immortals, you can come back tomorrow," he added with a smile.

With only one quest available, Arsen faced a decision. Should he opt for the easier path and choose the quest with ordinary difficulty, or wait until tomorrow for a more demanding challenge?

The other players in the room were strategic, each vying for the high-level quest with the most lucrative rewards. In contrast, Arsen remained calm as he picked up the piece of paper from the desk, a smile forming on his face.

"That's fine. I'll take this quest. I'll come back tomorrow for a more challenging one. Thank you!"

"Come back anytime."

As he made his way out of the room, Arsen felt a surge of excitement and anticipation building within him.

While it was disappointing not to receive a challenging quest, Arsen knew that the quest with ordinary difficulty level was better than nothing. In fact, he was secretly pleased with the assignment, as it would provide an opportunity to test his skills against moving targets.

System: You have received a quest!

Title: Eliminating The Slime

Difficulty: Ordinary

Quest's Description: Slimes are pests in the crops of the farmers located in the east part of Riverside Town.

Rewards: 5 bronze coins, +1 noble points, and +20 Mayor's favorability

Restriction(s): Failing the quest would lose Mayor's favorability. Completing the quest would give +20 Mayor's Favorability.

Quest Progress: 0%

Slime killed 0/36

Noble points were a crucial resource in the game, enabling players to upgrade their status in both the town and the Anubis Kingdom. There were seven distinct categories of noble titles, ranging from Baron to Emperor.

To reach Baron rank, a player must accumulate 120 noble points. From there, they can ascend the ladder, progressing to Viscount, Count, Marquis, Duke, King, and ultimately Emperor. Each rank brings increased prestige, power, and unlocks exclusive quests and rewards.

After leaving the Mayor's hall, Arsen made his way to the quest location, a journey that took him approximately 30 minutes. If only he had a few coins, he could have reached the area in under 10 minutes by taking a carriage, but that convenience came at the price of a single Bronze coin.

As Arsen journeyed through the countryside, he couldn't help but observe the diligent farmers laboring in the fields. Despite the ever-present risk of slime attacks, they toiled relentlessly, ensuring their crops received the vital water necessary for their survival.

Intrigued by the creatures he was assigned to exterminate, Arsen approached one of the farmers and inquired about the usual whereabouts of the slimes. The farmer gestured toward the entrance of the nearby forest, cautioning Arsen to exercise caution and remain vigilant during his venture.

After a quick walk, he reached the designated area, which was approximately 600 meters distant from the nearest crops.

As Arsen ventured into the forest, he discovered himself enveloped by towering trees that reached heights of up to 20 meters. The underbrush was dense with prickly bushes and scattered stones, while the air carried the pleasant fragrance of leaves and the harmonious melodies of chirping birds.

Despite the idyllic surroundings, Arsen wasted no time in getting down to business. He knew that the slimes he was tasked with eliminating could be lurking anywhere in the vast expanse of the forest. But as he made his way deeper into the woods, he couldn't shake the feeling that other monsters might be lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.

"I need to be careful." He said inwardly.

Arsen wandered through the forest for a good five minutes, scanning the area for any signs of the elusive slimes. Frustrated by his lack of progress, he was about to give up when he spotted a cave entrance roughly 30 meters away.

Curiosity piqued, Arsen cautiously approached the cave and examined it for a few moments. He noticed that the walls of the cave were lined with gleaming green stones, which explained the odd glow he had noticed in the vicinity.

He entered...

As Arsen pondered his options, he realized that he was unlikely to find anything of interest at the mouth of the forest. With that in mind, he decided to venture into the cave, despite the potential dangers that lay within. After all, he reasoned, it was better to take his chances with the unknown than risk encountering high-level monsters deeper in the forest.

As he made his way through the narrow passage, Arsen's footsteps echoed loudly in the silence. He could hear the sound of water dripping from the ceiling, creating an eerie rhythm that added to the ominous atmosphere.

Shick!

Suddenly, Arsen's steps came to a halt as he felt something slimy beneath his feet. A malicious smile spread across his face as he realized that he had found what he was looking for - the trail of the slimes.

"It seems I made the right decision," he commented to himself, relishing the satisfaction of being on the right track. With newfound energy, Arsen quickened his pace, determined to follow the trail to its source and complete his quest.

Arsen made his way through the 100-meter passage, he emerged into a cavern where he saw pillars, rocks, and stalactites jutting from the ceiling. But he didn't have time to admire the natural wonders around him, as he spotted four slimes ahead.

Without hesitation, Arsen pointed his weapon at the creatures. Their bodies were composed of dark green liquid and emanated a foul odor.

Arsen, as an Assassin Class, was inclined to observe his targets before attacking them. However, the slimes spotted him right away, and their aggression kicked in.

Slime level 2 (Common)

HP: 130/130

To start, the four slimes began to use their liquid to absorb the solid rocks scattered on the ground. Unlike in other games where slime creatures were harmless, in this game, slimes had offensive skills called Absorb and Repel.

There were two ways to use the Absorb and Repel skills. First, absorbing objects that could be found in the surroundings and sending them using Repel skill. The second way was to absorb the opponent's attack and repel it times two stronger than the original attack.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Arsen's heart raced as he saw the Slimes using their Absorb and Repel skills, sending a barrage of stones hurtling towards him like bullets. He quickly assessed his options and activated his Assassin Class skill, Dash. Suddenly, time seemed to slow down as he darted forward at an incredible speed, evading the oncoming projectiles with ease. The stones crashed into the cave walls with deafening force, leaving deep craters in their wake. Arsen's quick thinking and reflexes had saved him from certain injury, or worse.

He continued to sidestep and hide from the pillars for a minute. "I should do something," he exclaimed as he glanced at the monsters. As soon as the slimes stopped shooting stones, Arsen cast the Blink skill right away.

Swoosh!

This time, Arsen appeared at the monster's blind spot. He then followed up with the Stab skill, then Blink again, and use the two remaining stabs. His attack was quite fast as it was creating an afterimage.

Splash! Splash! Splash!

Huh?

Arsen eyes filled with numerous questions. In his mind, he was certain that he perfectly utilized those skills. So what was the main reason why he can't inflict any kind of damage to this slime?

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The monster Repel the stones once again, this time Arsen was late to react, and that's why a -4 number appeared over his head. Fortunately, the monster's attack was not severe and managed to create a large distance against the monster.

"This..."