Chapter 3: Stealth and Strikes: Rise to Power in the Goblin's Lair
Declan's journey through the goblin lair continued, each encounter with the creatures sharpening his skills and deepening his understanding of the Ascendant System. He couldn't help but marvel at the system's ability to provide information about enemies and guide him in battle.
[Ascendant System]
- Host: Declan Greyford
- Class: Ascendant
- Level: 2
- Experience Points: 80/200
- Strength: 10
- Agility: 6
- Intelligence: 7
- Stamina: 6
- Skill Points (SP): 0
- Stat Points (STP): 0
He ventured further into the dark, damp cavern, the distant sounds of water droplets reverberating through the stone corridors. The thought of accumulating experience points to improve his abilities and stats motivated him.
As he reached a vast underground chamber, the enemy interface appeared before him, revealing his next challenge.
[Enemy Interface]
- Ogre Brute x1
- Level: 5
- Strength: 15
- Experience Points: 100
The massive ogre brute, with bulging muscles and a menacing club, was a stark contrast to the goblins he had faced earlier. This was a significant step up in terms of danger.
Declan contemplated his options. He needed to be strategic to take down such a formidable foe.
[Ascendant System]
- Skill Interface
Remembering the skill he had acquired, "Shadow Strike," he knew it wouldn't be enough against this adversary. It was time to unlock a new skill, one that would aid him in this dire situation. He focused on the Skill Interface.
- **Shadow Strike (Level 1):** Allows the user to move swiftly and silently, closing the gap between the user and the enemy in an instant for a surprise attack.
- **Skill Points (SP):** 0
It appeared that he needed skill points to acquire new abilities. He'd have to rely on his current skills for now.
Taking a deep breath, Declan decided on a different approach. He crept along the chamber's perimeter, using his agility to stay hidden in the shadows. His goal was to find an advantageous position to strike.
The ogre brute lumbered about, its attention focused on something else in the chamber. This was his chance.
Activating "Shadow Strike," Declan moved like a wraith, darting from shadow to shadow, closing the distance between him and the ogre. Just as he was about to strike, the system interface revealed a new skill had been unlocked.
[Ascendant System]
- New Skill Learned: **Sudden Strike**
- Skill Description: Allows the user to perform a lightning-fast attack, dealing critical damage to the enemy. Requires precise timing.
With the newly acquired skill at his disposal, Declan lunged at the ogre, his dagger aimed at a vulnerable spot on the creature's back. His attack connected with precision, and the ogre bellowed in pain.
[Enemy Interface]
- Ogre Brute (HP: 60%)
- Experience Points Gained: 40
The ogre swung its massive club, but Declan's agility allowed him to evade the attack. He continued to strike with speed and precision, the "Sudden Strike" skill dealing critical blows to the formidable foe.
[Enemy Interface]
- Ogre Brute (HP: 20%)
- Experience Points Gained: 60
With one final, well-timed strike, Declan brought the ogre brute to its knees, its form dissipating into sparkling particles of light.
[Ascendant System]
- Experience Points Gained: 100
His heart pounded with exhilaration. He had defeated a level 5 enemy, gaining valuable experience points in the process.
[Ascendant System]
- Experience Points: 180/200
Declan knew that this was just the beginning of his journey. The Ascendant System had revealed its potential, and he was determined to unlock even more skills and abilities as he continued to rise through the ranks. His path to becoming a formidable hunter had only just begun.