Evil Trampling
Swoosh!
A radiant burst of white light flickered, and Jiang Han, along with Daniel, appeared on a vast plain. The lush green grass beneath their feet swayed gently in the warm and mild breeze. However, their arrival disrupted the tranquil environment, causing the animals to scatter in fear, driven by the two ominous auras.
Daniel, relieved, gasped for breath, "Saved... we're saved."
"Ding! ~"
System Prompt: You have entered the map [Cangfeng Plain]!
"Ding! ~"
System Prompt: Attention, Eastern Region adventurer [One Jiang Han Shui] has betrayed the Bright Faction, joining the malevolent Dark Faction. This has aroused the anger of the Bright Faction's high-ranking officials. The one who kills him will be rewarded with rare items and obtain the unique hidden profession.
As Jiang Han surveyed the surroundings, a series of system prompts echoed in his ears, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
"Hiss!"
Jiang Han inhaled sharply, "Rare items, unique hidden profession... this game is quite something."
The rewards were exceptionally generous! Whether rare items or a unique hidden profession, both were benefits that players would go to great lengths to pursue.
He hadn't expected that his choice to join the Dark Faction would cause such a significant stir.
"Ding~"
System Prompt: Due to your departure from the novice village, violating the contract with Kairo, you will be hunted by Kairo and all the indigenous residents of the novice village!
"Ding! ~"
System Prompt: Due to your assistance to Undead Mage Daniel in dealing with Flame Mage Brandi, the [Hunt Demon God] mission is considered a failure. Penalties: Bright Faction reputation -100,000, level -50, and 10,000 gold coins in your inventory deducted!
Before Jiang Han could digest this explosive information, two more failed mission announcements resounded in his ears.
Minus 10,000 gold coins?
Jiang Han was startled, quickly opening his inventory to find all his silver and copper coins wiped out.
"Luckily, it's just a reset," Jiang Han sighed in relief.
If his gold coins had gone into negative numbers, it would have been truly terrifying.
Next, he opened his character panel and found his level had dropped to 1, a complete reset. His Bright Faction reputation was now -200,000.
"Tutor, I sacrificed a lot to save you," Jiang Han remained calm, reminding Daniel that he had successfully completed the mission.
Although the outcome seemed a bit grim, he knew that the current situation was likely better than he had imagined. The penalty time had ended, but the reward phase had yet to arrive.
Daniel's expression turned solemn, "Rest assured, by choosing to save me, I won't mistreat you. Moreover, you are my disciple."
"Ding! ~"
System Prompt: Congratulations on completing the quest [Intercept Flame Mage], rewarded with experience +100,000 and the rare skill [Evil Tread] (S-grade)!
"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..."
A series of golden lights soared into the air.
For a novice, the substantial amount of experience points filled the level bar multiple times!
With the rapid rise in levels, Jiang Han immediately felt a surge of power, not only restoring his strength to its initial state but surpassing it. He reached level 14, just about 20% away from level 15.
Rare skill?
After experiencing the exhilarating sensation of skyrocketing levels, Jiang Han shifted his gaze to the quest reward.
[Evil Tread] (S-grade)
Introduction: A method that can only be learned by creatures possessing evil power. Once executed, it deals a dual blow to the enemy's dignity and physical body. Thus, it holds a resounding reputation on the Tianheng Continent.
Effect: Infuse strength into both feet. In the two seconds after casting, movement speed +200%, attack speed +100%, significantly increased jump height, guaranteed critical hit on attacks, and a suppression effect formed. However, this attack loses weapon bonuses.
Cooldown: One minute
Restriction: Only for Dark Faction warrior-class professions
"..."
Looking at the skill description, Jiang Han's mouth twitched, finding it somewhat absurd.
Significantly boosting movement and attack speed, while also focusing the attack method on infusing strength into the feet – wasn't this skill designed for stomping on people?
Stomping on the body was already harsh enough; using this on the face...
Poisonous!
Truly poisonous!
Indeed, it was called Evil Tread, exceptionally wicked!
Although he hadn't tested the skill's power yet, he decided that unless faced with deep-seated hatred, it would be better not to casually use it against other players.
"This skill was already lost, and I happened to obtain it in the tomb of a powerful being," Daniel explained, "Unfortunately, as a mage, my physical strength is insufficient to learn it. So, I've kept it with me all this time. Now, it conveniently benefits you. I believe that with this move, you will gain a lot within the Dark Faction."
"Gain a lot?" Jiang Han didn't quite understand his meaning.
Daniel patiently explained, "As I said, Evil Tread was already lost. Many powerful individuals in the Dark Faction would likely be very eager for you to pass on the skill to them."
"Alright."
Jiang Han nodded and then asked, "Tutor, are there any other rewards?"
"Why, is it not enough?" Daniel's face darkened, "Don't be too greedy. Trading a one-time forbidden scroll for a lost S-grade rare skill is already a great deal."
"It's not about being greedy; I just hope to grow quickly."
"To grow, what you need is honing. Equipment is ultimately external. Walk with me; even though Cangfeng Plain doesn't belong to the Bright Faction, it's not under the jurisdiction of the Dark Faction either. You haven't learned to conceal your aura yet, and the concealment technique I applied is crude. It might not cover you completely and could attract danger," Daniel said, changing the subject.
With that, he set off towards the north.
Seeing this, Jiang Han decisively followed.
Joining the Dark Faction, he lost the protection of the Goddess of Life, meaning no resurrection. This implied that dying once would result in the permanent loss of his account—a significant risk. Different from other players, he had to be cautious in everything to avoid unforeseen disasters.
Oh, right!
Suddenly, he thought of something and asked Daniel, who was leading the way, "Tutor, what does the protection of the Ten Demon Gods refer to?"
The protection of the Ten Demon Gods!
This was the benefit Daniel had informed him of when he lost the ability to resurrect.
Clearly, joining the Dark Faction meant losing some adventurer privileges, but it also came with additional compensation.
"First, follow me to a sufficiently safe area," Daniel teased, withholding information, "Currently, I am very weak and unable to grant you the protection of the Demon Gods."
Hearing this, Jiang Han didn't press further, silently following.
For a full hour, the two evaded dangers, traversing the plains while avoiding areas where Daniel suspected powerful beings might pass. Finally, they left Cangfeng Plain and reached a desolate desert.
"Ding! ~"
System Prompt: You have entered the map [Wasteland]!
"My injuries are almost healed, but I
need to rest for two days," Daniel said, supporting himself against a large rock. He sat facing the setting sun, taking out several bottles containing red liquid, "Take these potions. The monsters here aren't powerful, perfect for honing yourself. Go ahead."
"Sure, thank you, Tutor." Jiang Han took the potions.
[Healing Elixir]
Introduction: A precious potion with a price beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Effect: Restores 500 points of health per second for 10 seconds when consumed.
Cooldown: 30 seconds
Indeed, it was a potion used by Dark Gold tier bosses, ten times more potent than the healing potions in the novice village!
"Ding! ~"
System Prompt: Do you accept the quest [Hone Yourself] (Difficulty: C)?
"Yes!"
Jiang Han chose to accept.
[Hone Yourself] (Difficulty: C)
Introduction: Tempering is the foundation of true strength.
Quest requirements: Defeat five hundred Demonized Lizards, then report back to Daniel.
Quest reward: ???