Rotting Bones

Proceeding cautiously, Jiang Han traversed through the dilapidated forest. He observed numerous skeletons congregating in pairs or trios, distinct from the skeletal soldiers within the Dark City. These skeletons moved peculiarly, emitting a hoarse and unpleasant howl. Adorned with numerous putrid and viscous chunks of flesh, a foul stench permeated the air.

[Decaying Bones](Common Monster)

Level: ????

Health: 80,000

Attack: 250-260

Defense: ????

Skills: [Bite][Frenzy]

Introduction: Skeletons that perished in the Ghost Swamp transformed into undead under the influence of dense resentment. They harbor intense animosity towards the living.

...

Unable to detect their level and defense, it indicated a minimum level of 28 for these monsters. However, Jiang Han could still discern most of their other attributes, suggesting a relatively small power gap between them.

"Ugh, ugh, ugh..."

Upon detecting the intruder, they immediately shifted from aimless wandering to combat mode, launching an attack towards Jiang Han.

Remaining composed, Jiang Han confirmed there were only five wild creatures. Brandishing his Frost Cloud Sword, he swiftly charged, initiating the Evil Trample skill, stomping heavily on the forefront decaying bones, followed by a frenzy of chaotic slashes.

-17,586!

-8,175!

-8,866!

-9,675!

-11,233!

...

Damage exceeding fifty thousand emerged, depleting more than half of the decaying bones' health bar. Simultaneously, the skeletons launched their attacks, snapping their jaws at Jiang Han.

-214!

-122!

-178!

Unfortunately, with Jiang Han's defense cap reaching 252, the decaying bones posed minimal threat.

Dispatching several decaying bones effortlessly, Jiang Han gained an experience boost of six thousand and three silver coins.

"Although their strength isn't high, the experience they provide is quite substantial," Jiang Han remarked, glancing at the slightly increased experience bar, feeling quite content.

Currently requiring two hundred and eighty thousand experience points for the next level, eliminating less than three hundred decaying bones would likely suffice for his advancement. With his current formidable attack, leveling up within less than two hours seemed plausible.

Exiting the novice village, where leveling difficulty tended to escalate, Jiang Han's leveling process, boosted by his exaggerated power growth, required significantly less time compared to the novice village.

Subsequently, Jiang Han delved deeper into the Ghost Swamp, addressing any decaying bones encountered along the way.

Half an hour later...

"Swoosh!"

Golden light soared, reaching level 23!

The mission itself rewarded two hundred thousand experience points, propelling this level-up unusually swiftly.

"Where is the Undead Swordsman?" Jiang Han looked around, furrowing his brows.

Enshrouded in mist, the Ghost Swamp made it challenging to discern directions. Despite marking the path along the way, the vastness of the map complicated the search for the Undead Swordsman.

"Wait!"

Suddenly, Jiang Han realized, scanning the quest panel once more, "I misunderstood. The mission did provide a clue; the Undead Swordsman possesses self-awareness."

With this revelation, he took a deep breath and shouted, "Undead Swordsman, I am sent by Daniel to find you!"

"Find me?"

Abruptly, a voice emanated from behind Jiang Han.

"!!"

Startled, Jiang Han swiftly turned, discovering a pale and slender man seated tranquilly on a rock not far away. Clad in a gray robe, he toyed with a sharp sword, not bothering to lift his head.

When did he appear there?

"Daniel sent you to find me for what reason?" He raised his head slowly, fixing his lifeless gaze on Jiang Han.

Jiang Han retrieved the letter from his bag, saying, "The reason for finding you is written in the letter."

"Swoosh!"

The slender man stood up from the rock. In the next moment, he reached Jiang Han, taking the letter and inspecting it.

So fast!

Jiang Han marveled silently.

This speed didn't match the expectations of a Dark Gold-level BOSS; could it be Daniel's revival?

"I see."

After a moment, he raised his head, scrutinizing Jiang Han carefully, "I sense an evil and peculiar aura on you, a Dark Swordsman... it seems that with the arrival of the chaotic era, apart from the emergence of numerous heroic figures in the Bright Camp, many malevolent creatures have also returned to the mortal realm."

"..."

Jiang Han was speechless.

"Daniel wishes for me to teach you some techniques of the Undead Swordsman." He stowed the letter and calmly spoke, "I can do that, but the rules of this world constrain me. If you want to learn, you must first complete a task I assign."

The rules of this world constrain you?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Han couldn't help but ask his inner doubts, "How do you all perceive... the rules of the world?"

It seemed these indigenous beings comprehended the so-called "process" exceptionally well. For NPCs, it was quite remarkable and almost inconceivable.

Were the official administrators of "Eternal" not afraid that NPCs might engage in unpredictable behaviors, leading to a game crash?

Or did they comprehend the "rules" as a special setting?

"Rules are rules, and since they exist, they must be adhered to." A faint smile curved the man's lips, his dull eyes devoid of ripples. Gazing calmly at Jiang Han, he continued, "Even the ten great demons cannot break them, let alone me."

"Do you seek to break the rules?" Jiang Han persisted in asking.

The man shook his head, "Before the rules are broken, I fear they will erase me... Enough, some things are still too early for you. Once you grow into a Dark Swordsman who truly makes the heavens and earth tremble, then seek answers. For now, go kill some decaying bones to prove you have the qualification for me to teach you the art of killing."

"Ding! ~"

System Prompt: Do you accept the quest [Qualification Proof]?

"Yes!"

Jiang Han naturally wouldn't refuse.

[Qualification Proof](Difficulty: B)

Introduction: As the mysterious powerhouse of the Ghost Swamp, Undead Swordsman Sherill requires you to demonstrate sufficient strength before he imparts the art of killing.

Quest Requirement: Kill 1000 decaying bones

...

One thousand?!

Jiang Han, observing the task requirement, couldn't help but be astonished.

"Your attack is relatively decent, but your overall strength is weak. You still need refinement," Sherill explained as if seeing through Jiang Han's thoughts, "Otherwise, you won't even qualify to receive my teachings."

"Understood." Jiang Han nodded.

The meaning behind his words was clear. Sherill was reminding him that his level was too low, falling short of the minimum requirements for learning new skills.

Waving his hand, Sherill said, "Go. Once the task is complete, call me."

With that, he disappeared into the mist in a mere two seconds, vanishing without a trace. Glancing at the time, already ten in the evening, Jiang Han decided to stay up late to complete the task.

With the impending siege battle in a week, as one of the defending city bosses, he faced considerable danger. To avoid falling into the hands of players

 or NPCs sent by the Bright Camp to attack the city, he needed to enhance his strength as much as possible within the limited time.