Kill Stealing

"I see, so this is a world where it's kill or be killed," Ray pondered to himself. "I wish they would've at least given us a tutorial on how to gain quests and level up."

"But I guess we have to figure it out on our own."

Ray had to explore the town, which wasn't a small place. While moving around, he came across a forest similar to the one he had been to before. In the forest, a group of players were fighting wolves. Unlike him, who had struggled with his first encounter, these guys were easily disposing of the wolves.

One of them ran towards a wolf and dislocated its jaw with his bare hands, while another zapped a wolf to death with electricity. Ray was starstruck. How could a bunch of beginners do something like this?

The standout was a guy with black hair and above-average looks, wearing good clothes, clearly not a beginner. He burnt several wolves with one fire blast. It was clear he was the leader.

"This is why I told you to focus on your mana above all stats. Mana affects the power of your abilities. Strength and agility help, but mana is the best," the leader said.

"You said it, bro. Thank God we listened to you."

"He's really strong, he can one-tap several wolves without breaking a sweat."

"Did you see his AOE attack? It was amazing."

"Is this guy really just level 7?"

"He started like us, but he's leveling up so fast."

"The world is truly unfair. I had to train for a month to be this strong, but these guys are already catching up to my level," Ray thought as he silently cried to himself.

Not wanting to mix with the crowd, Ray looked for another area to fight, but the group kept killing all the wolves. "At this rate, I won't be able to level up effectively."

He had to think of a way to level up fast until something clicked. "If they don't want to let me level up, I'll teach them a lesson."

He climbed a hill not too far from the area and took a stance, summoning a bow and nocking an arrow. A gun would've been too loud and might miss, but an arrow was perfect for silent attacks.

Ray waited, watching the party. As one guy took a wolf's HP down, Ray released the arrow, killing the wolf. He heard the sweet sound he was accustomed to:

<+20 exp.>

His plan was to kill steal. It hurt his pride, but it was the only option. Swoosh. Arrows flew toward the players, and wolves dropped like flies. The group grew more frustrated with each kill steal while Ray was having the time of his life. He even leveled up.

<+20 exp>

"Who is the idiot kill stealing?" the leader fumed.

None of them knew. The leader noticed the arrows and realized none of his men had bows. He ordered one of his men to look out for the source.

Ray quickly took aim and fired at a wolf. "He's over there, brother!" a player shouted. All the players turned toward Ray with intent to kill. The leader posted in the world chat:

"Whoever is shooting arrows at wolves in the forest, come down before you incur my wrath."

Ray felt anxious but calmed himself. The man couldn't catch him from such a distance. "What if I don't want to?" he replied in the chat.

"Then I will hunt you down."

"Haha."

"Why are you laughing?"

"It's funny how you forgot this isn't real life. You can't kill me here."

Everyone in the world chat started laughing.

"He got you there, junior."

"That was hilarious. He made that guy look pretty stupid."

"Ah, it's so refreshing seeing smug people get put in their place."

The leader's face contorted with anger from the embarrassment.

"We're going to that area now," he commanded.

Seeing them move, Ray escaped, unsure if he could take them all down alone.

Returning to town, Ray encountered a player named Zephyr.

"Hey, what's up, man?"

"I'm fine, you?"

"Just chilling."

They moved to a quiet area to chat. Talking with Zephyr was refreshing for Ray.

"I wonder what rank Abyssal Lord is."

"What do you mean by rank?" Ray asked.

"Oh, I guess you don't know. It's the ranking system used in the game. It's for people, beasts, and weapons."

"Tell me more."

Zephyr explained. The ranks are from F to S, with sub-ranks: Mortal, Earth, Spiritual, Heavenly, Divine, Ancient, Transcendent, and Primordial. Each sub-rank has stages too.

"Wait, does that mean we are F rank?"

"We aren't actually."

"Why?"

"Because none of us have broken through yet."

"Like in cultivation?"

"Yup. It could take a week or even a month to break through. That's why players prioritize skill points and mana."

"Thanks for explaining."

As Zephyr walked away, Ray remembered something.

"Oh no, I forgot to ask him what rank my weapon is."

Ray decided to head back to the forest, hoping the group had moved on. As he approached, he noticed a different group of players engaged in battle. This time, they seemed less experienced, struggling against the wolves. Ray saw an opportunity to help and maybe gain some allies.

He stepped out of the shadows, summoning his scythe. The wolves turned their attention to him, sensing a new threat. Ray moved swiftly, the scythe cutting through the air with deadly precision. With each strike, he felt the life force of the wolves being drained, empowering him further.

The struggling players watched in awe as Ray single-handedly took down the wolves. When the last wolf fell, they cheered.

"Thank you! We were in trouble there," one of them said, a young woman with short blonde hair.

"No problem. I'm Ray," he replied, wiping the sweat off his brow.

"I'm Sarah, and these are my friends, Jake and Aaron," she introduced the two guys with her.

"Nice to meet you. You guys new here too?"

"Yeah, we just started. We're trying to level up, but it's tough," Jake admitted.

Ray nodded. "I know the feeling. I had a bit of trouble myself earlier."

They sat down to rest, and Ray shared some of his experiences. They talked about strategies and tips, exchanging what little knowledge they had.

"You know, you're pretty strong, Ray. Maybe you can help us level up?" Aaron suggested.

Ray considered it. Having a group could be beneficial, and these players seemed decent. "Sure, I can help. But let's keep an eye out for other groups. Some players aren't as friendly."

They agreed and ventured deeper into the forest, working together to hunt wolves and other beasts. Ray's scythe proved invaluable, and they quickly gained experience.

As they fought, Ray couldn't help but notice how quickly Sarah adapted. She had a natural talent for combat, dodging and striking with precision. Jake and Aaron, while not as skilled, followed directions well and supported each other.

After a few hours, they took another break. Ray checked his stats and was pleased to see his progress.

<+1 stat points to all stats>

<+3 stat points>

<+1 skill point>

"Wait did i just a gain a skill point."