Chapter 6 - I Can Ran

Sasaki finally took a break under the shade of a large old tree. He opened his system interface and confirmed the presence of all his earned EXP.

Sasaki made the decision to level up without hesitation, putting his physical strength first. As he did so, he consumed all of the EXP required to level up, effectively resetting his total EXP to zero.

Though initially upset, Sasaki reminded himself that there will be plenty of opportunities to get more EXP in the future, particularly given his unique class. With a resigned sigh, he steeled himself to remain steadfast, knowing that his bravery and perseverance would get him over whatever obstacles lie ahead.

[Level Up]

[Level 2->3]

With a fresh resolve, Sasaki rose to his feet, his gaze filled with hope for the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that goblin he took down was just the tip of the iceberg, and that greater dangers awaited him in the form of hunting party consists of goblin.

However, Sasaki also recognized the power of deception. By feigning death and playing on the greed of the scout goblins, he could turn the tables in his favor and out smart the scout goblin. With this strategy in mind, he set out into the forest once more.

Sasaki spent the last hour creeping through the thick forest, moving super slow to keep quiet and stay hidden. His every step calculated to minimize noise and conceal his presence. He enacted the same strategy: feigning death before the unsuspecting scout goblins, then swiftly killing them one by one with his blood-coated dagger by piercing the dagger in goblin neck.

[Level 5 Scout Goblin Killed]

[Exp: 1000]

[Level 10 Scout Goblin Killed]

[Exp: 2000]

[Level 9 Scout Goblin Killed]

[Exp: 1800] 

[Level 2 Scout Goblin Killed]

[Exp: 400]

Sasaki took down all the scout goblins nearby, but now he needed a quiet spot to level up. He worried that if the scouts vanished suddenly, the hunter goblins might catch on. So, with all his strength, he climbed a tree to hide.

He found a tall one nearby and started climbing. It hurt when he grabbed the tree's bark, but he kept going. He shut his eyes tight and clenched his lips, expecting a scream at any moment. But he managed to stay silent and climbed up, sitting on a branch with all his remaining strength.

He sat down, taking deep breaths, and opened his System interface to check his exp loot from the goblin fight. Clicking through his options, he chose all the experience points he'd earned. Each click felt like a surge of energy, making him feel stronger and more focused.

[Level Up.. X3]

[Remaining EXP: 1000]

[Level 3->6]

[Acquired new skill for Plague Doctor: Epidemic Spread ( Level 1) ] 

[Epidemic Spread: Starting at level 1, this skill has a range of 10 meters. It releases a contagious aura that infects nearby enemies. Those affected experience slower movement, reduced accuracy, a decrease in health by 5% per minute, and heightened vulnerability to disease-related attacks within the radius.]

[Congratulations, host, on reaching level 5! Strengthening host foot muscles!]

As Sasaki reached level five, his foot muscles and bones began reconstructing, growing stronger. Enduring the excruciating pain, he clenched his teeth, eyes shut tight to stifle any screams that might attract nearby monsters.

"Huff... huff..."

"At last, it's done."

Sasaki attempted to kick the tree with his newly strengthened foot, surprised to find the absence of pain. Hastily unwrapping the bandage from his feet, he felt a mix of disappointment and confusion. Though his muscles and bones were now robust, there was no sign of skin. Nonetheless, he rejoiced in the newfound ability to walk and run pain-free.

"And finally, an active skill! Now I can unleash the plague upon my enemies, crippling their speed and health," Sasaki exclaimed, a glint of determination in his eyes as he envisioned using his new skill to confront the goblins head-on.

Sasaki thought about using his ability "Epidemic Spread" on the goblins. He imagined moving fast among them, making them slow and weak with his spreading sickness. With his quick moves, he could swing his knife side to side, hitting the goblins and taking them out quickly. He didn't need to use his blood on the knife anymore because "Epidemic Spread" would make the goblins vulnerable to his attacks.

Under the shadow of the tree's leaves, Sasaki's face twisted into a grim, vicious expression. His eyes gleamed with a menacing glint as he contemplated his plan. A sly smile played on his lips, revealing a hint of dark satisfaction.

Sasaki leaped from the tree and landed on his feet with a soft thud, absorbing the impact effortlessly like a spring. A smile of joy lit up his face as he realized he felt no pain. He began to run in circles, his heart filled with happiness at the newfound strength in his feet. Though he couldn't run as fast as he wanted yet, he was thrilled with the progress. He knew that as he leveled up, he could strengthen the rest of his body too.

"Hehe... now, let's begin," Sasaki chuckled softly, holding his dagger close to his face. The blade, coated in blood, gleamed in the dim light, reflecting the intensity of Sasaki's gaze back at him.