Chapter 20: The Final Challenge to Level Up
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As Dabi returned home, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape. He was greeted by the excited chatter of Eli and Mira, who rushed to him as he stepped through the door.
"Dabi! You're back!" Mira exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Did you defeat the Forest Guardian?" Eli asked, practically bouncing on his feet.
Dabi nodded, a proud smile stretching across his face. "I did! And I even got this." He held up the Elemental Stone, its surface shimmering with power.
The siblings gathered around, eager to hear all the details of his adventure. As he recounted his victory, Dabi felt a sense of fulfillment. But amidst the excitement, he sensed a change within himself—an impending challenge was looming on the horizon.
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The following day, as Dabi prepared for another training session, he received a new system notification.
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System Notification:
New Mission Available: Eliminate the Corrupted Serpent (Level 20 Boss Monster)
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Dabi's heart raced. The Corrupted Serpent was a feared creature known for its powerful magic and terrifying strength. Completing this mission would be no easy feat, but the rewards were enticing: a new skill, "Elemental Surge," and an item known as the "Egg Acceleration Crystal," which would significantly reduce the time it took for the mysterious egg to hatch.
He took a moment to gather his thoughts. "This is it," he mused. "Level 20 will be a turning point for me."
After discussing his new mission with Eli and Mira, Dabi made arrangements for another nanny to look after them. Once he felt assured of their safety, he set off for the dark caverns where the Corrupted Serpent was rumored to dwell.
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The path to the serpent's lair was fraught with danger. Dabi encountered various creatures, but his training and the skills he had honed proved effective. He dispatched the monsters with ease, each victory boosting his confidence as he ventured deeper into the heart of the cavern.
As he neared the lair, a sinister aura enveloped him. The air crackled with magic, and the walls were slick with a dark, oily substance. Dabi steeled himself, focusing on his training. He activated his Elemental Manipulation skill, preparing for what lay ahead.
In the cavern's depths, the Corrupted Serpent lay coiled, its scales glistening like polished obsidian. Its eyes glowed with malevolence, and it hissed, the sound reverberating through the cavern.
"Prepare to meet your end!" Dabi shouted, charging forward, unleashing a flurry of elemental attacks. The serpent reacted swiftly, its massive body striking back with incredible speed. Dabi ducked and rolled, using his Phantom Step skill to evade the serpent's venomous fangs.
The battle raged on, each of Dabi's attacks met with fierce resistance. He could feel the weight of the fight bearing down on him, but he pushed through, tapping into his newfound abilities. As the serpent unleashed waves of dark magic, Dabi focused on channeling his energy, determined to overpower the creature.
With a final, powerful strike infused with elemental energy, Dabi managed to pierce through the serpent's defenses. The Corrupted Serpent let out a deafening roar, collapsing to the ground in defeat. Dabi stood panting, sweat dripping from his brow, the thrill of victory washing over him.
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System Notification:
Mission Completed!
Reward: New Skill: Elemental Surge (Amplifies elemental attacks for a short duration)
Item Acquired: Egg Acceleration Crystal (Reduces hatching time for one egg)
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Breathless, Dabi activated his new skill, feeling a rush of power course through him. The Elemental Surge would elevate his combat abilities, allowing him to unleash even more devastating attacks in the future.
With his mission complete, Dabi opened his status screen to see the results of his hard work.
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New Level: 20
Stat Points Gained: 10
Mana Increased by +15
Total Stat Points Available: 13
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Dabi took a moment to reflect on his progress before allocating his stat points. He felt stronger, more resilient, and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
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Current Stats:
Strength: 30
Agility: 29 (+10 from the ring)
Endurance: 31
Intelligence: 47
Mana: 45 (+15 from level-up)
Memory: 45
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Dabi allocated his stat points as follows:
Agility: 36 (+7)
Strength: 33 (+3)
Endurance: 34 (+3)
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With his new stats, Dabi felt an immense sense of pride. He was no longer the weak child of the past; he was becoming a formidable force, ready to protect his family and uncover the mysteries of his world.
As he walked back home, the Egg Acceleration Crystal safely tucked away in his pouch, he couldn't wait to share the news with Eli and Mira. With the crystal, they might finally discover what was inside the second egg.
As he stepped through the door, he was greeted by the excited squeals of his siblings.
"Dabi! You're back! Tell us everything!" they chorused, their eyes wide with curiosity.
Dabi chuckled, "You won't believe what I've accomplished this time."
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And so, with each step, Dabi felt not just the weight of his responsibilities but also the thrill
of the adventure ahead. He was growing stronger with every battle, and he was only just getting started.
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