Chapter 25: Tier 5 skills

As Alix and Grixx tread further into the webbed territory, a faint sound echoes through the dense forest—clicking and skittering, growing louder with each passing second.

"Something's coming," Alix says calmly, his crimson eyes darting in the direction of the noise.

Moments later, a group of spider-like monsters emerges from the shadows, their glossy exoskeletons reflecting the dim green glow of the miasma. Their multiple eyes gleam with malice as they crawl closer, hissing and clicking in a symphony of aggression.

Alix doesn't move, his expression remaining impassive. He gestures slightly toward Grixx. "Take care of them."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Grixx says with a sharp nod, drawing his massive, curved blade. Though the enemies are clearly weaker than him, his movements are deliberate and exaggerated, as if putting on a show.

With one powerful swing, Grixx's blade cleaves through nearly half of the group in a single stroke. The force of his attack sends a gust of wind rippling through the miasma, scattering the lifeless spider monsters to the ground. He spins the blade in his claws, striking a dramatic pose before finishing off the rest of the group with equally flamboyant moves.

When the last monster falls, Grixx turns to Alix, his chest puffed with pride.

"All enemies neutralized, Your Majesty."

Alix's expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"Hey, don't overdo it," he says, his tone sharp but laced with a faint smirk. "We don't want Thurn fleeing in fear before we even get to him."

Grixx straightens, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his reptilian features. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll be… more efficient next time."

High above in the canopy of a massive, ancient tree, a colossal Arachne male rests against the trunk, his long legs sprawled lazily. Thurn's dark carapace gleams faintly under the filtered light of the miasma. His eight crimson eyes are shut, but the vibrations traveling up the webbed strands connecting the forest alert him.

He stirs, his mandibles clicking faintly as he opens his eyes, each one scanning the threads stretched across his territory.

"That's a surprise," Thurn mutters, his deep, resonant voice carrying a faint undertone of irritation. "The intruder this time killed my first line of defense so easily. Who could it be?"

He stretches his long, spindly legs, cracking his joints as he considers. "Did one of the monster kings decide to invade me? Unlikely. The plan is about to begin—they wouldn't dare risk it now."

Thurn narrows his eyes, the flicker of irritation giving way to curiosity. He clicks his mandibles and gestures toward a smaller Arachne skittering nearby.

"You," Thurn orders, his tone commanding. "Go and see who's causing havoc in my territory. Report back immediately. Do not engage them."

The smaller Arachne bows its head low, its multiple eyes reflecting fear and respect. "Yes, Lord Thurn. I will return with news."

"Make haste," Thurn says, his voice growing colder.

The smaller Arachne scurries down the tree with practiced ease, disappearing into the dense webbing below. Thurn leans back against the trunk once more.

"Interesting," he mutters to himself, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Let's see who's bold enough to trespass into my domain."

---

Alix and Grixx walk deeper into Thurn's territory, the thick webbing covering the trees and ground becoming more oppressive. The sticky strands glisten faintly in the miasma, reflecting an eerie green light.

Alix raises his hand, casting a low-tier fireball. The small orb of flame shoots forward, igniting a cluster of webs and clearing a narrow path ahead.

"This guy's territory is kind of annoying," Alix mutters, flicking another fireball at a particularly dense web strung between two massive trees. The flame burns it away, leaving behind smoldering ashes.

Grixx watches his king, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Your Majesty," he says, stepping forward, "do you want me to clear a path for you?"

Alix pauses mid-gesture and turns to look at Grixx. The lizardman's expression is serious, his massive blade resting on his shoulder, ready to swing. Alix sighs, rubbing his temple.

"I already told you," Alix says, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement. "That's the last thing we want to do—scare Thurn away before we even see him."

Grixx straightens, clearly disappointed but nods. "Understood, Your Majesty." He steps back, lowering his weapon.

Alix shakes his head and continues clearing webs with small fireballs and thought. 'Honestly, a level 500 could just wipe this entire area clean in one tier 5 skill. But no, we have to do this the hard way.'

Alix glances back at Grixx, who seems to be itching to use his full strength.

There's a reason level 500 is a benchmark in the world—the leap in strength is monumental. Alix thinks back to the mechanics of the game, the rules that governed his rise to power. Level 500 isn't just a number; it's a transformation. At that level, flying becomes second nature, and Tier 5 skills, rare and devastating abilities, become accessible.

In the game, most level 500 NPCs only have one or two Tier 5 skills at best. Tier 5 skills aren't something you can just buy in the npc shop—they're treasures, found in dungeons, and only if luck is on your side. But Alix's royal guards are an exception. Each of them has three to four Tier 5 skills, a testament to his kingdom's power.

"Your Majesty," Grixx says after a moment, his voice breaking Alix's thoughts, "if we encounter Thurn, shall I hold back, or do you wish for me to test his strength?"

Alix smirks faintly, his crimson eyes glinting in the dim light of the miasma. "Test him," he says, his tone calm but commanding. "But don't kill him. We need him alive."

Grixx nods sharply, his grip tightening on his blade.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

Just as they continue through the thickening webbing, Grixx suddenly halts. His nostrils flare, and his golden eyes narrow.

"I sense a stealth creature nearby, Your Majesty."

Alix's gaze flicks to the surrounding shadows, his senses sharpening.

"I know. Go and catch it."