Equipment, attack plan

Elias carefully examined the contents of the chest.

The items immediately caught his attention.

On top was a glossary of monsters, its yellowed pages filled with handwritten notes.

Detailed illustrations and meticulous descriptions filled the book — a true relic for any adventurer wishing to survive the unknown.

Beside it rested two tunics made of dark fabric, decorated with geometric square patterns connected by thin lines.

The material seemed to absorb surrounding light, giving them a shadowy, enigmatic appearance.

A carefully rolled map completed the set. Markings and handwritten notes highlighted secret paths, forgotten ruins, and dangerous areas — signs of someone who knew those lands well.

At the bottom of the chest, neatly stacked, were Reinforced Leather Pieces, accompanied by Iron

Greaves and sturdy Pauldrons, making up a light yet functional armor set.

Inside a small wooden box, protected by dry straw, were several vials:

– 5 Mana Potions

– 3 Vitality Potions

– 1 Vigor Potion

Each glowed faintly, their colors pulsing slightly, as if whispering the power they held.

Finally, laid on a dark cloth, were three hardcover books:

A fencing manual, containing techniques for melee combat and defensive stances;

An alchemy book, full of recipes, reagents, and instructions for crafting useful compounds;

And a simple grimoire, containing basic spells and guidance for beginners on the arcane path.

Elias took a deep breath. This chest wasn't just a stash — it was a true survival kit for the dangers ahead.

At that moment, Graelish approached and spoke firmly:

"These armors are enchanted against the undead. They were crafted to protect warriors from ghouls and infected zombies."

Elias looked up, alert.

"What kind of enchantments?" he asked.

Graelish pointed to the inscriptions engraved on the inner collar of the tunics.

"They're simple, but effective. Look:

Repulsion: prevents direct contact from common undead.

Spiritual Barrier: weakens magical or spiritual attacks.

Concealment: makes it harder for creatures to track your life energy.

Resistance: reduces the effects of death-related curses and poisons.

Nothing too fancy, but with this, your chances of surviving go up."

Elias nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility becoming more real. The forest, the undead, the castle... at least now, they were a bit more prepared.

"How should we divide the potions?" asked Art, looking at the vials laid out on the cloth.

There were nine in total — an odd number — but Elias already had a plan. He was more interested in the mana potions; with the grimoire in hand, he could learn useful spells and keep up appearances. To the others, he would seem like just a regular mage.

With a light, innocent smile, he proposed:

"You can take one extra... as long as I get one more mana potion."

Art thought for a moment. Is he planning to learn magic? But he said nothing. He just nodded and pushed the blue vials toward Elias.

Upon adding them to his inventory, Elias noticed something different. When he touched the grimoire and focused, a notification appeared on his panel:

Title: Elemental Grimoire

Description: Contains basic spells every mage must master.

Would you like to learn? [YES/NO]

Without hesitation, Elias selected "YES". Immediately, a new tab appeared on his panel: Elemental Spells, listing basic abilities he now mastered.

Curious, he turned to Art:

"Can you learn these spells through your panel?"

Art frowned, surprised by the idea. He took the grimoire, but when he focused, nothing happened. Tilting his head thoughtfully, he then grabbed the fencing manual.

After a few seconds, his eyes widened.

"I couldn't learn the magic one... but I did with the fencing manual," he said, astonished. "I think it has to do with my class. I'm a Warrior now. I probably can't use magic."

"What's your class?" Art asked curiously.

Elias hesitated for a moment, then replied:

"It's not defined yet."

Art looked confused.

"That's weird... mine showed up when I leveled up. How do you not have one yet?"

Elias thought quickly and answered:

"Maybe it's because you follow a clear path — sword and shield — and I'm still experimenting with different skills. The system might be waiting for a clearer direction."

Art didn't seem entirely convinced but shrugged.

"Could be, I guess."

Elias knew his excuse wasn't airtight, but he didn't care. In the end, what could Art really do with that information?

Naturally, he extended his hand and asked for the fencing manual. Art handed it over without question.

Title: Elemental Fencing

Description: Contains basic techniques every swordsman must master.

Would you like to learn? [YES/NO]

Focusing on the "YES" option, Elias expected to be denied — but to his surprise, a new class path appeared before his eyes:

[You meet the requirements for a subclass of Necromancer:]

Class: Graveblade

Description:

A combatant who merges basic sword techniques with dark rituals and death control. Still far from mastering necromancy, but capable of channeling forbidden powers in melee combat.

Playstyle:

Balanced between physical attacks and necromancy. Ideal for aggressive tactics with self-sustain and debuffs.

Requirements:

– Knowledge of fencing (acquire a fencing manual)

– Necromancer class (minor necromancy mastery or necromancy grimoire acquired)

Starting Skills:

– Withering Strike – Blade attack that weakens the enemy for 5 seconds (reduces attack).

– Profaned Vitality – Drains a small amount of life every three successful hits.

– Gravekeeper (passive) – Grants moderate resistance to fear and curses. If an enemy is killed, gain a small defense bonus for 10 seconds.

Surprised, Elias pondered:

"So there are conditions for class transitions?"

Until now, he assumed class assignment was arbitrary — that the panel would simply choose a class at the right moment. But this... this was different. Structured. Intentional.

"Why is this system so convenient?"

He clicked "YES" for Graveblade.

At once, a surge of energy coursed through his body, as if the world itself acknowledged the change. His panel glowed intensely and then displayed a new notification:

Class Acquired: Graveblade

Without hesitation, Elias turned his attention back to the fencing manual and selected the learn option.

Then, he checked his panel:

Elias Moureau

Universe of Origin: Terra:K-283

Level: 2

Experience Points: 147 / 200

Class: Graveblade

Age: 30

Appearance: Tanned skin, dark hair, brown eyes

Species: Human

Status: Healthy

Attributes:

| Health (HP): 201 / 210

| Mana (MP): 20 / 20

| Strength: 21

| Agility: 20

| Wisdom: 20

| Magic: 21

Special Skills:

| Skill Level

| Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) 1 / 10

| Versatility 1 / 10

| Mental Resistance 2 / 10

| Physical Resistance 2 / 10

| Marksmanship 3 / 10

| Diagnosis 1 / 10

| Corpse Manipulation 1 / 10

| Alchemy 1 / 10

| Elementary Swordsmanship 1 / 10

| Elementary Magics 1 / 10

Inventory:

Weapons:

Sword (Rank: B)

Bayonet (Rank: F)

Spear (Rank: F)

Armor:

Reinforced Leather Pieces

Iron Greaves

Shoulder Guards

Strange Tunic (absorbs light, has spiritual protection runes)

Mask of the Dead (protects from spiritual detection)

Potions:

5 Mana Potions

3 Vitality Potions

1 Vigor Potion

Grimoire:

Necromancy Grimoire (Rank: B)

Supplies:

Small ropes

Matches

Protection Talismans

Map

Monster Glossary

Herb Glossary

Inventory Weight Limit: 58 / 60 kg

With a slight smile, Elias realized something deeply satisfying: this world, despite its hardships, offered a rare opportunity — the chance to break free from the limitations of his previous reality.

In his home world, calamity came early. The zombie outbreak had shattered any future plans. Elias never got to finish his education. Still, he sought out books whenever he could. It was all that remained.

Among the few books he found — reread countless times out of boredom — philosophy stood out. Not out of erudition, but due to lack of options. And one name that stuck with him was Nietzsche.

He never deluded himself about truly understanding it, but some ideas took root. The distinction between master and slave morality, for instance, had followed him for years.

In his original world, applying that concept was pure stupidity. Society couldn't sustain itself if everyone acted solely in self-interest. Disregarding others and acting only for personal gain was a recipe for collapse — sooner or later, you would be the one discarded. Slave morality, for all its hypocrisy, was the glue of coexistence. Without it, everything crumbled.

But here...

In this new world, where power decided who lived and who died, where monsters roamed free and necromancers ruled castles... here, master morality made sense.

It wasn't just theory — it was practice.

And Elias, fully aware, was letting himself be swept away.

The idea of imposing his will, of not depending on anyone's approval, of not bowing down — all of it called to him.

Not out of arrogance. Not out of cruelty.

But because, for the first time, it seemed possible.

Elias told Art about his ability to combine magic and swordsmanship, which stirred envy in his companion — but also fueled Elias. The idea of frustrating Art, something he had long desired, became his new source of entertainment.

Graelish, who had been silently observing, finally spoke:

"Now that you've familiarized yourselves with the resources I provided, I propose a plan."

He gestured for the map. When it was handed over, he spread it across a stone table and began outlining.

"This map was made before we were transported to this world." He pointed to the highlighted symbols. "These fountain-like marks represent Transmission Stations. They allow my father and brother to control the fief. Their main function is to transmit mana and supply the entire area. They create a network that maintains magical functions — such as preventing the miasma from spreading into certain zones or granting resistance buffs."

Graelish paused and looked at them both, a cryptic smile on his face.

"It's sophisticated, but in essence, they're what keep the fief operational. Thanks to them, the power level you currently possess isn't even enough to harm me."

Elias, processing the information, drew a parallel to power stations from his old world.

"So if we destroy those stations, we'd have a basis to level the playing field. That would give us a real chance to defeat them together."

"Seems like a good plan," Art said thoughtfully, but added, "but it feels too simple. Is there a catch we should know about?"

Graelish smiled wickedly, as if expecting the question.

"Indeed. The issue is that each station has guardians. We'll need to be cunning, because the moment we attack, it's very likely my father or brother will come to defend the stations."

Elias, more serious, asked, "So what do we do then?"

Graelish looked directly at Elias.

"This is where you come in. We'll need a decoy. You'll use necromancy to buy time, allowing us to strike while your power keeps the guardians occupied. You'll head in the opposite direction from us, and we'll synchronize the attack using the sun's position."

Art looked from Elias to Graelish, suspicious, and asked sharply:

"Are you going to teach Elias necromancy?"