Chapter 12

Adam slowly woke the ground beneath him was unforgiving, but he'd made do with what he had. A dull throb of soreness worked its way through his body, a reminder of the battle he'd fought earlier. He chewed on a piece of Healing Herb, the bitter taste spreading through his mouth. It wasn't the most pleasant thing, but the sharp relief that came as the herb worked its magic was amazing.

After taking a moment to get his bearings, Adam decided he was going to stay in his crack for a while. Removing a herb that had a lot of oils inside of it he ground it up removing the plant after getting the oil out he removed a piece of cloth from his inventory and dipped it into the oil removing his fire started and trying to light it, at first nothing happened but after a minute he had a faint light, it wasn't as bright as a candle but good enough to read by. 

Crafting Attempt Complete: Flammable oil

Ingredients Used:

Moonshade Blossom, Extract. 

Crafting Result:

Item Created: Crude Flammable oil.

Quality: Low

+10 XP

His eyes fell on the small stack of books in his inventory, he'd picked up during his visit to the general goods shop. One of them stood out to him Understanding the System for Children. Just what he needed.

He flipped the book open and began reading.

Understanding the System for Children

The System is a guiding force, a universal tool that adjusts itself to each individual's needs. It provides a structured progression, tracking and guiding individuals through their journey in this world.

Common Classes typically gain between 2-5 attribute points depending on their class. These points are automatically assigned based on the class chosen, reflecting the strengths of that role. For example:

Farmers gain +1 Strength and +1 Dexterity.Lumberjacks may gain +2 Strength and +1 Constitution.Cooks receive +1 Dexterity and +1 Charisma.

Regardless of the class, the maximum a Common Class can achieve is 5 points per level. Every 5 levels, the commoners also gain 1 additional point of their choice to distribute as they see fit. This allows some flexibility in customization as they progress.

Adam nodded, beginning to understand how the System worked for most common folk. It was a straightforward progression system, one designed to keep people within the general scope of their class strengths.

Uncommon Classes: These classes are less common hence the name, and their growth potential is far more significant. While Common Classes are restricted to gaining only up to 5 attribute points per level, Uncommon Classes can gain up to 10 points per level, allowing for greater customization and specialization. The rare classes are considered to be the most powerful—rare, mysterious, and often unpredictable.

Rare Classes and Subclasses: For those who hold a Rare Class, not only do they gain more attribute points per level, but they also unlock the potential to gain a subclass. A subclass is a specialization within the main class, giving the individual a more focused path with additional abilities, but also with unique challenges. The most famous case of this came from a boy whose class was named, The Catalyst.

The boy, whose name was lost to history, was said to have been able to amplify the abilities of others and even create new abilities, though the true power of his class remains a mystery. This rare occurrence is considered the peak of class evolution, but no one has seen such a class in centuries.

Combat vs. Non-Combat Classes: There are two types of classes in this world: Combat and Non-Combat. Combat classes gain the majority of their experience points (XP) through fighting—whether in dungeons, hunting, or any form of combat. Non-combat classes, on the other hand, gain XP through crafting, creating, and other non-violent methods. However, the one exception to this rule is dungeons. No matter your class, if you are in a dungeon and kill something, you receive full XP for that kill. 

Adam was no stranger to that concept. His time in the dungeon so far had shown him that XP wasn't something to take for granted. Even though he was a Non-Combat class, it seemed like dungeons leveled the playing field. It was probably one of the only reasons he was still alive.

The next page revealed some information about abilities and skills, but Adam paused. His mind was racing with new ideas and possibilities. He received 15 Attribute points spread out to all the attributes 2 were stat points he could assign himself he took that for granted adding it to dexterity for the stamina.

The name page explained a lot as well.

Stats and how they effect you: 

HP Regeneration (Health Regeneration)

HP regeneration is based on a combination of Strength and Vitality, and the formula is:

HP Regeneration = (Strength + Vitality) ÷ 10

Strength and Vitality contribute to how quickly you regenerate your health over time.The sum of both is divided by 10, so if you have higher Strength or Vitality, your HP will regenerate faster.MP Regeneration (Mana Regeneration)

MP regeneration depends on a mix of Intelligence and Wisdom, and the formula is:

MP Regeneration = (Intelligence + Wisdom) ÷ 10

Intelligence and Wisdom are the key stats for regenerating MP. Higher values in either stat allow you to recover more mana.

Stamina Regeneration (Stamina Recovery)

Stamina regeneration is influenced by Strength, Dexterity, and Vitality. The formula is:

Stamina Regeneration = (Strength + Dexterity + Vitality) ÷ 10

Strength, Dexterity, and Vitality all play a part in how quickly you recover stamina. The higher these stats, the faster your stamina regenerates.HP (Health Points)

HP is determined by Vitality:

HP = Vitality × 10The more Vitality you have, the more health you have overall. It's a direct multiplier.Stamina

Stamina is determined by Dexterity:

Stamina = Dexterity × 10More Dexterity means more stamina for combat, running, and other actions.MP (Mana Points)

MP is determined by Wisdom:

MP = Wisdom × 10More Wisdom gives you more mana for spells and abilities that use it.

Adam wanted to explore the dungeon more looking for a way out. Whatever force pulled him in here he didn't want to mess with if that evil lava-looking monster was any comparison. He decided to put the book away for now and read more tonight he took out a root and started chewing not even worried about the dirt anymore. The only constant in his life were his robes tools and roots. 

Adam put out the fire and packed up, He would explore and find a way out of this place. He was supposed to open his stall today and help the villagers it didn't look like he would get to do that now. Adam crawled out of the crack he slept in and continued to walk. As he walked he came across a Crystal guardian again with practiced ease he attacked its weakness and just dodged its pitiful attacks until he became weak then he dropped it to its knees and waited till he saw an opening the stabby stabbed it to death. 

[SYSTEM MESSAGE]

Crystal Guardian was defeated. XP Gained: 200 

Loot Dropped:

1x Cure poisonClass ability shard

[SYSTEM MESSAGE]

Small blades (Passive) Level 4

[SYSTEM MESSAGE]

Battle Instincts (Passive) Level 2

[SYSTEM MESSAGE]

Skill Learned: 

Dodge (Active) Level 1

Effect: Allows you to perform an immediate evasive maneuver when danger is detected. Dodge the next incoming attack with a high chance of success. The effectiveness is based on your Dexterity.

Cooldown: 30 seconds

Cost: 5 Stamina

Adam wanted to jump up and down Another ability shard two skill level-ups and a new skill from one fight. Adam chewed a dollroot while he walked down the same hall there was an open chamber ahead so he crouched down and moved forward quietly as he got closer he noticed what seemed to be a person inside, Maybe if he found someone else they would know the way out, Deciding it was best to inspect before he walked in all.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE]

Hostile Entity: Gem Skelleton (rare) (Mini-boss)

Level: 15

HP: 500/500

Comment: He liked to be called Gem Skellington and there is nothing mini about him. Good luck. 

He ran away again, This time with a plan as he was running he realized if he got too far Gem would go back to the room so he decided to use taunt. Each time Gem would start leaving he would use taunt and then run away again Adams's plan was simple if he could pull it off, lure Gem to the crack Adam slept in and when Gem started to walk away when Adam was out of site he would attack from behind and push Gem face first into the crack Since he was bigger then Adam and the crack wasn't as wide the further in you went Gem should get stuck. If not Adam thought he could still run away.

Adam triggered taunt and The Gem Skeleton turned toward him, its glowing eyes narrowing as it locked onto Adam. The massive creature lumbered toward him with a speed that belied its size. Adam sprinted ahead, weaving through the dungeon tunnels, making sure to stay just out of range of its swinging attacks. Adam's mind was focused, staying one step ahead. Each time the Gem Skeleton started to turn back, Adam would quickly trigger Taunt again, forcing the creature to follow him. 

The journey took a while, but eventually, Adam reached the narrow crack he had slept in earlier. He slowed his pace, glancing over his shoulder to see if the Gem Skeleton was still on his tail. Sure enough, it was. As the Gem Skeleton neared the crack, Adam took a deep breath. The creature turned and began to walk away, likely thinking Adam had gotten too far. This was his moment.

Without hesitation, Adam darted forward and leaped at the Gem Skeleton's back, his hands gripping his dagger. He jabbed it into the creature's spine as it turned, yelling out a battle cry. The Gem Skeleton, caught off guard, let out a bone-chilling screech, its head jerking backward.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE]

Gem Skeleton (Mini-boss) HP: 498/500

The creature stumbled, giving Adam the chance he needed. He quickly pushed the Gem Skeleton toward the crack, aiming to shove the massive creature face-first into the narrow opening.

It resisted, but Adam's smaller frame allowed him to nudge the skeleton into position. The harder he pushed, the more the creature became wedged. A few moments later, Adam had successfully forced the Gem Skeleton into the crack, its massive body wedged tight.

For a moment, Adam paused, catching his breath. He had pulled it off. The creature couldn't move, its struggle only made it more trapped.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE]

Gem Skeleton is stuck!

You have gained a tactical advantage.

All damage is multiplied. 

Adam pulled a substance root and a dullroot from his inventory and started chewing both then he did his stabby stab dance and chipped away at the Mini bosses HP. Adam about 5 minutes in was bored but he kept going and finally, he was rewarded. 

[SYSTEM MESSAGE]

Gem Skeleton (Mini-boss) has been defeated!

XP Gained: 1500

Loot Dropped:

x1 Gold coin

x2 Class Ability Shard

Shoes: Ruby Soles

Celebrating his easy victory he decided to ignore the other messages for now and sit down to inspect his loot.