Chapter 10: Enchanted Equipment
[Name: Thornpiercer
Type: Enchanted Common Sword
Description: Made from the sharp root of the Guardian Ent, this blade holds traces of the creature's enduring magic and natural strength.
Special Effect:
Thorn Burst (Active): Releases a shockwave of magical thorns in a small area, dealing minor AOE magic damage to all enemies within range. Mana cost: 1.]
[Name: Barkbound Vestment
Type: Enchanted Common Armor
Description: Crafted from the root armor of a Guardian Ent, this armor provides basic yet reliable protection, channeling the resilience of ancient trees.
Special Effect:
Rooted Resilience (Passive): Reduces incoming damage by 10%, softening the impact of physical attacks.]
[Name: Rootwoven Trousers
Type: Enchanted Common Pants
Description: Made from the durable root armor of a Guardian Ent, these trousers offer modest protection and a touch of ancient magic.
Special Effect:
Rooted Resilience (Passive): Reduces knockback effects by 10%, helping the wearer maintain balance in combat.]
[Name: Arboreal Ward Mask
Type: Enchanted Common Mask
Description: Carved from the ancient bark of a Guardian Ent, this mask emits a subtle power that enhances the wearer's resilience.
Special Effect:
Barkskin Fortitude (Passive): Reduces incoming damage by 10% for 5 seconds after being hit. The effect does not stack.]
[Master, this effect also applies to your barrier.]
"Sounds good."
[Name: Ent's Whisper Band
Type: Enchanted Common Ring
Description: Made from the branch of a Guardian Ent, this ring channels nature's power, offering a practical magical ability.
Special Effect:
Nature's Vault (Active): Creates a compact, hidden storage space within the wearer's aura, capable of holding a limited number of items based on the user's mana capacity.]
Granger picked up the items and began equipping them. He put on the new armor and trousers.
The armor and pants, though made of wood, felt comfortable to wear. Unlike metal armor, they were light yet still offered the durability of heavy armor.
He examined the ring, crafted from sturdy wood, and slipped it onto his finger. Activating its special effect, a small green portal appeared beside him. It connected to his aura, which was fueled by his mana capacity.
Granger turned his attention to the mask, made of rough tree bark with holes for the eyes. He placed it on his face, the glowing red of his eyes shining through the wooden surface.
Returning to where he had left his bag of Black Scales, Granger felt relieved to find them intact. He stored them in the pocket space created by his ring.
He opened his status board and began allocating his available points. Five points went into Charisma, while eight points were added to each of the other five stats.
After finishing, he set off toward the gate leading to the lower floors.
"You mentioned that defeating monsters much stronger than me would grant more experience points."
[Yes.]
"I was thinking—rather than wasting time on weak mobs, why not go straight for the floor bosses while my level is still lower than theirs?"
[That's a good strategy.]
"Boss hunting it is, then."
Granger's lips curled into a smile, his red eyes burning with excitement—but for reasons beyond leveling up.
"I'm looking forward to meeting my friends down there. Judging by their levels, there's a good chance I'll find them beyond floor 30. I'll level up quickly so I can pay them a visit."
His smile twisted into something darker, a sadistic gleam flickering in his glowing eyes.
"They'll be so surprised to see me."
Because of Granger's high CHARISMA stat, all the monsters he passed ran away.
Some even fainted, shaking, at the mere sight of him.
No monster, no matter how aggressive, dared to stand in his way.
Floor by floor, he moved effortlessly. The only thing slowing him down was the labyrinth-like mazes.
Even so, it still took him some time to travel from floor 10 to floor 20.
Granger reached the gate leading to the 20th floor, where the second boss awaited.
Behind him, monsters scattered, unable to bear his overwhelming presence.
Granger removed his mask to examine the gate more closely.
Sudden changes occurred during his journey when his newly allocated stat points finally took effect.
Granger's height increased to 6'1. His body became more muscular, and his jawline sharper.
The change was so drastic that he no longer looked like his once lanky, soft self.
He put his mask back on and activated his barrier.
Granger stepped into the narrow cave leading to the 20th floor.
It took only seconds to reach the other side.
He was greeted by a massive cave covered in webs.
As he walked deeper, the air became drier, and the webs thicker.
Granger drew his sword.
He watched closely, ready for even the smallest movement.
In an instant, something invisible lunged at him, biting his barrier.
The creature revealed itself—a giant black tarantula with deep red fangs.
[Assassin Tarantula: Boss Level 20]
The attack was strong by normal standards, but Granger's barrier didn't even flinch.
The tarantula vanished, leaving no sound or trace.
Granger smiled.
"This will be fun."
A shiny pin flew toward him, coated with a deadly poison that could kill even the toughest player slowly and painfully.
Instead of letting his barrier block it, Granger sliced the pin mid-air with his sword.
Just to make a point.
"I'm not trapped in here with you," he said, laughing darkly. "You're trapped in here with me."
Another boss fight. Another step closer to his goal.
This time, against an invisible assassin.
•••••
NAME: Granger Reiner.
PATRON: None.
ASCENSION RANK: Weak.
LEVEL: 16/20.
NEXT ASCENSION: Level 100.
[STATUS]
HP: 1600/1600
MP: 1489/1500
[STAT POINTS]
STRENGTH: 16
CONSTITUTION: 16
INTELLIGENCE: 15
DEXTERITY: 15
AGILITY: 15
CHARISMA: 7
AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0
[Abilities]
SKILL:
°RULE BREAKER°
°WEAK BARRIER°
HP: 20% of the user's HP.
RANGE: 2 Meter Radius.
[Barrier Special Effects]
—WEAK—
ACTIVE: Pulse Wave, Barrier Blink,
PASSIVE: Healing Barrier, Mana Shield,
AVAILABLE SPECIAL EFFECT: 0
•••••