Qin Sheng stood amidst a dense forest, his blade slick with monster blood. The Beginner Zone loomed ahead, but he needed to reach Level 15 before he could enter. The path wasn't easy—the monsters had grown stronger, and the sheer number was overwhelming.
He wiped sweat from his brow, eyes scanning the area. Shadowfang and Blazewing, his loyal minions, flanked him. Together, they pushed forward.
A pack of Ironhide Boars charged through the underbrush, their tusks gleaming. Qin Sheng leaped forward, slashing one clean across the neck. Shadowfang darted around the others, delivering precise bites, while Blazewing unleashed a stream of fire, forcing the boars into retreat.
"Keep pushing!" Qin Sheng commanded.
The battles grew fiercer. A towering Earthbound Troll emerged, wielding a crude club. Its health bar was massive, and each swing of its weapon threatened to flatten them. Qin Sheng weaved between its strikes, landing calculated blows. Shadowfang lunged for its legs, crippling its movement, while Blazewing launched fireballs at its face.
The troll roared in pain but continued swinging. One wild hit sent Blazewing crashing into a tree. Gritting his teeth, Qin Sheng activated Eclipse Dominion, his blade glowing with dark energy. With a swift dash, he pierced the troll's chest, finishing it off.
System Notification:
"You have slain Earthbound Troll (D-Rank). Gained 2000 XP."
A blinding light enveloped Qin Sheng.
System Notification:
"Congratulations! You have reached Level 15. Stat points and skill points awarded."
He exhaled deeply, feeling the surge of power coursing through him. His body felt lighter, stronger. Shadowfang and Blazewing circled back to his side.
"Finally," he muttered, opening his stat window to allocate his new points. His strength and agility saw a significant boost, making him more formidable.
But as he celebrated, another notification appeared.
System Notification:
"Hunger System Activated. Your hunger level has reached 90%. You must log out to eat."
Qin Sheng sighed. "Perfect timing."
He found a safe spot and initiated the logout sequence. His surroundings faded, and moments later, he was back in his room, the real world's dim light replacing the vibrant game colors.
He stretched, feeling the aches from hours of intense gaming. The hunger pangs reminded him of the system's cruel reality. Making his way to the kitchen, he hastily prepared a meal, his mind still on the Beginner Zone.
After eating, he sat back down, determination shining in his eyes. "Time to enter the Beginner Zone and start the real hunt."