SSS-Rank Cleared, Death Foretold, and a Guild’s Shadow Beckons

From Lin Feng's body, an absurd number exploded into the air—80,000 damage!

The mutated insectoid boss didn't even get a second chance to react. Lin Feng's Immortal One talent retaliated with two hundred times the damage taken. The entire BOSS's grotesque body tore apart, collapsing into a pool of acid and entrails as it exploded on the spot.

Due to the hive-mind structure of insect-type monsters, once the boss fell, every corrupted bug under its control spasmed and dropped lifeless to the ground.

That single counter from Lin Feng had completely wiped out the swarm.

[You have slain Mutated Giant Insect (Gold Grade). Gained 2000 EXP!]

[Congratulations! Your level has increased to Lv 15!]

[System Notice: Class Enhancement Unlocked — +10 Constitution!]

Lin Feng stepped forward, the massive husk of the defeated BOSS collapsing at his feet. The ground glittered with drops—rewards scattered from the boss's body like treasure.

One by one, he picked them up, his system interface lighting up with notifications:

[Acquired: Insectoid Ring (Gold Grade)]

[Acquired: Webbed Boots (Gold Grade)]

[Acquired: Elemental Resistance Orb (Gold Grade)]

[Acquired: Quest Item — Golden Statue (Unique)]

[Acquired: 100 Gold Coins]

The core item he needed for his hidden quest—the Golden Statue—was finally in his possession.

[Hidden Quest "The Dragon City Guards' Request" (SSS) completed. Please return to the quest NPC to submit.]

Lin Feng didn't rush. He took a moment to inspect the loot first.

[Insectoid Ring (Gold Grade)]

Type: Accessory

Level Requirement: 15

Stats: +50 Intelligence, +50 Defense

Skill — Parasite (Active): Summons a taunting insectoid guardian based on the wearer's stats. Duration: 360s.

Description: A ring pulsing with parasitic energy, capable of hatching an insect defender to shield its master.

[Webbed Boots (Gold Grade)]

Type: Footwear

Level Requirement: 15

Stats: +150 Speed, +30 Defense

Passive — Slime Trap: Slows attackers by 30% for 5 seconds after physical contact.

Description: Forged from the silk of spider-type insectoids, these boots hinder enemy movement.

[Elemental Resistance Orb (Gold Grade)]

Type: Consumable

Effect: Grants 30% resistance to all elements and +1000 Magic Resist upon use.

Lin Feng hadn't acquired a solid gear set yet. While these weren't god-tier items, they were more than enough to carry him into the next stage.

The Insectoid Ring didn't boast insane stats, but its summon ability, especially one based on Lin Feng's already overpowered attributes, could prove devastating. His stat panel dwarfed that of most players, so the summoned creature's power would be monstrous.

As for the Webbed Boots—situational, but handy for crowd control.

Without hesitation, he equipped both and activated the Elemental Resistance Orb.

A radiant seven-colored light flashed before him.

[Fire Resistance +30%]

[Water Resistance +30%]

[Wind, Light, Dark, and more... Resistance +30%]

[Magic Resistance +1000]

The buffs surged through his body. With the battlefield cleared and nothing left to loot, Lin Feng turned and retraced his steps.

Returning to the location where the Dragon City guards had been stationed, he retrieved the Golden Statue from his bag and handed it to the soldier in charge.

The guard's eyes widened in disbelief. "S-Sir, this... this is unbelievable. You were gone for barely thirty minutes!"

To these royal guards, Lin Feng had only just left. And yet, not only had he located the monster horde that ambushed them, he had single-handedly annihilated them and reclaimed the tribute item.

Those insectoids were no joke—each over level 10. For a new player in this starter village, they were among the deadliest enemies around.

Normally, even a full party of well-equipped players would struggle against them. A solo player had virtually no chance.

And yet Lin Feng did it. Alone. Effortlessly.

"Just another job done," Lin Feng replied casually and tapped the "Submit Quest" button.

[Reputation with Dragon City +100]

[Acquired: 1000 Gold Coins]

[Acquired: 50,000 EXP]

[Acquired: Unique Weapon Chest (Crimson Gold Tier)]

A golden light burst from his body again as the tidal wave of experience poured in.

[Level Up! Reached. Lv 16]

…

[Level Up! Reached Lv 20]

[Class Enhancement Triggered — +10 Constitution]

Just like that, Lin Feng hit level 20 in a single leap. Now, he could leave the newbie village and explore the larger Huaxia map to choose a faction.

Better yet, with the added reputation, his relationship with the Dragon City faction jumped from Neutral to Friendly.

Should he choose to join them, it would greatly smooth his rise to power within their ranks.

Excitement bubbled in Lin Feng's chest. He immediately opened the Unique Weapon Chest.

A gleam of crimson light flashed as a ghostly silhouette of a massive sword emerged.

[Acquired: Ancient Greatsword (Crimson Gold Grade)]

[Ancient Greatsword (Crimson Gold Grade)]

Type: Weapon

Level Requirement: 20

Stats: +450 Attack, +800 Defense, +25% Physical Block

Passive — Bloodlust: Every kill grants +10 Max HP permanently.

Description: Though it appears simple and unrefined, this blade holds a dark, vampiric power—devouring the essence of slain foes to grow stronger.

The sword was a perfect match for his build—an unstoppable juggernaut who thrived on attrition and counterattacks.

+10 Max HP per kill might seem modest, but when multiplied over thousands of enemies? That was an unfair advantage in the making.

In a single dungeon run, with hundreds, if not thousands, of kills, Lin Feng could easily boost his health pool to absurd levels.

Without hesitation, he equipped the Ancient Greatsword. His fingers tightened around the hilt, feeling the weapon pulse with power.

Lin Feng's eyes gleamed.

The true game... was only just beginning.