Overgeared: Saharan Successor

Chapter 15: Red Energy 

While the Leviathan Party lead by Odin was moving toward their hunting ground to tackle the Mutated Wild Beast quest, there were certain discussions, mainly the newbies asking him questions related to the Satisfy World and what kind of SP distribution should they apply for their classes or future-to-be builds.

Purphoros was among those newbies vocal about their high aspiration inside this Fantasy World, and didn't shy away from challenging some of Odin's views on various builds

⤷ Purphoros: What do you mean, it's a foolish thought process of investing only in STR as an Warrior? I've seen some podcasts of the Top 1 Guardian Knight, Mythras, who told her secret of being so powerful in Raids and Dungeons, and the secret is going all-out on the key primary stat for her Class, which is STR.

Eve when she heard the first part about investing all the Stat points into a single primary stat couldn't help but roll her eyes, thinking that this guy was a great example for a stubborn meathead, but then came his example of who among the top rankers was doing this strat. 

She was aware of who this Mythras was, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly at how foolish this guy was into believing all of her bullshits online. 

'I think she was selling out all sort of scams under a paywall as her 'Top Secrets' for being a Top-Ranker.' 

'She's quite the bitch for preying on the simps, she's despicable and degenerate, but hey, she for sure has great control-mechanics for Satisfy World to carry her to the top rankings.'

'Besides, she's from Rottemon Kingdom Area, so there's not much clash of interest between me and her with regards to the Satisfy World.'

⤷ Odin: Is that so? That's her secret? I never knew about it. By chance have you paid money for this info?

…

⤷ Odin: I'm sarcastic if you haven't picked up. My opinion on Mythra? She's a degenerate, don't listen to her bullshit. She's only level 165, and the Guardian Knights aren't that reliant on their MP resources, however, you don't have Faust by your side to constantly pump you with Mana Surges to keep your MP fully charged for your skills. 

When Eve heard Odin's assessment of the high-ranker in question, couldn't help but smile like a cheshire cat, barely able to hide it when she got busted by Odin's red eyes.

'Indeed, baby, go talk shit on that obnoxious bitch trying to woo you. Ahh, it's music to my ears.'

⤷ Purphoros: Wait, wait, are you referring to the guy always in the background. You're telling me that he is her secret?

'Duhh, obviously that's her doormat. She's not revealing anything in the media because her stocks would plummet with all the simps ditching her for another popular Satisfy diva.'

⤷ Eve: Huhuhu, and to think you morons would still consider whatever she says for truth. I actually don't feel pity for you folks, since you're willing to sponsor that leech. 

⤷ Odin: Ahem, ahem, back to what I was saying. The reason she can focus on flashy game style and using crazy skills is because she doesn't run out of MP, well, at least not until her battery is dead. So, if you want to follow this dumb 'going all-ham on STR' you should rethink it. However, if you got a mage willing to build into the Mana Surge build, good luck with that. 

There was some convincing to be done for Purphoros, but Odin made it easy to understand especially when he touched upon the Class Advancements that would take the Basic versions into an evolved version which would reach a complex state, or touching on the possibility of a Class Change, there was a need to be flexible with your stat points distribution.

⤷ Purphoros: Wait, I think I got you, Boss. Damn, that bitch is trolling new players and even profiting over our misfortune! Thew, glad I listened to my big brother to join the guild. In the end, you make sense of your Stats Builds. 

⤷ Odin: Pretty much this is an approach that isn't a gamble of the future chances that might come or not to you as a player. This is why, I along with other veterans made those new guides for new players on the 3 Main Group of builds, Melee, Caster and Support, to pick at least 2 Primary Stats that complement each other.

Odin was a approachable guy with a balanced introvert and extrovert personality traits, and the amount of public speaking he had to do from highschool, university than at his job for conferences, and now representing Leviathan as the Guildmaster, it became second nature to hold talks with strangers asking him relevant or dumb questions.

In fact, he had such natural charisma that some would even consider him a shrewd politician in the making.

With this as the group traveled, other players jumped on the occasion of asking him for his advice regarding their future builds as they perceived their journey in Satisfy World. Since he cleared the ground with Purphoros who was directing his sight on a Tank/Guardian Knight gameplay, it was easy to create a build for him to make him competitive with other players.

⤷ Guildmaster, if you don't mind, can you talk more on the current builds in Satisfy World? Ohh, and what would you play if you had to restart the game from scratch in the current Meta?

The girls and guys of the party had good questions, some came up with random bullshit, that he just ignored from answering, but his interest was touched by the question related a 'New Gameplay' for himself as he was right now.

⤷ Odin: Great question, Rey. And I don't have to think much on how I would play the game if I started from scratch because I'm in this current situation as my Level got reset along with my previous Class and Class Skills being deleted. You'll have to watch me closely this time.

⤷ Ahh, my bad, if I touched on something sensible. 

⤷ Odin: No need to worry, I kind of started enjoying this thought of redoing everything, but without my misplays when I began playing. I'll rant a bit about the builds, but if you're interested, more than welcome to listen. 

⤷ As you folks have noticed, Satisfy World is not the average VRMMO in the sense that there are some pre-established Classes and that's what everyone else has to play with. Far from it, each player has the freedom to build upon their Class as they see fit. 

⤷ For DPS Melee, the build should be centered on STR/AGY with sprinkles of STA and INT. Hybrid Melee such as Magic-Melee Builds have to blend STR and INT along with AGY. Tanks go with a STA/STR along with a part of INT for the MP Resources required to keep the Skill Rotation. 

⤷ Assassination, Espionage, Thieves, Lurkers … in general the Rogue Classes are heavily reliant on the AGY stat, and depending on how you want to spec, you mix it up with STR and INT for versatility.

⤷ Caster Classes, are heavy on the INT Primary Stat, but a note of advice from the studies cases I've gathered from all the Mages that left their feedback on our guilds forum or in Satisfy's Forum, is that mixing up some Agility can be a life-changer on various circumstances. In this regard, I think Eve would be more than happy to agree with me.

⤷ Eve: No comments, I would like to keep my Build a secret. 

⤷ Odin: Uh-huh. All right then. Keep your secrets.

On his expression as he studied Eve's face a wide smirk formed on his lips, and then feeling subjected to his ridicule she was about to jump on his back and pinch at his cheeks, but he simple walked ahead and waved his hands chuckling at her expense, later continuing with his rant about the various playstyles and builds inside Satisfy, touching upon the Casters and later on the Supports that were of a lesser popularity among the general public.

⤷ Then what about your favorite common class accessible to everyone? I heard that the Meta of Satisfy is to copy Kraugel's Swordsman Build.

Hearing about the uncontested N.1 Global Ranker, Kraugel and being reminded that everyone was copying his class build, instead of being irked that his ego got touched, he nodded, calmly giving a look to the girl who brought up this topic of discussion.

⤷ What can I say? There's nothing wrong in copying Kraugel since he's still walking on the common class choices given by the System. The Warrior - Swordsman path has a lower difficulty, so it's obviously popular with the new players.

⤷ Purphorous: Odin, I heard from the gossip in some Skynet vids that you lost against Kraugel in a 1 vs 1, is it true?

⤷ Alysha: Whuaa? You idiot, are you implying something? How dare you!

⤷ Elyse: How stupid can you be to even bring such a subject? You dumb meathead.

The girls in the group were instantly outraged by Purphorous who felt comfortable enough to ask something that most Leviathan players with some lore knowledge between the rivalry of Odin and Kraugel knew to side-track like the plague, but all in all, it was a misunderstanding on their part because of someone else reacting too passionately…

This heat was unexpected by Purphorous who was simply curious about some information passed around in the online sphere, and it from whose mouth was it better to confirm it than the one the rumors were circling around.

⤷ The fuck, what's wrong with you cats? I'm just asking out of curiosity, nothing more. Hey, man, if you don't want to talk about it, my bad for asking.

Odin didn't respond, instead choosing to continue his march giving the impression he was pondering about this question deeply. Beside him, Eve started giggling, reminded of the day she saw her lover so down that she had to do some extra-special treatments to raise his morale back-up. 

Later on, next day from that incident learn that it wasn't what was perceived online, but the gossip spread like wildfire that there was no point in doing damage control. Just let the people believe whatever they want was Odin's mantra.

There was a scuffle in a high level hunting ground between Odin and Kraugel back when the highest level among players was considered to be around 125, with both of them testing themselves up. It was a short-lived clash that ended in an embarrassing note at least for Odin who had to be faced with the Top 1 Ranker escaping the fight by logging out with a 'Sorry, my mom is calling me for dinner.'

Nevertheless, for the outlookers in that hunting ground, the short-lived clash saw Kraugel pushing Odin around as he was conserving his cooldowns for the moment he would counter the Swordsman and dominate him with his Knight Class.

'I know more than anyone how much Mathias wants to duel against Kraugel and clarify once and for all who is the best in Satisfy, but he got ghosted or always avoided. I think it led to some resentment on his end, but he doesn't show it and remains classy about this subject.'

⤷ Odin: It's fine, there's no harm in asking from the main source. To clarify it to you folks… no, I have not lost that fight nor did I won, it was a short-lived fight that ended in a draw. Sure, the ones who spread the incident on Skynet, have all right to believe I was losing because he was indeed pushing me.

⤷ However, I was waiting for his cooldowns to run-out and for my time to counter-attack since this is how the fights between Knights and Swordsman playout. If a Knight survives the initial assault, it's a 80% chance of victory for the Knight, if not, they end up dead from the accumulated damage.

⤷ Eve: He's not wrong on this regard. Whatsmore, Odin was wielding BiS Knight Gear, and I know that he can solo a Dungeon Boss by himself. There's no doubt that he would have won in the end if that childish guy wouldn't have logged out mid fight with some silly reason.

Eve's grip on Odin's arm tightened subtly, her smile sweet yet underlined with a steely resolve. 

And this was the catalyst of a bunch of misunderstandings, Eve's reaction was akin to fuel to the low-lives who had nothing better but to hate on Odin and his friends.

Odin felt Eve's grip on his arm tighten, a subtle sign that she was more affected by Purphorous's comment than she let on. 

He could feel the tension brewing inside of her, even though she maintained a sweet smile that hid her true feelings. To anyone else, she might have seemed calm, but Odin knew better.

'Uhh, I have to stop her, or she'll make a scene. She probably had a stressful day at the office.'

Leaning in close, Odin whispered gently into her ear, "It's fine, Mi-Jung. I don't mind some light-hearted banter."

Eve's smile didn't falter, but Odin could sense the fire in her eyes. She wasn't just irritated by Purphoros antics, far from it, her feminine, nurturing, protective side kicked in when the one she cherished was attacked. 

For Eve, it wasn't just about the online gossip, itt was about the respect that Mathias deserved, for how much he sacrificed for everyone in the guild to have a welcoming environment akin to a family that they might have not experienced IRL. 

She wasn't going to let anyone, not even a curious guildmate, tarnish that.

Odin, recognizing this, decided to try and soothe her, knowing full well that once Eve was set on defending him, she wouldn't back down easily. He gently placed his free hand over hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Really, it doesn't bother me. You know how people will always talk about nonsense to fill their boring lives. Don't let it ruin your mood."

"No, Mathias. I know it doesn't bother you," she whispered back, her voice so low that only he could hear. 

"But it bothers me when people don't understand the whole story. You've worked so hard, and I hate seeing anyone try to downplay your achievements just because that Kraugel guy is a coward."

Odin couldn't help but smile at her words, akin to a teenager being in love with his first crush all over again, This emotions of feeling protected by the one beside you, left him bubbly inside, especially when considering his family dynamics with his younger brother being the 'Golden Child' and him being required to be the 'mature' child since an early age.

Her unwavering support was one of the things he cherished most about her. 

She was always in his corner, ready to stand up for him, even when he didn't feel the need for it himself.

'Ahh, I'm in heaven. East-Asian babes are for sure protective. Praise God that eastern women didn't get brain rot like a majority of the West.'

He leaned in closer, brushing a kiss against her temple. "Thanks for being worried for me, bunny. But, really, I can handle banter just fine. Don't you remember how thick-skinned I can be?"

She blushed a bit from the warm kiss, then let out a soft sigh, her grip on his arm loosening just a bit. "I know you can. But that doesn't mean I'm going to sit by and let people talk nonsense."

Shifting from her lover's face and his life-draining crimson eyes, her black eyes, usually warm and inviting, now glinted with an icy sharpness as she turned her gaze toward Purphoros. The man, sensing the shift in her demeanor, chuckled nervously, trying to play off his earlier comment.

"Hehe, of course, you would say that, miss. Which girlfriend wouldn't take the side of her boyfriend, right?" Purphoros attempted to lighten the mood, but Eve's expression remained unchanged, her cold stare piercing through his weak attempt at humor.

With an elegant grace, she unwrapped one arm from Odin and took a step forward, three flaming orbs appearing out of nowhere, circling behind Eve's back, her presence commanding the attention of the group. 

"Hey, you," she began, her voice soft yet laced with a icy undertone. "Let me make something very clear. Odin doesn't need me to defend him. His achievements and skills speak for themselves."

'Here she goes… Ah man, sometimes its embarrassing when she gets like this, but it also makes me all fuzzy in my stomach. Go, babe, slay him.'

Purphoros gulped, his bravado quickly dissipating under Eve's intense gaze.

Eve continued, her tone growing more assertive, "You might think it's funny to joke about such things since Odin made you feel relaxed, but you should remember who you're speaking to. Would you talk with your Company CEO in such a manner?"

"You have to remember that being inside Leviathan is a given privilege. If I remember right, you joined the guild based on the recommendation of your relative, Firestar. Be mindful, as easily as you received privileges, as quickly would they be stripped."

She took another step closer to Purphoros, her voice dropping to a near whisper, "Remember, boy, you should conduct yourself in a professional manner instead of spreading rumors about something you weren't there to understand fully. Especially not in front of the man who was there."

Purphoros felt a bead of sweat form on his brow, the weight of Eve's words sinking in, and in a way he started regretting bringing out so many dumb questions to Odin, but seeing him engaging with him, and even answering sarcastically to some, it made him comfortable.

However, now this east-asian beauty, that he wasn't placing much in his eyes apart from being an eye-candy, and having that high-level and prestige in Satisfy World just because she was Odin's partner. 

Yet, he could feel his HP depleting with the scorching flames ever so now brushing past his skin.

Purphoros realized he had overstepped some boundaries and felt that things would go down bad south and get his big brother involved in his mess.

Eve's gaze softened slightly as she took a step back, returning to Odin's side with her Magical Artifact 'Verdant Spheres' withdrawing back. 

"Consider this a lesson," she said, her voice returning to its usual calm. "Show some respect to those who've earned it."

Odin, who had remained quiet throughout the exchange, but was a bit embarrassed by how protective his lover could get, finally spoke up, his tone even. "Uhhh, Mi-Jung, you made things uncomfortable for the newbies. Purphoros didn't mean any harm, just innocent questions that he wanted to address since that subject is 'unresolved' for many of the people in the community." 

He turned to Purphoros, offering a small nod.

⤷ Odin: Don't mention that subject again around Eve, she gets all sensible, and now that she's also having additional workload IRL, I can't blame her for snapping at you, since you come around like a… hmm, jackass.

⤷ Purphoros: … Sir, if I upset you with my question, my sincere apologies. I didn't know it was a touchy subject to talk, and just wanted to lighten the mood until we got to the quest zone, since that Malfurion guy made it for the worse with his Nature healing shit.

⤷ Odin: No offense taken. Just give me a DM like this with those quirky questions, and if I have time or I'm in the mood I'll respond. 

⤷ Purphoros: Haha, man, you're really a cool guy. You're a real G. First time when I heard about you from my big bro, I thought you were some arrogant bastard since that's how most Top-Rankers I've seen giving their interviews act like. As if they are better than the new players who just started.

⤷ Odin: Well, most of them have never been in the spotlight, and since they are given attention, they transformed into attention seeking divas. In the future if you encounter one of those fools, don't put their antics to heart, that's how they feed their weak ego.

⤷ Purphoros: Good one. You too be careful. Your chick is moody. 

⤷ Odin: Aha, let's end this talk here to keep our interaction still friendly.

Purphoros nodded quickly after he received Odin's DM that turned colder when he was about to complain about Eve to him. Nonetheless, the interaction was left him grateful. "Thanks, Odin. And… sorry, miss Eve. I didn't mean to disrespect anyone. I just got curious, that's all."

Eve's icy demeanor melted away when Odin pinched her waist, chuckling at her grumpy expression, then looking at the offender, she reluctantly returned a smile. "Apology accepted. Just be more careful with your words next time."

With the group continuing toward the Mutated Wild Beast hunting grounds that weren't filled to the gills with contesting players, Odin's gaze lingered on his status window, as he felt it was the right time to distribute his points since reaching level 10.

His fingers absentmindedly hover over the interface, and as he reviewed his stats from his physical damage to his critical chance along with other attributes that were granted by his equipment, a soft smile tugged at his lips. 

The stats were well above what most players at his level would have, and inwardly a subtle thought creeped out from his inner mind.

'I'm creating a monster. A Final Boss in the making.'

〘 STATUS WINDOW 〙

[Name : Odin / Class :Saharan Successor]

[Level : 10 (242/2700) / Title :One who Became a Legend, Sovereign of Red Energy, Black Knight, Knight Slayer, Battle-Tested Soldier]

---

[Health: 3334/3334 | Mana: 2358/2358]

-----------------------------------

[Strength: 79+(106) | Stamina: 25+(199) | Agility: 98+(59) | Intelligence: 50+(328)

Composure: 16.5 | Charm: 13 | Dignity: 15 | Insight: 17

Persistence: 22 | Indomitable: 13 | Diplomacy: 11 | Political Power: 11

Persuasion: 12 | Willpower: 1.1 | Red Energy: 0.33 ]

-------------------

Available Stat Points: 0

Weight: 358/450

* If the weight limit exceeds 200%, movement speed is reduced by 100%.

The body will be heavy and incapable of exerting any power properly.

The probability of receiving the 'weakened' state will become really high.

---

'It's mainly because of the Accessories and the Lycanthrope Leather Set that I brought from the Guild's Vault, well, mainly asking LaunchBox to borrow me those items from his Werewolf Transmog that he was thinking of using for a twink character.' (E/N: Twink = player who makes a new character and gives a bunch of top-shelf equipment from their older, maxed-out characters to the new character)

'They'll come in great use for this new playthrough.'

The atmosphere was tense around him, especially between Eve and Purphorous who was avoiding her gaze, but Odin remained sharp on the mission and also checked around his equipment and future upgrades once he would level up.

'Is it worthed doing magic enchants on low level equipment? I doubt it since I'll catch quickly with the average Satisfy Player level wise.'

His mind turned inward as he tinkered with his Character Interface.

With a subtle gesture, the familiar interface materialized before his eyes, a transparent screen displaying his character's stats, abilities, and most importantly, his gear that couldn't be replicated by the casual starting player, only a whale with deep pockets would be capable of buying his items from the Auction House if they even appeared on there. 

〘 EQUIPMENT WINDOW 〙

Hands: Lycanthrope's Claws (Epic)(LV.10)

Durability: 300/300 | Defense: 50 

Bonuses: Strength +5 | Agility +5

Special Effect: +2% Attack Speed

---

Feet: Lycanthrope's Paws (Rare)(LV.10)

 Durability: 250/250 | Defense: 40 

Bonuses: Strength +4 | Agility +6

Special Effect: +3% Evasion Rate

--

Odin's gaze drifted toward the items sitting inside his inventory bag that would complete the Lycanthrope's Set waiting for a chance to shine, while apart from those equipment, his Inventory was full with Elixirs, Arcane Scrolls, HP and MP Potions and the cherry on top, the Magical Monster Bait that he was pondering when to use.

Chest: Lycanthrope's Heartguard (Epic)(LV.20)

Durability: 500/500 | Defense: 120

Bonuses: Strength +5 |Agility +10

Special Effect: +5% Damage Reduction

--

Legs: Lycanthrope's Leggings (Rare)(LV.25)

Durability: 450/450 | Defense: 130

Bonuses: Strength +10 | Agility +20

Special Effect: +5% Movement Speed

--

Shoulders: Lycanthrope's Mantle (Rare) (LV.15)

Durability: 280/280 | Defense: 60

Bonuses: Strength +10 |Agility +5

Special Effect: +4% Critical Hit Rate

--

The moment he equipped these final pieces, this set would give him a new window of power that would supplement his already devastating attack power. And all of this was thanks of his Saharan Successor Class that removed the equipment and weapons restrictions for his character.

[-3 set items equipped: Strength +50, stamina +30. Agility + 80]

[-5 set items equipped: Strength +100, stamina +80, Agility + 160, can transform into an Lycanthrope Werewolf for 30 minutes]

If he could make use of an Mage Gear Loot, without a doubt he would make great use of the bonuses.

Nonetheless, the sheer scale of this stat points increase made him warm inside, it did help a lot with his bruised Ego from having to replay again the starting content, but it was just a temporary debuff, nothing more.

'This is a BiS set for Rogues going as far as reaching level 100 because of the full-set bonuses,' Odin thought, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. 

The gear was perfect for his playstyle as a Knight, however, the game designers thought it was a great idea of fucking around with this Melee Class and force them to be turtles thanks to their Heavy Knight Armor reliance. 

It was in fact the Leather Armor that offered lots of versatility to a Knight, and Odin couldn't help but appreciate this now that he was no longer inconvenient to move because of his Heavy Armor.

'I heard from Demacia that Box grinded his liver by doing the Sewer Rat King dungeon about 500 times to get his hands on the Lycanthrope Claws which has a (0.0025%) chance of dropping. Ironically, it was because of how crazy he was about completing this 'Legendary' Set for Rogues that he earned a Unique Title that got him recognized with Titan's Garrison.'

'A dedicated transmoger indeed.'

'Still, I don't see myself in the near future going that deep for a level 10 Epic Hands that isn't even at a 0.1% of dropping. I got things better to do… Such as admiring my shiny accessories.'

〘 ACCESSORIES 〙

Necklace: Pendant of the Arcane Sage (Epic)

Durability: 200/200 | Defense: 20

Bonuses: Intelligence +50 | Mana Capacity will be increased by 20%

Special Effect: Increases Mana Regeneration by 10% and Spell Power by 5%

--

Earrings: Enchanted Sapphire Studs (Epic) - SET

Durability: 150/150 each Defense: 10 each

Bonuses: Intelligence +30 each (total +60) | Mana Capacity +300 each (total +600)

Special Effect: Increases Spell Casting Speed by 5% and reduces Mana Consumption by 10%

[-2 Set Items Equipped: Intelligence +50; Mana Capacity will be increased by 20%; Increases overall Mana Regeneration by 20%]

--

'Unfortunately, I can't use my Rings because of the Item level limit, but those 3 pieces will help me a lot with the powerleveling.'

'So glad, I've handled the quests chains of the Tower of Eternity for the Necklace, and scrolling around the Black Market for the Earrings. Heirlooms of some Count Family inside Ultina Kingdom that was risking Bankruptcy.'

'They serve a better purpose with me, instead of being simple rings to the NPCs. Sounds cruel even though I'm aware that their system is closely linked to our Chosen Ones in regards to HP/MP regen.'

'There's a deep advantage for them as inhabitants of the Nihilaine Continent, gaining I think around double of the SP points that we players gain for a level.'

'It's something I should check once I become the Lord of a Fief with the Administrator System.'

----

--

'It's time I put to great use the Red Energy Blessings and get accustomed to the new playstyle.'

'Blessing of Wind'

[You have consumed 25 RE. The user has received the 'Zephyr's Swiftness' Buff.]

[The user experiences enhanced agility and speed for the next 5 minutes. Movement speed is increased by 100%, attack speed is increased by 50% and there's a 20% chance to evade incoming attacks. Ranged attacks deal 50% more damage during this period.]

Watching his Red Energy being consumed rapidly, he felt his HP and MP lowering because the bonuses gained from this Unique Energy Source was dropping down, but he wasn't affected by the switch as his Stats will constantly fluctuate, whenever his R.E will regenerate or be spent.

With this activation of the Blessing of Red, selecting the Wind Element, he was focused on slashing, hacking and cleaving in parts the Mutated Wild Beasts, testing his superhuman speed and lighting fast attacks.

It was a check of a mental box, and two more Blessings remained to be explored, whenever the circumstances required.

Nevertheless, he was still holding himself back from going all-out on the Blessings because it felt wasteful to use them against lower level mobs. They should be baptized against Boss-Type monsters, not cannon fodder.

--

[Red Energy]

Rating: Legendary

An innate force resource only available to the noble descendants of First Emperor Haycien Saharan or his Legacy Bearer.

A power that allows the user to penetrate into matter and change the state of the matter:

* The Red Energy will restore 1 Point every 5 seconds once in combat, and in Passive State will be capped at 100.

* Every time Red Energy increases by one point, your Strength, Intelligence, Stamina, and Agility are increased by 0.5%.

✩ Blessing of Red (Fire) – Ability: Using 25 Red Energy the User can receive a temporary Buff

Effect: Inferno's Embrace: For the next 5 minutes, the user gains an AP boost of 20%, gains full resistance to ice-based attacks and deals additional fire damage with melee attacks. Fire-based abilities cost 15% less energy during this period. Melee attacks will be imbued with the Fire Element, while Fire based spells will be increased by 25% for the duration of the Blessing. 

✩ Blessing of Red (Water) – Ability: Using 25 Red Energy the User can receive a temporary Buff

Effect: Aqua Veil: Enveloped in a protective water veil for the next 5 minutes, the user gains full resistance to fire-based attacks, along with 80% Evasion Rate, 10% chance for attacks for attacks to be double-hits. Melee attacks will be imbued with the Water Element, while Water/Ice based spells will be increased by 25% for the duration of the Blessing. 

✩ Blessing of Red (Wind) – Ability: Using 25 Red Energy the User can receive a temporary Buff

Effect: Zephyr's Swiftness: The user experiences enhanced agility and speed for the next 5 minutes. Movement speed is increased by 100%, attack speed is increased by 50%, critical hit chance is increased by 25% and there's a 20% chance to evade incoming attacks. Ranged attacks deal 50% more damage during this period.

✩ Blessing of Red (Earth) – Ability: Using 25 Red Energy the User can receive a temporary Buff

Effect: Terra's Resilience: Infused with the strength of the earth for the next 5 minutes, the user gains increased physical and magical defense. The user becomes immune to knockback, and earth-based abilities cost 15% less energy during this period.

Blessings Cooldown: 30 minutes

* However, caution should be exercised since there is a penalty if red energy falls below 5.

Red Energy: [100/100]

--

This was the playthrough of an Overgeared individual.

Dismissing the notifications, Odin checked the Quest Tab and confirmed that those mobs were required for the A-tier Quest from the Adventuring Guild.

[Quest in progress (Mutated Wild Beasts(A): 1/50)]

He stood over the fallen creature, taking a silent look over the desolate farmlands with the destroyed village in the background, and thanks to the Zephyrs Blessing, he could pick on the chaos of the entire zone, both 'Chosen Ones' along with the NPCs striving to defeat the monsters.

'Let's get this quest done, quickly before other players show up here to contest the Elite mobs.'

Tightening his grip over the Soulrend Blade, he gazed coldly at a beast charging at him with red eyes from killing one of its own. 

The blade, which had previously been glowing with the light of his enhancement effects, began to darken. Shadows seemed to swirl around it, coalescing into an ominous energy that contrasted sharply with the bright landscape.

"Soul Slash." he intoned, his voice low and steady.

This slash was another skill of his, having a chilling visual effect. 

As he swings the sword, the energy coalesces into a crescent-shaped arc of shadowy light, trailing behind the blade in a streak of dark brilliance. The arc expands outward, shimmering with deep purples and blacks, as if the blade is slicing through the very fabric of existence.

The attack hit the monster with a sharp sound as if the steel had met flesh, followed by an echoing whisper that chilled the air. 

The impact created a shockwave, pushing the beast back while the dark energy lingered on the wound, seeping into it and inflicting a lingering Bleeding effect. The monster staggers, a thin line of crimson appearing where the sword connected, and dark tendrils of energy coil around the wound, slowly draining the life from the enemy as the Bleed takes effect.

[You have dealt 3,532 DMG to the target.]

[Bleed Effect Applied: Target loses 250 HP per second for 20 seconds.]

The Mutated Wild Beast took a few unsteady steps, its once ferocious movements now sluggish and weak. The dark energy continued to gnaw at the wound, the Bleed effect sapping its remaining strength until, with one final, pitiful groan, the creature collapsed to the ground, vanishing into gray ash particles.

[You have slain the 'Mutated Wild Beast (Elite)', gaining the following rewards: 18,500 EXP, Beast's Claw (1x), Mutated Beast Hide (Rare), Corrupted Beast Blood (2x), 18 Silver Coins]

[You have leveled up!]

The battlefield grew quiet momentarily as the other beasts hesitated, sensing their kin's death and their foe's overwhelming power. 

The soldiers and players alike stared in awe at Odin, their fear and exhaustion momentarily forgotten as they witnessed the chilling sight.

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[Soulrend Blade +9]

Rating: Epic

Durability: 150/150 Attack Power: 218~391 Attack Speed: -2%

* Increased Critical Hit Chance by 5%

* Deals an additional 8% damage to enemies with full health.

* The skill 'Soul Slash' has been generated: A swift, powerful strike that deals 250% weapon damage and inflicts 'Bleed' status for 10 seconds. (Cooldown: 45 seconds) - Consumption: 750 MP

Forged by an unknown blacksmith who sought to create a weapon embodying the fury and relentlessness of battle by being imbued with the essence of a High-Ranking Undead.

The blade gleams with a dark, ominous light, as if it thirsts for the souls of its enemies.

User Restriction: Level 1 or higher.

Weight: 120

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(Author Corner: We covered some of the big mechanics of the novel around the Red Energy. Also made the transition for his Status Window at level 10, so we can expect another one at 20 or 25 when he complets the whole Lycanthrope Set.)

(The last thing that I have overlooked thus far is the Titles and another unique Stat 'Willpower'. I'll probably touch upon this stat in the next chapter)

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There is a discord for this fic. It has Live Updates about chapter progress and when they are completed, pictures for characters, lots of tidbits about the story, among other things. Join at https: // discord.gg / urTNDCufRx