[Name: Noir Valenhardt]
[Race: Undead]
[Class: Normal Skeleton]
[Level: 5]
[HP: 137/220]
[MP: 35/65]
[STR (Strength): 22]
[AGI (Agility): 27]
[VIT (Vitality): 28]
[DEX (Dexterity): 24]
[LUK (Luck): 1]
EXP: 290/500 (Next Level)
Noir stroked his chin, trying to think about which stat he should increase with his +12 stat points. He considered three options: Strength, Agility, or Dexterity.
If he increased Strength, then his basic attacks would deal more damage. That was a solid choice, especially since he was using a sword as his weapon.
"I guess I should increase Strength," he said.
He had already raised his hand, ready to add points to Strength. But Noir hesitated for a moment and looked at the screen again.
"But if I increase Agility, then my movements will be faster. That would be perfect against multiple enemies."
He felt like Agility was the right choice. He took a breath and nodded, but just as he was about to press the 'enter' button, Noir stopped himself.
Dexterity was also tempting because of its useful function. The higher his Dexterity, the greater his attack accuracy would be. Moreover, Dexterity could also improve the speed of his hand movements.
With that, Noir would be able to perform two strikes in a very short time. That would be more efficient.
"But if my hands are fast while my legs are slow… then all of it would be meaningless," he muttered in frustration.
Noir had been sitting on top of the pile of goblin corpses for almost an hour. The hardest part wasn't fighting, but making decisions like this.
He didn't know whether he could reset his stat points if he felt unsatisfied with them. If that option existed, it would help him a lot—but Noir wasn't sure if such a thing was possible.
Finally, Noir nodded. He had made his decision. This time, his resolve was firm.
"Alright then, I'll add four points to Dexterity and eight points to Agility. I think that's fair," Noir said after thinking for one hour and eleven minutes.
He turned his gaze toward the Hound of the Abyss, still sleeping. Noir swore that one day he would defeat that monster and enter the gate behind it.
He was convinced that behind that door was a monster of terrifying strength and a great treasure hidden within.
Noir was certain of it.
**
Noir stood and gripped his sword tightly. In front of him stretched a damp stone corridor, dimly lit by the pale glow of crystals embedded in the walls.
Click... click... click...
A strange sound echoed from the end of the corridor. Noir immediately lowered his body, hiding behind a rock. He focused his sight toward the source of the sound. Technically, he didn't have eyes, but somehow, he could still see.
And then, another enemy appeared. The kind of enemy he had been searching for.
[Rotclaw Lizard – Lv. 25]
The creature resembled a massive lizard with sharp claws and a long tongue dragging across the ground. Its glowing red eyes radiated pure aggression. Two more emerged behind it.
Three against one. Noir tightened his grip on the sword's hilt and whispered, "Time to test the new stats."
He stayed still for a few seconds, trying to convince himself. He was only a level 6 skeleton, and his opponents were level 25 monsters. This would not be easy.
"When I was level one, I could already kill level 20 monsters. This should be easier," Noir reassured himself.
He nodded and stood tall, facing the three Rotclaw Lizards. Without further hesitation, Noir charged forward.
The Rotclaw Lizards turned their heads, spotting Noir rushing toward them. All three roared and charged back.
The first Rotclaw lunged, its tongue whipping forward like a spear. With lightning reflexes—greatly enhanced thanks to the +10 Agility—Noir ducked left and swung his sword sideways.
SLASH!
The lizard's right claw was sliced clean off. The creature shrieked in pain and stumbled back.
"My movements… they're much faster," Noir gasped. "And… my strikes are far more precise."
Seeing one of their own wounded, the other two Lizards did not hold back. They lunged at Noir simultaneously. Noir leapt back, then unleashed two rapid slashes—two in a single breath. Rusty Slash. Something impossible for him before, but now it felt natural.
SLASH! SLASH!
One lizard was struck across the neck and collapsed instantly. The other attacked from the right, but Noir vaulted against the wall, rebounded, and drove his sword into its back.
CRIT!
The last Rotclaw screeched and attempted to flee. Noir didn't allow it. Using his newfound speed, he dashed forward and delivered a horizontal slash across its neck. Blood sprayed as the beast crashed to the ground.
Noir had defeated all three Rotclaw Lizards with relative ease.
[EXP +125]
[EXP +125]
[EXP +125]
Though breathless, a faint smile formed on Noir's skeletal face. "This… is fun." He kicked the lizard's corpse aside so it wouldn't block his path.
[LEVEL UP!]
Level: 5 → 6
Noir was no longer surprised by the notifications he received. Now, he needed to level up further. This was still not enough.
He had to kill more monsters, starting from the weaker ones. Taking too much risk was not a wise choice.
Noir didn't plan on dying that easily.
"Alright then… time to kill more of you."
Suddenly, Noir's eyes widened as he felt a familiar presence. When he looked around, dozens of Rotclaw Lizards emerged from the darkness.
Not two or three, but nearly twenty of them—or perhaps even more. Noir's hands trembled, but instead of fear, he smiled.
"You want revenge, huh? Then come at me!" he taunted without hesitation.
It was reckless and dangerous, but Noir knew the Rotclaws' weakness: their movements were slow.
Though their tongues were corrosive, as long as he avoided them, he would be fine.
Noir grinned widely. "You'll help me level up even further. I'll slaughter you all!"
The Rotclaws leapt at him from every direction, launching a chaotic wave of attacks. But Noir didn't feel fear.
In fact, he was even more thrilled.
**
[LEVEL UP!]
Level: 14 → 15
[Congratulations!]
You have reached the evolution limit for the base class [Normal Skeleton].
"Evolution?" Noir was stunned this time. He had assumed he would need to reach level fifty before evolving. But apparently, he was wrong.
He looked at the system screen. Two options appeared before him. Both equally tempting.
[Skeleton Mage]
[Skeleton Warrior]
Two evolutionary paths—both difficult to choose. Each had their own advantages. Skeleton Mage could eventually evolve into a Lich, a fearsome monster capable of summoning other skeletons.
Noir nodded. "Alright then. My choice is…"
[Skeleton Warrior selected]
[Evolution in progress]
[Loading…]
"I know Skeleton Mage is tempting, but I need to defeat the Hound of the Abyss. Skeleton Warrior is the most suitable choice for me right now," Noir muttered.
He wasn't sure if it was the correct decision, but… he would make the most of it.
"I won't lose here!"