Chapter 61: Level up!!

Gruak.

Kai tilted his head and narrowly dodged the projectile hurled at him. Before the creature could react, he seized his own blade and threw it with considerably greater force.

The first weapon sank into the tree behind him, but Kai’s blade pierced straight through the monster’s face.

The creature groaned and staggered back. Blood spilled from his wound before he collapsed to his knees and then behind; not getting back up again.

[+10 SP. +3 EXP.]

[Experience Points: 181/200]

[System Points: 560 → 800]

The system’s familiar notification flashed before his eyes as a confirmation that he has killed the monster.

Kai exhaled slowly as he stared at the numbers. There was no doubt that the hour he had spent hunting had earned him a substantial amount of System Points and experience. Still, the process was beginning to feel rather slow.

Maybe because he has faced his previous enemies who wore him out through constant battles, and two of the knights were actually a real challenge?

’Well, I’ve only encountered level one creatures at best so I shouldn’t be hoping too much.’

The EXP and SP he received depended largely on the level of threat he faced. As a level two himself, Kai could deal with these creatures with relative ease.

They were not only physically weaker than him, but most of them were also far too simple-minded to pose any real challenge.

And because of that, it was feeling as if he wasn’t actually growing much or learning anything new.

[Host, you have farmed enough points for today. Please take a break from time to time.]

The System’s reminder appeared before him.

It was not as though Kai wasn’t tired. His exhaustion simply had little to do with the actual fighting. Most of it came from wandering through the ruins and constantly maneuvering during encounters.

Some creatures quickly realized the difference in strength after their failed ambushes and attempted to flee. As a result, Kai often found himself spending more energy chasing them down than he did fighting them. The endless cat-and-mouse games were beginning to wear on him.

’Well, tell me, System. What’s inside that fort?’

He could still see it in the distance. The structure was partially obscured by the surrounding trees and vegetation, but even from here, its imposing silhouette stood out against the landscape.

[The host was inside the fort the previous time he ventured into the ruins. However, the host will have more opportunities to explore the surrounding area before finding his way back to the fort.]

Kai hummed in understanding.

He was about to face the second segment of the second floor, which meant he would eventually have to fight an E-rank knight. Compared to the mindless creatures he had been hunting, that would at least provide a proper challenge.

Then again, these small monsters were giving him points he needed so he wasn’t complaining anymore.

"Huh?"

Kai’s eyes sharpened when the bushes to his left suddenly rustled.

He spun around, his sword already in hand as he prepared for an attack.

However, the moment he hurled the sword toward the bushes, a low growl sounded behind him.

"Grrr..."

Kai’s expression changed.

A decoy.

The rustling bushes had been nothing more than a distraction. The real threat had been waiting behind him.

He barely had time to turn before something slammed into his chest with tremendous force.

The impact sent him staggering backward. His feet gave way beneath him, and he crashed down onto one knee.

"Agh... cough!"

Kai clutched his chest as a fit of coughing shook his body. His eyes lifted toward the creature that had struck him, and for a moment, he simply stared.

It was a tall monkey, standing several heads above him, apparently enjoying the sight of its prey struggling on the ground.

Then Kai’s expression froze.

His gaze had landed on the tag hovering above the creature’s head.

[LEVEL 3]

[Host, please retreat. The exit is just behind the host.]

The System’s warning appeared almost immediately, its usual composure replaced by something dangerously close to panic.

And Kai understood why.

Until now, he had been fighting nothing but level one creatures. The difference between a level two and a level three monster was not something that could be ignored.

’I don’t think this thing is going to let me walk away without a fight.’

Kai glanced over his shoulder at the exit behind him before slowly pushing himself to his feet.

The monkey tensed.

It had apparently realized that he was about to make a move.

Kai began backing away one careful step at a time, his lips moving as he silently issued a command.

[Host?]

"Just do it."

A faint smirk appeared on Kai’s face.

The moment the command was given, he abruptly spun around and launched himself toward the exit at full speed.

The monkey roared and charged after him.

Its hands and feet hammered against the ground with each stride, the thunderous rhythm growing louder as it rapidly closed the distance.

Seeing its prey attempting to escape, the monkey leaped into the air, intending to sail over Kai and cut off his path.

But as it descended, its eyes caught something in the human’s hand that had not been there a moment ago.

A dark sword.

Kai swung the Void Sword.

"GRR!"

The monkey’s instincts screamed at the sudden danger. It twisted in midair and kicked against the air itself, forcing its body away from the blade.

However...

SQELCH!

Something fell to the ground.

It rolled across the floor before finally coming to a stop.

[ Ding! Congratulations on slaying a monster significantly stronger than the host! ]

[Congratulations on slaying your first Level Three monster!]

[Level Up!]

[Ding! You have earned 1000 SP.]

[Congratulations, Host.]

Kai stared at the messages for a moment before a chuckle escaped his lips.

Now this...

This was what he called a productive day at work.

°°°°

A/N:- He commanded the system to increase the distance between himself and the exit. Thanks for reading.