Jiang Chen was currently a Swordsman. Upon reaching level fifty, he would also undergo his First-stage.
At that time, he would face two choices:
First: Swordsman Beast.
Second: Human Swordsman.
The Swordsman Beast wielded Dual Blades, donned armor, and possessed formidable offensive power. The Human Swordsman, in contrast, used a single sword and relied on speed to confront enemies.
The same applied to Archers.
Once Archers reached level fifty, they too faced two choices: Elf Archer or Human Archer.
Most Archers would choose Elf Archer as their advancement path, which would enhance their agility and hit rate.
There was an even more important point: choosing Elf Archer would alter their appearance, giving them light blue eyes, a prominent nose bridge, and pointed ears.
Whether male or female, they would all become more attractive.
The two walked down the main street.
Surrounding them were vendors hawking equipment dropped by monsters, as well as some from life-support classes who crafted equipment to provide for their families.
"Mage-specific equipment, wearable from level zero, only three thousand!"
"Warrior-specific equipment, wearable from level two! Don't miss out if you're passing by!"
"Top-quality equipment for sale, only thirty thousand! A must-have for newcomers!"
...
Murong Yi laughed. "These are all traps for novices; don't buy that stuff. You're a Swordsman; I'll take you to find a decent weapon."
"Thank you, Sister Murong."
"Let's go, handsome. It's a pity you're not an Archer; if you chose Elf Archer later on, I wonder how handsome you'd be!"
Uh...
Inside the tavern.
As soon as Jiang Chen entered, he saw many Heroes.
These Heroes, after their day of adventuring, would return to the tavern to drink. They gathered in groups of two or three, discussing the monsters they encountered that day, the women they met, or the equipment they looted.
To Jiang Chen, it felt a bit like an alternative sort of jianghu.
Murong Yi sat at the bar. "A Bloody Mary," she ordered.
The tavern owner came over, glanced at Jiang Chen, and said, "Yo, lucky you! Where did you pick up this handsome young fellow? He's so dashing!"
"Get lost; he's my friend."
The tavern owner prepared a drink, placed it next to Murong Yi, and whispered to Jiang Chen, "I'll tell you a secret for free: Elves have excellent stamina."
Jiang Chen's face was a picture of awkwardness. What does that have to do with me?
Murong Yi said impatiently, "Scram! What nonsense are you spouting? Don't corrupt the kid; he's my friend. I remember you have a Thin Sword; bring it out already."
"What sword?"
"Don't play dumb with me. Weren't you a Swordsman? Now that you're running a tavern, you might as well hand that treasure over to my little friend."
Sheesh, friends are friends; why add 'little'? Jiang Chen thought.
"Just knew you didn't come with good intentions."
"Hurry up and bring it out already, stop dawdling," Murong Yi said impatiently, sipping her drink.
"Hold on."
Jiang Chen, puzzled, asked, "He's a Swordsman?"
"He used to be a Swordsman, but later he became a tavern owner in this little town, so he stopped using swords. He has a treasure that's pretty suitable for you."
Murong Yi looked at the Short Sword in Jiang Chen's hand and asked, "The school gave you that Short Sword, didn't they? It's all junk."
Jiang Chen nodded.
[Shortsword]
[Physical Attack: 0-1]
[Magical Attack: 0-1]
[Durability: 10/10]
Junk equipment, junk attributes.
The tavern owner brought over a Longsword and placed it on the table.
[Exquisite Longsword (Black Iron)]
[Physical Attack: 2-5]
[Magical Attack: 4-8]
[Durability: 10/10]
[Has a chance to Activate Agility Attribute, enhancing Agility]
Jiang Chen was stunned; it was Black Iron Grade equipment.
And it was a Longsword.
Although there were no hints, Jiang Chen knew this was a Longsword. Longswords were only used by Swordsmen. Warriors, on the other hand, used great swords, axes, or even wolf fang clubs.
Murong Yi said, "Take it. You're a Swordsman; this sword suits you well. Just return it to the tavern owner after you get through your novice period."
"Thank you."
"No need to be so polite. How about a drink?" Murong Yi offered.
"He's still a student; he doesn't need to drink," the tavern owner interjected.
"Just sip and savor it slowly. My treat," Murong Yi insisted, smiling at Jiang Chen.
"Then I'll have a Bloody Mary as well."
Murong Yi looked at Jiang Chen. "This drink is quite spicy; I'm afraid you may not be used to it."
Underestimating me? How spicy could a drink be? I've had Erguotou before; is there any liquor spicier than Erguotou?
The tavern owner smiled. "Coming right up."
Soon, the drink was prepared and placed in front of Jiang Chen. He sniffed it and said with a puzzled face, "Is there a smell of blood?"
"Of course. Why else would it be called a Bloody Mary? Just like its name, it has a bloody scent. You'll gradually get used to this taste."
Jiang Chen looked at the red Bloody Mary, examined it for a moment, and then downed it in one gulp.
A flame shot from his throat to his belly, which felt like it was on fire. His body ached with a searing heat, and a bloody taste surged into his throat.
The tavern owner looked astonished. "A true Swordsman, indeed!"
"Why the rush? You have to slowly savor the flavor," Murong Yi chided gently.
Jiang Chen exhaled.
The tavern owner laughed. "You'll understand in time; life is about enjoyment. Be drunk for a day if you can be drunk for a day."
Jiang Chen felt that this tavern owner was a man with a story.
「The next morning.」
Jiang Chen got up, freshened up, and left with his Longsword.
[Name: Jiang Chen]
[Occupation: Swordsman]
[Level: 8]
[Experience: 100/6,400]
[Constitution: 19]
[Strength: 13]
[Spirit: 20]
[Agility: 5]
[Equipment: Exquisite Longsword (Black Iron), Rat Ring (Bronze)]
[Space: 5]
[Skill:
Basic Swordsmanship: Condenses the body's inner force to launch a streak of sword energy, attacking enemies up to 40 meters away. Charging time: 0.3 seconds. MP Consumption: 1 point.
Basic Footwork: Temporarily increases one's Agility to dodge enemy attacks. Duration: 500 seconds. MP Consumption: 1 point.
Sword Qi Surging: Condenses a hundred Sword Auras that circle around, actively attacking enemies. Duration: 100 minutes. Attack frequency: 0.1 seconds. MP Consumption: 2 points.
Passive Skill Meditation: Stand still for 0.1 seconds, slowly recovering spiritual power. Recovery value: 1 point.
]
He set out to continue hunting monsters.
[Demonized Black Bear]
[Level: 8]
[HP: 3,200/3,200]
[Physical Attack Power: 20-50]
[Physical Defense: 40-50]
[Magic Defense: 40-50]
[Description: A formidable black bear. Don't ever provoke it...]
Jiang Chen frowned deeply.
This Demonized Black Bear was at least two meters tall, with an entirely black body and vacant, soulless eyes. It was robustly muscular.
3,200 HP?
No wonder it's a Demonized Black Bear—such thick blood! Jiang Chen charged forward, and a streak of sword energy swiftly targeted the bear.
The sword energy, with its forty-meter range, instantly killed the Demonized Black Bear.
[Experience +80]
Not bad. This experience is high. Ordinary level 8 monsters only give 70 points of experience, but the Demonized Black Bear gives 80—ten more than other Demonic Beings.
He went on a rampage in the Black Bear territory. After clearing out all the Demonized Black Bears in the vicinity, which took two hours, he leveled up to 9 and continued searching for prey.