While the spider got closer and closer toward us, a weird purple liquid began coming out of its mouth.
INVENTORY.
I pulled my new sword out—the one I hadn't used yet.
I noticed Larkin looking in surprise.
I held the sword with both hands above my head, behind my back, and then ran fast toward the jumping spider.
I need to use the new skill...
"Watch out, Ari—"
VIOLET EYE!
I shouted and instantly felt a huge strength rushing through my veins, spreading into every part of my body.
WHISSH!
The spider spat the purple liquid directly at me—I dodged easily. The liquid hit the ground and melted all the grass beneath it.
Heh, imagine if I didn't dodge that...
I could feel all my senses sharpening, my strength growing by the second.
I jumped high up—the spider looked up toward me.
I aimed my sword straight down at its head.
And while the spider raised its arms toward me—
SLICEEE!
With full power, I cut its head and body clean in half.
ECIIIIISCS!
GRGRGR—
The spider screeched in pain, its body twitching, purple blood spilling everywhere.
I swung my sword through the air, flicking off the blood, and put it back into the inventory.
"Ah... ah..." I started catching my breath and slowly turned around.
Their faces were all frozen in shock.
I could feel my heart pounding like crazy.
After that, we took the red crystal—luckily, I hadn't cut it in half.
Hmm, so there are red and blue crystals... I wonder if there are more.
"That was amazing, Ario!" Vino said with a grin stretching across his face.
"And you, Van—you didn't tell us you can use magic! You guys really need to stop hiding what you can do!"
"Yes, very good, guys, but we need to get out of this forest. Who knows if there are other monsters?" Evin said.
Larkin stepped closer. "Yes, Evin, you're right—but before going back to Edrin, I have an idea."
We all looked at him with questioning faces.
"I heard there's a master who teaches magic nearby, in the city of Elordia. It's just another three days from here, and we still have enough food. And before any of you say anything—from what I've seen today, we all need to learn how to use magic.
And our quiet friend over here, Van..."
Larkin put his arm around Van's shoulder.
"He apparently can use magic. And Ario here can pull a sword out of nothing—which I'm guessing is also some kind of magic I've never seen before. Anyway, my point is, we could all get stronger if we learned more about it.
So what do you all think?"
"I don't need magic—my sword is enough," Vino said, holding his huge sword up to the sky.
Then Evin placed her hand under her chin. "Hmm, magic, you say? It could be useful for the future... So yeah, I say we should do it."
Van nodded, and I did the same.
With that, we agreed to head to the city of Elordia, which was apparently just three days away. We had enough food for four more days, so we set off on our way.
They think my ability to pull a sword out of nothing is magic... I wonder, is the system I'm using actually magic?
It doesn't matter if it is or not—I'll get a lot stronger if I learn more about magic here.
Then, while walking, I whispered quietly:
"Screen..."
A golden screen appeared.
Congratulations! You leveled up to Level 9!
Whoa... I leveled up two levels just from killing that jumping spider...
Now, my stats...
Strength: 3500
Stamina: 3200
Mind: 1900
That's amazing!
WARNING!
Another screen appeared—
You have reached Level 9. You will now be given your first test. By passing this test, you will reach Level 10 and unlock more abilities.
If you fail, you will remain stuck at your current level forever.
Your test is
ELIMINATE 5 PEOPLE IN THE NEXT 2 WEEKS!
And the screen disappeared.
WHAT THE...
Eliminate...? Does this mean I have to kill five people...?