Evo stared at the golems before him, itching to leap into battle, but forced himself to calm down.
– I need to calm down first and not make mistakes that could cost me dearly.
– Listen – he whispered to the guard beside him.– Is there anything specific I should be careful about? – he asked, pointing toward the golems ahead.
The guard nodded approvingly, proud to see his young lord acting so cautiously.
– Young Master Evo, they're perfect for beginners' training. You only need to watch out for two things. First: don't let them surround you. Second: beware of the stones—they'll throw them in bunches, so stay alert.
Evo listened carefully and nodded.
– Alright, listen up. I'll train with them for a while. – He turned to the guards behind him. – Protect the area. Don't let any other beasts get close or interrupt me, understood?
All the guards nodded in unison, checking their gear.
– Then go! – he ordered quietly.
They dispersed through the area, ensuring nothing would disturb their lord.
– Well... where should I start? – he murmured, scratching his chin as he studied the terrain.
Watching carefully, he spotted a few golems nearby, punching rocks with heavy blows.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
– There... my first targets. – He moved around the bushes, closing in. – I must remember not to let them surround me. Let's do this.
He drew his sword and dashed forward with all his might.
Swishhh!
His speed was far too fast for the slow golems to react, and Evo gladly took advantage of that weakness.
Bummm! – His sword pierced the back of a golem's head, shattering it into flying debris.
[2XP Acquired ]
– Damn, how hard is this thing's body? – he muttered, retreating quickly and shaking his hand. – Cutting them will be tough... I'll need to use thrusts instead.
He quickly analyzed the situation as the other two golems turned toward him.Raising his sword with both hands to the side of his face, he locked eyes on them. The creatures began hurling stones.
Zhn! Zhn! Zhn! – Rocks whizzed by, one slicing his cheek.
– So fast! – Evo widened his eyes, focusing hard as more stones flew his way.
With a swift body movement, he dodged the incoming barrage.
– Now! – He swung his sword back and thrust forward with power.
The blade shot like a bullet, piercing through the golem's head—but this time it got stuck.
– Damn it... it's jammed. Come on, get out! – he grunted, pulling hard.
The nearby golem seized the opening and charged at him.Sensing the danger, Evo noticed the fist aimed right at his ribs.
– If that hits, it'll hurt... – he thought grimly.
– Don't even think about it! – he roared, teeth clenched. Twisting his body hard, still gripping the sword stuck in the other golem—
– Arrrrrrrgh!!! – he howled with full force. BOOOOM!
[ 2XP Acquired ] [ 2XP Acquired ]
The two golems smashed into each other, their bodies scattering into chunks and rubble. One head flew high into the air.
Evo followed it with his eyes, then froze as realization hit him.
– Crap... – he muttered.
The head came crashing down right in the middle of the larger group of golems near the cave entrance.
BOOM! – Chrrrrrr! – The sound of stone smashing echoed through the forest.
[ 2XP Acquired ]
– I'm screwed... hahaha... – he laughed hollowly, resigned.
The group turned toward the fallen headless golem lying at their feet. Silence fell for a heartbeat, then dozens of furious eyes fixed on him.All that was missing were glowing red eyes like in manga to complete the scene.
– Hic... – he gulped.
– Hahaha... sorry for disturbing your work, everyone. Don't mind me, alright? – Evo scratched his head, sweat running down his face.
The golems roared and began rushing at him, hurling stones wildly.
– Tsk! – he clicked his tongue in annoyance while dodging. – Damn it! I can barely keep up... focus, focus!
Fixing his gaze, his eyes glowed with sharp intensity.
Plin! Plin! Plin! – The blade rang as it deflected incoming stones.
Evo weaved between attacks, blocking and dodging. He was getting cornered. His clothes were torn, dirt covering his body.
– Damn it, they're getting too close! – he hissed.
Then suddenly—blue trails of light appeared, glowing across his vision.
– What's that...? Those lines... they're coming toward me? – he murmured, eyes widening.
One line vanished just as a rock struck the exact spot it had pointed to.
– You've got to be kidding me... – he gasped. – These lines... they show where I'll get hit!
Bling! – A bell-like sound echoed.
Notification
A status window appeared before him.
– Not now! I don't have time to read anything! – he waved his hand as if swatting a fly.
More glowing trails appeared. A punch came straight for his ribs—Evo twisted his body to the side.
Zumm! – The fist grazed past him.
He used the opening to kick the golem's legs, sending it crashing face-first into the ground.
– So that's how it works! – he said.
A wicked smile curled on his lips.
– You're all dead! – he laughed maniacally.
The golems hesitated, their movements stiffening as the atmosphere around Evo darkened.
– What's wrong? Lost your courage? That's fine... I'll come to you!
He launched forward like lightning, kicking one square in the chest. The golem flew through the air, smashing into trees and breaking apart.
[ 2XP Acquired ] - [ Levelup+1 ]
– Ohhh... now I'm feeling good. Let's keep going!
Forty minutes later...
– Har... har... har... damn... that took a while, but... glup!... ahhh... we're done! – he said, drinking a potion from his storage ring.
Leaning against a pile of shattered brown golems, the ground around him was cracked and littered with debris.
– Now, let's see what I wanted... Status!
[Divine Status]
Name: Daniel Roberts → Evo Eylam
Age: 17 → 14
Race: Human
Existence: None → Progress: Level 30
Level: 0 → 4
Experience: 60 XP
Title: [Blessed by Time] → 0%
Strength: 13 → 17
Dexterity: 11 → 15
Perception: 21 → 26
Intelligence: 18 → 1
Charm: 20 → 1
Luck: 5
Skills: [Basic Sword Art] → 17%, [Eyes of Pride] → 3%, [Future Prediction] → 2%
Authority: None
Element: None
Quests: None
– Hmm... my stats and skills went up a bit. – Scanning further, he found what he was looking for. – Oh, so that's what I gained. Let's see...
[Future Prediction]Description: Allows the user to foresee attacks before they strike. Blue trails indicate where you will be hit.
– That's an amazing ability... though exhausting to use for now. Still, it'll be really useful later on.
Closing the window, he stood up.
– Now then, the question is... do I enter the cave and hunt more golems, or call the soldiers and camp for the night? – he looked at the orange-tinted sky. – It's getting dark... better call them.
Returning to the bushes, he shouted:
– You can come back! We're camping here!
The guards gradually returned until everyone was present.
– Young Master, how was your first hunt? – one asked.
– Hmm! I did pretty well. – he said proudly, though his clothes were in tatters.
The guards exchanged amused looks but stayed silent.
– You did great, Young Master Evo – said one, patting his shoulder. – We'll set up camp. You should rest.
– Aaahhh... fine, I'll take your kindness – he yawned and stretched. – I'd better rest. Tomorrow... we'll have more fun!
A devilish laugh escaped his lips.
– Hihihihihihi...
The guards glanced around nervously, never realizing that the eerie laughter belonged to their own master.