We were in a basement. One that went pretty deep at that, too. From the way the guards' thermal dots were moving, it was an obvious conclusion. My frown deepened. If they were coming for someone like us, they should come from all directions, with the intention to circle me.
I observed other areas with my burning pupils again, still nothing besides a group of one or two dot groups frozen on a spot, other prisoners, probably.
They were coming from all directions… Because there was just one direction! I sighed.
[There could be some secret passages that they won't use while coming here…?]
The red screen trembled like it was thinking.
Probably not? Why would secret passages be where prisoners are? It's not like a king's chamber where he might need them… Signs weren't good, but Lemme check.
There's a chance. I can't afford to face them in this condition. I glanced at Alya's wounds, which were healing rapidly. If she was awake, maybe that was a choice.
My eyes stung as I turned on [Eye of Sanguine] again, carefully searching for even the smallest size of light in the darkness.
If there were human-like, or even something like rats' thermal signals under, or over this place, then that place should be a way out.
Pitch black.
There was nothing. No signs of any guards protecting the secret passage, or any animals.
Guess we have no other choice. I took a deep breath.
If I spend all the points on [Stealth], maybe it would be possible? I could just hide my way behind the guards like in stealth games?
I quickly made up my mind, calling for the system in my mind.
[Host, I recommend you focus on stats like strength and agility. If your stealth gets caught even once, you will have a hard time defending yourself.]
But I can't just bulldoze my way through all of them. It's not like I chose option 1, and I don't think five stat points will change that much… I could hear my heart's loud pounding. I might need to use that hero to survive already, in front of the first NPCs.
No, it's for when it's absolutely necessary! I can't always choose the easier option, I gotta figure this out on my own.
[If you, let's say, spent all points on strength, it would be very hard to defeat you. Just heal using their blood while fighting; it should activate with just one touch of your nail. You're already in a good position.]
My eyes narrowed. Just that… we don't know what kind of methods they have. My eyes turned to the sky-blue gem in my hand. 'What if they have something like this, or something that harms vampires like a holy cross, or water. Some random shit, you know.
It would be unnecessarily risky when they know everything about me and I, nothing.'
[Host is just paranoid.]
I shrugged. There's a huge chance that I am right. All the vampire fiction logic kinda connects with my current body, so this could actually be true.
[Just need to strategise more before the fight, you can have all their positional information with your eyes. That is still something to rely on.]
Pausing, I tilted my head, "Why are you so adamant about me confronting them head-on?"
[...]
The system went completely silent after that.
Don't tell me I gotta be cautious of this thing too… I felt like screaming my lungs out. It sounded so friendly.
I guess it did say that all its daily quests are meant to destroy my will…
With a deep exhale, I quickly made up my mind on the matter at hand.
On the red screen, in front of all my stats, a plus (+) symbol had appeared when I first got stat points.
With a tightened jaw, I pressed the one in front of Stealth three times, and Strength two times—The plus symbol too vanished after that.
[Strength: 13—15]
[Stealth: 4—>7]
A hybrid strategy it is. I shook my head. There's no way I am facing them head-on, so both could be used in different scenarios. I thought, taking a step forward.
My palms, glued to Alya's smooth thigh,s itched aggressively. I felt a surge of energy stabbing through my muscles and nerves, and filling them. I felt them growing stronger and stronger, the natural force in them increasing.
Them!
As my foot finally touched the ground, my eyes widened. It made no sound. My control over my breath's sound and speed also increased.
With a deep inhale, I felt the cold oxygen enter my nostrils and lungs, and my suspicion was confirmed. My breathing made no sound.
Stat increase actually changed my body physically right in front of my eyes. This was an awesome, exhilarating feeling.
I unconsciously imagined the version of me who had chosen 100 stat points, making either a flashy one-hit kill, escape, or becoming a complete ghost with 100 stealth, slipping out without anyone even noticing.
Did I also become ugly? My face contorted in horror. If only a 2 stat increase in STR did that much internal change in my muscles, what will my face look like after losing 4 charisma…
Gently rubbing my temples, I left the smell of shit, piss, and blood behind, squeezing through the small opening in the giant iron door.
[+40 Criminal XP]
[Criminal Level 1: 0—40/540]
[Successfully broke out of a prison.]
"Eh?" My face instantly did a one-eighty.
[Skill Unlocked: Many faces]
[Description: User's skills on swapping identities, mannerisms, and clothes will improve immensely. Also gives a disguise buff and removes minor background suspicion. Lasts until suspicious action.
Cost: Requires a prepared physical prop or small item.]
I felt all the nerves in my head bulging at the same time as the immense information on how to apply makeups, observe, and adapt to roles, and dress certain ways invaded the depth of my brain.
'...This was more than useful. It changed a lot. Like I can just disguise myself as one of the guards, and escape by blending in… It was perfect!' My mouth twitched. So, to level my classes, I will have to embody the roles of those classes?
I grinned excitedly only to froze midway.
Then what's the leveling method of [Slave]?
Why is that a class in first place?!