Chapter 221: Steady Progress
The guardian was a monstrosity, a fusion of organic and mechanical horrors. Its body was a grotesque patchwork of flesh and metal, its movements a blend of brute force and calculated precision. Its eyes, twin orbs of crimson light, seemed to pierce through Noah, analyzing and calculating.
The battle was a frenzy of motion. Noah danced around the guardian, his daggers a blur of silver. The creature retaliated with a barrage of attacks, its mechanical limbs delivering blows with the force of a battering ram. Each clash echoed through the city, a cacophony of metal and flesh.
Noah felt his body pushing its limits. His mana reserves were nearly depleted, and his strength was waning. But he refused to give up. With a final surge of determination, he unleashed a barrage of attacks, his daggers a whirlwind of death.
The guardian staggered, its mechanical systems overloaded. With a final, desperate effort, Noah leaped into the air, his daggers aimed at the creature's core. As he descended, he unleashed a torrent of Hellfire, engulfing the guardian in a fiery embrace.
A blinding explosion rocked the city as the guardian disintegrated. The crystal, freed from its corrupted guardian, pulsed with a renewed energy. Noah collapsed to the ground, his body spent but his spirit triumphant. The timer reached zero as a wave of satisfaction washed over him. He had done it.
[Ding! You have level up]
[Mission Complete: All stat +3]
Noah hastily summoned his status window and was happy, every once of fatigue was washed away by the leveling and upon seeing his current stats, he could not be more happy with his progress.
■Status Window
Name: Noah Adler
Rank: Expert
Level 58
Class: Angel of Death
Title: Goblin Slayer
◇◇◇◇◇
☆Stats☆
Mana: 161
Strength: 161
Intelligence: 138
Dexterity: 161
Luck: 115
Stat Points: 2 .net
Coins: 7060G
◇◇◇◇◇
☆Skills☆
Common Skills: {Basic Swordsmanship},{Basic Close Combat} {Presence Detection} {Master of Weapons} {Mana's Armor Lvl 1} {Shadow Steps Level 1} {Blood Flowers} {Splitting Ripple Slash LVl 1} {Fangs of Insanity} {Flame Art} {Telekinesis Lv2} {Unprecedented Sense LV1} {Super Regeneration Lv2} [Basic Poison Resistance] [Mind Acceleration]
Exclusive Skills: {Seal of Death} {Night of Death} {Lord of the Night} {Hellfire}
◇◇◇◇◇
☆Runes ☆
{Basic Strength},{Basic Speed} {Angel of Death}
■
Noah's eyes scanned his status window, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. The level up and stat boost were exactly what he needed. His mana pool was now substantial, and his physical attributes had reached a new peak.
The anticipation for his next rank was palpable. What kind of exclusive skill would he acquire? Would it be offensive, defensive, or perhaps something entirely new? The possibilities were endless, and the excitement was building.
For now, he decided to focus on allocating his stat points. He had two points to distribute, and the decision was not easy. He could increase his already formidable strength, bolster his intelligence for better spellcasting, or enhance his dexterity for even greater agility.
After careful consideration, Noah decided to allocate one point to Strength and one to Dexterity. He wanted to maintain his balance between raw power and speed. With the stats allocated, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body.
He looked out at the ruined city, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. He had conquered this floor, proving his strength and resilience. But he knew that this was just the beginning. The higher floors awaited, and with them, new challenges and even greater rewards.
Noah was ready.
''But first let find somewhere nice to rest.''
Noah stepped into what was once a luxurious penthouse apartment, now a hauntingly beautiful ruin. Despite the decay, the structure still held a certain grandeur. Sunlight filtered through the shattered windows, casting dancing shadows on the dusty floor.
With a wry smile, Noah began to explore his temporary home. Surprisingly, the kitchen was relatively intact, the countertops marred but still usable. A small, miraculously unbroken window provided a sliver of daylight.
Gathering supplies brought from his item box, Noah started to prepare a meal. It was a simple affair: a hearty stew made with dried meat, vegetables he found growing wild in the ruins, and a bottle of wine he'd.
As the stew simmered, he cleaned himself up in a makeshift bathroom, the cold water a refreshing contrast to the grime of the city. By the time the stew was ready, the sun was beginning its descent, casting the ruined city in a golden hue.
Noah ate slowly, savoring the warmth of the food and the quiet solitude. With a full belly and a clear mind, he felt a sense of peace that was rare in this world. As darkness enveloped the city, he retreated to a spacious bedroom, the once opulent room now a minimalist sanctuary.
Before sleep claimed him, Noah checked his smartwatch. The notification was still there, his score of 230 firmly securing his first-place position. A surge of pride mixed with determination filled him. He was the leader, and he intended to stay that way.
With a deep breath, Noah closed his eyes, ready to face whatever challenges the next floor would bring.
Noah woke with the first light filtering through the ruined penthouse. A sense of renewed vigor coursed through him. The city, still cloaked in the soft hues of dawn, offered a stark, haunting beauty. He decided to make the most of this serene atmosphere.
Donning light training attire, Noah stepped out into the ruined world. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of decay and something primal. He began to run, his footsteps echoing in the empty streets. The physical exertion was invigorating, and the solitude allowed his mind to wander.
After a rigorous workout, he returned to the penthouse, the morning sun now casting long shadows. A quick, cold shower refreshed him, and he dressed in his usual attire. He checked his equipment, ensuring everything was in order. The next floor awaited, and he was ready.
A sense of anticipation mingled with a hint of trepidation. The deeper he ventured, the more challenging the floors became. But with each challenge overcome, his resolve strengthened. He was no longer just a survivor; he was a conqueror.