Chapter 6: The Depths of Hakor Forest
by SlivvoThe forest thickened around them as the group pressed forward, pushing into areas teeming with stronger creatures. Each battle sharpened their skills, and Sorin felt himself growing with every encounter. Wolves, goblin scouts, and even a massive armadillo-like creature tested their strength, but nothing compared to the Zecketin.
“It’s huge,” Sorin muttered, activating his Analyze skill.
Zecketin (Level 9)
Health: 1000/1000
Mana: N/A
Stamina: 500/500
“No magic, at least,” Sorin breathed, relieved. But its thick scales and razor-sharp claws meant they had their work cut out for them.
Zarin took charge. “Florin, aim for its underbelly. Celis, slow it down and heal as needed. Sorin, you and I will keep it busy up front.”
“Got it,” Sorin affirmed, gripping his sword.
The Battle with the Zecketin
The fight was brutal. Sorin’s blade glanced off the Zecketin’s thick scales, leaving only shallow cuts. Florin’s arrows found their mark in the soft flesh beneath, while Zarin’s Whirlwind attack left deep gashes in its side.
Celis raised her staff. “Weak Freezing Beam!” A blast of icy energy enveloped the creature’s legs, slowing it down.
The Zecketin roared, swiping at Sorin. He barely dodged, feeling the wind rush past his face as claws the size of daggers missed him by inches.
Florin loosed three arrows in quick succession. “Multishot!” Two struck true, embedding deep into its flank.
Zarin grinned. “Let’s finish this!” She spun, her axe cleaving into the beast’s shoulder.
Sorin, seeing an opening, drove his sword into the Zecketin’s heart. It let out a final roar before collapsing.
You have slain Zecketin (Level 9) for 200 experience points. 72 experience points to next level.
A bright flash engulfed Sorin, signaling his level-up.
Florin grinned. “Level 4 already? You’re moving fast.”
Level Up!
You have gained a new level. You are now Level 4.
+5 attribute points.
800 experience points to next level.
Zarin clapped him on the back. “You’re doing well, but you need to balance your stats. Agility and intelligence will help you react faster and use skills more effectively.”
Florin nodded. “And endurance—longer fights will drain you fast.”
Sorin took their advice, distributing his points before checking his updated stats:
Sorin’s Status Update:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Strength | 15 |
| Constitution | 15 |
| Agility | 11 |
| Dexterity | 11 |
| Intelligence | 12 |
| Wisdom | 11 |
| Endurance | 14 |
New Skill Acquired: Short Swords – Level 2
The Zecketin left behind loot, including a piece of weak armor that might fetch a few coppers.
“Florin, need a new hat?” Zarin joked, tossing a tattered cap his way.
Florin laughed. “I think I’ll pass. Maybe Sorin needs one.”
“Hard pass,” Sorin chuckled, feeling more at ease among his comrades.
Pushing Forward
The group traveled further, fighting off wolves, goblin scouts, and a massive bear. Each battle honed their reflexes, and Sorin’s Short Swords skill leveled up as he fought.
You have reached Level 3 in Short Swords.
+6% damage, +3% accuracy, +2% attack speed.
Their next fight—a pack of forest wolves (Level 5)—ended swiftly thanks to Celis’s Frost Bolts and Florin’s precise shots.
You have slain Forest Wolf (Level 5) for 45 experience points each. 755 experience points to next level.
“You’re getting better, Sorin,” Celis said approvingly.
“Thanks,” Sorin replied, panting from exertion.
The Hidden Glade
They navigated around a fallen tree, only to stumble upon a massive herd of borskins—22 in total.
“That’s… a lot of borskins,” Sorin muttered, activating Analyze as they charged.
Borskin (Level 5) – 296 HP
Borskin (Level 4) – 232 HP
Borskin (Level 3) – 193 HP
Zarin’s axe cleaved through the front line, while Florin’s arrows took down the weaker ones.
Sorin dodged a charging borskin, slashing downward as it passed. The strike landed, but the creature swung its head, sending him sprawling.
“Sorin!” Celis yelled, casting Weak Heal just as another borskin lunged.
Gritting his teeth, Sorin charged back in, his blade finding purchase in the creature’s flesh.
You have slain 3 Level 5 Borskins, 12 Level 4 Borskins, and 7 Level 3 Borskins.
Total XP gained: 745. 245 XP to next level.
Analyze leveled up, granting him a passive ability—creatures now displayed their level, health, and mana bars on sight.
Making Camp
They set up camp, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the trees. Laughter and stories filled the air as they rested.
Sorin stared into the crackling fire, feeling something stir within him.
He was growing stronger.
For the first time in a long while, he felt like he belonged.
In the shadows, something watched.
“They are growing stronger,” a voice hissed.
“Indeed,” another replied. “The Master will not be pleased.”
The creatures melted back into the darkness, leaving behind only the whisper of malice in the night.
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