Level Is Everything

Chapter 7 - Skill and Dying

When Ryou opened the [Skill] windows, it showed him the skill tree for archer class. Some skill can't be learned immediately because it need other prerequisite skill. Looking through at the skill available for him right now, his choice falls into the skill "Double Strafe". It was one of the basic skill for archer and it fires another arrow behind the first one in quick succession.

After learning the skill, it was time to try it out. Although there is a tutorial video available on the skill windows about each skill, trying it out himself is faster for Ryou to get himself familiar with the skill. Aiming at a tree not far from him, he readied his bow.

""Double Strafe"!"

Saying the skill name calmly, the arrow was released from Ryou's bow and flying straight towards the tree. As soon as the arrow left the bow, another illusionary arrow flew behind following the same trajectory.

*thump thump*

The arrow landed on the tree but the second illusionary arrow immediately faded out after landing on the target and delivering the damage. The skill itself costed 15 MP which leaves Ryou only two times opportunity to execute the skill before his mana runs out.

"Okay, I already get the hang of it. Although the skill uses a lot of mana, it will be useful at crucial times to deliver additional damage and some surprise elements."

Actually most of the archer is using the AGI + DEX build to deliver a lot of damage in a quick attacking speed or DEX + INT build relying on the number of skill that is available as a nuke (skill that is able to inflict a lot of damage). For Ryou who chooses STR as his main, it wasn't strange that he can only use the skill for two times before his mana runs out.

While Ryou is engrossed in his own thoughts, he didn't realize a shadow was looming over. It stealthily approaches him without making any sound.

-60

When that number comes up, Ryou was confused. The only thing that was running in his mind is pain.

「It hurts! It is so painful. What just happened? 」

Looking at the figure that is the source of the pain, Ryou realized what is happening while taking a peek at the notification that ring in his mind.

「You have been attacked by 'Tempest Wolf'. You received 60 damage. You are inflicted with 'bleeding'. You have died. Your level has fallen. 」

Ryou finally knew that he is in a 'dying' state. If a player isn't revived by one minute, the player will be respawned at the safe point, as for Ryou he will be respawned at the beginner's village respawn point. It was also the first time since a long time he felt this terrible. It was really painful. He remembers the last time he felt this painful is when he forcefully pushed his body in the training and fainted afterwards. The game Aaru itself has a pain reception reduction that can be set from 5-50%. Since Ryou hasn't make any changes, his pain reception was set at 50%. How painful was a bite from a monster that can tear his body in two and immediately killed him?

It was an instant death and Ryou can only look at the visage of his doom in silence. After one minute passed, Ryou appeared at the beginner's village respawn point.

「I can't believe that a game can be this scary and makes me experience that kind of pain again. But, I mustn't stop here! 」

Looking at his level, it was now turned back to level 1. In Aaru, every time a player dies, their level will be reduced by 1. The stats that they have allocated will be returned to how they were once when they are at level 1. Only when they leveled up once again it will be automatically restored. It was the same with the skill points that have been allocated will be removed upon death. Due to the harsh condition upon death, many players decided to just safely hunting monsters like the horned rabbit. Although the competition was fierce, it was safer nonetheless than wandering alone hunting higher level monster. Only a small amount of expert player that managed to adapt to the game world slowly raising their level and increasing the gap between them and casual player.

After regaining his composure, Ryou checked his stats which one again reverted to how it was in the beginning. There is some damage to his equipment durability and his double strafe skill is gone. Ryou on the other hand didn't show any other reaction about the loss of level which heavily frustrating others player whenever they die. This dying experience just taught him to be more careful in the future since this is not the normal world. In this game, he may get attacked by some monster without him realizing it. Moreover, the ability of the monster in this game is higher than real life animal.

「I guess it's time to call it a day. 」

Seeing that it was already late at night and he still have to go to school tomorrow, Ryou decided to logged off and goes to sleep. The Syder itself have an auto sleep system that can be timed by the user but Ryou didn't know about it. The auto sleep system helps the brain to release melatonin and sends the user unto REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. After all, sleeping naturally is still the best.

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Extra section:

"Double Strafe": Quickly releasing two bolt at a single target, consumes 1 arrow.

Level Damage

1 100%

2 120%

3 140%

4 160%

5 180%

6 200%

7 210%

8 220%