After closing his inventory, Leo spent his 5 attribute points: 2 in Strength, 2 in Dexterity, and 1 in Vitality. He felt a literal surge of power—an addictive sensation of surpassing his natural physical limits.
For his skill point, he chose Smite. In the game, Smite was a legendary utility skill: 100% hit rate, knockback, and stun. While its damage was low, it was a "boss-killer" when paired with the right gear. As the knowledge flooded his mind, his shield felt like an extension of his own body—a versatile tool for bone-crushing violence.
> Smite: Strike an enemy with your shield to briefly stun them. Damage +15%, Stun duration 0.6s. Mana cost: 2.
>
Majesty learned Psychic Hammer, a vital crowd-control tool that struck instantly without a projectile—a "god-tier" skill for the early game.
Their luck turned. They soon encountered a lone Zombie. It was a walking nightmare of stench and decay; yellow fat and red muscle spilled from its rotted torso, and its entrails trailed behind it. Though Level 36, its sluggish movement made it a perfect target.
Majesty used Psychic Hammer to knock it off balance whenever it tried to lunge. Leo moved in, raining down blows. The zombie's natural "Defense Aura" was powerful—it deflected most glancing strikes—but once on the ground, it was helpless. After a few minutes of desperate struggling, the creature finally dissolved into a heap of rot.
Another surge of energy. Another pillar of white light. Level 3. The zombie dropped a generous pile of 250 Gold. The risk, it seemed, was well worth the reward. Leo continued his 2-2-1 attribute split. He knew that in a real world, Strength wasn't just for gear—it was for leverage. If his Strength was too low, a monster could simply swat his spear aside.
For his Level 3 skill, Leo chose Might (Aura of Power).
As he focused, he felt a profound, mystical shift. To activate an Aura was not simply to "press a button"; it was a meditative process of looking inward and drawing out one's inner light. Leo's consciousness was suddenly jerked out of his body. He felt his spirit diffuse, expanding until he lost his sense of "self" and merged with the world.
A vast, indescribable Presence touched his mind, silently reviewing every secret he held. After a moment of scrutiny, he felt a "nod" of recognition. A golden ring of rotating blades ignited beneath his feet.
> Might: Increases attack damage for the Paladin and allies. Radius: 10.6 yards. Damage +40%.
>
Leo snapped back to reality, gasping for air and drenched in sweat. He felt like he'd been injected with pure adrenaline.
"Brother, what's wrong? You look terrible," Majesty asked, concerned.
"Just... too much knowledge all at once," Leo lied. He couldn't tell her he'd just been "audited" by a god. "How was it for you?"
"Easy," she said, looking at him with pity. "The knowledge was instant and clear."
Leo felt a twinge of jealousy at her natural talent. He guided her to a 2-2-1 split as well, but had her focus on Fire Blast—the foundation for all Trap skills.
They continued their hunt, eventually pulling a "double-pull" of two zombies. They maintained a steady rhythm: Majesty controlling one with Psychic Hammer while Leo used Smite to keep the other stunned. However, a moment of complacency nearly cost Leo his life.
As he closed in to Smite a downed zombie, the creature lashed out at his ankle. Despite his heavy plate, the monster landed a Crushing Blow (Critical Hit). A jolt of destructive energy bypassed his armor—True Damage. Leo's health plummeted by two-thirds instantly. His heart hammered, and his body went into "Hit Recovery" lock.
"BRACE YOURSELF!" Majesty screamed, spamming Psychic Hammer to keep the zombie tumbling while Leo retreated and chugged three Light Healing Potions. They tasted like liquid chili peppers, burning his throat as the heat spread to knit his wounds.
"I'm okay, Majesty! Save your mana!"
They reset. Leo stayed back, using his spears until his health recovered. They finally downed both, reaching Level 4.
Leo immediately picked up Sacrifice.
> Sacrifice: Increases damage and accuracy at the cost of health. Damage +180%, Attack Rating +20%. Draws 8% of damage dealt from the Paladin's life.
>
High risk, high reward, Leo thought. Eventually, my own sword will kill me if I'm not careful.
They even found their first Magic (Blue) item: an Energy-Infused Helm (+3 Energy). Leo gave it to Majesty, hoping it would boost her trap damage, but she shook her head. In this world, Energy only increased the "pool" of mana; the damage of the spell only improved with skill level—better "output methods."
By nightfall, they reached Level 6. They were exhausted but rich: 2,492 Gold for the day.
Leo pulled out a Town Portal Scroll.
> Warning: Use only in a secure state. Infernal influence may cause spatial turbulence.
> Duration: 10 minutes.
>
Leo tore the scroll. A blue oval of shimmering energy tore through the air. In a flash, they were back on the teleportation platform in the Rogue Encampment.