The acquisition of my first spell changed everything for me. After learning Magic Missile, something new appeared in my interface: a section for spells. As soon as I thought about it, all the information surfaced in my mind almost automatically:
Magic Missile
<ul>
<li>Mana Cost: 10</li>
<li>Range: 15 meters</li>
<li>Overall Damage: Moderate (pure impact, no elemental properties).</li>
</ul>
As I absorbed these details, I fell into deep thought. I spent some time internally debating, trying to understand the difference between spells and skills. The best conclusion I could reach was that spells seemed to exist as a stored memory, something I could consciously access. Skills, on the other hand, were deeper, engraved into the essence of my soul, almost like a natural reflex.
After equipping myself with my spear and backpack, I decided it was time to hunt again. I needed more combat experience and, more importantly, XP to level up.
I headed in the same direction where I had previously found the putrid rat. Caution was my priority. I moved forward slowly, observing my surroundings and keeping my spear always at the ready. After some time, I spotted a lone rat.
The creature was rummaging through the remains of a corpse, completely unaware of my presence. I moved slowly, taking light steps, trying to avoid any noise that might alert it. Once I reached what I considered an ideal distance about ten meters I prepared Magic Missile.
I concentrated my mana in my right hand, feeling the energy flow and condense into a bright projectile. I aimed at the rat''s head, holding my breath out of reflex.
"Come on, I just need a perfect shot..."
I fired.
The spell whizzed through the air and hit the rat but not where I intended. The projectile struck the creature’s body, making it let out a horrible screech and spin around in confusion. I cursed internally but didn''t waste time. I gripped my spear firmly and dashed toward it before it could react.
The rat, stunned by the impact of the spell, took a moment to realize my approach. I used this to my advantage, thrusting my spear directly into its side. The tip pierced through with ease, and with a quick twist, I brought the creature to the ground. It struggled for a few seconds but soon fell still.
"One more for the count. That was easier than I thought."
Of course, saying that out loud invited bad karma. Before I could savor my victory, I heard a sound behind me a low, menacing growl.
I turned quickly, but not fast enough. Another putrid rat was there, having been drawn by the noise of the previous fight. It lunged at me with an unexpected leap, its claws slashing at my back with force.
"Damn it!"
I hit the ground, feeling the impact of its claws tearing through my leather armor and scratching my spine. It was a sharp pain, mixed with the unpleasant sound of bones scraping. The creature tried to bite my neck, but I rolled on the ground, barely escaping.
I got up quickly, gripping my spear with both hands. The rat growled again and charged. This time, I was ready.
It leaped at me, and I spun the spear shaft, using it like a bar to push it away. The rat tumbled to the side, but before it could recover, I channeled another Magic Missile in my right hand.
"Let''s see if you like this."
I fired the projectile straight at the rat. The energy struck its chest with a strong impact, making it stagger. I took the opening to rush forward with my spear, driving it into the rat with force. The creature screeched, but with one final push, I brought it down. This time, it didn’t get up.
I took a few steps back, breathing deeply out of habit even though my body didn’t need it. I touched my back and felt the cracks where its claws had hit me. The pain was annoying but bearable.
Before I could reflect further, a new notification appeared:
[You have defeated: Putrid Rat x2.]
[Experience gained.]
[You have leveled up.]
I felt something change within my body. It was like a wave of energy coursing through my bones, reinforcing them, making me stronger. A new panel appeared before me:
[Level 2 Reached!]
<ul>
<li>HP increased.</li>
<li>Mana increased.</li>
<li>Base stats slightly improved.</li>
</ul>
I stood there for a moment, looking at the interface and feeling the impact of this evolution. Even without flesh or blood, I could clearly feel that I was tougher, faster, and somehow more skilled.
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An internal smile formed.
"This is getting really fun."
After checking the loot from the rats two more stones similar to the raw crystal I had found before I decided to head back to the cave. I needed to rest and plan my next steps. This world, with all its threats, was starting to feel like a place where I could truly enjoy myself.
"Now I just have to keep going. Every battle is a step closer to becoming stronger."