Chapter 55: Finally, a Level 22 Bird!

The Fragrant Stone Catacomb was truly a remarkable place—not only was it hidden well enough that no one would discover it anytime soon, but it also boasted monsters of every level, with a high drop rate to boot. A great array of mid- to high-tier equipment could be acquired here, especially from the formidable red-black boars and scorpion-snakes on the third floor, which were a veritable fountain of top-grade gear!

For Lin Jia and his companions, leveling here was never hindered by a lack of monsters or equipment. Most importantly, the coins that dropped here were astonishing in quantity—their earnings from each venture far outstripped their expenses on potions. Coupled with the immense profits from selling excess equipment, the group’s treasurer would often grin from ear to ear. The first and second floors yielded skill books for those under level 28, while the second and third floors dropped sought-after gear. With potions readily available nearby and no competition for monsters, this place was nothing short of a treasure trove of equipment and experience for Lin Jia and his friends.

Yet, who could say when this secret map might finally be discovered by others…

After close to four hours of effort, the group finally reached level 22. With the addition of the Rib Baby and Soulfire Talisman, their leader’s power in both ranged and close combat soared. Now, their three-man team boasted two heavy hitters, and their leveling speed increased dramatically. Their leader quickly closed the gap, nearly reaching level 21 with 50% experience.

Their night’s toil yielded handsome rewards. During battle, they stumbled upon a superb bracelet for their leader—a piece boasting defense 0-1, spirit 0-2, and attack 0-1. Compared to the ordinary spirit 0-1 bracelet, this was a rare find indeed. Equipment that enhanced three attributes at once was a rarity, especially when all three were so practical.

The fourth brother was not left wanting either. While fighting the red-black boars, a particularly generous drop gifted him both a skull helmet and a skull ring. However, having already acquired a skull helmet, their leader lamented the waste, regretting the earlier trade for a helmet he now had in surplus.

Nonetheless, the fourth brother’s dream was fulfilled—he successfully donned the skull set. Lacking attack power, he bartered a mediocre gold necklace with +0-2 attack for his prized 2-1 attack devil’s necklace, and together with the death’s gloves available at level 22 and other gear, he finally assembled the 30 attack points needed to wear both the skull helmet and ring.

But without heavy armor, his appearance in the skull set was downright comical—like a shorn puppy with a tiny body and an oversized head. This sight had the leader and Lin Jia roaring with laughter, while the fourth brother, unable to hide his envy, circled Lin Jia, casting covetous glances at the superb heavy armor with its magic +0-1.

After a moment’s thought, Lin Jia decided to hand over the heavy armor he could never wear himself. As a mage, defense meant little to him; better to let the warrior put it to good use, even if it meant sacrificing that extra point of magic.

After removing the armor, Lin Jia tried reflexively to equip it again, only to confirm what he already suspected—it was impossible. That earlier success must have been a fluke, a brief server glitch that let him wear heavy armor as if it were plain cloth.

With the armor relinquished, Lin Jia reverted to his lightly-armored mage self. Until he could obtain the “Magic Robe” from the mage’s profession set, he had no choice but to endure his fragile existence. The fourth brother, now clad in the heavy armor, seemed transformed—his presence exuded an indomitable aura, as if he could command all monsters to bow before him.

Outfitted in his new gear, the fourth brother charged out from behind their usual E-shaped short wall like a breeding boar injected with aphrodisiacs, howling as he threw himself into battle with a horde of boars and scorpion-snakes. The flashes of sword energy from his attack skills, the thunderous shouts—he was the very embodiment of the warrior class.

The only drawback was how quickly his health plummeted amidst the monster throng. Their leader cursed, then frantically cast healing spells on him, while Lin Jia hurriedly used lightning to clear away the excess monsters. Despite now being a “high-level” level-22 warrior clad in top-tier equipment, the fourth brother, with his all-out attack build and diminished defense, simply couldn’t withstand too many monsters at once. His attack power was formidable, and even solo he could level efficiently, but a little support went a long way.

When, at last, he had slain every monster nearby, he returned with a huge grin, exclaiming, “That felt amazing!”

The leader and Lin Jia ignored this vain fellow. Just because he was wearing green armor, he fancied himself a little American jeep—without a thought to his brothers’ feelings. Couldn’t he see Lin Jia was still stuck in light armor at level 22? Or that the leader was still mostly dressed in junk? Yet here he was, decked out in luxury gear, smacking his lips and muttering, “Still missing a skull ring! And no blue jade necklace. Guess I’ll just buy a skull ring on the way back…”

Suddenly, four icy, murderous glares shot his way. The fourth brother hunched his shoulders and chuckled awkwardly, “But I’ll get them from drops, sure, sure…”

With a snort, the leader went to gather the spoils of their last battle. Lin Jia flexed his fingers, sore from a night spent hammering the F1 key, the crisp crackling of his joints echoing in the quiet. He stood, stretching his stiff back, removed his glasses to rub his tired eyes, then sat down again to check the time—astonished to find it was already past six in the morning. How quickly time flew when one was fully absorbed!

The leader coughed hoarsely, “Ahem! Can’t carry anything more; our gear is spent. Let’s head back to town for repairs.”

Lin Jia checked his inventory—only two bundles of potions left, but his equipment was still nearly pristine. Such was the benefit of being a mage: gear lasted forever, as he never faced monsters head-on, always attacking from a safe distance. Even after a year, his equipment would scarcely show wear!

Rallying the still-excited fourth brother, the group made their way back to Sabac City on the surface for repairs and resupply. They couldn’t be bothered to clear monsters as they went; if they could run, they ran, dodging and weaving their way through the second floor to the first. As they traversed the upper corridor of the square-shaped map, a sudden, clear “clang, clang, clang” of metal rang out!

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[Trouble: Drank too much yesterday, so there was no update last night. Just woke up from a nap—feeling great!

Question: At what level can you summon the Orc Warrior and the Giant Polyp in the Unknown Dark Palace? I’ve forgotten!]