Chapter 261 - 168: A Solo Journey to Grind Skill Level, Part 2
Chapter 261: Chapter 168: A Solo Journey to Grind Skill Level, Part 2
These six Skills were all Ordinary or Excellent Level. There was no penalty for using them to kill these low-level Goblins, and they were relatively easy to improve.
One has to admit, when it came to grinding on these low-level mobs, Lin Mo was most efficient when working alone.
The Ranger Skill [Lightness] was always active, making his already fast movements even swifter.
His high Agility and now-considerable Spirit granted him reaction speed and Insight, allowing him to always be the first to spot the green-skinned dwarves. He would then, unhurriedly, use his Skills to dispatch them one by one.
Of course, just like before, he would occasionally run into situations where he’d accidentally "kill-steal."
"Big Bro, there are seven Goblins in total. Should we make a move?"
"Seven?"
The man called Big Bro frowned upon hearing this. "Isn’t that a few too many?"
He glanced back at his makeshift team. There were only five of them, four of whom were just ordinary people with a bit of training. Their weapons were pathetic. He was the only one with proper Skills and a decent sword.
Even so, he felt he could only take down two Goblins. Any more would be a struggle.
Having the remaining four fight five Goblins... he was afraid it would be a disaster.
"Maybe we should forget it?"
"But if we kill these guys, our quest will be complete. Big Bro, you’re not scared, are you?"
Inexperienced youths don’t always understand the wisdom of playing it safe. Their minds were filled with thoughts of completing the quest, earning more money, and getting a new, better weapon.
This so-called "leader" wasn’t an experienced Adventurer, after all. Provoked like this, the blood rushed to his head.
’If I don’t put on a good show, how can I secure my position as their leader?’
And so... if nothing went wrong, something was about to go very wrong.
The "leader" wanted to take on two Goblins, but the Goblins were smarter than that. They sent just one to keep him occupied, and he couldn’t finish it off quickly. Meanwhile, the others—four against six—ran into trouble. In less than two minutes, one was dead and another injured.
"We’re done for, we’re done for! We can’t hold them back! Boss, save us!"
’I’d save you if I could!’
The boss was at a loss for words. He knew they never should have messed with these seven Goblins.
The Goblin before him was battered and bleeding, but it stubbornly refused to die. Meanwhile, another one of his teammates had been injured...
Just when he was on the verge of despair, a Flying Knife shot out, precisely piercing the heart of the Goblin before him.
[Backstab] Proficiency +1
’So it’s true. Even a ranged attack can trigger [Backstab].’
Lin Mo still had a thoughtful expression on his face. The next moment, his figure flashed, and he appeared on the other side of the battlefield.
[Shadow Assault]!
The "boss" only saw a black shadow flash by, and the next moment, three Goblins suddenly collapsed at once.
[Shadow Assault] Proficiency +3
Lin Mo finished off the remaining Goblins, pulverizing each with a single Punching Fist.
"Skill [Punching Fist] Lv3 (40/40) Leveled Up!"
"Current Skill: [Punching Fist] Lv4 (1/100)"
[Punching Fist] was an Ordinary Level skill. After reaching Level 4, it was only one level away from being able to evolve.
’Also, Shadow Assault is about to reach Level 4...’
Absorbed in these thoughts, Lin Mo didn’t even have time to greet the rookie Adventurers before hurrying off in search of the next group of Goblins.
The "boss" stared blankly at the carnage. The ears on all the Goblins were still perfectly intact.
He suddenly recalled a rumor he’d heard upon arriving in Silver Stream City. Apparently, there was an eccentric Adventurer in town who had a habit of popping out of nowhere to "kill-steal." But since he never took any of the materials, it was basically just helping people out. For this, he had earned the nickname "Living Angel."
’At the time, I didn’t really believe it. Who in the world would do something like that?’
’Even if powerful Adventurers didn’t care about a little money, those powerhouses would have their own business to attend to. Who would have that much free time...’
’So the rumor was actually true?’
’Thank the "Living Angel." Otherwise, our team... we might have been completely wiped out.’
...
Lin Mo had no idea his actions had once again burnished the "Living Angel’s" reputation. He just kept searching and slaughtering, refusing to let a single Goblin in his sight get away.
And with that, the Proficiency of his Skills steadily increased.
Finally, by the afternoon, Lin Mo took down a Mutated Goblin with a [Punching Fist] and finally stopped to check his progress for the day.
"Skill [Shadow Assault] Lv3 (40/40) Leveled Up!"
"Current Skill: [Shadow Assault] Lv4 (12/100)"
Shadow Assault had successfully reached Level 4, but it was an Excellent Level skill, so it was still a ways off from evolving.
’[Punching Fist] is the main Skill I’m training. It’s currently at Lv4 (58/100), not far from the next level.’
’Next is Backstab, now at Lv4 (39/100). That’s also a decent improvement.’
’As for Magic, I only trained [Wind Blade Skill]. It’s at Lv3 (31/40).’
’That’s enough for today.’
Though the day was still young, Lin Mo had other business to attend to.
He quickly returned to Silver Stream City and turned in the quest for killing one hundred Goblins. Tossing the few Gold Coins he received into his pocket, he headed straight for the City Lord’s Mansion.
He greeted the guards, went straight to a familiar courtyard, and sat in the pavilion to wait.
He didn’t have to wait long. About five minutes later, Shefilya appeared before him.
"Is this courtyard your residence in the City Lord’s Mansion?"
Lin Mo put down his teacup and looked at the maid before him.
"I suppose so..."
Shefilya nodded. "What did you need me for?"
"Same as before. I was hoping you could be my training partner."
"Alright."
Shefilya nodded without a second thought, which actually made Lin Mo feel a bit awkward.
"Won’t this be too much trouble for you?"
Shefilya met his gaze and shook her head. "It’s no trouble."
And so, they began.
...
An hour or so later, Lin Mo cast a couple of Healing Techniques on himself and let out a long sigh of relief.
Just like before, the massive gap in their Agility meant he was completely overwhelmed for the entire session.
But Lin Mo was by no means stagnant; in fact, he was improving at an incredible rate.
He could now often consciously perceive the direction and angle of Shefilya’s attacks and formulate a response. The only problem was that due to the gap in their speed, his body couldn’t keep up with his mind.
In this regard, Lin Mo’s combat sense and experience had improved considerably.
Shefilya would never say it aloud, but inwardly, she was stunned.
No matter how many times she saw it, she was always astonished by the talent Lin Mo displayed.
’Such talent, such comprehension... even the so-called scions of the Empire couldn’t compare!’
’No wonder the Lady holds him in such high regard. She even...’
Shefilya shook her head, her expression turning strange as if at some stray thought.
Lin Mo didn’t notice. He was busy checking the gains from their sparring session.
Aside from the accumulation of combat experience, the growth in Skill Proficiency was, of course, also crucial.
[Resilience] Proficiency +18
[Lightness] Proficiency +12
’Right now, Resilience’s Proficiency is at Lv5 (87/180), getting closer and closer to Level 6.’
’And [Lightness], as an Ordinary Level Skill, has reached Proficiency Lv4 (53/100). It only needs another 47 proficiency points to level up and evolve.’
’This feeling of my power steadily increasing... it’s great.’
Lin Mo didn’t forget to cast [Clear Stream Technique] on himself and Shefilya, grinding a bit more Proficiency for that Skill.
’All in all, today’s gains were pretty substantial. I’ll keep it up tomorrow!’
The time was now evening. Lin Mo looked at Shefilya. "Are you staying at the City Lord’s Mansion tonight, or are we heading back together?"
Shefilya didn’t say a word, just quietly stood behind him.
’Was it just my imagination, or has this quiet, sharp-tongued maid’s attitude toward me been getting better and better lately...’