Chapter 16: New Approach (1/2)

”Kh.” Theo clenched his teeth, feeling the power behind the monkey's skill.

Luckily, the monkey's height was lower than him, so the attack launched him into the air instead. This situation allowed him to maintain his balance and recovered the instant he landed on the ground.

The monkey rushed forward, not giving him time to fight back.

Behind, Theo regained the control of his clone and made him charge forward.

”Kill him.” He couldn't help but shout.

His loud voice forced the monkey to turn its head around, finding Clone Theo thrusting his sword from behind.

Kiki.

The monkey simply dodged the attack before it realized something just pierced his hand.

It turned out that the shout was only a distraction for the monkey.

”Pierce!” Theo also used his skill, penetrating the monkey's skin like it was nothing.

Clone Theo bent down and pulled his sword. As he did so, he took a deep breath that he had been using to gain enough strength to make another full swing.

Ki—

Before it could even finish its last laugh, Clone Theo had severed the head, and both of them quickly retreated a few steps to avoid the blood burst out of its body.

[Killed a Deku Monkey (Normal)]

[EXP+38]

”That was close.” Theo let out a long sigh. ”It seems I have been too complacent with the current accomplishment. I shouldn't become too proud and mess everything up.”

Clone Theo disappeared after handing the sword.

After that, he touched the monkey's body and saw two cards drop from the disappearing body.

Monkey Tail (F)

Nutritious Ingredients.

Skill: Monkey Fist (F)

Effect: Allow the user to naturally draw the body's energy to release a stronger punch.

When he saw the two cards, he ignored the first one because there was no other use for Monkey Tail other than giving a healthy body. It was a common ingredient for a peaceful family who wanted to get good health, but it had no use for the current him.

As for the Monkey Fist, he contemplated whether to use it on himself or wait for upgrading the clone skill. Theo's current fighting style relied on his movement.

Even though he knew that skills were naturally stronger than regular movements, he had no money to buy skills or were lucky enough to find a skill like this.

After a few considerations, he decided to use it.

”It's better to increase my prowess first before upgrading the skill. I can get more money and kill more opponents if I increase my strength after all.” Theo smiled before looking at the blood on the ground.

He recalled how he killed the bear, the lion, and the monkey.

”It's really easier to get more EXPs if I fight higher-level monsters. However, it is also riskier. Earlier, if I didn't have my clone, I might get injured and would be forced to retreat for the day.” Theo looked down with his hand on his chin.

”I usually get 1-5 EXPs every time I kill a monster, and it's already hard to defeat them continuously. However, I can do more now that I have become a Level 20 fighter. I need to be more careful and not underestimate my opponent next time.”

After reflecting on his action, he continued walking to the south and decided to rest there, where he didn't smell the blood anymore.

He took out his device to see the map.

This map was the accumulation of the fighters who risked their lives to explore the area because the satellite was useless.

Although some were using their drones or something similar, it was still the result of their efforts.

”South to my direction is a slope. After that slope, I will find the area where most of the level 15-20 monsters reside. This is my original destination.”

Before he could go, he heard something ringing in his head.

Sshhh.

Sshhhh.

It kept echoing as if it was very close.

'This…' Theo felt that it was similar to the hissing of a snake.

He looked around and found a brown snake hanging on the tree behind the one he used to rest.

Without hesitation, Theo killed the snake with a single thrust of his spear.

[Killed a Green Serpent (Normal)]

[EXP+3]

”Yep, this is the usual EXPs I got since this snake is only a low-level snake.” Theo nodded, finally seeing the normal rate he got.

”Hmm…I only need two more points to reach Level 21. This fast-paced but dangerous process is tempting one to keep progressing…” Theo looked down and shook his head. ”I should meet another monster when climbing the slope, so I will level up before reaching my destination. Let's go then.”