D.I.O

Chapter 31

My magic force has returned.

Though the man spoke quietly, Yongno could clearly hear a sense of joy within those few words. The mans body was still in critical condition, but the aura he emanated was tremendous.

Ivan Jester. I am an Ark Mage affiliated with the Magic Tower. I concentrate on the Wicalein area of study and specialize in the Heavenly Immortal spellcasting branch. I am a Level 11 master mage. You probably already know, but once I leave this area, I will have no recollection of ever having met you. You know that this area is entirely separate from the main server, right?

Bam!

As soon as the man finished speaking, the log cabin exploded outward. Despite the immense size of the explosion, it was controlled, and not a single scrap of wood came near the man or Yongno.

Uhm so are you okay?

Yes.

Ivan replied matter-of-factly as he raised his left hand. A ball of light formed in his palm, sitting there for only a brief moment before it flew around his body and instantly treated his physical injuries. It took an amazingly short amount of time for him to recover.

Damn it! The prisoner escaped! How the hell did he get out?

Kill him! Kill him before he has time to finish his spell chant!

As the dust cleared, Ivans form became visible. At that moment, a two-meter-tall Orc holding a spear shouted an order with a vigorous and powerful voice as it saw Ivan. This Orc was dramatically different from the low-level monsters that Yongno had confronted until now.

Charge!

Kill him!

All the Orcs in the surrounding area screamed as they lunged at Ivan. Regardless of their menacing cries and attacks, Ivan calmly looked around as he raised his right hand.

Boom!

Wow!

Yongno stared in awe as a fountain of light beams burst out and made their way to each Orc, piercing all the way through their bodies. Overwhelmed, the remaining Orcs did not attempt to approach Ivan any longer. There were some that tried to launch long-range attacks by shooting arrows or throwing spears, but Ivans defense spell blocked them without any difficulty.

/Clear!/

Yongno was a little crestfallen when he left the area and returned to the testing room.

Ah, I should have tried fighting them before I saved him.

Then youd be dead. Although, I wont say that youd have had no chance whatsoever. After all, there are always exceptions and miraculous events which occur all the time. However, every single one of those Orcs outranked you by several levels.

As Mari stated this, she walked through the door labeled [Stealth] with Yongno following close behind. Like the Rescue area, Yongno found himself in a forested area. It was nighttime, and their surroundings were shrouded in deep darkness. Of course, if Yongno utilized Night Vision Eyes, he wouldnt have any issues seeing.

Be careful.

Why?

Youve trained in the Golden Pill Immortal Technique, so if you use your night vision, theyll have a golden glow. It doesnt make much difference when your surroundings are bright, but in the dark, youll stick out like a sore thumb.

Yongno nodded; Maris explanation made sense. A stealth attempt had to be conducted covertly. It would be foolish to try and assassinate someone while alerting others of his presence.

Fine, then Ill close my eyes.

So, as long as you close off some of your qi acupoints- huh?

Just as Mari was about to explain how Yongno could restrict the flow of his qi to dull the golden glow, she saw him close his eyes while still using his scanning and night vision.

Mari, lead the way.

Mari?

Ah right.

Yongno cautiously moved forward as Mari followed close behind. Although it seemed that they were both just traveling normally, Yongnos steps made light noises while Mari moved entirely silently.

/Enhanced Eyesight skill has increased by two levels!/

Huh? Why did the skill level increase?

Yongno muttered to himself while Mari continued to observe him closely. Soon, Mari let out a sigh.

Hes a monster. A total monster. I thought I was done being surprised by his actions.

/Clear!/

Yongno once again returned to the testing room. While Mari was momentarily lost in thought, Yongno had seen an Orc leaning against a tree, sleeping, so he made quick work of the Orc. Typically, Mari would have buffed the user to improve their stealth ability and give them the confidence necessary to rapidly assassinate the sleeping Orc. However, Yongno possessed developed hand skills, so it wasnt difficult for him to dispatch the monster without any delay.

Alright! Now, only the last remains- [Teamwork], Yongno said.

What is it this time?

Nothing. Lets start.

After Maris reply, the final test began.

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

Warning! Warning! The monsters are back! Hurry, everyone!

Which direction?

To the South Gate!

Yongno shrugged as he saw a chaotic scene of ringing bells and people shouting all around him.

So much chaos just from the start.

The teamwork test matches you with a group of NPCs to fight a group of mobs or other invading NPCs. Usually, users with propensities for healing or buffing utilize their skills and abilities to complete the task. For those who specialize in other fields, they can smash through the test with brute force as well.

They slowly walked as Yongno listened to Maris explanation. It wasnt too difficult to find the location of the battle, as Yongno was able to fully operate his Telescopic and Aura Vision. Through Aura Vision, Yongno could perceive life force and temperature differences in his surroundings, while Telescopic Vision allowed him to lengthen his scanning radius and utilize his visions more effectively. Essentially, Yongno could make a complete turn and scan his environment like a radar.

Roar!

Die!

An intense fight was brewing immediately outside the villages boundary. The enemy consisted of 50 Nol, which were monsters derived from the canine species. Facing off against the Nol were about 100 men maintaining a siege line with their wooden shields.

Argh!

Boom!

Oh, no!

Yongno sighed as he avoided being smashed by a large man who had been flung into the air. It seems that the man was one of the villages resident soldiers.

Hmm, this doesnt look real.

Yongno observed the large man, who had already bled out from an arrow stuck in his throat. Golden light seemed to be dripping from the wound.

Still, is it normal not to have any reaction after witnessing such a gruesome scene? Ive watched this type of stuff on TV and in other games, but still, I should have some reaction.

Maybe its because I know Im in a virtual reality game. Yongno continued to mumble under his breath. Seeing Yongno, a different soldier called out to him.

Hey, you! What are you wearing? You dont even have a weapon!

Huh? Me?

Yongno was still wearing the pants and top that all beginner-level users started with. His clothes were more suited to the warmer coastal climates, so he stuck out like a sore thumb in this village. After spending more than a month in these clothes, Yongno had gotten used to them, and he only now realized how silly he must look.

Ah, I forgot to get some new clothes.

Wow, you sure realized that quickly.

Mari sarcastically commented from the side. Yongno paid no attention to her as he started stripping off the dead mans top. Yongno felt that the clothing wasnt of any use to the man now, so he was planning on wearing his clothes. Yet, at that moment, a bunch of text messages appeared.

/Warning! You have touched someones items without authorization! You have lost three points in Good Deed!/

/Warning! If you do not heed the above message and remedy your wrongdoing, you will permanently lose the three points in Good Deed!/

What the hell?

Surprised, Yongno instantly let go of the clothes. Then, he saw another message pop up.

/Good./

Noticing Yongnos dumbfounded expression, Mari explained, All users have a category called Good Deed. Its quantified using points. The more points an individual has, the more services and secondary benefits they can enjoy. On the other hand, the lower a persons Good Deed points are, the more negative consequences they may face.

Like killing an NPC?

Yes, of course, that would be a reduction in Good Deed points. However, if its done in self-defense, thats another issue.

Wow, this game has everything. So, what am I supposed to do?

You need to gain authorization. However, authorization given under duress does not count.

Yongno shook his head after hearing Maris explanation. Then, he looked up and spoke to the other soldier.

Hey! Is it okay if I wear this dead mans clothes?

What? Cant you see Im busy? Also, youve already stripped him! Whatever, wear it or not, I dont care!

Thank you.

Yongno respectfully bowed his head and picked up the clothes he had dropped. This time, no messages appeared.

Okay, I get it now.

Your ability to understand and find a solution is commendable.

Mari let out an admiring whistle as she saw Yongno swiftly understand the principle of Good Deed. After putting on the dead mans clothes, Yongno picked up the long sword and red armor that the dead man had on; the red armor in question was a variation of basic leather armor. Although another message showed up, Yongno didnt pay much attention, and he soon called out to the villages resident soldier who had allowed him to wear the dead mans clothing. Even if he didnt gain authorization this time, Yongno knew he could just drop the long sword and red armor to avoid being penalized.

Can I wear this stuff too?

Make sure our left flank is secured Hey! Who the hell are you? Thats property of our guards, so dont touch it!

Hmph! I guess hes not that easy-going.

As Yongno grumbled and put the items down, Mari spoke up.

Well, the other tests arent much different from this initial beginner test. If you dont get in their way, usually, the side youre supposed to assist wins. At higher levels, the battles have forces ranging from 100 to 300, 1,000 to 2,000, or even 10,000 versus 100,000.

Of course, youll always be placed on the side that has fewer numbers. While listening to Maris protracted explanation, Yongno stood atop a wooden fence.

Grr!

Die!

The fighting was fierce. About 100 village resident soldiers were facing off against 50 or so Nol. The Nol had superior senses and physical strength compared to the soldiers, and they also bore a tough leather hide and formidable fighting ability. Yet, the soldiers fought behind a stable wooden fence and held the line admirably using teamwork.

What are the requirements to clear this test?

Your side must win. It shouldnt take too long. Probably five minutes or so?

Then, I guess I dont have to intervene. I can just jump in if it looks like theyre having trouble-

Bam!

Ugh?!

Yongno swayed after being hit on his head. The strike was so unexpected that Yongno could not easily shake off the momentary searing pain. Luckily, the DIO pain control system kicked in to lessen the sensation, bringing the pain to a level more similar to a mere slap on the face.

W-what was that?

An arrow.

Those things shoot arrows?

Yongno ducked below the top of the wooden fence to get a better look at the projectile. Without paying attention to his surroundings, Yongno had been hit by an arrow directly on his head, so the shaft was fractured, and the spearhead was twisted out of shape. Since the arrow was so misshapen, Yongno figured that the quality wasnt too great.

Wait, that large guy from before died from a single arrow attack.

Ah, yes, youre right. Its impressive that you were shot but came out with only a bump on your head to show for it.

Since he wasnt even circulating his internal force at the time, it was somewhat surprising that he didnt suffer any further injury. His skin and skull had been his only defenses.

Hmm, I wonder if something like this works.

Since his internal force was already full, Yongno put his external Golden Core into his inventory and brought out the spirit of his Wicaleins Ring. He imagined the spirit standing in front of him like a shield. Once he did this, Yongno stood up and exposed himself again. Soon, an arrow flew toward him.

Ting! Bam!

Hmm, I guess it doesnt work.

Yongno grabbed the arrow that made its way through the spirit shield with little resistance. With his experience in fighting the blade fish and the seventh level of the Golden Pill Immortal Technique, Yongnos reflexes and eyesight were highly developed, so grabbing the flying arrow wasnt too challenging. However, the villages resident soldier beside him gasped aloud.

Y-you grabbed the arrow with your hands?

Well, its not that hard.

Yongno shrugged. Hed seen his enemy preparing to shoot him, so he had calculated the flight time and predicted the path of the arrow beforehand. Yongno was able to estimate the rough location and time when the projectile would grow near him. His abilities were limited, though, as he couldnt see the arrows entire path, nor did he know precisely where it was at every moment.

Bam!

Yongno deflected an arrow that was heading for the soldier next to him. A bump had formed when the arrow hit his head, but after using his hand to deflect the projectile, Yongno found that it didnt cause much damage. Moreover, Yongnos hand skills were already well developed, so even without circulating his internal force, his hands were as strong as steel.