Chapter 7: Foraging and Fighting

Chapter 7: Foraging and Fighting ? ? ?

When Xin took a step away from Flora, two players barged into his path.

"Hey, there," |EXP is Life| greeted.

"Can we have a bit of your time?" |Daoist Yun| added.

Xin nodded.

"Did that NPC gave you something?" |EXP is Life| asked.

"We saw you talking to her, and she seemed to have shoved something into your hand."

Xin nodded.

Their faces brightened.

"Thanks. Let's go."

"I told you that some NPC will give you items. I read it in the forums."

"But I talked to her before. She only gave me basic instructions about Foraging and ignored me the next."

When the two went away, Xin swiftly made his way to a nearby foraging spot, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of untouched resources. He hoped that luck was on his side and that the spot hadn't been completely cleared by other players.

As he arrived, he noticed several players engaged in foraging activities, just like him. It seemed that the spot was popular, but there was still enough space for everyone.

The island wasn't overcrowded, perhaps because new players arrived as others left.

"It's a continuous cycle," Xin mused to himself, realizing that the game must have regulated the population in the island, making sure that it was balance.

[ ACQUIRED!

? Breath of Life Algae x4

The blue-green algae found in these waters is highly valued by sailors for its beneficial properties. They will often store it in vials of water to maintain its freshness.

When consumed, the algae granted the ability to breathe underwater, similar to a water-breathing spell.

This effect will last for one hour.

His skin was radiating a dark and glowing hue. As he stepped onto the sandy shore, his presence seemed otherworldly. His back was adorned with elegant fins, shimmering in the sunlight, and his body was covered in glistening scales with webbed hands and feet.

As he walked, droplets of water dripped from his scales, leaving a trail of tiny wet marks on the sand. The mereman's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and wonder as he eyed him.

Is he a [Merefolk]?

"You're going to leave the coast and enter Seagull's Nest, right? The path ahead is perilous. Do you know how to fight and defend yourself?"

Come to think of it . . . Xin shook his head.

[CONGRATULATION! Your Relationship Level with Triton increased to ACQUAINTANCE!]

This again?

"Then let me show you how it's done," Triton said and brought out his weapon, a halberd.

Though to Xin, it appeared like a pitchfork.

"It's just a matter of knowing your enemy. See that Giant Crab over there." Triton pointed to a creature not far away from them.

"You can use [Monocle] to see the monsters' stat. That Giant Crab's hard shell makes it resistant to [SLASHING] damage from swords and blades and [PIERCING] damage from rapiers, arrows, and bullets. Though there's still damage, it's only minuscule.

"Creatures like that have a weakness to [BLUDGEONING] damage from hammers and lightening spells from mages. And if you use their weakness against them, your chances of [CRITICAL] hit increased."

". . . Is that so?"

[CONGRATULATION! Your Relationship Level with Triton increased to FRIENDS!]

". . ."

"That's right," Triton exclaimed with excitement. "But here's the trick . . . If your stat is higher than your opponent's, you can simply overpower them without worrying about any restrictions or strategies!"

As he spoke, Triton proudly showcased his strength by flexing his Halberd. In a swift and lightning-fast motion, he thrust the weapon into the Giant Crab, causing it to shatter into countless particles.

With a triumphant laugh, Triton declared, "You see? When your stats are superior, you can dominate the battlefield with sheer force! Ahahahaha!"

". . . Ha . . ." Xin could only reply.

[CONGRATULATION! Your Relationship Level with Triton increased to INTIMATE!]