Free Web NovelChapter 15: Simulation 5
Ethan Kalmon’s Point of View
Shcc—
The tip of my sword lit up in the air, carving its way through the legs of one of the small monsters that resembled caterpillars... though they were far more terrifying, with their sharp limbs and disgusting fangs.
Green sticky liquid splattered across the ground as the monster trembled slightly before collapsing motionless.
But the problem... was that there were far too many of them.
They lined up around me from every direction, slowly surrounding the area.
Making the situation look extremely bad.
But despite that— I did not feel panic.
They were merely low-rank monsters. All I had to do was eliminate them quickly and prevent them from surrounding me.
Because if that happened... the situation would become truly annoying.
Even if I was higher-ranked than them, that did not mean they were incapable of killing me if their numbers increased.
Even insects... can become a threat if they gather in large enough numbers.
Skrsh—! Spark!
I lowered my body quickly.
Until I felt the back of my head nearly hit the scattered rocks around me, while a sharp tip passed directly in front of my face, only a few centimeters away.
At the same moment, my sword thrust upward forcefully.
Shshq—!
The blade dug near the monster’s neck, causing sticky green liquid to gush onto the ground.
The creature let out a sharp and irritating scream, writhing in pain.
But I did not have time to celebrate.
Because two others had already charged toward me.
Boom— Scatter!
Dust exploded in the place where I had been standing just a moment ago, while I had already rolled away from the attack path.
I pushed my body upward quickly, standing once again.
And when I raised my gaze... I saw all the monsters charging toward me again.
Damn... why am I this unlucky?
How the hell did I get separated from the group like this?
It seems my arrogance was truly bigger than my head.
Skelbrt—!
I jumped to the side, avoiding the strike that had been about to crush my stomach, and in the same motion, my sword cut through the air at blinding speed.
Shshq—!
The monster split into two halves, while I landed directly on top of another monster.
And the moment my feet touched its body—
Its sharp limbs lunged toward me, trying to grab me.
But I had already been prepared for that.
Because I... had prepared this beforehand.
Thkhkh!
The monster suddenly lost its balance.
And they all fell violently together after their feet slipped across the smooth layer of ice... which I had prepared beforehand.
Ironically, I was not spared from losing my balance either.
After all... I was standing on top of one of the collapsed monsters.
But before I completely fell, I drove my sword into its head quickly.
Shkh—!
I immediately jumped away, landing steadily on a nearby rock.
I released a long breath as I caught my breath.
This is my chance. I need to finish this before those things regain their balance.
Tskhhh—!
I charged forward without hesitation.
Jumping from one rock to another quickly, while my sword gleamed in the air with every strike.
Shqq—!
One monster split into two halves.
Sbrllsh—!
Another one fell after my sword pierced through its head.
Luckily... the area was filled with rubble.
The scattered rocks and ruins made the place resemble a natural field for jumping and maneuvering.
Which gave me a major advantage.
Seconds passed that felt incredibly long.
But in the end—
Shqq—!
The last monster fell.
It let out a sharp and powerful scream before dying, to the point that it made me feel as though my eardrum would burst.
"Fooo..."
I took a long breath as I straightened myself up.
Alright... now that I have gotten rid of those damned monsters, I need to move quickly.
But before that— I need to check my condition.
It has been a long time since I last saw my stats.
But... will they even appear? Isn’t this just a simulation? However... this is extremely realistic logically, so it should be possible.
I let out a light sigh before murmuring in a low voice:
"Status."
And in the next moment— a transparent screen appeared in front of me.
Name: Ethan Kalmon
Job: Swordsman
Efficiency: Divine
Rank: Intermediate (E+)
Strength: E-
Agility: E+
Endurance: E
Speed: E+
Mana: E-
Magic: E+
Combat Path: None
Skills:
[Hatred Pain] — Great Class
Whenever the amount of pain the user is exposed to increases, fumes are released from their body, raising their strength in a multiplied manner.
If the user loses consciousness while the skill is activated, they will be forced to endure the accumulated pain again immediately upon waking... in double form.
[Destined Dominance] — King Class
Enables the user to find the opponent’s weak point no matter how strong their defense is. However, in return... the user will carry a similar weak point.
Affinity: [Darkness] [Ice] [Wind]
Talents: [???]
Inheritance: None
"Tsk..." I clicked my tongue lightly, before looking away from the status screen.
Damn it.
My strength has not increased since entering the academy. Maybe I should not have come to this place in the first place.
But... there is a lot I need to learn. So yes... all I have to do is be patient for a little until the results start to appear.
BOOOOM—!
A loud explosion sounded from the front. It seemed as if something huge was destroying everything in its path.
"Huh?"
I immediately turned toward the source of the sound. And in the next moment— I saw them.
Two people were running at full speed, sweat pouring from them as if they had been fleeing for a long time.
Behind them— there was a massive monster crawling at a terrifying speed. Something somewhat like a snake... but far more grotesque.
With a gigantic body devouring everything that stood in its way.
I took a closer look at the two people. Then— I frowned slightly. Because one of them looked familiar.
"Neron Statles... isn’t it?"
I muttered in a voice barely audible, while Neron’s smile widened immediately the moment his eyes fell on me, as if he had finally found a lifeline.
Then he shouted at the top of his voice:
"What are you doing standing there like an idiot?! Come and help us quickly!"
"..."
I blinked in silence. And somehow... I felt a strange desire to ignore him.
"Didn’t you hear what I said?! Move your damn ass and help me!"
I remained standing, staring at him without moving. And why should I help you in the first place? We barely know each other. In fact, I don’t even really know you.
And on top of that— does he think I’m stupid enough to rush toward such a monster directly?
What if it’s a trap? No... it’s better to leave.
That monster looks clearly strong. Most likely, its rank is higher than mine.
And I had no desire to get involved in a problem that did not concern me. And just as I was about to turn away and leave—
I heard Neron suddenly shout:
"This damn monster swallowed the flag!"
My steps stopped. And I slowly furrowed my brows.
Swallowed... the flag? Is he telling the truth? Or is he only lying to drag me into the fight? freēwēbnovel.com
I narrowed my eyes as I stared at his face. His expression... does not look like he is lying.
Unless he is an actor of terrifying skill.
Neron moved closer, until he was only a few meters away from me, then said quickly while panting:
"I promise... save us, and we will help you get the flag!"
I took a quick look toward the monster that was approaching rapidly, then at Neron. Then at the monster again.
Tsk... it seems I have to make a decision now.
I thought about it for a moment before shaking my head in surrender.
"Alright... I will help him."
"Fooo—"
I let out a long exhale before pulling my sword from its sheath. I pressed my foot firmly against the ground, then rushed forward quickly, directing my blade toward the monster, ready to deliver a direct strike.
ShhhhK!
A sharp arrow shot toward my abdomen at blinding speed.
It was only a moment away from piercing me... if I had not tilted my waist slightly at the last moment, loosened my grip on the sword, then moved my body fluidly, directing the sword’s handle to graze the arrow.
Tsk—!
It was not a complete deflection, but it was enough.
I barely changed its trajectory, letting it pass along my waist, leaving a burning scratch on my side.
But the price was losing my balance. And that happened at the worst possible timing. Because I was directly in front of the monster.
Skrshh—!
Its massive tail immediately lunged at me, slamming down with force as if trying to crush my bones in a single strike.
"Damn—!"
I raised my arms in front of me quickly, taking a defensive stance.
BOOOOM—!
The tail hit me with tremendous violence, while I felt as if the bones in my arms were about to shatter, before my body was thrown back with terrifying force.
My body spun in the air several times, while rocks and rubble passed before my eyes in a blurred rush.
And below— there was a huge, sharp rock. And if I collided with it at this speed... it would be over for me immediately.
Fooo—
In mid-air, I tightened my abdominal muscles strongly. I forced my body to twist.
And I adjusted my posture with difficulty, before landing on the rock smoothly.
Then I slowly raised my head. I took a quick look around... before my eyes stopped on a girl with long red hair, standing at a considerable distance.
I recognized her immediately.
Liana Greenfield.
But what made my stomach tighten was not her presence— but the fact that she was raising her bow directly at me.
While her fingers were slowly pulling the string... ready to fire another arrow.
