Defense specialization and focus.
"Alright! Let's give it our all today!"
Maple logged into NewWorld Online once more, as she had the day before.
"Let's head to the forest again today! I want to try out a new skill."
Maple was not the type to obsess over leveling up, but she still found appeal in the thrill of acquiring a new skill—like filling an empty bookshelf with books, a quiet kind of satisfaction.
"I should get a skill that boosts VIT, as much as possible!"
And so, Maple, as slow-footed as ever, trudged toward the outskirts of Town.
"What should I try first…?"
The first thing that came to mind was Awareness. If she could sense enemies before they appeared, that would be invaluable.
"Alright! Let's do this!"
Maple set her large shield on the ground, closed her eyes, and searched for signs in the air.
Actually, this method—
She had gone entirely wrong.
The true method was written on the攻略 board: to attack an unseen enemy as if one could see it, using bows, arrows, or thrown stones.
It appeared to exploit a flaw in the system. If Maple could master this method, she might be able to sense presence in the real world.
But Maple was not such a prodigy.
Unaware of this, Maple closed her eyes and focused with unwavering will.
Three hours passed.
At last, a message from the system reached Maple’s ears.
『Skill [Meditation] acquired』
“Huh… [Meditation]? Not presence sense… I see. Disappointing…”
She tries to rise, but feels the weight of her body. Opens her eyes. Her form is swarmed—slugs, caterpillars, and even a wolf of middling strength, all attempting to attack the defenseless Maple.
“Kyaaaahhhhhhhhh!?”
Screaming, she slashes at the centipedes and wolf with her short blade. Maple, with 【STR 9】, finds it unbearable. The enemies do not fall easily. Yet her strength is too weak to wound herself. She can push the blade into her own body without fear.
But drawn by her scream, more monsters crawl forth from the depths.
『Skill [Provocation] acquired』
The new skill brings joy, but escaping this peril comes first.
And then.
『Level has increased to 11』
—Fuh… That was a tough fight… Now then, let’s check the skill!
【Meditation】
Activates to restore 1% of maximum HP over ten seconds. Effect lasts for an hour. No MP cost.
【Meditation】 Prevents any attack actions during use.
Acquisition condition:
Maintain focus without breaking for three hours despite all forms of pain.
—Didn’t actually meditate… but still, a powerful skill is welcome.
Next, confirm Provocation.
【Provocation】
Draws monster attention to a single point.
Acquisition condition:
Steal attention from ten or more monsters at once.
—This one might come in handy when leveling up.
Originally intended for party play—where a high-defense member would draw all attacks—this skill did not seem so to Maple. Perhaps because, despite her low AGI, she could not catch up to monsters when trying to level by chasing them. Such a problem was likely unique to Maple among all players.
Still, now she could level up freely.
"Next, allocate stat points to VIT... huh? Ten stat points!?"
Indeed, when receiving a multiple of ten, stat points doubled. A standard mechanic, yet to Maple it felt like a lucky find—unexpected, and pleasant.
Maple
Lv11
HP 40/40
MP 12/12
【STR 0〈＋9〉】
【VIT 130〈＋34〉】
【AGI 0】
【DEX 0】
【INT 0】
Equipment
Head 【Empty】
Body 【Empty】
Right Hand 【Novice’s Shortsword】
Left Hand 【Novice’s Large Shield】
Feet 【Empty】
Boots 【Empty】
Accessory 【Forest Queen’s Ring】
【Empty】
【Empty】
Skills
【Absolute Defense】【Big Prey Eater (Giant Killer)】【Medium Poison Resistance】【Meditation】【Provocation】
Maple checked her status one final time. Nodded with quiet satisfaction. Logged out.
At that moment, on a certain corner of the network board—
【NWO】Found a terrifying large shield user
1 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
Terrible
2 Name: Nameless Spear User
kwsk
3 Name: Nameless Mage User
How terrible?
4 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
Saw them standing still in the west woods. Surrounded by a giant centipede and dozens of caterpillars.
5 Name: Nameless Spear User
Huh? That’s impossible
They’d be dead normally. Even with a large shield
6 Name: Nameless Bow User
>1
Was it some powerful gear? What’s the deal with that?
7 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
Looks like basic starting gear.
Just remembering it makes my stomach turn.
How can they stay calm among centipedes and grubs like that?
8 Name: Nameless Mage
No way they survived that situation unless they’re nullifying damage.
9 Name: Nameless Spear User
You can’t do that.
10 Name: Nameless Bow User
During the beta test verification, even maxed defense couldn’t withstand the White Rabbit’s attacks.
11 Name: Nameless Spear User
That’s garbage.
12 Name: Nameless Large Shield User
I think I know who that is.
13 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
kwsk, hurry up.
14 Name: Nameless Large Shield User
I don’t know their player name, but they’re a petite girl, about 150 tall.
Their movement speed suggests AGI is nearly zero.
If I tried the same, I’d dissolve in an instant.
15 Name: Nameless Mage
Perhaps a max-attack build? Well, maybe they found a hidden skill, too.
16 Name: Nameless Spearman
Ah, that fits. Female, or perhaps a beauty.
17 Name: Nameless Archer
Ah, you noticed that spot, did you?
So did I.
18 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
Hmm, seems we’ll have to gather info bit by bit.
If I aim to become a top player, my name will rise naturally.
19 Name: Nameless Great Shield User
If I see anything else, I’ll post it.
20 Name: Nameless Mage
Thank you for the information! (Salute)
Thus, unseen by Maple, a slight stir had begun around her name.
Adjusted 【Meditation】 slightly. 【High Poison Resistance】 → 【Medium Poison Resistance】.