LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Growing
The aftermath of Ethan's victory spread quickly throughout the server. The brutal takedown of Iron Vow and Shadow Blades solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Players in Redleaf Village, who had initially eyed him with jealousy or suspicion, now avoided direct conflict.
"Did you hear? That Ethan wiped out Iron Vow like they were nothing."
"I heard he killed Darius with his bare hands."
"We should steer clear of him. No loot is worth crossing someone like that."
Ethan couldn't help but notice the change in how players treated him. Groups that had once stared at him in disdain now stepped aside as he walked through Redleaf. Brandon smirked, nudging Ethan.
"Looks like you've become the boogeyman of this place."
Ethan shrugged. "Let them think what they want. I've got bigger things to worry about."
As they neared the Verdant Mines, a notification popped up on Ethan's status window:
[New Quest Acquired: Verdant Operations]
Objective: Establish and manage operations at the Verdant Mines to produce valuable resources. Use the mines to their fullest potential to create weapons, armor, and income streams.
Rewards: Verdant Guild Hall Blueprint, Enhanced Reputation in Redleaf Village, 50 Gold Coins.
"This could be big," Brandon said, reading over Ethan's shoulder.
Ethan nodded. "The Verdant Mines could make us untouchable if we use them right."
The quest objectives were detailed:
1. Hire NPC miners and craftsmen to extract and refine ores.
2. Protect the mine from random enemy raids.
3. Set up trade routes to sell the items and ores produced.
Ethan decided to focus on the first step: finding NPCs to hire.
Ethan and Brandon visited Redleaf's tavern, where local NPCs gathered. The tavern was bustling with activity, and as they entered, the room grew noticeably quieter. Ethan scanned the crowd, spotting a group of rough-looking miners sitting in a corner.
"You here for work?" one of them asked.
Ethan nodded. "I've taken over the Verdant Mines. I need skilled miners to extract ore and craftsmen to refine it."
The lead miner, an older man named Garvin, chuckled. "That mine's dangerous territory. You sure you can keep it safe?"
"I've already cleared it once," Ethan replied. "Anyone who wants to try taking it again is welcome to meet the same fate as the last group."
Garvin exchanged glances with his crew and nodded. "Alright. We'll work for you. But we'll need proper tools and protection."
[NPC Crew Hired: Garvin's Miners]
Cost: 20 Gold Coins per week.
Specialty: Efficient ore extraction and refinement.
With the recruitment process underway, Ethan and Brandon turned their attention to leveling up. A nearby farming area, the Verdant Outskirts, was known for its high-yield mobs and rare materials.
The two ventured into the area, encountering groups of Crystal Hounds—beasts with gem-like scales that were tough to crack but yielded valuable resources.
Ethan engaged the first group, activating [Abyssal Wave] to soften them up.
Damage Dealt:
-1,200 HP (Crystal Hound 1)
-1,400 HP (Crystal Hound 2)
-1,100 HP (Crystal Hound 3)
The hounds retaliated, slashing at Ethan with razor-sharp claws.
Damage Taken:
-300 HP
-270 HP
Brandon rushed in, his shield absorbing most of the damage. He activated [Blazing Shield], creating a fiery barrier that burned the hounds upon contact.
Burn Damage:
-200 HP (per second)
Ethan finished them off with a brutal combination of [Abyssal Strike] and [Abyssal Rend], dealing massive damage.
Damage Dealt:
Critical Hit! -3,500 HP
-2,800 HP
The hounds collapsed, their bodies dissolving into glowing loot drops.
[Loot Acquired: Crystal Shards, Rare Beast Core]
"This area is perfect for farming," Brandon said, picking up a shard. "The XP is solid, and the loot's worth a fortune."
Ethan nodded. "Let's keep pushing. We need every edge we can get."
As they continued farming, Ethan noticed something unusual. Groups of other players were also grinding in the area, but they kept their distance. The tension was palpable; no one wanted to risk provoking Ethan after his recent exploits.
However, whispers reached him that some factions were beginning to organize. The defeat of Iron Vow and Shadow Blades had created a power vacuum, and new groups were eager to fill it.
"We can't let our guard down," Ethan said. "The stronger we get, the bigger the target on our backs."
By the end of the day, Ethan and Brandon had leveled up significantly and gathered a stockpile of resources. Ethan's status window updated to reflect his growth:
---
[Status Window]
Name: Ethan Cross
Class: Abyssal Harbinger
Level: 24
Race: Human
Title: The Harbinger of Chaos
HP: 2,850 / 3,200
MP: 1,200 / 1,400
Strength: 260
Agility: 210
Endurance: 240
Intelligence: 180
Wisdom: 150
Luck: 80
Charm: 50
---
"This is just the beginning," Ethan said as they made their way back to Redleaf. "We've got the mines, the resources, and the levels. Now we build our future."
Brandon nodded. "And crush anyone who tries to stop us."
Ethan stood at the entrance to the Verdant Mines, staring at the gaping maw of the cave. Its jagged edges glistened faintly, reflecting the dull light from the torches stationed around it. Garvin and his miners were hard at work setting up a proper outpost near the entrance, stacking supplies and assembling crude defenses.
"Boss," Garvin called, his voice gruff but respectful. "We've hit a snag. There's more to this mine than we thought."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "More how?"
Garvin gestured toward a large, reinforced wooden door at the far end of the first level of the mine. "That thing wasn't part of the old mine. It's sealed tight, and we're picking up strange vibrations behind it. My crew won't go near it until we know it's safe."
A notification appeared in Ethan's status window:
[New Objective: Unlock the Depths]
Investigate the sealed door within the Verdant Mines. Unlocking it may reveal deeper layers of the mine and untapped resources.
Rewards: Access to deeper mine levels, rare ore veins, and unique treasures.
Ethan turned to Brandon, who was leaning against a nearby rock, sharpening his blade. "Looks like we've got some work to do."
Brandon grinned. "About time. Things were getting a little too quiet."
Before heading deeper, Ethan made sure they were prepared. They spent the next few hours checking their gear, organizing their inventory, and distributing potions and buffs.
[Inventory Check Complete]
Healing Potions: x10
Mana Potions: x8
Stamina Boosts: x5
Buff Scrolls: x3
Brandon tapped his shield. "If we're heading into uncharted territory, we'll need to stay on guard. No telling what's behind that door."
Ethan nodded. "Let's hope it's something worth the trouble."
The door loomed ominously as Ethan and Brandon approached. It was massive, carved from an unfamiliar black stone, with intricate runes etched into its surface. The runes glowed faintly, pulsing like a heartbeat.
"Looks magical," Brandon said, running his hand over the surface. "Think it's a trap?"
Ethan activated [Abyssal Sight], his vision shifting as he scanned the door. The runes flared to life, and faint tendrils of dark energy seeped out from the edges.
"It's not a trap," Ethan said. "But it's definitely not normal. This door is tied to the Abyss."
A small icon appeared on his status window:
[Requirement: Abyssal Essence x5]
Unlock the door using Abyssal Essence. These can be gathered by defeating Abyss-touched enemies in the surrounding area.
"Looks like we need to farm," Ethan said, turning to Brandon. "Ready for some action?"
Brandon smirked. "Always."
The area around the Verdant Mines began to shift as Ethan and Brandon moved through it. The once-familiar Crystal Hounds were replaced by darker, more menacing creatures. Their eyes glowed with a sinister light, and their bodies were wreathed in faint shadows.
[Enemy Encountered: Abyss-Touched Stalker]
HP: 4,500
Skills: Shadow Pounce, Abyssal Claw, Essence Drain
Ethan stepped forward, activating [Abyssal Wave] to open the fight. The wave of dark energy slammed into the Stalker.
Damage Dealt:
-1,200 HP
The creature retaliated, leaping at Ethan with [Shadow Pounce], dealing significant damage.
Damage Taken:
-450 HP
Brandon intercepted the next attack with his shield, countering with a heavy blow from his sword. His [Blazing Shield] skill burned the creature.
Burn Damage:
-200 HP (per second)
Ethan followed up with [Abyssal Strike], a devastating blow that tore through the Stalker's defenses.
Damage Dealt:
Critical Hit! -3,000 HP
The Stalker collapsed, leaving behind a faintly glowing orb.
[Item Acquired: Abyssal Essence x1]
"That's one down," Ethan said, picking up the orb. "Four more to go."
The next few hours were grueling. Ethan and Brandon hunted down more Abyss-touched creatures, each battle pushing them to their limits.
[Abyss-Touched Mauler]:
HP: 6,000
Damage Dealt to Ethan: -500 HP
Damage Dealt by Ethan: -3,800 HP
[Abyss-Touched Wraith]:
HP: 5,500
Damage Taken by Brandon: -400 HP
Damage Dealt by Team: -5,500 HP
By the time they had collected the necessary Abyssal Essence, their health and mana supplies were running low.
[Abyssal Essence Collected: 5/5]
Brandon slumped against a rock, breathing heavily. "That... was rough."
Ethan handed him a potion. "We're not done yet. Let's see what's behind that door."
Ethan approached the door, holding up the Abyssal Essences. The runes flared to life as the essences dissolved into the door, causing it to shudder. Slowly, it creaked open, revealing a dark tunnel that stretched deep into the earth.
A notification appeared on both their screens:
[New Area Unlocked: Verdant Depths]
Explore the newly revealed levels of the Verdant Mines. Danger and treasures await.
Ethan looked at Brandon. "Ready for round two?"
Brandon grinned, drawing his sword. "Let's do this."