NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Whispers of the Unknown
The inn buzzed with quiet murmurs of admiration and fear. Aryan Sharma, Rahul Patel, and Priya Nair had quickly become the focal point of whispered conversations in the town. But in the confines of their room, there was no time for rest or reflection. The next challenge loomed, and the stakes were higher than ever.
Priya spread out a new map, her finger tracing the route to another dungeon. "This one is different," she began. "It's deeper, older, and the creatures inside are far more cunning than the Lizardmen. It's a C-rank dungeon, filled with Shadow Wolves."
Rahul frowned, tapping his chin. "Shadow Wolves? They're known for their pack tactics and the ability to blend into the darkness. This will be tougher."
Aryan's gaze was fixed on the map, his mind racing through strategies. "We'll need to be smarter, faster, and more coordinated. Priya, what else do you know about this dungeon?"
She nodded, pulling out a set of notes. "There are rumors of an Alpha Shadow Wolf leading the pack. It's said to be stronger and more intelligent than the rest. If we can take it down, the dungeon will be ours."
Aryan's expression hardened. "Then that's our target. We'll need to allocate our stats carefully and use every resource at our disposal."
They turned to their status windows, ready to distribute their newly earned points.
Status Window - Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: Slayer of the Lizardman Chief
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 5
Class: Warrior
Stats:
Strength: 26Agility: 22Aura: 16Intelligence: 11
Unallocated Stats: 10
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship (E)Enhanced Endurance (D)
Aryan allocated his points with precision. "I'll boost my strength and agility again. We need the power to strike hard and the speed to evade their attacks."
Status Window - Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: Slayer of the Lizardman Chief
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 5
Class: Warrior
Stats:
Strength: 30Agility: 26Aura: 16Intelligence: 11
Unallocated Stats: 0
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship (E)Enhanced Endurance (D)
Rahul followed suit, focusing on his aura and strength. "I'll increase my aura for more sustained attacks and strength for close combat."
Status Window - Rahul Patel (22)
Title: Lizardman Subjugator
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 4
Class: Warrior
Stats:
Strength: 25Agility: 16Aura: 20Intelligence: 11
Unallocated Stats: 0
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship (E)Aura Shield (D)
Priya adjusted her stats, balancing between agility and intelligence. "I'll need to outmaneuver and outthink the wolves. My focus will be on agility and intelligence."
Status Window - Priya Nair (23)
Title: The Tactician
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 4
Class: Ranger
Stats:
Strength: 18Agility: 25Aura: 15Intelligence: 20
Unallocated Stats: 0
Skills:
Archery Mastery (E)Quick Step (D)
As they completed their preparations, a knock on the door broke their concentration. Aryan stood, cautiously opening it to reveal an elderly man, his eyes filled with both wisdom and worry.
"I have news," the man said, his voice grave. "The Shadow Wolves have begun attacking nearby villages. They're becoming bolder, and their Alpha is more dangerous than you know."
Aryan stepped aside, allowing the man to enter. "Tell us everything," he urged. "We need to be ready."
The old man's gaze met Aryan's. "If you're going after them, you'll need more than just strength. You'll need allies, knowledge, and perhaps... a little luck."
Aryan's jaw tightened. "We'll take all the help we can get. The safety of the people depends on it."