Rise of the Strongest Sword Magician

Chapter 7: Red Players

After logging back into the game, Ryan allocated his available points, adding 2 to his agility and 3 to his intelligence. His stats at level 4 now stood as follows:

•Level: 4

•Health Points (HP): 180

•Mana Points (MP): 100

•Strength: 7

•Agility: 20

•Intelligence: 15

•Stamina: 6

•Available Stat Points: 0

With his updated stats in mind, Ryan proceeded to visit an NPC who had tasked him with a quest to collect redboar meat. Turning in the quest rewarded him with a small amount of experience, pushing his experience bar to 420/800, inching closer to level 5. After this, he met up with his friend Mhico, also known as KingM, a level 2 berserker.

Mhico, a talented gamer, had invested time honing his skills in the training area, which explained his slower leveling progress. As the two friends joined forces and formed a party, Mhico couldn't help but be impressed by Ryan's higher level. In Another World, player levels were hidden until partying up or using identification skills.

With their party established, they ventured into the forest to take on mobs together. Amidst their hunting, Mhico's sharp eyes caught sight of a chilling sight—the brutal spectacle of one team attacking another. The attackers, distinguished by red diamonds above their heads, indicated their hostile status as red players. (Green diamonds signified regular players.)

These red players seemed to derive twisted joy from attacking fellow players. Observing from a vantage point atop a large tree, Kulas and KingM watched as the chaos unfolded. The situation grew darker as the targeted team was decimated. Laughter echoed among the red players, painting a gruesome picture of their merciless pursuits.

As the battle played out, the leader of the red players, Soaring Lion, a level 3 guardian knight, noticed KingM. The predatory glint in his eye indicated that another potential prey had crossed their path. In a party of ten, they posed a formidable threat—two tanks (Guardian Knight and Shield Warrior), two swordsmen, two assassins, a berserker, a ranger, and two healers (Druid and Cleric).

Sensing danger, Kulas and KingM made a quick decision to retreat. They realized the odds were overwhelmingly against them. The red players' levels ranged from 2 to 3, with Soaring Lion leading the pack. The tanks engaged with their aggroing skills, forcing the two friends to flee while dodging a barrage of spells.

During their escape, Kulas utilized his skills strategically, manipulating the terrain to gradually sap the HP of the red players. Their flight continued until they reached the safety of the city's boundaries. The city acted as a sanctuary, protecting players from the onslaught of red players. Once inside, the guards would deal swift justice to any red player who dared to enter, effectively imprisoning them.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Ryan and Mhico vowed revenge against the red players who had threatened their lives. The harrowing encounter had solidified their bond and fueled their determination to stand against the cruelty that existed even within the virtual realm.