The Legend of Kajo

Chapter 4

An hour later...

Saji and I stood facing the next two Metal-Clawed Giant Rats, our eyes locked on the creatures.

This time we didn't bother working together. They just bound all the ones that approached us.

The rats, subdued by Lyrien's dark magic, moved slowly, their eyes cloudy. Saji charged forward, his sword flashing in the dim light. He dodged the rat's clumsy attack with ease, his training and agility allowing him to weave between the creature's slow blows.

With a swift strike, Saji took down the rat, his sword slicing through its defenses. I watched, impressed despite myself. Saji's skills were undeniable, his swordsmanship honed to perfection.

He downed another bottle of mp potion as he walked away from the corpse.

I took a deep breath, focusing on my own battle. My opponent, equally subdued, lurched forward. I raised my hands, channeling a burst of healing energy. But instead of using it to heal, I directed it at the rat, imbuing its wounds with a painful, burning sensation.

The rat recoiled, its movements faltering. I seized the opportunity, striking with my sword. The blade bit deep, and the rat collapsed, defeated.

[+2 exp]

A notification chimed in, and i looked at them in excitement. I had earned experience points!

As i stood panting, my heart racing with excitement. I had done it, i took down my first monster without relying on anyone.

Happily i took another mp potion bringing my potions down to 28.

I glanced at Eirak and We exchanged a nod, a glimmer of respect in our eyes.

Eirak and Lyrien approached, their faces impressed. "Well done," Eirak said, clapping us on the back. "You're both learning to hunt, after watching one fight of us."

Lyrien nodded. "You're becoming true warriors, and also fast learners. using your abilities in creative ways. Keep it up, and you'll be ranked up in no time."

We picked up the loot from the rats. The loots were literally the same; a Rat Hide, a Metal Claw, and a Steel Fang. I also got a Steel Sword, Health potion, Strengthening tonic, Leather Armor, 5 copper coins, 1 gold coin, Mana Crystals. We both found a Copper Ore and an Obsidian Gemstone.

I looked at Saji, a hint of competitiveness in his eyes. "Looks like we both got some good loot," Saji said, his tone neutral.

[Notification: Inventory Acquired]

We were both obviously confused, unsure what this meant. Eirak chuckled. "You two have inventory spaces now. You can store items and equipment there."

Saji and I Had the same expression on our faces, still trying to wrap our heads around this new concept.

Thrain clapped us on the back. "Well done, you two! You're making progress. Do you want to try fighting together again?"

Saji and I exchanged a look, and then shook our heads. "No, we'll keep trying separately for now," Saji said, his jaw set in determination.

I nodded in agreement. "We need to master our own skills against monsters before we can work together effectively."

Eirak nodded. "Fair enough. You've already made it halfway through the dungeon. At this rate we'll reach the boss room soon."

Eirak added, "Remember, teamwork is important. But for now, let's just focus on getting through this."

We weren't really working together, but we were trying to survive.

I suddenly thought about something and asked

"Hey, how do we see what's in our inventory again?"

Thrain answers "I'm not sure. I think you just... think about it?"

I replied confused as hell

"Think about it? That doesn't make sense."

Thrain responds "Actually, it's quite simple. Just focus your mind on your inventory, and it will appear before you."

Saji finally asks obviously as curious as i was.

"Like the system?"

Eirak speaks up "More like a mental interface. Your inventory is connected to your mind, so you can access it at any time."

"Let me try." (pauses) "Whoa, it works! I can see all my items right here."

Saji says to no one in particular "Nice. I'll try too." (pauses) "Yeah, I see my stuff too."

Thrain adds again "Good. Now you can manage your inventory and equipment easily. Just remember to keep an eye on your surroundings while you're doing it."

"And don't forget to equip your gear to use its benefits."
.....

After another hour of walking, we finally reached the end of the dungeon with boss room portal glowing in a little hilltop. But to our surprise, there were at least 80 monsters waiting for us outside in a hundred miles.

"Are we ready for this?" Thrain asked, eyeing the horde.

Saji and I exchanged a look, then nodded. "We were born ready," Saji said, grinning.

The six of us stood up straight, and our class skills activated. We glowed with different auras, attracting the attention of the monsters.

I glowed white-blue, and the already dead grass and plants around me withered into dust. Saji glowed static yellow, his lightning skill crackling with energy.

Eirak's aura turned a pure white, his sword shining with a fierce light. Thrain's aura became crimson, his War axe glowing with crimson energy. Kael's aura turned a dark, shadowy grey, his daggers gleaming with a deadly precision. Lyrien's aura shone a brilliant silver, his Staff glowing with dark energy.

The monsters charged at us, and chaos broke out. Saji unleashed a lightning bolt, striking down three monsters at once. I raised my hands, and a wave of energy shot out, but this time, it was tinged with a destructive power, like my dad had taught me. The monsters caught in its path withered and died.

[+3 exp]

Eirak sliced through the horde with ease, his sword slicing through armor and flesh alike. Thrain ran at them after activating his warrior talent, berserk. his axe cutting through flesh like paper, and keeping the monsters away from us. Kael darted between the monsters, his daggers Creating gashes on their skins. Lyrien made a dome of dark energy and was literally sucking out the souls of the rats.

With each kill, we got notifications:

- Monster Slain: +2 Experience Point
- Monster Slain: +2 Experience Point
- Monster Slain: +2 Experience Point

The fight continued on with us burning through mp faster and faster every minute, our auras glowing brighter as we fought, taking down monster after monster.

The boss room portal loomed before us, waiting for us to enter. But we had to clear this horde first.