The streets of Gaia City felt different now.
The atmosphere seemed lighter and more vibrant, as if the universe itself recognized his success in the Haunted Cave.
NPCs that had previously only nodded at passing players now greeted him with warm smiles, some even addressing him by name.
"Ah, Zack! I heard about your amazing accomplishments! If you have a moment, I could use your help with a task," a shopkeeper called out.
Zack blinked in surprise as he heard the shopkeeper's voice.
So, my reputation improved after clearing the dungeon, he thought, a slight smile forming on his face.
The shopkeeper motioned for him to approach.
He outlined a straightforward delivery quest: transporting a few supplies to a village outpost, nothing perilous but enough for 1 silver coins and some experience. Zack eagerly accepted.
You never know where this could lead, he mused. One way or another, I'll have to explore it eventually.
After a moment, Zack decided to visit the City Market, where players and NPCs were selling gear and skills, to see if anything caught his interest.
I can't rely on being just a priest forever, not when Rin's on a different server, he contemplated.
Rushing in like a melee fighter doesn't quite fit this class either. I need to find a balance… something that aligns with my play style.
He had a general idea of what build would suit him.
Before long, he arrived at the marketplace. The blend of magic thrums and metallic clangs mixed with the lively chatter of adventurers and NPCs advertising rare items.
Zack's gaze swept across the stalls— each merchant specializing in various skills, catering to the six main classes that could eventually evolve into diverse classes like warlock or berserker…which were currently not available.
Priest Vendor – Sister Linra
A serene figure in flowing robes waved him over, her stall glowing faint green.
Skill: Divine Barrier — Creates a protective shield for 10 seconds, absorbs 200 damage. Mana Cost: 25 MP | Cooldown: 20 sec
Skill: Purify — Removes all debuffs from an ally. Mana Cost: 20 MP
Price: 2 Gold Coins per skill
"Only the disciplined may wield these, young priest," she said with a calm smile.
Zack noted the synergy with healing and defense — especially Divine Barrier.
And Purify is a must for priest (he thought to himself).
Without it, no one would even consider me for a party… not that I really need one to level anyway. He gave a small shrug and turned away from the priest vendor, lets see what other stalls might have in store.
Mage Class Vendor – Arlin the Wise
A tall, thin man with a staff that shimmered constantly, his stall littered with glowing scrolls.
Skill: Ice Lance — Deals 120% magic damage and slows enemy by 30% for 5 sec. Mana Cost: 10 MP | Cooldown: 2 sec
Skill: Arcane Surge — Boosts magic attack by 25% for 30 sec. Mana Cost: 10 MP | Cooldown: 1min
Skill: Chain Lightning — 150% magic damage bouncing to up to 3 enemies. Mana Cost: 20 MP | Cooldown: 10 sec
Arlin chuckled, "Only those who respect the elements will see their true power."
Zack's eyes lingered — the Ice Lance could give him control over enemy movement.
And the arcane surge for dmg boost and chain lightening as AoE spell
Assassin Vendor – Shadow Whisper
Cloaked entirely in black, barely visible, with daggers floating around her stall.
Skill: Backstab — Deals 200% physical damage if hitting from behind. Cooldown: 12 sec
Skill: Smoke Veil — Become untargetable for 3 seconds. Cooldown: 20 sec
Skill: Venom Strike — Adds 50 poison damage per second for 5 sec. Cooldown: 15 sec
Price: 2 Gold Coins per skill
Her voice was a whisper, "Precision, timing… and patience. That is power."
Zack made a mental note; if he ever experimented with stealth or mixed playstyles, these could be deadly.
Archer Vendor – Rina Swiftarrow
A lithe woman balancing a bow across her shoulder, quivers brimming with enchanted arrows.
Skill: Piercing Shot — Deals 150% physical damage, ignores 25% enemy armor. Cooldown: 10 sec
Skill: Rain of Arrows — Deals 100% physical damage to up to 5 enemies in an area. Cooldown: 15 sec
Skill: Eagle Eye — Increases accuracy and crit chance by 20% for 15 sec. Cooldown: 20 sec
She winked, "Aim true and the world bends to your arrows."
Zack smiled faintly, while archers weren't his class, the area-effect skills like Rain of Arrows intrigued him as possible support strategies.
Fighter Vendor – Torren Ironfist
A broad man with a massive sword, scars crisscrossing his arms, the stall exuding raw strength.
Skill: Earthquake Slam — Deals 200% physical damage to enemies in a radius, knocks them down. Cooldown: 18 sec | Mana: 35
Skill: Berserker Rage — Increases attack by 40% for 10 sec, reduces defense by 20%. Cooldown: 25 sec | Mana: 30
Skill: Shield Breaker — Deals 150% damage to a single target, ignores 50% defense. Cooldown: 12 sec | Mana: 20
Torren grinned, "Power is nothing without control. Choose wisely."
Zack's tactical mind registered each skill: Shield Breaker could be handy against high-defense monster and PvP.
Defender Vendor – Lady Verida
Clad in shining armor, with a tower shield displayed in front, her stall radiating safety.
Skill: Fortify — Increase own physical defense by 50% for 15 sec. Cooldown: 200 sec | Mana: 25
Skill: Taunt — Forces all enemies in range to target you for 10 sec. Cooldown: 15 sec | Mana: 20
Skill: Iron Wall — Reduces incoming damage by 30% for 10 sec for self and nearby allies. Cooldown: 300 sec | Mana: 30
Lady Verida bowed slightly, "Strength protects not just oneself but those around you."
Zack's gaze paused briefly, even though he was not tank he was impressed with skill description. .
Both players and NPCs were busy hustling, exchanging strategies and selling unique skills, all finely tuned to their character classes. The marketplace was more than just a collection of goods, it was a vibrant ecosystem
He went over all the stats again, from damage and mana cost to cooldowns and special abilities.
The world seemed extensive, lively and slightly perilous because every decision he made was entirely his own.
With strategic planning, he could enhance his character, boost his magical powers and take on more challenging dungeons either solo or with companions.
The possibilities stretched out before him like a vast map, with countless paths diverging in every direction, each offering something unique. A wiser selection here, a better skill there and the adventure ahead could become easier, safer and more rewarding.
Zack finally understood what true freedom in the game felt like. No quests dictated his subsequent actions and no glowing arrows directed him on where to go next.
As he left the marketplace, the sun was setting behind the mountains of Gaia, with lanterns beginning to glow and spilling golden light across the cobblestones. The City pulsated with life, bustling.
Zack opened his skill panel and noticed that his Heal's profiency has increased by 20%, while Detect increased by 15%, bringing both closer to their next tier of power.
After careful consideration, he had made his choices. If he intended to play solo and specifically as a priest, a role designed for teamwork, he needed to abandon conventional thinking.
Zack also noticed the game had almost no restrictions; a mage could cast Divine Barrier and a priest could use some of the mage's spells. The only condition was that they had to be a magic class.
He decided he could play as a Battle Priest. That way, he wouldn't have to worry about taking damage and he could heal himself whenever needed. He could even purify status ailments—in fact, he wouldn't need a priest at all, since he was effectively one for now."
And who knows, the game might have ways to make up for his low HP and frail defenses, letting him excel at solo play.
Then he thought back to skills he needed for that-
From Sister Linra, he bought:
Skill: Divine Barrier
Skill: Purify
From Arlin the Wise, he acquired:
Skill: Ice Lance
Skill: Arcane Surge
Skill: Chain Lightning
And he also brought a dagger (uncommon) from a player for 40 silver coin and some minor- health and mana potion, each restoring 100 HP/mana respectively .. that left him around 2 golds coins.
Zack opened his status window.
He could equip 7 main items: helmet, armor, pant, gauntlet, boots, cloak and a weapon; melee class got eight slot for a shield.
Accessories allowed five slots: one amulet, two rings, two loops. Only armor, weapon and boots had active skills; the rest just boosted stats or skills effect.
Class: Priest
Level: 3
HP: 240/ 240
MP: 160/ 160
Magic Attack Power: 55-62
Equipped Items:
Runeblade Dagger (Uncommon)
Weapon Type: Dagger
Magic Attack Power: 30–37
Stats: +10 INT
Wind Boots Lv.2 (Uncommon) — +20 HP, (+20 Agility for 20s, CD 1 min)
Ring of Minor Vitality — +10 HP, +50% Healing Rate
Titles:
Pioneer of Loot (+10 HP and +1 DEF per chest opened)
Zack then tested how much his INT could boost his magical prowess and mana. With a thoughtful glance at his status window, he added a single point to INT.
Zack – Priest (Level 3)
HP: 240 / 240 | MP: 165 / 165
Magic Attack Power: 57.5–64.5 | INT: 11
"I see… so each INT gives +2.5 Magic Attack and +5 MP," he muttered, eyes narrowing as numbers flickered across the HUD.
Glancing at his remaining 39 unassigned stat points, a ghost of a smirk crossed his face.
Without hesitation, he funneled every point into INT.
Zack – Priest (Level 3)
HP: 240 / 240 | MP: 360 / 360
Magic Attack Power: 155-162| INT: 50
The sun had already dipped below the horizon and the moon cast its soft glow, reflecting the light of the stars.
Zack stepped through the city gates, a strange anticipation settled over him, he was eager to see what his active skills could really do.
His delivery mission was simple enough: take a crate of supplies to a small outpost a few kilometers east. But for Zack, simple meant opportunity. It was the perfect chance to try Ice Lance, Chain Lightning, Arcane Surge and Divine Barrier in real situations.
The path to the outpost wound through a lightly wooded stretch. Crickets hummed in the underbrush, pale moonlight filtered through the leaves and the faint shimmer of mana in the air reminded him that this was VR world.
His calm gaze swept through the jungle, noting the dense foliage, winding vines and the occasional calls of distant wildlife.
Zack activated Arcane Surge, a soft, bluish glow tracing the outlines of his robes. His veins buzzed with magical energy, his spells had just become 25% more powerful.
Up ahead, three Level 3 Goblin Scouts dashed across the path, oblivious to the formidable priest approaching. Calm and composed, Zack raised his hand and concentrated on the nearest target.
"Ice Lance" A shard of crystalline energy burst from his fingertips, striking the lead goblin. Numbers floated in the air: -238 HP.
The goblin staggered and slowed, attempting to escape but moving feebly.
Without hesitation, Zack turned to the second goblin.
Another precise Ice Lance struck, leaving a glowing mark on its chest.
-234 HP — it reeled backward, dazed.
The third goblin lunged recklessly. Ice Lance! Another icy magical shard hit its mark. -240 HP.
The scouts were disoriented, all slowed, their movements awkward and unsteady. Zack's attention shifted to his other skill, Chain Lightning was primed.
Sparks leapt from his fingertips, electricity crackling between the disoriented goblins. Lead Goblin: 293 damage
— Second Goblin: 295 damage
— Third Goblin: 297 damage
The path was cleared but a greater danger appeared: a Level 4 Goblin Warrior, axe raised, charging forward with brute force.
Zack remained unfazed. He activated Divine Barrier, the shimmering shield absorbing the warrior's initial swing with a resounding clang. 200 damage was negated, his expression didn't change in the slightest.
Stepping back, his manoeuvre precise. He raised his hand Ice Lance.
The crystal spear flew, nailing the goblin warrior square in the chest. –238
The creature stumbled, rage burning in its eyes.
Before it could recover, Zack unleashed another. –234!
The goblin froze mid-step. Ice spread across its body as its HP dropped to zero and it collapsed, the freezing effect lingering on its frame.
Level 4 Goblin Warrior – Defeated
EXP Gained: +100