Previously on Global Game: I, the Necromancer, am the scourge...
Zi Liyuan commanded his Skeleton Army to defeat the dungeon BOSS, a Venomous Jungle Poison Scorpion. He gained significant experience and levels, advancing to LV9. He then used his experience points to enhance his attributes via cultivation techniques and upgraded his Skeleton Summoning skill, which doubled the number of skeletons he could summon and improved their stats.
Zi Liyuan did not hasten his departure from the dungeon; instead, he reactivated his attribute panel. He tapped the '+' symbol adjacent to the 'Skeleton Summoning' skill, electing to trigger Mutated Enhancement (2). [Do you wish to activate the Nether Crystal Core, consuming 1500 units of energy to perform Mutated (2) enhancement on "Skeleton Summoning"? Yes/No?] "Yes!" With Zi Liyuan's current 2000 points of Spiritual Energy and nine pathways for enhancement, he was already capable of meeting the initial two criteria. Though his Spiritual Energy recovery was sluggish, yielding merely 1 point every 10 minutes, he possessed the ability to replenish it directly with potions; this was more than adequate. The skill interface became veiled in a somber, gray-black mist for a brief moment before resolving itself within a mere 2 seconds. The skills listed in his interface expanded from two to three. The 'Skeleton Summoning' skill, akin to a tree's main trunk, underwent another mutation, sprouting a new branch: 'Summon Skeleton Archer.' [Summon Skeleton Archer（Level 2）]: Guiding spirits, this skill consumes 20 units of Spiritual Energy to summon two Skeleton Archers from the Netherworld Realm to serve you. (Note: A minuscule 0.01% chance exists to summon a Mutated Body Skeleton Archer) [Skeleton Archer] [Level]: Level 2 [Class]: Archer [Attributes]: Physical Damage 6 (+2), Physical Defense 3 (+2), Health 80 (+20). [Skill]: Double Shot [Combat Power]: 9 The stat increases were marginally superior to those of a Level 2 Skeleton Warrior template, explaining why the mutant enhancement demanded only an additional 500 energy points. Nevertheless, as ranged combatants, they provided a significant boost to the Skeleton Army. "There are 8 hours remaining until midnight. I must plan meticulously, head to the wilderness to grind mobs, and aim to return before 11 p.m. to squeeze in another run of the level 10 dungeons." To secure a position within the top 100 before the entrance examinations commenced, he had precisely seven days for leveling, making every second invaluable. Successfully completing an additional dungeon run would elevate him by at least one level compared to others, amplifying his advantage for the upcoming college entrance exams. Securing his pocket watch and consolidating all his summoned skeletons within the Necromancer's exclusive Undead space, Zi Liyuan logged out of the dungeon, reappearing precisely at the White Crane Academy's altar plaza. At this juncture, the expansive plaza had become eerily quiet, as most students had already completed their initial dungeon excursions and were either forming teams or venturing into the wilderness areas to hunt monsters. "Wow, big brother, you're already level 9; that's incredible! Could you take little sister along with you?" Zi Liyuan, who was preparing to depart, was taken aback when an attractive young lady unexpectedly approached him, her gaze fixed on him with evident admiration. "No time." With a stern expression, Zi Liyuan did not even grant a second glance to the girl, whose beauty score surpassed 8, and swiftly exited the plaza. Teaming up to escort girls was entirely out of the question! Assisting girls would only impede his leveling progression! Consequently, the responsibility of accompanying girls was best delegated to those sycophantic individuals! He was an elite talent, setting his sights on Dragon Academy; how could he possibly squander precious time on escorting females! White Crane Academy had thoughtfully arranged for round-the-clock transportation from the altar plaza to the wilderness leveling zones, operating continuously for the seven days spanning from Awakening Day until the conclusion of the college entrance examinations. Hastily boarding a bus that had already commenced its journey, Zi Liyuan had barely settled into a seat when the bus pulled away from White Crane Academy, heading towards the outdoor leveling territory designated for new job-transferring students. "Eh, Zi Liyuan, what are you doing here?" Across the aisle, a classmate expressed surprise at encountering him. Following Zi Liyuan's gaze, it became apparent that a total of five classmates were aboard the vehicle. "Zi Liyuan, didn't you switch to a hidden profession? Weren't you extended invitation cards by the nine major academies?" Classmate Wang Motuo inquired, regarding him with evident curiosity. Any student who received an invitation card typically had ample time to dedicate to leveling and did not need to engage in a race against the clock like those preparing for the college entrance examinations. "Pfft, Necromancer, a hidden profession indeed, but it seems the nine major academies are not particularly eager to recruit individuals associated with death this year." A mocking chuckle erupted, and Luo Kaize's jeering voice pierced the air, his expression filled with malicious glee. Individuals who underachieve often harbor envy towards those who excel, particularly those who surpass their peers. Such talents are frequently resented by a majority, explaining why Zi Liyuan possessed few friends, though he certainly had his share of adversaries. "Hmph, even if Zi Liyuan did not receive an invitation card, he could still secure a place by successfully passing the entrance examination," Wang Motuo retorted, his tone laced with indignation.
Young ladies naturally gravitated towards the exceptionally talented, particularly those from their own cohort. To boot, Zi Liyuan possessed a handsome countenance!
While this world reveres strength above all, good looks are a form of justice. Presented with identical choices, why would anyone choose an unsightly simpleton?
"Motuo speaks the truth, Liyuan, after all, possesses a hidden class, granting him a significantly greater edge. Moreover, Liyuan has already ascended to level 9," stated Shen Yuan, positioned beside Wang Motuo, casting a look of utter disdain towards Luo Kaize.
This individual, Luo Kaize, hailed from a somewhat influential background and frequently stirred up trouble within the school premises, accompanied by a retinue of ruffian companions, much to the dismay of numerous female students.
"What? Zi Liyuan, how could you have possibly reached level 9 so swiftly?!"
Luo Kaize, moments earlier sneering, abruptly swiveled his head to fixate on Zi Liyuan, his countenance contorted with incredulity.
It had only been a short while since everyone had undergone their class awakenings and transitions, barely having departed the hallowed grounds of White Crane Academy. The primary avenue for acquiring substantial experience points was none other than the inaugural expedition into the novice dungeon.
He himself had opted for the elite difficulty setting, yet he currently found himself merely at level 6.
Upon this realization, his expression darkened further, and his gaze, now directed at Zi Liyuan, betrayed even a flicker of apprehension.
Though he might be considered an underachiever, he was far from unintelligent. A moment's contemplation was sufficient to deduce the underlying reason.
Only through the successful clearing of a rare dungeon, especially one classified as extremely difficult, could one accumulate the immense experience necessary to catapult directly to level 9.
Any individual capable of conquering a rare dungeon on their very first attempt is hailed as a prodigy, eagerly sought after by all major academies. Their future accomplishments are destined to eclipse those of ordinary students.
Could the disparity between hidden classes and common classes truly be this vast?
Luo Kaize's interest in mocking others evaporated instantly, and he felt akin to a complete buffoon.
Shen Yuan, paying no heed to Luo Kaize, continued to address Zi Liyuan in a hushed tone.
"Liyuan, did you happen to know that Shen Yurou has switched to the lifestyle profession of Mechanic?"
"Yurou became a Mechanic? You mean like those who tighten bolts in factories?"
Zi Liyuan's head snapped around, his voice laced with disbelief as he turned to face Shen Yuan.
His past association with Shen Yurou was somewhat intricate; they both originated from the same orphanage, though their paths diverged dramatically.
Fortuitously, a chance encounter with Lady Luck allowed him to depart that place prematurely, embarking on a trajectory towards a life of prosperity.
Shen Yurou, the young woman in question, conversely, matured by solely relying upon her exceptional intellect.
However, she consistently harbored a competitive spirit towards him, primarily stemming from her inability to ever surpass him, from their first year right through to their third, as he invariably held a superior ranking.
It was entirely unforeseen that this usually resolute young woman would awaken and subsequently transition into a lifestyle profession.
