Chapter 38

For the entire next day, Luolin and his two companions quickened their pace as they traveled.

Due to various reasons, their speed wasn't actually very fast, because sometimes they inevitably wasted some time, which was unavoidable.

Along the way, they encountered quite a few monsters, but since they were still in the outer areas, Luolin could still manage to deal with them.

Through combat, Luolin gradually gained experience and his level steadily increased. At this rate, it wouldn't be long before he should reach the level required for class advancement.

However, as they continued deeper, it indeed became increasingly difficult, and the monsters they encountered were gradually getting stronger.

For example, right now, Luolin was facing a level 12 Stone Giant alone.

This type of monster was entirely composed of hard rock, said to have mutated due to the influence of magic power. Of course, Luolin had no interest in how it was formed; he only wanted to know where this thing's weakness was.

Luolin held that stick-like wooden rod, swinging it heavily like a baton, but it had no effect whatsoever.

Instead, the recoil force made Luolin's hand ache, and only then did he understand what "force is mutual" meant.

"Damn it, this is way too hard! What the hell is this thing made of?"

Luolin complained helplessly, but this couldn't increase his attack power.

Since Luolin's attack had no effect, his enemy naturally wouldn't stop because of it. The Stone Giant raised its huge fist high and smashed it down hard.

Luolin quickly dodged to the side, and a huge crater appeared right where he had been standing, completely smashed out.

This Stone Giant's strength value was as high as 300, which was clearly no joke. Combined with its height of at least three meters, its oppressive presence was overwhelming.

"Tsk..."

Luolin sighed helplessly as he was continuously forced to retreat by the Stone Giant.

This thing had thick skin, high defense, and high attack power—it was simply impossible to deal with!

Before long, Luolin was backed into a corner, with a huge tree stump blocking his way behind him. There was no escape.

"Hey, any system will do, is there any good solution?"

Luolin had no choice but to seek help from his systems, but he received no answer.

"Why aren't you saying anything at a time like this! Wait, didn't you say before that you could unleash the true effect of this special weapon?"

[Master, I didn't lie to you, but that requires upgrading the "Affection Card."]

"It costs points?"

[That's right, you don't have enough points. No loan, goodbye.]

"Damn, you're screwing me over again?"

Luolin finally understood that every action of these two systems was all for the sake of points.

Even when they gave Luolin something, they were just finding ways to make Luolin accumulate points.

However, what Luolin should prioritize dealing with right now was the enemy before him.

The Stone Giant raised both arms, red light emanating from its two circular eyes, then it smashed down suddenly, without any pause or hesitation.

Just when Luolin was at a loss, suddenly a figure blocked in front of him.

It was actually Shirna.

"Master, run quickly!"

While saying this, Shirna used her body to shield Luolin. Luolin was stunned for a moment, but the urgent situation forced him to react quickly.

Luolin grabbed Shirna, picked her up, and charged straight toward the Stone Giant.

Finally, he slipped right through the Stone Giant's crotch. Only then did the Stone Giant belatedly launch its attack, directly destroying that huge tree stump.

"That was close..."

Cold sweat had already formed on Luolin's forehead. Fortunately, this Stone Giant was very slow and its reactions were quite sluggish, otherwise it would have been disastrous.

"What were you thinking, just rushing up like that!"

Luolin said helplessly to Shirna, whose expression showed fear, but she didn't seem to regret what she had just done.

"It's useless even if you block in front of me. Can you block a fist bigger than Big Head Son's head?"

Luolin was quite helpless. He was indeed surprised that Shirna would come up to shield him, but that was essentially suicide—it served no purpose other than adding another casualty.

The stone giant slowly turned around. It looked at Luolin and Shirna, the red light in its eyes flickering once more as it lifted its foot and stomped down.

Luolin quickly grabbed Shirna and rolled to dodge, but they fell to the ground in the process. Before they could get up, the stone giant's fist followed immediately.

"Damn it..."

Luolin was truly at a loss for what to do, but just at that moment—

"Whirling Slash!"

Ailuka, holding a longsword, spun several times in mid-air before striking down furiously. The hard rock was actually split open directly by her.

With a loud crash, the stone giant turned into a pile of rubble, its body disintegrating the moment the red light in its eyes dissipated.

Ailuka flicked her flame-red long hair, breathed a sigh of relief, then sheathed her sword gracefully. Only then did her gaze turn toward Luolin.

To be precise, toward Luolin and Shirna embracing each other.

For some reason, a strange emotion suddenly arose in her heart, an emotion that made her irritable.

I was here first!