-42

A four-legged monster caught me off guard and got the first strike on me. I was surprised how much damage a normal attack of it has done to me. My shirt got stained red when I looked over the place I got hit after retreating.

Compared to last time, the volume of blood that resulted from this stinging pain was much lesser than before. Lowering the blood graphic was really a good idea. Now I can focus in front of me without getting weirded out.

[Lv. 11 Fanged Vermin]

I got a better view of the furry monster before it launched another attack at me.

It was more than twice my level and far within my capabilities if I fight it one on one in a fair fight. I had no choice but to retreat back to where I came from and hope that it would not follow me outside.

When the sound of chasing footsteps stopped, I took a breather in the darkness.

+4

+4

I was about to return when I noticed things are getting warmer. It was then followed by the regeneration of my health. There was only one explanation why this is happening, so I checked what time is it. True to it, it was currently a minute past six.

Passive skill Moonlight Blessing began to take its effect. Having the best skill for solo hunting activate, I proceed carefully with full health once again.

'The Fanged Vermin should be far away from me to get its aggro, I think.'

Just to be safe, I sneaked slowly outside its vision and look for a safer place to scout everything. Just like the post in NWF, the number of patrolling monsters could be counted with all my fingers.

I know that there may be more since the cave goes deeper and the description of Moonshire according to Luna was nowhere to be seen. From her words, Moonshire should have a garden, but there were no pieces of evidence of any garden here.

Although the crescent flowers can be found littered all over the ground. This must be how the forum poster was able to get the flowers.

Deeper into this will be uncharted territory.

By logic standpoint, if I went further in right now, I would meet stronger enemies than the ones I see right now. I guess it would be for the best to tackle some and gain some levels before I continue with my quest.

I wanted to see if I can take advantage of the terrain like I did last time during my first goblin hunt. Those Fanged Vermin look like they can't climb walls, so like a rock climber, I found a spot that can be used to abuse a singled out Vermin.

Using the environment for an advantage was the thing I learned during my week of movement training before the launching of New World. So, finding spots like this is almost easy.

I got me an advantageous position after climbing 4 meters above the ground. Those meter long Vermin should not be able to reach me hopefully.

Since I found my spot, I took my bow from my back and I aimed down to the nearest target I saw.

-11

"Geh! Such insignificant damage for a critical hit."

"Rapid Shot"

-4

-2

-2

-2

-4

With its head facing at me, it was now easier to aim for the vital spots even after using a skill. It was my first time using an active skill and I might say that I am quite satisfied with its results although this fight would take ages. But with no other option, I rain down arrows one by one.

It looks quite friendly now that I see it up close.

"This feels weird hurting this thing. If it were cleaner and groomed well, it could make fo- Oh no!"

The tone of my voice suddenly went up when I was adoring the Vermin. The reason for it because its claws penetrated the rock wall and started climbing.

Its sudden action made me panic. I should have expected this, but a part of me was hoping that it could not do it. Now I am stuck here 4 meters above the ground and if I jump right now, an angry Vermin would be welcoming me.

Even during my current predicament, I did not stop pulling my bow. While it was slowly climbing its way towards me, I was thinking of my next move. My situation is straight out of a horror film if you swap the cute furry monster with a creepy looking monster.

While I was brainstorming, it was now under my feet.

-18

Using its claws, it was able to scratch my leg dealing lesser damage than when it wounded my torso a while ago. There was a slight problem though, or rather a fortunate occurrence.

That attack of the Fanged Vermin uses its two paws to reach me. Its desperate attempt to deal damage to me resulted in losing its grip and falling spectacularly back to the ground.

I chuckled when I saw what happened. There something funny about these kinds of animals looking stupid after stupid actions.

Although it did not give up and tried once more, this time I timed the speed of the Vermin. It took at least ten seconds before it is under my feet again, so I decided to climb a few more meters after a simple calculation in my head.

8 meters above should be enough to neglect any damage this guy will be dealing. Without my newly acquired Moonlight Blessing, this would be impossible to do. Now I have that figured out, it took me ten minutes to kill this pest finally.

[Level Up]

[5 Stat Points Remaining]

[Lv. 11 Fanged Vermin will not respawn because the player has the quest "A Beautiful Garden".]

"Monster in this part of the cave also counts!? So, any further in would be part of the quest? Damn, I hope this cave does not go any deeper or else I would be stuck here for days!"

This revelation dampened my spirits considering I just levelled up. I do not know if I should be happy or sad about this. I am glad I found an easy spot to level up but imagining myself stuck here for days is crazy even if it is a beautiful place.

This is the absolutely true definition of grinding.

I teared up as I aimed for the next Fanged Vermin.