Chapter 202: Going Home

    Derek sat in the middle of the final area of the dungeon. He was finally finished. With his most recent run through the dungeon, he reached level 171. Finally, being past level 170, he would no longer be able to enter the dungeon.

    He rubbed his temples. That wasnt near as bad as that mind potion that Roman had me drink. Derek had just finished going through the breakthrough for what he considered his third most important stat, Wisdom. I guess with my Endurance and Vitality like they are, I shouldnt expect much at the 1,000 point threshold. Derek shrugged and looked over his stats.

    Stats

    Strength

    Dexterity

    Endurance

    Vitality

    Intelligence

    Wisdom

    Stat Points Remaining

    825

    825

    1500 (???)

    1500 (???)

    825

    1000

    108

    With the new breakthrough in Wisdom, his mana pool was sitting at 15,000 points. Hed be able to go all out for much longer now. Well, if I meet something that can put me to the test. So far, Greater Meditation has been more than enough to keep my expenditure at a minimum.

    Strength and Dexterity turned out to be his most useless stats. Unfortunately, Derek didnt have any passive or active movement skills that he could use during battle to increase his speed, so he had to rely on his basic Strength and Dexterity stats for his speed. Fortunately, his low Strength and Dexterity didnt affect his battles too much, as he could always use Void Shift to slow down his surroundings and surprise his enemies.

    Dereks next plan was to get Intelligence up to its threshold. Because everything he did used elements, Intelligence would help his attacks pack a bigger punch. He hadnt needed it thus far, but since his two survival stats hit what seemed to be a hard cap, he could focus more on his other stats.

    Derek checked his skill points. I have 18 skill points I guess it wouldnt hurt to take near useless skill now. He received the Lesser Explorer Award a while ago, but because the reward that came with it wasnt too useful, and he wasnt sure about how rare skill points were going to be for him, he chose to let the skill reward sit. Now, he decided to take it.

    I probably should have picked it up a while ago, but that kind of speed has never been an issue. He thought as he focused on Lesser Traveler and the notification popped up.

    Enhanced Movement Speed

    The ability to move at a faster pace while out of combat. 1% increase in movement speed per level.

    Cost: 1 Skill Point

    Would you like to learn Enhanced Movement Speed?

    Derek used the single skill point to learn the skill.

    Enhanced Movement Speed Learned Successfully

    You can remove your hand now. The guard said.

    Thats it? Derek asked. The last time he did this, he had to answer a lot more questions.

    The guard nodded. Yes. As you are a resident of Savannah, we just had to confirm the truth.

    Thats great. Derek said.

    The entry fee is five gold. The guard said and reached out his hand.

    Of course. Derek thought. He waved his hand, and the gold coins fell into the palm of the guard.

    Along with the gold coins, the guard placed his hand on the tablet. The tablet glowed, then faded, then disappeared along with the currency.

    The guard looked up and smiled. If you stop at the gate next time, you can get a pass and wont have to pay the entry fee again.

    Noted. Derek said.

    You may enter.

    Derek nodded at the guards around the gate, then walked inside. It was late, so meeting Alanah was going to have to wait until the next day. Derek started running at a brisk pace. The city was big, so it was still going to take him a bit to get home.

    ***

    When Derek arrived at his shop, he unlocked the door and opened it. As soon as he stepped inside, a purple blur hit him right in the solar plexus. Derek lost his breath and coughed. I didnt even think it was possible to get the wind knocked out of me after my upgrades.

    Derek looked down at the little murder bunny on the floor, staring daggers at him. Ugh Silvi what was that for?

    Asshole! Silvis voice chimed inside Dereks head.

    What? What did I do? Derek was confused.

    Increased your Vitality and Endurance at the same time. I thought I was going to die. Her childlike voice said.

    Derek thought about what she said. Oh, no. I put both of my stats to 1499 at the same time originally. That would have put her stats over 1000 each at the same time. Derek thought about the struggle he went through when his stats hit 1000. Im so sorry. I wasnt thinking.

    Asshole. Silvi chirped again. Then she hopped onto Dereks head. Dont do that again.

    Next time, I promise to give it some time after I increase a stat to the point it will put you past the threshold. Derek comforted her. He thought about it. That would be just over 1100 points.

    Fine. You owe me tasty food. She said.

    Then Ill have to get you some tasty food tomorrow. I hear Alanahs in town.

    Beautiful, delicious lady came by asking when youll be back. Wants you to meet boss. Mal told her. Silvi said.

    Derek nodded. Where is everyone?

    All asleep except maniac. Maniac in basement.

    Maniac? Derek asked.

    Brandi. Shes a crafting maniac. And its not even Cooking. How can she do so much without a tasty reward? Shes a maniac. Silvi explained.

    I see. Derek said. I guess I better check on her. Derek closed and locked the door behind him. He would make sure Brandi was doing well before calling it a night himself. He hadnt rested in two weeks, and sleep sounded very good.