Era of Players: Death God

Reaching the top of a small hill, Noah gratefully leaned against the rough bark of a solitary tree. The cool breeze mingled with warm sunlight did little to ease the throbbing pain in his shoulder, a constant reminder of his earlier audacity. He closed his eyes, the image of the orc chieftain's final, astonished expression flashing behind his eyelids.

The monster even smiled in the end, indicating satisfaction with the outcome. Noah indulged in one last brutal dance, a fitting tribute to the orc's culture. And for that, he couldn't be more grateful.

Just as Noah was about to rest he heard the system's notification because he had finally reactivated the system's notification.

{You have obtained 300% EXP}

{Level Up!}

{Level Up!}

{Level Up!}

[You have reached the Expert Rank!]

{New Exclusive Skill obtained: Lord of the Night!}

[Lord of Night: You have become the Lord of Night.

You have earned the ability to communicate with nocturnal animals.

During night, your surpression on other beings is stronger.

During Night time your existence wouldn't be easily noticed.

During night time your Mana, Speed, Strength, and Recovery would slightly increase.]

Noah's jaw hit the ground upon reading the new exclusive skill description. It was a broken skill, a power-up tailored especially for him.

His bloodied face bore a predatory grin that crept across his features, unhurried and menacing. With the night as his realm, he became the ruler of shadows. The entire world, regardless of who they were, became his adversaries, destined to quiver in fear before the fearsome Angel of Death.

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Under the shroud of darkness, he would transform into a chilling specter, striking terror into the hearts of all who encountered him.

''Ah! Though I haven't yet reached my ultimate goal, I am gradually building my strength. Soon, I will embark on a quest for answers. But for now, I shall allocate the 6 Stat points I have earned evenly to increase my Mana, aiming for the milestone of 100. Additionally, I will invest the remaining 3 points into Intelligence, striving to reach the mark of 90.''

Noah wasted no time and promptly distributed his 6 Stat points as planned. After doing so, he eagerly checked his status window, a satisfied grin forming on his face. He was pleased to see that most of his stats were well-balanced, a favorable outcome indeed.

■Status Window

Name: Noah Adler

Rank: Expert

Level 42

Class: Angel of Death

Title: Goblin Slayer

◇◇◇◇◇

☆Stats☆

Mana: 100

Strength: 108

Intelligence: 90

Dexterity: 108

Luck: 83

Stat Points: 0

Coins: 3060G

◇◇◇◇◇

☆Skills☆

Common Skill: {Basic Swordsmanship},{Basic Close Combat} {Presence Detection} {Master of Weapons} {Mana's Armor Lvl 1} {Shadow Steps Level 1} {Blood Flowers} {Splitting Ripple Slash LVl 1} {Fangs of Insanity} {Flame Art} {Telekinesis Lv1}

Exclusive Skills: {Seal of Death} {Night of Death} {Lord of the Night}

◇◇◇◇◇

☆Runes ☆

{Basic Strength},{Basic Speed} {Angel of Death}

■

Exhaustion had been a relentless beast, gnawing at Noah's every fiber just moments ago. However, the triple level-up he had experienced washed over him like a rejuvenating wave, banishing the bone-deep ache that had plagued him. In its place, a pleasant thrum of newfound power coursed through his veins, invigorating him.

Most of his injuries had miraculously healed, although the lingering scent of sweat, blood, and burnt flesh served as a grim reminder of the brutal battle he had fought.

Glancing at his phone, Noah confirmed what he had suspected – it was well past four in the afternoon. With a slight grimace at his disheveled state, he realized that taking a bath should take precedence over scouting for enemies at the moment. Fortunately, Noah had the foresight to acquire a rough map of the area before embarking on his mission, a stroke of luck that now felt like a godsend.

Double-checking the map on his phone, Noah nodded in satisfaction. A shimmering blue dot marked a freshwater lake located three kilometers to the east of his current position. It was the perfect destination for a much-needed respite. With a renewed spring in his step, Noah shouldered his pack and set off towards the lake, anticipation coursing through him.

Nestled three kilometers east of the smoldering ruins of the orc village, the lake shimmered like a forgotten jewel amidst the war-torn landscape. Sunlight, dappled by the leaves of towering pines that fringed the shore, danced on the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow.

The air around the lake carried a crisp, clean scent, a welcome change from the acrid smoke and metallic tang of blood that had clung to Noah since the battle. The water itself was a clear, inviting turquoise, the bottom visible in the shallow areas, revealing a smooth carpet of polished stones.

On the opposite shore, a cluster of weeping willows dipped their graceful branches towards the water, their leaves whispering secrets in the gentle breeze.

The three-kilometer trek to the lake felt more like a leisurely stroll for Noah, his body invigorated by the recent level-up. He pushed through the final stand of pines, and the sight that greeted him stole his breath away for a moment.

Nestled amidst the ravaged landscape, the lake shimmered like a forgotten jewel. Sunlight danced on its turquoise surface, dappled by the leaves of towering pines that fringed the shore. The air vibrated with a clean, crisp scent, a stark contrast to the acrid smoke and metallic tang of blood that had clung to Noah since the battle.

A relieved sigh escaped his lips. This was exactly what he needed. With a practiced motion, he tossed his backpack into his ever-convenient Item Box, following suit with his ruined clothes. Naked as the day he was born, Noah took a running leap towards the water's edge.

''Here I come!"

He hit the surface with a resounding splash, a sound that echoed through the stillness like a child's joyous laughter. A surprised bark erupted from somewhere behind him, but Noah paid it no mind. He threw his head back, a genuine laugh bubbling up from his chest. It was a strange sound, almost out of place in the midst of such devastation, but it was a sound of pure, unadulterated joy.

Perhaps the first genuine laugh he'd allowed himself in a long time.

The water was surprisingly cool against his heated skin, washing away the grime and sweat of battle. Noah dunked his head underwater, letting the cleansing chill seep into his very core. As he surfaced, taking a deep breath of the crisp air, he felt a sense of calm settle over him for the first time since arriving at the orc village.

The weight of the battle, the death and destruction, all seemed to recede a little further into the background.

For now, there was just the cool water, the whispering wind, and the sound of his own laughter echoing through the serene landscape. A small moment of peace for him to enjoy.

Forty-five minutes melted away in a blissful haze as Noah reveled in the cool embrace of the lake. He submerged himself, letting the water cleanse away the physical and mental grime of battle. He emerged, laughing like a child, the sound echoing through the serene landscape. This was a rare moment of normalcy, a stolen breath of peace amidst the chaos.

Finally, with a sigh of contentment, Noah pulled himself from the water. He exited the lake, his body invigorated and his spirit lighter. Reaching into his ever-reliable Item Box, he retrieved a fresh set of clothes – a stark contrast to the blood-stained rags he'd discarded.

These new garments were a practical choice, a testament to his dual nature. Crafted from the hide of a slain monster, the black pants and matching top were supple yet incredibly durable. The material held a faint sheen, catching the sunlight at odd angles and hinting at the power it held within its deceptively soft fibers.

Dressed and feeling decidedly more human again, Noah surveyed his reflection in the water's still surface. The golden glint in his eyes remained, a constant reminder of his purpose. But a hint of something else flickered there too – a flicker of amusement, perhaps, at the unexpected joy he'd found in a simple swim.

Hunger gnawed at Noah's stomach, a stark reminder of his physical needs amidst the chaos that surrounded him. Delving into his ever-present Item Box, he retrieved something unexpected – a small, dented metal tin, deviating from the usual trail rations a warrior would carry.

A genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he opened the tin, revealing a sight that seemed out of place in the midst of carnage.

Nestled inside were a dozen or so homemade cookies, their golden brown surface adorned with chocolate chips. The aroma that wafted up was warm, sweet, and undeniably comforting. It carried with it a pang of nostalgia, transporting Noah back to a time of innocence and simplicity, before the weight of war and death became his constant companions.

Beside the tin, a small, tightly wrapped package sat, emitting a crinkling sound as Noah picked it up. Unwrapping it revealed a single chocolate chip cookie, identical to those in the tin, but wrapped with care as if it were a precious gift. And nestled between the cookies was a chilled can of soda, its surface glistening with condensation.

Noah stared at the unexpected bounty before him, a mix of amusement and something deeper stirring within him. It was a flicker of warmth, defying the coldness that usually resided within his heart. Who would have thought that a simple tin of cookies and a can of soda could hold such power?

With utmost care, Noah unwrapped the single cookie, the familiar scent of chocolate and vanilla enveloping his senses. Taking a bite, he closed his eyes, savoring the taste that transported him to a time before his transformation, before the weight of the world settled upon his shoulders. It was a simple pleasure, a fleeting moment of normalcy amidst a world gone mad.

As he finished the cookie, Noah popped open the can of soda and took a sip, the cool liquid providing a refreshing respite.