Hiding wasn't a viable option for Neon to choose. His abilities had their strengths, but they always had weaknesses. He couldn't simply rush to the nearest exit and use his eye to dodge and avoid the imps. If there wasn't a birth of an abnormal, he would've simply fled this place as he saw fit. Even if it sounded like a plan filled with a ton of risk, for someone like him, he already knew the outcome if he ever chose to flee.
4 days later
[System: The Guardian has used the spell called [Full Mental]. Anything within its range of effect has been affected. Mental irritations such as headaches, nightmares, and delusions. At some point, the targets will even experience being overly influenced and attack their allies in confusion.]
"Deflleus fungi, processed and completely powderized. This mushroom was said to produce a powerful scent that has a soothing aroma. What's dangerous about this mushroom being banned as a material for any scented product was its bizarre effects. Many people were seen to manifest unrealistic perceptions—things that seem real, except they're not."
Inside the area where he enveloped the forest with its provocative scent, Neon pointed his wand, injected it with mana, and cast an area-of-effect spell that caused the imps to scream.
[System: [Deflleus Fungi] & [Full Mental] have great synergy with one another. The Guardian's spell has increased the hallucinations of the fungi. The enhanced illusions have caused the hostile targets to become confused and initiate friendly fire.]
Overly cautious? Downright unfair? Coward?
These were the words the monsters cursed him with for using their own specialties against them. Neon found a sense of joy in easily besting his foes with knowledge. He might have developed an ego—but his ignorance and confidence weren't empty. They were backed by intelligence and an elite sense of warfare.
"Devouring leeches, obey my command! Appear before me and consume what stands in my way!!!"
An entire field filled with confused and screaming imps. Some regained their senses, only to be struck down by Neon's blade. Those lucky enough to escape were hunted by the poison lying dormant in his sword.
[System: You've killed a monster. The collected experience will now be given.]
As much as he wanted to use his newly created weapon of choice, his mana wasn't infinite. Those not occupied by his devouring leeches became prey for him to consume. He leapt into the air, powered by a leg-strengthening skill. With dexterity and blade-handling experience, he sliced through the chaos like an elegant dancer.
[System: Your excellent swordplay is increasing the rank of your [Sword Proficiency].
Sword Proficiency: The swing has no problem, and the power or control has no such faults. We suggest you work more on your footwork since it's the foundation of swordplay.]
"Magic Edge... Grant my blade increased sharpness and penetration."
People always asked him: how could someone with a production class be on par with a combatant? Did he rely on potions? Did he use support skills to boost others?
To be frank—he learned to survive through experience.
"Graaaah!!!"
The imps found no openings in his form. No sneak attacks could reach him. His focus was singular—his enemies.
There were no hidden skills or alternate classes in alchemy. It was always seen as a production-only class.
So how was Neon able to fight like this?
Classes determined the outcome of a Guardian's role. They unlocked a skill tree, seen as essential—but restrictive, preventing acquisition of unrelated skills.
"Eyes of the Abyssal Tiger, grant me your skill: Golden Flash."
His body was engulfed by golden energy, activating a state that enhanced movement and sensory perception. Using this speed, he pounced on another enemy and repeated the cycle.
To an outside observer, even without his homunculus abilities, Neon moved like a combatant.
If the system limited skill acquisition—how?
The answer: it didn't stop people from learning things on their own.
'It was hard. The process was long. But with persistence, one could acquire skills manually. Everyone thought this method was useless—it hindered a Guardian's development. If only they knew I created this method… it would've become a trend. But I never disclosed it. The world is too messed up. I didn't want others to risk their lives trying to master what I did.'
Days passed as Neon interfered with the imps' conquest of nearby territories. Though they adapted, they couldn't keep up. His wit and combat hours overwhelmed even experienced monsters.
[System: The Devouring Leeches' hunger has been satisfied. Due to it being the same flesh they've consumed for five days, the taste is no longer fresh. This lowers the stat gain. Instead of the regular amount, you've gained 5 stat points in Mana and Intelligence. Originally 9 points were possible; the reduction is 4.]
"I've never seen this before... Looks like I need to feed it something else next time. Devouring Leeches, gather every item from the corpses you swallowed."
Apart from halting their expansion, he also thinned their military forces. Still, he hadn't forgotten why he remained in their territory. Five days ago, he wouldn't have dared challenge the abnormal's manifestation.
[Neon LVL 29
Title: Defier of Fate, First Blood, Super Rookie, Demon Hunter
Race: Homunculus
Abilities: Golden Abyssal Eye, Behemoth Scales, Devouring Leech, Thornerus Bone Structure
Stats: Health 83 | Attack 66 | Int 92 | Luck 75 | Dex 42 | Speed 70 | Defense 53 | Stamina 45 | Mana 87
Skills: Alchemical Knowledge (SSS+), Empower (F+), Crafting (F-), Herb Gathering (F-), Brewery (D+), Sword Proficiency (E+), Ailment Boost (D-), Physical Resistance (F+), Mental Resistance (E+), Green Thumb (F-), Vine Manifestation (F-), Magical Resistance (F-)]
"It's time... I've finally accumulated the strength needed to handle a powerful adversary. Judging by how it's only influencing its kind, I can deduce it manifested recently. No external signs of power boosts, which means it's internal. Abnormals act like mini orbs of catastrophe, but their influence is local to their species."
Once he gathered every item from his leeches, he set off toward the deepest part of the Forest of Illusion—a place where beauty masked deadly illusions.
Its serene appearance could fool anyone. But it was a killing ground, filled with traps veiled in magic. His eye—a calamity's relic—was the key to survival.
[System: You've entered the deepest area of the Forest of Illusion.
Information: A place filled with traps hidden in illusions. Monsters here are deadly and possess illusion traits, allowing them to hide their presence or affect your mind.]
But something the system didn't warn him about was the overwhelming pressure.
As he stepped deeper, the environment shifted. The forest's beauty rotted away, revealing a horrifying truth—bones of countless races littered the ground, forming a ghastly landscape.
"...Haaa... Let's get this over with..."
He could still move despite the pressure. That was enough. He entered the forest's heart—where the nightmare awaited.