I grinned brightly, though my smile was a bit twisted—sigh, this skull-like face really does a disservice to what used to be my somewhat handsome looks.

"Whoosh!"

The Green Mantis King slashed with a blade, Dragon Rider watched, a cruel smile curling at the corner of his mouth. Suddenly, he leapt backward, and the BOSS’s slow but steady strike landed right at me.

"Using the knife to kill someone else?"

I couldn’t help but laugh. With a slight movement of my feet, I easily dodged the blow, and at the same time, my iron sword struck Dragon Rider’s chest with a glancing blow!

"72!"

After all, I’m a level 7 full-strength warrior. Dragon Rider clearly didn’t expect my attack to be so strong, nor did he expect my reaction and tactics to be so seasoned.

"Damn it, go to hell!"

Dragon Rider roared and thrust his spear again. I hurriedly dodged, but unfortunately, there was still nearly a one-second delay, so I was a bit slow and got hit.

"24!"

Dragon Rider was stunned. He quickly retreated out of the BOSS’s attack range, licked his lips, and said with a grin, "That armor’s not bad. I’ll be taking it."

I laughed too. "If you’re lucky enough to get it!"

The two of us circled the BOSS, constantly using positioning and interception techniques, each trying to push the other into the BOSS’s jaws. Dragon Rider’s reaction speed and control were both impressive. With my one-second delay, killing him was indeed quite difficult.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, I stumbled, losing my balance completely.

"Opportunity!"

Without hesitation, Dragon Rider lunged forward, his spear attacking like a raging dragon emerging from the sea.

My smile grew wider. Such a small flaw—does it really make you this happy? If it were a top player like 武神烛影乱, he definitely wouldn’t fall for it!

"Clang!"

My iron sword blocked his spear, and using his force, I flipped and kicked Dragon Rider hard on the shoulder. He shuddered all over and, at a beautiful angle, was sent straight into the arms of the Green Mantis King!

"Ah, you bastard!"

Dragon Rider was utterly shocked and furious. "I’ll be back! If you’ve got guts, don’t run!"

"Crack!"

The Green Mantis King’s deadly scissor hands instantly reaped Dragon Rider’s life, and even dropped that newbie spear. With an attack of 0-1, I naturally had no interest in it.

"Swish!"

With a tricky angle, my iron sword stabbed at the BOSS’s soft underjaw—fierce as could be!

"Slash!"

"101!"

Sure enough, the damage was quite high!

After landing a hit, I didn’t get greedy. I quickly retreated several steps, darted into the branches, and my iron sword struck out again like a viper!

"121!"

Another weak point hit!

In just two minutes of storm-like attacks, the Green Mantis King was already on the verge of death. With the defense of the Blackstone Armor, the BOSS couldn’t one-shot me, and thanks to the huge number of health potions I brought, I managed to hold out!

"Hiss hiss..."

With a miserable groan, the Green Mantis King finally collapsed limply to the ground.

"Ding~!"

System prompt: Congratulations on killing the Green Mantis King. You have gained 7,000 experience points and 40 reputation points!

……

"Swish!"

I leveled up twice in a row, now at level 9, ranking first on the experience leaderboard in this newbie village, while Dragon Rider, having died, dropped back to level 8 and lost the top spot.

Looking at the ground, there was a shining Great Magic Stone with a quality of 98 points—haha, I’ve struck it rich!

In addition, a green-glowing slender sword lay quietly in the grass—one of the two spoils left by the Green Mantis King, and it made my heart pound with excitement.

Chapter 8: Necromancy Power

With the momentum of a tiger pouncing on its prey—or a vicious dog snatching a turd—I dove into the grass and clutched the longsword tightly, tears streaming down my face: "Baby, I finally found you!"

Then, holding the longsword in my hand, I saw green vines wrapped around the hilt, the blade sharp and gleaming with a chilling green light. A cool sensation flowed into my palm. Checking the stats, it was indeed a treasure—

[Jungle Green Blade] (Blackstone Weapon)

Attack: 10-18

Strength: +4

Required Level: 8

……

Goodness, an attack power of 18—leaves the newbie sword in the dust! This Green Blade is just too strong. Given the current state of the newbie village, with this sword in hand, I can already laugh at all challengers.

Just then, a bell sounded from the sky—

"Ding~!"

System announcement (player Dragon Rider broadcast): Friends, I am the president of the Mad Dragon Guild. A night spirit creature has appeared in the Dawn Forest—a terrifying skeleton warrior, said to be a newly spawned BOSS in the newbie village, located in the southern part of Dawn Forest. Those with the strength, team up and go take him down.

……

I was slightly stunned. Dragon Rider sure is rich—a system broadcast costs 5,000 RMB per account, and this guy is actually willing to spend it?

And, this guy is so devious, making me out to be the BOSS—clearly trying to use others to do his dirty work.

I’m a player from the Dark Faction, and even my name appears red to them. Forget it, better not stir up more trouble. I’ve already made an enemy of the Mad Dragon Guild, and there’s no need to expand my list of foes. That would be unwise.