Level 3 now, with both attack and defense slightly enhanced—it's time for me to challenge higher-level monsters!

At this point, with 7-9 attack, I can deal up to 8 damage to a level 3 wild dog. It takes less than ten strikes to finish off a level 3 monster, and my leveling speed is absolutely unmatched by those newbies killing chickens at the village entrance.

I continued toward the hillside behind the woods. The road was eerily quiet—so much so that I couldn't even see the shadow of a single wild dog!

Chapter 8: Challenge

A distant wolf howl made me both excited and a little scared. After all, this game is so realistic—who wouldn't be afraid when facing a real, live wolf?

Mangy Wild Wolf

Level: ???

Attack: ???

Defense: ???

Strange, I can't see this monster's level. It's not a BOSS, so could it be that its level is just way higher than mine?

Next to the wild wolf, a patch of tomato plants was bearing plump fruit. Even from afar, I could smell their fragrance. Keep in mind, I've set my taste and pain systems to 10%, and I can still smell it—no idea if the tomatoes are just that fragrant or if my nose is just that sensitive.

As usual, I gripped my sword and charged!

"4!"

The bright red number was glaring—I only took 4 HP from it? Its health bar barely budged, but when it swiped at me, the pain almost made me cry out. I checked my health bar—one hit took away 15 HP! With my current 100 HP, there's no way I can win a head-on fight!

I quickly pulled back and ran. At this moment, my speed was no slower than Brian Miller, but the wild wolf was hot on my heels, attacking me again and again. Clearly, its speed seemed to have surpassed Brian Miller!

"Whew!"

The wild wolf finally gave up and turned back. Looking at the pitiful 4 HP left on my health bar, my heart was in my throat. If the wolf hit me one more time, I'd probably have to start over from level 2! (Accidental death drops 1 level, PK death drops 2 levels)

What should I do? Am I really going to give up the quest because of this beast?

After thinking it over, I still couldn't accept it. I walked back, watching the wild wolf from a distance as it lazily scratched at its fleas.

"Beast!"

I cursed under my breath, quietly circling around the wild wolf to the other end of the tomato garden. With trembling hands, I reached for a ripe, red tomato. God, please let this wolf just be passing by—don't let it be guarding the tomato garden!

The gathering progress bar crept forward. Just as I was about to get the tomato, the wild wolf moved, turning to look at me!

Crap! The beast noticed me after all!

I quickly pulled my hand back and sprinted away. This time it was even more dangerous—by the time the wolf gave up, I was barely alive, with only 2 HP left! This is what you call playing with your heart pounding!

I checked my inventory and was delighted to find that the tomato had actually been picked and was quietly lying in my backpack!

Rose's Tomato (Quest Item)

Attributes: A tomato carefully cultivated by Rose, with a fresh and fragrant taste. Eating it restores 0.5 HP per second. If used on an enemy, it prevents them from recovering HP for 30 minutes!

Unable to recover HP for 30 minutes? I've got it!

A bold idea popped into my mind. No wonder this tomato smelled so good—the effect is amazing! If I can stop the wild wolf from recovering HP, then I might actually have a chance in a direct fight. Given the current situation, most players are probably grinding hard to reach level 10 for their job change, and no one would come to this remote back mountain. That means I have a shot at wearing down this wolf!

A wolf with an unknown level—what a temptation!

No sooner thought than done! I carefully approached the wolf again, checked my gear, gripped the tomato in my hand, and charged at the wolf with my sword. It swiped at me, I struck again, and then—ah, it opened its mouth to bite me!

My previously superhuman reflexes kicked in instantly. I precisely tossed the tomato into the wolf's mouth. The system immediately prompted: The Mangy Wild Wolf has eaten "Rose's Tomato" and will be unable to recover HP for 30 minutes!

That's it! After another sword strike, I immediately turned and ran. Three strikes had taken 15 HP from the wild wolf, about 1/20 of its total health. Fortunately, I could already see its HP dropping.

A 40-second rest let me fully recover. Time to go again!

I repeated this process, timing everything almost perfectly, launching attack after attack on the wild wolf. Of course, my heart never stopped pounding. If someone with a heart condition played like this, they'd probably be done after a few rounds.

Twenty-five minutes passed, and the wild wolf's HP was almost gone!

Panting, I approached again. My newbie broken sword was nearly out of durability—if I didn't finish off this overpowered wolf soon, I'd have to level up with my bare hands...

With another round of perfect tactical maneuvers, I leaned against a tree to recover HP. Not far away, the wild wolf's health was completely empty. It looked like I just needed to touch it to finish it off!

Once my HP was full, I went in again!

With a swift strike, I didn't hesitate this time and landed a fierce fourth blow!

"Ding~!"

"System prompt: Your level has increased to 4!"