The iron sword was unsheathed for the Nth time, and at the same moment, an invisible wave of sword intent rippled out. Right then, my body trembled, a golden light rose from beneath my feet, and a series of system chimes echoed in my ears—

　　“Ding!”

　　System prompt: Congratulations, proficiency complete! You have created your own move. Effect: after drawing your sword, attack power increases by 10%. Please name this move!

Chapter 8: Sword Stirs the Waves

　　“Buzz!”

　　My mind went blank with excitement. Finally, the rookie is about to rise up. I actually managed to create my own move—so cool! A 10% attack boost after drawing my sword, that’s awesome. Although my current attack is only 6–6 points, so 10% is almost nothing, but once my level and gear improve, this buff will become incredibly powerful. Besides, my future weapons are destined to be swords, otherwise this skill would be wasted!

　　After pondering for a while, what should I name such a sharp move...

　　Suddenly, inspiration struck—a name popped into my head: Sword Stirs the Waves!

　　Yeah, that name fits. After drawing the sword, a slaughter is destined to follow. This is just the opening move, the prelude to battle. I’ll go with this!

　　“Ding!”

　　System prompt: Congratulations, naming successful. This skill is the first SS-level skill on the entire server. Would you like to make your identity public?

　　I quickly clicked “No.” Keep a low profile! Not for luxury, but for survival. As the saying goes, “The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled.” If my identity is revealed, who knows how many people will come after me. I’m not afraid of fame, I’m afraid of getting beaten up! This is perfect—just a level 1 Wandering Healer, real experts can’t even be bothered to step on me. This feeling is wonderful...

　　“Ding!”

　　System announcement: Congratulations to player ×××× for comprehending the SS-level skill—[Sword Stirs the Waves]!

　　……

　　Looks like the whole server is about to go crazy.

　　Soon, a sword-shaped icon was flashing in my skill bar. My first passive skill, and also my second skill, had appeared—and it was rated SS-level. There was also the Wandering Healer’s Hemostasis, rated D-level. Yeah, it’s the worst healing skill, but still pretty good—it can at least restore HP—

　　[Sword Stirs the Waves] (SS): After drawing your sword, attack power increases by 10%. Consumes no energy. No skill level.

　　[Hemostasis LV-1] (D): Heals 50 HP, consumes 5 MP, current proficiency 0/100, level 1.

　　……

　　All set. Finally, it’s time for me to venture out into the world!

　　With my iron sword in hand, I finally stepped out of the newbie village 24 hours after the server opened. I didn’t have any supplies in my bag—or rather, I couldn’t afford any. But that’s fine, everything will come in time.

　　Outside the newbie village, crowds of players were killing grass dogs at the edge of the forest. Grass dogs are level 1–2 monsters, the lowest level mobs. Those useless guys...

　　Avoiding the player crowds, I found another path. North of Grass Dog Village was still dense forest, but the map markers were tinged red—clearly not suitable for my level, but worth a try. I have a natural advantage: I can fight and heal, plus the boost from Sword Stirs the Waves, even if it’s not very effective yet.

　　In the distance, a few players were arguing loudly over a piece of plain armor: “This gear can sell for at least 20 copper coins, it has to go to us—we’re the main DPS!”

　　I couldn’t help but sneer, “Pathetic!”

　　Looking down, I saw a copper coin gleaming in the sunset. I quickly stepped on it, and after making sure no one was around, quietly picked it up.

　　Hey, I’m rich! I finally have my day!!

　　……

　　I’d spent all my previous money repairing weapons. Now, my entire fortune was this one copper coin. I don’t know which idiot killed a grass dog and didn’t even want the coin—what a waste!

　　Moving forward, I skirted a few grass dog dens. There were fewer and fewer players around. Bushes grew thick in the forest, and grass dogs roamed about.

　　A few seconds later, a low growl sounded. Finally, I encountered my first worthy monster—a fierce hyena. Damn, there are dogs everywhere outside the newbie village!

　　[Hyena] (Normal Monster)

　　Level: 3

　　Attack: 7–11

　　Defense: 3

　　HP: 150

　　Skills: None

　　……

　　Alright, a level 3 mob. Kill two and I’ll reach level 1. Let’s go!

　　“Clang!”

　　The iron sword was unsheathed, Sword Stirs the Waves activated automatically, attack power increased by 10%. I strode forward. Before I could get close, the hyena howled and charged at me. No skills, just opened its mouth to bite!

　　I struck first. Before the hyena could bite me, my iron sword landed on its forehead with a “crack,” dealing 12 damage. At the same time, the hyena bit my calf, tearing off 25 HP. Tsk tsk, that’s twice my damage!

　　But my attack speed was fast. A flurry of strikes had the hyena howling. Seeing its HP drop slower than mine, I wasn’t worried. When my HP dropped to the point where I could only take two more hits, I raised my hand—a holy light descended. Hemostasis!

　　“+50!”

　　Awesome! I can fight and heal—this is the way!!