"Alright!" Barbarian said heartily, "Then let's make it 50 copper coins, how about that?"

"Okay, deal!"

A few seconds later, the transaction was complete. I took my sword and left, with nearly 100 copper coins in my bag—almost enough to make 1 silver coin!

……

Back at Grass Dog Village, I sold a few level 2 armor and leather white equipment that dropped from killing hyenas. Finally, I had 121 copper coins in my bag! I glanced at the cloth armor in the equipment shop—a level 2 robe, +2 defense, costing 70 copper coins. Too expensive, forget it. I'll just wait for equipment to drop from monsters!

I went to the pharmacy. Level 1 blue potion, restores 50 mana, 5 copper coins each. I bought 23 in one go. After repairing my iron sword, I was left with just 1 copper coin—like a broke newbie!

Out the door, my violent healer leveling journey officially began!

Chapter 9: Thorn Bear King

I opened the world map. Because of my level restriction, I could only vaguely see the area around the village; further out was all shrouded in mist. After a moment's thought, I chose to head northeast. That route circled far from Grass Dog Village, and there weren't many players. Otherwise, if someone snatched my monsters, with my level of damage and healing, I'd be dead for sure.

I checked my skill bar. Hemostasis proficiency: 77/100, just a bit more to level up. Level 2 Hemostasis can instantly restore 100 HP, which would greatly improve my survivability.

Let's go!

……

Sword in hand, I left the village, skirted the grass dog area, swept through the hyena zone, and continued deeper into the jungle. After nearly 20 minutes, I reached the area I hadn't dared to challenge before: Bear Forest. Inside, various bears roamed, levels 5–7. Looking at my own level, it was a bit of a stretch to challenge them, but this time I had 23 blue potions, so I should be able to last in a drawn-out fight!

Go!

I charged straight at a lone level 5 black bear. Swinging my iron sword, I finished it off in half a minute. Healed myself four times, used up 20 mana—still manageable. I continued, searching for the next target.

A level 4 player killing level 5 monsters gets a small experience bonus, so the leveling speed was decent. In less than an hour, as another black bear fell, I leveled up—level 5!

"Plop!"

The black bear let out a fittingly tragic cry and even dropped a dull bracer. I picked it up and checked—nice, I could use it—

[Black Bear Gauntlet] (White Equipment)

Type: Cloth Armor

Defense: 3

Required Level: 4

……

I put on the white bracer, and my defense instantly shot up to 9. Looking ahead, a level 7 gray bear was howling and acting cute on a hill, licking its paw and winking at me—practically begging to die!

Holding my iron sword, I slowly approached and checked—within 50 yards, there were no other monsters or players. Time to solo a level 7 gray bear—let's go!

"Whoosh!"

I charged straight ahead, sword slashing at the gray bear's forehead. With a metallic "clang," the damage number that popped up was pretty limited—

"15!"

With my 23 attack power, I only dealt this much damage. The gray bear's defense must be much higher than the black bear's!

"Roar!"

The gray bear raised its neck and let out a furious roar, swinging its paw and smacking my shoulder. I had tried to dodge as it attacked, shifting my body to the right, but unfortunately, I still got hit—

"37!"

Ouch! The cloth armor of a healer has way too little defense!

I struck back, continuing to deal damage, while pondering why I couldn't dodge the monster's attacks. The slogan of "Destiny" is all about skill—players are supposed to be able to dodge attacks through movement and actions. Why couldn't I do it?

The second time, the gray bear's paw came down again. I saw it clearly and retreated once more!

"Smack!"

"39!"

A slap right to the face—ouch! I quickly used Hemostasis!

The third time the gray bear attacked, I deliberately slowed my movements. When the angle of its paw strike was fully revealed, I reacted instantly, moving my bare feet 1–2 yards in the opposite direction of the strike. I heard the wind whistle past my ear—this time, my timing was perfect, and a big character popped up—

"MISS!"

Battle prompt: You dodged the gray bear's attack. Operation completion—[Beginner]!

I was secretly delighted. My iron sword struck like lightning, landing squarely on the gray bear's eye. Instantly, a critical hit of 34 points popped up. Hitting weak points makes it easier to land criticals—one of the must-know tips for players.

Unfortunately, my agility wasn't high and my movement speed was poor. Otherwise, my dodge operation rating would have been at least intermediate. This dodging technique is a must-learn; otherwise, whether fighting monsters or in PvP, you'll be at a huge disadvantage. Of course, not everyone can pull it off—there are many dodge techniques, and they really test your psychological resilience and adaptability.

……

"Crack!"

My iron sword slashed across the gray bear's forehead again. With a tragic howl, it died, dropping another piece of equipment. My luck was awesome—two drops in a row!

In the green grass, I bent down to pick up the item. It was a robe with a faint glow. I glanced at it and was overjoyed—damn, it was a stat equipment—