I Don't Need To Log Out

June's magic burned Corven down to 15% HP. He hadn't anticipated anyone possessing such powerful spells at this stage. Just moments ago, he had been certain of his victory.

At lower levels, a difference in level wasn't as decisive. However, the difference in skill—and especially in numbers—was another matter entirely.

Corven realized he had no chance of winning anymore. His last lackey fell to Zack's sword while he was still processing his defeat.

Deciding it was time to bluff, Corven smirked and said, "Hahaha! Do you think you've won? I'll contact someone who will take you all down. You won't even make it to Istarra."

June fixed her gaze on him, unimpressed. "Contact who? You know we can see the leaderboard, right? There's no one stronger than you in Oceina. And in Istarra? We're the strongest."

Corven frowned, he didn't think that they would know where everyone was. Except for Arlon, everyone on the leaderboard was famous on Earth. Even if they didn't want to be, they were discovered.

In the forums, people talked about them, their starting towns, classes, and levels. But, more than anything, the forums were buzzing about the mysterious Arlon, a name shrouded in speculation.

Despite countless theories, no one had uncovered Arlon's identity. June herself had briefly entertained the idea that Arlon the NPC and Arlon the player might be the same person. But the NPC's gear was far too advanced for a low-level player.

"Any last words?" June asked, her voice cold and confident.

Corven clenched his fists, his tone defiant despite his defeat. "I'll take my revenge. Don't forget it!"

Moments later, he was cut down.

None of the players in his group were above level 20, so the system didn't impose any penalties on their deaths. But the impact on their reputation was another matter entirely.

Corven's defeat would tarnish his fame, while the Gamers' success would bolster their renown.

After reporting the outcome to Arlon, the group regrouped and continued their journey toward Istarra.

---

The path to level 100 was treacherous, but with meticulous planning, Arlon knew it was achievable.

He was going to use everything at his disposal. With the immunity granted by the Sentinel's Legacy Set, he had a significant advantage. Having already reached level 58 after defeating Durant, the monster beneath Oceina, Arlon felt his goal was within reach. On his way to the next battlefield, he opened his status window for a quick assessment.

***

Status Window

Name: Arlon

Race: Human

Class: Magic Swordsman

Level: 58

HP: 6850

MP: 5075

VIT: 60

STR: 82

INT: 82

AGI: 53

Skills: [Dash], [Eyes of ***** (Weakened)], [Teleport], [Strengthen], [Stone Heart], [Lightining Feet]

Title: Unfair Regressor, The First One To Level Up

***

There weren't any major changes since the last time he checked, but to others, his progress was almost mythical. Arlon's leveling speed was unprecedented, leaving players on the leaderboard constantly stunned. Every glance at the rankings brought disbelief—how was he doing it?

Leveling from 58 to 100 in three days wasn't just ambitious—it was nearly impossible. Normally, it would require months of grinding. But Arlon wasn't aiming for normal. He had a plan: target level 99 Keldars and leverage their inability to harm him, thanks to his Sentinel's Legacy Set.

He began by organizing his gear. His Sentinel's Legacy Set gleamed under the sunlight. Each piece was meticulously maintained. "Quality equipment will make all the difference," he murmured to himself.

His inventory was brimming with potions, elixirs, and scrolls—enough to sustain him through the grueling fights ahead. He also opened his map, studying the routes and identifying hotspots for Keldar activity.

Arlon smirked. "This is going to work."

He spent his free time in the last two days learning a spell that would make all the difference while he was leveling up. Normally, even with immunity, it would be impossible for Arlon to reach level 100 in 3 days, but with this skill, it would be possible.

His destination was a dense forest by the riverbank, known for being a training ground for Keldars below level 100. This area was a strategic choice. It was teeming with intelligent Keldars that sparred and strategized, but none above the critical level cap. They only trained up to level 100 here. After that, they would move somewhere else.

Arlon reached the forest in the late afternoon. It was eerily quiet, with only the rustling of leaves and the occasional growl breaking the silence. He spotted his first targets: three Keldars, one of them was level 99.

Without hesitation, he drew his Wandsword. Its blade shimmered with arcane energy, a perfect blend of magic and steel. The Keldars snarled, their glowing eyes locking onto him. They underestimated him, mistaking him for an ordinary adventurer.

Big mistake.

The battle was swift. Arlon's strikes were precise. The Keldars fought fiercely, but Arlon's experience and superior tactics quickly overpowered him. With a final, decisive blow, the Keldars fell to the ground one by one, defeated.

---

The first few hours blurred together. The process was mechanical, almost meditative. Arlon moved through the forest, slashing through groups of Keldars with methodical efficiency.

Each kill brought a satisfying notification, but he barely glanced at the numbers. He was focused on the bigger picture: reaching the valley ahead, where the bulk of the Keldar forces were training.

By sunset, Arlon had reached the edge of a cliff overlooking his next destination. Below, nestled in the valley, was a seemingly abandoned settlement. But Arlon knew better. This was the heart of the Keldars' training operations.

He considered charging in to eliminate as many as possible before nightfall, but caution held him back. He had killed enough Keldars during the day to attract attention. The intelligent Keldars were likely aware of his presence by now and would be on high alert through the night.

Instead, he found a secluded spot on the cliff to rest. With his immunity and tactical advantage, the real challenge would begin at dawn.

Arlon opened his status window again.

Level: 67

"Not bad for a single day," he mused, leaning against a tree. But it wasn't enough.

Two more days. That was all he had. The experience needed would increase with each level, but so would the rewards from his next targets.

As he closed his eyes to rest, Arlon's thoughts drifted to his next tactic. The spell he had prepared would be the key to turning the tide in his favor.

"This is just the beginning," he muttered, gripping the hilt of his Wandsword tightly.

The forest around him buzzed with activity, but he paid it no mind. He would rest for now, but come dawn, the hunt would continue.

Morning couldn't come fast enough.

---

The second day began with Arlon waking before dawn, his mind already racing with plans. He knew that word of his efficiency in eliminating Keldars would spread, making the remaining ones more desperate and, perhaps, more dangerous. But he welcomed the challenge.

Today's targets were scattered across various locations, each requiring a tailored approach. Arlon had meticulously mapped out the most efficient routes to minimize travel time and maximize his impact.

It was also the perfect opportunity to test his newly learned spell. As he descended into the valley below, his eyes locked onto a rugged, near-collapsed house at the edge of a small Keldar settlement. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a simple fireball and hurled it toward the structure.

The resulting explosion echoed through the valley, shattering the fragile house and sending debris flying. For the Keldars, it was an unmistakable alarm. Within moments, they poured out of their dwellings, their guttural shouts reverberating through the air. Arlon counted at least thirty of them gathering in the settlement's open square.

The Keldars scanned their surroundings, their sharp eyes quickly locking onto a lone figure running away. Without hesitation, they gave chase, their anger fueling their movements.

But Arlon wasn't truly fleeing. His pace was deliberate, calculated. He led them into the narrowest part of the valley, where the rocky terrain funneled their numbers. Soon, only three Keldars could move side by side, their momentum slowing as the group crowded into the bottleneck.

Arlon stopped and turned, his expression calm. He raised the Wandsword and started casting his spell. The Keldars snarled and surged forward, but they were still too far away. Even though it took 30 seconds, it wasn't enough for Keldars to reach his location.

"Blizzard!" Arlon shouted, the word ringing with power.

The air around the valley erupted into chaos. A furious snowstorm materialized, engulfing the Keldars in a vortex of icy wind and blinding white. The temperature plummeted, and the shrieks of the Keldars filled the air as the biting cold tore through their defenses.

The storm was relentless. Snow obscured everything, making it impossible for the Keldars to see their surroundings—or each other. Though intelligent, they lacked the strategic minds of humans and stumbled blindly in the storm, trying in vain to escape the pain.

When the spell finally subsided, the scene was surreal. Under the bright midday sun, the snow-covered valley seemed almost comical, like a wintry mirage in a barren landscape. Arlon allowed himself a faint smile. This was exactly the effect he had hoped for—the slippery, icy ground would give him yet another advantage.

The Keldars, now visible again, refocused their rage on him. Their eyes burned with fury as they staggered forward, their movements slow and clumsy thanks to the lingering effects of the Blizzard.

Arlon didn't wait for them to regroup. He strode forward confidently, his sword gleaming in the sunlight. The first wave of Keldars reached him, but their slowed reflexes and weakened state made them easy prey. His blade danced through the air, cutting down the first four with practiced precision. Their low health and sluggish movements ensured their defeat was swift and decisive.

As more Keldars advanced, Arlon prepared himself for the next clash. He knew that this battle would only add to his momentum, bringing him closer to the level he needed to confront the true challenges ahead.