"Damn it! I died again!!!"
Zhong Yi's clenched fists trembled slightly, and his breathing was ragged.
He had finally figured out how to use the Axe against shield soldiers, only to get past them and find his path blocked by a man named Yuan Zhen.
The man wielded his long spear with deadly skill, killing Zhong Yi a dozen different ways. Zhong Yi was so thoroughly battered that his head spun and his composure began to crack.
"No wonder they call him Ninja Killer... He's got us completely figured out!"
Zhong Yi shook his head helplessly.
From his weapon to his moves, everything about Yuan Zhen's fighting style countered swords. Thinking of the man's title, "Ninja Killer," Zhong Yi found it easier to accept.
"This only confirms my suspicion... Common thieves couldn't hire someone as capable as Ninja Killer."
Zhong Yi grew more certain that the fall of the Hirata Household had been a long-planned attack.
The answer was almost within reach, yet stronger and stronger enemies barred his way. Zhong Yi couldn't help feeling frustrated.
He glanced at his experience bar.
Still level 0. Still not even halfway full.
"Heh. The answer's right in front of me. I'm not giving up that easily! Looks like I'll have to grind some levels!"
Zhong Yi took a deep breath and made up his mind.
"Time to show everyone what I'm like when I get serious!!"
The Hirata Estate was a good place to grind levels.
The map was small, and enemies were plentiful.
Zhong Yi ran through the entrance area of the Hirata Estate more than a dozen times before finally climbing from level 0 to level 1.
"Come on, come on! Let me put some points into attack. Then I can level faster and raise my stats faster... Huh???"