Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part Two]

CHAPTER 205: Critical Training Session

[Rank: Normal

Type: Dagger

Melee Attack Power: 59~68 | Durability: 55/62 | Attack Speed: +4%

Forged from the molten claws of a ferocious salamander, this weapon radiates intense heat. Each slash leaves a trail of fire, scorching enemies with its burning touch. The Salamander's Claw has the unique ability to set foes ablaze, inflicting damage over time and leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

▪︎ Agility +3

▪︎ Chance of triggering «Burn» Status +30%

Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 25+ | Stamina 30+]

Casper cradled the bow in his hands, his eyes wide with awe as if it was something sacred. LR ran his fingers over the crossbow's mechanism and its intricate carvings, while Poppy balanced the spear's weight with growing excitement. Corey, gripping the Salamander's Claw, flexed his fingers, feeling the sharpness of the metal.

Daisuke leaned in. "I was just using that dagger up until a few hours ago," he whispered. "Take good care of it, alright."

Corey's eyes widened in surprise.

Daisuke smiled, his expression hardening as he pulled back and crossed his arms. "In Dusthaven, surviving was enough," he said. "That's not the case anymore."

The four looked up at him, hanging onto his words.

"We need more than just the ability to get by," he continued. "More than the ability to run, hide, and feed like animals. Now we need power—the power to protect ourselves and the people we deeply care about."

The children remained silent, absorbing his words. Brek in particular tightened his fingers around the shaft of the glaive until his knuckles turned white, his thoughts lingering on April and his baby sister.

Daisuke frowned, butterscotch eyes smoldering. "I'm giving you the tools to make that happen." He nodded at their weapons. "But weapons alone won't make you stronger. That's on you. You'll need to train by strengthening both your body and mind."

A heavy silence hung in the air. Then—

"WE'LL DO IT!" the seven boys shouted in unison, their voices filled with conviction.

The watching children cheered as they saw their other brothers receive weapons of their own. Not wanting to be outshined, Brek twirled his glaive in a flashy maneuver.

"You better all train hard if you want to keep up with me!"

The crowd gasped and clapped in amazement.

Daisuke watched wearily as the Wolfkin's nose practically pointed at the sky. This damn attention freak, he thought playfully while comparing the Wolfin to Rexar. It'd be interesting to see both those narcissists together in one place.

His eyes narrowed.

The weapons he had given them were far higher in level than the kids themselves, particularly the crossbow and the spear. He was optimistic that the strain of wielding them would push their limits and force them to grow faster. But only time would tell.

His expression darkened as his gaze swept over the eager young warriors. "It's imperative that you guys get stronger," he said, his voice lowering. "Because your new elven sisters are all the way up there on the menu when it comes to the risk of being captured and enslaved. If you're not strong enough to protect them... I'm pretty sure I don't need to spell out what could happen."

The excitement dulled into grim understanding.

Brek gripped his glaive tighter. Garrett's jaw clenched. Ribbit, for once, didn't fart or make a joke. Casper, LR, Poppy, and Corey held their weapons with more resolve.

Daisuke nodded. Good.

"By the way, Haxks," Casper said, slinging his quiver of arrows over his shoulder. "When will we be able to see April and Mia again?"

Brek nodded, his tone serious. "Yeah, and where exactly are they? You never did mention that before."

"They're in a hidden village neighboring Wonderelle," Daisuke replied, his focus momentarily shifting as he rummaged through his inventory. "They're safe for now. As for when you'll be able to see them again, I'm working on a way for all of us to live together, but I can't give you an exact timeline. You'll just have to trust me on that."

"We do trust you," Garrett clarified, his voice earnest. "We just wanna help, that's all."

Ribbit and the others nodded, sharing his sentiments.

"Then become stronger," Daisuke simply said, pointing his nose in gesture at the weapons they now possessed. "Brek. The last time we met, you told me I won't always be able to protect everyone. You're absolutely right. That's exactly why I gave you the tools to become stronger on your own."

He paused, his gaze locking with each of them. "I'm only one guy, and I have a long way to go myself. If you want to help, then become strong enough to watch my back and fight alongside me."

"I'll surpass you in no time flat," Brek promised with a confident grin, causing the others to smile sheepishly in response.

Daisuke returned the smile. "I'm looking forward to it. But in order to build muscle and have enough energy for training, you'll need to eat plenty of protein-rich foods."

The Slum Sprites huddled closer, their curious eyes fixed on the delicate white flowers Daisuke pulled from his seemingly endless pocket of tricks. Their leader held the blossoms gently between his fingers, their petals almost luminous in the daylight.

"These are Celestia Flowers," he informed. "They're pretty much the all-time favorite food of the Horned Rabbit."

A ripple of excitement and intrigue passed through the group.

Daisuke wasted no time diving into the details, explaining the most efficient methods of capturing the swift and elusive creatures by referencing strategies outlined in the Monster Guide Handbook. He broke down each step, ensuring they understood not just how to catch them but why each method worked.

But Horned Rabbits weren't the only creatures lurking in the wild.

Daisuke's tone shifted as he described the other monsters they might encounter in the same habitat—their strengths, weaknesses, and habits. He painted a vivid picture of each one—particularly the dangerous Bullet Hare—ensuring the budding hunters knew what to expect and how to react.

From skittish prey to dangerous predators, he armed them with knowledge that could mean the difference between a successful hunt and a costly mistake. By the time he finished, the Slum Sprites stood a little taller, their confidence bolstered by everything they had learned.

"Well," Daisuke said, handing the flowers to Ribbit who eyed them with a suspicious glint in his eyes, "that should cover it."

The younger children crowded around, their faces filled with admiration. At the same time, Sister Aeliana came to a stop nearby, hands clasped, her eyes brimming with gratitude.

"Truly, Haxks, I don't know how to thank you," she said, her voice warm with appreciation. "You've done so much for them—for all of us."

Daisuke merely nodded. Words weren't necessary.

With that, he bid them farewell, turning away from the orphanage as the children waved enthusiastically behind him. Lumielle and Lyndoria flanked him as they set off toward Crownspire Tower, the weight of unfinished business pulling him forward.