Overgeared: Babylon

As Gilgamesh cleared the last of the rats, the cellar fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the faint drip of water from a leaky pipe. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his sword still in hand, and took a moment to catch his breath. The fight had been straightforward, but it had also been a valuable lesson in patience and precision. He couldn't afford to get careless, even against low-level enemies.

It was then that he noticed something glinting in the corner of the cellar. The faint light from his torch reflected off a small, rusted chest hidden beneath a pile of old crates and debris. His curiosity piqued, Gilgamesh carefully made his way over, brushing aside the cobwebs and dust that had accumulated over the years.

The chest was small and unassuming, its surface pitted with rust and its hinges stiff with age. Gilgamesh knelt down, examining it closely. It didn't look like much, but he had learned from his research that even the most mundane objects in Satisfy could hold hidden value. He gripped the lid with both hands and tried to open it, but it refused to budge.

"Stubborn, huh?" he muttered, reaching for his sword. Using the blade as a lever, he pried the chest open with a satisfying creak. Inside, he found a Rusty Dagger and a handful of coppers. The dagger was simple and unremarkable, its blade dull and its hilt worn, but it was still a weapon—and one that could come in handy. The coins, while not a fortune, were a welcome addition to his meager funds.

Gilgamesh picked up the dagger, turning it over in his hands. It wasn't much to look at, but it was a start. He thought back to the stories he had read about Grid, how the legendary player had started with nothing and built himself into a force to be reckoned with. This dagger, humble as it was, felt like a symbol of that journey. It was a reminder that even the smallest steps could lead to something greater.

"Not bad for a first quest," he muttered, tucking the dagger and coins into his bag. "At least, I also gain two more levels from this quest alone."

===========================

Name: Gilgamesh

Level: 4 (50/650)

Class: Warrior

*Damage using a sword-type weapon will increase.

*The probability of giving critical damage using a basic attack will increase.

Title: -

_________________________________

Health: 198 Mana: 15

_________________________________

Strength: 12 Stamina: 15

Agility: 16 Intelligence: 5

===========================

He made a mental note to thank Garrett for the opportunity—and to ask if there were more quests available. If clearing out rats could yield a hidden chest, what else might be waiting for him in Patrian?

When Gilgamesh returned to the Golden Feather Inn, Garrett was waiting for him, a look of surprise on his face. "You're back already? And in one piece, no less."

Gilgamesh shrugged, handing over the rat tails as proof of completion. "It wasn't too bad. And I found this in the cellar." He held up the Rusty Dagger.

Garrett's eyes widened. "That old thing's been down there for years. Consider it yours, along with your reward." He handed Gilgamesh the 10 silver coins and gestured to a table. "Sit down. I'll have the cook whip something up for you."

There was a notification informing him of the quest's success soon followed by additional rewards.

[Reputation in Patrian City has increased by 50.]

[Affinity with Garrett has risen to 10.]

[100 experience has been acquired.]

As Gilgamesh sat down to enjoy his meal, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It was a small step, but it was a step in the right direction.

___

As Gilgamesh finished his meal, Garrett approached him with a thoughtful expression.

"You're not like most adventurers who come through here," Garrett said, his tone serious. "You've got a good head on your shoulders. If you're looking for more work, I might have something for you."

Gilgamesh looked up, intrigued. "I'm listening."

Garrett leaned in, lowering his voice. "There's a group of bandits causing trouble on the road to the next town. The city guard is too busy to deal with them, but someone like you might be able to handle it."

Gilgamesh nodded a determined glint in his eyes. "I'll see what I can do."

***

The forest outside Patrian was dense and shadowy, the tall trees blocking out much of the sunlight. Gilgamesh moved cautiously through the underbrush, his footsteps silent and his senses alert. He had been tracking the bandits for hours, following the trail of broken branches, trampled grass, and the occasional discarded item. The bandits were careless, leaving behind clear signs of their presence, but Gilgamesh knew better than to underestimate them.

From what Garrett had told him, the bandits were a dangerous group, preying on travelers and merchants along the road to the next town. They were well-armed and organized, with some members rumored to be Level 15 or higher. For a Level 4 Warrior like Gilgamesh, a direct confrontation would be suicide. But he wasn't planning on fighting them head-on. He had a different strategy in mind.

Gilgamesh crouched behind a large tree, peering out at the bandit camp. It was a makeshift settlement, with tents and campfires scattered throughout a small clearing. The bandits were a rough-looking bunch, their armor mismatched and their weapons crude but deadly. Gilgamesh counted at least a dozen of them, including a few who looked particularly dangerous—a tall man with a scar across his face, a woman with a bow slung over her shoulder, and a burly figure who seemed to be the leader.

He knew he couldn't take them all on at once. But if he could pick them off one by one, using stealth and the element of surprise, he might stand a chance. He reached into his bag and pulled out the Rusty Dagger, its dull blade glinting faintly in the dim light. It wasn't much, but it was sharp enough for what he had in mind.

Gilgamesh waited until nightfall, when the bandits were gathered around the campfires, drinking and laughing. He moved like a shadow, slipping from tree to tree, his movements slow and deliberate. His heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to stay calm. This was his first real test, and he couldn't afford to make a mistake.

He spotted his first target: a lone bandit standing guard at the edge of the camp. The man was leaning against a tree, his eyes half-closed as he struggled to stay awake. Gilgamesh crept closer, his dagger in hand. He waited for the right moment, then struck.

The bandit barely had time to react before Gilgamesh's dagger found its mark. He clamped a hand over the man's mouth to stifle any cries, then dragged the body into the shadows. It was quick, quiet, and efficient—exactly as he had planned.

[Critical!]

[You have defeated Kazz the bandit.]

[Reputation in Patrian City has increased by 40.]

[500 experience has been acquired.]

[Your level has risen.]

'Good, put all stat points in strength.'

Gilgamesh repeated the process, taking out another bandit who had wandered away from the camp to relieve himself. This one was more alert, but Gilgamesh's stealth and precision gave him the upper hand. He dispatched the bandit with a single, well-placed strike into their brain.

[Your level has risen.]

As Gilgamesh moved closer to the camp, he noticed the woman with the bow. She was sharp-eyed and vigilant, her gaze constantly scanning the trees. Gilgamesh knew she would be a problem. He waited for her to turn her back, then made his move.

But just as he was about to strike, a twig snapped under his foot. The woman spun around, her bow at the ready. Gilgamesh froze, his heart racing. For a moment, they stared at each other, the tension thick in the air.

Then, without warning, Gilgamesh lunged forward, his dagger flashing in the moonlight. The woman tried to draw her bow, but she was too slow. Gilgamesh's blade found its mark, and she crumpled to the ground with Rusty Dagger piercing her lower jaw all the way to her brain while she slowly turning into grey light.

[Critical!]

[You have defeated Sena the bandit archer.]

[Reputation in Patrian City has increased by 60.]

[1500 experience has been acquired.]

[Your level has risen.]

[Your level has risen.]

'Huff, huff...that was a close call, anyway, let's put 7 stat points to strength and the rest in intelligence. '

With most of the bandits taken care of, Gilgamesh turned his attention to the leader. The burly man was sitting by the fire, his back to the trees. Gilgamesh knew this was his best chance. He crept closer, his dagger and sword ready.

The bandit leader's voice cut through the night like a blade, low and menacing. "I know you're there," he said, his tone dripping with contempt. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But you're in over your head."

Gilgamesh froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He had been so close, just a few steps away from ending this quietly. But now, the element of surprise was gone. The leader's massive frame loomed in the firelight, his shadow stretching long and ominous across the clearing. Before Gilgamesh could react, the man stood, his movements surprisingly swift for someone of his size. In one fluid motion, he drew a massive, double-headed axe from his belt and swung it in a wide arc, aiming straight for Gilgamesh's head.

Gilgamesh barely had time to duck. The axe whistled past his ear, close enough that he could feel the rush of air. He rolled to the side, his movements frantic but deliberate, putting distance between himself and the bandit leader. The axe slammed into the ground where he had been standing, sending dirt and debris flying.

"Not bad," the leader growled, yanking the axe free with ease. "But you're gonna have to do better than that."

Gilgamesh scrambled to his feet, his mind racing. He was outmatched in every way—strength, experience, and equipment. His starting sword felt pitifully small compared to the bandit leader's massive axe, and the Rusty Dagger he had found in the cellar was little more than a backup. But he couldn't afford to panic. He had to think, to use every advantage he could find.

The bandit leader charged again, his axe raised high. Gilgamesh dodged, this time diving behind a nearby tree. The axe bit deep into the trunk, splintering the wood. Gilgamesh used the momentary distraction to his advantage, darting out from behind the tree and slashing at the leader's side with his sword.

"Argghh! You bastard!!"

[You have dealt 364 damage to the target]

The blade bit into bandit leader' flesh, drawing a roar of pain from the bandit. But the wound wasn't deep enough to stop him. The bandit backhanded Gilgamesh with a meaty fist, sending him sprawling to the ground. Pain exploded across his jaw, and his vision blurred for a moment. He tasted blood in his mouth.

[You have received 69 damage.]

'Damn! just a punch from him cost me more than 25% from my max health."

Gilgamesh forced himself to focus. He couldn't win this fight head-on. He needed to use the environment. His eyes darted around the clearing, taking in the details—the campfire, the scattered weapons, the uneven terrain. There had to be something he could use.

The bandit leader advanced again, his axe raised for another strike. Gilgamesh rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow. He grabbed a handful of dirt and flung it at the leader's face, aiming for his eyes. The man roared in frustration, momentarily blinded.

Gilgamesh didn't waste the opportunity. He scrambled to his feet and grabbed a nearby torch from the campfire. The flames flickered wildly as he swung it at the leader, forcing him to step back. The bandit swiped at the torch with his axe, but Gilgamesh was already moving. He ducked under the swing and drove his Rusty Dagger into the leader's thigh, aiming for a weak spot in his armor over and over again.

"Ahhhgg!! Keokk!"

[Critical!]

[Critical!]

[Critical!]

[Critical!]

[You have dealt 1698 damage to the target!]

[You are the first person to dealt more that 1000 damage at once! ]

[The rare skill 'Continuous Stab' has been acquired.]

[Continuous Stab Lv. 1]

[Quickly stab the target 5 times.

Every stab that hits will deal 100%, 120%, 150%, 190%, and 240% of your attack power respectively.

Mana Consumption: 75

Skill Cooldown Time: 3 minutes.]

It was a multiple-hits skill. It could be defended against or avoided, but it was useful against sluggish enemies, as it was a type of skill that contained explosive power.

The leader howled in pain, dropping to one knee. But he wasn't done yet. With a snarl, he grabbed Gilgamesh by the arm and flung him across the clearing. Gilgamesh hit the ground hard, the air driven from his lungs. His dagger slipped from his hand, landing just out of reach.

[You have received 38 damage.]

The bandit leader stood, blood dripping from his wounds, and limped toward Gilgamesh. "You're tougher than you look," he admitted, his voice ragged. "But this ends now."

Gilgamesh's hand closed around something cold and metallic—a discarded short sword from one of the bandits he had taken out earlier. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. As the leader raised his axe for the final blow, Gilgamesh surged to his feet, swinging the sword with all his strength.

The blade struck true, slicing across the leader's chest. The man staggered, his axe slipping from his grasp. Gilgamesh didn't stop. He then shot out his short sword through the bandit leader's lower jaw and activated his Continuous Stabbing.

[Critical!]

[Critical!]

[Critical!]

[Critical!]

[Critical!]

[You have dealt 4987 damage to the target!]

The bandit leader finally collapsed, his massive frame hitting the ground with a thud and turning into a gray light.

[You have defeated Jackal the bandit leader.]

[You have destroyed a bandit camp stationed near Patrian City]

[Reputation in Patrian City has increased by 1000.]

[3000 experience has been acquired.]

[Your level has risen.]

Gilgamesh stood on the remnant of their battle, his chest heaving and his hands trembling. The sword slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground. He was battered and bruised, his body screaming in protest, but he had done it. He had survived.

===========================

Name: Gilgamesh

Level: 9 (300/1800)

Class: Warrior

*Damage using a sword-type weapon will increase.

*The probability of giving critical damage using a basic attack will increase.

Title: -

_________________________________

Health: 266

Mana: 84

_________________________________

Strength: 29

Stamina: 15

Agility: 20

Intelligence: 28

Stat points: 0

===========================