System Made Me a Tank [LitRPG-Evolution]

When they arrived at Wyvern Valley, they were greeted by that refreshing air once again. There was no one else around.

"I have 82 low-quality Wyvern Claws and 63 Thin Wing Membranes in my inventory. Do you have any?"

"I have 12 Wyvern Claws and 4 Thin Wing Membranes. Why do you ask?" replied Noemi.

"With all these materials, I'm thinking we should make something from them. Let me check their descriptions first."

[Wyvern Claw]

[Sharp claws are the most important weapons Wyverns use for hunting and defending themselves. When properly processed, these claws can be used in weapon crafting, armor decorations, and various magical rituals. Even low-quality ones are valuable, as they can be ground up for use in potion making.]

[Thin Wing Membrane]

[This delicate tissue, obtained from the inner part of Wyvern wings, is highly valued among magic users. These membranes, which slightly transmit light and possess the ability to conduct magic, are particularly used in strengthening protection spells and as catalysts in wind element-based magic.]

"Maybe with the proper preparations, I can start processing the items I've dropped. What do you think, Noemi?"

"Are you going to become an alchemist or blacksmith?"

"No, I just want to use the materials I drop more efficiently," said Boran thoughtfully. "Instead of constantly going to vendors to sell materials, I can process them and use them myself or sell them at a higher price. It would be economical and I'd learn how to process materials."

"You have a point there," said Noemi, nodding.

Boran examined the Wyvern claw in his hand. "I'll start with simple things. I could try grinding these claws for use in potion making. Then gradually move on to more complex processes."

Then, as if something occurred to him, he slowly turned to Noemi.

"So, where exactly do we sell the things we collect? Or where do we buy items, potions?"

"You can find cheap items sold by adventurers in the Hub. I got potions from the stall area. Everything you need is there. But if you want higher-level stuff, you can buy from shops outside the gates in the real world. I wouldn't recommend it — everything is unnecessarily expensive."

"Why does everyone call the outside world the 'real world'? Is this place fake?"

"Are you getting philosophical?" Noemi laughed. "If you don't want to be a philosopher, don't think about it too much. But yeah, calling it the real world is a bit strange, I don't dwell on it either."

"Anyway, let's handle these quests and maybe we'll buy some things afterward."

He touched his ring and Boney emerged.

"Boney, get ready, we're going on a quest."

Boney excitedly pointed at his own body, starting to hop with small movements. Boran didn't understand the meaning of these enthusiastic gestures at first, but when he saw Boney's circular movements around his body and upward pointing gestures, he realized this was clearly a "Level up!" request.

"I forgot! Let's do it right away."

[Level: 9]

[Select equipment to upgrade or skill to get:]

[Bow] [Quiver] [Arrows] [Helmet] [Chest Armor] [Bracelets] [Boots] [Skill]

When Boran selected the chest piece, an old, worn armor appeared on the skeleton. This armor, bearing the marks of time, was like an antique fitted to his bony body. Rusted metal pieces on the leather armor were fastened together, with holes and tears visible here and there. The scratches and wear on the armor seemed to carry the traces of hundreds of battles.

There was a visible change in the armor. The rusted metal pieces began to shine, as if the rust layer was peeling off in a thin layer. Large tears and holes closed, the metal joining together as if repairing itself. Still, it hadn't quite achieved the appearance of new armor; it still looked antique and used, but now had a more solid and reliable air about it.

When it came to the boots, old, worn boots appeared on Boney's bone feet. These boots, like the chest piece, bore the wearing effects of time. The leather parts were cracked, the metal fittings dulled. The soles were worn, the laces almost falling apart. The small holes and tears on the sides of the boots seemed as if they had witnessed countless adventures over many long years.

Boran decided to upgrade all armor pieces except the chest piece one more level. Each piece began to change in turn. First, the cracks and scratches on the helmet decreased, the metal parts gained a brighter appearance. The metal details surrounding the eye sockets became more pronounced, forming sharp lines as if newly carved.

The change in the bracelets was particularly noticeable. The rusted and dulled metal surfaces came alive. The bracelets fitting perfectly to the skeleton wrists now looked more solid. The decorations, which were previously barely visible, now appeared clearly. The intricacies of metal craftsmanship showed in every detail.

The boots underwent a similar transformation. The cracked leather parts repaired themselves, tears closed. Metal buckles and decorations gained a vibrant shine. The soles still looked worn but were now of a more durable structure. The laces had been renewed, freed from their rotted appearance.

"How does it look?" asked Boran, turning to Noemi.

"Quite... interesting," said Noemi with a smile. "It's like he's wearing the armor of an old war veteran. But it suits him."

Boney proudly straightened up with his new armor and turned slightly, as if displaying his appearance. The sound of metal pieces dancing on his skeletal structure rang like gentle music.

Boran then selected arrows twice. In his first selection, the tips of Boney's arrows sharpened and their shafts straightened. In his second selection, the arrow feathers gained a smooth and aerodynamic appearance, the metal tips gleaming with a slight sparkle. "I've given all his levels, let's check his new stats."

[Boney Stark]

[Level 17]

[Health: 80]

[Attack Power: 80]

[Attack Speed: 2]

"Your health has increased quite a bit. Upgrading the arrows has also increased your damage," said Boran and turned to the others. "Let's go complete our quests."

The valley had taken on a different appearance under the morning sun. Long grass swayed in the wind, tree shadows forming long shapes on the ground. Boran, Noemi, and Boney began moving deeper into the valley.

"Poisonwings usually hang around this area," said Noemi, shielding her eyes with her hand while scanning the horizon. "When I leveled up, I improved my Magic Missile ability. I can now shoot seven Magic Missiles with one spell, and each one can kill a Poisonwing. So we'll get through this quickly."

Boran nodded in agreement. Boney silently followed behind them, his bony fingers ready on the arrow tip. It didn't take long to spot the first Poisonwing flock — three creatures with greenish scales glinting in the sunlight, approaching low in flight.

"Get ready," whispered Boran. "Noemi, a Magic Bolt should be enough, save your mana. Boney, the ones on the right is yours. I'll take the middle one."

All three moved at once. Noemi's staff emitted a bright light, Boney's arrow whistled through the air, and Boran's shield struck the Poisonwing's body. All three Poisonwings fell simultaneously. Noemi killed the Poisonwing trying to get up.

"Good start," said Noemi, approaching the fallen creatures. "But there's more."

She was right. The sound made by the fallen Poisonwings had attracted others. More wing sounds began to be heard in the sky.

The second wave was larger — this time six Poisonwings attacked at once. The creatures descended showing their sharp teeth, preparing to spray their poisonous breath.

Noemi raised her staff and six Magic Missiles appeared. Each one hit a Poisonwing. They all fell to the ground screaming.

"That's nine," counted Boran. "Eleven more to go."

As they progressed through the valley, the Poisonwings became increasingly dense. Now they were attacking in groups rather than individually. However, thanks to Noemi's Magic Missiles, they were handling them all easily.

"Twenty!" shouted Boran as the last creature fell. "That's it!"

All three stopped for a moment to catch their breath.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Boran's feet began to tremble. At first it was a slight tremor, almost imperceptible. But then...

"Something's there," said Boran, readying his shield. "The ground... it's moving."

Noemi's eyes quickly scanned the area, her staff suspended in the air. Boney drew his bow with his bone fingers, arrow ready.

The ground suddenly exploded.

Three enormous creatures emerged as if bursting from underground. Nimble Stonehides — these merciless hunters of the underground surrounded the group with their bodies covered in rock-like hard skin. Each was at least three meters long, and their scale-covered hides blended so well with the surrounding earth and rocks that if they hadn't just emerged from the ground, they would have been almost impossible to notice.

A cry rose from deep within Boran's body. He had used his Taunt ability.

The first Stonehide attacked. It leaped from the ground and lunged at Boran with incredible speed. It was surprising how agile such a large creature could be. Boran dodged at the last moment and struck with his shield.

Noemi used Magic Missile. Six bright arrows shot toward the creature. Three were enough to kill one. She sent the other three at the second Stonehide.

The third Stonehide attacked Boran. It swung its tail like a whip but Boran blocked the blow with his shield.

[You took 40 Damage]

Boney seized the opportunity. When the Stonehide rose to attack, Boney's arrow struck perfectly between the soft scales at its throat. The creature staggered. Boran lunged forward and struck the creature's body with his shield. Noemi's Magic Bolt finished off the staggering creature.

[Kill 3/15 Nimble Stonehides]

"It's so hard to spot these Stonehides... How are we going to find them before they find us?" said Boran.

"Maybe if we make enough noise, they'll come to us?"

"Good theory! Cast Magic Bolt on the ground, let's test this theory."

Noemi raised her staff and cast a powerful Magic Bolt at the ground. When the spell hit the earth, there was a violent explosion sound and the ground shook.

Suddenly, new Stonehides burst from three different points. They had earth particles on their scaly hides and were growling angrily.

"It worked!" shouted Boran, raising his shield. Then he shouted, using his Taunt ability.

When all the Stonehides turned toward Boran, he immediately used his IS:B ability.

[You took 2 damage]

[You took 2 damage]

[You took 2 damage]

While all the Stonehides' backs were turned to Noemi, she raised her staff. A large Fireball emerged from the tip of her staff. The Fireball exploding behind the Stonehides caused all their deaths.

[Kill 6/15 Nimble Stonehides]

Boran let out a light laugh. "Watching that Fireball explode is something spectacular!"

Noemi smiled. "Then let's continue. Boney, are you ready too?"

Boney silently nodded, keeping his bow at the ready.

"Let's use the same tactic," said Boran, scanning the area. "We can be faster this time."

Noemi raised her staff again and launched a powerful Magic Bolt at the ground. The earth trembled and a new group of Stonehides emerged.

"Three more!" Boran shouted, immediately using Taunt. As the Stonehides turned to him, he activated IS:B.

[2 damage taken]

[2 damage taken]

[2 damage taken]

Noemi's Fireball arced through the air and exploded behind the Stonehides. The creatures collapsed to the ground with agonized screams.

[Kill 9/15 Nimble Stonehides]

"This is getting too easy," said Boran, lowering his shield. "Almost feels unfair."

"Are you complaining?" Noemi asked, with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Never! Just... it's going better than I expected."

A new group appeared from under the ground. This group was larger—four Stonehides emerged at once. Boran immediately used Taunt and activated IS:B.

[2 damage taken]

[2 damage taken]

[2 damage taken]

[2 damage taken]

Noemi's Fireball exploded again, but this time one Stonehide managed to dodge at the last moment. Boney quickly fired an arrow, targeting the creature's throat. The arrow hit its mark and the final Stonehide collapsed.

[Kill 13/15 Nimble Stonehides]

"Only two left," said Noemi, readying her staff again. "Let's make some more noise."

This time she launched two Magic Bolts at the ground. The double explosion echoed through the valley. The final two Stonehides appeared larger and more aggressive than the previous ones.

"These are different," said Boran, raising his shield. "They look stronger. Their levels must be higher!"

The first Stonehide attacked with incredible speed. When it hit Boran's shield, the impact was much more violent than the previous ones.

[60 Damage Taken]

"Boran!" Noemi cried out worriedly.

"I'm fine, I'm fine!" said Boran, staggering. "Just... wasn't expecting it to be this strong."

Noemi immediately launched a Magic Bolt, but the creature dodged at the last moment. Boney's arrow also bounced off its scaly hide.

"Their armor is thicker, they must have high physical resistance!"

Noemi thought for a moment. "Boran, can you get them together?"

"I can try," said Boran and used Taunt. Both giant Stonehides turned to him.

"Now!" Noemi shouted. The Fireball that emerged from her staff was much larger this time. It moved through the air leaving a red trail and exploded right between the two Stonehides.

The explosion was so powerful that Boran had to take several steps back. When the smoke cleared, they saw the final two Stonehides lying motionless.

[120 damage taken]

[Kill 15/15 Nimble Stonehides]

[Quest Completed]