Bottom Tier 36

 Test

Bleeding Damage

After the lingering effects of defeating the Crimson Knight settled, we infiltrated the castle.

"Wasn't that weapon from earlier really good?" 

Ao-chan asked, so I nodded.

"Yes. Swordsman and Thief share common skills—"

I stopped as we reached a corner. 

Peeking through a hidden passage, I saw several faceless shadowy creatures, like monsters, wandering around

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Shadow

Level: 40

HP: 1200

MP: 0

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"Minato-kun, what's that?"

Ao-chan also popped her head out.

"That's a shadow person summoned by Amber using the skill [Shadow]. It's not particularly strong individually, but it has a high HP. If we battle it directly, we'll get forced into a battle of attrition."

"We absolutely have to avoid that..."

"Yes."

"Isn't there any other way?"

The white mage inquired.

"If you come from underground, you have to pass through this path. That's why I think she placed [Shadow] here."

"I see.", said the White Magician with a serious expression.

"Well, then, let's go."

With a command from the Holy Knight, everyone prepared themselves.

Just like in the battle with the Crimson Knight, we coordinated our attacks against the enemies.

As we swiftly defeated one, the sound attracted two or three more enemies.

We systematically took them down one by one.

No matter how many we defeated, the Shadows seemed endless.

While we gradually got tired, with both Ao-chan and I having lower levels, we were steadily growing stronger.

Thanks to our cooperation, we could easily defeat the enemies, I'm gaining 3 levels and acquiring the skill I had been waiting for.

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Shiozaki Minato

Job: Thief

Level: 33

HP: 143/143

SP: 70/106

Attack: 54 + 15

Defense: 36 - 4

Magic Attack: 29

Magic Defense: 28 + 11

Agility: 59 + 6 + 3 + 17

Titles: Daring Thief, Flame of Tenacity, Mirage, Poison Killer, Angel Killer

Skills: Thief's Expertise (E-), Deception (A+), Pyrotechnics (C+), Thief's Aesthetic Eye (C+), Falcon (E), Sharp Strike (E), Dual Wielding (E-)

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Dual Wielding

Allows the user to wield weapons in both hands, with the total weapon attack power being up to 50% of their attack power. 

However, if both hands are equipped with weapons, the user cannot use a shield.

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It's the common skills that Swordsman and Thief learn.

With this, you can now equip a Thorn Sword.

[Dual Wielding] is a constantly active skill. 

As its proficiency increases, the maximum weapon attack power also increases.

It's not necessary unless you adopt a strategy that emphasizes attack speed and the number of attacks.

Some Swordsmen use Dual-Wielding.

But it's more for visual appeal, and its practicality in serious combat is low.

Abandoning the shield comes with significant drawbacks.

In contrast, I prioritize less on attack power. 

I'm also sacrificing defense.

I use many attacks to afflict enemies with abnormal conditions through their sheer number.

I immediately equip the Thorn Sword in my non-dominant hand.

The Thorn Sword has a shorter blade than a Poison sword, barely the width of an outstretched palm.

When a Shadow appears, I immediately launch an attack.

Just before the attack, Ao-chan's [Dark Magic] activates, making misfortune more likely.

<Dealt 24 damage to the Shadow>

<The Shadow is Bleeding>

<The Shadow takes 15 damage from Bleeding>

<The Shadow got Poison>

<The Shadow takes 10 damage from Poison>

While the enemy attacks with slow movements, I continue my onslaught.

Bleeding, an abnormal condition, becomes more powerful the more attacks I land within its duration.

<Dealt 24 damage to the Shadow>

<The Shadow takes 17 damage from Bleeding>

<The Shadow takes 10 damage from Poison>

"Booo...!?"

Black liquid flows from the Shadow.

Without stopping my attacks, I continue to strike one after another.

<.Dealt 26 damage to the Shadow>

<.The Shadow takes 19 damage from Bleeding>

<.The Shadow's Poison turns into Severe Poison>

<.The Shadow takes 27 damage from Severe Poison>

<.Dealt 25 damage to the Shadow>

<.The Shadow takes 21 damage from Bleeding>

<.The Shadow takes 27 damage from Severe Poison>

When an enemy is defeated by an ally's attack, the status is updated.

<Shiozaki Minato gained 700 experience points>

<Proficiency in the [Dual Wielding] skill became E>

<Learned the title [Slasher]>

<Received 10 Lin from the Shadow>

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Slasher 

Slightly increases the occurrence rate of bleeding.

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"Phew, I take a breath, and everyone seems amazed by the power of the Thorn Sword.

"Is it really that strong?"

"Attacking to cause bleeding, huh? It's not that easy to induce abnormal conditions normally."

"It seems to work really well with Curse User."

Hearing that it works exceptionally well, I feel pleased.

"I'm glad you understand."

"Indeed."

Ao-chan also seemed happy.

"I wouldn't want to face an opponent like that."

"Totally agree."

I can understand the grimace of disgust. 

In player-versus-player combat, facing someone with this style would be something to avoid. 

That's how troublesome and nasty this strategy is.