In the end I decided to go with Fleetstep. I would rather be able get away than protects myself when the Kobolds are too close and attacking me.

  Speed above durability…

  “I want to update Fleetstep.”

  I opened my stat window and concentrated on the spell. I knew I made the choice after reading over the specs of the spell.

  I pulled up the spell descriptions and read through them side by side.

  Fleetstep (Basic) was simple, familiar — a +50% speed boost, a bit of extra jump height, easier dodging, and reduced stamina drain. Ten seconds of escape power for ten mana, twenty seconds to cool down. It had saved me more times than I could count.

  Then I opened the Advanced version.

  My eyebrows shot up immediately.

  Fleetstep (Advanced)

  +120% movement speed for fifteen seconds.

  Near-instant acceleration.

  Jump height tripled.

  Reflex boost.

  A mid-air directional shift.

  A 35% damage-reducing shield baked right into the spell.

  Less stamina drain.

  AND silent footsteps.

  I let out a low whistle.

  The difference between Basic and Advanced wasn’t just an upgrade — it was a full evolution. The Basic version made me faster.

  The Advanced one made me dangerous.

  I pictured myself fighting:

  dodging glaives, weaving around spear thrusts, repositioning mid-air, avoiding hits I never could have avoided before…

  This wasn’t just mobility.

  This was survival.

  And the mana cost — 25 mana — wasn’t cheap, but considering what it offered? Worth it.

  I kept reading both descriptions again, comparing line by line, but the choice was already made.

  This wasn’t a luxury spell.

  It was the difference between barely escaping a Level 6’s weapon…

  …and never getting hit in the first place.

  Finished with everything, I waited for the dome to disappear. There was no real need to hunt another Kobold, so the plan became simple: walk home and stay alert for any Level 7 marks.

  Confronting one wasn’t on the table — not yet — but knowing what I’d be up against in the future seemed smart.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  About halfway back, a new dot blinked onto my Mini Map. I did not want it to see me, so I crept forward and looked at it from behind a building.

  The creature stepped into view, and for a moment I almost didn’t recognize it as a kobold.

  This one looked… different. More dangerous.

  It stood taller than the others — close to five feet — its posture straighter, movements sharper. Fine, ember-red scales patterned its shoulders and arms, almost glowing in the light. Thin trails of heat shimmered off its body, like it walked inside its own pocket of warm air.

  Clutched in its hands was a staff unlike anything I’d seen on the lower-level kobolds.

  The wood was dark and polished, wrapped with glowing runes, and pieces of something… scaly… were embedded along the top. Every time it shifted its grip, the runes pulsed faintly, as if syncing to its heartbeat.

  The kobold moved with a strange alertness — not frantic like the regular ones — scanning its surroundings in smooth, deliberate motions.

  Twice it lifted the staff slightly and the air around the tip distorted, rippling with heat as though testing a spell.

  Its chest rose and fell in slow, controlled breaths. A little spark escaped its teeth on the exhale.

  Definitely not one to fight up close.

  Definitely not one to fight at all right now.

  From behind a car, I watched it moved along the street, staying near walls and corners, picking positions with a practiced, almost tactical eye. Even alone, it moved like something used to having others protect it.

  A Dragonblood Adept.

  And fragile or not… one fire burst from that thing would cook me alive.

  I didn’t make a sound.

  Didn’t even breathe until it was gone.

  Identify

  I waited until I was sure it was gone before continuing home.

  It was still early afternoon, and I knew Claire would still be busy with her quest. I remember receiving a Free Points Token and would use it and then watch a movie. The next morning would be training but that day, nope.

  I did not see myself as lucky, but I have been somewhat lucky… but I decided to not take a change.

  Six points was a good amount, and I allocated them to allocated them to Strength, Endurance and Dexterity. I also placed some in Mana.

  I chewed on a snack and watched a movie while waiting for Claire. It was much later when my Comm Crystal buzzed. The movie had been finished for a while, and I was thinking of taking a shower and eating my dinner.

  “Claire, how did it go?”

  “I am done. It was a bit… involved but in the end, not too bad. I will tell you everything tomorrow, but now I want a bath and some rest.”

  We agreed to meet the next day and I took my shower and went to bed.