If magic creature-level rats appeared, that would truly be everyone's worst nightmare.
So in the countryside, it is not uncommon to see cats, with many households raising them.
Suddenly, the Hero's gaze fixed intently on the black cat's [ ].
Beneath the fur on its neck, a barely visible emblem revealed —
There, similar to the Stigmata on the scales of Gleaming Scale Serpent's belly, an emblem shone with a faint light under the cover of fur.
Subconsciously, the Hero concentrated her Perception towards this seemingly ordinary black cat.
[Hero activates skill: Extrasensory Sensation (Perception+41, Intelligence d50, Gleaming Scale Serpent+40)]
D100+41+d50+40=d100(72)+41+d50(14)+40=167
Note: This is a non-counteractive check, success if above 172, no penalty if the check fails.
Realizing the Queen's surprise, the Gleaming Scale Serpent suddenly reared up, cautiously watching the black cat that had unnoticedly approached.
Yet, quicker than their master and servant, the black cat vanished into a mere afterimage from its original spot.
The Hero almost touched upon its essence, realizing that this black cat was no ordinary creature.
[Hero's Perception check failed, black cat's Agility (203) surpasses Hero's Agility (20) by more than five times, the action automatically succeeds]
[Little Girl's black cat]
1. Launched Intimidation
2. Licked the Hero's Stigmata♛
However, the black cat's speed was faster than the Hero's thought process.
With movements completely surpassing the Hero's response, it passed through the girl's hand like an invisible shadow, then extended its tiny cat tongue, gently licking her ankle.
Similar to when encountering Sister White Snake, a strange Magic Power suddenly surged into the ankle.
The Hero widened her eyes in surprise.
[Hero's skill: Intimidation has been enhanced]
[Intimidation (Tiger Kiss)]
Intimidates creatures of the same level or lower, causing panic when roaring D2+30
The scales of Gleaming Scale Serpent exploded, and it bared its fangs aiming to bite at the offending thief cat, but it didn't manage to touch a single hair of the target.
The figure of the black cat flickered like a shadow flying atop the branches.
It wasn't any special magical ability, merely a speed too fast for the Hero.
The Hero quickly reached out and calmed down the Gleaming Scale Serpent.
The black cat hadn't caused any harm, instead, as the Magic Power information was infused, she felt herself learning a new skill, understanding how to better release her imposing presence, and intimidating the spirit of enemies.
Though this Magic Power wasn't enough to make her Transformation evolve like Sister White Snake, it no doubt was also a precious gift.
Like completing a mission, the black cat on the tree licked its paws, no longer maintaining its docile demeanor.
It glanced down at the Hero, then without any attachment, turned around and left with ease.
Perhaps due to being granted Magic Power, or perhaps as a Beast Spirit Mage by nature, the Hero understood the look in its eyes.
'Unyielding little one, this is a gift of gratitude.'
A gift to save her immature master was this special Magic Power.
The Hero slightly came to a realization.
'The Stigmata on that cat carry her scent.'
The Hero now somewhat understood why the Count decided to send the little girl inland.
Even a mere cat in the Count Mansion had such strength, but the little girl's mother still perished in the Arcane Surge.
This Border had storms she couldn't withstand; this courtyard was a closed Magic greenhouse.
If the little girl continued to grow here under the protection of the strong, even if she could have certain strengths, she probably wouldn't gain the recognition of that black cat.
On the contrary, moving to the relatively peaceful Capital, without the shield of family, she could truly stand independently, grow to support the Border City, and become a Countess.
Just as the Count himself said, not only because of his wife's death but surely he also considered much to make such a decision.
'Great Nobles have many troubles indeed.'
Pacifying the Gleaming Scale Serpent, the Hero sighed as she unfolded the map again.
Weak one, that's how the black cat seemed to perceive her.
Indeed, she never felt herself to be truly strong.
But what she had to do hasn't changed.
Kill the Goblins, and never give up, that's all.
'Alright, decided, let's start with this one!'
Having identified her goal, the Hero stood up.
[First stop: Weapon Store]
[Hero's Pathfinding (detailed map+30, Border City+20, decides the level of the Weapon Store)]
D100+50=d100(47)+50=97
[Weapon Store (Rating 97)]
A high-end Weapon Store in Border City also held a good reputation.
The quality of the products was always above standard, and correspondingly, the prices were equally set above standard.
But what troubled the owner was despite good customer reviews, the store's fame never seemed to rise.
Faithful customers:"As for recommendations... there doesn't seem to be anything specific to recommend, right?"
"Exactly, when others ask me, how are the weapons from this store? I say they're good and quite expensive, and that's it."
"Right, right, like asking you, does this store's weapons have any stories? Has any Legendary Strongman used them before? What would you say?"
"I couldn't say much, just that they're quite good, worth buying."
[Item Level: Forging Level]
Rank9 Holy Artifact: Unforgeable
Rank10 Mythic: Unforgeable