C3 The Nanomass Was so Terrifying

Outside the city, the leveling zone was bustling with a throng of players.

The job advancement event took place annually.

Last year's upperclassmen had long since moved on from the beginner's leveling grounds.

As a result, the area was teeming with fresh faces who had just completed their class advancements today.

"Blue Field Guild's Magic Master is leading a team—level up five times in three hours! Need one healer, leaving soon!"

"Qingfeng High School's beginner group is seeking a Magic Master. We're leaving shortly, come on over!"

"Flash Shooter leading a leveling team—need three more, any takers. Beastmasters, keep out!"

"Male Beastmaster seeking a leveling group, willing to pay for a spot. Take me with you!"

Faang Chen couldn't help but shake his head at the shouts for party members nearby. Beastmasters really had it tough, seemingly less valued than dogs.

But he wasn't bothered; teaming up wasn't his style.

He wove through the crowd and quickly spotted the direction sign.

Novice Leveling Area

Green Snake Slope recommended level: LV.0-LV.5

Wild Boar Ridge recommended level: LV.6-LV.10

Wolfman Mountain recommended level: LV.11-LV.30. Beware of bosses.

Faang Chen eyed the three paths before him and made a beeline for Wolfman Mountain without a second thought.

With his mini noxious insect at the ready, the first two areas were unnecessary.

Besides, those places would be crowded. Wolfman Mountain, on the other hand, was likely deserted since players had only just advanced their jobs less than a day ago.

It was the perfect opportunity to test the potency of his mini noxious insect.

"Hey, young man, you're headed the wrong way. That's Wolfman Mountain over there—dangerous territory!"

Faang Chen had barely taken a few steps when a burly man clad in armor called out to him.

This was a guard of the novice leveling area, a member of the Long Hua City Guard Army.

As Faang Chen glanced at him, he noted the information.

Novice Guard: Chen Gang

Level: LV.35

Occupation: One-circle Alchemist

Alchemists, being a support class, were often sought after by large guilds, but climbing the ranks was a challenging feat.

Most guards in the beginner zones or stationed within the city walls tend to be practitioners of secondary professions.

These individuals usually don't fare as well as those in offensive roles. Faang Chen thought of his own parents, who were Alchemists, and felt a twinge of sadness.

He offered Chen Gang a smile and said, "Thanks for the heads-up. I'm just going to take a look around."

With that, he made his way toward Wolfman Mountain.

"It's rare to find polite young folks these days. Don't overthink it, kid. A Zerg Beastmaster is certainly a cut above an Alchemist like me."

Chen Gang watched Faang Chen's departing figure and mused to himself.

......

Meanwhile, as Faang Chen headed for Wolfman Mountain, at Long Hua High School, Lei Yang summoned Zhang Dong and three other classmates.

"Let's go level up!"

"Do we have to rush, Mr. Yang? How about we do it tomorrow?"

Zhang Dong suggested.

Lei Yang's face was a mask of earnestness.

"You don't get it. Faang Chen's time is over. Now, it's my turn to shine, Lei Yang!"

"Su Muyu is a Phoenix Mage with a hidden class, and her family's loaded. She's definitely going to hire a mercenary squad to power-level!"

"If I don't seize the moment, the gap between us will only widen."

"Faang Chen's done for. I've got to win Su Muyu over!"

"Best case scenario, we both get into University of Northwich in two months' time!"

"Let's get moving!"

Lei Yang pressed.

At the mention of university enrollment, everyone's spirits lifted, and they hurried toward the city outskirts.

High school graduation meant a chance to switch professions, but getting into university hinged on both luck and talent.

Within its halls, they'd gain access to a wealth of resources. Post-graduation, joining a guild would mean starting as a core member at the very least.

Some might even be scouted by one of Eceosian's top 100 large guilds. Joining such an elite guild could catapult their careers.

Moreover, universities were also inclusive of those in secondary professions. As long as one had the strength, they could join too, since large guilds were always in need of high-level Alchemists and other specialists.

While the perks may not match those of combat roles, with enough talent and a willingness to put in the effort and invest money, one can still lead a successful life.

Naturally, such circumstances are typically found among the scions of prominent families.

After all, the average person doesn't have access to such abundant resources and wealth.

...

Wolfman Mountain.

Upon his arrival, Faang Chen discovered that the mountain was deserted, save for the patrolling Wolfman Demonic Beasts.

Wolfman Demonic Beast: Beast Clan

Rating: Ordinary

Level: LV.20

Health: 1100

Attack: 500

Physical Defense: 200

Magic Defense: 200

Skills: Wolfman Roar, Wolfman Charge

Faang Chen observed the Wolfman Demonic Beast before him and compared it to his own mini noxious insect.

Even at Level 0, the mini noxious insect boasted an impressive attack power of one thousand, with a defense of three hundred and a whopping three thousand health points.

The innate abilities of a Mythical Divine Insect far surpassed those of their ordinary counterparts.

And as they leveled up, the disparity would only widen.

Glancing at the Insect Nest within his dantian, the details swiftly surfaced.

Mini noxious insect: 10,000 / 10,000

"It's only been what, at most half an hour? And they've already multiplied to full capacity!"

"Perfect timing to test out their effectiveness!"

With a mere thought, the mini noxious insects from the Insect Nest within Faang Chen's dantian surged forth.

Since the mini noxious insects couldn't fly, they swarmed out like a white tide, engulfing the terrain of Wolfman Mountain.

Almost immediately, the leading mini noxious insects latched onto a Wolfman Demonic Beast.

Simultaneously, Faang Chen noticed a dark purple hue spreading beneath the skin of the beast, a clear sign of poisoning.

The Demonic Beast collapsed without a struggle.

A notification echoed in his mind.

Ding! Congratulations on slaying the Wolfman Demonic Beast, you have earned +100 experience points!

Seeing their fallen comrade, the remaining Demonic Beasts charged in fury.

A flurry of notifications began to resound in Faang Chen's mind.

Ding! Congratulations on slaying the Werewolf Demonic Beast and earning +100 experience points!

Ding! Congratulations on slaying the Werewolf Demonic Beast and earning +200 experience points!

Ding! Congratulations on leveling up! You've gained 10 free attribute points.

Ding! Your mini noxious insect has also leveled up.

Faang Chen listened as the system's notifications chimed incessantly in his mind, his eyes fixed on the sea of mini noxious insects before him, shimmering like a white ocean.

He couldn't contain his excitement and yelled out, "Awesome!"

Ten thousand mini noxious insects surged forward like a deluge, overwhelming nearly a hundred Werewolf Demonic Beasts that stood no chance against the onslaught.

In under two minutes, the Werewolf Demonic Beasts that had roamed the mountain were utterly decimated.

"The might of the Zerg on the march is indeed a sight to behold!" Faang Chen mused, glancing at his level, which had skyrocketed from zero to fifteen.

Fifteen levels in one go!

If another wave were to come, could he not advance to the next class?

The mini noxious insects had taken some losses, though. Close-quarters combat was brutal, and with their levels not being particularly high, a few had perished in the fray.

If he had used the poisonous mist, there would have been no losses.

Lost in thought, Faang Chen was jolted by the system's voice once more.

Ding! For exterminating the Demonic Beasts of Wolfman Mountain within five minutes, the Wolfman King is now en route!

Unless you are part of a five-person team and above Level 20, please evacuate immediately!

"The boss is on its way?"

"Perfect timing. I'll take down another wave to see if I can hit Level 29 before heading back to change classes. Plus, it's a great opportunity to test the mini noxious insects' poisonous mist ability!"

"I'm curious to see how long the boss will last against it!"

With that, Faang Chen commanded, "Mini noxious insects, prepare the poisonous fog!"

At his behest, 10,000 mini noxious insects converged, forming a formidable hillock.

Before long, Faang Chen witnessed the resurgence of the Wolfman Demonic Beasts. And right behind them, a towering demon with the head of a wolf and the body of a human emerged, wielding a mace and charging straight for Faang Chen.

Wielding a mace, he charged straight at Faang Chen.

"Poison mist attack!" Faang Chen yelled.

In an instant, wisps of purple smoke billowed out, surging toward Wolfman Mountain. As the smoke spread, the Wolfman Demonic Beasts collapsed one after another, while a chorus of system notifications echoed in Faang Chen's mind.

But he paid them no mind. His eyes were locked on the Wolfman King, eager to see how long the boss could withstand the onslaught.