Starting Unlimited Evolution from Grinding

Chapter 285: Epic Skill Combo – Sword Shadow Storm!

The grand and spectacular Hunting Competition had officially begun.

The crowded city gate soon left behind only a scene of mess and disarray.

All participants immediately rushed towards the Silent Forest. Upon reaching the entrance of the Silent Forest, many contestants chose to pause here for a brief rest, so most participants still felt a sense of bustling activity.

However, after formally entering the competition grounds, the entire world seemed to suddenly fall quiet. After venturing deeper for a stretch, aside from their own team members, it became increasingly difficult to spot other contestants.

Each participating team had its own plans and goals, heading towards different areas. Even with this year's record-breaking number of over ten thousand participants, once dispersed across the vast expanse of the Silent Forest, it didn't amount to much.

Because their carriage was fast enough, Lin Mo and his team were undoubtedly one of the earliest squads to enter the Silent Forest.

Like most participants, before the competition began, Lin Mo had also done his "homework," gathering information about various regions of the Silent Forest and formulating hunting plans.

But unlike the strategies of many contestants focused on maximizing points, what Lin Mo valued, or rather, the starting point of his considerations, was his skill proficiency.

Which areas were suitable for grinding proficiency, which areas might have relatively lower efficiency and should be avoided...

Specifically for particular professions and the skills that needed improvement, which places were good for grinding low-level skills, and which were suitable for magic or spellsword skills to shine.Lin Mo had considered all of these in advance.

The duration of this Hunting Competition was a full ten days.

And this period also roughly coincided with the most active time of the year for the magical creatures within the Silent Forest, so he didn't need to rush. He could take it slow, tackling one target at a time.

The first step was to level his Knight profession to Level 10, while simultaneously raising the level of his Priest profession. By evolving skills, he aimed to meet the required number of skills needed to advance to the Elite-tier Priest.

Therefore, Lin Mo set his first target location as Area 5 of the Silent Forest.

He had been here before on a mission. This area was the territory of their old friends, the Goblins.

If the Silent Forest faced the problem of an inflated magical creature population every autumn, then the area occupied by the Goblins was undoubtedly relatively special—even outside of autumn, the Goblin population was constantly and rapidly expanding at all times.

It was just that the unique environment of the Silent Forest prevented the Goblins from easily encroaching on the territories of other magical creatures, largely restricting their further expansion.

The resulting effect was intense internal competition among the Goblins themselves.

When resources were insufficient, weaker Goblins would be driven out of their territory to fend for themselves.

Therefore, compared to the Goblin tribes of the former Roland Forest, the Goblin tribes living in the Silent Forest were undoubtedly much stronger on average.

Even ordinary Goblins were far more powerful than the commonly perceived image of those green-skinned shorties who couldn't even defeat an ordinary adult human.

Among them, Mutated Goblins, Bronze Goblins, and Goblin Guards emerged endlessly.

Yet, under such circumstances, they still retained the characteristic of having a large population. So, this was undoubtedly an excellent leveling ground.

And there probably wouldn't be many people competing with Lin Mo for it.

Because creatures like Goblins gave relatively few points in the scoring system of the Hunting Competition.

After all, even at the same level, the vast majority of magical creatures were far more powerful than Goblins.

And the potential for being surrounded due to their large population numbers made the fights not as easy as imagined. For contestants with insufficient strength, this was definitely not a good place. For those with great strength, there were plenty of better choices than this.

Area 5 wasn't too far from the entrance of the Silent Forest. In less than an hour, Ellie led the group and successfully arrived here.

Along the way, he personally experienced the reason why this Hunting Competition was held early—even though they hadn't entered the depths of the Goblin territory and were just traveling through the intermediate areas, they still encountered many magical creatures that came to attack them.

This was noticeably different from when Lin Mo first arrived in Fargard City and came here on his first adventure to complete a mission.

Of course, Lin Mo was quite "welcoming" to these magical creatures that delivered themselves to his doorstep, and he leisurely took out the Bow of Hurricane to shoot arrows for fun.

During this process, he also roughly understood the point accumulation method through the data statistics on the competition wristband.

Magical creatures with a threat level below 1 gave approximately 1 point for every 10 killed—this wasn't a fixed number. Some slightly stronger ones could give 1 point for 5 kills. The specific judging method wasn't clear, but it was likely based on the creature's species and strength.

For magical creatures with a threat level of 1, points ranged from 0.5 to 1 point.

For threat level 2 creatures, it seemed to range from 2 to 3 points.

In short, the points for creatures of each level weren't fixed but had an upper and lower range.

For relatively easy-to-deal-with creatures like Goblins, they basically took the lower limit.

Those more troublesome or difficult-to-kill creatures gave more points.

Looking at it this way, the experience accumulated over the many years the competition had been held was quite useful. At least in terms of point acquisition, it was already quite reasonable.

Before entering Area 5, Lin Mo checked his current point total, which had already reached 23 points.

Additionally, the function of the competition wristband wasn't limited to accumulating one's own points; it could also display the points of other top-ranking contestants.

However, it could only query the top 1000 rankings.

Lin Mo's current ranking was 72nd.

After all, his current point count wasn't very high. Those contestants who went straight to hunt powerful creatures could likely get more points from a single creature than he had. But Lin Mo arrived at the Silent Forest relatively early, and many contestants hadn't even officially started hunting yet, so his ranking was still fairly high.

Incidentally, because they were hunting as a team, Ellie and the others also earned points, though not many.

Lin Mo took 60%, and the remaining three each got a little over 10%, roughly around 5 points.

This point amount couldn't enter the rankings for now.

"Looks like the other contestants are moving fast... Let's go, it's time for us to get moving too."

They didn't even need to actively search. Soon, a Goblin patrol squad appeared on the path ahead.

There were twenty to thirty Goblins in total, a decent-sized group. However, most were ordinary Goblins. These Goblins were all very skinny and looked listless, clearly not getting enough to eat.

In situations of resource scarcity, these weak Goblins were lucky if they could find some leftover scraps from those above them.

If things got worse, they might even become food themselves.

Without a word, Ellie stepped forward, starting with a [Cross Slash].

That's right, this was a skill she learned from Lin Mo. Over the past few days, their gains weren't just attribute improvements; they had all acquired skills from Lin Mo to varying degrees.

And after obtaining the skills, continuing with Shared Cultivation could directly increase skill proficiency, as if receiving enlightenment, helping them master the skills quickly.

For example, the [Cross Slash] Ellie was using now looked quite proper. From Lin Mo's professional perspective, it should have already reached Level 3.

Ellie's slash instantly killed the three or four Goblins at the front. She then thrust her sword forward, using the [Thrust] skill she also acquired from Lin Mo, piercing through two more Goblins like skewering candied haws.

The remaining Goblins immediately let out strange cries, realizing these humans were opponents they couldn't defeat. They instantly scattered, fleeing in panic.

However, just as they turned and ran a few steps, Lin Mo directly activated the Knight skill [Provoke].

The next moment, those Goblins who had turned to flee turned back around and charged towards Lin Mo.

The effect of the [Provoke] skill was related to the level difference and Spirit attribute gap between both parties. For these low-level Goblins, once provoked by Lin Mo, it was naturally impossible for them to break free.

They could only watch with tears in their eyes as their out-of-control bodies ran at the fastest speed towards that demon-like human.

[Multiple Returning Arrow] Proficiency +1

...

A series of proficiency prompts appeared before his eyes, quickly wiping out these Goblins.

Lin Mo was just about to recall his shield when he suddenly turned to look at a nearby patch of grass, smiling slightly.

This came at just the right time.

Immediately, he controlled the crystalline shield to fly in that direction.

The next moment, another series of screams rang out, and the green vegetation was dyed red.

It turned out another squad on patrol had heard the commotion and came to check. They happened to witness the scene of those Goblins being instantly killed by Lin Mo and didn't dare move.

However, Lin Mo's keen perception still detected them, so he conveniently sent them on their way too.

After dealing with these Goblins, Lin Mo unhesitatingly headed straight for the central area of this region.

He didn't have that much time to play hide-and-seek with the Goblins here; that was too inefficient. Going directly to the Goblin headquarters, wiping out their main force in one go, finishing early, and moving to the next area was the plan.

Along the way, Lin Mo encountered several more Goblin squads.

There were patrol squads and combat squads.

Patrol squads were mostly composed of ordinary Goblins, led by a Mutated Goblin or Goblin Guard. They basically had no combat power to speak of and gave very little proficiency and points.

Combat squads were slightly stronger. Every member in them had at least reached Level 1. Their condition also looked much better than those ordinary Goblins, indicating they at least had food to eat.

Lin Mo was also happy to see them, as they gave more points, after all.

[Multiple Returning Arrow] Proficiency +8

[Provoke] Proficiency +3

...

The proficiency gain method for the [Provoke] skill was different from offensive skills. It wasn't obtained by killing the provoked creatures but was related to the skill's effect and duration.

Fortunately, the level and Spirit attribute gap between Lin Mo and these Goblins were huge, so the skill's effect was very good, and proficiency growth wasn't slow.

As for the main offensive skill, [Multiple Returning Arrow], it had already reached Level 5 and accumulated some proficiency. After killing a few more batches of Goblins, this skill smoothly leveled up.

"Skill [Multiple Returning Arrow] Lv5 (180/180) Leveled Up!"

"Current Skill [Multiple Returning Arrow] Lv6 (Max)"

"Gained Basic Attribute Points: Constitution +3!"

"Automatically evolved into new skill – Heavy Shield Spiral!"

"Comprehended Skill [Heavy Shield Spiral]! Gained Basic Attribute Points: Constitution +3!"

[Heavy Shield Spiral] Lv1 (0/10): Infuse Qi and Blood into the shield and throw it. The shield subsequently generates a "Qi and Blood Heavy Shield," expanding in size and continuously rotating, colliding with and cutting through targets it contacts (shield position can be adjusted through Qi and Blood guidance)

But for normal Knights, this skill was actually a double-edged sword. Because the shield was extremely important for the Knight profession. Only with the shield in hand did the Knight possess sufficiently strong defensive capabilities. Once the shield wasn't in hand, they could only rely on their own Constitution and armor's defensive power. When facing powerful opponents, they might be unable to withstand attacks, leading to injury.

However, for Lin Mo, there was no such concern.

After all, he wasn't exactly a proper Knight either...

As for this skill's evolution direction, Lin Mo glanced at them; they were all types that enhanced power. He chose the one that increased rotation speed. (Skills with lower future appearance rates won't be listed specifically to avoid filler.)

With a new skill in hand, naturally, it needed testing.

Unfortunately, the Goblins before him had already been mostly wiped out by his previous combo. He could only look for a new batch.

Just as Lin Mo was thinking this, a noisy commotion suddenly came from not far away.

Focusing his gaze, he saw another batch of Goblin troops rushing towards them.

This time, the number of Goblins was enormous. A rough look showed over 100, and among them were some powerful individuals. It seemed that although most of the Goblins encountered earlier had been killed by Lin Mo, the frequent disturbances still alerted the higher-ups in the Goblin tribe to the situation here. So, they dispatched a Goblin army to exterminate them.

However, they clearly still didn't have a clear understanding of the invaders' strength, only sending this many "people." Of course, it might also be because other directions were also under attack from participants.

In any case, this batch of Goblins came just in time.

Lin Mo used [Crystal Shield Technique] again, creating a crystalline shield and throwing it.

After the shield left his hand, the Qi and Blood within rapidly expanded, transforming into a "Qi and Blood Heavy Shield" several meters long and wide, flying into the midst of the Goblin troops.

The next moment, like a meat grinder, any Goblins it touched were all cut into pieces by its terrifying power.

Lin Mo controlled the movement of this "Qi and Blood Heavy Shield" through Qi and Blood guidance. Rows of Goblins fell, unable to even get within a hundred meters of them before they all collapsed.

[Heavy Shield Spiral] Proficiency +8

[Heavy Shield Spiral] Proficiency +4

...

Lin Mo watched as the proficiency progress bar for this newly acquired skill shot up like a rocket, leveling up several times in the blink of an eye!

"Skill [Heavy Shield Spiral] Lv1 (10/10) Leveled Up!"

.......

"Gained Basic Attribute Points: Constitution +3!"

"Current Skill [Heavy Shield Spiral] Lv6 (32/300)!"

Lin Mo's spirits were instantly lifted. This speed was almost fast enough to trigger evolution directly!

Could the Knight profession level up this quickly too?

On one hand, it was because this skill itself was quite special—a very rare large-area skill within the Knight profession. Combined with Lin Mo's sufficient strength, which completely overpowered these Goblins. On the other hand, it was also because the Silent Forest was truly abundant, especially during this period when magical creatures were practically overflowing. For Lin Mo, this was simply heaven!

Earlier, skill leveling and evolution had granted 6 Constitution points. Now, adding another 3 points, Lin Mo's Constitution attribute directly rose from 79 points to 88 points, almost a full level's worth of increase.

"Promotion conditions met. Profession Knight (lv7) promoted – Current Profession Knight (lv8)"

"Gained Profession Attribute Enhancement: Strength+2, Constitution+4, Agility+1, Spirit+1!"

Additionally, among the previous batch of Goblin troops, there were two or three Bronze Goblins. Lin Mo took the opportunity to observe the points given by these Level 3-4 creatures.

Level 3 seemed to give a minimum of 6 points.

Level 4 should be 15 points or more. Higher levels were unknown for now. According to the previously summarized pattern, Goblins should be near the lowest end.

In short, compared to the earlier low-level creatures, the points given showed significant growth.

This was also a form of balance. Otherwise, Mages with large-area destructive power would be too strong. They could just mass-kill low-level creatures, and other professions could never catch up.

According to the current rules, later on, high-level creatures would likely provide quite substantial points, giving other professions a chance to compete with Mages.

After the battle ended, Lin Mo checked his current points: 298. However, his ranking hadn't risen much; he was now 67th. Looking at the contestants ahead, the 50th place already had over 500 points. The gap was still quite large.

These contestants most likely chose to go to deeper areas to hunt those powerful creatures.

But Lin Mo didn't mind. This competition still had a long time to go. Whenever he wanted, he could catch up.

"Let's go. Time to clean up this area's BOSS."

He didn't even bother cleaning up the battlefield, only cutting off the ears of the higher-level Goblins before hurriedly leaving, heading straight towards the center of Area 5.

The number of Goblin squads encountered along the way wasn't as many as imagined.

It seemed just as Lin Mo thought. While many participants aiming for good results wouldn't come to this area, other adventurers who were just participating to get some rewards were quite happy to deal with these familiar old friends.

Although these participants most likely wouldn't risk going to the central area of this region, just in case, Lin Mo sped up, charging all the way to the Goblin headquarters.

Unlike the Goblin settlements he had seen before, the headquarters before him looked quite proper, with many large tents erected, resembling an orderly village.

Of course, it was only similar in form. In reality, the scale of this Goblin headquarters was much larger than an ordinary village, equivalent to at least 2~3 villages.

A Goblin force of this scale, if placed somewhere like the Roland Forest, would definitely cause a terrible disaster.

Undoubtedly, within this Goblin camp, there were quite a few Silver-level Goblins.

Silver-level Goblins were already quite powerful individuals within the Goblin tribe, and their strength distribution was also wide, ranging from Level 5 to 15.

However, considering this was only the relatively peripheral Area 5 of the Silent Forest, the Silver-level Goblins here most likely wouldn't exceed Level 10.

While pondering these things, Lin Mo walked towards the Goblin camp ahead.

The Goblin Guards on duty soon spotted him and let out a series of sharp shrieks, alerting their companions to the arrival of intruders.

Lin Mo simply stood at the entrance of the camp, waiting for them to assemble.

This was, after all, the Goblin headquarters. Although many Goblins had already gone out on patrol or foraging, and with the appearance of numerous intruders today, they also needed to go suppress them.

Still, within a very short time, hundreds of Goblins assembled, and they all looked quite strong.

This situation was just right...

Powerful Ice Elemental Mana gradually gathered in Lin Mo's hand.

After obtaining the Spellsword profession, he had actually been trying to integrate magical elements into Warrior skills. This was also the common perception of the Spellsword profession's positioning.

During those few days at the academy, he made many attempts at this and achieved results without much setback.

As his words fell, a massive magic circle constructed from Ice Element appeared ahead.

This was one of Lin Mo's Epic-level spells—[Frost Storm].

But this time, it wasn't just a simple Frost Storm.

The magic had already taken form. Powerful Ice Element gathered and poured down with a roar.

However, what fell from the sky weren't the original ice pellets of [Frost Storm], but swords.

They were sword shadows, one after another, shimmering with a blue eerie glow!