Cataclysm Hunter: I Have an Experience Points System - Chapter 21 - Lin Xiao, the Weapon Master, and His Frenzied Experience Grinding Journey

“Did that guy just come out of the Spear room? Why is he here again?”

“Probably just testing the feel of different weapons. That’s what weekends are for, right?”

“It’s not about the quantity of weapons, but the mastery of them. Trying to learn them all means you won’t master any.”

“True, look at how he’s swinging that axe-it’s a mess.”

…

Swish-!

The giant axe sliced through the air, its icy steel emphasizing the weapon’s heft. Lin Xiao gripped the axe handle with both hands, awkwardly wielding the brutal weapon that weighed over 30 kg.

[Giant Axe-lv0: experience points +3]

[Giant Axe-lv0: experience points +4]

[Giant Axe-lv0 >>> Giant Axe-lv1! potential points +1]

The moment the attribute panel indicated an upgrade, his clumsy movements transformed into fluid grace. The terrifying axe blade danced through the air with fierce momentum, each move honed as if through countless trials.

“Whoa, he suddenly got so powerful!”

“Oh my god! He’s a Big Shot pretending to be a newbie just to mess with us!”

“Did he hear everything we said earlier?”

“Is this a new way to show off?”

Lin Xiao put the weapon back, completely ignoring the astonished stares from his fellow students, and hurried to the next weapon room.

…

[Great Hammer-lv0: experience points +4]

[Great Hammer-lv0: experience points +3]

[Great Hammer-lv0 >>> Great Hammer-lv1! potential points +1]

The massive bludgeon, capable of instantly crushing a beast’s skull, spun and danced in his hands, transitioning from slow to fast, from motion to stillness, with effortless ease.

“What is going on with this guy? He seems so strong now!”

“He looked worse than me just a moment ago.”

“Does he start off looking like a complete newbie, then suddenly become super skilled?”

“How do you know?”

“I followed him here just to see how he shows off.”

“…?”

…

[Beast Hunting Saw Knife-lv0: experience points +4]

[Beast Hunting Saw Knife-lv0 >>> Beast Hunting Saw Knife-lv1! potential points +1]

The blade, nearly 20 centimeters wide, curved eerily with sharp edges and irregular serrations on the back, designed to tear open wounds and extract the mutant beast’s innards. In Lin Xiao’s hands, this monstrous knife seemed reborn, slicing and pulling as if invisible beasts were being gutted, turning the room’s air into a chilling, bloodthirsty atmosphere.

A student nearby swallowed hard, feeling an inexplicable sensation of being splattered with blood.

“Impressive, right? I told you he would be!”

“How did he train to be like this?”

“Maybe he’s a senior, back from an internship, just playing around.”

“I’m a senior, don’t spread rumors! Seniors aren’t this awesome!”

…

[Long-handled Broadsword-lv0: experience points +5]

[Long-handled Broadsword-lv0 >>> Long-handled Broadsword-lv1! potential points +1]

“Oh my god! Achilles reborn?”

“Nonsense, it’s clearly Ares descending!”

“What are you guys even doing here… just watching instead of practicing?”

…

【Dagger-Lv0 >>> Dagger-Lv1! Potential points +1】

The small, sharp dagger spun rapidly between his fingers. With a thrust, a slash, and a downward stab, Lin Xiao flicked his wrist, sending the dagger flying to hit the bullseye ten meters away.

“How about that, bro? Didn’t I tell you?”

“…Is he really that amazing?”

“Come on, let’s go check it out!”

…

Lost in the joy of the weapon funhouse, Lin Xiao didn’t notice the growing crowd following him. He was completely absorbed in the thrill of gaining potential points.

This place was heaven!

The constant upgrade notifications on his attribute panel were like music to his ears, much like leveling up in a game, where you can see yourself getting stronger step by step, making it addictive and easy to lose track of time.

Lin Xiao was utterly immersed in the bliss of racking up points!

…

Returning the war blade and alloy shield to their places, Lin Xiao was about to leave when a nearby student called out to him.

“Big Shot! Are you eating? Want me to bring you dinner?”

“…Big Shot?”

The title left Lin Xiao puzzled, but he quickly checked his phone for the time.

6:30 PM.

How did it get so late!?

He rubbed his stomach, remembering he hadn’t even had lunch.

“We’re heading to the cafeteria. Big Shot, what do you want to eat? We’ll bring it over.”

“No need, thanks. I’ll head out to eat later.”

Looking at the group of burly students, Lin Xiao was curious about the “Big Shot” nickname. Why did they act like they knew him?

And were they really that close? Practicing together even on a day off?

“Why call me… Big Shot?”

“Because you can handle any weapon!”

As they spoke, the group of guys seemed starry-eyed, their muscles flexing with excitement.

Lin Xiao felt embarrassed, realizing he might have been overestimated.

“You’ve got it wrong. I don’t know everything.”

He felt the need to correct their misconception.

He held up his hand, pinching his thumb and forefinger together to indicate a tiny amount, and said seriously:

“I only know a little about each weapon.”

“Oh-!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the group seemed even more excited, nodding as if they understood some secret code.

Lin Xiao felt a bit lost, unable to connect with the younger crowd.

Besides, his skills were only at Lv1, which meant he really only knew a little!

…

After eating at the cafeteria, Lin Xiao returned to his dorm and received a message from Zhao Siya.

[Come on! Let big sis teach you how to play Go~]

[Sure.]

[You have an account, right? Send it to me so I can add you as a friend!]

[LinXiao1234.]

[Okay, I’ll add you!]

Zhao Siya’s messages paused for two minutes.

[…Amateur Level 2?]

[Yes.]

[…?]

[Add me.]

[Crying cat emoji.jpg]

Once they were friends on the platform, Lin Xiao set up a custom game, opting out of Blitz Chess mode to savor the experience.

Ding-! The voice chat connected.

Lin Xiao put on his headset and said calmly:

“Let’s go. I’ll play as many games as you want tonight.”

“…Can we not play at all?”

“No.”

“Ah-! Help! Qiaoqiao, save me!”

Amidst the sound of frantic movement, Zhao Siya seemed to be calling for reinforcements, likely her roommate Qiaoqiao.

But Lin Xiao didn’t mind. If the reinforcements were strong, he’d treat it as gaining more experience points. If not…

He’d take them both down!

Glancing at the potential points on his attribute panel, Lin Xiao felt invigorated and full of energy.

“Here we go! Don’t get cocky just because you’re Amateur Level 2. My roommate is Amateur Level 5!”

“Haha… I’m Siya’s roommate, Chen Qiaoen. Do you suggest I just watch?”

Lin Xiao chuckled, unfazed as he started the match.

…

Ten minutes later.

“…Qiaoqiao, is it really over?”

“We lost…”

“Aren’t you Level 5?”

“Ugh… ugh… ahhh~!”

Amidst the storm of tears from the two girls, Lin Xiao quietly removed his headset.

He was at Amateur Level 2, but that didn’t mean his skills were limited to that level. Ranking up takes time.