**TITLE: She Bloomed Like Spring After Surviving a Winter No One Saw by Lillian Rosewood**
**Chapter 57: Killing Grayson, Gaining Massive XP!**
Alden had just reached level 12, a significant milestone that prompted him to don his Galeborn gear set once more, the familiar weight of the armor settling comfortably on his shoulders. It was a reassuring feeling, one that filled him with confidence as he prepared for the next challenge ahead.
With the Ninefold Longbow equipped, he could unleash a flurry of seven arrows in the blink of an eye—a feat that felt almost magical. Each arrow was guided by his impeccable aim, ensuring that nearly every shot landed as a critical hit. The thrill of this power coursed through him, electrifying his senses.
When he confronted the level 30 Black Iron boss, it was a swift and decisive encounter. The formidable creature barely had time to register Alden’s presence before it succumbed to its fate, collapsing lifelessly to the ground within a mere three seconds. It was almost laughable how easily it fell, never even getting the chance to unleash a single skill or a basic attack.
Thanks to his Lightning Jump ability, several of the bandits who had accompanied the boss were already reduced to charred remnants where they stood, their cries of panic echoing in the air.
Suddenly, the familiar chime of the system broke through the silence. “Ding! You have killed Darkwind Fort’s Third-in-Command above your level. XP +56,580, Guild Achievement Points +300.”
The sheer magnitude of the experience points was staggering. A level 12 player taking down a level 30 boss—this was no small feat, and Alden could hardly believe the surge of progress he felt. His XP bar surged dramatically, already a third of the way filled after this one encounter.
Yet, the notifications kept coming. “Ding! You have killed Darkwind Fort’s Third-in-Command. We will make a server-wide announcement. Would you like to hide your nickname?”
His response was immediate and firm. “No.”
The announcement echoed across the entire realm of Astralon, resonating in the hearts of players far and wide. “Server-wide announcement: Congratulations to player Frost King for being the first to kill Darkwind Fort’s Third-in-Command. This announcement is made with the hope that all players will continue to strive forward.”
The repetition of the message reverberated through the air, and Alden could almost feel the collective gasp of disbelief from the player community.
Players across the land were left in astonishment. “Holy crap, Frost King’s making a thunderous comeback—he actually got the first kill on a level 30 Black Iron boss!”
“Wait, Darkwind Fort’s Third-in-Command is level 30? Since when? The top leaderboard is only level 19—who’s even farming there?”
“Pfft, big guilds have already sent out assassins to scout and buy guides. You can get the map as long as you have the coin.”
“Still, shouldn’t NickPlays explain himself? Frost King just proved him wrong live.”
The chatter buzzed incessantly as players debated the implications of Alden’s accomplishment. At this moment, claiming the first kill on a level 30 Black Iron boss was monumental.
Meanwhile, in Darkwind City, NickPlays was grinding away at level 15 goblins when the announcement reached his ears. His expression hardened, a mix of irritation and determination flooding through him. He didn’t need to check social media to know the internet was already buzzing with his name, and not in a flattering way.
But he brushed it off. Just moments ago, he had completed a hidden quest and acquired a Talent Awakening Stone, activating a fixed-star, Earth-Level talent that multiplied his Attribute Points fivefold. While most players would typically gain five points upon leveling up, he would be rewarded with a staggering 25. It felt as if he was leaping ahead by five levels in one fell swoop.
“Frost King… just wait. Once I level up and maximize these points, I’ll surpass you without a doubt.”
His conviction was unwavering. Earth-level talents were a rare treasure, far beyond the reach of ordinary players.
Back in Darkwind Fort, Alden remained blissfully unaware of the brewing storm outside. The bandits had scattered, their fear palpable in the air.
He was taken aback. He had always known that humanoid monsters in Twilight of the Gods weren’t exactly dim-witted, but this? They were abandoning their stronghold without a fight?
Curiosity propelled him forward as he chased them into the compound, and what he discovered was astonishing—the First-in-Command, the Second-in-Command, and all their lackeys had fled. Their helmets and shields were left behind, a clear indication that they were running for their lives.
As he pursued them, Alden couldn’t help but notice the spoils of war accumulating in his inventory—more than 20 pieces of gear, a testament to the chaos he had sown.
“These are bandits? Really? This is it?”
His disappointment was palpable. What a pitiful display of cowardice.
Beyond Darkwind Fort, the mountains stretched endlessly, and he knew that hunting them down would consume precious time. Yet, their hasty retreat suggested they had undoubtedly left behind valuable loot.
His gaze swept across the area until it landed on the warehouse.
Inside, he was greeted by a staggering sight—over a thousand standard-issue weapons, all uniform in design and stat. While they lacked strength, they were ideal for equipping an average army.
“Why is Darkwind Fort producing so many of these?”

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