Stats...
Owner: Alex Seraphic
Health: 86/100
Mana: 42/100
Spirit: 0/100
Age: 16
Height: 5'10"
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Cultivation Level: Beginner Stage
Body Cultivation: Beginner Stage
Mana Cultivation: Beginner Stage
Spirit Cultivation: Beginner Stage
Attributes:
Strength: 33
Agility: 27
Vitality: 122
Endurance: 78
Charisma: 25
Intelligence: 35
Amazing, Alex thought, eyes wide as he took in the floating screen before him. How does all this work...? he wondered, waiting for the system to respond, but nothing happened.
Several seconds passed in silence. System, how do my stats work? He asked again, still unsure how to make sense of the information.
Stats
A point-based system designed to guide the user, providing feedback on personal progress and development.
Wait... does this mean I can see other people's cultivation and systems too? Alex thought, suddenly curious. But no further response came from the system.
Frustration began to gnaw at him. Is it malfunctioning? Or am I just too inexperienced to use it properly...? Either way, he knew he needed to figure out how this worked—his survival might depend on it.
With a deep breath, Alex tried to push himself off the ground, but pain flared through his side. He winced, his hand instinctively reaching for the wound. It was healed, but the scars were still fresh, crusted with dried blood. The skin was tender, and every movement sent a sharp sting through his ribs.
It's not fully healed, Alex realized. But at least I can move.
After gathering enough materials to start a fire, Alex began rubbing two sticks together to create an ember hot enough to ignite the kindling. But no matter how hard he tried, everything was too wet. His hands blistered from scraping the sticks back and forth, his frustration building until he tossed them aside in defeat.
This isn't working... he muttered. Maybe the system has something that could help... it did mention skills earlier. Maybe there's one I can use to start a fire.
System, what skills do I have?
The host currently has one skill available:
Level 1 Heal
Allows the host to cast a minor healing spell on oneself or others. Mana cost – 25 mana points per cast.
System, how do I obtain more skills?
System Shop unlocked. All beginner stage cultivator skills are available for purchase. Would the host like to purchase a new skill?
Yes, Alex thought, scrolling through the available options, his mind set on finding something to help him start a fire.
Level 1 Ignition
Cost of purchase – 1 system point
Allows the host to create a spark from any digit of the host's hand. The spark will last as long as the host's mana will allow.
Use of ability:
The host must focus on the thought of a spark on the chosen digit and verbally command "Spark" for the ability to activate. Any deviation will prevent activation.
Mana cost – 10 mana points per second.
Warning:
With each use of the skill "Spark," the host will experience phantom pain. A temporary burning sensation will occur on the chosen digit.
This seems like the best option for now... but the phantom pain sounds annoying. Alex frowned, debating whether the skill was worth the discomfort. Why even have these skills if the downsides are so harsh?
But with the cold setting in and no other options, the answer was clear. Pain or no pain, I need this fire... hypothermia is worse.
A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. Isn't that a joke, God? Burn or freeze—I'm going to suffer either way. What a twisted game you play.
System, purchase Level 1 Ignition, Alex commanded.
Purchase Successful.
Warning: With each use of the skill "Spark," the host will feel phantom pain in the chosen digit.
The system certainly doesn't let me forget about the pain, Alex thought, bracing himself. But I don't have a choice. I need this fire, and fast. If I don't get something to eat and a good night's sleep, I'll pass out from exhaustion soon.
After carefully arranging the tinder and sticks in a teepee shape, Alex crouched before the pile. Alright... let's give this a shot.
With a deep breath, Alex extended his index finger, hovering it just inches from the pile of tinder. Concentrating hard on the skill, he mentally prepared himself for the pain.
"Spark," Alex said hesitantly, unsure of what to expect.
Poof! "Ah!" Alex shouted, gritting his teeth as the sharp burn of the spark surged through his hand. That's no joke, he thought, wincing at the lingering sting. Light-headed and nauseous, he could feel the strain of mana depletion weighing on him.
I've got a little over a quarter of my mana left... I don't have the luxury to experiment. He glanced at the tinder, realizing his earlier mistake—his hand had been too far from the kindling for the spark to catch.
This time, I just have to push through the pain. His resolve hardening, Alex braced himself, thrusting his hand closer to the tinder. "Spark!" he shouted again, the small pile igniting instantly. Flames leapt to life, crackling hungrily. But the spark had come at a cost—his fingers bore a searing burn.
Alex cursed under his breath, momentarily frustrated, but then let out a weak laugh. At least the fire was burning now. He quickly piled more wood onto the flames, watching the fire grow strong enough to last the night.
With the fire sustaining itself, Alex turned his attention to the mountain lion. He grabbed several long, thin branches, setting them near the heat of the fire to serve as makeshift skewers. Then, picking up the same sharp rock he'd used to kill the lion, he began crudely skinning and cutting the beast's flesh. He wasn't experienced, but right now, survival was all that mattered.
He skewered slabs of meat onto the branches, setting them to cook over the open flames. The smell of roasting meat filled the air, and for the first time in what felt like ages, Alex allowed himself to sit down and take a breath.
As he gazed up at the night sky, thoughts swirled in his mind, and the weight of everything that had happened began to settle in.