In response to Jake's eager question, Quinn shook his head, dashing his hopes. "You can only increase attributes once per day. Energy potions merely help with recovery—they won't raise your attribute levels. To actually enhance your stats, you'll need to level up your skills or your bloodline."
"Skills? Bloodline levels?" Alex and the others were confused by these new terms. Surrounding Quinn, they bombarded him with questions, slowly piecing together the game's power system.
The core of it revolved around five basic attributes: Strength, Constitution, Agility, Spirit, and Perception. The higher these attributes, the stronger one became. These initial attributes were determined by the potential rank of the awakened power. Those with N-rank potential started with F-level stats, while those with R-rank potential started at E-level. This gave those with higher potential a huge advantage early on.
However, those with lower potential weren't entirely without hope. They could raise their attributes by leveling up their skills or their bloodline, though both paths were costly and challenging. Skill levels required skill points, while upgrading one's bloodline required special inheritance rituals—both difficult to obtain.
Jake, though initially frustrated, still seemed hopeful, his expression betraying his secret desire for a lucky break.
Seeing this, Alex suddenly asked Quinn, "If someone has already awakened their powers, can they use an Awakening Stone again?"
The group perked up, eyes wide with interest. After all, if there was a way to keep trying, who knew when luck might finally be on their side?
Quinn nodded with a smile. "Yes, you can attempt another awakening once a month, but it requires at least ten Awakening Stones in one go."
"What? That's robbery!" Jake shouted. Ten Awakening Stones would cost a minimum of 15,000 points, even at half-price! Everyone felt the weight of the game's mechanics—it seemed designed to push players to spend more.
Despite the high cost, Alex saw the opportunity. If his next awakening led to an N-rank power, he knew he'd likely invest the points to try again and boost his potential.
During their conversation with Quinn, Alex and his classmates also learned about the other expedition teams. Fortunately, no major disasters had occurred. One team successfully completed their mission, while the other failed but returned without heavy losses. However, they had only gathered four crystal shards, meaning they were still short by two to complete the base defense mission.
It was clear they'd have to send out two more teams in the afternoon to gather the remaining shards.
Quinn, seemingly pleased with the group's efforts, offered them a cheap lunch at 100 points for two servings, a surprisingly generous gesture. Grateful and hungry, Alex's team finally filled their stomachs.
After eating, Alex pulled out the purple scythe blade they had obtained from the elite monster and handed it to Quinn. "Can you forge us another weapon? Is it still 6,000 points?"
Quinn examined the blade, smiling. "Of course, I'd be happy to help."
As Quinn inspected the weapon, Jake and the others looked on with shining eyes. During the battle, Alex's flashy moves with the scythe had left everyone in awe. Each of them secretly hoped they might get their hands on such a weapon.
Without much hesitation, Alex addressed the group. "The second blade will go to Jake for now. His electric skill should pair well with it. We'll see what powers everyone awakens tomorrow, and we can decide the next weapon allocation."
The group nodded in agreement. Alex's plan seemed fair.
Overjoyed, Jake jumped up, grabbing Alex's shirt. "Dad! You're the best! Let me give you the 6,000 points now; I'll owe you the rest!"
Alex rolled his eyes, pushing him off. "Calm down. It's just a loan for today. We'll see who gets it tomorrow."
Jake's antics reminded Alex of something. "By the way, the scythe and the R-rank Awakening Stone we earned are thanks to everyone's efforts. Whoever gets to keep them should compensate the group by paying half the value."
Alex's generosity touched everyone, but Ethan had a different suggestion. "Let's stick with the distribution we used earlier. Alex, you should take a quarter for yourself, and the rest can be split among us."
Tina chimed in before Alex could object. "Alex, just go with it! Not only this time, but in the future, too. If anyone awakens an R-rank power or becomes the MVP of the team, they'll get the bigger share, and the rest of us can split the rest."
The group agreed on the new plan. It was a fair system that rewarded the biggest contributors without leaving anyone behind.
After handing Jake the newly forged "Purple Scythe Blade," the group returned to the classroom to rest.
However, despite the sunny afternoon, many students found it impossible to sleep. The faint cries of monsters from outside the school, coupled with the eerie silence within, made it hard for anyone to relax. The reality of their new, dangerous world was sinking in, and the sense of security they once had was quickly fading.
At 2 p.m., the school's PA system crackled to life once more, calling for another expedition to gather the final shards for the base defense mission.
"Let's go! Time to hunt!" Alex and his friends were no longer as nervous as they had been earlier that day. Now, with two battles behind them, they were beginning to adapt. Standing up, excitement flickered in their eyes as they prepared for the next challenge.