"What just happe...."
Henry couldn't complete his statement, he suddenly became tired and disoriented, his stamina was drained. His vision blurred, and his legs wobbled.
[Stamina: -20]
The system notifications flashed, warning him of his depleted energy
"No, not now, since when do... does a stat reduce," Henry groaned, struggling to stay upright.
[I told you everything comes with a price, your time perception skill doesn't consume energy points, it consumes your actual energy, your stamina] Miley replied
He was about to reply when the Greater Forest Stalker emerged from the underbrush, its body looking completely transparent and its claws gleaming in the sunlight.
"Great, now you show up!" he voiced out
[It wants to take advantage of your weak state] Miley stated
"Yeah no shit," he thought as the beast became fully invisible once again and moved towards Henry
Henry's instincts kicked in, he could feel the beast's movement, he raised his sword, preparing for the beast's attack.
The stalker charged, its massive strength propelling it forward. Henry dodged, but the beast's claws swiped through the air, barely missing him.
Henry countered with a swift slash, but the stalker's camouflage allowed it to dodge effortlessly.
The battle raged on, Henry's exhaustion worsening with each passing moment.
"Fuck! i can't see this son of a bitch!" he yelled inwardly as the beast retreated a bit to gather energy
Henry's vision began to tunnel, but he refused to yield.
"I need an idea fast, i don't know how much i can last," he thought as his fast perceptive thinking kicked in, consuming whatever stamina he had left. But his body had now completely healed up, the claw marks gone like they were never there
It was the first time Henry was seeing his body heal like that, but he didn't have time to be fazed
[Ep: 220]
[Hp: 40/40]
"Good my health is full once again and I've still got plenty of energy points," Henry thought as he glanced around the area, thinking faster than normal, his gaze suddenly landed on a large rock
He focused on the rock, noticing the faint scratch marks.
"Ah-ha!" Henry exclaimed, a plan forming. But the beast seemed to have gathered enough energy as it began charging towards Henry again
With renewed determination, Henry activated dash, and moved toward the rock as fast as he was, the stalker hot on his heels. He got to the tall pillar-like rock and waited for the bear to arrived, monitoring it's sound movement and feeling it's presence
The beast kept coming at him with full speed, creating a thumping sound on the ground of the forest, it finally reached Henry and swiped it's massive claws at him
As the beast attacked, Henry dodged and simultaneously struck the rock with his sword, creating a shower of sparks.
The sparks illuminated the stalker's outline, momentarily disrupting its camouflage.
Henry seized the opportunity, unleashing a precise slash that bit deep into the stalker's shoulder.
The beast roared, its camouflage faltering. It was now visible, a large 10ft black bear with mad red eyes and long deadly claws
Henry didn't wait to gaze at its features, he immediately took advantage of the opening, and leaped in the air
Transitioning into a flip and gathering enough momentum, he executed the descending slash with precision, landing the tip of his sword directly on the beast's head
He immediately pushed the sword deeper into the head, further piercing the skull and killing it on the spot
The bear let a soft grunt and collapsed, Henry retrieved his sword and stared at the system notifications with delight and exhaustion
[+10 Exp]
[1 C rank beast core gained]
[Congratulations you have levelled up]
As the system notifications flashed, Henry stood panting, his stamina completely depleted
[Well played, Henry]Miley said, her voice filled with pride.
Henry smiled, still catching his breath.
"Now that's what I call 'Fatality'."he muttered, collapsing onto the grass and passing out near the dead beast
******
Henry woke up to the blue sky above him, the sun wasn't visible but neither was the moon, it was either dawn or dusk and Miley confirmed which one it was
[You got bumped good, you slept through the entire night, it's morning already] Miley stated
Henry's eye widened "What! really?"
Miley burst into laughter [Of course not, if you slept here for even an hour, you'd have been eaten and died in your sleep once again]
[It's only been 30 minutes, it seems your stamina recovers pretty fast] she added
"Haha, i bet you're enjoying yourself right now, i was almost killed and it's because you didn't bother to tell me about the stamina decrease when using time perception," Henry voiced out with a bit of annoyance
[Woah! don't you put this on me, i actually told you this the day you got the skill and let's not forget who was soo confident in conquering his limitations. And believe me, this is just the beginning] Miley retorted loudly in his head
His mind suddenly replayed that exact moment of his first day in the world, Miley had actually stated that the skill consumed energy. He was the one who failed to ask what kind.
Henry didn't speak, he was guilty in the situation but didn't admit it, he just sat on the ground and looked at the dead stalker beside him
"I just remembered something, even though the beast was invisible, i could sense it and tell where it was. How?" he asked with curiosity
[That is because of your perception stat, it is now strong enough to sense things on another level. Infact all your senses have been heightened; sight, hearing, smelling and feeling]
"Hmm, that's good. What about tasting?" Henry said with a slight chuckle but got no response from Miley
"Well at least i survived, it's all good in the end." he muttered
"Though, what do you mean it's just the beginning?"
[You'll have to find out yourself, besides this loss of stamina is nothing compared to the one you'll feel after acquiring the celestial speed force] She replied, a bit annoyed with Henry for blaming her for his misdoings
Henry's interest piqued "Celestial speed force? What's that?" he asked
[That's classified for now]
"Course it is, every fucking time!" he yelled
Miley was stunned, she hadn't seen Henry react like this anytime she refused to disclose an information to him. It was a shock to her
[What's wrong with you Hen, why are you acting like this?] she asked, concern in her voice
Henry took a deep breath and sighed "I'm sorry, i didn't mean to yell at you. I'm just feeling really angry," he said calmly
[This is unlike you, even the way you fight and kill these beasts, it's concerning]
"Well i guess, it's just the real me and you're gonna have to get used to it." Henry replied sternly
Miley was confused, "why is he suddenly behaving like this? what happened to the happy, jovial and naive Henry?" she thought
But Henry suddenly became calm again and apologized
"Look, I'm sorry okay. I'm just not in the mood today," he said with a sorry expression
[It's okay, why don't you check your notifications, you seemed to have levelled up] Miley replied calmly "It's not just today, he's been different since... since the day he escaped Triad," she thought
"Yes, of course." he said with a smile
"She seems to care a lot about you... about us, but no. I won't be labeled as weak anymore. Never!" Henry muttered inwardly before opening the system interface
[You are now in level 5]
[Hp: 50/50]
[Ep: 400]
[+5 has been added to all stats]
[You have received 100 shop points]
[You have unlocked a new skill]
(Check status profile for more information)
[Your daily reward speed boost is now 20km/hr]
[Speed Rate: 250km/hr]
Henry stared at the notification with joy, he had somewhat expected Level 5 rewards to be grand, and he was right
"Hahaha, i was right, i got a new skill and many more rewards," he said
[Indeed] Miley replied
"I don't even need to guess that you already knew this would happen,"
[Correct, every 5 and 10 levels grants good rewards]
"Hmm, is that why my speed rate and daily boost got increased?" he asked
[Yes, every 5 levels gives you an extra 50km/hr and a 10km/hr daily reward boost] Miley stated
Henry nodded "But what about every 10 levels?"
[Every 10 levels starting from level 10 would simply double whatever speed rate you have at the moment of leveling up]
Henry widened his eye, he was suprised yet excited "If i can try to reach about 600km/hr before getting to level 10... With this double, i just might reach mach 1," he calculated, excitement in his eyes
[That is true, you just need to make sure you never miss a daily quest] Miley added
"Of course, now let's check out the new skill," he muttered
*Name: Henry Myers
*Race: Human
*Level 5
Exp: [2/120]
*Hp: 50/50
*Ep: 400
*Sp: 100,700
*Strength: 35
*Agility: 35
*Stamina: 30
*Defense: 30
*Perception: 35
*Stat point: 0
[Speed Rate: 250km/hr]
none
*Advanced time perception [passive]
*Health regeneration [passive]
*Dash [Active]
*Eye of horus [Active]: [The Eye of Horus is an ancient symbol of protection and royal power, said to grant the user the piercing gaze of the Egyptian god Horus.
Primary abilities:
-Inspect: User can focus his gaze on a target, be it an object, person, beast, or area, and gather extensive information about it.
-Energy Detection: User can sense the energy signature of living beings, allowing him to detect hidden enemies and track energy patterns.
-Precision: This is a precise positioning skill that allows the user to lock onto a target with unerring accuracy. When activated, the user's vision becomes heightened, allowing them to track their target with ease even at high speeds or abruptive environment.
Secondary abilities:
Thermal imaging
Improved reaction time(Enhanced perception)
Note: Skill doesn't consume Energy points nor Stamina and abilities can be activated by Users thought and used at will]
"This is really cool, it's like having multiple abilities in one, this might be the best skill I've received so far. Heck, now I can see invisible enemies!" Henry said with excitement
"Wait... why did the exp required suddenly increase by that much, that was a very huge leap from 50!" he voiced out
[Like i said before, nothing is free. Just as every 5 and 10 levels you receive massive boosts and rewards, the exp would also take a massive increase] Miley replied casually
Henry sighed "Well, that's one hell of a lesson I learnt today, I'll just need to make sure i hunt higher ranked beasts from now on," he stated before walking towards the lesser forest stalker's corpse and a notification appeared
[Do you wish to convert the E rank beast corpse to the system's energy]
"Yes," he muttered, and immediately the bear's corpse started disintegrating, turning into threads of blue energy that swirled into Henry's body
He wasn't surprised, the same phenomenon had been happening during the days he hunted and converted the beast's corpse into system energy. He didn't need to add it to his inventory for conversion anymore.
The process was completed as the bear's body was no longer there, It had been absorbed by the system
He walked back to the C ranked beast corpse about to do the same but hesitated a while, he didn't want to waste good resource on a system he didn't fully understand yet, he wanted to sell the body instead.
[Well go on] Miley said, imploring him to convert the body
Henry sighed and with a heavy heart absorbed the corpse into the system as well
He left the hunting grounds and went back to the hotel, got in the a shower and cleaned himself up before ordering dinner.
After dinner, he got on his bed and began his usual diving in the web, he did this every night to learn more about the beast's, the economy and mages.
[Soo, don't you want to talk about today] Miley suddenly spoke in his mind
"There's nothing to talk about, Miley." Henry replied with an uncaring tone and a bored face
[Alright, then I won't bother you. But just know if there's anything you'd like to talk about, I'm here for you] she replied assuringly
"Thanks, that means a lot," he said with a gentle smile
"Oh yes, that reminds me. I want to convert the C rank beast core into shop points," he added
[Alright... you'll be getting 50 Sp]
*Trade feature active
[1 E Ranked beast core > 50 shop points]
[You have received 50 Sp]
[Sp: 100,750]
Henry smiled feeling satisfied, he turned off his bracelet and was about to sleep when Miley interrupted again
[Cough* Cough* Cough] she faked coughing to get his attention
"Sigh* what now Miley?" Henry asked
[Well, i was thinking, why don't you buy a skill from the system. Or do you perhaps have something you want to purchase?] she replied
Henry's face brightened "You know, now that you mention it, i don't really have a particular thing i want to purchase,"
[I have one in mind, since it's related to the weapon you currently enjoy using]
"You mean sword mastery?" he asked
[Yes, if you purchase it, you will immediately acquire knowledge on using a sword and be good at it, depending on the level] Miley explained
"I see, that would be perfect, saves me the trouble. Let's check it out," Henry stated before willing for the shop tab to appear
*Skills
-Sword mastery(passive): immediate acquisition of knowledge on using a sword
>Beginner/Novice
>Intermediate
>Advanced
>Master
"Hmm, looks like it has levels. I'm guessing one would be more expensive than the other," Henry stated
[Indeed, but it would also have more experience. I'm suggest you check the swordmaster, it comes with a skill] Miley replied
"Great, you suggesting the most expensive one. Just great!" he muttered before selecting the 'master' option. It displayed it's own set of information, including it price
-Sword Mastery(master):
A master swordsman has achieved unparalleled proficiency in wielding their blade. Their skill transcends mere technical prowess, entering the realm of artistic expression.
Skill:
[Instantaneous Heart; of a hundred strikes
Classification: Profound
Description: A technique where the user unleashes a single, visible slash but had actually striked (100) times at the opponent's entire body in a mere second.
The 100 strikes are achieved at an unimaginable speed that can never be seen by the normal eye.
Note: The hundred strikes can only be executed when the first slash had been done to the opponent, thus if the first slash is blocked, the skill is automatically canceled.
Also be aware that the skill can be used multiple times on multiple opponents but requires a lot of stamina to utilize.]
[50,000 Sp]
"Alright not bad. This is a very deadly skill, i love it." Henry said with satisfaction
[I told you, it was perfect. So you'll buy it] Miley asked
"Well for the first time, i think the system is quite fair. The skill worths that price indeed, I'll purchase it," he replied
[Alright then. Confirming transaction] Miley stated before the system screen appeared
[Do you wish to purchase {Sword mastery(master). 50,000Sp]
"Yes," Henry muttered inwardly
[-50,000 Sp]
Seeing that message caused a sharp pain in Henry's heart, but the next message brightened him up.
[Congratulations you have received Sword Mastery]
[New balance: 50,750 Sp]
The system notified him and instantly Henry felt a wave of information flood into his brain, one that contained all the experience and proficiency of a Swordmaster including the Instantaneous Heart skill
The process only took a minute and ended just as fast as it had begun, leaving Henry with all the knowledge of a Swordmaster.
[Congratulations host, you are now at the peak of sword mastery] The system confirmed his prowess
"Wow, money does make things a lot easier. I have just achieved a feat that would normally take decades to attain, in just one minute," he thought with excitement as he could feel the expertise of using a sword not just in his brains, but also in his veins.
The precision, the sword control, the footworks and techniques, everything was now a part of him, also acquiring full knowledge on executing the Instantaneous Heart
Henry felt the urge to hold a sword and duel with someone, to test his new proficiency and more importantly the deadly hundred slash skill. But he resisted.
"Sigh* as much as I want to, i can't. I've got a big day ahead of me, better to get some sleep," he muttered, looking forward to the next day's outing.
Miley was delighted "Turns out he's still himself, i was probably wrong. Maybe he's just going through the whole reincarnation thing. Sigh* Afterall it's not a good thing... to die," she muttered to herself, sadness visible in her tone.