Right after Ning Shu hit "yes," the world spun around her, and she fell to the ground with a thud. Dizziness washed over her, making her feel like she might puke.
She pushed herself up and looked around. Everything was completely white—she had returned to the system space. Ning Shu let out a long sigh.
Then she glanced down and noticed her soul had dimmed a bit. She quickly sat down and began absorbing the energy in this space. Even though she had no idea what it was, she figured there was no reason to turn it down if it could strengthen her soul.
"Congratulations, Player, for making it back to the space," the system's cold, mechanical voice echoed through the area. Ning Shu stood up and asked, "Why has my soul dimmed? Does completing tasks really drain energy from it?"
"The only reason your soul was affected by the original host's emotions is that it is currently very weak," the system replied, emotionless.
"Is there a way to strengthen my soul?" Ning Shu asked. She felt that traveling between worlds was taking a toll on her soul, and without strengthening it, she'd be at risk of running out of energy sooner or later.
"There are medicines for strengthening the soul in the marketplace, as well as secret manuals with cultivation methods. However, you don't currently have the qualifications to access the marketplace or the exchange system," the system explained. Ning Shu felt hopeful until she heard the part about not having the qualifications—like cold water was dumped on her.
"You will only qualify to access the exchange system once you officially become a player."
Great. So for now, she didn't even count as an intern—she was probably the lowest of the low, destined to vanish if she failed a task.
"Examine stats? Yes/No."
"Yes."
The stats panel popped up in front of her.
Number: 23333
Name: Ning Shu
Age: 27
Experience: 4000 (4000/10000)
Soul: 60
Life: 50
Intelligence: 80
Charm: (?????)
Luck: 20
Mental Strength: 120
Martial Arts: 10
Aptitude: 20
Abilities: Five Rings Shooting Skill, Trashy Combat Skill
Acquired Titles: None
Ning Shu scrutinized each attribute and felt a pleasant surprise—she had gained four thousand experience points this time. It was probably because she had been sent to a mid-level world and completed her task, aided by a stroke of good luck.
High risks really did come with high rewards.
"Player has been rewarded with ten attribute points," the system chimed in again. "Since your first task was in a mid-level world and was satisfactorily completed, you've earned ten bonus points."
After thinking it over, Ning Shu decided to add one point to charm. Having her charm level displayed as question marks was just embarrassing. Given her abysmally low luck level, she quickly added five points there and then four points to aptitude.
Her stats panel updated:
Number: 23333
Name: Ning Shu
Age: 27
Experience: 4000 (4000/10000)
Soul: 60
Life: 50
Intelligence: 80
Charm: 1
Luck: 25
Mental Strength: 120
Martial Arts: 10
Aptitude: 24
Abilities: Five Rings Shooting Skill, Trashy Combat Skill
Acquired Titles: None
Ning Shu was relieved to see her charm level finally register as one instead of question marks. At least it was something now.
"Would you like to enter the task world now?" the system asked.
Ning Shu thought for a moment before replying, "Can I enter a little later?"
"You can." Then the system fell silent.