Chapter 4: The Burden of Power
The morning light shone through the vines that covered the cave entrance, casting shadows on the walls. Adam shivered, his muscles aching from the night's worthless training. As he stretched, the pain in his legs was a painful reminder of how far he still had to go.
The System's voice woke him up, echoing in his mind with its inaudible voice.
** The leader's rest period was over. It's time for progress. >>
Adam cried and hugged her The temples « Are you going to rest?
** The river won't wait. Don't do that. >>
he sighed and stood up. The small warmth of progress whispered into his bones, a small but tangible reward for his efforts.
"Good," he whispered
. "What next?"
**< Mission assigned: Eliminate the rogue investigator in the area. Horror level: Medium. >>
Adam didn't. Robber? He hadn't seen another human since the destruction of the village, and the thought of meeting someone—even an enemy—he said sadly.
"Can I?"
*< Must be taken to secure the site and prevent future threats. Rewards: Improved combat power and the opportunity to improve the leader's spiritual root. >>
Adam clasped his hands. The talk of promoting the spirit root caught his attention. His currently weak root reduced his ability to absorb spiritual energy and slowed his progress. If He had another chance to improve, he couldn't delay.
"Yes," he said, taking the sharpened branch from his list. "Where can I find this observer?"
** The target was two kilometers to the southeast. >>
Adam moved cautiously through the forest, his thoughts growing stronger. The rustling of leaves and the snapping of branches made him very nervous. The guidance of the system was a constant presence in his mind. It guided him to his goal.
After an hour of navigating through the dense forest, he saw a movement ahead. A figure sat on a fallen tree, sharpening its rusty blade. The detective was a rough-dressed, dark-skinned, and beaten.
Adam's breath. The man was a sinister figure, more intelligent than anyone Carter had ever met before.
** Filter:>**
**- Maki: The world of primary qi gathering. **
**- Strengths: Experience in close combat, The rise of mirrors **
**- Weaknesses: overconfidence, lack of long range skills. >>
"Early collection of what," Adam muttered. "And I don't mind changing bodies. How can I defeat him?"
*< Use strategy and environment. The leader must be able to exploit the target's weaknesses. >>
The system
wrote a plan in his mind, each step precise and logical. As he got closer, he held the branch tighter, and his movements. Quietly.
Adam stood behind the pile of wood and saw the robber. The man seemed calm, unaware that his father was clinging to him.
** Start now. Approach from the left flank and aim for a big blow. >>
Adam took a deep breath, his breath pounding in his ear. He moved quickly, his bare feet barely scraping the forest floor. He threw it away for the last time, driving fast Towards the robber.
But the detective's thoughts were faster than Adam had expected. The man twisted, dodging the blow, and slicing through the face. Adam ducked, a rusty iron barb poking through his head.
"So the little rat thinks he can get in on me?" The robber growled, his voice booming with contempt.
Adam stepped back, his heart sinking. The detective stepped forward, his face burning.
"You have courage, "I'll give it to you," the robber said with a smile. "But courage can't keep you alive."
The man jumped, his movements smooth and deadly. Adam narrowed his eyes to avoid it, his instincts telling him to run.
** Calm down. Use the land to your advantage. >>
When Adam saw the root sprout, he shifted his position, pulling the robber forward. Then the man's foot caught, and he returned to Adam.
Man, seize the moment He brought the sharpened branch to the inspector's thigh. The robber groaned in pain, dropping his weapon as he fell to one knee.
Adam didn't hesitate. With his adrenaline pumping, he picked up a rock from the ground and hit the robber's head with all his might. The man fell, blood gushing down his face.
The forest fell silent again.
The man stood over the corpse, his chest heaving. His hands are stained The blood, the weight of his work rests on his shoulders.
is .. finished?" he whispered.
** Quest completed. Items received: >>
**- Combat Paradigms (Market): Increases reflexes and situational awareness during combat. **
**- Spiritual Root Enhancement: Low Level to Level 4. >>
A powerful wave entered Adam, stronger than anything he had experienced before. His body felt lighter and his senses were sharper. He could feel The spiritual energy surrounding him became brighter, as if the world had come to life.
** The status display was updated. >>
**Strength:**
- **Race Light (Body Light): ** 20% progress.
- **Combat Abilities (Market):** Increases reflexes in combat.
**Law:**
- Durability slightly increased.
**Spiritual difficulty:**
- **4. class root:** Balanced compatibility and spiritual strength. Speed of insertion
**Kasht Territory:**
- **Body Wash (Ethnic Improvement Section):** 20% progress.
**List:**
- **Earthworm (broken):** Little use.
- **Troop's Paint:** Rusty but functional.
- **Wolf Bite (1):** Crafts or trade.
- **Empty Bottle of Medicinal Potion:** Waiting to be filled.
Adam looked at the burning screen, his emotions swirling. The renewed spiritual root had changed the game, accelerating his progress and opening New buildings, but the blood on his hands weighed more than any price.