The humid air hung heavy in the forest, the only sound the rhythmic thrum of Alex's heartbeat against his ribs. He wasn't a native to this world, Blue Sky, a fact that still felt surreal, like a half-forgotten dream. Transported from the mundane reality of Earth, he now navigated a world transformed into a grotesque game by some unseen entity. Survival here wasn't about living, it was about leveling up.
His first encounter with the harsh realities of this new existence was a face-to-face with a goblin, a creature of shadows and snarls. The fight was brutal, a blur of motion and instinct. When the dust settled, Alex stood victorious, an odd sensation tingling through his veins. He had acquired the goblin's unique ability, a strange power dubbed "Heat," granting him a 10% increase in damage output.
Fueled by a newfound sense of purpose, Alex embarked on a relentless hunt, dedicating himself to eradicating every goblin he could find. With each fallen foe, he felt a subtle shift, a strengthening of the "Heat" ability. The initial 10% increase began to climb, a silent testament to his growing power.
Finally, after weeks of relentless pursuit, the last goblin fell. A wave of exhaustion washed over Alex, but it was quickly replaced by a surge of exhilaration. His "Heat" ability had reached its zenith, a 100% damage increase. He had become a force to be reckoned with.
Leveling up to level 2 had granted him 20 additional potential points, bringing his total to 25. He chose to distribute these points wisely, investing 10 points each into Strength, Agility, Constitution, Intelligence, and Endurance. This balanced approach enhanced his physical and mental prowess, preparing him for the unknown challenges that lay ahead.
As he stood amidst the fallen goblins, a sense of unease crept in. His newfound power had come at a cost, and he wondered if he had become a predator, driven by a thirst for strength that knew no bounds. The game had changed, and so had he. Alex, the transmigrator, was no longer just a survivor; he was a force to be reckoned with, a hunter who had tasted the sweet nectar of power and craved more.
His journey took him deeper into the forest, where he encountered a small band of survivors. They were wary of him at first, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and suspicion. But Alex, recognizing their plight, offered his assistance. He quickly proved his worth, helping them defend their camp from a pack of feral dogs.
However, their gratitude soon turned to greed. One night, while Alex slept, a group of survivors crept into his tent, attempting to steal his hard-earned equipment. Alex, awakened by the faintest of sounds, reacted swiftly. His "Heat" ability flared, his movements a blur as he neutralized the would-be thieves. He spared their lives, but delivered a stern warning, a chilling reminder of the dangers of underestimating a man who had walked on the edge of death and emerged stronger.
The incident left a bitter taste in Alex's mouth. He realized that in this harsh new world, trust was a fragile commodity, and survival often demanded a ruthless edge. He continued his journey, his "Heat" ability a constant reminder of the price he had paid for power.