Alex, weary but exhilarated after his successful Slime hunt, returned to the city. He restocked on supplies and encountered a bustling marketplace, where he discovered a unique vending machine that accepted "Iron Shards" – a currency earned by defeating monsters. Using his accumulated Shards, Alex purchased a sturdy "Brown Sword," a tangible reward for his efforts.
However, his return to civilization was not without incident. As he navigated the bustling streets, a group of thugs emerged from the shadows, their eyes fixed on his newly acquired sword. A chilling memory surfaced – a traumatic event from his past life, a desperate struggle for survival against those who sought to exploit his vulnerability. He had been a mere child then, defenseless against the cruelty of the world. This experience had instilled in him a deep-seated fear of being taken advantage of, a fear that fueled his desire for strength.
This time, however, Alex was different. He was stronger, faster, more resilient. He fought back, his "Heat" ability igniting within him, a whirlwind of motion and fury. The thugs, unprepared for his ferocity, were quickly subdued. The incident, though terrifying, served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of this new world. He realized that strength was not just about power, but about freedom – freedom from fear, from exploitation, from the vulnerability that had plagued his past.
This experience solidified his resolve to remain independent. He would not join any organization, any faction, that might seek to control him, to exploit his abilities for their own gain. He would forge his own path, a path guided by his own ambition and his unwavering commitment to self-preservation.
Driven by this resolve and the memory of the fearsome Dragonfly Queen, Alex returned to the forest. He delved deeper, hunting relentlessly. Wolves, spiders, and even a monstrous boar fell before his onslaught, fueled by his enhanced "Heat" ability and his unwavering determination.
Finally, after weeks of relentless effort and countless battles, a notification appeared before his eyes: "You have leveled up to Level 3."
Along with the level-up, Alex received 20 valuable Potential Points. He wisely invested 10 points into Strength, 6 into Agility, and 4 into Endurance, further enhancing his physical prowess.
With these attribute enhancements, Alex was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead, particularly the formidable Dragonfly Queen and her fearsome hive.