Ren stood in the clearing, chest heaving, his body slick with sweat and bruised from the bear fight. The massive creature lay motionless a few feet away, and the two subdued wolves crouched faithfully at the cave entrance, eyes alert. He exhaled shakily, feeling the adrenaline slowly fade.
He opened the system interface, the familiar glow illuminating his exhausted face. The numbers danced before his eyes, reminding him of just how far he'd come—and how much further he could go.
[System Interface Activated]
Strength: 22
Speed: 18
Mana: 14
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 16
Class: None
Skills: Martial Arts Level 3, Rapid Recovery, Assassin Level 2
Hero Level: 1 Peak
Points: 200
Currency: 400,000 yen
Ren's gaze shifted to the shop. His eyes glimmered. With this many points and money, he could do more than just survive—he could prepare for anything. He immediately bought two healing potions, uncorked one, and drank. Warmth spread through him, dulling the aches and bruises from the fight.
He flexed, feeling the strength flowing through his newly upgraded Martial Arts. Time to put the points to good use. Carefully, he allocated:
Strength: +8 → 30
Speed: +6 → 24
Mana: +4 → 18
Agility: +2 → 12
Intelligence: +4 → 20
Martial Arts surged to Level 3, granting him greater precision, power, and speed. His body felt alive, every movement lighter, sharper, faster.
The system chimed, and a large circular reward board appeared, spinning with dazzling lights and metallic creaks. Ren's heart pounded.
"Come on… come on…" he whispered, stepping closer, breath shallow.
The board slowed, grinding to a halt.
Reward: Level A Dagger
He picked it up carefully. Balanced, sharp, perfectly weighted. Points remaining: 200. Money still 400,000 yen. Opportunities for upgrades, purchases, and skills were limitless.
Ren looked at the bear's massive hide and the wolves' thick fur. Inspiration struck. He worked quickly, weaving together a cot from the bear's fur and sturdy clothing from the materials. As he worked, a warmth surged through his fingers—unexpected.
[Skill Acquired: Weaver Level 2]
He quickly allocated 10 points to Graceful Hands, and 2 more to Speed, upgrading Weaver to Level 3. His fingers moved with uncanny precision, crafting lightweight, durable armor and a cloak, perfectly suited for stealth and assassination.
Testing the armor with [Appraise], he found:
Level 3 Armor Clothes
Durability: High
Special Feature: Lightweight, stealth optimized
His Assassin skill also reached Level 2, heightening his reflexes and precision.
Ren examined his remaining points and money: enough to buy healing potions, crafting materials, or even rare cards. His mind raced with possibilities—teleportation cards, flight cards, magical equipment. The world was no longer just about surviving; it was about preparing for domination.
Exhausted but satisfied, he brought the two subdued wolves to the cave entrance.
"Guard here while I rest. Do not let anything in," he commanded. The wolves obeyed instantly, eyes sharp, muscles coiled like springs.
Ren sank onto the cot, his body aching, but his spirit burning brighter than ever. Outside, the forest whispered in the night breeze. Inside, faint starlight glimmered through the cave entrance. For the first time, he truly felt prepared.
Somewhere deep inside, a spark flickered:
I won't die. I won't be weak. I will survive… even if the world has abandoned me.
With 200 points in hand, 400,000 yen, and two powerful companions guarding him, tomorrow would be about hunting, training, and preparing for challenges far greater than a single bear. The true journey of growth was just beginning.