Kaito sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the system interface that had just activated. The events of the past two days still swirled in his mind, but now, there was something else—an unfamiliar surge of power and potential. A quiet hum filled the air as the EXP Boost: 10x activated, and the numbers before him shifted rapidly, like a torrent that had suddenly been unleashed.
Kaito Yamada
Level: 20 EXP: 0/20,000 (Next Level: 20,000 EXP)
HP: 2,200/2,200
Mana: 1,200/1,200
Strength: 135
Agility: 104
Intelligence: 157
Endurance: 116
Stat Points Awarded: +1,000
As Kaito reviewed his new stats, the overwhelming surge of power seemed to course through him. The EXP Boost had accelerated his progress, making the changes in his abilities immediate and potent. Kaito felt stronger, more agile, and his mind sharper than ever. The system had given him a set of stat points to distribute, and he knew how important this decision was for his future.
He didn't hesitate for long. His natural fighting style had always relied on speed and intelligence, but with the increased strength and endurance, he felt confident in diversifying his growth.
Stat Point Distribution for Kaito:
Strength: +250
Agility: +250
Intelligence: +300
Endurance: +200
With those adjustments made, he felt his body and mind shift with newfound strength. But the most significant change came from the raw energy that flowed through him—his stamina and endurance felt like they had doubled, and his mind sharpened, clearing away the fog of exhaustion and uncertainty.
Kaito Yamada -
Level: 20EXP: 0/20,000 (Next Level: 20,000 EXP)
HP:2,800/2,800 (+600 from stat point increases in Endurance and Strength)
Mana:1,600/1,600 (+400 from stat point increase in Intelligence)
Strength: 385
Agility: 354
Intelligence: 457
Endurance: 316
Starlight Fox's Level-Up
Next, Kaito turned his attention to the Starlight Fox, who had been resting beside him. Its body flickered with residual energy, and as Kaito activated the EXP Boost, the Fox's stats began to shift rapidly as well.
Starlight Fox
Level: 10 EXP: 0/10,000 (Next Level: 10,000 EXP)
Strength: 60
Stamina: 75
Defense: 55
Agility: 60
Mana: 500
Stat Points Awarded: +1,000
The Starlight Fox's form shimmered briefly, and its energy flared, the shimmering light around it brighter than before. Kaito grinned at the Fox, feeling the deeper bond between them now. They had both leveled up and grown stronger, but Kaito knew this was only the beginning. The Fox's true potential was waiting to be unlocked.
Stat Point Distribution for Starlight Fox:
Strength: +200
Stamina: +200
Defense: +200
Agility: +200
Mana: +200
Starlight Fox -
Rank- Bronze Tier (Peak)
Level: 10EXP: 0/10,000 (Next Level: 10,000 EXP)
Strength: 260
Stamina: 275
Defense: 255
Agility: 260
Mana: 700
With these enhancements, the Starlight Fox was ready to reach even greater heights—its agility, defense, and stamina improved dramatically, and its strength had nearly tripled. Kaito could feel the connection between them strengthening as the Fox nuzzled his hand, its tail flickering with renewed energy.
After a quick breakfast with his family, Kaito left for the bustling marketplace. His mind was still racing with possibilities—he had a goal now, something to strive for. The Celestial Fox. He had to prepare for its evolution. The materials required were rare and powerful, but Kaito was confident he could find them.
The marketplace was alive with activity as he navigated through the crowded streets, his senses alert. Stalls overflowed with everything from simple trinkets to rare herbs and magical components. As he made his way deeper into the market, he overheard whispers of celestial creatures and high-tier rifts. The mention of Star Fragments caught his attention, and he followed the lead to a small alchemist's stall.
An older man, hunched with age but sharp of eye, greeted Kaito as he approached. The alchemist's stall was filled with strange, glowing vials, and jars containing various magical ingredients.
"You're looking for something, boy?" the alchemist asked, his voice raspy but strong. "Not many come around these parts seeking the rare stuff."
Kaito nodded, leaning in slightly. "I'm looking for resources. Specifically, Essence of Light, and… a Star Fragment. Do you have them?"
The alchemist's eyes sparkled with interest. "I thought so. You're looking for Star Fragments and Mana Crystals, yes? Those are hard to come by. Dangerous, too. But I can help you follow me."."
Kaito followed the man into the back of the shop, where a collection of crystals and strange glowing objects were stored in locked cabinets. The alchemist motioned for Kaito to approach.
"These," the man said, pulling out a small glass vial filled with a swirling light, "are Star Fragments. I have only a few left, and they're not cheap."
Kaito examined the fragments carefully. They pulsed with an otherworldly energy, giving off a faint, starry glow. Kaito could feel the power emanating from them, like they were alive. He nodded, reaching into his pouch.
"I'll take them," Kaito said. "How much?"
The shopkeeper didn't hesitate. "For the fragments, and a 10,000,000 Mana Crystals, I'll charge you a fair price of 1 million Gold with discount it will be 900,000 Gold."
Kaito handed over the gold, accepting the materials with a nod of thanks. The Mana Crystals were small but potent, and he knew they would be essential to power the Starlight Fox's evolution.
"Thank you," Kaito said, tucking the materials carefully into his pouch.
The Alchemist with a grinn on his face said "As for Essence of Light, that's a different story. I might have some, but first, I need you to do something for me. A simple task, nothing too difficult.,"
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "What do you need?"
The alchemist handed him a small vial. "There's a cave to the west. Not far, maybe an hour or two's walk. A few creatures there have the herbs I need for a special potion. Get me some—let's say five—and I'll make sure you get what you need."
Kaito thought about it for a moment. He wasn't about to let a small task stand in his way, especially when the reward was something as crucial as Essence of Light.
"Alright," Kaito agreed. "I'll be back shortly."
The alchemist nodded. "Good. Don't waste time."
True to the alchemist's word, the cave wasn't far—just a short trek through the woods west of the city. Kaito found it with ease, a yawning opening into the side of a cliff. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of damp earth and strange flora. The creatures the alchemist had mentioned were large, spiny beetles with an unnatural glow.
The battle was quick. Kaito's Flame Dash++ and the Starlight Fox's newfound agility made them a formidable team, and after a few quick strikes, they had gathered the required herbs.
The journey back was equally swift, and Kaito handed the alchemist the five herbs, which he accepted gratefully.
"Well done, boy," the alchemist said, retrieving a small pouch from beneath his counter. He opened it and revealed five radiant, golden crystals. "Essence of Light. You'll find it useful."
Kaito took the crystals, their warm glow pulsing softly in his hand. He was about to leave when the alchemist stopped him.
"You're after a Star Fragment, huh? Be careful. Those creatures are not easy to find. But if you ever need more advice, or want to know where to find one, come back to me. I know things."
Kaito nodded. "Thanks. I will."
Taro Reports to the Headmaster
Meanwhile, Taro stood before the headmaster of the Academy, Master Haruto, in the grand office lined with ancient tomes and mystical artifacts. The tension in the air was palpable. Taro had just finished detailing the events of the past few days—how they had defeated the Shadow Caster, the strange power that had almost killed Kaito, and the disturbing revelation that someone—or something—was after Kaito's life.
Master Haruto stroked his beard thoughtfully, his sharp eyes never leaving Taro. "The Shadow Caster was a dangerous entity, indeed. But it was not the only one. I have heard whispers—dark forces stirring in the deeper rifts. Forces that may be connected to Kaito's newfound power."
Taro stiffened. "You think they might be after him again?"
The headmaster's gaze darkened. "Indeed. But Kaito is no ordinary child. He is growing stronger by the day. His connection to the Starlight Fox is growing, and with it, his potential. But I sense that this path he's walking is dangerous. We must prepare him."
Taro frowned. "What do you suggest, Headmaster?"
Master Haruto eyes gleamed with a sharpness Taro had never seen before. "We need Kaito. And soon, we must call him here. There is a great task ahead, one that will test his abilities and his resolve."
Taro nodded slowly. "Understood."
Haruto turned his gaze back to the window, his expression unreadable. "It is time for Kaito to truly awaken. Taro. He has much to learn."
With that, Taro left the headmaster's office, a sense of foreboding settling over him. The peace they had fought so hard for was fleeting. The real battle was just beginning.
Kaito's life had changed in ways he couldn't have imagined just a few days ago. The surge of power from his level-ups, the growing bond with the Starlight Fox, and the discovery of rare materials like the Star Fragments and Essence of Light—all of it felt like stepping into a world he was only beginning to understand. But with that power came new responsibilities and dangers.
As he made his way back from the alchemist's stall, Kaito couldn't shake the feeling that something was looming just beyond his reach. His recent growth was only the beginning, and now, with the alchemist's help, he was one step closer to unlocking the Starlight Fox's potential. But the whispers he'd overheard in the marketplace about high-tier rifts and celestial creatures made him wonder if he was truly prepared for what awaited him.
The Celestial Fox... That was his goal for now. But he knew that to achieve it, he had to keep moving forward, finding more materials, battling stronger foes, and—most importantly—gaining knowledge. Knowledge, he realized, was just as powerful as any stat boost or rare item. If there were dark forces after him, as Master Haruto had hinted, he needed to be ready for them.
Back at his home, he carefully placed the materials from the alchemist on his desk. The Star Fragments, with their ethereal glow, seemed to pulse with an almost sentient energy. He couldn't wait to see what they could do for the Starlight Fox's evolution.
But there's more to this than just getting stronger, Kaito thought, his mind racing. The Headmaster knows something. Something about why I'm being targeted...
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Kaito turned just in time to see his sister, Aiko, peek in.
"Hey," she said, smiling lightly. "I saw you leave this morning. What was all that about?"
Kaito looked up, trying to hide the complexity of his thoughts behind a casual expression. "Just had to pick up some things for the Starlight Fox. You know, for its evolution."
Aiko's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Evolution? That sounds like you're planning something big."
Kaito nodded slowly. "Yeah. There's a lot more to this than I first realized. I need to make sure I'm prepared for whatever comes next."
Aiko stepped into the room and took a seat next to him. "Is that why you've been acting all... intense lately? You're always thinking about the next step, about leveling up."
Kaito blinked, surprised. He hadn't realized how much he had been pushing himself lately. It was as if everything had become a race, a test. "I guess," he said softly. "I've got to keep moving forward, you know? There's too much at stake now."
Aiko studied him for a moment before speaking again. "I get it. But don't forget to take a breath. You can't fight everything alone, Kaito. Whatever's coming—your friends, your family, we'll be here to back you up."
Her words were simple, but they cut through the haze of his thoughts. Kaito felt a moment of clarity. Aiko was right. He wasn't alone. Not now, and not ever.
"Thanks, Aiko," Kaito said, his voice softer than it had been in days.
She smiled, ruffling his hair. "Anytime. Now go make sure that Fox of yours doesn't get into trouble."
With a soft laugh, Kaito stood, feeling the weight of his decisions pressing down on him. The road ahead was uncertain, filled with danger and challenges. But he was ready. Ready to face whatever came his way.