The mushroom was not delicious.
It was, in fact, the worst thing Ethan had ever tasted. Bitter, with a texture reminiscent of wet parchment, and an aftertaste that lingered like regret.
But it was warm.
He ate every piece.
[You have consumed: Common Forest Mushroom.
+0.001 kg Physique.]
Ethan paused mid-chew.
"Did I just gain strength from eating?"
[Yes, Master. All sustenance in this world contains trace amounts of spiritual energy. Consuming it will gradually increase your attributes.]
He stared at the empty leaf where the mushroom had rested.
"How many of these would I need to reach the highest level of this world without your help?"
[A simple calculation. At your current rate of consumption, assuming you locate and consume one mushroom every hour without rest, you will require approximately 847,293 years.]
Ethan was quiet.
Then he laughed.
