The system's response was steady.
[Strength is gained through combat, through survival, through the blood of your enemies. Every kill is an experience. Every level gives a choice. Only through struggle will you ascend]
Dream frowned, his hand clenching. 'Through blood...?'
A panel of glowing script appeared before him:
[Stats Panel]
Strength, Agility, Stamina, Mind, Endurance
[ Strength measures your physical power. Agility governs your speed and reflexes. Stamina shapes energy reserves and control. Mind defines mental resistance, focus and perception. Endurance is basically your defense and toughness]
Another notification followed:
[ On your earth a strength with a stat of 25 is the strength of a body builder who has reached the peak of human might. Beyond this, you shall and will surpass human limitations by thousands -- by millions]
Dream froze. His breath caught in his throat. 'Peak human strength... and I can surpass that?'
The sheer scope of it was overwhelming. His heart thundered in his chest.
Then the system asked a simple, soul-piercing question:
[ Do you want to grow stronger]
Dream stood silent, still digesting the impossible. If he wanted to return to earth, he needs to be alive that means he needs to survive and strength is the only way to achieve that right now.
"... Yes"
There was silence but he could feel something surge in his heart.
[ System Notification]
[ Quest Generated]
[Quest: kill 5 beasts]
[Reward: Void Map]
[Goal Quest: Reach level 10]
[Reward: first evolution]
[Goal Quest: Reclaim Base]
[Reward: Base Upgrade]
Dream was reading every notification that popped up. Evolution? Upgrade?
[Recommendation: move east. Weaker and lesser beast detected]
He nodded, his hand tightening around his bloodied sword. He took his first step- but the system reminded him:
[ You still have 5 free stat point to be allocated]
Dream paused, then said "can you put It in strength"
[Stat allocation confirmed]
[ Strength: 7(+5)]
A warmth surge through his body. His muscles tensed and suddenly the once, heavy sword felt... lighter. His lips parted a little in shock. 'i...I can feel it'
The rustle of movement cut his wonder short, he matched slowly towards the direction the system had said. From the shadows three beasts emerged- cat- like, with slick black fur, glowing crimson eyes, and jaws dripping with saliva.
Dream's pulse spiked. His throat went dry.
They lunged.
Dream swung wildly at the first. The blade scrapped against one's shoulder, not deep enough. It snarled and snapped at his arm, barely missing as Dream stumbled back.
The second circle, claws raking the dirt. The third charged straight for his chest.
Dream grit his teeth. "Damn it"
He pivoted, jamming his sword upward. The charging beast impaled its self halfway down the blade, screeching in pain. Hot black blood splattered across his pale skin. Dream gagged, but push harder, forcing the blade through until the creature fell limp.
[ Congratulations]
[ Host has killed a void beast (Hells cat)]
[ +30XP]
[XP: 130/150]
The other two struck at once.
Claws raked his side - pain scared through him. He staggered, vision swimming, but twisted his blade in time to slash at another. The cut tore across its face, one crimson eye bursting in gore.
It screamed and kept again.
Dream rolled, the motion clumsy but desperate, and jammed his sword in its throat as it landed on him. It's weight pressed him to the ground, but it's body spasmed before going limp. He shoved it off with trembling arms.
[ Congratulations]
[ Host has killed a void beast (hells cat)]
[+30Xp]
[XP: 160/150]
[ Level up!]
[ +1 to all stats]
The last beast pounced.
Dream barely got his sword up in time. Jaws clamped down on the blade, teeth screeching against steel. He screamed and kicked wildly, finally planting his foot against it's belly. With on final surge of strength, he heaved the blade upwards, splitting it jaw open in a spray of blood.
The beast collapsed.
Dream dropped to his knees, panting, chest heaving. His body shook uncontrollably. He looked at his hands - slick with blood, trembling with both fear and exhilaration.
[+5 stat point available]
Dream heart pounded as he stared at the glowing panel. His trembling hand hovered over the options. "Agility. I need to move faster"
The points sank into place. His body tingled, his muscles subtly lighter, sharper. His breath came easier. He noticed something strange, he could not feel pain from where one of those beast had scratched him earlier.
[ After every level up, a full recovery will happen in the first 30 seconds of a level up]
The system replied as if sensing Dreams worries.
"I ... See"
He stood again, blood dripping from his cheek, eyes burning faintly crimson in the dark.
In the distance, more growls echoed. Shapes shifted in dark red haze.
Dream stared ahead "alright... come then"
He raised his blade, still shaking, but his eyes burned with something new- determination.
He walked forward, towards the next pack of beasts.
The hunt had only just begun.