Makoto nodded, sheathing his newly transformed Shikkan Tōki.
The temptation of the high-level Arrancar Ward was strong, but the chilling thought of having zero Healing Potions in a high-risk scenario instantly activated his high INT and Gamer's Mind.
Survival wasn't about glory; it was about calculated risk management.
"I should withdraw and come prepare,"
He murmured.
"The System Transport Key must be very important, but I can't risk my life over it."
Makoto activated the [Exit Dungeon] command, instantly materializing back into the dark, damp concrete labyrinth of the unfinished subway tunnel.
The aggressive countdown was still ticking in the corner of his vision.
Time Remaining (Phase 2): 69:55:0
First, he pulled up his [Inventory] to see the haul from the Minor Hollow Outpost before securing his base.
===Inventory===
1.Shinigami Uniform 1
2.Soul Pager 1
3.Konpaku 1
4.Soul Candy (Low Grade) 4
5.Healing Potion (Minor) 0
6.Beginner's Reiatsu Scroll 0
7.Zanpakuto (Shikkan Tōki)
8.Coin 85 (System Currency)
9.Soul Fragment (Tier 1) 12
System Note: Tier 1 Soul Fragments can be used in the new [Crafting] menu.
Makoto immediately checked the new menu, excited.
Crafting Recipe (Tier 1): 10 Soul Fragment (Tier 1) + 5 Copper Coin = Healing Potion (Minor).
"Perfect,"
Makoto sighed in relief. He was not helpless. He instantly used his resources:
[12 Soul Fragments (Tier 1) and 10 Copper Coins consumed.]
[Crafting Successful: Healing Potion (Minor) x1!]
[Crafting Successful: 2 Soul Fragments (Tier 1) and 75 Copper Coins remaining.]
He now had one Healing Potion (Minor), a critical safety net.
He then focused on his environment.
He used his high INT and the refined precision of his Shikai, Shikkan Tōki, to fortify his section of the tunnel.
He activated Observe on the access tunnel entrance.
Observe: Access Tunnel Entrance
Description: An old, cracked concrete seal. Structurally weak.
Spiritual Signature: Faintly active due to Makoto's presence.
Need: Concealment, Deterrence.
Makoto spent the next hour using his shunpo to quickly gather debris and loose earth, then leveraging the precision of his Shikai, he subtly reinforced and then camouflaged the entrance to the forgotten tunnel section.
He wasn't trying to make it impenetrable, just unnoticeable.
He focused on manipulating the ambient Reishi around the entrance, carefully weaving it with the surrounding mundane Reishi from the concrete and earth.
[Action Success: Concealed Base created.]
[Skill: Stealth has increased to Level 16!]
Effect: The passive masking of the User's spiritual presence has been significantly enhanced in areas of high physical density.
He then laid out his Soul Candy and Healing Potion near his resting spot. His Gamer's Body MAX was already healing the minor scrape he received from the Hollow.
With his base secure and a crucial healing item crafted, Makoto finally allowed himself to sit down against the cool concrete wall.
He closed his eyes, his spiritual energy slowly regenerating according to the rules of Gamer's Body.
He had 68 hours left.
The next step had to be the Arrancar Research Ward to get the Transport Key.
He had done all he could to prepare the ground.
The question now is how to approach the dangerous dungeon.
He looks at his INT stat (24) and his Observe skill.
He can either try to pull in another resource or go straight for the power grind.