The air was thick with the scent of the wilderness as Ethan and Aelira trekked across the desolate landscape. The ruins behind them were silent now, save for the occasional distant echo of a falling stone. They were headed for the next landmark—a settlement where they could rest and gather information—but the journey would be long, and the road ahead was far from safe.
System Update Installed[Version 1.5 - Journey Enhancements]Feature Unlocked: Points for Travel– Earn points through environmental combat, defeating beasts, and completing journey-based objectives.– Points can be used to purchase transport vehicles or ships in the System Shop, making long journeys easier and faster.
As Ethan took a deep breath, he glanced at his System interface. A map of their route was plotted ahead, with various points marked for potential battles, resource gathering, and even NPC interactions.
Journey Objectives:– Reach Ravenfall Settlement (Estimated Time: 2 Days)– Optional: Engage in Beast Combat for Points– Optional: Locate Hidden Resource Deposits
"We'll need to keep moving," Aelira said, strapping her daggers tighter to her waist. "But I don't expect it to be quiet."
As if on cue, a low growl rumbled from the forest ahead.
Ethan's hand went instinctively to his weapon as the ground beneath them trembled slightly. From the brush emerged a massive Brassclaw Behemoth, a massive F-rank creature with a spiked shell and claws capable of ripping through solid stone. Its beady eyes locked onto them with a hungry glint.
Brassclaw Behemoth – F– Behavior: Territorial, Aggressive– Weak Points: Exposed joints beneath forearms, vulnerable underbelly when prone– Combat Tip: Keep moving. Wait for the creature to strike before countering.
"Well, I guess that answers my question about a quiet trip," Ethan muttered.
Aelira's lips curled into a smirk. "Focus. We're not here to chat with it."
Ethan nodded, shifting his stance. The Combat Insight feature in his System blinked with new data, offering him real-time analysis of the beast's attack patterns.
The beast let out a deafening roar before charging toward them. Ethan's heart raced. He wasn't ready for something of this size, but the System's voice in his head helped him focus.
Tail Strike Incoming – Dodge Right
Ethan sidestepped, just as the Brassclaw's tail swept past him, sending dust into the air. The creature was fast, but Ethan's reflexes were improving with each fight. A red marker flashed in his vision, guiding his next move.
Aelira lunged forward, throwing a pair of Flashspore Vials at the Brassclaw's face, temporarily blinding it. The beast staggered, and Ethan seized the opportunity.
Strike Now – Weak Point Exposed!
He dashed forward, driving his blade into the gap between the Brassclaw's forearm and shell. The creature bellowed in pain, but Ethan didn't let up. A few more strikes, and the beast collapsed, its body thrashing in its final moments.
Enemy Defeated+245 EXP Gained+1 Beast Core [F] AcquiredCombat Insight Sync Level: +8%Adaptive Reflex Progress: 30%Points Gained: +10
Ethan took a deep breath as the adrenaline slowly faded. Aelira gave him an approving nod.
"Not bad," she said. "But you're going to need more than luck if we're going to keep up this pace."
Ethan checked his System once more.
Current Points: 10 Next Point Milestone: 50 Points (Vehicle/Ship Purchase Available)
Ethan couldn't help but smile. He had already collected enough points to start considering purchases in the System Shop. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
The following days passed with more battles—beasts, rogue mercenaries, and even strange energy anomalies. Ethan was getting stronger, and each fight felt easier than the last. He was learning faster than he thought he would, but the road was still treacherous.
One morning, as the sun began to rise, they encountered another creature—this time a Giant Emberbat, a terror of the skies that swooped down with lightning-fast speed.
Giant Emberbat – F+– Behavior: Aerial Ambush– Weak Points: Eyes, Underwing Flaps– Combat Tip: Strike before it gains altitude
This one was faster than the Brassclaw Behemoth, and its fiery breath made dodging more difficult. But after a few quick moves and an expertly timed strike from Aelira, the beast was brought down.
Enemy Defeated+165 EXP Gained+1 Beast Core [F+] AcquiredPoints Gained: +15
Now, with a total of 35 points, Ethan was getting closer to his first purchase.
System Shop Update:
Current Points: 35 Items Available for Purchase:– Basic Ground Speeder – 50 Points– Basic Combat Pack (Includes health potions, energy rations, and a combat blade upgrade) – 30 Points– Intermediate Beast Core Fragment – 25 Points– Advanced Combat Training Manual – 50 Points
Ethan stared at the options, debating which would be the best use of his points.
"You know, we could get a vehicle, speed up the journey…" Aelira said, leaning over his shoulder and scanning the available options.
"True," Ethan muttered. "But I think the combat pack might be more useful right now."
Aelira nodded. "You're going to need everything you can get if you want to keep surviving out here."
Ethan selected the Basic Combat Pack, which instantly materialized in his hands.
Purchase Successful: Basic Combat PackItems Acquired: Health Potions (x5), Energy Rations (x3), Combat Blade Upgrade (Lv. 1)
With a sense of accomplishment, Ethan strapped the new pack to his back. The journey would continue, but now he had more tools at his disposal.
System Status UpdateHost:
Ethan Cross / Kaelen Varros
• Level: 12
• Core Energy: 75% (Recharging)
• Experience: 1,700/2,000
• Combat Insight Sync: 99%
• Adaptive Reflex Progress: 50%
• Beast Core Inventory: 5 (Dregscale Howler F+, Emberbat F, Brassclaw F, Psionic Enforcer Core, Nexus Core)
• System Notes: Vehicle Purchase Available.
New Items Acquired:– Basic Combat Pack– Health Potions (x5)– Energy Rations (x3)– Combat Blade Upgrade (Lv. 1)
The road ahead was long and fraught with danger, but with each battle, Ethan was getting stronger, gaining the resources he needed, and edging closer to the tools that would give him the power to shape his destiny.