“Okay, step one… let’s see how much my [Heat Resistance (Weak)] can handle.”


    I take a cautious step forward onto a solid-looking patch of volcanic rock. It’s still incredibly hot, and the second my foot touches it, a burning sensation shoots up my leg.


    “GAAAAAHHHH HOT HOT HOT—”


    I hop back onto my safe rock, clutching my foot.


    DING!


    New Skill Acquired: [Pain Tolerance (Lv 1)]


    “Oh, great!” I scream at the sky. “Not heat resistance, just tolerating suffering! Fantastic!”


    But I am an isekai protagonist. Which means I have no choice but to keep going.


    Step 2: Magma Hiking (But It Sucks)


    I grit my teeth and start hopping from one blackened rock to another, testing which ones are less likely to melt my feet off. The heat is still awful, but after a few more steps… something changes.


    I pause and look down at my hands. My skin isn’t turning as red from the heat anymore.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    DING!


    [Heat Resistance (Weak) ? Heat Resistance (Lv 2)]


    “YES! Progress!” I cheer.


    Then a tiny lava bubble pops near my feet, splashing molten rock onto my leg.


    "AAAAHHH WHY?!"


    DING!


    [Heat Resistance (Lv 2) ? Heat Resistance (Lv 3)]


    I blink.


    “…Wait a minute.”


    I glance down at the lava, then back at my stat window.


    Slowly, I extend my hand right above a bubbling lava pit. The heat sears my palm, and my fingers shake—


    DING!


    [Heat Resistance (Lv 3) ? Heat Resistance (Lv 4)]


    I stare at the notification.


    A grin spreads across my face.


    “Oh-ho-ho… I see how it is.”


    Step 3: Extreme Heat Training (a.k.a. Becoming a Lunatic)


    From that moment, my training becomes insanely stupid.


    I start dipping my hands and feet closer to the lava, flinching in pain but watching my skill level rise. I step on hotter and hotter rocks, forcing myself to endure it. I even try jogging over the unstable surface, dodging bubbling pools of molten death.


    By the time I check my status again, it’s looking way better.


    [Updated Stats]


    Strength: 5 (Slightly better than a noodle!)


    Agility: 9 (You might outrun a grandma now!)


    Endurance: 8 (You can take a few more hits before crying!)


    Heat Resistance: Lv 6 (You are slightly less flammable!)


    I wipe the sweat from my forehead (which immediately evaporates). "Alright, now we''re talking!"


    Then, something rumbles.


    I freeze.


    “…That’s probably not good.”


    Step 4: Oh Great, Another Monster


    I turn slowly.


    From the distance, something massive rises from a molten lake. Its body is made of fire and magma, its eyes glowing like burning embers.


    [Lava Drake – Level ???]


    It lets out a deep, echoing HISSSSSSSSSSS and starts moving toward me.


    I sigh.


    “Of course.”