《Heavenly Unbound [A LitRPG System Survival]》


 Chapter 1 - Barlow!

    The sound of a cheap alarm clock shattered the silence.


    Beep. Beep. Beep.


    My eyes snapped open. The ceiling above me wasn''t unfamiliar¡ªa white-painted room that I used to live in for the first 20 years of my life. Well, I mean, for this second life, it was already 28 years since I was reborn. Still, I am not so sure if this is the same world as my previous life because even this world looks exactly like my last life''s world. Still, there is a little bit of difference in history like the name of an important person, the name of the place, or the history timeline other than that everything progressing in the same direction but there is one wrong thing.


    Sam: "Who Am I¡­."


    it is the question I have asked myself my whole life because even though I know the world I don''t know who I was once.


    Sam: "never mind, it doesn''t matter anymore and today is the day"


    I get up from my bed and get myself ready for breakfast today is the end of the year my entire family comes to my parent''s house we used to live together with we were kids in the Upper East Side Manhattan New York City I am the oldest and younger sibling is Michael and Eve Barlow and we stay here ever since Christmas Eve until today and tomorrow they plan to get back to there place but I don''t think thing will go as they plan¡­.


    Michael: "Good morning, Sam. You cooking again today?"


    Sam: Grinning as he flips through a recipe book "Yeah, you know it. I didn''t spend all that money learning from the best just to take a day off. What, not impressed yet?"


    Michael: Laughs, leaning against the counter "Impressed? Damn right, I''m impressed. Yesterday''s steak? Easily the best I''ve had in my life."


    Michael is a 24-year-old young man who recently graduated from Harvard Medical School, a significant accomplishment that reflects his hard work, dedication, and passion for medicine. He is set to begin his career as a resident doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital next week.


    Eve: Entering the kitchen, stretching and yawning "Morning, you two. Smells good already."


    Sam: "It''s called preparation. You should try it sometime."


    Eve: (Rolls her eyes playfully) "Whatever, Gordon Camsay. By the way, I''m heading out to pick up Ann. We''ve got plans¡ªgirl stuff, you know. But don''t worry, I''ll be back before dinner. Wouldn''t want to miss your five-star masterpiece."


    Michael: (Chiming in, smirking) "Yeah, better hurry back. Sam might finally serve something subpar, and we''ll need a witness."


    Eve: (Grinning as she heads for the door) "I''ll hold you to that!"


    Eve is the lovely 20-year-old younger sister of Sam and Michael. With her brave spirit, lively personality, and great sense of humor, she brings warmth and energy to everyone around her. Though she''s a student at Harvard Law School, her focus is less on boasting about her achievements and more on being there for her family and friends. She decided to pursue law after being inspired by her best friend, Anne, and is driven by a sense of purpose and loyalty rather than ambition for academic prestige.


    Sam: "Right but don''t even be late today because I prepared the best dinner I ever did I know you don''t wanna miss it right?"


    Eve: "Oh yeah I loved that steak yesterday do the dishes even better today? How am I gonna miss that I see you around then I go now bye"


    then she slammed the door leaving me and Mike stand there dizzy morning


    Sam: "Mike, are you gonna help me prepare the ingredients?"


    Michael: "All alright today is the last day of my peaceful life I gonna help you with everything you need"


    We started the day like any typical family in a quiet UES neighborhood. Mike and I went to the supermarket to pick up what we needed, and afterward, we headed home to prepare breakfast for ourselves, Mike, and our parents.


    "Mom, Dad, how are you today?" I asked as I walked into the kitchen.


    Nate, always the jokester, chuckled and replied, "I''m good, but can you not go home and just live with us? Hahaha."


    Kate, always warm and supportive, smiled as she set the table. "You should give me the recipe sometime. I love your food. I didn''t know it was this good."


    Mr. Nate and Mrs. Kate Barlow are my new parents. Both 65 years old, they are a successful couple who would be right at home in any rich neighborhood. Both of them are well-respected doctors with illustrious careers, though they retired eight years ago. Despite their high status, they''ve always been kind and down-to-earth, making me feel at home in a place I never imagined would feel so familiar.


    Sam: "I did anything for you Mom thanking you for supporting me when I was young"


    Kate: " OH, sweetheart I love you!"


    when I was young I was quite one of the weird kids who acted like being processed by a demon because my knowledge should not exist in the baby or kid and often said to others about seeing the weird thing if not for their continued support me teaching me a lot of things I might not have lived a happy life I do today.


    But as I grew up the worry grew as well because I saw the things that others did not as ghosts or anything paranormal but looked more natural like I saw the flow of something that the human mind can''t process some time I saw the river and I percept time differently or anything weird like I saw who gonna get lucky hmm¡­ I mean real lucky like surviving a terrible accident or winning the lotto but I couldn''t control what I saw it must be a superpower that I reincarnation with but it was so useless and unreliable that it was hard to live with it other people who knew me though that I was got some weird Mental illness.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Otherwise, the thing is not all bad because the knowledge that I have can easily make me rich I invested a few thousand bucks from a part-time job and my savings into the thing that gonna be a trend at the right time and always make maximum profit and never lose even a cent I even get on the Time magazine 2 years ago as The most successful investor that ever exists and I already turn into billionaire when I was 18 and then when I am 26 being top 10 richest individuals in the world as a full-time investor my "predicted" is just go that far.


    With everything I did, I worked a few hours a day I learned many things like my cooking skills and other stuff that might be necessary for survival because one thing that I always saw Up in the sky on the cloud was a huge clock that ran countdown it was showing up to me 4 years ago and that counted down for something it is gonna end when midnight today I not sure what gonna happen but I remember from the knowledge that I have the thing in the sky similar to some Korean novel that my last life have read before I hope it does not happen like that novel.


    Everything proceeded as usual when my sister came back, accompanied by her childhood friend from next door, Ann Lee. Ann, always brilliant and composed, was the reason my scatterbrained sister had managed to secure a spot at Harvard Law School. With her father often away on business trips, Ann had become like part of our family. Mr. Lee, ever gracious and dependable, had been an invaluable ally¡ªespecially during that stressful ordeal with my international banking issues. Taking care of his daughter felt like the least we could do, and Ann, as always, blended seamlessly into our lives.


    Eve: (Taking a bite of the Beef Wellington, her eyes lighting up) "Wow, Sam! This is way better than the one I had at that fancy restaurant downtown."


    Sam: (Grinning proudly) "Of course it is. The chef at that restaurant gave me his secret recipe. I might have paid a little extra for it, but it was worth every¡ª"


    Eve: (Waving her hands frantically) "Wait, no! Don''t even start. I don''t want to hear how much you spent. Let me just enjoy the food in peace!"


    Michael: (Chuckling as he cuts into his portion) "Come on, Eve. You''re eating like royalty because of him. A little number-crunching wouldn''t kill you."


    Eve: (Rolls her eyes but smiles) "Still, I''d rather not know. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to Sam''s spending habits."


    Ann: (Laughing softly, watching the siblings banter) "Honestly, Eve''s right. Sam, you really go above and beyond for everything."


    Sam: (Shrugs, pretending to look offended) "What can I say? Only the best for my family... and our guest, of course."


    Eve: (With a teasing grin) "Oh, now you''re just showing off!"


    Michael: (Laughs along, raising his glass) "Here''s to Sam¡ªmaster chef and the only reason we''re eating like this tonight!"


    Eve, Ann, and Michael: (Raising their glasses in unison) "To Sam!"


    Sam: (Smiling genuinely, his voice softer) "Thanks, guys. That means a lot. Let''s dig in."


    Dinner was supposed to be a time for laughter and catching up, and on the surface, that''s exactly what was happening. My family shared stories about their lives, their plans, and the little moments that made them smile. Ann laughed along, her voice light despite the occasional nervous glance she cast my way.


    But I couldn''t focus. My hands were clammy, my heart raced, and the ticking clock on the wall felt louder with each passing second.


    11:00 PM.


    Less than an hour remained.


    I clenched my fists under the table, the weight of my knowledge suffocating me. Could I trust my instincts this time? Was it worth throwing their world into chaos before the real storm hit?


    Finally, I couldn''t hold it in anymore.


    Sam: "Everyone, listen to me!", my voice sharper than I intended as I stood abruptly.


    The room fell silent, all eyes on me. My dad set his fork down with a slight frown, and Ann''s smile faltered. Even Eve and Michael, mid-banter, froze to stare at me.


    Sam: "I need you all to hear me out,", forcing my tone to steady. "Something''s coming. Something... catastrophic. I think the world is about to end."


    A heavy silence followed.


    Nate: (Sighing, his tone calm but laced with concern) "Sam, son, take a breath. No one is going to hurt you. You''re safe here, okay? Let''s not get carried away."


    Kate: (Her eyes wide and glassy, her voice trembling) "What are you talking about, sweetie? What''s wrong? Please, just talk to us."


    Their reactions hit me like a gut punch. Eve and Michael exchanged wary glances, avoiding looking directly at me. Ann paled, gripping her napkin so tightly her knuckles turned white.


    ''This is a disaster,'' I thought, frustration and fear boiling under my skin. ''Why is it so hard for humans to believe the truth when it stares them in the face?''


    I slammed my phone onto the table. The sound made everyone flinch.


    Sam: "I''m serious," I said firmly. "We have less than half an hour to get ready. Monsters are coming¡ªreal, bloodthirsty monsters¡ªand we need to be prepared to fight. I''ve already done most of the work. The house is fortified. Weapons are ready. But you all need to get your heads in the game, now."


    Kate: (Her voice breaking as she clutched Dad''s arm) "What... what did you do, Sam? What''s going on?"


    Ann: (Her breathing quickens, her words barely above a whisper) "This... this can''t be happening. Monsters? That''s... no, that''s not possible."


    Eve: (Snapping out of her daze, her tone defensive) "Sam, what are you talking about? This isn''t funny!"


    Michael: (Leaning forward, frowning) "Is this some kind of joke? Because if it is, it''s a really bad one."


    I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "It''s not a joke. It''s not a delusion. It''s the truth. I''ve been preparing for years, and I need you all to trust me now."


    They stared at me, their faces a mix of disbelief, fear, and growing panic.


    Nate: (Softly, like he was trying to soothe me) "Sam, we love you. Whatever you''re going through, we''ll help you, okay? But you have to calm down."


    I clenched my fists, meeting his gaze. "I don''t need calm. I need action. Just... trust me, please. When midnight hits, you''ll understand everything. Until then, stay close and get ready."


    The tension in the room was suffocating, but I refused to back down. Whether they believed me or not didn''t matter. What mattered was that they were ready when the chaos began.


    I pulled out my phone and activated the protective systems I had set up throughout the house. I spent over 10 billion USD on this, a project I had carefully orchestrated when I convinced my entire family to take a month-long trip to Thailand last year.


    As soon as I activated the systems, the walls began to shift and transform into Tungsten-Alloyed Steel. The windows became reinforced with the same material, and the doors followed suit. Everything connected to the outside was now impervious to intrusion. The monitor descended into the dining room, displaying a 360-degree view of the area outside the house.


    Even the 20-foot-long wall that held the family photos flipped open, revealing an arsenal of weapons¡ªeverything from large guns to massive swords, knives, and spears. My house had now transformed into the safest place on Earth, capable of withstanding even an atomic bomb.


    I turned to my family, offering a relieved smile to reassure them. "Don''t worry, guys. Everyone is safe now."


    And then, as the clock ticked closer to midnight¡ª11:55 PM, December 31, 2024¡ª


    everyone screamed.

 Chapter 2 - Soul Record!

    The room erupted into chaos. Screams filled the air as people shouted, begged, and panicked, their fear palpable. To them, I probably looked like I¡¯d completely lost my mind¡ªsomeone who had snapped under the weight of stress and decided to take everyone down with him. But I understood. Everything was happening too fast, and confusion was only natural.


    I had to take control.


    Raising my voice above the din, steady and commanding) ¡°Everyone, calm down! I¡¯m not going to hurt anyone. Just listen to me¡ªgrab a weapon, anything you can use, and get ready to fight. Trust me, just this once!¡±


    My words hung in the air for a moment, the chaos simmering but not entirely subsiding. I could see the doubt in their eyes, the fear of the unknown.


    But I didn¡¯t have time to convince them all.


    My worst fear clawed at the edges of my mind: the possibility of a system-driven tutorial that would split us apart, leaving everyone to fend for themselves. If that happened, Michael and Eve might survive¡ªthey were young, strong, and resourceful. But Mom and Dad? They wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. They were too old, too fragile for what was coming.


    Suddenly, Michael broke the tension. He sprinted past me, heading straight for the weapon shelf I¡¯d prepared. Without hesitation, he grabbed a handgun and turned to face me, his expression wary but resolute.


    He was watching me. Not with fear, but with caution, like he was trying to gauge whether I was still in control¡ªor about to lose it.


    One by one, the others followed his lead, scrambling for weapons: knives, bats, anything they could get their hands on.


    ¡®Good,¡¯ I thought. At least they won¡¯t be empty-handed.


    I glanced at the clock. Thirty seconds.


    The tension in the room was unbearable. My family stood together now, their eyes darting between me and the door, their hands gripping their weapons tightly. I could see the fear in Mom¡¯s trembling hands, the grim determination in Dad¡¯s posture, and the uneasy resolve in Michael and Eve.


    They were ready, or as ready as they could be.


    I took a deep breath and walked across the room to a hidden compartment I¡¯d kept for myself. Reaching in, I pulled out my weapon of choice¡ªa steel sword paired with a sturdy shield.


    Ten seconds.


    The weight of the sword in my hand felt familiar, reassuring. I gripped it tightly, the edge glinting faintly under the dim lights.


    Five seconds.


    I turned to face them, meeting their anxious gazes. This was it.


    Zero.


    The clock hit midnight, and the world was silent.


    <hr>


    Ding!


    [INVASION DETECTED]


    [WORLD SOURCE EXCEEDS PLANETARY CORE CAPACITY]


    [WORLD SOURCE ACTIVATE PREPARATION INITIALIZATION]


    [UNIVESAL ANTI-INVASION SYSTEM ACTIVATED]


    [SYSTEM INITIALIZATION]¡­¡­.


    <hr>


    A voice echoed through the air, though I couldn¡¯t tell where it was coming from. Judging by the looks on everyone¡¯s faces, it seemed like they heard it too¡ªconfusion was written all over them.


    Nate¡¯s voice broke the silence. "What¡¯s happening? Are you doing this, son?"


    I shook my head. "No, but it¡¯s exactly what I tried to warn you about. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s coming, but we need to be ready."


    Sam stepped forward, his voice strained. "We¡¯ve been ignoring it for too long. It¡¯s too late to turn back now."


    Before I could say anything more, something appeared in front of me¡ªa translucent window, floating in midair.


    <hr>


    [SYSTEM INITIALIZATION COMPLETE]


    [SOUL RECORD IS NOW AVAILABLE]


    <hr>


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human??


    Class: Unassigned [Level 10 for available]


    Title: Lucky Man 9


    Level: 1 [Tier 0]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 8


    Agility: 8


    Vitality:9


    Endurance: 9


    Intelligence: 9


    Wisdom: 10


    Luck: 100


    [SKILLS]: -


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: the Eye of ???, Unbound


    <hr>


    I stared at my status screen, confusion swirling in my mind. What is that? I thought. I¡¯m 100% human¡­ right?The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    A nagging thought pushed its way forward, Maybe it had something to do with my past life... That¡¯s what had been haunting me lately¡ªan elusive fragment of memory, one that felt both important and utterly meaningless. But now, with all this happening, my curiosity couldn¡¯t be ignored. I had to understand.


    Eve¡¯s voice snapped me back to the present. "What¡¯s going on? You guys see this too, right? This thing floating in front of me?"


    Kate chimed in, her voice shaking. "I see it too, Sam! You know something, don¡¯t you?! Are you saying this... this thing is real? That we¡¯re stuck in some kind of nightmare?"


    "I don¡¯t fully understand it either," I said, trying to sound calm, though my heart was racing. "But I need you to trust me on this. I think the world¡¯s about to change. The only way we¡¯ll survive is by adapting, and quickly. Look at this translucent window¡ªit¡¯s showing us there¡¯s an invasion. And the government? I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll be able to protect us. We¡¯re on our own now."


    The family began to argue over what was happening, trying to wrap their heads around the situation. But my mind was already focused elsewhere¡ªon the status in front of me. I couldn¡¯t afford to miss a single detail. I knew this was just the beginning of something much bigger, and I had to be ready. My goal was set, clear in my mind: Be the strongest. At least on Earth. It¡¯s the only way to protect what I care about.


    ¡°Might is right,¡± I whispered to myself, the words already taking root deep in my thoughts.


    I focused on the text, trying to make sense of it. The first thing was my name: [Name: Samuel Barlow]. Well, it¡¯s just a name, nothing more. Then came the next part: [Race: Human??]. It described humans as the inhabitants of Earth and went on to explain their general characteristics. Nothing about it seemed extraordinary until I read the final line: "The Human race is a common species across all multiverses."


    Wait, multiverses? Does that mean the multiverse is real? That thought alone was enough to make my head spin. Then again, I am a reincarnator. Maybe I¡¯m from one of these other universes. The idea lingered, unsettling yet fascinating.


    The description also mentioned a unique trait of the human race: [Comprehension]. Humans have an innate ability to grasp, analyze, and adapt to new information, making them highly versatile and resourceful. Interestingly, this trait grows stronger as humans ascend through tiers, enhancing their potential even further.


    I moved on to the next section. [Class]: It explained that humans are assigned a class upon reaching Level 10. The rarity of a class depends on one¡¯s overall record and achievements before starting the Tier 1 class selection. Rarities? Tiers? I wasn¡¯t sure how they worked or how many there were, but it seemed like something I would understand once I grew stronger. For now, it was just another mystery waiting to unfold.


    The next one is¡­[Title]: the proof of achievement and reward for it. So short I hope it provides me with more detail because it is one of status that is not empty¡­[Lucky Man 9]: More than 90% of the sapiens species on my home planet consider me the luckiest individual alive: Luck +90.


    Nice¡­


    I¡¯ve worked my ass off memorizing financial historical events, taking risks most people wouldn¡¯t dare to. And now, all anyone sees is the "lucky" label. Whatever.


    [Level]: The level represents the capacity of existence energy and the hierarchy of one''s being. Simply put, the higher the level, the more powerful the individual becomes. Initially, I thought we''d be using mana as a source of power, similar to the systems seen in many Korean novels. But as I think about it more, this world doesn¡¯t seem to follow that typical formula. Something about this feels off, and I can¡¯t shake the feeling that there¡¯s something deeper at play here.


    <hr>


    [Status]: Represents the current capabilities of your existence, defined by the 7 basic stats.10 Stat is considered the peak potential for an average human.


    [Strength]: The ability to endure and withstand physical stress, strain, or external forces applied to the body.


    [Agility]: The ability to react quickly, move swiftly, and adapt to changing situations both physically and mentally.


    [Vitality]: The capacity to hold life force energy and recover from injuries or depletion of energy, affecting overall health and resilience.


    [Endurance]: The ability to withstand prolonged physical exertion, improving stamina, body durability, and overall toughness.


    [Intelligence]: The capacity to absorb, comprehend, and process information, as well as improve mental power quality, aiding in problem-solving and cognitive function.


    [Wisdom]: The ability to retain and apply knowledge gained over time, enhancing mental capacity and aiding in better decision-making and understanding.


    [Luck]: The mysterious ability to influence fortune and events in your favor. Luck can only be increased through tier progression or titles.


    <hr>


    After I finished reading through all the details in the status section, it became clear to me: everything was important. Pursuing balance¡ªthat had to be the answer in the long run.


    [SKILLS]: A list of abilities that utilize the power of existence energy. These skills are categorized by proficiency levels, and when a skill reaches its maximum proficiency, it can evolve into a higher rarity.


    Once again, I come across this "existence energy" term, but it remains a mystery. Despite its frequent mention on the status screen, I still can¡¯t figure out what it truly is or how it works.


    [COMMON SKILLS]: A list of abilities that don¡¯t require the use of existence energy. These skills are simpler, more fundamental, and aren¡¯t bound by energy usage. They encompass everything I¡¯ve learned throughout my life¡ªthings as basic as breathing, sleeping, and even everyday tasks. Unlike other skills, these don¡¯t have proficiency levels, making them feel more like instinctive knowledge rather than learned abilities.


    The most suspicious part of my entire status screen.


    [TRAITS]: Unique attributes an individual is either born with or acquires through other means. Traits don¡¯t have a rarity but grow stronger alongside the existence tier. It almost seems like a type of "growth" skill, doesn''t it?


    [The Eye of ???]: Grants the ability to see ??? (Incomplete). this must be the one that haunted me for the last 28 years of my life. why it is incomplete? there must be a way to complete it.


    [Unbound]: You become loose and untied from anything bound to your existence and completely unbound from things weaker than you. Wow, this one sounds grand, full of potential¡ªbut right now, I¡¯m just a regular top-tier wealthy person. Aside from being unbound from civilian law, I¡¯m not sure how else I¡¯m going to make use of it.


    Nate said "Alright, son. What¡¯s the plan?"


    Sam answers "First, we need to figure out these ¡®Soul Records.¡¯ Everyone¡¯s Soul Record panel says the same thing, but we have to understand what it means. We need to know every advantage we have."


    While everyone focused on their Soul Records, I found myself staring at the monitor displaying the scene outside. People were stepping out of their houses, confusion clear on their faces. They were trying to talk to each other, but it didn¡¯t seem like anyone had answers. At least there wasn¡¯t a monster swarm spilling out of a portal or a rift in the sky¡ªit was oddly normal. Why is it so quiet? It¡¯s like the calm before the storm.


    After about five minutes, everyone finished analyzing their panels. We shared what we¡¯d learned, though we kept the traits to ourselves. I told them it might be dangerous, so it was better to stay quiet about it for now.


    From what I could tell, everyone had something familiar: different titles, varying parameters in the status section, but one thing stood out¡ªno one had any skills or additional sections. Except for my parents, that is. Their titles were different from the rest.


    And then...


    <hr>


    [WORLD SOURCE ACTIVATE PREPARATION COMPLETE]


    [THE WORLD TRANSFORMATION BEGIN]


    <hr>


    The ground trembled like an earthquake with a magnitude of 12. The air itself seemed to ripple, shaking visibly to the naked eye. Everyone in the room was thrown to the floor, and the strongest house I¡¯d been so proud of began to crack open. Panic surged within me, and I shouted.


    "Everyone, grab each other''s hands!"


    We crawled across the floor, instinctively reaching for one another, our hands gripping tight, terrified of losing anyone in the chaos.


    [INHABITANTS LIFE PROTECTION PROTOCOL ACTIVATED]


    [TUTORIAL SYSTEM BEGIN]


    God damn, the tutorial is really coming now...


    And just like that, my consciousness started to fade.

 Chapter 3 - Tutorial!

    My eyes snap open, just like yesterday, but this time I immediately spring to my feet, adopting a defensive stance with the steel sword clutched tightly in my hand, ready to fight off anything that dares to attack. It takes a moment for my mind to catch up, but soon I realize there¡¯s no immediate threat. My body relaxes slightly as I lower my guard and start scanning my surroundings.


    I¡¯m in the center of a vast, open space, the soft grass stretching endlessly in all directions. Tall trees encircle us, their trunks forming a ring, as if I¡¯m trapped in the middle of a forest. The radius of the circle is easily two or three kilometers.


    My gaze shifts to the ground, and I spot my family¡ªMom, Dad, and Ann¡ªstill lying there, peacefully asleep beside me. As I look around, I realize that others are sleeping as well, scattered in every direction. My vision widens, and I count the people with a quick glance. There are over a thousand of them, and as I observe their faces, I realize they all seem oddly familiar, like they belong to people from our neighborhood. It looks like I¡¯m the only one awake.


    ???: "OH THERE ARE ONE WAKE UP EARLY!! WHY ARE YOU WAKING UP EARLY THIS IS SHOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR A TIER 0 BEING!"


    The yelling sound came from my back and made me jump back surprised by an unknown sound then I looked at the sound origin I saw a fairy like the one in the children''s look just like a jiggle bell she was small around 20 centimeters from head to toe she had a pair of big yellow butterflies wings bigger than herself look at me with curiosity overall she is a totally typical fairy that people thinking of when they talk about a fairy.


    Hovering closer, her wings buzzing softly


    ???: ¡°How curious! A Tier 0 creature waking up before the system¡¯s synchronization is complete? That shouldn¡¯t be possible! Tell me, how did you manage such a feat, hmm?¡±


    He straightens up, keeping his sword ready but lowering his guard slightly "Well, I guess I¡¯m just... lucky?¡± Sam answer


    Giggles, her voice chiming like bells ¡°Lucky? Oh, please! Luck alone wouldn¡¯t override a system-imposed restriction. Come now, human, don¡¯t be shy. Share your secret!¡±


    Scratches his head, feigning thought ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just a light sleeper. I¡¯ve always had a knack for waking up early. Internal clock and all that.¡±


    Frowns, her wings fluttering faster ¡°Hmm... Internal clock? That¡¯s a new one. But I¡¯ve been a system guide for centuries! No one wakes up during this phase unless¡ª¡± She gasps and points dramatically. ¡°Unless you¡¯re cheating!¡±


    Chuckles nervously, raising his hands in mock surrender ¡°Cheating? Do I look like someone capable of outsmarting your almighty system?¡±


    Narrows her eyes, studying him intently ¡°You do seem ordinary... almost disappointingly so. But then again, appearances can be deceiving. Are you sure there¡¯s nothing special about you?¡±


    Shrugs casually, trying to keep his tone light ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know how your system works, but if waking up early makes me special, I¡¯m not complaining. Maybe you should be asking why everyone else is so late.¡±


    Pauses mid-air, tapping her tiny chin thoughtfully ¡°That... is an excellent point! Lazy humans, all of them! Perhaps the system is coddling you Tier 0 too much.¡±


    Smirks slightly, sensing her curiosity fading ¡°Exactly. I¡¯m just the exception that proves the rule. Now, instead of worrying about me, shouldn¡¯t you be focusing on getting everyone else up and running?¡±


    Huffs, crossing her arms ¡°Fine, fine. But don¡¯t think I¡¯ve forgotten about you, human! I¡¯ll be keeping my eyes on you, so no funny business!¡±


    Nods earnestly, suppressing a grin ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡±


    I felt a secret relief wash over me. It seemed that the fairy couldn¡¯t look into my record, and I hadn''t shared my traits. Something deep inside me¡ªan instinct¡ªkept telling me that this was the most important information I had, and it couldn¡¯t be shared with anyone. Not even my own family.


    As for why I¡¯d woken up early this morning... it had to be Unbound. That was the only explanation.


    I tried to pry information about the system from the fairy, but nothing came out of her lips. She just shot back with, "No telling!" "No cheating!" "Shut up, tier 0 trash, or I¡¯ll blast your head off!"


    I kept my mouth shut for the next 30 minutes. I didn¡¯t think she was kidding. If I remembered correctly, these fairies liked to make examples out of people by blasting their heads off. I didn¡¯t want to be the one to lose my head before the real challenges even began.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    While I waited for the others to recover, I sat next to my family and resumed my experiment with my Soul Record. As I focused, I realized something¡ªthere was a new sensation beyond my usual five senses. It was faint, almost weak, but it was there. I could feel things inside my body and just under my skin. It should be mental power, I thought. I continued testing this newfound sense, trying to become familiar with it.


    One hour passed.


    Ding!!!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new skill:


    Mental power manipulation<common>]!


    Ding!!!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Early Access]


    Ding!!!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: The First of Skill Wielder]


    <hr>


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human??


    Class: Unassigned [Level 10 for available]


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wielder


    Level: 1 [Tier 0]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 8


    Agility: 8


    Vitality:9


    Endurance: 9


    Intelligence: 9


    Wisdom: 10


    Luck: 100


    [SKILLS]: Mental power manipulation<common>


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: the Eye of ???, Unbound


    <hr>


    I was genuinely surprised as I looked at my new skill.


    [Mental Power Manipulation <Common>]: Grants the ability to wield mental power effectively.


    I immediately tested it out. To my delight, it made controlling my mental power far easier, requiring much less focus.


    Then, my attention shifted to the upper section title.


    [Early Access]: You can utilize existence energy before the tutorial begins, proving a great feat¡ªincreases EXP gain from all sources by 25%. I didn¡¯t even fully understand how the system worked yet, but I could already tell this had to be one of the best bonuses.


    [The First of Skill Wielder]: You are the first to wield the skill in the world¡ª increases the effectiveness of all skills by 5%. Nice one!


    I was silently celebrating in my mind, feeling a rush of excitement when, suddenly, the fairy moved.


    The fairy flapped her delicate wings and flew to the center of the crowd. She took a deep breath¡ªone that seemed to pull in more than just air¡ªand then shouted with a force that defied her small size.


    "WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


    Her voice wasn¡¯t particularly loud, but it resonated through me, vibrating through my body, mind, and soul. It was as if every part of my being was compelled to awaken, even though I was already awake. My cells screamed in unison, an overwhelming cacophony that made me want to curl up and shut everything out.


    Minutes passed like hours, the intense sensation finally beginning to fade. Around me, people stirred, groaning and blinking in confusion. They looked around with dazed expressions, questions plastered on their faces. Why? Where? How did we get here?


    "Sam?" My family¡¯s voices pulled me back to the present. They were already on their feet, looking at me, waiting for some kind of reassurance.


    Eve clutched Sam¡¯s arm tightly, her voice trembling ¡°Sam? What¡¯s going on? Where are we? What was that voice?¡±


    Michael Looking around, his face pale ¡°This... this doesn¡¯t make sense. We were at home, and now we¡¯re¡ªwhere even is this?¡±


    Kate Tearfully ¡°Sam, what¡¯s happening? Are we in a dream? Tell me this isn¡¯t real.¡±


    Sam Steps forward, holding his hands up to calm them ¡°Listen, I don¡¯t know all the answers yet, but I need you to trust me. Whatever this is, it¡¯s real, and we need to stay calm.¡±


    Eve Clinging to him tighter ¡°Calm? CALM? We¡¯re in the middle of nowhere with... with thousands of people around, and you want us to stay calm?!¡±


    Sam Puts a hand on her shoulder, speaking firmly ¡°Yes, Eve. Panicking isn¡¯t going to help us. Look, I¡¯ve seen some... strange things before, and I have a feeling this is connected to that. But we¡¯ll get through this¡ªtogether. I promise.¡±


    Michael Gestures toward the fairy now hovering above the crowd ¡°And what about that? Are you going to explain how a freaking fairy is real?¡±


    Sam Points toward the fairy ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to figure out. But for now, listen to her. She¡¯s probably the only one who knows what¡¯s happening.¡±


    <hr>


    The fairy hovered above the group, her wings shimmering as her voice rang out like a bell.


    "WELCOME, HUMANS, TO YOUR TUTORIAL! I AM LILIA, YOUR TUTORIAL SYSTEM GUIDE. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION AS I EXPLAIN THE RULES OF YOUR TUTORIAL!"


    Before she could continue, a random man shot to his feet, waving his arms wildly. "Rules? What rules?! This is insane! I demand to go back to Earth RIGHT NOW!"


    Lilia turned toward him, her glowing eyes narrowing. Her smile twisted into something sharper. "Oh? A brave one, are we? Or perhaps... just an idiot."


    The man took a bold step forward, shouting louder. "You can¡¯t just abduct us like this! Take us back, or I¡¯ll¡ª"


    Lilia raised her tiny hand with a casual wave and sighed. "Manners, please."


    In an instant, a beam of golden light shot from her hand, striking the man square in the head. His body crumpled to the ground, lifeless, his head gone entirely.


    Gasps and screams erupted from the crowd as people stumbled back in terror. "Oh my God!" "What the hell?!" "She killed him!"


    Lilia clapped her hands together, her cheerful tone cutting through the chaos like a knife. "Now that I have your attention, let¡¯s continue. Interruptions will not be tolerated. You are no longer on Earth. You are now participants in the tutorial system. Survive, adapt, and ascend¡ªor perish. Simple, isn¡¯t it?"


    I couldn¡¯t help but think to myself, That¡¯s so cringe.

 Chapter 4 - Survival!

    Eve Grabbing Sam¡¯s arm tighter, her voice trembling ¡°Sam... she just... she just killed him. What are we supposed to do?¡±


    Michael Holding their mother close, his face pale ¡°She¡¯s not joking, is she? This isn¡¯t a drill.¡±


    Sam Takes a deep breath, steadying himself ¡°No, Mike. It¡¯s not. That was a warning¡ªone we need to take seriously.¡±


    Mrs. Barlow Whispers, her voice shaking ¡°This can¡¯t be happening... Sam, what do we do?¡±


    Sam Looking each of them in the eye, his tone firm but calm ¡°We survive. That¡¯s what we do. Look, I don¡¯t know how bad this is going to get, but I¡¯ve been preparing for years, and I swear I¡¯ll protect all of you. But you have to trust me. Listen to what she says. Follow the rules. That¡¯s how we make it through this.¡±


    Eve Wipes her eyes, trying to steady her voice ¡°You really think we can survive this?¡±


    Sam Grins faintly, gripping her shoulder reassuringly ¡°We¡¯ve got something the others don¡¯t¡ªme. And I don¡¯t plan on dying here. Neither will you.¡±


    Michael Nods reluctantly, standing taller ¡°Alright, Sam. We¡¯ll follow your lead. Just don¡¯t get us killed.¡±


    Sam Turning back toward Lilia, watching her with sharp focus ¡°Not a chance.¡±


    <hr>


    After the fairy''s display of power, the random man who had dared challenge her was swiftly and brutally taken out as an example. She meant to instill fear and seriousness in the participants, but the result was far from what she expected.


    Instead of quieting the crowd, the killing only sparked greater chaos. The air was filled with frantic screams as people began running in every direction, desperate to escape the fairy''s wrath. But no matter how fast or far they ran, they soon found their way blocked. A translucent barrier wall, invisible but tangible, stood in their path, stopping them from going any farther.


    Panic spread like wildfire. Some tried to punch or kick the barrier, hoping to break through, but the invisible wall didn¡¯t budge. The realization that they were trapped hit like a ton of bricks, sending many into further madness.


    A few people, completely losing their sense of control, fell to the ground, curled up and screaming as though the world was collapsing around them. Others, frantic and desperate, tried to silence the screams of those around them, terrified that any noise would draw the fairy''s attention. They knew what had happened to the man, and they feared their loved ones would be next if they made too much noise.


    The air was thick with fear and confusion, as the illusion of safety vanished, and the harsh reality of their situation began to settle in.


    In the center of the chaos, all that remained were Sam and his group, along with a few hundred others who seemed to grasp the seriousness of the situation. They were quiet, observing the fairy closely, carefully considering their next move.


    The fairy, on the other hand, was stunned by the unexpected reaction from the humans. She stood frozen for a moment, her usual composure faltering. "I¡¯ve been doing this job as a tutorial guide for humans for almost a thousand years. Never has anything like this happened before. Usually, humans surrender, beg, or even call me ''goddess''... Why are they acting like this?" She thought, her confidence shaken.


    After a long pause, the fairy''s expression shifted. Her thoughts gathered, and she made a decision. Rising above the frantic scene, she raised her hand high and made a gripping motion in the air. In an instant, the people who had attempted to flee were lifted off the ground, as though invisible hands were pulling them back toward the center. Their bodies floated unnaturally, held in place by an unseen force.


    The fairy''s body glowed with an eerie blue light as she spoke, her voice now calm yet commanding, slicing through the panic-stricken air.


    "Calm," she said, her voice resonating like a bell, carrying an otherworldly authority.


    As the word left her lips, the atmosphere seemed to shift. The tension in the air thickened, but somehow, the panic in the crowd lessened, as if the fairy''s very presence forced an unnatural stillness upon them.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    The fairy cleared her throat, an almost playful sound before she declared, "Ahem, let¡¯s start again, then." Her voice was calm, unfazed by the chaos that had just erupted, as if the previous scene had been nothing more than a minor hiccup.


    With a casual flick of her finger, she pointed toward the headless corpse of the man who had dared challenge her. Time itself seemed to stretch and twist in response to her command. Slowly, the body reassembled¡ªblood reversed, the skull and brain returning to their rightful place, and in a matter of seconds, the man¡¯s head was restored.


    His eyes snapped open, terror flooding his expression as he gasped for air. The man was wide-eyed, his mind struggling to process the horrific return to life. He instinctively began sucking on his fingers, sobbing uncontrollably, tears streaming down his face as if he were a child frightened by a nightmare.


    The crowd fell into a stunned silence, watching the impossible unfold. But as they saw the man breathe again, a flicker of something changed in the air¡ªa shift from pure terror to a strange kind of hope. The survival instinct in each of them stirred. They understood now that they had been given another chance, that the rules had changed, and the stakes had been made painfully clear.


    The fairy observed the reactions with a satisfied smirk. Her method had worked. She had broken them, pushed them to the edge, and now they would respond. The spark of desire to survive, to adapt, to learn¡ªit was igniting in their hearts. She had tested them, and now they would be more pliable, ready to follow her lead through the tutorial she had set in motion.


    Her smile widened, pleased with the results. The game had begun in earnest.


    The fairy looked over the crowd, her voice carrying an almost regal tone as she spoke again. "I will start the explanation about the tutorial and why you are here. Any questions will come after I am finished, understood?"


    The crowd, still recovering from the earlier chaos, remained silent, their attention now fixed on the fairy.


    She nodded and continued. "You are now in the Tutorial World, a specially designed realm where newly integrated planets send all living beings capable of accessing the Soul Record. Its purpose is to accelerate adaptation and prepare its inhabitants to combat the looming invasion of chaos. This process doesn¡¯t just involve humans¡ªanimals with a certain level of self-awareness also participate under the directive of the [Inhabitants Life Protection Protocol]."


    As she spoke, the fairy gestured with her hand, and a translucent screen appeared in the air before her, visible only to her. Her expression shifted as she began to examine the data presented on the screen.


    "Wait a moment, let me see the data," she muttered to herself, her eyes scanning the information in awe.


    After a brief pause, her voice broke the silence again, this time with a hint of surprise. "Wow, your planet is really something. Your human population alone has been assigned to over 1,500,000 Trial Zones! And the total number of trial zones for your planet exceeds 10,000,000 zones! What kind of planet is this? With so many Soul Record accesses... it¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve seen before."


    The fairy¡¯s tone was filled with both admiration and intrigue, clearly impressed by the scale of the records from this planet. She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the implications of such vast numbers. The crowd watched, still processing her words, as they began to realize the true scale of the situation they had found themselves in.


    The fairy''s voice rang out once more, this time with a commanding tone as she continued her explanation.


    "I will explain the tutorial to you. You have now been assigned to the trial zones for those who are capable of becoming fighters. The goal of this trial zone is to transform you into powerful soldiers, prepared to combat the invasion of chaos. As for what chaos is, I will not explain it to you now. Let us focus on the tutorial rules first."


    She raised her hand slightly, and a holographic screen appeared beside her, displaying information as she spoke.


    The fairy¡¯s gaze swept across the crowd, her voice unwavering as she delivered the grim message.


    "The tutorial will last for three months in terms of time on your home planet. The minimum goal to pass the trial is for participants to complete one of the designed trials and reach at least Tier 1, level 30. If you fail to achieve this, the only result will be death. Simple, isn''t it?"


    A chill ran through the crowd at her blunt words, and the reality of the situation began to settle in. The fairy continued, her voice cold but firm.


    The fairy¡¯s voice cut through the tense atmosphere, her tone cool and calculated.


    "Your trial zone has been assigned with 5,000 participants¡ªhealthy, fully grown humans."


    She raised her hand, gesturing as if to outline the scope of their challenge.


    "The trial will consist of three stages, each lasting one month. The first stage is called ''The Survival.'' The rules are straightforward: your goal is to reach the Tutorial Towns, located in one of the four cardinal directions from this starting point. The exact distance? That¡¯s for you to discover.


    "Your journey will lead you through the forest terrain, teeming with monsters. These creatures are not only your obstacles but also your greatest resources for progression. Their defeat will aid your growth, so do not shy away from confronting them. I strongly recommend that you reach at least Tier 1 before attempting to enter the town¡ªunless, of course, you wish to meet an early demise.


    "If you fail to reach the town within one month, you will fail the trial. Be warned: as time progresses, the forest will grow more dangerous than you can possibly imagine. The choice to survive or perish lies in your hands."


    She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in.


    "The details of the next stage will be revealed once you complete this one. Any questions?"


    The crowd was silent, some looking around nervously while others steeled themselves for what lay ahead.

 Chapter 5 - Quest!

    Sam looked around, observing the reactions of the others. It seemed like everything was better than he had initially thought. At first, he had expected the fairy to launch into another killing spree, but instead, she had revived the man, showcasing her god-like power. With this, Sam began to realize that the tutorial wasn¡¯t designed to kill people for the amusement of some omnipotent being. As the fairy had explained, it was meant to prepare them to fight against an invasion.


    The enemy must be so vicious that even someone as powerful as the fairy wouldn¡¯t waste human lives without reason, especially after her first attempt to instill fear had failed. It became clear to Sam that the stakes were much higher than he had imagined. This wasn¡¯t about cruelty¡ªit was about survival.


    A moment of silence passed, until a random woman, her face marked by worry, stepped forward. With a trembling hand, she raised it and asked the fairy, "Do you know where my baby is?"


    The fairy, unphased, opened a translucent system window before her, her fingers brushing across the interface as if accessing information. After a brief pause, she spoke in a calm, reassuring tone.


    "Do not worry, female human. There is a designated trial zone for human infants and children. They will be cared for by system-assigned caretakers. The death rate in their trial zone is zero. The children will simply need to learn and grow during the trial period until it ends."


    The woman looked relieved, a small breath escaping her lips, while the crowd, now slightly reassured, murmured amongst themselves.


    A man, one of the few who hadn¡¯t fled during the chaos, stood up and asked the fairy with a mixture of fear and resolve, "What¡¯s happening to Earth?"


    The fairy¡¯s smile deepened, clearly pleased by the question.


    "Ah, a great question!" she replied. "Your home world is currently undergoing a transformation. The System is assisting in harnessing the planet''s natural resources, enabling your world to utilize its energy more efficiently. A dimensional barrier is being installed around Earth to shield it from direct invasion for now. However, the invaders already know about your planet. Your task, once you return, will be to confront them and eliminate the threats they bring. Earth¡¯s survival depends on your strength and ability to protect it."


    She paused for a moment, ensuring the weight of her words was fully understood by the group.


    "When you come back, the responsibility of defending it will fall on your shoulders."


    The moment the fairy finished speaking, a heavy silence fell over the crowd. The weight of her words hung in the air like an unspoken truth, and for a moment, it seemed like no one could process what had just been revealed.


    Some faces turned pale, their eyes wide with disbelief. Others simply stared blankly, unable to comprehend the gravity of the situation. The concept of Earth transforming, of the planet being under siege by invaders, was too much for many to fully grasp. The idea of returning to their home only to fight to protect it from destruction was overwhelming.


    The new random man shouted, "But why kidnap us? We''re just civilians!, why not just let the government do the job? That¡¯s right¡ªwe have guns and nuclear weapons! The aliens will be annihilated!" a ripple of awkward silence followed. The people around him exchanged incredulous looks, some even shaking their heads in disbelief. They had just witnessed the fairy¡¯s godlike abilities¡ªthe revival of the dead, her manipulation of space, and the power she radiated¡ªand yet this man thought conventional weapons would make a difference? It was almost comical.


    The fairy¡¯s expression darkened, her once-amused demeanor replaced with a cold fury. Her wings flickered ominously, and for a moment, it felt like the air itself grew heavier. "Why do humans never learn reason?" she muttered under her breath. With a flick of her hand, a translucent screen appeared before her, its glowing symbols incomprehensible to the crowd. She began scrolling through the information, her lips pressing into a thin line.


    After a moment, she turned back to the man, her voice sharp and laced with irritation. "Humans of this world truly never fail to surprise me. a Weapons crafted within the boundaries of the Physical Law capable of generating destruction on the level of a Tier 5 nuclear explosion? Impressive. And¡ªwhat¡¯s this?¡ªyou¡¯ve even begun to tap into the particles of the Law? and called it quantum? How is that possible for mere Tier 0 mortals?" Her tone dripped with both genuine curiosity and exasperation. "No wonder your world is so overpopulated. For a species barely out of the cradle of their Soul Records, you¡¯ve achieved much¡­ and yet, you understand so little."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The crowd murmured at her words, a mixture of pride and confusion spreading among them. Pride at their technological advancements, but confusion at her disdainful tone.


    The fairy folded her arms, her wings glowing faintly. "But let me make this clear," she continued, her voice sharp as a blade. "Even with those weapons you so proudly boast about, they are woefully insufficient against the Chaos Army. You think your nuclear bombs and bullets would stand a chance? Against creatures that exist beyond the comprehension of your physical laws? Against forces that can bend reality itself? Pathetic."


    She stepped closer to the crowd, her luminous eyes narrowing as they bore into the man. "So stop this nonsense about your weapons and your governments. Your world¡¯s survival depends on you¡ªthose who are here¡ªlearning to harness your Soul Records and grow stronger. This is your last warning: do not waste my time with foolishness."


    Her voice echoed with finality, and the crowd collectively held their breath. The man who had spoken up shrank back, his face pale, as the gravity of her words sank in.


    Sam, who had been silently observing for what felt like an eternity, finally decided it was the right moment to voice the question that had been gnawing at him the most.


    "What is the Soul Record?" he asked, his tone steady but filled with curiosity.


    The fairy''s eyes lit up as if she had been anticipating this very question. With a delighted expression, she responded, "Ah, finally! Someone asks the right question." She clasped her hands together and continued, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.


    "The Soul Record is the essence of your existence¡ªa unique and indelible imprint dedicated to your achievements and essence as an individual. It chronicles every thought, action, and accomplishment you make. By accessing your Soul Record, you can harness Existence Power, allowing you to grow, evolve, and ascend to higher states of being. It is both your greatest treasure and the foundation of your potential."


    Pausing for effect, she added with a knowing smile, "As for what Existence Power truly is... you''ll understand when you reach level 10 and evolve into a Tier 1 being. Until then, consider it the key to unlocking your destiny."


    Things began to fall into place, and Sam and his group stayed silent, opting to observe and absorb as much information as possible from the questions being asked. One particular thought lingered in Sam''s mind: If Tier 5 power is equivalent to a nuclear bomb, how many tiers exist? From the fairy''s reaction, Tier 5 doesn¡¯t seem like an extraordinary feat but is clearly not insignificant either.


    For thirty minutes, the questions from the crowd gradually dwindled. Each response from the fairy added pieces to a puzzle that was slowly taking shape in everyone''s minds. Finally, no one had any further questions. The crowd grew silent, a mixture of resignation, curiosity, and unease settling over them.


    The fairy floated above them, her shimmering wings casting soft glows over the group. She scanned the silent crowd and, with a satisfied nod, spoke decisively.


    "With no more questions, we shall now begin the trial."


    Raising her hand once again, she was bathed in a radiant blue glow. The air around her pulsed with energy, and she declared with a voice that carried authority, "Armory."


    The blue light intensified, and before their eyes, the ground below the fairy began to transform. The shimmering energy solidified, materializing into a massive armory. Rows upon rows of weapons and tools appeared, their metallic gleam catching the light. The armory was vast, almost overwhelming, and eerily reminiscent of the hidden stash Sam had back at his parents'' house¡ªbut this collection was far more extensive.


    However, one glaring difference caught Sam¡¯s attention immediately: there were no guns.


    The fairy addressed the crowd with a tone of authority, her voice carrying effortlessly over the gathered participants.


    "According to the rules, each of you may choose one weapon and one survival kit from the armory. Once everyone has made their selection, you will have one hour before the starting point barrier opens, marking the official beginning of the trial."


    With that, she gracefully ascended into the sky, her wings shimmering in the fading light. As she hovered above them, she gave a parting smile, her tone light yet laced with finality.


    "My role here is done. We shall meet again in Stage Two. Good luck, Participants."


    With a final burst of radiant energy, she vanished into thin air, leaving no trace of her presence behind. It was as if she had never been there at all.


    then¡­


    Ding!


    <hr>


    [TUTORIAL QUEST]


    Quest Name: [The Survival]


    Time Remaining: 30 Days 00:00:00


    Objective: Navigate the forest and reach the Tutorial Towns located in one of the four cardinal directions.


    Rewards: Rewards will be granted based on the progression of your Soul Record.


    <hr>

 Chapter 6 - Crash!

    Sam looked at the spot where the fairy had vanished, the events unfolding too quickly for him to fully grasp. He shook his head, returning to his senses and turning to face his group. They seemed just as confused as he was.


    "Alright, everyone," Sam said, his voice steady. "We should hurry, pick a weapon, and get familiar with it while we still have time."


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Even though their group already had weapons, extra ones wouldn¡¯t hurt. Sam moved toward the armory, leading the group as they followed closely behind.


    The shelves in front of him were lined with normal-looking swords. But as he observed them more carefully, a translucent window appeared before his eyes.


    [Tutorial Sword]


    [Rarity]: Common


    [Durability]: [100/100]


    [Description]: The welcome gift of the system to the tutorial participants.


    Sam, amused by the new feature, turned to Michael and asked him to try looking at the item the same way he had. Michael raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Ummm, huh?" The reaction was enough to confirm that it was a normal system function, not something triggered by Sam''s trait.


    With that thought in mind, they continued walking, keeping an eye out for anything that might be a hidden treasure or something of value¡ªafter all, Sam considered himself lucky. "Luck 100, show me something good," Sam thought to himself, hopeful for a fortunate find.


    As they ventured deeper into the armory, a sudden realization hit Sam. He quickly leaned in and whispered to Michael, urging him to hide the gun. "We might need it later, especially if things get... out of hand," Sam said, his voice low and serious.


    Michael nodded in understanding, his expression unreadable. It seemed he had already been thinking along the same lines. In fact, Sam had noticed earlier that Michael had hidden the weapon almost instinctively when they first woke up.


    As they reached the inner zone of the armory, they were met with something unexpected¡ªa noticeable shift. The shelves that had once appeared orderly and typical now seemed to hold items of a much higher caliber. Something was different here, and Sam couldn''t shake the feeling that this was where the real treasures lay.


    [Tutorial High-Quality-Spear]


    [Rarity]: Uncommon


    [Durability]: [100/100]


    [Description]: The welcome gift of the system to the tutorial participants.


    Nate was the first to notice the change, his sharp eyes scanning the newly appeared weapons in the inner zone of the armory. After a moment of consideration, he turned to the group with a suggestion. "We should pick spears. We don''t know what kind of monsters we''ll face, but keeping our distance is always the better approach."


    Everyone nods in agreement. My dad, a combat medic, only learned to use spearheads once. He¡¯s not an expert with weapons, but he used to train with them, So at least he can teach us the basic techniques.


    As everyone selected their weapons, I already had one¡ªa sword I had picked up from home before being sent here.


    [High Carbon Steel Sword]


    [Rarity]: Uncommon


    [Durability]: [100/100]


    [Description]: Crafted by High, developed using physical law technology, with a good balance of properties.


    So, what I needed was a shield. I had lost mine before being sent here and needed a new one. The shields in the armory mostly looked like common grade. I wasn¡¯t sure how good common grade was, but I figured uncommon would be better, right?


    At the innermost part of the armory, we found my shield, placed on the same shelf alongside the 10 weapons. Just by looking at it, I could tell it was better than the ones we had passed. But I wasn¡¯t going to change my mind¡ªI had already decided on the shield. So, I walked forward, picked it up, and examined it.


    [Tutorial Top-Quality Shield]


    [Rarity]: Rare


    [Durability]: [100/100]


    [Description]: The welcome gift of the system to the tutorial participants.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Sam smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction as they finished picking their weapons. He glanced around, noticing other groups of people beginning to enter the armory and select their own gear. The sound of footsteps and soft murmurs filled the air as the once silent room now buzzed with activity.


    Nate, always practical, spoke up. "Let¡¯s hurry and grab a survival kit." His voice cut through the noise, and the group quickly moved toward the backpacks neatly arranged near the exit. Everyone picked out a kit, with Sam¡¯s hands lingering for a moment as he checked the contents of his. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing for what lay ahead.


    Afterward, We made his way to an open spot at the edge of the armory. We found a quiet corner and sat down for a brief moment, leaning against the wall. The weight of everything still hadn¡¯t fully sunk in, but Sam knew it would soon enough. For now, he just needed a moment to collect himself before the trial officially began.


    Twenty minutes later, Nate stood up and declared, "It¡¯s time." The group quickly got to their feet and followed his lead toward the northern barrier, away from the starting point. During our rest, we had already planned to explore the north first. If we didn¡¯t find anything worthwhile, we could adjust our course and head east, following a clockwise direction.


    When we arrived near the barrier, the group of spearmen began practicing under my father¡¯s guidance. Although he wasn¡¯t an expert with weapons, his combat medic training had included spearhead basics, and he used that experience to teach them how to handle their spears.


    I had already informed the group that I didn¡¯t need spear training. I¡¯d been practicing with a sword and shield for over a year, almost daily, at my penthouse in downtown Manhattan.


    While the others trained, I stepped aside to train alone. Taking up my sword and shield, I assumed a fighting stance, wielding them carefully as I began warming up. I adjusted my muscles to the familiar movements, ensuring I was comfortable wielding the sword. Gradually, I increased the speed of my swings, little by little, until I felt the flow of my movements align with my intentions.


    As we continued training, more than half the participants had already finished selecting their weapons. Some noticed our group practicing and decided to follow suit, beginning their own training sessions. Others simply observed from a distance. I could feel their gazes, and from their expressions, it seemed like a few recognized me. However, none of them approached, likely intimidated by the sight of me wielding my sword with intensity.


    Among them, a group of younger men, who appeared to be in their early twenties, stood huddled together, whispering and stealing glances in my direction. One of them, braver than the rest, eventually stepped forward. His excitement was evident as he approached me, his eyes wide with both awe and nervous energy.


    ¡°Excuse me, sir,¡± he said, his voice tinged with eagerness, ¡°are you Samuel Barlow?¡±


    I paused mid-swing, lowering my sword slightly as I turned to face him. His expression was one of pure admiration, and behind him, his friends were nudging each other, clearly impressed that he had the courage to speak up.


    This situation felt oddly familiar to me. Back in the world I knew, I was quite well-known within the investor circles. Many aspiring individuals would go out of their way to make a connection with me, hoping to tap into my success. These young guys must be fresh entrants into the high-stakes world of Wall Street. Their eyes still carried that unmistakable spark¡ªburning with ambition, brimming with youthful hope, and untouched by the corrosive greed and cynicism that often came with the territory of capitalism.


    The one who had spoken earlier stood there, still waiting for my response, his excitement evident. His friends, hanging back, exchanged nervous but excited glances, as if this moment was as monumental to them as a rookie trader meeting a legendary mentor for the first time. I straightened up, letting the shield rest against my side, and gave him a faint smile, curious to see what this interaction might lead to.


    I smiled warmly and said, "Yes, I am." But my tone quickly shifted to seriousness as I continued, "I know what you''re hoping for, but now isn¡¯t the time. Our lives are still at risk. You¡¯d better focus on what you¡¯ve learned, take the necessary risks, and survive. If you can manage that, let¡¯s meet again outside the tutorial. Good luck."


    The young man was momentarily stunned by my firm tone, his earlier excitement giving way to a more thoughtful expression. When he snapped back to reality, he quickly said, "Thank you for your advice, sir, but¡­ could I get your number? If I survive, I¡¯ll call you."


    I paused, caught off guard by his stubbornness. It wasn¡¯t the entitled persistence I sometimes saw in others; it was something different¡ªan unyielding determination not to let an opportunity slip away. Despite the dire circumstances, I couldn¡¯t help but respect that.


    With a nod, I pulled out a notepad from the survival kit, scribbled down my number, and handed it to him. "Here," I said, "but make sure you earn the right to use it. Survive first. That¡¯s your real priority."


    He nodded earnestly, clutching the piece of paper like it was a lifeline, before thanking me profusely and heading back to his group. As I watched them go, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of hope that their youthful determination might just see them through this ordeal.


    After handing over my number to the young man, I refocused and continued my training. As I wielded my sword, a thought crossed my mind¡ªcould I enhance my movements using mental focus? I decided to test it out, channeling my mental energy to synchronize with the flow of my sword and shield. It was as if my mind extended along the blade and shield, helping me observe and refine each motion.


    With this heightened awareness, I began correcting myself, adjusting my posture and movements for maximum efficiency. Each swing felt sharper, each block sturdier. The adjustments made my attacks and defenses more effective, but despite my improvements, I didn¡¯t feel the distinct sense of a skill forming. Perhaps I needed real contact¡ªsomething tangible to strike¡ªto truly push myself and gain results.


    I glanced around, considering my options, before setting my eyes on the barrier. It seemed sturdy enough to handle some punishment without breaking. Deciding to test my weapon¡¯s power, I approached it and took my fighting stance.


    I swung my sword slowly at first, warming up and feeling the rhythm of my movements. Then, I prepared for a powerful strike. My body coiled like a spring as I swung left and right, gathering momentum with each motion. Finally, with my sword raised high above my head, I unleashed my full strength. My right hand guided the blade downward in a powerful arc, aimed straight at the barrier.


    ¡°Huhhhh!¡± I exhaled forcefully, pouring every ounce of strength into the strike.


    Then.


    Crack¡­.Crack¡­k¡­k¡­crash!!.


    The barrier at the northern is broken.


    Ding!


    Ding!


    Ding!

 Chapter 7 - Danger!

    Sam stared, dumbfounded, at the broken section of the barrier. He was certain his attack wasn¡¯t powerful enough to surpass human limits or achieve any superhuman feat. Yet, the evidence was undeniable, Sam thought for a second then he murmured "Unbound¡­.".


    Within moments, the barrier repaired itself, as though nothing had happened, the translucent surface returning to its pristine state in mere seconds.


    Meanwhile, the people gathered in the northern section of the starting point heard the loud, distinct sound of glass shattering. Their curiosity piqued, they searched for the source, but the translucent nature of the barrier made it nearly impossible to detect any changes unless they were up close. The air grew tense, their unease amplifying as the countdown to the trial''s start loomed closer.


    Sam glanced around, relieved that no one seemed to have noticed what he¡¯d done. His heart steadied as he realized how fortunate it was that the barrier¡¯s transparency hid the brief disturbance. Shifting his focus, he turned inward, contemplating what consequences¡ªor perhaps rewards¡ªmight await him for his reckless experiment.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Barrier Breaker]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Pathforger]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: System Challenger]


    Sam looked at the name of the title with a spark of excitement in his eyes. Curiosity driving him, he began examining each detail of the title carefully, savoring the achievement and wondering about its implications.


    [Barrier breaker]: You shattered the defensive construct of a being far beyond your tier- Increase all stats by 25%


    [Pathforger]: You are the one who creates a way where none existed- Increase all stats by 25%


    [System Challenger]: Your action earned the system¡¯s expectations- You will receive additional quest rewards.


    <hr>


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human??


    Class: Unassigned [Level 10 for available]


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 1 [Tier 0]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 8 [+50%]


    Agility: 8 [+50%]


    Vitality:9 [+50%]


    Endurance: 9 [+50%]


    Intelligence: 9 [+50%]


    Wisdom: 10 [+50%]


    Luck: 100 [+50%]


    [SKILLS]: Mental power manipulation<common>


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: the Eye of ???, Unbound


    <hr>


    The surge of power coursing through my body felt overwhelming, almost intoxicating. I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the transformation¡ªit wasn¡¯t just a minor boost; I felt at least twice as strong as before, if not more.


    After testing my newfound strength for a bit, I glanced at my watch. There¡¯s still time, I thought, a plan forming in my mind. I walked over to my group, who had just finished their training. Determined to share what I had discovered, I addressed them with purpose.


    ¡°I want to teach you guys something that might be useful,¡± I said, recalling how I¡¯d learned to channel mental focus to synchronize with my movements. "It¡¯s a way to make every action more efficient and precise¡ªsomething that could mean the difference between surviving and failing out there."


    While our group was engaged in mass meditation, I couldn¡¯t help but notice the shifting dynamics around us. Other survivors were starting to form larger groups, clustering together as if sheer numbers could guarantee safety. The trial rules didn¡¯t specify any limit on group size, so naturally, more than a thousand people had banded together in a massive congregation.


    There wasn¡¯t anything inherently wrong with that approach, but it wasn¡¯t for us. Our group had already discussed the risks, and we agreed¡ªtaking care of that many people would be impossible. We decided to focus on ourselves, trusting in smaller numbers and coordination to survive.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    As I mulled over this, a movement in the distance caught my attention. A familiar family was heading in our direction¡ªthe Johnsons. They were our neighbors, living just a block away back home, and it seemed their entire family had been pulled into the same trial as us.


    There was Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Johnson, neither particularly old, along with their twin sons, both 18 and on the verge of graduating high school. Seeing them here brought a strange sense of relief¡ªa reminder that we weren¡¯t entirely alone in this chaos.


    I leaned over to my father, nudging him lightly. ¡°Dad, look who¡¯s coming our way¡ªit¡¯s the Johnsons.¡±


    His eyes followed my gaze, lighting up with recognition. Mr. Johnson was his drinking buddy, and if anyone could ease the tension for him right now, it would be his old friend. ¡°Go talk to him,¡± I added. ¡°You¡¯ll both feel better.¡±


    Following the Johnson family, more and more familiar faces began to approach our group. However, there were no kids or babies among them¡ªjust as the fairy had mentioned earlier, those two groups were placed in separate trials. As the crowd grew, I couldn¡¯t help but think to myself: People just want to be near something familiar, to cling to a sense of security in this madness.


    It was my father who stepped forward to speak with the gathering crowd. Calm and composed as always, he explained our group¡¯s plan, laying out the basics of how we intended to survive. To my surprise, the others quickly decided they wanted him to lead them.


    I saw him pause, considering the responsibility. He wasn¡¯t a fighter, but he was a doctor¡ªsomeone who couldn¡¯t just turn his back on others in need. After a moment of thought, he nodded and accepted their request.


    And just like that, our group swelled to over a hundred people. I didn¡¯t even have time to count the exact number before the timer hit zero.


    My father jogged back to my side, the crowd trailing behind him. He stopped just short of me, his face serious as he addressed the group.


    ¡°From now on, follow the plan and listen to the orders we¡¯ve agreed upon. It¡¯s the only way we¡¯ll make it through this.¡±


    His voice carried authority, and the crowd¡¯s murmurs settled into silence. The weight of what was coming hung heavy in the air, but at least now, we had direction.


    Here¡¯s a refined version of the scene with added flow and atmosphere:


    <hr>


    As the shimmering barrier around the clearing slowly faded, a tense silence fell over the crowd. The faint but chilling sounds of creatures stirring in the forest reached our ears¡ªlow growls, distant roars, and unearthly calls that sent shivers through even the bravest among us. People trembled, gripping their weapons tighter, fear etched on their faces.


    When the barrier finally vanished, leaving nothing but open forest around us, I took a deep breath and stepped forward. I turned to my father, nodding to him, and he nodded back, silently signaling his trust. Without a word, the group fell into formation behind me.


    I moved slowly, deliberately, into the northern forest. As the strongest among us, it was my responsibility to lead the way. My shield was raised, my sword steady in my hand, ready to face whatever dangers lurked ahead.


    The forest was dense, the canopy above letting in only fragmented beams of light. Every sound seemed amplified¡ªthe crunch of leaves beneath our feet, the rustle of unseen creatures in the underbrush.


    It didn¡¯t take long before I spotted something, just twenty meters ahead. A group of five small, green creatures was gathered around a trembling rabbit. They were goblins, each wielding rusty knives that looked barely functional.


    They laughed viciously, their toothy grins twisted with glee as they poked and prodded at the helpless animal, not even bothering to kill it. The poor rabbit struggled, its panicked movements only adding to their amusement. It wasn¡¯t just a hunt¡ªit was pure cruelty.


    I tightened my grip on my sword, my jaw clenching as I prepared to act.


    Before I could act, a shout came from behind me.


    ¡°What is that? A monster!¡±


    The voice was loud, panicked, and immediately followed by a woman¡¯s scream.


    ¡°Ahhhhhh!¡±


    The goblins froze at the noise, their heads snapping toward us. Their vicious smiles widened, cruel delight gleaming in their eyes as if they had just found a new toy to torment. Abandoning the rabbit, they began sprinting toward us with unrestrained malice, their guttural roars echoing through the forest.


    ¡°Gaaaaaaa!!¡±


    I was already prepared. My grip on my sword tightened as I quickly assessed their movements. Focusing on the three goblins in the middle of the group, I charged forward with all my strength. My shoulder slammed into the center goblin like a battering ram, sending it flying into the air. The impact caused a chain reaction, knocking over the two goblins directly behind it.


    Without pausing, I rolled to the side and came up swinging. My blade cleaved through the neck of the goblin on my right in a single, decisive stroke. Its body crumpled to the ground as blood sprayed into the air.


    From the corner of my mind, I sensed danger¡ªa flicker in my mental awareness. The goblin on my left lunged, its rusty knife aiming for my back. Instinctively, I raised my shield, blocking the attack with a resounding clang. Before it could recover, I thrust my sword forward, the blade piercing its chest.


    As I pulled my sword free, I turned my attention to the goblin I had tackled. It was struggling to stand, groaning in pain, but I didn¡¯t give it the chance. With a powerful leap, I drove my sword straight into its neck, pinning it to the ground.


    The entire exchange lasted no more than five seconds, from the moment I tackled the first goblin to the moment the last one fell.


    Turning back, I saw the remaining two goblins had already been dealt with. My family and Ann had formed a spear formation, skewering both creatures before they could even get close enough to pose a threat.


    I exhaled deeply, lowering my shield as the tension in the air began to fade. We had handled the first threat, but this was only the beginning.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 1]


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 1]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 2]


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 1]


    As I lowered my guard, ready to celebrate our victory, something strange happened. My vision blurred, and for a moment, everything turned white.


    Time seemed to slow, the world shifting into an otherworldly state. The forest dissolved into a swirling river of threads, each one glowing with vibrant colors. I had seen this before¡ªmany times throughout my life and among the countless threads, one stood out.


    A black thread.


    It pulsed ominously, a harbinger of death.


    Before I could process the vision, my senses snapped back to reality. Adrenaline surged as I gripped my sword tighter, my eyes scanning the surroundings for the source of the danger. Everything seemed normal¡ªuntil I turned toward my sister, Eve.


    She stood a few meters away, crouched near the rabbit the goblins had been tormenting. Her face was full of kindness as she gently reached out to it.


    ¡°You¡¯re so cute!!¡± she cooed softly. ¡°No one¡¯s going to hurt you now.¡±


    My blood ran cold.


    The black thread flashed in my mind again, and a wave of dread washed over me. My face paled as I realized what was about to happen.


    ¡°NO!¡± I shouted, sprinting toward her with all my strength. ¡°EVE, GET AWAY FROM IT NOW!¡±


    But I was too late.


    The rabbit¡¯s body twisted unnaturally, its small form swelling as a sharp 20-centimeter horn erupted from its head. Its eyes glowed a crimson red, and in one violent motion, it leaped toward Eve.


    She barely had time to react as the creature¡¯s horned head struck her square in the stomach with brutal force.

 Chapter 8 - Goblins!

    The rabbit¡¯s horn snapped off, lodged deep in Eve¡¯s stomach. She gasped, her face pale as her trembling hands instinctively pressed against the wound, trying to stop the bleeding. Shock paralyzed her, her wide eyes struggling to comprehend what had just happened.


    The rabbit, its vicious smile twisting with satisfaction at its ambush, turned to flee. It leapt into the air, aiming to vanish into the woods.


    But it never touched the ground.


    I was already there, leaping after it with a burst of speed. I caught the creature mid-air, its small body thrashing violently in my grip as it tried to break free. Its desperate shakes only made my grip tighter. I stared at it with unrelenting fury, but I didn¡¯t kill it. Not yet.


    Holding the rabbit firmly, I sprinted back to where Eve lay. My father was beside her, frantically trying to stop the bleeding. His hands were covered in blood as he pressed firmly against her wound.


    ¡°Keep pressing!¡± he shouted. ¡°We have to stop the blood flow!¡±


    Eve wasn¡¯t dead¡ªnot yet. Her breathing was shallow, and her face was ghostly pale. She was conscious, but barely, her lips trembling as she tried to hold on. Blood continued to pour from the wound, far too much for anyone to survive.


    I dropped to my knees beside her, holding the rabbit firmly in one hand. Without hesitation, I looked into her fading eyes and said, ¡°Eve, listen to me. Take the sword and stab this thing in the neck. If you level up, put every single point into vitality immediately. Do you understand me?¡±


    She blinked slowly, then gave a weak nod. Her trembling hand reached out as I placed the hilt of my sword into her grip. Using what little strength she had left, she thrust the blade forward. The rabbit let out one final screech before it fell limp.


    For a moment, everything was silent.


    Eve¡¯s eyes fluttered shut, and for a terrifying second, I thought I had been too late. But then, the flow of blood began to slow. The wound in her stomach, though still severe, started to close¡ªa small but miraculous sign of recovery.


    I looked at my father, who was examining her closely. His expression shifted from panic to cautious relief.


    ¡°Incredible,¡± he murmured as he removed the horn. ¡°She¡¯s recovering so quickly. At this rate, the bleeding will stop completely within a day, and the wound should close in two or three. A full recovery might only take a few weeks.¡±


    He turned to me, his eyes reflecting both awe and exhaustion. ¡°She¡¯s safe now, Sam. She just needs rest.¡±


    Relief washed over me, almost knocking the strength out of my legs. My father looked no less overwhelmed, and I could see the weight of his experience as a doctor etched into his face.


    ¡°This is a miracle,¡± he said quietly, almost to himself. ¡°A wound like this... I would¡¯ve given her less than a ten percent chance of survival.¡±


    For now, she was alive. That was all that mattered


    The atmosphere was suffocating. The group, still reeling from the events of the last few minutes, stood frozen in stunned silence. What had started as cautious optimism quickly turned into a harsh wake-up call.


    Just five minutes into the forest, and death had already brushed against us. It was a chilling reality none of us could ignore. The sheer brutality of the world we had entered was written on everyone¡¯s pale faces and trembling hands.


    After ensuring that Eve was stable and leaving her in Mom¡¯s care, my father stood up, his expression grim but resolute. He called everyone together for a meeting, his voice cutting through the oppressive quiet.


    ¡°As you¡¯ve all seen,¡± he began, his tone heavy with authority, ¡°the situation is far worse than we anticipated. We need to come to an understanding¡ªabout what we should do, what we shouldn¡¯t do, and how we¡¯re going to survive.¡±


    His words hung in the air like a judge¡¯s verdict.


    He turned his gaze to the man who had shouted and the woman who had screamed earlier, their panic having nearly cost us lives. They avoided his eyes, their faces flushed with shame. The weight of their actions¡ªor lack thereof¡ªwas clear to everyone.


    ¡°What¡¯s done is done,¡± my father said firmly, his voice softening but still commanding respect. ¡°There¡¯s no point dwelling on it. What matters now is that we move forward with a plan. We need to be organized if we¡¯re going to make it out of this alive.¡±


    He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. ¡°The first step is to set up teams. Everyone will have a role to play, and we¡¯ll work together to ensure no one is left behind.¡±


    The group murmured in agreement, though the tension in the air remained palpable. It was clear that people wanted leadership, and for better or worse, my father had stepped into that role.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The discussion began, everyone, pitching in ideas for how best to organize. The goal was clear survive and make progress without unnecessary risks. After some deliberation, we agreed on a structure after we counted we had 121 people each having their role.


    Scout Team: Their job was to move ahead of the group, mapping the safest paths and identifying potential dangers, Fast and observant individuals volunteered for this


    Combat Team: This team would handle threats directly, slaying any monsters that posed a danger to the group. Unsurprisingly, I was placed here as the primary fighter, with Michael and Anne stepping in as backup.


    Support Team: Responsible for maintaining morale, treating injuries, and carrying supplies. My mother, along with a few other practical-minded individuals, took charge of this.


    Rear Guard: They would keep watch at the back, ensuring no one lagged behind or was ambushed.


    Nate Looks around at the group ¡°This is our plan, and everyone needs to stick to their roles. We¡¯ve already seen what happens when panic takes over. From now on, we rely on discipline and teamwork.¡±


    He turned his attention to me. ¡°Sam will lead the combat team. He¡¯s proven he can handle the threats we¡¯re going to face. Eddie, you¡¯ll coordinate with the scouts to find the safest routes. Everyone else, stay together and follow the plan.¡±


    I nodded, gripping my sword tightly. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll take point and deal with anything that comes our way.¡±


    The group exchanged nervous glances but ultimately nodded in agreement. There was no room for hesitation anymore. Survival demanded action, and this was the best we could do.


    With the plan in place, we prepared to move forward. My father¡¯s leadership had brought some order to the chaos, but I could see the fear still lingering in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    As we resumed our march, a man approached me with a friendly smile.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Samuel,¡± he said, extending a hand. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you. Please take care of me.¡±


    The man was Eddie, the leader of the scout team. I didn¡¯t know him personally, but I recognized the name. Eddie was a popular influencer on YouCube, known for his videos exploring strange and remote places around the world.


    His experience in jungle trekking and scouting made him an invaluable asset in a trial like this, especially given the backgrounds of most participants. Coming from predominantly middle- to upper-class families, few people here had any practical survival skills. Eddie, however, was the exception, and it showed in his confident demeanor.


    I shook his hand firmly and nodded. ¡°Nice to meet you too, Eddie. I¡¯ve heard good things about your work. Let¡¯s make sure we all make it through this together.¡±


    As we continued our scouting, we encountered more goblins. This time, there were ten of them. Without hesitation, I rushed forward, with Michael and Anne right behind me. Ten members of the combat team followed closely, ready to engage. We charged in, determination fueling our every move, prepared to finish them off quickly and efficiently.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 1]


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 1]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 3]


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 1]


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 3]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 4]


    As a result of the battle, I leveled up twice. I didn¡¯t even have a chance to distribute my free stats because of what happened to Eve.


    We kept moving farther into the forest, fighting goblins along the way. If I¡¯m not mistaken, we were already about 2 kilometers from the starting point. But we still hadn¡¯t found any sign of the tutorial town¡ªjust goblins. The goblins were weak, level 1 creatures with rusty knives, no different from human children, but the deeper we went, the more we encountered, and the groups were getting larger. The highest-level goblin we had found was a level 5.


    By now, we had been in the forest for over eight hours, more than ten kilometers from where we started. The sky began to darken, so we decided to make camp for the night. We set up traps and alert systems as precautions. The survival kits only had food for three days, so tomorrow we¡¯d need to start looking for food, because we weren¡¯t planning on eating goblins.


    With everything calming down, I took a moment to open my status.


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human??


    Class: Unassigned [Level 10 for available]


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier breaker,¡­]


    Level: 7 [Tier 0]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 8 [+50%]


    Agility: 8 [+50%]


    Vitality:9 [+50%]


    Endurance: 9 [+50%]


    Intelligence: 9 [+50%]


    Wisdom: 10 [+50%]


    Luck: 100 [+50%]


    Undistributed Stats: 30


    [SKILLS]: Mental power manipulation<common>


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: the Eye of ???, Unbound


    After going through so many battles today, I had already reached level 7. With 30 stat points to distribute, I calculated that it was 5 points per level. I began to add the points, focusing my mind on where they should go. As I allocated the points, a surge of power coursed through me. At this rate, by level 10, I figured I should be able to lift a car with my bare hands.


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human??


    Class: Unassigned [Level 10 for available]


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 7 [Tier 0]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 15 [+50%]


    Agility: 15 [+50%]


    Vitality:14 [+50%]


    Endurance: 13 [+50%]


    Intelligence: 13 [+50%]


    Wisdom: 13 [+50%]


    Luck: 100 [+50%]


    Undistributed Stats: 0


    [SKILLS]: Mental power manipulation<common>


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: the Eye of ???, Unbound

 Chapter 9 - Fight Night!

    Eddie POV


    Eddie¡¯s heart raced as he opened his eyes to a scene that felt ripped straight out of a nightmare. Bodies sprawled across a grassy plain, thousands of people stirring and groaning in confusion. His first instinct was to reach for his phone, but of course, it wasn¡¯t there. Instead, a translucent screen hovered before his face.


    [Welcome to the Tutorial.]


    A tutorial for what? He didn¡¯t have to wait long to find out. The fairy appeared, her cheerful demeanor at odds with the gravity of her words. Rules, survival, monsters¡ªit all came so fast. Eddie felt the knot in his stomach tighten as she casually disintegrated a man''s head who dared to challenge her authority.


    His first thought: Stay calm. Observe. Adapt.


    Years of traveling to the most remote and dangerous places in the world had taught him that panic was a death sentence. Eddie watched as the crowd devolved into chaos. People screamed, cried, and clung to one another, but his eyes were already scanning the horizon. The dense forest surrounding them seems dangerous.


    When the barrier fell we soon encountered the monsters. At first, it didn''t seem as dramatic as he thought but then an incident happened, The rabbit attack was a harsh reminder of how unpredictable this world was. Eddie had seen women crouching next to the animal but hadn¡¯t thought much of it. When it suddenly transformed, stabbing her with its horn, his stomach dropped.


    Eddie watched as someone leapt into action, dispatching the rabbit with brutal efficiency. His admiration for him deepened. But admiration didn¡¯t stop the knot in his stomach from tightening as he looked at Eve, pale and bleeding out.


    This wasn¡¯t just a game. This was survival in its rawest, cruelest form.


    After that Eddie didn¡¯t hesitate to step forward, volunteering for the scout team. It wasn¡¯t heroism¡ªfar from it. If he was going to survive, he needed to be in control of his surroundings. Scouting was his domain, his comfort zone.


    Eddie noticed Sam almost immediately. There was something different about the guy¡ªnot just his preparedness but the way he carried himself. While everyone else was drowning in fear, Sam moved with purpose.


    When Sam charged into the forest, Eddie followed from a distance, keeping his footsteps light and his breathing steady. The goblin ambush happened fast¡ªtoo fast. Watching Sam dispatch the creatures with precision was like watching a trained soldier in action.


    This guy¡¯s no amateur, Eddie thought, gripping his makeshift spear tighter.


    As the fight ended and the group regrouped, Eddie introduced himself. ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Samuel. I¡¯ve heard a lot about you. Please take care of me.¡±


    Sam shook his hand, his grip firm but not overbearing. ¡°Nice to meet you too, Eddie. Let¡¯s make sure we all get through this.¡±


    It was a small moment, but it solidified Eddie¡¯s decision. He would stick with Sam¡¯s group. because Barlow''s family had three doctors even if he made some mistakes he still had a chance to survive because, from my experience, small cuts can kill people if not taken care of properly.


    Eddie took his role as scout seriously. As the group moved deeper into the forest, he stayed ahead, his senses honed to detect anything out of place. The forest was dense, its canopy filtering the light into fragmented patches on the ground. Every sound was amplified¡ªthe crunch of leaves, the distant cries of unknown creatures, and the occasional rustling that set his nerves on edge.


    Eyes open. Ears sharp.


    He marked trails with small cuts in tree bark and used the occasional pebble to create landmarks. The others followed behind, their trust in him growing with each step.


    As the group moved deeper into the forest, Eddie¡¯s focus sharpened. The terrain was growing more treacherous, with thicker undergrowth and a rising number of tracks from unfamiliar creatures.


    It was during one of his solo sweeps that he spotted something that made his blood run cold. A cluster of trees ahead bore deep, jagged marks, as though something massive had raked its claws through the bark.


    Eddie crouched low, inspecting the marks. The cuts were fresh, the sap still oozing.


    Turning back toward the group, he called quietly, ¡°Sam, we¡¯ve got something big nearby. Fresh tracks and claw marks up ahead.¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Sam¡¯s expression darkened as he moved forward to see for himself. Eddie felt a chill run down his spine. This wasn¡¯t just any monster¡ªit was something far beyond the goblins they had faced.


    ¡°Everyone, stay close,¡± Sam ordered, his voice calm but firm. ¡°No one wanders off, and we move together.¡±


    Eddie nodded, gripping his bushcraft knife tightly. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it as a team.


    As the long day drew to a close, we still hadn¡¯t found the creature responsible for the claw marks. With the sky darkening, the group decided it was best to set up camp on a flat, grassy plain nestled within the forest. The spot seemed promising¡ªopen enough to spot any approaching threats but still surrounded by the cover of trees.


    We worked quickly, securing the area with makeshift traps and alarm systems crafted from the survival kits. No one said it out loud, but the tension was palpable. None of us knew what might lurk in the night on this unfamiliar world. As the last rays of sunlight disappeared, the forest seemed to come alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, each noise setting us on edge.


    The night ahead felt unpredictable, and everyone prepared for the worst.


    Sam POV


    Sam closed his eyes to rest, exhaustion from the day''s events weighing heavily on him. His father and mother, accustomed to long nights, continued organizing the camp, directing people and ensuring everything was in order.


    He couldn''t help but admire their tireless dedication, their ability to keep going when everyone else needed to pause. But his role was different¡ªhis duty was to fight. Everyone knew tonight might not be a peaceful one, and for now, he needed to restore his energy and prepare for the threats that lay ahead.


    As the last traces of sunlight disappeared, the camp was bathed in darkness. The tension among the night watch was palpable; no one dared to slack off. A single moment of carelessness could mean death. The harrowing image of the woman being stabbed by that goddamn rabbit was still fresh in everyone''s mind, a stark reminder of the dangers they faced.


    As time passed, the camp remained eerily quiet. Nothing seemed to approach, though the occasional rustling in the distance kept everyone on edge. A few stray goblins stumbled into the traps set around the perimeter. Each time, members of the combat team rushed to dispatch them swiftly, their movements tense and precise. They feared the noise might attract larger or more dangerous creatures, and the last thing anyone wanted was to face a horde in the dead of night.


    But the relative calm didn¡¯t last long.


    A sharp, metallic clang shattered the silence¡ªthe unmistakable sound of an alert trap being triggered. The entire camp jolted awake, weapons drawn, eyes wide with fear and adrenaline. The ringing of metal echoed ominously through the dark forest, sending a chill down everyone¡¯s spine. Something¡ªor someone¡ªhad breached their defenses.


    From the darkness emerged a towering figure¡ªa four-meter-tall beast cloaked in thick black fur. Its massive claws gleamed in the faint light, and its head bore a crimson horn pulsating with an ominous red glow. It resembled a bear, yet its presence radiated something far more sinister. This was no ordinary creature; it was a nightmare given form.


    The creature advanced toward the camp, crushing the carefully laid traps underfoot as if they were nothing. The oppressive aura it emitted paralyzed the night watch. Most of them, overwhelmed by fear, dropped their weapons, their trembling hands betraying the hope they''d clung to. They could do nothing but stare, despair already settling into their eyes, as though awaiting death to free them from the cruel grasp of this alien world.


    Sam, drawn by the commotion, rushed to the edge of the camp. He froze momentarily, stunned by the sheer presence of the beast. Its terrifying aura pressed down on him, suffocating and primal, triggering every instinct to flee. His mental sense amplified the creature¡¯s aura, a suffocating wave of dread crashing over him.


    But Sam was no stranger to danger. He was a reincarnator, armed with memories and knowledge of what this world could throw at him. He clenched his fists, forcing his fear into submission. Taking a deep breath, he steadied his racing heart.


    In a voice that cut through the paralysis gripping the camp, he shouted, ¡°Anyone still standing, anyone who can fight¡ªget ready! We face it together!¡±


    As Sam''s shout echoed through the camp, it jolted most people back to their senses. They scrambled to their feet, fear still evident in their eyes but now tempered by determination. One by one, they fell in behind Sam, instinctively recognizing him as their anchor in the chaos.


    Turning to Michael, Sam said firmly, ¡°Command the rest. Keep your distance and form a line. I¡¯ll take the center.¡±


    Michael nodded sharply, his own fear masked by the sense of duty. He immediately began issuing orders, directing the others into a defensive formation.


    Sam stepped forward, gripping his shield tightly and raising his sword. His heart pounded in his chest as the massive creature destroyed the final trap with a swipe of its claws. Only twenty meters now separated them and the monstrous bear-like creature.


    When the beast¡¯s crimson eyes locked onto them, its lips curled upward in a grotesque snarl, its sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight. It roared, the sound vibrating through the air like a physical force, then lowered its head and began to charge, each step shaking the ground beneath them.


    Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed as he saw the beast building momentum. He knew they couldn¡¯t let it reach their formation unchallenged. Tightening his grip on his shield, he took a deep breath and roared back, charging forward to meet the monster head-on.


    Shield raised, he braced himself, aiming to tackle the beast and halt its terrifying momentum. The impact was brutal. The force of the collision sent Sam hurtling backward through the air, his shield nearly ripped from his grasp. He hit the ground hard, pain flaring through his body, but he forced himself to hold on.


    The beast, however, staggered, its charge disrupted and its balance momentarily lost.


    Michael seized the opportunity, his voice cutting through the chaos like a whip. ¡°Spears¡ªSTAB!¡±


    The combat team didn¡¯t hesitate. With a unified cry, they surged forward, their spears striking toward the creature in a coordinated assault.

 Chapter 10 - The Battle!

    The result of the attack left the combat group pale with fear. Their spears, though aimed with precision, only caused shallow wounds, barely scratching the monster''s thick hide. The group¡¯s strength simply wasn¡¯t enough¡ªmost of them were only at an average level of 4, far too weak to inflict any real damage.


    The bear roared in fury, the sound shaking the trees and making the ground tremble. With a single, furious swipe of its massive claws, it tore the spears free from its flesh. Those who hadn¡¯t released their weapons in time were sent flying through the air, crashing against the ground or into trees with sickening thuds. Many lay unconscious from the impact.


    Michael¡¯s face turned ashen as he stood weaponless, the scene unfolding in front of him like a nightmare. Panic set in, and his hand instinctively reached for the gun he had hidden earlier. But before he could act, Sam, who had already recovered, appeared at his side and stopped him, gripping his arm firmly.


    ¡°Get everyone away,¡± Sam said, his voice calm but filled with unwavering determination. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    Michael¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°No! It¡¯s too strong! We have to shoot it, or we¡¯ll all die!¡±


    Sam met Michael¡¯s gaze, his own eyes burning with resolve. He shook his head and said with quiet confidence, ¡°Believe in me, Michael. I won¡¯t die.¡±


    Michael hesitated for a heartbeat, torn between his fear and trust in his brother. But Sam¡¯s words, steady and resolute, gave him the push he needed. With a sharp nod, Michael turned and began shouting orders to evacuate the injured and regroup at a safer distance.


    Sam turned back to the monster, gripping his shield and sword tightly. He exhaled slowly, steadying his breath, and prepared to face the beast alone.


    Sam¡¯s confidence stemmed from the earlier clash. It revealed something crucial: the monster, for all its terrifying appearance, was not as strong as it seemed. No, the beast wasn¡¯t weak¡ªbut Sam realized he was far stronger than he had initially believed. The title he had earned increased all his stats by 50%, giving him an edge that pushed his capabilities far beyond those of a normal level 10 human. Coupled with his mental sense, which heightened his reaction speed, he knew he had the upper hand.


    Gritting his teeth, Sam charged at the bear, his sword poised for a thrust.


    The bear, enraged by its earlier stumble, roared in fury. Its crimson horn gleamed in the moonlight as it swung a massive claw downward, aiming to crush its defiant opponent. But Sam was ready. With his mental sense guiding him, he sidestepped the attack with precision and drove his sword deep into the beast¡¯s side.


    The bear howled in pain, its roars reverberating through the forest. Undeterred, it lashed out again, its claws slicing through the air. Sam dodged with fluid movements, narrowly avoiding each swipe. His sword flashed as he delivered another precise strike, cutting into the creature¡¯s thick hide.


    Ding! A sound from the system echoed in Sam¡¯s mind, signaling something new, but he ignored it completely. His focus remained on the fight. Each time the bear attacked, Sam anticipated its movements, using his mental sense to evade with ease.


    With every thrust and slash, more wounds appeared on the bear¡¯s body. Blood matted its black fur, and its roars grew weaker, tinged with desperation. The massive creature could not lay a single claw on him¡ªSam was simply too fast, too precise. The balance of power had shifted entirely in his favor.


    The bear seemed to have had enough. Its horn and claws began to glow with an intense red light, arcs of crimson lightning crackling around its massive form. Suddenly, its speed surged. In a blur, it swiped a claw toward Sam¡ªtoo fast for him to dodge. Instinctively, he raised his shield, redirecting the blow into the ground.


    The impact sent a cloud of dust billowing into the air, obscuring Sam''s vision. He leaped backward, trying to create distance and regain his bearings. Through the swirling dust, a glowing red light emerged, burning ominously. Sam¡¯s instincts screamed, ¡°Block it!¡±


    Before he could react further, a beam of crimson lightning burst forth from the dust cloud, obliterating it in an instant. Sam knew he couldn¡¯t dodge¡ªit was too fast. Planting his feet firmly, he raised his shield, praying the rare-grade equipment could withstand the onslaught.


    The lightning struck with a deafening roar, searing the air around him. Time seemed to stretch as Sam held firm, his shield absorbing the brunt of the attack. Finally, the beam subsided. As the smoke cleared, Sam glanced down at his shield¡ªit was still perfectly intact. Relief flooded him. "This rare-grade shield is better than I thought," he mused.


    He turned his attention back to the bear. The beast, visibly drained, stared at him in disbelief. Its crimson glow dimmed, and it staggered, clearly weakened. Then, with a desperate roar, it turned to flee.


    Sam recognized the moment of victory but refused to let the beast escape. Dropping his shield, he sprinted after the bear with all his might. Spotting a discarded spear on the ground, he scooped it up and hurled it with precision. The spear flew through the air and struck the bear¡¯s leg, bringing it crashing to the ground with a pained roar.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Before the creature could rise, Sam was already upon it. He leaped into the air, gripping his sword with both hands. With every ounce of strength he possessed, he brought the blade down in a powerful arc, aiming straight for the bear''s neck.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [lightning Bear: level 18]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 8]


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 9]


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 10]


    [Class Selection Available]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Tier Breaker]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Ascendant Slayer]


    Sam fell to the ground, exhausted. The people in the camp stood stunned, overwhelmed by the intensity of the battle. They had never witnessed anything like this before.


    His father rushed over to him, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay? Any wounds?"


    Sam smiled, scanning himself. Other than his left arm, which had suffered a small burn from the leaked lightning, everything seemed fine. "I¡¯m still good. Just need to rest."


    His father sighed in relief. "That''s a relief. I was worried we¡¯d have to flee when the combat team fell. I couldn''t hold them all off. Some already ran into the forest, but we can''t send anyone to retrieve them. It''s too dangerous."


    Sam nodded, understanding. "They''re just scared. I hope they survive the night. But look, Dad, we got meat for the night."


    After a brief conversation with his family and others in the camp, Sam settled down, trying to rest. The night still held dangers, but it seemed no one could sleep. He began organizing his Soul Record, recalling the fight with the bear. As he focused, he felt the familiar notification and eagerly searched for it.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new skill: Battle Focus]


    It sound like a good skill, Then he read what he gained today one by one.


    [Battle Focus <Common>]: Concentrate and sharpen their awareness during combat, improving reaction time and the ability to anticipate enemy movements.


    [Tier Breaker]: Signifying the achievement of killing a monster beyond one''s current tier- Increase all stats by 10%.


    [Ascendant Slayer]: defeating an enemy 10 levels above your level- Increase all stats by 10.


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human??


    Class: Unassigned [Available]


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 10 [Tier 0]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 15 +10[+60%]


    Agility: 15 +10[+60%]


    Vitality:14 +10[+60%]


    Endurance: 13 +10[+60%]


    Intelligence: 13 +10[+60%]


    Wisdom: 13 +10[+60%]


    Luck: 100 +10[+60%]


    Undistributed Stats: 15


    [SKILLS]: Mental power manipulation<common>, [Battle Focus <Common>.


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: the Eye of ???, Unbound.


    Sam stared at the record, satisfied. Just one battle, and he was much stronger than before. If he had to fight the bear again, he wouldn''t struggle as much and could defeat it directly. Now, with the class option available, he was eager to see what he would be assigned. But before that, he decided to allocate his stats first.


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 17 +10[+60%]


    Agility: 17 +10[+60%]


    Vitality:16 +10[+60%]


    Endurance: 16 +10[+60%]


    Intelligence: 16 +10[+60%]


    Wisdom: 16 +10[+60%]


    Luck: 100 +10[+60%]


    Sam felt the surge of power once more, then focused on the class option, eager to see what awaited him.


    [Class System Overview]


    The class allows users to harness and wield [Existence Energy]. By selecting a class, users can focus their abilities and gain specialized powers, enhancing their strength in specific areas.


    The class can be selected upon reaching Tier 0, Level 10. The initial class selection guarantees three basic [Common] options, ensuring that all participants have access to foundational roles:


    Fighter ¨C Specializes in physical combat and weapon mastery, Unlock [Stamina] stats.


    Spell User ¨C Focuses on magic and elemental manipulation, Unlock [Mana] stats.


    Backpacker ¨C A utility class emphasizing survival, resource gathering, and mobility, Unlock [Force] stats.


    Additional class options may appear based on an individual¡¯s Soul Record, achievements, and unique traits. These options can range from uncommon to rare or even higher tiers, depending on the participant¡¯s overall performance and accomplishments.


    Class Rarity The rarity of a class determines the highest skill rarity available through its progression. Higher-rarity classes grant access to more powerful and unique abilities.


    Class Skill Selection Class skills can be chosen at specific milestones within each tier, with increasing frequency as participants ascend through the tiers:


    Tier 1 (T1):


    Skill 1: Level 10


    Skill 2: Level 15


    Skill 3: Level 25


    Skill 4: Level 35


    Skill 5: Level 45


    These milestones emphasize consistent progression and reward dedication to leveling up.


    Sam was stunned by the detailed explanation that appeared upon reaching level 10¡ªit was much clearer than the first time he had read it. As he scanned through the information, his eyes caught on the term [Existence Energy] and the three class options it mentioned. These options unlocked new stats: [Stamina], [Mana], and [Force].


    "These must be forms of existence energy," he thought. "So, it¡¯s just a fancy term for the energy used as fuel, isn¡¯t it?".


    Sam couldn¡¯t wait any longer¡ªhe initiated the class selection without hesitation.

 Chapter 11 - Class!

    Ding!


    Sam opened the class selection, and a vast array of options appeared before him¡ªmore than ten in total. Deciding to start with the common-grade choices for now, he thought, I don¡¯t want to spoil the surprise. I believe the later options should be the best.


    [Common]


    [Fighter]: Strength +10%, Agility +10%.


    Stat Unlock: Stamina


    Description: Specializes in physical combat and weapon mastery.


    Skill Examples:


    Heavy Strike: Delivers a devastating melee attack.


    Fortify: Temporarily reduces incoming damage.


    Power Shot: Increases the power of bow shots.


    This class is a basic, physical-oriented class accessible to everyone, offering fundamental combat skills for close-range and ranged attacks. It focuses on enhancing physical abilities without specializing in any particular weapon or technique.


    [Spellcaster]: Intelligence +10%, Wisdom +10%.


    Stat Unlock: Mana


    Description: Focuses on magic and elemental manipulation.


    Skill Examples:


    Fire Bolt: Launch a searing bolt of flame.


    Mana Barrier: Absorb damage using mana reserves.


    Mana Manipulation: Wield mana energy effectively.


    Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of excitement as he read through the magic class option. The thought of wielding such mysterious and powerful forces intrigued him, and for a moment, he imagined himself casting spells and manipulating the world around him with ease. But even as the excitement bubbled inside him, he reminded himself that there were still other classes to explore.


    Magic was tempting, but Sam knew that he couldn¡¯t make a decision so quickly. The future was waiting, and he wanted to keep his options open. He quickly closed the magic class description, holding back the urge to dive in, and focused on the remaining choices. With a deep breath, he moved forward, knowing that the right class was just waiting for him to discover.


    [Backpacker]: Vitality +10%, Endurance +10%


    Stat Unlock: Force


    Description: A utility class emphasizing survival, resource gathering, and mobility.


    Skill Examples:


    Identify: Allows the user to inspect and analyze beings, objects Soul Record.


    Pack Mule: Temporarily increases carrying capacity.


    Sense Threat: Detect nearby dangers.


    It looked so good, especially the "Identify" skill¡ªit was exactly what they needed. From the beginning, they had been fighting without knowing the level of the monsters or even walking past valuable resources like rare plants. This class would be incredibly useful for the group, allowing them to gather information and make more informed decisions in future encounters. It felt like a perfect fit for the team.


    But despite how appealing it was, Sam knew he wasn¡¯t going to pick this one. He had to keep moving forward, as there were still more classes to consider. While the Identify skill was tempting, he trusted that there might be something even better waiting for him. With a deep breath, he pushed the thought aside and continued reading, eager to see what other options lay ahead.


    [Uncommon]


    [Scout]: Agility+ 30%


    Stat Unlock: Kinetic


    Description: Focuses on speed, stealth, and reconnaissance to navigate dangerous terrain.


    Skill Examples:


    Silent Step: Temporarily move without making noise.


    Quick Dash: Increase movement speed briefly.


    Sudden attack: Increase damage dealing to an unaware enemy.


    It''s basically an assassin class it is not interesting to me it is just not my style.


    [Shieldbearer]: Vitality +15%, Endurance +15%This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Stat Unlock: Stamina


    Description: A defensive warrior who excels in protecting allies.


    Skill Examples:


    Shield Bash: Stagger an enemy with a shield strike.


    Defensive Stance: Reduce damage taken for a short duration.


    Endurance: Increase endurance temporarily by 50%


    this was all about being a defender I use a shield a lot today so I am not surprised about this option.


    [Mental Adept]: Intelligence +15%, Wisdom +15%.


    Stat Unlock: Psychic


    Description: Wields mental energy to manipulate objects or influence battles.


    Skill Examples:


    Telekinetic Grip: Immobilize a target briefly.


    Focus Boost: Reduce cooldowns for mental abilities.


    Mental Strike: Strike mental power to the enemy''s mind causes them confusion.


    It looks dangerous but I am not interested in becoming a Psychic.


    [Rare]


    [Trailblazer]: Vitality +20%, Intelligence +10%, Wisdom +10%


    Stat Unlock: Aura


    Description: Leads the way through unknown challenges with precision and courage.


    Skill Examples:


    Pathfinder¡¯s Instinct: Detect hidden routes and dangers.


    Trail Aura: Increase stamina recovery for nearby allies.


    Aura strengthening: Temporarily boost all stats by 50% of aura stat.


    this class is weird but it has great potential if planned well it can be one of the most powerful options I have.


    [Luckweaver]: Luck+ 40%


    Stat Unlock: Fate


    Description: Relies on luck to manipulate outcomes in combat and exploration.


    Skill Examples:


    Critical Chance: Temporarily boost critical hit rate.


    Fate Shift: Reroll a failed action¡¯s outcome.


    Misfortune: Curse target with misfortune.


    What the ¡­. this is beyond what he expects to see in the option this is really allowed? it clearly cheats without a doubt, he silently promised himself not to make enemies with a luck base class people if not his life might be over before he even knew it.


    Now the last three options left are two epic and one¡­


    [Epic]


    [Ascendant Warrior]: Str +20%, Agi + 20%, Stamina +20%


    Stat Unlock: Stamina


    Description: A combatant who thrives in battles against superior opponents.


    Skill Examples:


    Overpower: Gain a temporary boost when fighting higher-tier enemies.


    Battle Instinct: Anticipate enemy attacks for improved evasion.


    Battle trophy: Each time defeated superior opponents gain random permanent stats.


    This class is a straightforward warrior, but its overwhelming strength makes it a force to be reckoned with. Even those with cheat-like abilities, such as a Luckweaver, might struggle to withstand its raw, unrelenting power.


    [Defiant Challenger] Str +20%, Int +20%, Mana +20%


    Stat Unlock: Mana


    Description: A defiant warrior who thrives on breaking through barriers and defeating powerful foes.


    Skill Examples:


    Breakthrough Strike: Ignore 50% of enemy defenses for 10 seconds.


    Energy Pulse: Release a burst of energy to push back nearby enemies.


    Mana Sword: Conjuring a Mana Sword to pierce through target.


    this one magic sword man if I am not mistaken but how did this option appear to me from the description it had a hint of a barrier breaker and maybe a System challenger.


    And finally, the last option appears before me, leaving no doubt in my mind¡ªthis is the one I¡¯m going to choose. It feels as if it resonates with my very essence, perfectly aligning with who I am. Everything about it screams power, potential, and destiny. I can only hope it lives up to my expectations and reveals itself as a unique rank. Please, don¡¯t let me down.


    [Unique]


    [Unbound Initiate]: All stat +20%


    Stat Unlock: Grandmist


    Description: Uniquely powerful and representative of Samuel Barlow traits.


    Skill Examples:


    Source of all matter: Create matter by consuming grandmist.


    His mind raced. Grandmist? What even was that? The description wasn¡¯t just flattering; it felt personal, intimate, as though the system had peered into the core of his being and shaped this option specifically for him.


    But why?


    Sam¡¯s hands trembled slightly, a mix of exhilaration and trepidation coursing through him. The sheer potential of the class was undeniable. A unique class, one that boosted all his stats by 20%¡ªan astronomical leap by any standard. And then there was the skill: Source of All Matter. The ability to create? To wield an energy so primal and fundamental that it bore the name ¡°Grandmist¡±?


    He felt a spark of hope, a glimpse of a future where he could transcend the limitations of this harsh, brutal reality. With power like this, he wouldn¡¯t just survive¡ªhe¡¯d dominate. He¡¯d protect his family and shape the course of this new world.


    And yet...


    A shadow of doubt crept into his mind. Why had this class been offered to him? What made him so special that he would be given something so extraordinary? Was it simply because he was a reincarnator? Or was there more to his origin, something he didn¡¯t yet understand?


    The words "representative of Samuel Barlow¡¯s traits" echoed in his mind, unsettling him. It was too deliberate, too specific. Did the system know something about him that he didn¡¯t? Was this a gift, or a burden tied to a destiny he had no control over?


    Sam clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. Regardless of the doubts gnawing at him, he couldn¡¯t afford to hesitate. This class wasn¡¯t just a step forward¡ªit was a leap into uncharted territory.


    Taking a deep breath, he muttered, ¡°Alright, then. Let¡¯s see just how far this will take me.¡±


    With a steady hand, he reached out and selected [Unbound Initiate], the weight of his decision settling heavily on his shoulders as the system responded.


    Ding


    [Unbound initiate is assigned]


    [Tier 1 Evolution Begin]


    The moment the notification appeared, an unbearable pain erupted within me, tearing through every fiber of my being. A guttural growl escaped my lips as I crumpled to the ground, writhing in agony. The pain intensified, growing so overwhelming that even sound abandoned me; I could no longer scream or cry out. My body convulsed, utterly at the mercy of this excruciating force.


    Voices rose around me. People stared, terror etched into their faces as they witnessed my torment. Some shouted in panic, calling for my father to examine me. They likely thought I had hidden some grievous injury from the fight¡ªthat I was on the brink of death.


    Then it began.


    A strange, gray mist seeped out from my skin, swirling around me like a living shroud. It thickened, forming a cocoon-like chrysalis that encased me entirely. To anyone watching, it must have seemed as though I was undergoing some kind of grotesque rebirth.


    But I couldn¡¯t focus on that. The pain was beyond anything I had ever imagined, each wave worse than the last. My vision blurred, and my mind teetered on the edge of collapse.


    Finally, my body could endure no more. The world faded into darkness as I lost consciousness, enveloped in the strange, swirling mist of my evolution.

 Chapter 12 - Origin!

    Sam POV


    Sam floated in the void, adrift in a realm where neither time nor space had meaning. Here, his consciousness stretched and compressed, unmoored from the body it once inhabited. It was neither a dream nor a nightmare, but a state of pure perception. Slowly, visions began to emerge, unfurling like the pages of an ancient tome.


    The first was of creation¡ªa vast expanse of stars, swirling galaxies, and glowing nebulae, each forming in a ballet of light and energy. Universes blinked into existence, their lives measured not in years, but in the steady rhythms of cosmic cycles. Birth. Growth. Decline. Collapse. Over and over, the great symphony played.


    Yet, even within this eternal orchestra, there was a final note. For when a universe¡¯s entropy reached zero, it collapsed upon itself, condensing all it had been into a singularity¡ªa seed of rebirth. From this seed, new universes sprouted, birthing fresh realities across the multiverse. The cycle seemed unbreakable, each iteration weaving an intricate, infinite web of existence.


    But harmony was fragile, and Sam¡¯s vision shifted to the shadows that lurked beyond the cycles. He saw universes that refused to collapse, defying their natural end. These rogue worlds, desperate to extend their lifespans, turned to violence. They invaded neighboring universes, draining them of their energy and existence to fuel their own survival.


    The result was catastrophic. These universes, corrupted by their unnatural greed, transformed into something monstrous¡ªChaotic Universes, realms of anti-existence where the laws of creation unraveled. Within them, order dissolved, replaced by chaos and destruction. Every being within these realms, from mortals to Tier 10 Supreme Gods, succumbed to the will of the chaos. They became twisted, mindless agents of annihilation, bound to serve the Chaos Will, the ultimate ruler of these corrupted worlds.


    Sam¡¯s heart clenched as he witnessed the devastation. The Chaos Will wasn¡¯t a being but a force¡ªan embodiment of unmaking that consumed all it touched. Even gods, who once commanded the stars, fell before its influence, reduced to tools in its relentless crusade to unravel existence.


    This was no mere tale of destruction; it was a warning. The rogue universes were more than anomalies¡ªthey were threats to the multiverse itself, spreading chaos like a plague. The cycle of creation and rebirth, which had endured for eons, teetered on the brink of collapse under their weight.


    The vision shifted again, pulling Sam deeper into its narrative. Somewhere, amidst the endless cycles and rogue universes, an ancient presence stirred. Something had defied the descent into chaos¡ªnot through conquest, but through endurance. A universe that had survived countless cycles, retaining its essence and will.


    This was no ordinary universe; it bore no scars of greed or chaos. Instead, it harbored a quiet defiance, a refusal to be bound by the repetition of cycles. Its patience stretched beyond comprehension, and in its solitude, it conceived a plan¡ªa chance to break free from the eternal rhythm of creation and collapse.


    The visions slowed, leaving Sam in awe of the scope of what he had seen. The multiverse¡¯s grand design, its unrelenting cycles, and the lurking threat of chaos painted a picture both vast and terrifying. But even in the face of such enormity, something stirred within him¡ªa faint recognition, as though the story he had witnessed was somehow tied to him.


    The next vision began to form, promising to reveal answers and perhaps more questions. For now, Sam could only watch, a witness to the secrets of the cosmos.


    As the next vision unfolded, Sam found himself standing in a boundless expanse, a place where light and shadow danced in perfect harmony. Here, he felt the presence of something vast and incomprehensible¡ªa will so ancient and immense that it dwarfed even the gods he had glimpsed before.


    This was the ancient universe, the one that had endured countless cycles without succumbing to chaos. It did not seek to prolong its existence through destruction or greed. Instead, it dreamed of something more profound¡ªa way to escape the endless repetition of life and death.


    To achieve this, it made a daring choice. Using fragments of souls from alternate realities and the essence of its own being, it forged something new: a mortal soul unlike any other. This soul was imbued with a rare and extraordinary trait¡ª[Unbound].Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The vision deepened, and Sam saw the meaning of this trait. [Unbound] was freedom incarnate, a power that defied all laws and limitations. It could transcend barriers, shatter constraints, and escape the cycles that bound all other beings. It was a gift and a burden, a potential so vast it could either liberate or destroy.


    He saw the forging of this soul¡ªhis soul. Memories not his own flashed before him, fragments of lives that had existed in other worlds, other times. Each fragment carried its own story, its own pain and triumph. They were pieces of him, yet not him, woven together by the will of the ancient universe.


    As the vision continued, Sam understood the truth: he was not just a mortal reborn in this strange world. He was the culmination of countless cycles, the embodiment of a universe¡¯s defiance against its fate. He had been given this life, this chance, not merely to exist, but to fulfill a purpose¡ªto carry forward the dream of liberation.


    But even as he felt the weight of this revelation, doubts crept in. What did it mean to bear such a burden? He was not a reincarnator, as he had once believed himself to be. This new truth.


    And yet, amidst the uncertainty, a spark of resolve ignited within him. He thought of the people he had fought for, the lives he wanted to protect. The dreams of his past, the hope of his present, and the promise of his future all converged into a single, unshakable truth.


    This was his life now, and though his origins were grand, they did not define him. He would not be a pawn to the whims of fate or the will of the ancient universe. He would carve his own path, forge his own destiny, and, in doing so, carry forward the dream entrusted to him.


    The vision began to fade, and Sam felt his consciousness pulling back to the waking world. Yet the resolve remained, a fire burning in his chest. He would face whatever lay ahead¡ªnot just as a warrior or a mortal, but as someone truly Unbound.


    As Sam regained consciousness, the muffled voices of his parents pierced through the haze. He blinked slowly, his body still trembling from the intense pain and transformation.


    "Sam!" his mother¡¯s voice was frantic, filled with both worry and relief. She knelt beside him, gently brushing his hair back from his face.


    "Are you alright, son?" his father asked, his voice steady but tinged with concern. His hands hovered over Sam as if afraid to touch him and cause more pain.


    Sam took a deep breath, wincing as his body adjusted to its new state. "I¡¯m okay," he said hoarsely, forcing a small smile to reassure them. "It was¡­ the Tier 1 evolution. I¡¯m fine now."


    His mother looked at him skeptically, her gaze sweeping over his altered appearance. "Tier evolution or not, something''s different about you, Sam. You¡¯ve changed."


    His father nodded in agreement, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Your hair¡­ it¡¯s silver now. Glowing, even. And your eyes¡­ they¡¯re like polished silver, almost luminous."


    Sam frowned and raised his hand to his face, noticing the faint, otherworldly glow of his skin. The realization dawned on him, but he kept the vision to himself. They didn¡¯t need to know about the cosmic truths he¡¯d just witnessed, not yet.


    "You¡¯ve grown taller too," his father continued, motioning for Sam to stand. "You must be close to two meters now. And your physique¡ª"


    "¡ªit¡¯s like a statue carved by the gods," his mother finished, her tone equal parts admiration and worry. "Sam, what exactly happened during that evolution?"


    Sam steadied himself as he stood, towering over his parents now. "It¡¯s just part of the process," he said simply, his tone calm but firm. "The evolution unlocked something within me. A transformation. But nothing to worry about¡ªI¡¯m still me."


    His father¡¯s eyes lingered on him, searching for any hint of deception. Finally, he sighed and placed a hand on Sam¡¯s shoulder. "Alright, son. We¡¯ll trust you on this. But if something doesn¡¯t feel right, you come to us immediately. Understood?"


    "Understood," Sam replied, his voice steady.


    His mother stepped closer, her worry still evident. "You¡¯re not alone in this, Sam. Whatever you''re going through, we¡¯re here for you."


    "I know," Sam said softly, offering them both a genuine smile.


    But as he looked into their eyes, he silently resolved to carry the weight of his vision alone¡ªfor now. It wasn¡¯t just about protecting them; it was about understanding the path he was meant to walk. And whatever lay ahead, he would face it with the strength and love they had instilled in him.


    Then he opened his Soul Record to examine the changes.


    Ding!


    [Tier 1 Evolution Complete]


    [Stat Potency Increased by 100%]


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human / Heaven


    Class: Unbound Initiate


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 10 [Tier 1]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 17 +10[+80%]


    Agility: 17 +10[+80%]


    Vitality:16 +10[+80%]


    Endurance: 16 +10[+80%]


    Intelligence: 16 +10[+80%]


    Wisdom: 16 +10[+80%]


    Luck: 100 +10[+80%]


    Grandmist: 10 +10[80%]


    Undistributed Stats: 0


    [SKILLS]: Mental power manipulation<common>, [Battle Focus <Common>, Source of All Matter<Unique>.


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: The Eye of Heaven, Unbound.

 Chapter 13 - Heaven!

    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human / Heaven


    Class: Unbound Initiate


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 10 [Tier 1]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 17 +10[+80%]


    Agility: 17 +10[+80%]


    Vitality:16 +10[+80%]


    Endurance: 16 +10[+80%]


    Intelligence: 16 +10[+80%]


    Wisdom: 16 +10[+80%]


    Luck: 100 +10[+80%]


    Grandmist: 10 +10[80%]


    Undistributed Stats: 0


    [SKILLS]: Mental power manipulation<common>, [Battle Focus <Common>, Source of All Matter<Unique>.


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: The Eye of Heaven, Unbound.


    His traits and race changed his features. He wasn''t surprised by what he saw; the vision had made almost everything about him as clear as glass.


    The Eye of Heaven, the vessel where the consciousness of my old self resides, was once incomplete. Now, with the unlocking of the Grandmist stat, it has begun to recover its full potential. Yet, I harbor no fear of it overtaking my body. The vision has revealed its true purpose¡ªits goals are intertwined with mine and can only be achieved through my will. Unbound is my essence, not its dominion.


    The old self and I are now two distinct beings. While we share a connection forged by origin and purpose, we are no longer the same. The past may guide me, but it does not define me. I am who I choose to be, and this path is mine to shape.


    With his resolve, he looks into the race section in his soul record to see what it means to be Human / Heaven.


    [Heaven]: the Heaven Race stands unparalleled as the architects and guardians of their respective universes. Birthed through the Endless Cycle, they are not mere mortals or celestial beings but a race designed to wield unparalleled power and wisdom. They are the Spiritual embodiment of their universe''s essence, imbued with the ability to shape and govern it as both creators and rulers¡­¡­.., Race trait: Creation, Preservation, The Eye of Heaven.


    It literally means that the universe itself is perceived as a colossal, sentient entity¡ªa being known as the Heaven Race. And everything within it, from stars to planets to lifeforms like me, are akin to cells, bacteria, or microorganisms existing within its vast body. Does that mean this whole time... I''ve been living inside another being?


    Sam stopped thinking about it because it only made him feel creepy then he looked at the trait that once made his life suffer now it was completely he could already feel that he had some control over it he would try to use it after reading the function.


    [The Eye of Heaven]: Grants the ability to see through The Fabric of Reality.


    Just as Sam had expected, it was undoubtedly a powerful trait. However, he knew he couldn¡¯t harness its full potential¡ªnot yet. This trait was never intended for a mere Tier 1 mortal like him to wield. The same was true for Unbound. He simply needed to grow stronger to unlock its true capabilities.


    Then he tries to use it Sam thinks for a while then looks at his sword intention to use a little bit of trait power to test its effect, his eye glowing with silver light, He picked up his sword, gazing at it with intent.


    [High Carbon Steel Sword]


    [Rarity]: Uncommon


    [Durability]: [79/100]


    [Description]: Crafted by High, developed using physical law technology, with a good balance of properties.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    At first, he saw basic details: when it was forged, how many times it had been struck with a hammer, and the exact temperature of the fire used to shape it. Encouraged, he pushed the trait further, diving deeper into its essence. The sword''s composition unraveled before him¡ªcarbon particles, molecular bonds, and the intricate structures that formed its core.


    As his focus intensified, the atomic bonds came into view. He began to perceive the very atoms themselves, their shapes, and the interactions holding them together. But as he reached this profound depth, a sharp headache surged through him, forcing him to halt. The overwhelming strain dissipated as he released the power, and his senses gradually returned to normal.


    Panting slightly, Sam reflected on the experience. So this is the true potential of [The Eye of Heaven]. But it seems I¡¯m still too weak to wield it fully.


    He dropped the trait for now There are other things more important to his present the Class and a new skill.


    [Grandmist]: Grandmist Energy is the primordial source of all essence, predating creation itself. It represents the raw potential from which all existence is forged. This energy can only be increased through acts of world creation or titles.


    Sam stared at the description, his head spinning. World creation? Are you serious? he thought, rubbing his temples as the weight of the revelation hit him. I¡¯m just a weak little Tier 1! You expect me to create worlds?


    The sheer absurdity of the requirement left him both frustrated and amused. Still, a part of him couldn''t help but marvel at the possibilities. I guess I''ll figure it out... eventually, he resolved, though the thought of such a monumental task left him feeling utterly overwhelmed.


    Sam decided to experiment with Grandmist energy. Closing his eyes, he focused inward, sensing something new within himself¡ªa distinct inner space, an ethereal core that held the Grandmist energy. It wasn¡¯t a physical organ but a spiritual presence, situated at the center of his torso. This core had formed during his Tier evolution, and as he focused on it, he attempted to manipulate the energy within.


    With his mental will, he tried to move the Grandmist. At first, he could only coax a small amount, but even that was enough for a test. Slowly, he guided the energy to his palm. When he opened his eyes, he saw it¡ªa swirling, cloud-like mass of grey-silver energy, spinning lazily above his hand.


    Curious, Sam activated his mental sense, shaping the energy into various forms. A dog, a cat, and other shapes emerged, obediently following his thoughts with precision. It was remarkably malleable. He decided to test its properties further. Gathering the energy into a small projectile, he launched it at a nearby tree. However, the results were disappointing¡ªthe energy scattered on impact, dissipating into the wind without any tangible effect.


    Undeterred, Sam changed his approach. This time, he tried using the Grandmist energy as fuel for his skill, Mental Manipulation. Channeling the grey-silver energy into his mind, he activated the skill. A sudden whoosh of energy engulfed his head in a glowing grey-silver aura, amplifying his mental abilities to a level he had never experienced before.


    With heightened control, he shaped his mental power into a dagger, which materialized in the air¡ªa blade gleaming with both purple and grey-silver light. He willed it toward the tree, and the dagger shot forward, piercing the trunk as if it were soft butter. The blade dissipated moments later, scattering like mist.


    The exertion, however, was overwhelming. A sharp headache throbbed in his skull, and his body trembled from the strain. The moment he stopped the skill, his vision blurred, and he collapsed to the ground, utterly drained from mental exhaustion.


    Ding!


    [Mental Power Manipulation <Common>] Rank up! ?


    [Mental Ruler <Legendary>]: Grants the ability to exert complete control over mental power, making the user immune to mental attacks from beings below their tier. Additionally, it significantly enhances resistance to mental attacks from individuals of the same tier or higher.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Legendary Wielder]


    [Legendary Wielder]: You wield the power of legendary skill when being below tier 3- Increases the effectiveness of all skills by 15%


    In just one day, Sam had transformed beyond what he could have ever expected. There was only one thing left to test¡ªhis new skill. The system didn¡¯t give him a choice, as only one skill was available, automatically selecting it for him.


    [Source of All Matter <Unique>]: Grants the ability to create any form of matter by consuming Grandmist.


    "Can I create gold?" Sam pondered for a moment, hesitant to test it out. What if he accidentally created anti-matter? That would be disastrous¡ªeveryone around him, including himself, would surely perish. He recalled his school lessons about atoms, bonds, and particles, which made him cautious.


    After thinking it over for a while, he decided to proceed cautiously. He focused on creating just 100 grams of gold, carefully calculating the process in his mind. With his Heaven Eyes, he began observing the process, making sure every detail was under his control.


    He activated the skill, and the GM energy inside him began to move into his hand. He watched intently as the Grandmist above his palm slowly transformed into small particles, which then began to condense and shape into pure gold. The process took only ten seconds, and the 100-gram bar of gold materialized, using up only a small portion of his GM energy.


    Sam stood back, satisfied with the result. Although it wouldn''t help him in combat, this ability guaranteed that, even if he lost everything, he would never have to worry about poverty for the rest of his life.


    Then, a monstrous thought flashed into his mind. Can I use GM to fill up my lost blood or regenerate body tissue? After all, cells are just another form of matter, right?


    He recalled what his father and mother had taught him about cells and anatomy. It was typical for a family with parents who were doctors to discuss the workings of the human body. They often talked about health, how the body functions, and how to maintain it.


    With that in mind, Sam began to calculate. This time, however, he wouldn''t just think about it theoretically. He would try it for himself. He focused on using GM energy to align with his body¡¯s natural recovery process.


    He activated the skill, and the GM energy flowed into his left arm, which had suffered a burn wound from the recent battle. The energy, guided by his body''s instincts, accelerated the healing process. His eyes widened as, in an instant, the damaged tissue was replaced by fresh, healthy skin. The process happened so fast that it seemed like magic¡ªhis wound healed in the blink of an eye, as if his body was following a vampire¡¯s rapid regeneration from a movie.


    Sam couldn¡¯t help but think to himself, This is a game-changer.

 Chapter 14 - Second Day!

    ¡°Sam, wake up. It¡¯s morning,¡± Michael called out.


    Sam slowly opened his eyes, letting out a long yawn as he welcomed the new day. The exhaustion from yesterday still lingered. After testing everything he had gained from his evolution, he had fallen into a deep sleep, utterly drained both physically and mentally. Tier evolution had taken a significant toll, requiring more energy than he anticipated. His three-day supply of food was completely gone¡ªhe¡¯d eaten it all.


    Stretching, Sam looked at Michael and replied, ¡°Thanks for waking me up.¡±


    Michael grinned. ¡°You¡¯ve really changed quite a bit¡ªand for the better, I¡¯d say. Hahaha. Oh, and you should know, Eve is conscious now. Anne¡¯s been taking care of her, and she might even be able to start walking soon.¡±


    Sam¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That¡¯s great news. Thanks. I¡¯ll go check on her.¡±


    With renewed purpose, Sam rose, ready to see his sister and begin the day ahead.


    Sam walked toward the inner camp, heading straight to where his sister rested. Along the way, he noticed people watching him with varied reactions. Some gazes held curiosity, others awe, and a few even unease. It wasn¡¯t surprising¡ªhis recent battle prowess had left an impression, and his transformed appearance only added to the intrigue. His glowing silver hair and radiant eyes were undeniably otherworldly, making him look more like a humanoid creature than an ordinary person.


    Reaching the tent, Sam saw Eve lying on a makeshift bed while Anne chatted with her. As he stepped inside, he said warmly, ¡°How are you feeling? Are you still in pain?¡±


    Eve turned to him, her expression momentarily stunned. ¡°Sam¡­ is that really you? People have been talking about how much you¡¯ve changed, but I didn¡¯t expect this much. Do you feel any different?¡±


    Sam chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Honestly, it feels pretty normal to me. Maybe when you undergo evolution, you¡¯ll have some changes too. Who knows, you might end up as beautiful as me.¡± He grinned playfully. ¡°Imagine that¡ªglowing hair like mine.¡±


    Eve smirked, feigning jealousy. ¡°You think I can¡¯t pull it off? Wait till I recover. I¡¯ll make sure my hair glows even brighter than yours.¡± Despite her jesting tone, there was a glint of admiration in her eyes as she glanced at his ethereal features.


    Sam crouched beside her bed and added, ¡°Actually, I might be able to help speed up your recovery with my new skill.¡±


    ¡°Really? How?¡± Eve asked, intrigued.


    ¡°It¡¯s a healing ability I¡¯ve been experimenting with. I¡¯ve only tried it on myself so far, so I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯ll work on others. I¡¯d like to test it on monsters first to be safe.¡±


    Eve nodded thoughtfully. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. But even if it doesn¡¯t work, it¡¯s okay. I just need a few more days, and I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    They continued talking, with Anne occasionally chiming in with her usual humor. After spending some time with them, Sam stood up, his determination clear.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to hunt some goblins while we still have time,¡± he said, grabbing his sword. The group had decided to move north before noon, and he wanted to make the most of the morning. With his gear prepared, he left the camp and sprinted into the woods, ready for the challenges ahead.


    <hr>


    In the woods, a small green goblin dashed frantically, its terrified expression betraying its desperation to escape from something unseen but utterly horrifying. It ran with every ounce of its strength, crashing through the underbrush until its tiny legs could carry it no more. Panting, the goblin scrambled beneath a bush, trying to conceal itself.


    Suddenly, a hand emerged from behind, clamping tightly around its neck. The goblin let out a high-pitched scream, its voice trembling with sheer terror, but the sound was abruptly silenced. Its body convulsed, then began to deform grotesquely. Tumors sprouted across its flesh like rampant cancerous growths, expanding uncontrollably until the goblin¡¯s form collapsed, lifeless and grotesque.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    From the shadows, Sam¡¯s voice broke the silence, murmuring in frustration, ¡°It failed again.¡±


    Sam had ventured deep into the forest with a purpose: to capture goblins for an experiment with his new skill. He was determined to test the limits of his abilities, particularly his capacity to regenerate lost limbs.


    He had already captured several goblins, starting his tests by severing an arm from one unfortunate creature. Focusing his Grandmist energy, he directed it toward the goblin¡¯s stump, attempting to regenerate the lost limb. Yet every time, the goblin¡¯s body resisted the energy, as though rejecting a foreign force.


    Frustrated but resolute, Sam had increased the intensity of the energy, pushing harder against the resistance. But instead of achieving regeneration, the goblin¡¯s body had mutated horrifically. Its cells overreacted to the influx of Grandmist, growing out of control until its form collapsed into a bloated, misshapen mass that burst apart violently.


    Sam knelt by the latest failed attempt, wiping goblin blood and gore from his boots with a grimace. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°Is it because the goblins resist the energy? Or is it something else?¡±


    The thought nagged at him: if the goblins hadn¡¯t resisted, would the skill have worked? He couldn''t say for sure. But there was only one way to truly find out¡ªthe skill would have to be tested on a willing subject, someone who wouldn¡¯t instinctively fight against the Grandmist energy.


    Sighing deeply, Sam stood and looked toward the distant horizon, his mind weighed down by the realization. ¡°I guess there¡¯s no other choice¡­ I¡¯ll have to try this on a person.¡±


    As Sam returned to the camp, he noticed people gathering around, their expressions a mixture of weariness and anticipation. He made his way to his father, who stood near a group of somber-faced individuals.


    ¡°Dad, how are things going?¡± Sam asked, his tone calm but laced with concern. ¡°And what about the people who ran away yesterday? Did you find them?¡±


    His father sighed, the weight of the situation evident in his voice. ¡°There were 13 people who ran. We found 8 of them, but only 3 are still alive. The others... their families are burying the bodies now. We¡¯ll need to move soon.¡±


    Sam nodded, his expression solemn. ¡°Five people dead in the first day,¡± he thought to himself. ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate, but better than expected. I thought the chaos of the monster wave would scatter everyone, leading to even greater losses.¡±


    His mind lingered on the tragic decisions that led to their deaths. ¡°If they hadn¡¯t panicked and just stayed put, they might still be alive.¡± He let out a quiet sigh, shaking his head.


    Once preparations were complete, the group began their journey northward. This time, the pace was faster, largely because of Sam. With his newfound power, every threat was swiftly dealt with. Goblins, beasts, and other monsters that crossed their path were no match for him.


    ¡°If that bear from yesterday showed up now, I¡¯d take it down in one strike,¡± Sam thought, a small smirk tugging at his lips. He recalled testing his strength earlier that morning with the goblins and estimated he could now lift around 10 tons at full power. The sheer magnitude of his abilities still felt surreal.


    However, Sam didn¡¯t eliminate every monster. He deliberately left those that posed no significant threat for the combat team to handle. It was a calculated decision to allow them to gain experience and level up. By the time the sun was setting, Michael had already reached level 9.


    As the light began to fade, the group finally arrived at their destination¡ªa barrier, just like the one they had encountered at the start of their ordeal. The sight of it loomed before them, marking the end of their northern journey and the beginning of another challenge.


    Sam stood at the front of the group, his glowing silver eyes reflecting the fading sunlight as he prepared himself for whatever lay ahead.


    ¡°So, tomorrow we¡¯re heading east, right, Dad?¡± Sam asked as he joined his father by the fire.


    His father nodded, the lines of exhaustion etched deeply into his face. ¡°It seems so. This place is much bigger than we initially thought. It looks like the trial zone spans a 100-kilometer radius in a circular shape. If we move east at today¡¯s pace, it should only take a full day to reach the edge of this area. I just hope we find the way out soon. Some people can¡¯t endure much more of this,¡± he said, his voice heavy with the weight of responsibility.


    Sam frowned, sensing the strain on his father. ¡°Dad, you need to prioritize yourself too. You should aim to reach level 10. Remember, if you don¡¯t put yourself first, you won¡¯t be able to help anyone else.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­¡± his father replied, though his voice carried a weariness that spoke volumes. Leading and protecting over a hundred lives was no small burden, and it weighed heavily on his heart.


    As night fell, the camp settled into an uneasy quiet. While the darkness was deep and enveloping, the mood among the people was lighter than the previous night. Sam¡¯s presence and the power he displayed during their journey had given them a sense of hope and security.


    But for Sam, the day had been less than ideal. ¡°I killed over a hundred goblins, rabbits, and anything else that moved,¡± he thought to himself as he stared up at the stars. Despite his efforts, he had only leveled up twice.


    ¡°It seems Tier 0 creatures can only get me so far,¡± he muttered under his breath. Frustration simmered within him. He knew that if he wanted to continue growing stronger, he¡¯d need to seek out more formidable opponents. Stronger monsters awaited¡ªhe just had to find them.

 Chapter 15 - Fairy Day!

    Lilia POV


    I finished my work as the guide for the first phase of the Trial. Now, all I had to do was wait for a week while the participants found their way to the tutorial town. It was usually a straightforward process, but this time, the participants from planet Earth were... peculiar.


    There was someone who managed to resist the restraints and wake up before the arranged time¡ªa feat that shouldn¡¯t have been possible. It was likely due to some strange, unique trait, though such anomalies weren¡¯t entirely unheard of. Still, it was rare.


    As I reflected on it, I realized this planet itself was unusual. Its physical laws were remarkably well-developed, far more advanced than most worlds I¡¯d guided before. The last time she encountered a planet with such advanced technology was over a thousand years ago, long before she became a tutorial guide.


    Her experience told her that a planet like this, so rich in records, held immense potential and opportunity. The more records a planet possessed, the more wonders it could manifest once it finished its transformation. She felt a twinge of excitement at the thought¡ªthere was opportunity here, no doubt about it.


    But one thing puzzled her: the location of this planet. Even if she asked the participants, they wouldn¡¯t know. It wasn¡¯t their place to understand the grander workings of the cosmos. She paused for a moment, considering how she might uncover the secret of Earth¡¯s position in the grand web of existence.


    With a quiet hum of curiosity, she resolved to keep watching. This trial, and this planet, promised to be far more interesting than most.


    ¡°Lilia!¡±


    A small blue fairy zoomed through the air, colliding with Lilia and wrapping her in a tight hug.


    ¡°Stop this, Cecilia!¡± Lilia exclaimed, struggling against the overly enthusiastic embrace.


    Cecilia giggled, her translucent wings fluttering as she spun in the air. ¡°I missed you! You¡¯ve been stuck in tutorial worlds for almost a century now! Do you even remember what fresh air feels like?¡±


    Lilia sighed, brushing off her friend¡¯s clinginess. ¡°It couldn¡¯t be helped. I need more Soul Points to buy the Tier 7 Fairy Light. Once I have it, I can finally ascend to Tier 7!¡±


    Cecilia frowned, crossing her arms. ¡°Why are you in such a rush? Even if you didn¡¯t push yourself so hard, you¡¯d still reach Tier 7 eventually. You¡¯re young, Lilia. You¡¯ve got plenty of time!¡±


    Lilia¡¯s expression darkened slightly, her voice firm. ¡°I¡¯m not satisfied waiting around like the rest of the fairy tribe. We waste so much potential! If we worked harder, we could have more god-tier beings. Then no one could bully us as they do now.¡±


    Her tone carried a sharp edge, and Cecilia¡¯s cheerful expression softened. She knew what fueled Lilia¡¯s drive¡ªthe memory of their home planet¡¯s enslavement by demons. For centuries, Lilia had carried the weight of that suffering, a scar etched deep into her soul.


    The silence hung between them until Lilia finally spoke again, her voice tinged with bitterness. ¡°You know what would happen if the system hadn¡¯t intervened. Without their protection, we¡¯d still be slaves¡ªor worse.¡±


    Cecilia nodded solemnly, her usual brightness dimmed. ¡°I know... I know all too well. But I just wish things were different. Everyone¡¯s so focused on working now. No one plays or laughs like we used to. It¡¯s lonely.¡±


    The wistfulness in her voice tugged at Lilia¡¯s heart. She wanted to comfort her friend, but before she could speak, Cecilia¡¯s face lit up again.


    ¡°Oh! I just remembered!¡± Cecilia exclaimed, twirling mid-air. ¡°Do you want to see the human babies I¡¯ve been taking care of? They¡¯re so cute! Their souls are as clear as glass¡ªso pure, so beautiful.¡± Her excitement faltered, and a hint of sadness crept into her tone. ¡°Sometimes... I don¡¯t want them to grow up into dirty humans.¡±


    Lilia raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a half-smile. ¡°Dirty humans?¡±


    Cecilia pouted, folding her arms. ¡°You know what I mean! Adults always lose that innocence. They get greedy, selfish... complicated.¡± She sighed, her wings drooping slightly. ¡°But babies¡ªthey¡¯re simple, sweet, and perfect.¡±


    Lilia chuckled softly, shaking her head. ¡°You always did have a soft spot for humans. Show me these babies of yours sometime. But for now, I need to focus on the trial. These participants... they¡¯re something else entirely.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Cecilia perked up, curiosity shining in her eyes. ¡°How so?¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Lilia¡¯s gaze turned distant, thoughtful. ¡°There¡¯s one among them¡ªdifferent, strange. He broke restraints and woke up before the scheduled time. I¡¯ve never seen anything like it.¡±


    Cecilia¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re kidding! Do you think he¡¯s dangerous?¡±


    Lilia smirked faintly. ¡°Maybe. Or maybe he¡¯s exactly the kind of participant who¡¯ll make this trial interesting.¡±


    As Lilia and Cecilia continued their conversation, they approached the grand Tutorial Management Center. The air was abuzz with activity as countless fairies zipped around, their wings shimmering under the soft glow of the crystalline walls. The chaos was expected; integrating a new universe into the system was no small task.


    Lilia slowed her flight, glancing at Cecilia. ¡°I have to go now. The second phase won¡¯t prepare itself,¡± she said with a hint of regret. ¡°I¡¯ll see you again soon, Cecilia.¡±


    Cecilia¡¯s smile faltered, her eyes brimming with tears of loneliness. ¡°Okay,¡± she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness. Then, brightening slightly, she added, ¡°Next time, come to my trial zone! I¡¯ll show you the babies I told you about¡ªthey¡¯re adorable!¡±


    Before Lilia could respond, Cecilia waved enthusiastically and disappeared in a flash of blue light.


    Lilia lingered for a moment, staring at the space where her friend had been. Despite her stoic exterior, a small warmth bloomed in her chest. She missed Cecilia, one of the few who had survived the harsh days of their shared past. Shaking off her thoughts, Lilia took a deep breath and resumed her flight toward her meeting room.


    As she reached the door, she straightened her posture and pushed it open. Inside, eight fairies hovered around a massive glowing orb that displayed the progress of nine trial zones, each overseen by her team.


    The fairy with the largest and most elaborate wings turned to face her immediately. Her presence exuded authority, and her voice carried the weight of command. ¡°You¡¯re finally here, Lilia. The system flagged your trial zone¡ªthere¡¯s been some irregular activity. Do you have anything to report?¡±


    Lilia nodded, stepping forward to join the group. ¡°Yes, there was an anomaly. One of the participants broke the restraints and woke up ahead of schedule. It¡¯s likely due to a unique trait, something powerful enough to bypass system protocols.¡±


    Her boss¡¯s expression shifted, intrigue glinting in her eyes. ¡°A trait that can affect the system itself? That¡¯s rare¡ªexceedingly rare. Traits of that caliber are akin to Exalted-grade items. If it¡¯s true, then this participant is no ordinary individual.¡±


    Another fairy, her wings flickering with sparks of energy, chimed in. ¡°Should we escalate the monitoring on his zone? If he¡¯s this unpredictable, he could destabilize the trial.¡±


    The boss raised a hand, silencing the room. ¡°Not yet. We don¡¯t want to interfere unnecessarily. If he survives, he might become a significant figure¡ªone we¡¯d be wise to keep on our side.¡±


    She turned back to Lilia, her tone firm yet amused. ¡°For now, keep an eye on him and adjust the trial parameters as needed. If he¡¯s as exceptional as you claim, he¡¯ll handle it. Otherwise, the system will deal with him.¡±


    Lilia nodded. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll ensure he doesn¡¯t disrupt the flow of the trial.¡±


    The boss glanced around the room, addressing the rest of the team. ¡°Let¡¯s proceed with preparations for the second phase. Remember, this isn¡¯t just about testing their survival skills¡ªit¡¯s about identifying potential.¡±


    As the meeting continued, Lilia¡¯s thoughts lingered on the participant. A small smile tugged at her lips. Interesting trait, indeed. Let¡¯s see how far you can go.


    Sam POV


    Our group had covered half the distance to the eastern Trial Zone. The journey so far had been grueling, the monsters along the way progressively stronger than those in the other cardinal directions. Despite their increased aggression, we hadn¡¯t encountered even a single Tier 1 monster.


    I led the way far ahead of the main group, accompanied by the scout team. As we pressed on, I mulled over the idea of breaking the barrier to another trial zone. Perhaps stronger enemies lay on the other side. But I dismissed the thought just as quickly.


    No, I told myself. I don¡¯t want to risk causing unnecessary chaos¡ªnot yet.


    The decision wasn¡¯t out of fear but caution. There was still too much we didn¡¯t understand about this world.


    When we reached the 80-kilometer milestone, one of the scouts, Eddie, suddenly stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened, and he turned to me with excitement.


    ¡°Samuel! Over here!¡± Eddie waved, motioning for me to follow. ¡°The system just notified me¡ªthis is a dungeon!¡±


    I rushed to his position, the rest of the scout team trailing close behind. My pulse quickened as I reached the spot, eager to see what this so-called dungeon looked like.


    What I found left me momentarily speechless.


    Floating just above the ground, about 20 centimeters high, was a swirling vortex of energy. It looked like a portal made of spinning water, glowing faintly with a soft blue light. The air around it hummed with an almost magnetic pull, as if daring anyone nearby to step inside.


    ¡°What... is that?¡± one of the scouts murmured, his voice filled with awe.


    Eddie stepped closer, inspecting the portal. ¡°The system calls it a dungeon.


    I approached the portal cautiously, my hand tightening around the hilt of my sword. The energy radiating from it wasn¡¯t hostile, but it wasn¡¯t exactly welcoming either. When I got close enough, a translucent system window appeared before me.


    [DUNGEON DETECTED]


    Dungeon: Goblins Village


    Tier: 1 [ Level 10 - 30 ]


    Type: Team Entry [ 0 / 10 ]


    Description: A goblin settlement. Crude huts, hidden traps, and hostile goblins await, Beware of their cunning leaders, who command both brute strength and foul magic.


    Objective: Eliminate all goblins, including their leaders.


    Reward: Title: Goblins Slayer, 1,000 Soul points, 1 Random Uncommon Skill books.


    Warning: Once entered, the dungeon cannot be exited until the final objective is completed.


    stepping back to gather my thoughts. ¡°For now, inform the group about the dungeon. No one else approaches it without my say-so.¡±


    Eddie nodded and sprinted back toward the main group. I stayed behind, staring into the vortex as it twisted and spun.


    This could be the challenge I¡¯ve been waiting for, I thought. But it could also be a death sentence.


    With a deep breath, I prepared to make my decision.

 Chapter 16 - DUNGEON!

    The group gathered around the swirling blue portal, its energy pulsing faintly in the dim light of the forest. The air was heavy with tension, the unknown dangers of the dungeon looming over everyone like a shadow.


    Sam stood at the forefront, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he addressed the group. His voice was calm but firm, carrying an air of authority that demanded attention.


    ¡°This is an opportunity,¡± he began, gesturing toward the portal. ¡°The system calls it a dungeon¡ªa place filled with monsters, traps, and rewards. It¡¯s not going to be easy, but if we work together, this could give us the edge we need to survive the tutorial.¡±


    Michael, standing near the front, frowned. ¡°You¡¯re seriously thinking of going in there? We don¡¯t even know what¡¯s inside. What if it¡¯s a death trap?¡±


    Sam met his brother¡¯s gaze evenly. ¡°Every step we¡¯ve taken in this forest has been a risk, Michael. But think about it. This dungeon is Tier 1¡ªit¡¯s the next level of challenge. If we don¡¯t start pushing ourselves, we¡¯ll never be ready for what¡¯s coming. You¡¯ve seen the monsters out here¡ªthey¡¯re getting stronger. What happens when they catch up to us?¡±


    The murmurs of the group quieted as Sam¡¯s words sank in.


    ¡°But we¡¯re not all at the same level as you,¡± Ann pointed out, her brow furrowed. ¡°You¡¯re Level 13. Most of us are still Level 9 or below. How can we handle something designed for Tier 1?¡±


    Sam nodded, acknowledging her concern. ¡°That¡¯s why this is optional. I¡¯m not asking everyone to go in¡ªjust a small group of volunteers. Eight people willing to take the risk. The rest of you can stay and wait here after all we still have a month to continue toward the town.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s in it for us?¡± someone from the back asked.


    Sam gestured toward the portal again as if the answer was obvious. ¡°Experience, loot, and an edge. The system rewards those who take the initiative. If we clear this dungeon, we¡¯re not just surviving¡ªwe¡¯re getting stronger. And let¡¯s not forget the Title and an Uncommon Item for each of us¡±


    A hush fell over the group. The stakes were clear.


    Michael exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. ¡°You¡¯re sure about this?¡±


    Sam¡¯s expression softened slightly as he turned to his brother. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t suggest it if I wasn¡¯t. But it¡¯s your call. If you¡¯re not comfortable, you don¡¯t have to go.¡±


    Michael hesitated but eventually nodded. ¡°I¡¯m in.¡±


    Sam looked at the rest of the group, his gaze steady. ¡°I need eight more volunteers. I¡¯ll lead the way and handle the brunt of the danger. All I ask is that you follow my lead and give it your all. Who¡¯s with me?¡±


    There was a moment of silence before Eddie, the scout team leader, stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯ll go. Somebody¡¯s got to watch your back.¡±


    Ann hesitated but then nodded. ¡°If You and Michael are going, I¡¯m in too¡±


    One by one, others began to step forward¡ªeach one nervous but determined. Sam counted them off, a mix of relief and pride swelling in his chest as the final volunteer joined.


    ¡°That¡¯s ten of us,¡± Sam said, his voice firm. ¡°Let¡¯s make this count.¡±


    Before stepping into the dungeon, Sam approached his father, Nate, who had been watching the group from a short distance away. His father¡¯s face was a mix of worry and pride, the lines on his forehead deepening as Sam stopped in front of him.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Sam began, his voice steady but laced with determination, ¡°I know you don¡¯t like this. And honestly, I don¡¯t blame you. This dungeon isn¡¯t just dangerous¡ªit¡¯s unknown. But it¡¯s also necessary.¡±


    Nate¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°You¡¯re always taking a big risk, Sam. But this time not just for yourself, but for everyone going in there with you.¡±


    Sam nodded, meeting his father¡¯s eyes. ¡°I know. That¡¯s why I¡¯m leading the way. If there¡¯s danger, I¡¯ll face it first. But you¡¯ve seen what¡¯s out there, Dad. This forest is only going to get worse, and we can¡¯t afford to play it safe forever. The dungeon is a chance to prepare¡ªto get stronger before it¡¯s too late.¡±


    Nate¡¯s expression softened, but the concern didn¡¯t leave his eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve always taken responsibility, Sam. Even when you didn¡¯t have to. Just... don¡¯t carry all of it on your shoulders, okay? You¡¯re not alone in this.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Sam said with a small smile. ¡°That¡¯s why I need you here, Dad. You¡¯re the best at keeping the rest of the group safe and organized. If something happens to us in the dungeon, they¡¯re going to need you to get them to the town.¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    His father gave him a long look before finally nodding. ¡°Just... be careful in there, Sam. Promise me you¡¯ll come back in one piece.¡±


    ¡°I promise,¡± Sam said firmly. ¡°And when we¡¯re done, we¡¯ll be stronger than ever.¡±


    With that, Sam gave his father a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before turning back to the group. His father watched him go, pride and worry battling for dominance in his heart.


    He turned back toward the portal, gripping his sword tightly. The faint hum of its energy seemed to grow louder as he stepped closer.


    ¡°Everyone ready?¡± he asked, glancing over his shoulder.


    The group nodded, some more confidently than others.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go,¡± Sam said, taking a deep breath as he stepped into the glowing vortex.


    Sam felt a sudden sensation, like being yanked through water, as the world around him warped and twisted. For a brief moment, his vision blurred, and his body felt weightless. Then, just as quickly, the sensation stopped, and he found himself standing in a new place.


    The terrain was still a forest, but it was immediately clear this wasn¡¯t the same forest they had been in moments ago. The trees were taller and darker, their twisted trunks covered in moss that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. The air was thicker, heavier, and carried an eerie stillness that made Sam instinctively grip his sword tighter.


    One by one, the others began to appear behind him, materializing from the portal. Each of them stumbled slightly as they adjusted to the strange new environment, their eyes darting around warily.


    When the last of the nine volunteers had arrived, a faint chime echoed in Sam¡¯s ears. He turned his gaze upward as a translucent system window appeared before him, its text glowing faintly in the dim light.


    Ding!


    [DUNGEON QUEST]


    Quest Name: Goblins Village - Floor 1


    Time Remaining: -


    Objective: Eliminate all goblins [ 0 / 100 ]


    Rewards: 5 Health Potions, Random Common skill book.


    Sam read the notice carefully, his expression unreadable. ¡°This is it,¡± he muttered, his voice low but firm. He turned to the group, who were already watching him for guidance.


    ¡°Stay sharp,¡± he said, his tone steady. ¡°This isn¡¯t like the forest outside. Stick together, watch for traps, and call out if you see anything unusual.


    The group nodded, their initial nerves settling slightly at Sam¡¯s calm confidence.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± he said, stepping forward and leading the way into the ominous depths of the dungeon.


    As we moved through the eerie forest terrain of the dungeon, it didn¡¯t take long to encounter our first group of goblins. There were five of them, clustered around a makeshift campfire, their guttural laughter echoing as they toyed with a small, helpless animal.


    But something about them was different. The oppressive aura they gave off was unmistakable¡ªTier 1.


    Sam stopped in his tracks, his gaze sharpening as he observed them. ¡°They¡¯re all Tier 1,¡± he said, his voice low but decisive. ¡°You guys aren¡¯t ready to take them head-on yet. Let me weaken them first. Once I give the signal, you can finish them off. That way, everyone gets the experience and reaches Tier 1 quickly.¡±


    Michael and Ann exchanged a glance before nodding in unison. ¡°Got it,¡± Michael said.


    ¡°And keep your eyes open,¡± Sam added, his tone firm. ¡°There could be more nearby.¡±


    Slowly, he advanced toward the goblins, his footsteps silent and deliberate.


    The goblins were oblivious, their cruel game continuing as they poked and prodded the trembling creature in their grasp. Their shrill laughter grated on Sam¡¯s nerves, and he felt a familiar surge of disgust. So much for the idea of good goblins like in anime, he thought bitterly.


    When he was close enough, Sam activated his skill.


    [Battle Focus <Rare>]


    His vision sharpened as the world around him seemed to slow, every detail heightened with clarity. The skill, upgraded by his enhanced mental power, was now at least three times more effective than before. In battle, it was an unparalleled tool.


    With a single, fluid motion, Sam burst forward, a blur of speed and precision. The first goblin didn¡¯t even have time to scream as his sword sliced cleanly through its wrist, severing its hand.


    The remaining goblins froze for a heartbeat, their laughter replaced by wide-eyed terror. Before they could react, Sam was already on the second goblin, disarming it in the most literal sense.


    The remaining three scrambled to flee, their guttural cries of panic filling the air. But Sam was faster. Moving like a raging wind, he closed the distance in an instant. His blade flashed, and within seconds, all three goblins were incapacitated, their weapons and hands lying useless on the ground.


    The entire skirmish lasted no more than five seconds. Sam straightened, his blade still gleaming with the faint green blood of the goblins.


    He turned to Michael and the others, raising a hand in signal. ¡°Now! Aim for their bodies,¡± he called out.


    Michael and Ann stepped forward, their grips on their weapons tightening. With careful strikes, they drove their weapons into the wounded goblins, finishing them off one by one.


    As the last goblin fell, the air grew still once more. Michael wiped his blade on the grass, glancing at Sam with a mix of awe and determination. ¡°That was... efficient,¡± he said, breathing heavily.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 10]


    ¡­¡­¡­.


    ¡­¡­¡­.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 14]


    Here¡¯s a refined and expanded version with better flow and dialogue:


    <hr>


    Sam couldn¡¯t help but smile, satisfaction flickering across his face as he glanced at the translucent system window hovering in his vision. The day outside the dungeon had been grueling¡ªkilling countless Tier 0 monsters for a single level. But here, in the dungeon, he¡¯d gained an entire level from just a single encounter.


    This place really is an opportunity, he thought, gripping his sword tightly as he turned back to the group.


    Michael¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts, his tone brimming with excitement. ¡°Sam! I just hit Level 10! What should I do next?¡±


    Beside him, Ann and Eddie exchanged triumphant smiles. ¡°Same here,¡± Ann said, raising her spear slightly. ¡°Finally made it to 10.¡±


    Eddie grinned, checking his own system window. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m joining the club too.¡±


    Sam¡¯s smile widened, though his expression remained calm and measured. ¡°Good,¡± he said, nodding at each of them. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve reached Level 10, it¡¯s time to tier up. Focus on that first before we move forward.¡±

 Chapter 17 - Tier Up!

    Ann glanced at Michael, her brow furrowed. ¡°So, we need to do this now?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sam replied firmly. ¡°Tiering up will make you significantly stronger. The monsters ahead will only get tougher, and we need every advantage we can get.¡±


    Eddie nodded, his playful grin replaced by a more serious expression. ¡°Makes sense. No point waiting around.¡±


    Michael, however, looked hesitant. ¡°What if I pick the wrong class? What if it doesn¡¯t suit me?¡±


    Sam placed a hand on his brother¡¯s shoulder, his gaze steady. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it, Michael. Trust your instincts. The system will only give you options you¡¯re capable of handling. Just choose the one that feels right.¡±


    Michael exhaled slowly, nodding. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Sam stepped back, giving them space. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll keep watch while you tier up. Once you¡¯re ready, we¡¯ll move on.¡±


    As the three of them focused on their system windows, Sam turned his gaze toward the darkened forest ahead.


    A while later, one by one, they began to undergo their tier evolution. Above their skin, clouds of energy in different hues started to form, swirling and warping around them like a living force. It was a sight Sam remembered well from his own tier-up process.


    However, unlike his own painful experience, their evolutions seemed calm, almost serene. They each sat in quiet meditation, their expressions untroubled as the energy enveloped them.


    Sam observed closely, noting the distinct characteristics of each aura


    Michael¡¯s energy was a yellow, calm aura, radiating steadiness and resilience.


    Anne''s was a blue, living aura, dynamic and fluid, like ripples on a tranquil lake.


    Eddie¡¯s aura, by contrast, was translucent and still, almost invisible except for the faint shimmer of its presence, exuding quiet, deliberate focus.


    The energy types must correspond to the stats they unlocked, Sam thought. I¡¯ll need to ask them about it later.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Michael opened his eyes. He looked different¡ªnot drastically, but subtly altered, as though every part of him had been honed and refined. Even his posture seemed more confident, and Sam noticed he appeared slightly taller than before.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Sam asked, his tone steady but curious.


    Michael took a deep breath, a small smile spreading across his face. ¡°I feel... more than fine. This is incredible¡ªlike being reborn.¡±


    Sam nodded, satisfied with the answer. ¡°Good. Take some time to get familiar with your new form. I¡¯ll have some questions for you once you¡¯re ready.¡±


    Michael nodded back, his expression serious. Without a word, he closed his eyes again, his focus shifting inward. Sam watched as Michael began experimenting with the yellow aura surrounding him, moving it in subtle waves as though testing its responsiveness.


    Sam folded his arms, leaning against a nearby tree.


    As Anne and Eddie showed signs of nearing the end of their evolutions, Sam¡¯s gaze shifted to the swirling blue and translucent energy around them. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder What kind of power are they awakening?


    A moment later, Ann and Eddie finished their evolutions. Like Michael, they radiated a sense of newfound power, their postures exuding confidence and energy. If they were back on Earth, Sam mused, they could probably lift a small car without breaking a sweat. They were, without a doubt, superhuman now.


    Sam left them to acclimate to their new abilities, giving them the time and space to adjust. After a short while, he walked over to Michael, who was inspecting the faint yellow aura around him with fascination.


    ¡°What¡¯s your class, Michael?¡± Sam asked, his tone casual but curious. ¡°Can you tell me about it?¡±


    Michael turned to him, a broad smile of satisfaction on his face. ¡°When I opened the options, there were three common classes and three uncommon ones,¡± he began. ¡°I recognized the three common classes you told me about¡ªFighter, Spellcaster, and Backpacker¡ªso I focused on the uncommon ones instead.¡±


    Sam nodded, gesturing for him to continue.


    ¡°The uncommon options were Combat Medic, Guard Knight, and Alchemist,¡± Michael explained, his voice filled with excitement. ¡°Combat Medic is a hybrid class¡ªhalf combat, half support. Guard Knight is pure combat, focused on defense and holding the line. And Alchemist is a crafting and healing class, with skills for making potions and tools.¡±


    Michael paused, his expression thoughtful. ¡°I wanted a combat class, but I didn¡¯t want to lose the ability to heal. So I chose Combat Medic. It felt like the best balance for me. Plus, it unlocks the Stamina stat.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Sam raised an eyebrow, impressed. ¡°Sounds solid. Did you pick a skill yet?¡±


    Michael grinned, his enthusiasm bubbling over. ¡°Yeah! I picked Healing Pulse! It lets me release a burst of healing energy around me, instantly healing nearby allies. How cool is that?¡±


    Sam gave a faint smirk, nodding. ¡°Not bad. Sounds like it¡¯ll come in handy.¡±


    Michael chuckled, flexing his hands as if testing his new strength. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to try it out in an actual fight. It¡¯s like... I finally feel useful.¡±


    Sam clapped him on the shoulder, his expression neutral but encouraging. ¡°You¡¯ve always been useful, Michael. This just gives you more options.¡±


    Michael¡¯s grin widened, and he turned back to practice with his aura. Sam watched him for a moment longer, satisfied to see his brother embracing his newfound potential.


    After checking in with Michael, Sam made his way to Anne and then to Eddie, curious about their choices.


    Anne was the first to explain. Other than the three common classes¡ªFighter, Spellcaster, and Backpacker¡ªshe was offered one uncommon option. Naturally, she chose the uncommon class: Spear Arbiter.


    ¡°It unlocked the Mana stat,¡± Anne said, twirling her spear with a thoughtful look. ¡°The class is most likely linked to my use of the spear and what I studied in college.¡±


    Sam raised an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s the class about?¡±


    Anne¡¯s eyes lit up, a small smile forming. ¡°It¡¯s simple but fitting: a spear wielder who upholds justice. I picked the skill Judgment Thrust. It¡¯s an attack that deals more damage to targets I consider evil. The stronger my conviction about their evilness, the more damage it does.¡±


    Sam hesitated, a flicker of unease passing through him. ¡°So... it¡¯s all about your judgment?¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Anne grinned, clearly excited.


    Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel a little wary. I really hope she doesn¡¯t go overboard with this whole justice thing. The last thing we need is her going full law-obsessed.


    Next, he turned to Eddie, who was equally eager to share his experience. Unlike Anne, Eddie was offered three uncommon classes, similar to Michael. Out of those, he chose Scout, a class Sam also remembered being offered during his tier evolution.


    ¡°It unlocked the Kinetic stat,¡± Eddie explained, leaning on his bow. ¡°I picked a skill called Trail Marker. It lets me track clues left behind by creatures, which is perfect for a place like this. We don¡¯t even know how big this dungeon is, but now I can help us navigate it better.¡±


    Sam gave a small nod, impressed by the practicality of Eddie¡¯s choice. ¡°That¡¯ll definitely come in handy. Good pick.¡±


    Meanwhile, the rest of the group¡ªthose who hadn¡¯t reached Level 10 yet¡ªwatched the tier evolutions with wide-eyed excitement. Even though they couldn¡¯t evolve yet, their anticipation was palpable. Who wouldn¡¯t welcome the opportunity to become stronger, to step beyond the limits of ordinary humanity? The transformations were particularly inspiring, each one a clear step toward survival in this unforgiving world.


    With everything settled, Sam motioned for the group to move forward. This time, they wouldn¡¯t wander aimlessly. Eddie stepped up, activating Trail Marker and scanning the ground for signs of their next target.


    ¡°It¡¯s not far,¡± Eddie said after a moment, pointing toward a faint trail leading deeper into the forest. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re heading this way.¡±


    The group fell in line, their pace steady but cautious. Sam stayed near the front, his hand on the hilt of his sword as the trees grew denser around them. Whatever was waiting for them next, they would face it together¡ªwith their newfound abilities and a growing sense of purpose.


    <hr>


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 13]


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 15]


    Ding!


    ¡­¡­¡­.


    ¡­¡­¡­.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 18]


    Our progress through the dungeon was faster than expected. All ten of us had already reached Level 10 and undergone evolution. Michael and Ann had climbed even higher, now sitting at Level 14, both eager to unlock their second skills.


    Sam opened his quest window to check the group¡¯s progress


    [DUNGEON QUEST]


    Quest Name: Goblins Village - Floor 1


    Time Remaining: -


    Objective: Eliminate all goblins [ 90/ 100 ]


    Rewards: 5 Health Potions, Random Common skill book.


    Sam scanned the numbers, his sharp gaze narrowing slightly. It seems like the next group of goblins will be the last for this floor, he thought, his grip tightening on his sword hilt.


    But the quest wasn¡¯t what occupied his mind. What concerned him more was the strange absence of a new skill. He already hit Level 15¡ªa milestone that should have granted him a new oneskill. Yet, nothing had appeared.


    Instead, a different notification had popped up earlier:


    [Source of All Matter <Unique>] had been strengthening.


    Sam dismissed the notification earlier, unsure whether to feel annoyed or intrigued. His only unique skill, Source of all matter was powerful but had been the same since he first unlocked it. Now, the system seemed intent on refining it rather than offering him something new.


    Is this because of my titles or traits? he wondered. Or is the system treating me differently for some reason?


    Lost in thought, he barely noticed Michael approaching.


    ¡°Sam,¡± Michael said, snapping him out of his reverie. ¡°We¡¯re ready to move. Should we finish this floor now?¡±


    Sam nodded, pushing the questions in his mind aside for the moment. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this.¡±


    The group began moving again, a quiet determination settling over them. Sam stayed at the front, his focus sharp. Whatever the system¡¯s intentions, he¡¯d figure it out¡ªbut for now, there were goblins to deal with.


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human / Heaven


    Class: Unbound Initiate


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 18 [Tier 1]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 25 +10[+80%]


    Agility: 25 +10[+80%]


    Vitality:25 +10[+80%]


    Endurance: 25 +10[+80%]


    Intelligence: 21 +10[+80%]


    Wisdom: 21 +10[+80%]


    Luck: 100 +10[+80%]


    Grandmist: 10 +10[+80%]


    Undistributed Stats: 0


    [SKILLS]: Mental Ruler <Legendary>, Battle Focus <Rare>, Source of All Matter<Unique> +1.


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: The Eye of Heaven, Unbound.

 Chapter 18 - Fight!

    As we approached the last group of goblins on this floor, we stumbled upon a cave entrance. The jagged rocks framing the opening and the faint stench of decay wafting out made it obvious¡ªthis was where the remaining goblins were hiding.


    Sam stopped the group a few meters away and surveyed the entrance cautiously. ¡°This has to be their base,¡± he said, his tone low and steady. ¡°Going in all at once seems too risky. Let¡¯s play it safe. Eddie, John, and I will scout inside first and gather information.¡±


    Everyone nodded in agreement, their expressions tense but trusting.


    Sam turned to John. ¡°You good with this?¡±


    John exhaled slowly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°I¡¯m fine, but... don¡¯t let me die, okay?¡±


    Sam smirked faintly, placing a reassuring hand on John¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This mission is just for information. Your safety is my priority. I¡¯ll stay close.¡±


    John nodded, his confidence bolstered by Sam¡¯s calm demeanor.


    John was one of Sam¡¯s neighbors, the son of the Vick family. They used to own a chain of hotels¡ªold, luxurious, and immensely profitable. At least, they were during John¡¯s father¡¯s generation. Over time, the family business crumbled, losing to more aggressive rivals. Now, all they had left were a share and some loyalty in other minor businesses they were part of.


    John¡¯s father was too old to rebuild the empire, leaving the burden of reclaiming their family¡¯s legacy squarely on John¡¯s shoulders. That was all Sam really knew about him before the trial began.


    John had been one of the first to volunteer for the dungeon. When he reached Level 10, he was offered an uncommon class: Analyzer. He¡¯d chosen it despite its lack of combat capabilities, simply because it was his only uncommon option.


    It turned out to be an excellent choice. The Analyzer class focused on identifying and analyzing everything around the user. John¡¯s skill, Inspect Eyes, allowed him to gather basic information about creatures, objects, and even traps. The utility of his skill was undeniable¡ªhe could detect danger before it struck, assess an enemy¡¯s level, or even unveil hidden mechanisms.


    What¡¯s more, his class rewarded him with experience points just for discovering and identifying new things. This passive advantage allowed John to level up rapidly, keeping pace with Michael and Ann despite not engaging directly in combat.


    Sam glanced at John. ¡°Stay close to me,¡± he said, his tone firm but calm.


    ¡°Got it,¡± John replied, gripping his weapon tightly despite his nerves.


    Without another word, Sam led the way into the cave.


    The air inside was damp and cold, the faint sound of dripping water echoing in the darkness. The light from their torches flickered against the rough stone walls, casting long, shifting shadows. Sam¡¯s senses were on high alert, every step deliberate and measured.


    Behind him, John activated his Inspect Eyes. His pupils glimmered faintly as he scanned the cave. ¡°No traps so far,¡± John whispered. ¡°But there¡¯s movement ahead. Multiple sources.¡±


    Sam nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. ¡°Let¡¯s keep going, but stay sharp. If you sense anything, let me know immediately.¡±


    Together, they moved deeper into the cave, their footsteps echoing softly as they ventured closer to the unknown dangers lurking within.


    Sam turned to Eddie. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    Eddie shook his head. ¡°No, they¡¯ve only got ten left. I think all of them are gathered together.¡±


    Sam nodded thoughtfully. ¡°So, no ambushes to worry about, but traps and the monsters¡¯ levels could still be a problem?¡±


    ¡°Most likely,¡± Eddie replied, his voice steady. ¡°We¡¯d better see what¡¯s inside first.¡±


    As we moved deeper into the cave, the narrow passages gave way to wider corridors. Soon, we came across a crossroads, the paths diverging into multiple directions. With Eddie¡¯s tracking and John¡¯s Inspect Eyes, we quickly identified the correct route, avoiding both traps and dead ends.


    Eventually, we arrived at the largest chamber yet. The faint echoes of guttural goblin voices reached us, their tone harsh and commanding.


    Sam raised his hand, signaling John. John immediately understood and began inspecting the area around the entrance, his glowing eyes scanning for hidden dangers. Carefully, he inched forward and peeked into the cavern.


    Moments later, John¡¯s face darkened. He turned back, his expression tense, and gave Sam and Eddie the signal to retreat.


    No words were exchanged as we quietly retraced our steps, making sure not to alert whatever awaited us inside. When we finally reached the safety of the cave¡¯s entrance, Sam broke the silence.


    ¡°What did you find?¡± he asked, his voice calm but serious.


    John exhaled sharply, the worry evident on his face. ¡°It¡¯s bad. The room is a trap. There¡¯s a locking mechanism¡ªif we go inside, we won¡¯t be able to get out until everything is dead.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Sam frowned but stayed silent as John continued.


    ¡°There¡¯s also an empowered rune,¡± John added. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what it does, but it¡¯s carved into the goblin leader¡¯s chest. He¡¯s a Level 25 elite monster.¡±


    ¡°Level 25?¡± Eddie muttered, his tone uneasy.


    John nodded grimly. ¡°Elite monsters are at least twice as strong as their normal variants. And it¡¯s not just him¡ªthe other nine goblins in the room are all Level 20.¡±


    The weight of John¡¯s words hung in the air.


    ¡°It looks dangerous¡ªhonestly, too dangerous,¡± John admitted, his voice low.


    Sam¡¯s gaze shifted back toward the cave entrance, his mind racing. A Level 25 elite monster and nine Level 20 goblins were far beyond what their group had faced so far. It was a gamble that could either catapult their growth or end in disaster.


    Sam thought for a moment before speaking, his tone calm but serious. ¡°Is there any way to get them out of the room?¡±


    John shook his head. ¡°No. The room¡¯s mechanism doesn¡¯t just trap us¡ªit traps the goblins too. Once we go in, there¡¯s no leaving until the fight is over. We¡¯ll have to face them head-on.¡±


    Sam¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°That¡¯s bad. Even if I intercept the goblin leader, the other nine are still too dangerous for you guys. We only have eight combatants, and if someone ends up with two Level 20 goblins on them...¡± He trailed off, his meaning clear.


    ¡°It¡¯s game over,¡± Michael finished, his voice grim. The group nodded in agreement, understanding the severity of the situation.


    After a moment of heavy silence, Michael spoke up again. ¡°I think we have to take the risk. The only way this works is if everyone survives long enough for Sam to take down the elite. We focus on intercepting the other nine¡ªit¡¯s easier than trying to kill them outright.¡±


    The group exchanged uneasy glances but ultimately nodded. Michael¡¯s plan made sense.


    Sam exhaled, his gaze steady as he looked at them. ¡°Honestly, I was considering going in alone. But seeing you all willing to take this risk... it shows me you understand what¡¯s at stake. You see it too, don¡¯t you? If we don¡¯t get stronger now, we won¡¯t last long out there.¡±


    No one wanted to say it out loud, but they couldn¡¯t deny the truth. Staying weak wasn¡¯t an option¡ªnot here, not in this world. If they didn¡¯t take risks now, it would only be a matter of time before something bigger, stronger, and deadlier ended their lives.


    Sam¡¯s voice softened slightly. ¡°But let¡¯s not rush in blindly. We need a plan. A solid one.¡±


    The group gathered closer, and Sam continued, ¡°Let¡¯s talk protocols for unexpected situations. What happens if someone gets injured? Who helps, and how? If someone has to take a hit, what¡¯s the safest way to do it and still stay alive?¡±


    Michael nodded. ¡°We can¡¯t panic. The focus has to be on survival. Even if someone gets seriously injured, as long as they¡¯re alive, there¡¯s hope.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Sam agreed. ¡°Even if someone loses a limb, we don¡¯t give up. There might be a way to recover later¡ªskills, items, maybe even the system itself. But we can¡¯t afford to lose anyone.¡±


    The discussion continued, the group working together to iron out every detail of their approach. Their nerves were evident, but so was their determination. This fight would be their biggest challenge yet, and they weren¡¯t going to face it without a plan.


    When everything was ready, Sam led the group into the cave room. As they moved closer, the guttural voices of the goblins echoed off the walls. The group slowed down, taking a moment for one last check.


    Among them were two non-combatants: John and a woman named Marie, an alchemist. Her skill, Plant Identification, seemed useless in this situation, but survival wasn¡¯t about fighting for them. Their goal was simple: evade the goblins and stay alive. Goblins, even at higher levels, were notoriously dumb. If they moved smartly, they could minimize the threat.


    Sam took a deep breath, gripping his sword tightly as he stepped forward to lead the way into the room.


    ¡°GRAAAAAA!¡±


    The goblin leader let out a deafening roar, his massive frame towering over the others. His green, sinewy body bristled with rage as he lifted a crude but menacing axe. Without hesitation, he hurled it straight at Sam.


    Sam¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. What the¡ª? He hadn¡¯t expected the goblin leader to act so decisively. Looks like elites really are different, he thought.


    There was no time to dodge. Sam raised his shield just in time to intercept the flying axe.


    CLANG!


    The force of the impact reverberated through his arm, and the axe deflected, embedding itself into the ground with a dull thunk.


    The goblin leader¡¯s eyes widened momentarily, as if surprised that his attack had been stopped. Then his face twisted with fury, and he roared again. The axe shimmered and dissolved into mist before instantly reappearing in the goblin¡¯s hand.


    ¡°A skill? Item effect?¡± Sam wondered briefly. But there was no time to analyze it. His job was clear: take down the leader as fast as possible and then help the others deal with the remaining nine.


    Sam dashed forward, his speed a blur. The goblin leader hesitated, clearly panicking at the sudden charge. Sam swung his sword in a powerful arc.


    CLANG!


    The goblin leader raised his axe just in time to block the strike. With a guttural growl, it lashed out with a punch, but Sam sidestepped effortlessly and countered with a punch of his own. His fist connected with the goblin¡¯s face, sending it sprawling to the ground.


    Sam frowned as the goblin leader scrambled back to its feet. His stats were higher, but not too much to end the fight quickly. This is going to take too long. I¡¯ll have to take some Pain, he thought grimly.


    The goblin leader roared again, pointing at its minions and gesturing toward Sam behind. The smaller goblins hesitated before beginning to spread out, to attack Sam''s teammate.


    It¡¯s smarter than I thought. Great, Sam thought, his annoyance growing.


    But he didn¡¯t care anymore. Throwing his shield to Michael Hope his brother used it well, Sam dashed forward with reckless speed. The goblin leader¡¯s eyes gleamed with a predatory light as it saw an opening and swung its axe with all its might, aiming to cleave Sam in half.


    Sam didn¡¯t dodge.


    The axe slammed into his arm and shoulder with brutal force, biting deep into his bone. Pain shot through him, but he gritted his teeth and grabbed the goblin leader¡¯s wrist with his injured hand. The goblin growled, trying to pull away, but Sam¡¯s grip was ironclad, squeezing so hard that blood began to seep from the goblin¡¯s arm.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere,¡± Sam growled.


    Ignoring the pain, Sam drove his sword into the goblin leader¡¯s chest, again and again, Stub Cut bashed with his sword to deal more damage to the goblin leader. The creature howled in agony, its roars filling the cave, but its vitality was astounding¡ªit wasn¡¯t going down easily. Sam thought it was too slow!


    With a frustrated snarl, Sam tossed his sword aside and drove his bare hand into the goblin¡¯s wound.


    ¡°Let¡¯s end this,¡± he muttered.


    Activating his unique skill at full power, he channeled everything into the goblin leader.


    The creature¡¯s screams turned to shrieks of terror as its body began to swell grotesquely, overgrowing in an instant. Its flesh twisted and expanded uncontrollably until, with a sickening BOOM, it burst into a ball of green gore.


    Sam stood there, drenched in blood and viscera, his breathing heavy.


    ¡°Disgusting,¡± he thought, shaking his head as the stench hit him. But the leader was dead, and that was all that mattered


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin Leader: level 25]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 19]

 Chapter 19 - Reward!

    As Sam turned his attention to his team, he quickly assessed the situation. Michael seemed to be holding his own, his strikes steady and precise, though his movements were growing sluggish. Ann, on the other hand, was exceeding expectations. She had already taken down one goblin by herself, her spear glowing with a radiant blue aura.


    Her skill, Judgment Thrust, was a sight to behold. Each attack was imbued with a star-like brilliance, the spear tip piercing through her target with deadly precision. The goblin she struck collapsed instantly, a clean hole in its chest marking the fatal blow.


    However, the rest of the team wasn¡¯t faring as well. Most were barely holding their ground, their movements frantic as they focused more on avoiding death than landing effective hits. Eddie, at least, was handling himself. His speed and agility allowed him to stay ahead of the goblins, dodging their clumsy strikes with ease.


    The worst off was Maria, the group¡¯s alchemist. Her arm was badly injured, nearly severed, and she was struggling to retreat. The others did their best to cover her, but their efforts were strained, their injuries mounting.


    Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed as he spotted the five goblins relentlessly pursuing Maria¡¯s group. Without hesitation, he dashed toward them, his body a blur of motion.


    He didn¡¯t have his sword¡ªit was lost in the pool of green blood from the goblin leader. But he didn¡¯t need it.


    The first goblin barely had time to register his presence before Sam¡¯s fist slammed into its face with devastating force.


    CRACK!


    The goblin¡¯s head exploded in a spray of green ichor, its body crumpling to the ground.


    The remaining four goblins roared in anger, lunging at him all at once. Sam dodged their attacks with fluid precision, weaving through their strikes as though predicting their every move.


    One goblin swung a rusty blade at his side, but Sam twisted away, delivering a bone-shattering punch to its ribs. It collapsed, wheezing, before going still.


    The second goblin lunged from behind, but Sam ducked low, sweeping its legs out from under it and slamming his fist into its chest.


    The final two hesitated, their feral instincts recognizing the predator before them. It didn¡¯t matter. Sam closed the gap in an instant, dispatching them with swift, brutal efficiency.


    In just ten seconds, all five goblins lay dead at his feet.


    Sam didn¡¯t pause to admire his work. He immediately turned his attention to Michael, Ann, and Eddie, who were still fighting the last three goblins. Ann¡¯s spear glowed as she delivered another devastating strike, impaling her opponent.


    Sam moved to assist Michael, blocking an incoming attack and countering with a powerful blow that left the goblin lifeless. Eddie, with Sam¡¯s help, dispatched the final goblin, ending the fight.


    The room grew silent, save for the heavy breathing of the group. The air reeked of blood and sweat, but the danger was finally gone.


    Sam took a moment to scan the room, ensuring no other threats remained before turning to his team. ¡°Everyone okay?¡± he asked, his tone firm but laced with concern.


    ¡°Ahhhhhhhhhh!¡±


    Maria¡¯s scream pierced the air, raw with agony and fear. Her arm dangled by a mere shred of flesh, the wound grotesque and oozing blood. The rest of the group, including Sam, couldn¡¯t help but recoil at the sight, a wave of nausea and horror washing over them.


    ¡°Help me! I don¡¯t want to be crippled! Help!¡± Maria¡¯s voice trembled, panic overtaking her as she clutched at her mangled arm.


    Michael immediately rushed to her side, his expression a mix of determination and desperation. ¡°Hold still, Maria. I¡¯ve got you,¡± he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around him.


    Yellow energy began to gather around him, glowing brighter as it coalesced into a concentrated aura. With a burst of motion, he released the energy outward in a radiant wave. It was his skill, Healing Pulse.


    The aura washed over Maria¡¯s wound, momentarily staunching the bleeding. For a brief second, the group let out a collective sigh of relief.


    But the bleeding resumed just as quickly, crimson streaks seeping through the makeshift bandage.


    ¡°Ahhhhhh! It doesn¡¯t work! It doesn¡¯t work! I¡¯m going to die! I don¡¯t want to die!¡± Maria screamed again, tears streaming down her face as panic gripped her entirely.


    Michael gritted his teeth, his hands shaking as he pulled out five red potions¡ªthe rewards they had received from clearing the floor. He uncorked one and quickly held it to Maria¡¯s lips. ¡°Drink this,¡± he urged, his voice tight.


    Maria gulped the potion down, her body trembling as the liquid took effect. The wound began to close slightly, the bleeding slowing but not stopping entirely. Her flesh knit together just enough to hold, but the injury was still severe, her bones fractured and unhealed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not enough,¡± Michael muttered under his breath, frustration clear on his face.


    Sam knelt beside them, his expression hardened. He glanced at the wound, then at Michael.


    Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. He thought for a moment before speaking, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Maria, I¡¯m going to try something. I¡¯ll use my skill to heal you, but whatever you feel, don¡¯t resist it. If you fight it, it could make things worse.¡±


    Maria nodded weakly, her eyes brimming with tears. ¡°O-okay... I won¡¯t,¡± she whispered, her voice trembling.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Sam knelt beside her and placed his hand gently over her mangled arm. He focused, activating his unique skill: Source of All Matter. A faint, gray mist began to seep from his palm, flowing like a living entity toward Maria¡¯s wound.


    The moment the mist touched her flesh, Maria flinched. Sam felt a subtle resistance, the mist hesitating at the wound¡¯s edge.


    ¡°Don¡¯t resist,¡± Sam reminded her, his tone steady but insistent.


    Maria winced, biting her lip. ¡°It¡¯s... ticklish. Sorry.¡±


    Sam nodded, adjusting his focus. This time, he carefully guided the mist into the wound, the resistance fading as Maria forced herself to relax. The gray energy flowed into her arm, seeping into the torn flesh and fractured bone with a strange, almost ethereal precision.


    Sam worked slowly. It wasn¡¯t his body, and he couldn¡¯t afford to rush. The mist began to integrate with Maria¡¯s cells, transforming and repairing them one by one. The process was painstaking, but the results were undeniable.


    The jagged edges of the wound smoothed out, the severed tissues knitting back together. Bones that had been shattered fused seamlessly, and the deep gashes vanished entirely, leaving behind unblemished skin.


    The group watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide with awe.


    ¡°What... what is that?¡± Michael murmured, unable to tear his gaze away.


    ¡°It¡¯s like her arm is a vampire,¡± Ann whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief.


    As the last traces of gray mist faded, Maria stared at her arm, now fully restored. Her fingers flexed tentatively, her eyes filling with tears¡ªnot of pain, but of relief.


    ¡°It¡¯s... it¡¯s healed,¡± she said, her voice trembling with gratitude. ¡°Sam, you... you saved me.¡±


    Sam exhaled slowly, the faintest hint of exhaustion flickering across his face. He stood, brushing off his hands. ¡°Just don¡¯t make a habit of it,¡± he said gruffly, though there was a softness in his tone.


    Sam remained cautious throughout the process, fully aware of the risks. One wrong move with his skill and Maria could end up like the goblin leader¡ªdead in a gruesome explosion of uncontrolled growth. As he carefully healed her, Sam discovered something new about his unique skill.


    Source of All Matter didn¡¯t just repair; it allowed him to form a temporary connection with the cells he created. He could feel Maria¡¯s cells responding to his energy, almost as if they were an extension of himself.


    The realization unsettled him. It wasn¡¯t right to have that kind of control over another person, even if it was unintentional. As soon as Maria¡¯s wound was fully healed, Sam severed the connection, releasing the faint thread that tied his energy to her.


    Maria flexed her newly healed arm, her expression shifting from fear to awe. ¡°Thank you, Sam,¡± she said softly, her gratitude clear, Sam nodded.


    He stood and addressed the group. ¡°Let¡¯s get our reward and rest for a minute before we move on to Floor 2,¡± he said.


    The group nodded, still shaken but visibly relieved.


    Sam reopened his system interface, the translucent window materializing before his eyes. His focus shifted to the notification awaiting him.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 20]


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 20]


    [DUNGEON QUEST]


    Quest Name: Goblins Village - Floor 1 [Complete]


    Time Remaining: -


    Objective: Eliminate all goblins [ 100 / 100 ]


    Rewards: 5 Health Potion, Random Common skill book.


    As he scanned the rewards, Sam allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. The team had managed to clear the floor, and while they had taken risks and suffered injuries, they were stronger for it.


    The group murmured in agreement, the tension in the air slowly giving way to a cautious sense of accomplishment.


    Sam chose to accept the rewards. A soft glow enveloped his hands, and moments later, five red potions and a small white book materialized in his grip.


    Ding!


    A system notification appeared before Sam, its familiar chime cutting through the silence.


    [System Challenger Title Activated]


    You have received additional quest rewards: 1 Common Random Box


    Sam glanced at the shimmering box that materialized in his hand. Its surface was smooth, with faint golden patterns that danced across its exterior. He inspected it briefly before tucking it into his backpack.


    I¡¯ll open them all at once after we clear the dungeon, he thought. If his calculations were correct, he should have at least three random boxes by the time they exited.


    Then he inspected the potions first, their crimson liquid shimmering faintly in the dim light. A translucent window appeared before him, detailing the item¡¯s properties.


    [Health Potion]


    [Rarity]: Common


    [Use]: 1


    [Description]: Restores a small amount of life force.


    Sam¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as he considered the description. A small amount, he thought. Better than nothing, but not enough for emergencies like Maria¡¯s wound. He pocketed the potions, silently vowing to keep them for moments when every second mattered.


    Next, he turned his attention to the small white book. Its surface was smooth, almost glossy, and it emitted a faint glow. The system window updated as he examined it:


    [Skill Book: Quick Step]


    [Rarity]: Common


    [Use]: 1


    [Description]: Grants the skill Quick Step, a burst of agility to enhance movement speed for a short duration.


    Sam paused as he inspected the white skill book. Quick Step, he mused.


    I don¡¯t have anything like this yet. Might as well use it.


    Without hesitation, Sam sent his intent into the book. The surface of the book shimmered before dissolving into a brilliant white light. The energy flowed into his body, spreading a warm, tingling sensation through his limbs.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new skill: Quick Step <Common>]


    [Quick Step <Common>]: Instantly increase movement speed by 30% for 5 seconds.


    Sam flexed his hands, feeling a faint surge of energy in his legs. Not bad, he thought. It¡¯s simple, but it could make all the difference in a fight.


    He closed the notification and turned his focus back to the group. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, his tone steady. ¡°Let¡¯s finish up here and get ready for the next floor.¡±


    Sam walked toward the far side of the cavern, his boots crunching softly against the bloodstained ground. The room was eerily quiet now, the echoes of the battle fading into silence.


    As the last goblin¡¯s body hit the floor, a faint hum filled the air. In the corner of the cavern, the shimmering vortex of a portal began to materialize. Its swirling energy glowed with the same blue hue as the one they had stepped through to enter the dungeon.


    Sam approached cautiously, the light from the portal casting flickering shadows against the walls. As he drew closer, a translucent system window appeared in front of him.


    Sam walked toward the far side of the cavern, his boots crunching softly against the bloodstained ground. The room was eerily quiet now, the echoes of the battle fading into silence.


    As the last goblin¡¯s body hit the floor, a faint hum filled the air. In the corner of the cavern, the shimmering vortex of a portal began to materialize. Its swirling energy glowed with the same blue hue as the one they had stepped through to enter the dungeon.


    Sam approached cautiously, the light from the portal casting flickering shadows against the walls. As he drew closer, a translucent system window appeared in front of him.


    [Goblins Village - Floor 2 Entrance]


    He studied the portal for a moment, noting the familiar vortex spinning like water caught in a whirlpool. Its energy pulsed faintly, inviting them to continue.


    Sam turned to glance back at his team, who were still tending to their wounds and recovering from the intense battle. They had made it this far, but Floor 2 would undoubtedly be even more dangerous.


    Time to see what¡¯s next, he thought, his gaze returning to the portal.

 Chapter 20 - Floor 2!

    As Sam stepped through the portal, the familiar sensation of being pulled through space enveloped him again. When his feet touched solid ground, the air was different¡ªheavier, with a metallic tang that clung to his senses.


    This time, they weren¡¯t in a forest.


    Sam scanned his surroundings, his eyes narrowing. They had emerged in what appeared to be a medieval city. Stone buildings loomed on either side of the cobblestone streets, their windows shattered and doors hanging loosely on broken hinges. The scent of death was overwhelming, and the silence was deafening, broken only by the faint buzz of flies.


    Human corpses littered the ground, their bodies twisted in grotesque angles, as though they had faced a merciless slaughter. Blood pooled in the cracks between the stones, forming trails that led deeper into the city.


    As the others stepped out of the portal behind him, murmurs quickly spread through the group:


    ¡°What¡¯s that smell?¡± one whispered, their voice trembling.


    ¡°Oh no...¡± another muttered, their eyes wide with horror as they took in the carnage.


    Ann covered her mouth and nose, her expression pale. ¡°This is... this is a massacre.¡±


    Michael¡¯s jaw tightened, his eyes darting from one body to the next. ¡°What happened here?¡±


    Before anyone could answer, a soft chime echoed in the air, drawing their attention.


    [DUNGEON QUEST]


    Quest Name: Goblins Village - Floor 2


    Time Remaining: -


    Objective: Investigate the city and uncover the source of the massacre.


    Rewards: 5 Energy Potion, Uncommon Equipment.


    Sam¡¯s eyes scanned the translucent window, his mind racing. The system wasn¡¯t giving them much to work with.


    ¡°Stay close,¡± Sam said, his voice steady despite the grim scene. ¡°We don¡¯t know what¡¯s out there yet, but it¡¯s not going to be friendly. Stay sharp and be ready for anything.¡±


    The group nodded hesitantly, their weapons drawn as they steeled themselves for what lay ahead.


    Sam scanned the eerie, blood-soaked streets as Eddie knelt by a set of faint tracks near a toppled cart. ¡°Eddie, can you track anything?¡± Sam asked, his voice calm but laced with tension.


    Eddie frowned, his eyes glowing faintly as he activated his skill. He stood slowly, brushing the dirt off his hands. ¡°There are too many,¡± he said, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s like a whole army marched through here.¡±


    Michael glanced around, his face pale. ¡°An army? Are we supposed to be in some kind of goblin village? Why did we end up in a city instead?¡±


    Sam nodded slightly, sharing Michael¡¯s confusion. ¡°That¡¯s been bothering me too. Do you think all this... this massacre was caused by goblins?¡±


    Ann chimed in, her spear resting loosely at her side. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Not unless there were tens of thousands of them. Goblins are too weak to pull off something like this.¡± She hesitated, her gaze falling on a nearby corpse. ¡°And... do you think these human bodies are even real?¡±


    The question hung in the air, heavy and unsettling.


    Sam¡¯s brows furrowed as he considered Ann¡¯s words. He looked around again, this time more closely. The corpses, the blood, the eerie silence¡ªit all felt off. Too perfect. Too deliberate.


    ¡°It¡¯s like...¡± Sam began, pausing to find the right words. ¡°It¡¯s like this entire dungeon is just... fake. A setup. Everything here feels like it¡¯s designed for some kind of twisted game.¡±


    The group fell silent, each of them grappling with the unsettling realization. The dungeon wasn¡¯t just dangerous¡ªit was crafted, and calculated.


    Sam¡¯s thoughts churned as he stared at the grim scene around them. ¡°If this really is some kind of game,¡± he muttered, half to himself, ¡°then the clue has to be at the center.¡±


    He looked up, scanning the skyline of the ruined city for the tallest structure. His eyes landed on a building that rose slightly higher than the others¡ªa crumbling stone tower about fifteen meters tall.


    Turning to the group, he said firmly, ¡°Wait here. I¡¯m going to get a better view from the top of that building.¡±


    Without waiting for a response, Sam leaped into action. He reached the base of the tower in moments and began climbing, his movements fluid and deliberate as his hands and feet found purchase on the worn stone.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Minutes later, he hauled himself onto the rooftop. The Tower wasn¡¯t tall by Earth¡¯s standards, but here, in the ancient city, it was high enough to give him a vantage point over most of the area.


    Sam rose to his feet and surveyed the city below. What he saw sent a jolt through him.


    All around the city, there was movement¡ªsmall, erratic shapes darting between the ruins. Goblins. Hundreds, maybe thousands of them, scattered across the landscape like a teeming horde.


    But that wasn¡¯t what caught his attention.


    In the center of the city, a massive red rift glowed ominously, its chaotic energy swirling violently. It was similar to the portals they had used, but far more unstable. The edges of the rift flickered erratically, its shape shifting as if it were alive.


    And then he noticed the shadows.


    One by one, small figures emerged from the rift, their forms becoming clearer as they stepped into the light. Goblins. More and more goblins spilling into the city with every passing moment.


    Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed. He instantly understood the situation.


    The longer we wait, the worse this is going to get, he thought. The goblins will keep coming, overwhelming the city and making it impossible for anyone to survive.


    For most people, this would be a death sentence¡ªa hopeless scenario. But for Sam, it was something else entirely.


    For me... this is an endless grind.


    His lips curled into a faint, determined smirk. The danger was real, but so was the opportunity.


    Sam climbed down from the tower, his movements swift and sure, before making his way back to the group. Gathering everyone, he quickly relayed what he had seen and his thoughts on their next course of action.


    Michael was the first to speak. ¡°So you¡¯re suggesting we secure the rift and use it as a resource point?¡±


    Sam nodded. ¡°Yes. The goblins are respawning there, which means it¡¯s a steady supply of experience and potential loot. If we can hold the center, it could push our levels to 25 or even 30.¡±


    Michael frowned, considering the idea. ¡°It¡¯s risky,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°Even if we succeed, how are we supposed to last long enough? We¡¯ll run out of stamina eventually, and then we¡¯re as good as dead.¡±


    Sam crossed his arms, his expression calm but firm. ¡°I think the dungeon is designed to reward us for completing objectives. If we clear this floor¡¯s quest, we¡¯ll likely get energy potions. That should help us sustain ourselves.¡±


    Michael raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s just an assumption.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Sam admitted. ¡°But it makes sense. The system isn¡¯t just about killing us¡ªit¡¯s about testing us. There has to be a way to keep going, and this is the most logical path.¡±


    Michael let out a breath, nodding slowly. ¡°It does make sense. Alright, let¡¯s plan this out carefully.¡±


    The group huddled together, laying out their strategy.


    Clear the City First: The team would eliminate all the goblins scattered throughout the city to remove the threat of being surrounded.


    Michael and Eddie would lead the others in hunting down the goblins.


    The spread-out goblins posed less of a risk as long as the team moved cautiously.


    Secure the Rift: Sam would remain in the center of the city, holding the rift on his own to prevent new spawns from overwhelming them.


    The goal was to keep the rift under control until the rest of the team could grind enough experience and join him.


    ¡°How long do you think it¡¯ll take to clear the city?¡± Michael asked, glancing at Eddie and Ann.


    Ann tilted her head, thinking. ¡°Maybe two days if we¡¯re thorough and careful.¡±


    John sighed. ¡°Two days... Will the others outside be okay without us for that long?¡±


    The question hung in the air, and Sam could see the concern in their faces. He met Michael¡¯s gaze and then looked at the others. ¡°They¡¯ll be fine,¡± he said, though there was a slight edge of worry in his voice. ¡°Their job is just to hold out for a couple more days.¡±


    Michael nodded reluctantly. ¡°I gave Dad a gun with a couple dozen bullets. If anything like a bear or a stray goblin shows up, they should be able to handle it.¡±


    Sam nodded, his resolve firming. ¡°Then let¡¯s not waste any more time. The sooner we start, the sooner we can end this.¡±


    The group exchanged determined looks before setting off to put their plan into action.


    <hr>


    As Sam approached the rift, its chaotic red glow intensified, pulsing like a living heartbeat. The air around it felt heavy, charged with an unnatural energy that seemed to press against his skin. When he stepped into the center of the area, a system notification appeared before him


    [DUNGEON QUEST]


    Quest Name: Goblins Village - Floor 2 [Complete]


    Time Remaining: -


    Objective: Investigate the city and uncover the source of the massacre.


    Rewards: 5 Energy Potion, Uncommon Equipment.


    Ding!


    [System Challenger Title Activated]


    You have received additional quest rewards: 1 Common Random Box


    Sam smirked. Just as I thought. This rift is the source of the massacre.


    Before he could inspect his rewards, a guttural roar echoed through the ruins.


    ¡°Gaaaarrr!¡±


    He glanced up, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a massive wave of goblins charging toward him from all directions. Their snarls and battle cries filled the air, their crude weapons gleaming in the chaotic light of the rift.


    Sam quickly scanned the area, estimating their numbers. More than a hundred, he thought, his expression remaining calm.


    But the sight didn¡¯t faze him. Since the moment he gained Grandmist, Sam had stopped fearing exhaustion. Even in prolonged battles, his energy never ran out. The small but potent reserve of Grandmist within his energy core regenerated so quickly that it allowed him to fight endlessly if needed.


    This will be the perfect chance to test how well it sustains me over the next two days, Sam thought, his grip tightening on his sword.


    As the goblins closed the distance, another chime echoed in his mind, accompanied by a new system notice


    Ding!


    [DUNGEON QUEST]


    Quest Name: Goblins Village - Floor Boss


    Time Remaining: -


    Objective: Enter the rift and destroy the Rift Core [0 / 1]


    Rewards: 1000 Soul Points.


    Sam¡¯s eyes flicked back to the rift, its chaotic energy swirling violently. So, the rift has a core. That¡¯s the end goal.


    But before he could deal with the core, there was the small matter of the goblin army rushing toward him.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he muttered under his breath, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. ¡°Let¡¯s see how long you can keep up.¡±


    As the first wave of goblins neared, Sam readied himself, his sword gleaming under the red glow.

 Chapter 21 - Grind!

    Sam stood firm, his eyes narrowing as the horde of goblins surged toward him. Their snarls and wild cries filled the air, but his expression remained calm, almost cold. He clenched his fist, channeling the immense power of Grandmist into his strike.


    When the first goblin lunged, Sam¡¯s fist shot forward, traveling faster than the eye could follow.


    CRACK!


    The moment his fist struck the goblin¡¯s skin, something extraordinary happened. Sparks of pure energy ignited in the space between his knuckles and the creature¡¯s body, creating a volatile reaction.


    ¡°BOOM!¡±


    A massive wave of energy erupted from the point of impact, consuming the goblin instantly. The explosion radiated outward, annihilating several goblins around it in a blinding flash of destructive power.


    The ground trembled beneath Sam¡¯s feet as the explosion¡¯s shockwave rippled through the area. The goblins that had been advancing suddenly froze, their movements faltering as they stared in terror at the aftermath. Where their comrades had stood, there was now only a smoldering crater.


    But fear didn¡¯t stop them for long. Driven by instinct or desperation, they resumed their charge, swarming toward the fist-wielding figure at the center of the destruction.


    Sam¡¯s lips curled into a faint smirk. ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered, raising his fist again.


    This time, he slammed his fist into the ground with all his might.


    ¡°BOOMMMMMMM!¡±


    The impact triggered an explosion so immense it resembled a small nuclear blast. A blinding dome of light engulfed the area, the sheer heat and energy reducing everything in its radius to dust. Goblins, debris, and even the cobblestone street were obliterated, leaving nothing but a gaping void in the middle of the city.


    When the light finally faded, only Sam stood in the epicenter of the destruction. The ground beneath him was unscathed, seemingly untouched by the heat and explosive force. Not a single speck of dust clung to his body, and the faint glow of Grandmist around him flickered ominously.


    The silence that followed was absolute. The city, once teeming with goblins, was now eerily quiet.


    Sam lowered his fist, his breathing steady, and surveyed the desolation around him. This power... It¡¯s more destructive than I expected.


    He glanced toward the rift, which continued to pulse ominously.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 18]


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 13]


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 17]


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 30]


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human / Heaven


    Class: Unbound Initiate


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 30 [Tier 1]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 33 +10[+80%]


    Agility: 33 +10[+80%]


    Vitality:33 +10[+80%]


    Endurance: 33 +10[+80%]


    Intelligence: 33 +10[+80%]


    Wisdom: 32 +10[+80%]


    Luck: 100 +10[+80%]


    Grandmist: 10 +10[+80%]


    Undistributed Stats: 5


    [SKILLS]: Mental Ruler <Legendary>, Apex Concentration <Legendary>, Source of All Matter<Unique> +2, Flash Step <Legendary>, Atomic Fissure <Mythic>. [+40%]


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: The Eye of Heaven, Unbound.


    Sam smiled with satisfaction as he reflected on the past two days. Experimenting freely with Grandmist and Source of All Matter had transformed him into a living weapon of mass destruction.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    On the first day, his sword¡ªalready worn from countless battles¡ªfinally gave out. At Level 25, the weapon couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure of his enhanced strength and shattered into two useless pieces. Forced to improvise, Sam picked up goblin weapons, but their crude craftsmanship didn¡¯t suit him. They felt clumsy in his hands, frustratingly ineffective.


    That¡¯s when he decided to rely solely on his fists.


    At first, he experimented with Source of All Matter to generate antimatter. He thought it might amplify his strikes. But the moment he created it, the antimatter collided with dust particles in the air, triggering a catastrophic explosion.


    The blast was devastating. Sam lost both his arms and every shred of clothing, leaving him completely exposed and humiliated. Groaning in frustration, he quickly restored his arms using Source of All Matter and generated makeshift fabric to wrap around his body.


    Shaken but undeterred, Sam vowed never to attempt antimatter again¡ªnot until he learned how to safely contain it.


    His next experiment was more controlled. He created a small cloud of uranium particles, carefully manipulating them with his unique skill. Then, with precise mental focus, he commanded the particles to break themselves apart all at once.


    The result? A devastating explosion.


    While not as catastrophic as the antimatter incident, the blast was still powerful enough to knock him off his feet and scorch his surroundings. Once again, Sam found himself battered by his own creation.


    Determined to master his abilities, Sam refined his approach. He began experimenting with directing the energy released by these atomic reactions. Using both his mental power and Source of All Matter, he worked tirelessly to control the destructive force, channeling it into precise strikes.


    The result of his relentless efforts was a new skill: Atomic Fissure.


    The power of the skill was unparalleled. Each strike unleashed an explosion that could obliterate anything in its path while leaving him unscathed. The system recognized his mastery, granting him not only the Mythic Skill but also a new title.


    [Atomic Fissure <Mythic>]: Channel immense destructive energy into your fist, creating a volatile reaction upon impact. The collision generates an explosive fissure of raw power, devastating the target and everything in the immediate area.


    [Mythic Wielder]: You wield the power of Mythic skill when being below tier 4 - Increases the effectiveness of all skills by 20%


    And¡­.


    [Apex Concentration <Legendary>]: Achieve unparalleled focus and mastery in battle, heightening perception, reaction speed, and precision to their absolute peak.


    [Flash Step <Legendary>]: Instantly increase movement speed by 1000% for a single step, allowing for rapid repositioning or evasion.


    His once-basic skills had evolved into something extraordinary.


    Both skills had started as Battle Focus and Quick Step, but after channeling Grandmist into them during combat, they had transformed into their current forms.


    Sam¡¯s mind raced with possibilities. So, Grandmist doesn¡¯t just fuel my power¡ªit enhances the very nature of my abilities. This isn¡¯t just an evolution; it¡¯s a complete overhaul.


    The theory began to form clearly in his mind: Any skill infused with Grandmist is strengthened to Legendary grade or higher.


    But one thought lingered. This is still just a theory. I need to test it again on another skill to confirm.


    Sam flexed his hands, feeling the raw energy coursing through him. His destructive power was now unparalleled, and with every experiment, he grew more confident in his ability to wield it.


    ¡°This is just the beginning,¡± Sam murmured, a faint smirk playing on his lips.


    As Sam waited near the rift, his mind wandered. Why are they so late? he thought, frowning slightly. They should¡¯ve been here already. It¡¯s been two and a half days.


    His thoughts were interrupted by the faint sound of footsteps echoing from the nearby city block. He stood up quickly, his gaze fixed in the direction of the noise. Moments later, Michael and the others emerged from the shadows, their weary but determined expressions visible under the faint red glow of the rift.


    ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± Sam muttered to himself, a small sense of relief washing over him.


    He walked toward them, raising a hand in greeting. ¡°How are you all? What took so long?¡±


    Michael sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Sorry. I miscalculated how much time we¡¯d need to recover stamina and tend to injuries. It ended up taking longer than expected.¡±


    Sam nodded, his expression neutral. ¡°Fair enough. How¡¯s everyone holding up?¡±


    Michael glanced at the group behind him, then back at Sam. ¡°We didn¡¯t lose anyone, though we had some close calls. What about you? How have things been here? And... how many goblins have you taken down?¡±


    Sam shrugged casually. ¡°I lost count. Maybe a couple thousand? At first, they came out one by one. Easy to deal with. But once I cleared them all, they started emerging in waves. The first wave was around a hundred. The last wave?¡± He paused, his gaze shifting back toward the rift. ¡°More than a thousand.¡±


    Michael¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°A thousand? And you handled that on your own?¡±


    Sam smirked faintly. ¡°I didn¡¯t have much of a choice. The good news is, I¡¯ve figured out the timing. If I¡¯m not wrong, the next wave should start in about two hours.¡±


    The group exchanged glances, the weight of Sam¡¯s words sinking in.


    ¡°Two hours, huh?¡± Michael said, taking a deep breath. ¡°Then we¡¯d better be ready. No mistakes this time.¡±


    Sam nodded, his tone steady. ¡°Let¡¯s get into position and prepare. It¡¯s going to get even harder from here.¡±


    While discussing their next steps, Michael spoke up, his tone firm. ¡°Let¡¯s wrap this up in one day. The group outside is waiting for us, and honestly... I don¡¯t want to stay here any longer.¡±


    Sam nodded. ¡°Fair enough. I¡¯m worried about my family too.¡±


    The plan they devised was straightforward: Sam would act as the tank, holding off the goblins and allowing the rest of the group to focus on grinding. He¡¯d let around 300 goblins swarm at a time, giving the others ample opportunity to rack up kills and experience.


    For an entire day, the group worked tirelessly, methodically hunting down goblins. By the end of it, they were more than just survivors¡ªthey were goblin slayers in truth, even if the system hadn¡¯t awarded them the title.


    During a break, Sam took a moment to assess their progress. From the group chat, he learned that everyone had now reached Level 20 or higher. Even the two non-combatants, Maria and John, had unlocked their second skill options.


    The discussion turned to the discoveries they¡¯d made along the way. One particularly intriguing observation was the way skills interacted with different stats. Eddie and another group member had both selected the skill Quick Dash, yet its effects varied significantly depending on their energy stat.


    Eddie, whose primary stat was Kinetic, displayed a silent, fluid movement with Quick Dash, like a breeze slipping past unnoticed. It was perfect for evasion or repositioning without drawing attention.


    The other member, whose stat was Stamina, had an entirely different result. Their Quick Dash was explosive, generating a visible burst of force that created pressure on enemies nearby. It was far from subtle but excellent for creating openings in combat.


    Sam stroked his chin thoughtfully, filing away this valuable information. So even the same skill can behave differently depending on the energy type that powers it. This could open up endless possibilities for skill synergies.


    As the group prepared for the final push, Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of pride. They¡¯d come a long way since the start of the trial, and their progress was undeniable.


    As the group took a moment to recover and interact, the distant sound of snarling echoed through the area. Goblins began to emerge from the rift, their eyes gleaming with hostility.


    "Gaarrrr!" one of them hissed, its guttural voice filling the air.


    Sam couldn¡¯t help but smirk at the cocky goblin. Turning to his group, he spoke with a confident grin, "Let¡¯s kill some mop."


    And just like that, the team grind began.

 Chapter 22 - Rift!

    ¡°BOOM!¡±


    ¡°BOOM!¡±


    ¡°BOOMMMMMM!¡±


    The relentless explosions echoed across the battlefield, each one sending a shockwave rippling through the air. The nine others sat outside the combat zone, huddled together with exhaustion etched into their faces. They had fought continuously for a full day, pushing themselves beyond their limits. Now, they could only watch as Sam single-handedly handled the last wave of goblins.


    Michael leaned against a broken column, his chest heaving as he wiped the sweat from his brow. ¡°I... I don¡¯t think that¡¯s human anymore,¡± he muttered, his voice barely audible over the roaring blasts.


    Ann, sitting nearby with her spear resting on her lap, nodded silently. Her usual lively expression was replaced with a mix of awe and unease. ¡°Every punch... it¡¯s like a freaking bomb going off. That¡¯s not just strength¡ªit¡¯s destruction,¡± she whispered.


    Eddie, sprawled out on the ground with his arms crossed behind his head, chuckled dryly. ¡°You know, I always thought I was quick on my feet. But watching him, I think I¡¯d rather be running away than toward anything he¡¯s aiming at.¡±


    ¡°Speak for yourself,¡± Maria muttered, cradling her recently healed arm. ¡°I¡¯m just glad he¡¯s on our side. Can you imagine if he wasn¡¯t?¡±


    A shiver ran through the group as they watched Sam deliver another devastating punch.


    BOOMMMMMMM!


    The ground shook, and a wave of heat and debris swept over them. They instinctively shielded their faces, but the sheer force of the shockwave left their ears ringing.


    John, the analyzer, his hands trembling slightly. ¡°One ton of TNT,¡± he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Eddie raised an eyebrow. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the equivalent energy of each of his punches,¡± John said, swallowing hard. ¡°I analyzed it during the last strike. It¡¯s... it¡¯s unreal. We¡¯re not looking at a human anymore. He¡¯s something else entirely.¡±


    The group fell silent, each lost in their thoughts. The sheer destructive power Sam displayed was both terrifying and awe-inspiring.


    Ann finally broke the silence. ¡°Well, whatever he is now, I¡¯m just grateful he¡¯s on our side. I wouldn¡¯t want to be the one on the receiving end of that.¡±


    Michael nodded, his expression conflicted. ¡°Yeah... but it¡¯s hard to watch and not feel like we¡¯re falling behind. He¡¯s... on a completely different level.¡±


    As they watched the final wave of goblins disintegrate under Sam¡¯s relentless assault, the group couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of fear and admiration. Their blank expressions betrayed their thoughts: This isn¡¯t a human¡ªthis is a god of war.


    Sam finally turned toward them, his body still glowing faintly with the residual energy of his attacks. ¡°That¡¯s the last of them,¡± he said simply, his tone as steady as ever. ¡°Get ready. After this, we¡¯re going into the rift to finish the dungeon.¡±


    The group exchanged glances. They were all Level 25 now, with Michael, Ann, and Eddie approaching Level 30. Each had selected their third skill, and their progress was undeniable.


    ¡°Ready as we¡¯ll ever be,¡± Michael said, forcing himself to his feet. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this.¡±


    With determination in their eyes, they prepared themselves for the final stage of the dungeon.


    <hr>


    As Sam waited for the others to ready themselves, he absentmindedly opened his system interface. The familiar chime echoed in his mind, accompanied by several notifications.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 33]


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Annihilator]


    Sam¡¯s eyes flicked to the description of the newly acquired title.


    [Annihilator]: You have defeated a thousand enemies of the same tier as yours in a single attack - Increase all stats by 10%


    This was great news. For Sam, Grandmist couldn¡¯t be increased through conventional means like other energy types. Titles that boosted his stats were the only way for him to enhance it.


    The thought lingered in his mind, reminding him of the knowledge he had gained during his evolution. Grandmist was an extraordinary force, The act of creating more was far beyond his current capabilities. Only beings at Tier 9¡ªthe Divine Gods¡ªhad the ability to create their own worlds.


    The realization had left him speechless and uneasy.


    Even now, he was consuming more Grandmist than he anticipated. Every use of his skills and even maintaining his existence seemed to draw on the energy, slowly but surely. His concern grew with each passing moment, knowing that without a sufficient reserve or regeneration rate, he might one day find himself unable to sustain his power¡ªor worse, his life.


    ¡°When I tier up,¡± he muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the rift, ¡°I can only hope that my Grandmist regeneration will scale with my needs.¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    For now, he had to push forward, relying on the titles and rewards to keep him moving. But in the back of his mind, the worry gnawed at him like a shadow that refused to fade.


    Michael called me seeing everyone ready Sam replied" Follow me "


    <hr>


    When Sam stepped through the rift, the sight that greeted him was unsettling. It was a forest¡ªbut not a lush, green one. The trees were gnarled and twisted, their bark deep red, as if soaked in blood. The air was thick with an unnatural stillness, and when Sam looked up, he saw the sky was just as disorganized and crimson as the landscape below.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a planet,¡± Sam muttered under his breath, scanning the environment. ¡°It¡¯s a pocket dimension.¡±


    He turned to the others, his eyes landing on John. ¡°Anything new?¡±


    John activated his skill, Inspect Eyes, his gaze flickering with a faint glow as he scanned the surroundings. After a moment, he shook his head. ¡°Nothing yet.¡±


    Michael stepped forward, glancing at Sam. ¡°Can you go up again? Get a better look?¡±


    Sam nodded without a word. He made his way to the tallest tree in sight and began climbing. The bark felt strange under his fingers, almost alive, but he ignored the discomfort. Reaching the top, he perched himself on a sturdy branch and surveyed the area.


    The layout of the dungeon confirmed his suspicions. Even without me, this is designed to be clearable¡ªwith some risk, he thought. The forest stretched far, but the eastern side immediately caught his attention.


    Just a kilometer away, he spotted a large goblin village. It wasn¡¯t just the size that stood out¡ªit was the concentration of goblins moving about. The village was alive with activity, and at its center, he noticed something glowing faintly: the rift core.


    ¡°John, get up here,¡± Sam called down.


    John climbed up, his movements deliberate as he joined Sam on the branch. For ten minutes, he scanned the eastern direction, his skill providing detailed insights. Finally, he descended, rejoining the group.


    Michael was the first to ask. ¡°What did you find?¡±


    John exhaled sharply, adjusting his glasses. ¡°The goblin village to the east has about 2,000 goblins. All of them are Level 20 or higher. Their leader¡ªa goblin chief¡ªis Level 30 and appears to be a mage.¡±


    Ann frowned, gripping her spear. ¡°And the core?¡±


    John nodded. ¡°I saw it. The rift core is in the middle of the village. The system gave me a prompt¡ªit said all we need to do is touch it. Once we do, the core will destroy itself, and every goblin in the village will die with it.¡±


    The group fell silent for a moment, absorbing the information.


    Michael broke the silence. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡±


    Sam glanced at the group, a faint smirk forming on his lips. ¡°What else?¡± he said. ¡°We go for a head-on battle.¡±


    The group exchanged determined glances.


    ¡°Easy,¡± Eddie said, cracking his knuckles. ¡°Let¡¯s show them what we¡¯ve got.¡±


    This floor was far simpler than the second. The numbers were lower than the waves Sam had faced before, and the objective¡ªjust touching the core¡ªseemed laughably easy.


    ¡°We¡¯re grinding them dry,¡± Sam said with a smirk, leading the group toward the goblin village¡¯s front gate.


    The goblins stationed along the wall spotted them immediately, their shrill cries echoing through the blood-red forest. ¡°Garrrrrrr!¡± one roared, signaling to the others.


    Moments later, the gate creaked open, and a swarm of goblins poured out, weapons raised and bloodlust in their eyes.


    Sam stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute. He couldn¡¯t let the goblins maintain their momentum. He needed to break their morale and establish dominance right from the start.


    His right fist began to glow with a silvery-grey mist, the light pulsing with an almost otherworldly energy. Without hesitation, he activated Flash Step, instantly appearing in front of the goblins before they had fully exited the gate.


    ¡°BOOM!!!!!¡±


    His fist collided with the gate, the sheer explosive force obliterating the doors and part of the wall. Chunks of stone and wood flew through the air, scattering the goblins like leaves in a storm. The shockwave alone sent several tumbling to the ground, their faces frozen in terror.


    Sam turned to his group, his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the Chief. You handle the rest. Grind as much as you can.¡±


    Michael nodded, shouting, ¡°Got it! Everyone, stick to the plan!¡±


    Sam crouched slightly, a grey-silver mist gathering around his feet as he prepared to jump. The air around him seemed to warp under the pressure of his power.


    ¡°Boom!¡±


    With an explosive burst, Sam launched himself into the sky, reaching a height of over 100 meters. From his vantage point, he scanned the village below. His eyes quickly locked onto the goblin chief¡ªa hulking figure near the rift core, surrounded by magical energy.


    The Chief snarled, raising his hands as a massive magic circle appeared around him. A blazing fireball began to materialize, its heat so intense it distorted the air around it.


    Sam watched as the fireball grew to nearly two meters in diameter before the Chief hurled it toward him with astonishing speed.


    Too fast to dodge, Sam thought, narrowing his eyes.


    Instead, he channeled 30% of his Grandmist energy into his fist, activating Atomic Fissure. Without the constraints of the ground beneath him, Sam unleashed the full force of his skill.


    His fist glowed brightly, a silver light that burned like a star in the crimson sky. Below, Michael¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Prepare for IMPACT!¡±


    The fireball streaked toward him, but as it reached within striking distance, it didn¡¯t collide. Instead, it was swallowed by the sheer destructive energy surrounding Sam¡¯s fist.


    Then came the real explosion.


    ¡°BOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!¡±


    A wave of annihilation rippled outward, obliterating everything in its path. The goblin chief, frozen in shock at the failure of his spell, had no time to react before the wave reached him. The ground beneath his feet deformed, turning to dust. The blast left a wasteland in its wake, a 100-meter radius of molten, glowing earth where the village once stood.


    Sam, still in the air, was knocked back by the force of his own attack. Tumbling uncontrollably, he crashed to the ground with a thud, groaning in pain.


    ¡°Damn... still can¡¯t control that much power,¡± he muttered, clutching his side.


    As he pushed himself up, he surveyed the aftermath. The red ground had turned into molten lava, and the once-crowded village was now nothing more than ash and ruin.


    Only one thing remained untouched in the destruction: the rift core, glowing faintly in the middle of the devastation, completely unscathed.


    Sam smirked through the pain.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Goblin Chief: level 30]


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    ¡­.¡­¡­.


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 34]


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human / Heaven


    Class: Unbound Initiate


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 34 [Tier 1]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 37 +10[+90%]


    Agility: 37 +10[+90%]


    Vitality:37 +10[+90%]


    Endurance: 37 +10[+90%]


    Intelligence: 37 +10[+90%]


    Wisdom: 37 +10[+90%]


    Luck: 100 +10[+90%]


    Grandmist: 10 +10[+90%]


    Undistributed Stats: 0


    [SKILLS]: Mental Ruler <Legendary>, Apex Concentration <Legendary>, Source of All Matter<Unique> +2, Flash Step <Legendary>, Atomic Fissure <Mythic>. [+40%]


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,...Etc.


    [TRAITS]: The Eye of Heaven, Unbound.

 Chapter 23 - Enemy!

    Sam sat on the scorched ground of the wasteland, his back leaning against a piece of cracked stone. The remnants of the battle still echoed faintly around him.


    ¡°Ting! Ting!¡± The sound of metal clashing rang out as goblins snarled their defiance.


    ¡°Garrrr!¡±


    He watched his team fighting the remaining goblins, his expression calm but amused. These goblins were noticeably stronger than the ones from Floor 2, but his group had come a long way. After days of grinding, their levels were high, their coordination sharper, and their confidence unshakable.


    Even against nearly a thousand goblins, they fought like seasoned warriors.


    Sam tilted his head, observing the skirmish with interest. These goblins... even at higher levels, they¡¯re weak. Their class must be basic, just common ones. Their skills are clearly inferior to the uncommon abilities my team has gained.


    A small smile crept onto his face as he watched the nine humans take on the horde. Just a week ago, we were living normal lives. Who would have imagined this?


    Time passed, and the tide of battle shifted. The number of goblins dwindled until there were fewer than a hundred. Ten minutes later, the last goblin fell, letting out a pitiful groan before collapsing lifelessly to the ground.


    The team regrouped, walking toward Sam, their expressions triumphant but not exhausted. Michael was the first to speak, grinning. ¡°So, how¡¯d we do? Fun to watch?¡±


    Sam chuckled, sitting up straighter. ¡°It was like watching football.¡±


    Michael laughed, shaking his head. ¡°Football, huh? Maybe you should¡¯ve cheered us on from the sidelines.¡±


    The group joined in with lighthearted laughter, the tension of the battle melting away. Even Ann, who usually carried a serious demeanor, let out a small laugh. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± she said, her voice steady but laced with relief.


    Sam nodded and pushed himself off the ground. ¡°Yeah, time to end this.¡±


    He walked toward the rift core, its faint glow the only thing untouched by the destruction around them. Without hesitation, he reached out and placed his hand on it.


    Ding!


    [DUNGEON QUEST]


    Quest Name: Goblins Village - Floor Boss [Complete]


    Time Remaining: -


    Objective: Enter the rift and destroy the Rift Core [1 / 1]


    Rewards: 1,000 Soul Points.


    Ding!


    [System Challenger Title Activated]


    You have received additional quest rewards: 1 Common Random Box


    As the last goblin fell and silence settled over the battlefield, someone in the group broke the quiet. ¡°Is it over? Where¡¯s the exit?¡±


    Before anyone could respond, a sudden, oppressive aura enveloped them. A shimmering blue light descended over the group, freezing them in place as if they were locked in invisible chains. Panic flickered in their eyes as they looked at each other, the only part of their bodies they could still move.


    ¡°W-what¡¯s going on?¡± Michael¡¯s voice trembled in his mind, though his lips couldn¡¯t move.


    Sam, however, was different. While the blue aura pressed down on everyone else, he found himself able to move. Looking around cautiously, he tried to assess what was happening.


    The world began to tremble violently. The ground beneath them fractured and split, jagged cracks spreading like spiderwebs. The blood-red sky above tore apart like shredded fabric, revealing a vast emptiness beyond.


    Then, everything collapsed.


    The dimension itself seemed to implode, sinking into nothingness. Sam and the others floated helplessly in the void, surrounded by an all-encompassing darkness. It wasn¡¯t just dark¡ªit was the absence of all light and substance. The void swallowed sound, leaving only the oppressive silence.


    Sam glanced around, his heart pounding. He could see the others floating nearby, their terrified expressions illuminated faintly by the blue aura. What is this place? he thought, his fists clenching as he tried to stay calm.


    A moment later, a faint glow appeared in the distance, growing brighter and brighter until the void was washed in light.


    Suddenly, they were no longer in the collapsing dimension.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The group found themselves standing in a pristine white room, its walls glowing with a soft, ethereal light. The oppressive aura vanished, and their bodies were freed from the paralysis.


    Eddie stumbled forward, breathing heavily. ¡°Ah! I can move again. You guys... did you see what just happened? That was terrifying!¡±


    Ann rubbed her arms, her expression pale. ¡°The way the world just... fell apart. I thought we were going to die.¡±


    Sam exhaled slowly, his voice calm but tense. ¡°It was... something else. I don¡¯t even know how we survived that.¡±


    Michael nodded, his hand gripping his weapon tightly. ¡°One second, we¡¯re in that forest, and the next... it¡¯s like the whole world disappeared around us.¡±


    The group exchanged uneasy glances, each processing the experience in their own way.


    Before they could dwell further, the familiar chime of the system rang out, pulling their attention.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have completed Goblins Village Dungeon]


    Reward: Title: Goblins Slayer, 1,000 Soul Points, 1 Random Uncommon Item. [CLAIM A REWARD]


    Ding!


    [System Challenger Title Activated]


    You have received additional quest rewards: 1 Rare Random Box.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Goblins Slayer]


    [Goblins Slayer]: Reward For Completed Goblins Village Dungeon - Increase all stats by 2


    Nice title, As the system notification faded, a faint glow appeared before Sam. Moments later, a pair of sturdy boots materialized, hovering just above the ground.


    [Durable Leather Boots]


    spending two days barefoot, they were a welcome sight. He slipped them on, flexing his toes to test the fit. ¡°Finally,¡± he muttered, ¡°no more walking on shards and debris.¡±


    The others chuckled, their spirits lifted by the small victory.


    ¡°Looking good,¡± Michael teased, his own smile returning as he leaned on his spear.


    Before Sam could respond, another glow appeared in the center of the room. The air shimmered, and a swirling portal materialized before the group.


    [Dungeon Exit]


    The group gathered around the portal, exchanging glances. Relief and exhaustion were etched into their faces, but so was a shared sense of accomplishment.


    Sam looked at each of them, noting their smiles and the spark of confidence in their eyes. Without a word, he turned toward the portal and stepped forward, disappearing into the light.


    One by one, the others followed, their journey in the Goblin Village dungeon finally coming to an end.


    <hr>


    Nate POV


    It had already been two days since both of Nate¡¯s sons entered the dungeon, and they hadn¡¯t returned yet. The wait was agonizing, but during these two days, life at the camp had been eventful.


    More people were undergoing Tier 1 evolutions, their newfound strength making the monsters less of a threat. Many others, himself included, had evolved as well. Nate¡¯s [Specialist Doctor] title had offered him a rare class¡ªOncologist.


    The class was remarkable. It allowed him to restore heavy wounds, such as stab or blade injuries, with ease. Thanks to this, he had been able to treat his daughter¡¯s near-fatal wound immediately after his evolution. She was now fully healed and had even joined the others in hunting monsters to gain levels.


    For the most part, everything seemed to be progressing well¡ªuntil now.


    A young girl stumbled into the camp, her face pale and tear-streaked. Her sobs filled the air as she recounted her ordeal.


    ¡°There¡¯s a group of people... they¡¯re killing others for levels,¡± she cried, her voice trembling with fear. ¡°They killed my entire family... all of them!¡±


    Nate¡¯s heart sank as he listened. People could be cruel¡ªhe knew that all too well. In the absence of law and order, the worst in humanity often surfaced. He let the group of women in the camp comfort the girl while he turned his attention to the scout who had found her.


    ¡°Did you find their tracks?¡± Nate asked, his tone calm but sharp.


    The scout, Glen, nodded grimly. ¡°Yes, sir. They¡¯re close¡ªabout 20 men. All of them were armed. I think they already know about us, but they¡¯re holding back for now. Probably worried about our numbers.¡±


    Nate frowned, the weight of the situation pressing on him. ¡°So, they¡¯re waiting for an opportunity. If they see us showing any weakness, or if they gain enough confidence, they¡¯ll attack.¡±


    Glen nodded again. ¡°That¡¯s my guess. They¡¯re watching, waiting for the right moment.¡±


    Nate clenched his fists. He couldn¡¯t allow his people to fall prey to such predators. The camp was stable for now, but it was a fragile stability, one that could shatter the moment the balance of power tipped.


    He glanced back at the young girl, still sobbing quietly as the women tried to calm her. This is the world we¡¯re living in now, he thought grimly. And it¡¯s up to us to protect what we¡¯ve built here.


    Looking at Glen, Nate made his decision. ¡°Double the patrols. Keep everyone alert. If they¡¯re watching us, then we¡¯ll make it clear we¡¯re ready for them. No weaknesses, no openings. If they come for us, we¡¯ll be ready.¡±


    Glen saluted sharply. ¡°Understood.¡±


    As the scout walked away, Nate sighed, his thoughts drifting to his sons. Sam, Michael... wherever you are, come back soon. We¡¯re holding the line, but I don¡¯t know how long it will last.


    <hr>


    Sam POV


    Sam stepped out of the portal, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. It felt so much better than the oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon. He glanced around, noticing a few guards stationed near the portal¡¯s exit. Strangely, there were no other people in sight.


    The guards hadn¡¯t noticed him yet, their focus elsewhere. Sam raised a hand and called out, ¡°Hello there.¡±


    The nearest guard spun around, startled, his hand instinctively reaching for his weapon. Recognizing Sam a moment later, the man¡¯s expression shifted to relief before quickly turning to urgency.


    ¡°Mister Samuel!¡± the guard said, his voice hurried. ¡°Please, hurry! The camp is under attack! A group of scavengers ambushed Mr. Barlow while he was relocating the camp to hide the dungeon¡¯s location!¡±


    Sam¡¯s heart froze for an instant, then reignited with a burning fury.


    The others emerging from the portal froze as well, the news hitting them like a shockwave. Their expressions turned cold, their eyes narrowing with unmistakable killing intent.


    Ann gripped her spear tightly, her knuckles whitening. ¡°They attacked your father?¡± she hissed, her voice laced with venom.


    Michael¡¯s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked. ¡°How many of them? Are they still there?¡±


    The guard stammered, overwhelmed by the sudden surge of tension. ¡°Y-yes, sir. About twenty of them, all of them are tier 1!"


    Sam¡¯s jaw tightened, his expression dark. He had always known that humans could be just as dangerous as monsters, but this... this was personal.


    ¡°They tried to attack my family while I was away?¡± Sam said, his voice low and cold, vibrating with barely restrained rage.


    He turned his gaze toward the horizon, his eyes burning with fury. ¡°I¡¯ll rip them apart,¡± he growled, his voice like a promise carved in stone.


    The others nodded silently, their own anger simmering as they prepared themselves.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Sam said, his tone brooking no argument. He wasn¡¯t going to waste a second. Whoever dared to target his family would soon learn the price of their mistake.

 Chapter 24 - Rip!

    Sam sprinted toward the location the guard had pointed out, using Flash Step repeatedly to close the distance. It took only five minutes for him to reach the camp.


    What he saw ignited a fire of rage within him.


    A group of twenty men stood in front of the camp, their leader holding a young girl hostage with a knife pressed against her throat. The camp¡¯s guards, armed with spears and shields, held the line but looked tense and hesitant.


    The gang leader, a burly man wearing a white jacket emblazoned with a crude insignia, shouted, ¡°Get out here, doctor! Or do you want to see this one die, huh?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± His gang cackled, their arrogance and cruelty on full display.


    Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed. He recognized their kind instantly¡ªa white supremacist gang, emboldened by the collapse of law and order. They had probably bullied their way into power during the chaos.


    Typical scum, Sam thought coldly. But now, there¡¯s no law to protect them from me.


    Without hesitation, Sam activated Flash Step again, appearing silently behind the man holding the hostage. In one fluid motion, he grabbed the man by the neck and twisted, the sickening sound of bones snapping echoing through the air. He tossed the now-limp body to the side, leaving him alive but unconscious.


    The gang leader spun around, his face contorted with shock and anger. ¡°Who the fuck are you?!¡± he yelled, raising a gun to aim at Sam. ¡°Trying to play hero, huh?¡±


    Sam didn¡¯t reply. He had no interest in interacting with these people.


    ¡°Die!¡± the leader screamed, pulling the trigger.


    The shot rang out, the bullet striking Sam squarely in the head. The camp guards and bystanders screamed in horror.


    ¡°Ahhhhh!¡±


    But Sam didn¡¯t fall.


    Instead, he stood there, unfazed, as the bullet harmlessly dropped from his forehead to the ground.


    The gang leader froze, his hand trembling. ¡°W-what the hell...?¡± he stammered, fumbling to fire again.


    Sam didn¡¯t give him the chance. With another Flash Step, he closed the distance in an instant. Before the leader could react, Sam grabbed his arm and snapped it with a swift motion.


    ¡°AHHHHHHH!¡± the man screamed in agony, dropping the gun.


    Sam didn¡¯t stop. He systematically broke all four of the man¡¯s limbs, ensuring he would pose no further threat. His screams filled the air, silencing the jeering gang members who had laughed moments ago.


    ¡°Open fire!¡± one of the gang members yelled, panic and anger flooding his voice.


    Several gang members scrambled for their guns, raising them toward Sam.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± another shouted.


    A volley of gunfire erupted, the deafening sound of bullets cutting through the air.


    But Sam didn¡¯t flinch. Using Flash Step, he weaved through the gunfire effortlessly, each step blurring his figure as he closed the distance. To the gang members, it was as though he was teleporting.


    Before they could react, Sam reached the first shooter, grabbing the barrel of his gun and twisting it with enough force to shatter the metal. He delivered a swift punch to the man¡¯s chest his body was blasted into pieces, sending his remains body part flying backward into two others, knocking them to the ground.


    ¡°Keep firing!¡± a desperate voice cried, but it was already too late.


    Sam moved like a predator among prey, dismantling their formation with precise, brutal efficiency. Guns were smashed, their wielders left writhing on the ground, screaming in pain.


    When the last bullet clicked in an empty chamber, silence fell. The remaining gang members, realizing the futility of their resistance, dropped their weapons and bolted in terror.


    Sam turned to the camp guard, his voice cold and calm. ¡°Lock him up. We¡¯ll interrogate him later.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the guard replied, quickly restraining the gang leader.


    Sam¡¯s gaze shifted back to the fleeing gang members. His eyes burned with fury. You dared to threaten my family? I will rip you apart!.


    Activating Flash Step again, Sam pursued them one by one. Though they fought back with desperate swings and cries for mercy, they were no match for him. His bare hands ripped through their defenses, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    By the time it was over, fifteen gang members'' bodies could not be identified, Sam deliberately spared five, leaving them trembling and bloodied.


    Sam stood there, his fists still clenched, as the blood-red sunset painted the horizon behind him.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Human: level 14]


    You have slain an enemy [Human: level 13]


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    "I will kill you later if you follow me" Sam said, The five already lost their mind to Sam''s cruelty following him mindlessly.


    When returned to the camp he told the guard to lock the 5 up with his leader, and then he was led to his father by the camp people.


    Sam walked into the camp, his eyes scanning the rows of injured lying on makeshift beds. His father, Nate, was moving between patients, tending to their wounds with calm urgency. Thirty people had been shot, the most serious injuries clustered together under his father¡¯s watchful care.


    Sam¡¯s heart sank when he spotted his sister, Eve, among the wounded. She was sitting on a low bench, her arm wrapped in a bloodied cloth.


    Then Sam found Glen, the scout who had brought back the horrifying news, Sam said ¡°How did this happen?¡±


    Glen shifted uncomfortably but answered. ¡°We were ambushed while hunting. These bastards opened fire on us without warning. Many were shot, and they took our backpacker hostage. Two of the rear guards protecting her were killed on the spot.¡± His voice grew quieter. ¡°The most injured is David. He was shot in the head. The doctor¡¯s trying, but... he said the brain is damaged. He won¡¯t make it through the night.¡±


    Sam clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as Glen¡¯s words sank in. His anger simmered, but he pushed it down, focusing on what needed to be done.


    Walking over to Eve, he saw her speaking with another woman, her voice trembling with suppressed rage.


    ¡°Eve, are you okay? What happened?¡± Sam asked, crouching beside her.


    Eve glanced at him, her face pale but determined. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said, though her tone betrayed her frustration. ¡°It¡¯s like Glen said. Mike and Jake... they¡¯re dead. Shot in the head multiple times. I saw it happen. These bastards...¡± Her voice cracked as she gritted her teeth. ¡°I want to kill them!¡±


    Sam placed a hand on her good shoulder, his expression softening. ¡°You¡¯ll get your chance, but not now. First, let me heal you. Don¡¯t resist¡ªit¡¯ll feel a little ticklish.¡±


    Eve nodded, her anger momentarily giving way to trust. Sam activated Source of All Matter, letting the silvery-grey mist flow from his hand to her wounded arm. The mist seeped into the gash, knitting the tissue together as if it had never been torn.


    Eve flexed her arm, her eyes widening in surprise. ¡°Wow... it¡¯s like new skin. Thanks, Sam.¡±


    Sam gave her a small nod and stood, his gaze shifting to the other injured. He moved from person to person, assisting his father in healing the wounded.


    Nate, his face lined with fatigue but resolute, gestured for Sam to join him near the most critical patient. ¡°Sam, can you try to heal David? I¡¯ve done what I can, but...¡±


    Sam walked over to where David lay, his chest rising and falling shallowly. The man had a bullet hole in his forehead, and though he was still breathing, his condition looked grim.


    Kneeling beside him, Sam examined the wound closely. It didn¡¯t seem to have reached the part of the brain controlling his breathing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± Sam said quietly. Placing a hand over the injury, he summoned Source of All Matter. The mist flowed gently into the wound, closing the hole with precision.


    When he finished, David¡¯s breathing steadied slightly, but his eyes remained closed.


    ¡°He¡¯s stable,¡± Sam said, glancing at his father. ¡°But he¡¯s not waking up.¡±


    Nate nodded, his expression a mix of relief and concern. ¡°If we¡¯re lucky, he might wake up in time. For now, we can only wait.¡±


    Sam sighed, standing and wiping his hands. The camp was quieter now, but the weight of loss and danger still hung heavy in the air. He looked at his father, sister, and the others, his resolve hardening. This isn¡¯t over yet.


    By the time Michael and the others arrived at the camp, the chaos had already subsided. The sight before them was grim¡ªmakeshift beds filled with injured people, blood-stained bandages scattered on the ground, and a pervasive air of tension and exhaustion.


    Michael froze at the edge of the camp, his eyes scanning the scene in disbelief. ¡°What... what happened here?¡± he murmured, his voice barely audible.


    Ann stepped forward, gripping her spear tightly as she took in the devastation. Her usual confidence wavered, replaced by a mix of guilt and sadness. ¡°We were too late,¡± she said quietly.


    Eddie¡¯s normally laid-back demeanor was gone. He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he muttered, ¡°This... this is on us. We should¡¯ve been here.¡±


    They moved deeper into the camp, their footsteps hesitant. Michael¡¯s gaze landed on their father, Nate, who was bent over a patient, his hands glowing faintly as he used his healing skills. He looked exhausted, his face pale and drawn, but he didn¡¯t stop. Nearby, Sam was tending to another injured person, his expression unreadable but his movements steady and efficient.


    Michael swallowed hard and walked over to them. ¡°Dad? Sam?¡± he called out softly.


    Nate looked up briefly, giving Michael a tired but reassuring nod. ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± he said, his voice heavy. ¡°It¡¯s over now, but... it was bad.¡±


    Sam straightened, his eyes meeting Michael¡¯s. Unlike their father, his expression held a simmering anger. ¡°They ambushed the camp,¡± Sam said flatly. ¡°Killed two of ours. Injured thirty more.¡±


    Michael¡¯s stomach churned. ¡°Two dead?¡± he repeated, his voice trembling. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Mike and Jake,¡± Nate said quietly, his hands still working to heal a wound. ¡°They were protecting the backpacker when it happened.¡±


    Eddie turned away, running a hand through his hair as he muttered a curse under his breath. ¡°This... this shouldn¡¯t have happened.¡±


    Michael¡¯s fists clenched tightly. ¡°We should¡¯ve been here,¡± he said, his voice shaking with guilt. ¡°We should¡¯ve protected them.¡±


    Sam walked up to him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. ¡°Stop,¡± he said firmly. ¡°This isn¡¯t on you. None of us knew this would happen. What matters now is that we¡¯re here to make sure it doesn¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Michael looked at his brother, seeing the same determination in Sam¡¯s eyes that had carried them through the dungeon. He nodded slowly, swallowing the lump in his throat.


    Ann stepped closer, her grip on her spear tightening. ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    Sam¡¯s gaze shifted toward the edge of the camp, where the restrained leader of the gang sat under heavy guard. His voice was cold as he replied, ¡°We make sure they regret ever coming here.¡±


    The group stood in silence for a moment, their resolve hardening as they prepared for what was to come.

 Chapter 25 - Scumbag!

    ¡°Ahhhhhhh! I¡¯ll tell you everything! Just let me die!¡±


    The agonized screams echoed from the far side of the camp, sending chills down the spines of those nearby. Sam and Michael stood over one of the captured gang members, their expressions cold and unyielding.


    Sam¡¯s hand glowed faintly with silvery-grey mist, a telltale sign of his skill in action. His eyes bore into the man, who writhed on the ground, his face contorted in pain.


    ¡°You¡¯re not dying until we get everything,¡± Sam said, his voice calm but icy.


    Michael crouched beside the man, his tone clinical. ¡°Do you know how many nerve endings are in the human body?¡± he asked, his voice devoid of emotion. ¡°Thousands. And I know exactly how to trigger every single one without killing you. So talk.¡±


    The man sobbed, his face drenched in sweat. ¡°Okay! Okay! I¡¯ll tell you! Just stop! Please!¡±


    The crowd at the camp watched from a distance, their faces a mixture of horror and grim satisfaction.


    Ann crossed her arms, leaning on her spear. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s scarier¡ªthe criminals or those two.¡±


    Eddie shook his head, a wry grin on his face. ¡°If I ever end up on their bad side, someone please just kill me outright.¡±


    Maria frowned, her voice softer. ¡°I don¡¯t like it, but... after what these people did, I can¡¯t really blame them.¡±


    One of the older men in the camp, a former police officer, stepped closer to the group. ¡°You¡¯ve gotta admit,¡± he said quietly, ¡°those bastards deserve every bit of this. They killed innocents, terrorized people, and thought they could get away with it.¡±


    ¡°Still,¡± another woman murmured, ¡°it¡¯s hard to watch.¡±


    Back at the interrogation site, Michael leaned in closer. ¡°Good,¡± he said, his voice sharp. ¡°Now start talking. How many of you are there? Where¡¯s your main camp?¡±


    ¡°Thousand! more,¡± the man stammered, his breath hitching. ¡°They¡¯ve found the portal to tutorial town! near the river, about Twenty kilometers east! That¡¯s all I know, I swear!¡±


    Sam exchanged a glance with Michael, who nodded, Michael confirmed.


    Sam stood, looking down at the trembling man with disdain. ¡°You¡¯ve ruined enough lives. You¡¯re not ruining anymore.¡±


    Sam gestured to the camp guards, his tone firm but calm. ¡°Lock him up. And please, bury these five for me too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± one of the guards replied, stepping forward to drag the trembling man away while others moved to handle the fallen gang members.


    As the agonized screams faded, the camp began to stir. People who had gathered to watch the interrogation slowly returned to their tasks, though the air remained heavy with tension.


    Michael approached Sam, his face lined with weariness. He glanced back toward the camp perimeter before speaking. ¡°It seems like they¡¯ve secured the tutorial¡¯s exit,¡± he said. ¡°If this group is anything to go by, their plan wasn¡¯t to pass the tutorial themselves. They¡¯re here to block everyone else.¡±


    Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. ¡°They won¡¯t get what they want,¡± he said, his voice steady with determination. ¡°We¡¯ll hit them before they even realize we¡¯re coming.¡±


    Ann joined them, her spear resting against her shoulder. Her usually lighthearted demeanor was replaced by a sharp seriousness. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± she asked, her tone clipped but focused.


    Sam turned to face the group, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces of those who had fought beside him. His voice was calm but resolute. ¡°We finish this. For good.¡±


    Michael nodded, gripping his weapon tightly. ¡°Then let¡¯s make sure no one else suffers because of them.¡±


    Ann glanced at the camp behind them, then back at Sam. ¡°We¡¯re with you. Whatever it takes.¡±


    The group shared a moment of silent understanding before they moved toward their next objective, ready to put an end to the threat once and for all.


    <hr>


    Sam stepped away from the group, seeking a moment of solitude. They had finally pinpointed the location of the tutorial town, but reaching it was another matter. From the information extracted from the gang leader, the path to the town was deliberately blocked.


    The man responsible? Victor¡ªthe leader of the criminal group that had been terrorizing the area.


    Victor and his lackeys weren¡¯t just any criminals. According to the gang leader¡¯s account, they had been in the town when the tutorial began, likely swept up along with everyone else. At first, they acted like ordinary Participants, blending in and feigning cooperation. But by the third day, everything changed.


    They stumbled upon the portal leading to the tutorial town. Instead of sharing the discovery or seeking progress, Victor seized the opportunity to turn it into his personal fiefdom.


    With ruthless efficiency, he and his lackeys began controlling access to the portal, extorting anyone who approached. They robbed travelers of their items and captured their family members, forcing them into servitude.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    And Victor didn¡¯t stop there.


    The lackeys were given free rein to commit atrocities¡ªmurdering or abusing anyone Victor deemed ¡°useless.¡± Women were taken, families torn apart, and those who resisted met brutal ends.


    Sam clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he processed the information. His eyes grew colder, the weight of anger settling deep within him.


    Criminals like this... they¡¯ve always existed. Always preying on others, treating people like objects for their amusement or profit.


    Back on Earth, there were limits. Sam could only deal with people like Victor through indirect means¡ªhiring someone to cripple them or exposing their misdeeds in ways that stayed within the bounds of law.


    But here? Here, there were no limits.


    Sam¡¯s gaze hardened, the light in his eyes dimming to something far more dangerous. The same suffering they¡¯ve inflicted on others... I¡¯ll make sure they feel every bit of it.


    He exhaled slowly, his mind clearing as his resolve solidified. The Victor group¡¯s reign of terror was about to come to an end, and Sam would make sure their names were remembered¡ªif only as a warning to others.


    Sam shifted his focus inward, pushing aside the weight of the camp¡¯s troubles for a moment. It''s time to see what I¡¯ve earned.


    He pulled up his backpack, where three common random boxes and one rare random box awaited him. These rewards, granted by his [System Challenger] title, had been accumulating during his journey through the dungeon. Alongside them were the soul points he¡¯d earned, though he still couldn¡¯t locate them in his status window.


    Probably tied to something I haven¡¯t unlocked yet, he thought, brushing off the inconsistency.


    Sam reached into his backpack and retrieved one of the small white boxes. It felt weightless in his hands, pulsing faintly with energy.


    Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got for me, he thought, focusing his intent on opening the box.


    The moment he did, the box dissolved into a soft, radiant light. Threads of energy swirled around him, condensing and shifting until they began to take shape. Sam watched as the light materialized into a physical object before his eyes.


    Ding!


    Ding!


    [5 Health Potions]


    Sam blinked at the system notification, staring at the materialized potions in his hand. He raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. ¡°Really? This is what my 100 Luck gets me?¡± he muttered under his breath.


    For most people, these potions were lifesaving treasures, capable of turning the tide in desperate moments. But for him, with his immense vitality and near-unlimited endurance, they were little more than glorified bottles of drinkable water.


    Not exactly thrilling, he thought. Then, an idea struck him.


    He glanced toward his sister. Eve had been injured every day since the tutorial began, her reckless determination often putting her in harm¡¯s way. These will be more useful in her hands.


    Pocketing the potions, Sam turned his attention back to the next box. He opened it, anticipation flickering in his eyes.


    Ding!


    [Skill Book: Identify]


    Sam¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Finally!¡± he exclaimed, unable to suppress his excitement. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted this!¡±


    He¡¯d been envious of John¡¯s ability to see through objects and identify their properties, something that had proven invaluable countless times. Now, he¡¯d finally gained the skill himself.


    But there was something more. This was the perfect chance to test his theory about Grandmist. Could it upgrade skills if he fueled them? His fingers itched with excitement at the thought.


    Taking a deep breath, he moved on to the third box.


    Ding!


    [500 Soul Points]


    Sam frowned slightly, tilting his head. Well, at least it¡¯s something. He still wasn¡¯t sure exactly how soul points worked or where they could be spent, but he had a feeling they¡¯d be critical later. For now, they went into the mental ¡°useful but mysterious¡± category.


    Finally, he turned to the last box¡ªa rare, blue one. His chest tightened with anticipation. This one has to be good.


    He opened it, the light from the box swirling with an intensity that made the others pale in comparison.


    Ding!


    [Skill Book: Inventory]


    Sam froze, staring at the notification in disbelief. His heart raced as he quickly grabbed the glowing book, his hands trembling slightly. ¡°No way...¡±


    He immediately inspected the item, hoping it was exactly what he thought it was.


    [Skill Book: Inventory]


    [Rarity]: Rare


    [Use]: 1


    [Description]: Grants the skill Inventory, creating a 5x5m pocket dimension within the user¡¯s Soul Record for storing items. Living beings cannot be stored.


    Sam let out a laugh, equal parts relief and excitement. ¡°This... this is a game changer!¡±


    The ability to store items without being burdened by their weight or bulk was exactly what he needed. No more dragging supplies or worrying about space, he thought.


    he quickly use his new two skills books immediately.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new skill: Inventory <Rare>]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new skill: Identify <Common>]


    Sam closed his eyes, focusing his mental power to activate the Inventory skill. The moment it triggered, he felt a slight drain on his mental reserves, followed by a peculiar sensation¡ªa faint, elusive awareness of a pocket dimension connected to him.


    He couldn¡¯t pinpoint its exact location, but it was there, hovering in the periphery of his senses, like a hidden chamber tethered to his being.


    Curious, he decided to test it. Sam grabbed his backpack and sent an intent to store it. The skill activated instantly, and the backpack vanished before his eyes, sucked into the invisible space within him.


    He blinked, tilting his head at the odd feeling. ¡°Weird... but useful,¡± he muttered. For the first time, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about hiding his belongings before a fight. The constant anxiety of losing his gear or leaving it exposed was now a thing of the past.


    To further test the skill, Sam began pulling items in and out, experimenting with speed and precision. Every object responded to his intent as though it were an extension of his will. The process was seamless, and as he grew more comfortable, his grin widened.


    ¡°This is good. Really good.¡± Satisfied with the results, he shifted his attention to his second skill.


    Grabbing a small health potion, he activated Identify. The system prompt appeared instantly, displaying detailed information about the item.


    [Health Potion]


    [Rarity]: Common


    [Effect]: Restores 50 units of life force.


    ¡­¡­¡­.


    ¡­¡­¡­.


    ¡­¡­¡­.


    Sam raised an eyebrow. ¡°Fifty units of life force? What does that even mean?¡± he mused aloud. He had no frame of reference for how much ¡°50 units¡± translated into practical recovery. Still, the additional details provided by Identify were valuable, even for items he could already inspect.


    It¡¯s exactly like John said, he thought, nodding to himself.


    But then another idea surfaced¡ªa theory he¡¯d been eager to test. Grandmist...


    Sam¡¯s unique energy had proven capable of upgrading his previous skills, and now, he wanted to see if it could enhance Inventory and Identify.

 Chapter 26 - The Realm!

    Taking a deep breath, Sam focused on the faint grey-silver mist coiled within him. Slowly and deliberately, he sent a tendril of Grandmist toward the Identify skill, allowing the energy to flow into it.


    The moment the Grandmist touched the skill, he felt a sharp pull, as if the skill were drinking deeply from the boundless energy. A pulse of light flickered in his mind, radiating outward.


    Suddenly, he felt a resonance within him¡ªhis trait, The Eye of Heaven, began to stir. The trait seemed to intertwine with the skill, guiding its transformation. His eyes glowed with a blinding, ethereal light, and before he could react, the skill activated on its own.


    Sam¡¯s vision shifted, the familiar world around him dissolving into a tapestry of waves and threads. It was as if the true nature of reality had been unveiled, every fiber of existence laid bare before his eyes.


    The overwhelming clarity was breathtaking¡ªbut it didn¡¯t last.


    A sharp pain lanced through his mind, growing more intense with each passing second. Gritting his teeth, Sam forced himself to halt the skill, the world snapping back to normal as he stumbled slightly.


    And then, the system notification appeared.


    Ding!


    [Identify <Common>] Rank up! ?


    [The Heavenly Eye <Unique>]: Grants the ability to wield the power of The Eye of Heaven, enabling you to see through the Fabric of Reality.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: The Seer of Truth]


    [The Seer of Truth]: You see through the Fabric of Reality while being below tier 8 - Increases the Comprehension of all Laws by 100%.


    Sam grabbed his head, wincing as the lingering pain from activating the skill pulsed through him. As he skimmed through the system notifications, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a dry chuckle.


    ¡°This... is ridiculous,¡± he muttered, shaking his head, though he wasn¡¯t entirely surprised. The Identify skill merging with his Eye of Heaven trait had produced something far beyond its original purpose. Still, the result exceeded even his lofty expectations.


    The title, however, was entirely unexpected. While he¡¯d glimpsed fragments of the Fabric of Reality before, this time had been different. It was clearer, more detailed¡ªan intricate tapestry of Laws binding the universe together.


    Perhaps... because I understood it more fully this time, the system rewarded me with this title?


    Intrigued, Sam decided to test his new skill further. As he focused, his vision shifted, the glowing threads of reality returning to his sight. This time, however, the overwhelming flood of information was refined and organized.


    The new unique skill worked seamlessly with his Eye of Heaven, filtering the raw data into system prompts that were concise and easy to understand.


    ¡°This... this is perfect,¡± Sam said, a small smile forming as he experimented further. His ability to control and interpret the information was vastly improved, transforming what was once a disorienting experience into a powerful tool.


    For the first time, Sam felt like he was beginning to grasp the true potential of his trait abilities. The chaotic threads of reality no longer felt like an incomprehensible mess¡ªthey were a language he could now begin to read.


    Sam took a deep breath, calming his mind after the overwhelming experience with the Identify skill. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something similar might happen with Inventory. Determined, he focused inward, summoning the flow of Grandmist once more.


    The grey-silver mist swirled within him, responding to his intent as he directed it toward the Inventory skill embedded in his Soul Record. The moment the energy touched the skill, he felt a resonance¡ªa faint, rhythmic pulse, like the sound of a heartbeat echoing in his chest.


    The skill began to melt away, dissolving into the Grandmist as if being consumed.


    It¡¯s merging... just like before.


    Then, he felt it¡ªa deeper connection, a resonance unlike anything he had experienced. The essence of the Inventory skill wasn¡¯t destroyed but transformed, carried by the flowing Grandmist back into his energy core.


    Inside his energy core, something extraordinary occurred. The Grandmist that had always drifted like scattered clouds began to coalesce, drawn into a single point. The swirling mist compressed tighter and tighter, forming a dense, radiant sphere.


    At the center of this formation, a core began to take shape. It glowed with a brilliant grey-silver light, pulsing with a quiet yet immense power. Sam could feel its essence¡ªit was the integration of his Grandmist and the skill¡¯s utility, reshaped into something entirely new.


    The sphere absorbed the remaining Grandmist, pulling it inward until nothing was left but the core. For a brief moment, there was silence within his inner world.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Then the core began to expand.


    It grew, not chaotically, but with purpose. Its energy merged with the fabric of his being, spreading outward from his energy core to envelop his entire body.


    Sam didn¡¯t feel pain. Instead, he felt an overwhelming sense of comfort, as if every part of his existence was resonating in harmony with the core. His body, mind, and soul seemed to become one with the energy, unified in a way he had never thought possible.


    And then it stopped.


    The expansion halted, contained entirely within him. The core pulsed with blinding brilliance, its energy reaching a peak before¡ª


    BOOM!


    A radiant explosion erupted within his inner world, a burst of grey-silver light so powerful it resembled the birth of a star. The force spread out like a cosmic wave, illuminating the depths of his inner self. It was as if a big bang had occurred, creating a universe within him.


    Sam¡¯s consciousness was momentarily overwhelmed, but as the light settled, he could feel it¡ªthe presence of something vast, infinite, and entirely his.


    He opened his eyes slowly, his breath steady, as the realization dawned upon him. He hadn¡¯t just integrated the Inventory skill. He had created something far greater.


    Ding!


    [Iventory <Rare>] Rank up! ?


    [Grandmist Dimension <Unique>]: Grants the ability to exert absolute control over your Granmist Dimension, a Realm entirely under your command. Anything created within this dimension is bound to it and cannot exist or function in the Primary Dimension.


    Ding!


    [Grandmist +100]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: The Realm Creator]


    [The Realm Creator]: You are the Creator of The Realm - Increase all stats by 100%.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: The Realm Lord]


    [The Realm Lord]: You are an Owner of The Realm - Increase all stats by 25%.


    A surge of power coursed through Sam, overwhelming him. His strength was beyond anything a Tier 1 could possess¡ªperhaps even Tier 2 or 3 would pale in comparison.


    He took a moment to observe the changes within himself. Outwardly, he was still human; his status confirmed it. But internally, everything had transformed. Where inside his body there had once been flesh and blood, there was now pure grey-silver energy coursing through his form.


    ¡°This... is incredible,¡± Sam murmured. The shift had its benefits¡ªhis body would be much harder to injure now. However, there was a downside. He could feel the increased consumption of Grandmist required to maintain his existence.


    Fortunately, the +100 boost to his Grandmist made the cost manageable. Not only that, but his regeneration rate had also improved significantly. Overall, he felt at least ten times stronger than before.


    ¡°Fuuu...¡± he exhaled, steadying himself as he adjusted to his new reality.


    Turning his attention back to his skills, Sam activated his storage ability to test it. It functioned just like Inventory, seamlessly storing objects with a thought. However, a new possibility intrigued him¡ªcould he store living beings?


    Focusing inward, he explored his inner realm using the ability. The skill allowed him to understand its structure instinctively.


    The realm was vast, like an infinite empty universe¡ªor rather, a blank space devoid of even a vacuum. Sam pondered its nature, recalling the skill''s description. Absolute control over it... Can I create something in here?


    He decided to experiment, willing a rock into existence. Light particles scattered across the inner realm began to converge, slowly taking the shape of a solid rock. But as soon as it formed, the rock crumbled into particles of light, dissipating almost instantly.


    Watching the phenomenon closely, Sam deduced the cause It was fragile. It wasn¡¯t the rock that was fragile¡ªit was the realm itself.


    Undeterred, he attempted to create other objects, but the results were the same. Each creation disintegrated moments after completion.


    The realm is too unstable right now, he thought. I¡¯ll figure it out later. For now, I have other priorities.


    Allowing his senses to return to the external world, Sam opened his eyes to see Michael waiting for him.


    ¡°You ready?¡± Michael asked, his weapon already in hand.


    Sam gave a small smirk. ¡°Let¡¯s go smash some scumbags.¡±


    <hr>


    Victor POV


    Victor leaned back against a makeshift throne cobbled together from salvaged wood and scrap metal, the faint flicker of torchlight casting jagged shadows on his scarred face. The camp around him was alive with the sounds of his gang¡ªlaughing, shouting, and the occasional scream from one of their captives. It was music to his ears.


    The portal shimmered faintly in the distance, the gateway to the tutorial town just beyond his reach but entirely under his control. He smirked, savoring the power he held over it.


    That damn portal... a ticket out of this hellhole. But why should I let them have it?


    His eyes scanned the captives huddled nearby, trembling under the watchful eyes of his men. Most of them were from the neighborhood he despised¡ªa collection of polished, privileged faces from Sam¡¯s community. Middle to upper class, smug in their superiority, flaunting their cushy lives while people like him clawed through the dirt just to survive.


    He spat on the ground, the bitterness rising in his throat. They think they¡¯re better than me. Always have. Always will. But not here. Not now.


    Victor¡¯s life before the tutorial had been nothing but a series of humiliations. Born into a broken home, he¡¯d been forced into crime just to make ends meet. Every time he¡¯d tried to pull himself out, someone from a ¡°better life¡± had stepped on him¡ªlandlords, lawyers, cops, and teachers who looked at him like he was trash.


    It¡¯s their fault, he thought bitterly. Their whole damn system was built to keep people like me down.


    And now, fate had thrown them all into the same pit. No wealth, no lawyers, no societal safety nets. Just survival.


    Victor grinned, a cruel, twisted smile. ¡°I¡¯ll show them,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°I¡¯ll show them what it¡¯s like to have nothing. To be nothing.¡±


    His gang, emboldened by their newfound power, shared his hatred. Together, they had claimed the portal, blocking anyone from passing through unless they met Victor¡¯s demands.


    And even then, it was never enough.


    ¡°Boss!¡± One of his lackeys jogged over, dragging a trembling man by the arm. ¡°We caught another one trying to sneak by.¡±


    Victor rose from his throne, towering over the captive. The man, thin and pale, stammered incoherent pleas.


    Victor tilted his head, pretending to consider the man¡¯s words before leaning in close. ¡°Sneaking past me, huh?¡± His voice was low and cold, a blade in the dark. ¡°You think I don¡¯t see? Don¡¯t hear?¡±


    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡±


    Victor slammed his fist into the man¡¯s face, sending him sprawling to the ground. He didn¡¯t stop, kicking the man repeatedly as the others watched in silence.


    Finally, he stepped back, breathing heavily. ¡°Tie him up,¡± he barked. ¡°Let the others see what happens when you try to cross me.¡±


    The lackey obeyed, dragging the barely conscious man toward the central post where several captives were already tied.


    Victor turned back to the portal, his hatred simmering. None of you are getting through. You¡¯ll rot here, just like I was left to rot my whole life.


    He clenched his fists, his voice a venomous whisper. ¡°This is my world now. And you¡¯re all gonna pay.¡±

 Chapter 27 - Demon!

    Sam traveled east with Michael and Eddie, the three of them moving with purpose. Ann and the others had stayed behind to guard the camp, waiting for Sam to deal with the scumbags blocking the portal. The knowledge of their existence so early in the tutorial was a stroke of luck¡ªif they had remained unchecked, countless people would have suffered under their control.


    As they walked, Michael broke the silence. ¡°What are you planning to do with the people they forced to submit? If you kill them all, we¡¯re talking about thousands. That¡¯s a lot of blood, even for you.¡±


    Sam frowned, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he considered the question. ¡°Maybe we start by taking out the leader,¡± he suggested.


    Eddie chimed in, his tone cautious. ¡°But if the leader dies, won¡¯t the lackeys start killing the hostages out of panic or revenge?¡±


    Sam sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°This is a headache. What a shitty situation. I¡¯ll try to handle it in a way that minimizes casualties¡ªhostages included. We can¡¯t let them get caught in the crossfire.¡±


    Michael glanced at him. ¡°If we had a skill to put everyone to sleep, that¡¯d solve the problem. No stray bullets, no needless deaths.¡±


    Sam chuckled dryly, though his eyes were still sharp. ¡°Let¡¯s save that idea for another time. I don¡¯t think this will be the last time we run into a mess like this. People are cruel, and they never seem to learn their lesson.¡±


    Their conversation drifted into silence as they continued through the dense forest. Minutes later, they crested a small hill and stopped abruptly.


    In the distance, a wooden wall loomed, reinforced with sharp stakes and makeshift barriers. Figures moved along the perimeter, holding rifles and scanning their surroundings.


    Sam narrowed his eyes and activated his skill to inspect them.


    [Human: level 11] - [Fighter], [Enemy], [Lawful Evil].


    Sam smiled faintly, his Heavenly Eyes working exactly as he had hoped. By filtering out unnecessary details, he could now distinguish between friend and foe with ease. With a focused effort, he pushed more power into the skill, extending his vision beyond the wooden walls.


    What he saw inside made his blood boil. The urge to rush in and tear them apart surged within him, but he forced himself to hold back. His priority wasn¡¯t revenge¡ªit was finding the hostages.


    Scanning the camp, he finally located the captives. His expression darkened. There were only 20 hostages alive. The rest¡ªover 300¡ªwere already dead, their bodies discarded carelessly like garbage.


    Sam¡¯s mind raced. If so many have already been killed, why are the ones forced to work with the criminals still staying? Is it just survival instincts?


    Suppressing his rising anger, he turned to Michael and relayed everything he had seen.


    Michael¡¯s face twisted with disgust. ¡°This is... so fucked up,¡± he said, his voice heavy. He shook his head, clearly struggling to process the horror of it all. ¡°There¡¯s no clean way out of this, is there?¡±


    Sam exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. He hated what he was about to say, but the situation left him no choice.


    Michael broke the silence, his tone resolute. ¡°Let¡¯s save the 20 hostages. The rest... if they resist, you do what you have to do.¡±


    Sam¡¯s gaze turned cold, his expression hardening. He didn¡¯t want to kill them all¡ªespecially not those who had been forced to comply for survival. But their complicity in the crimes, their decision to side with the killers who had massacred so many, left little room for mercy.


    ¡°They¡¯re already broken,¡± Sam muttered, more to himself than anyone else. ¡°Even if we save them, it might not matter.¡±


    Michael placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Then do what you can, Sam. Save who you can. And for the rest... make sure this doesn¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Sam nodded, his resolve hardening. There was no turning back now.


    <hr>


    Sam walked slowly toward the wooden wall, his expression calm and unyielding. The guard stationed at the top spotted him and immediately shouted, ¡°Who the f*** are you? Freeze! Raise your hands now!¡±


    Sam didn¡¯t reply. He kept moving forward, his steady steps sending a wave of unease through the air.


    ¡°Stop, or I¡¯ll shoot!¡± the guard yelled again, his voice tinged with panic. But when Sam continued without a word, the guard fired.


    Bang!


    The bullet struck Sam square in the chest, but instead of blood, a grey-silver mist seeped from the hole, swirling ominously before reabsorbing into his body.


    The guard¡¯s eyes widened in horror. ¡°What the hell?! He¡¯s not human! Monster! It¡¯s a shapeshifter!¡±


    The shout drew the attention of others. More criminals poured out, guns in hand, and began firing in a panic.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    A relentless hail of bullets rained down on Sam, but he kept walking, unaffected. The grey mist flowed from each impact, a terrifying display that only fueled the criminals¡¯ fear.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°He¡¯s still coming!¡± one of them screamed. ¡°What the f*** is that thing?!¡±


    Despite their desperate assault, Sam showed no signs of stopping. He reached the base of the wall, placed a hand on it, and activated his power.


    BOOM!


    The explosion ripped through the structure, sending splinters and debris flying. The wall crumbled in an instant, and those stationed on it were blown apart, their bodies reduced to pieces.


    The criminals who had gathered to fight froze, staring at the devastation with wide eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s unstoppable!¡± one of them cried, dropping his weapon. ¡°We¡¯re all gonna die!¡±


    Sam stepped over the rubble, his pace deliberate, his movements calm. More of the gang rushed forward, firing their remaining bullets in a last-ditch effort to stop him. The sound of gunfire echoed across the camp, but their ammunition was limited, and soon the shots ceased.


    Click. Click.


    The empty clicks of dry triggers filled the silence.


    ¡°We¡¯re out of bullets!¡± one shouted, his voice trembling. ¡°What do we do now?!¡±


    Another man, panicked, grabbed a club and tried to rally his comrades. ¡°We have to take It down up close! It¡¯s the only way!¡±


    But no one moved. Fear paralyzed them. The sight of the grey mist, the destruction of the wall, and Sam¡¯s unflinching advance had broken their will.


    In the center of the chaos, the gang leader, Victor, barked orders from the back. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there! Kill It! Do you want to die?!¡±


    Despite his commands, no one dared approach Sam. His presence alone was enough to sow panic and confusion among the criminals.


    Sam, meanwhile, remained focused. He didn¡¯t attack. He didn¡¯t retaliate. His sole purpose now was to keep their attention fixed on him while Michael and Eddie worked to free the hostages.


    His eyes scanned the crowd, marking each individual with cold precision. Who will be spared? Who must die?


    The criminals continued to shout, their fear turning to desperation as Sam drew closer. He could see Victor now, the man shouting commands like a cornered animal.


    Sam stopped just short of the gang leader, standing silently as if daring them to strike. His body remained a shield, a wall of intimidation that none dared breach.


    The clock was ticking. Once Michael and Eddie had secured the hostages, the real reckoning would begin.


    Victor¡¯s voice broke the silence, sharp and venomous. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there!! Take It down!¡±


    The gang members hesitated, their eyes darting between Sam and their leader. The grey-silver mist flowing from Sam¡¯s body, his calm demeanor, and the destruction he¡¯d wrought were enough to paralyze even the bravest among them.


    ¡°I said MOVE!¡± Victor roared, grabbing one of his lackeys by the collar and shoving him forward. ¡°Get in there, or I¡¯ll kill you myself!¡±


    The shove seemed to trigger something. One man lunged forward, gripping a heavy metal pipe. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, you monster freak!¡± he yelled, swinging the weapon at Sam¡¯s head with all his strength.


    The pipe connected with a sickening clang, but instead of staggering, Sam barely flinched. The grey mist absorbed the impact, and the man stumbled back in shock.


    ¡°What the hell is It made of?!¡± the man shouted, his voice cracking with fear.


    Victor snarled. ¡°Keep going! It¡¯s not invincible!¡±


    A group of five surged forward, armed with knives, clubs, and makeshift weapons. They surrounded Sam, shouting curses and battle cries as they attacked in unison.


    Sam stood motionless, letting them come. A knife slashed across his arm, a club struck his side, and a jagged piece of glass was thrust toward his chest. Each blow connected, but instead of blood, the grey-silver mist absorbed every attack, swirling ominously before settling back into his form.


    One man screamed, ¡°It¡¯s like hitting a damn statue!¡±


    Sam¡¯s eyes swept over them, cold and calculating. He didn¡¯t retaliate¡ªyet. Instead, he allowed their fear and frustration to fester. The criminals were throwing everything they had, but it was useless.


    Victor, watching from the back, grew more desperate. ¡°You idiots! Overwhelm him! It can¡¯t handle all of you at once!¡±


    Another wave of men charged, their fear replaced by a desperate fury. They clawed, stabbed, and swung their weapons with reckless abandon. Sam felt their attacks¡ªblunt impacts, slashing attempts¡ªbut none of it fazed him.


    Inwardly, he was waiting, biding his time. His focus was split between the chaos around him and the progress Michael and Eddie were making with the hostages.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you DIE?!¡± one man screamed, raising a knife high and aiming for Sam¡¯s neck.


    Sam finally moved, catching the blade with his bare hand. The knife shattered on impact, the force of the grip sending the man tumbling backward.


    The other attackers froze, their resolve wavering as Sam stood tall, unscathed. His eyes locked onto Victor.


    Sam¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, low and calm but filled with menace. ¡°This is your last chance to stop.¡±


    "IT CAN TALK!" Some random criminal shout.


    Victor spat on the ground, his bravado faltering. ¡°Kill It! Now!¡±


    Sam watched as Michael and Eddie successfully escorted the hostages to safety. With his priority handled, he turned his attention back to the criminals.


    Time to end this, he thought.


    Still, he decided to give them one last chance. ¡°Drop your weapons and surrender,¡± he said, his voice calm but cold.


    His words barely registered. Only a handful of them hesitated, dropping their weapons, but the majority remained defiant, glaring at him with a mix of fear and anger.


    Sam¡¯s gaze swept over the group, cold and calculating. He¡¯d seen their nature¡ªhow they tormented and killed the innocent¡ªand he knew mercy was wasted on them.


    So, it¡¯s not a thousand after all. Closer to 500. These idiots either deceived themselves into thinking they were stronger in numbers or they¡¯re too stupid to count.


    A faint smirk crossed his lips. ¡°That¡¯s good. Makes my job easier,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    In an instant, Sam activated Flash Step, appearing directly in front of Victor. The gang leader¡¯s eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, Sam¡¯s fist connected with his face.


    ¡°BOOM!¡±


    Victor¡¯s head exploded, his body collapsing lifelessly to the ground.


    The remaining criminals froze in horror, some beginning to flee in blind panic. Sam wasted no time, targeting the first to run. With another Flash Step, he appeared behind the fleeing man and delivered a single punch, the force causing the man¡¯s body to explode into a shower of blood and gore.


    ¡°BOOM!¡±


    One by one, Sam hunted them down. He moved like a ghost, appearing and disappearing with terrifying speed. Those who tried to run were the first to fall, their bodies exploding under the impact of his relentless strikes.


    For the ones still frozen in shock, their fate was delayed but not spared. Sam worked methodically, his movements efficient and ruthless.


    The sounds of flesh and bone tearing apart echoed across the area for ten minutes, each blast painting the surroundings in crimson. When it was over, the once-bustling camp had become a lake of blood, the ground littered with unrecognizable remains.


    Only 50 people remained alive, sitting in a huddled group with dead, vacant eyes. These were the ones who had been forced to work under the criminals¡ªthe ones Sam had confirmed were clean.


    Breathing steadily, Sam walked toward them, his bloodied appearance making them flinch. He stopped a few feet away, his voice calm but firm. ¡°I¡¯m here to help you. Follow me to my camp.¡±


    None of them moved. Their eyes darted between him and the carnage he had left behind, fear etched into their faces, No one believed his word.


    Sam turned to leave, his tone soft but resolute. ¡°Stay here if you want. But if you want a chance to survive, follow me.¡±


    As he began walking away, the silence was broken by a single, trembling voice, barely audible.


    ¡°Demon...¡±

 Chapter 28 - Leaving!

    As Sam walked toward Michael, he opened the system notifications, his eyes scanning the messages that appeared before him.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 35]


    Ding!


    [Source of All Matter <Unique>] had been strengthening.


    [Source of All Matter <Unique>]+3: [Source of All Matter <Unique>]: Grants the ability to create any form of matter by consuming Grandmist, Strengthen +3.


    Sam couldn¡¯t help but wonder why his leveling seemed so slow. Despite having a title that boosted experience gain by 25%, he had killed over 500 Tier 1 humans, along with countless others before that, and only gained a single level. In contrast, Michael, who had defeated far fewer enemies, was already nearing Level 30 after leaving the dungeon.


    Maybe the experience requirements are different for each person? Sam thought, frowning slightly. I¡¯ll have to ask the fairy about this later.


    As he approached Michael, his younger brother spotted him and hurried over, his expression shifting to one of confusion.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going? And why are you covered in so much blood?¡± Michael asked, eyeing him warily. ¡°Are you injured?¡±


    Sam shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not my blood,¡± he replied, his tone calm but grim. ¡°It¡¯s theirs.¡± He paused before adding, ¡°Michael, I need you to go back and pick up the 50 people left at the camp. They didn¡¯t seem to believe I came to help.¡±


    Michael nodded. ¡°Okay, but seriously, go wash yourself. You smell awful.¡±


    As Michael turned to leave, Sam called out to him again. ¡°Oh, Michael... is it normal for humans to bleed that much?¡±


    Michael stopped, his confusion deepening. ¡°What are you even talking about?¡±


    ¡°Never mind. We¡¯ll talk about it later,¡± Sam replied, waving him off.


    Michael shook his head and continued on his way, muttering to himself.


    While waiting for Michael, Sam decided to test the newly upgraded Source of All Matter at Strengthen+3. The results were astonishing. He now had full control over whatever he created, requiring far less focus to manipulate it. Simply directing his intent was enough to command the skill, opening up new possibilities.


    Curious to push the limits, Sam raised his hand and activated the skill. Moments later, a brilliant light appeared above his palm. He opened his eyes to observe it but immediately shut them as the intense brightness burned his vision. Switching to his mental power, he examined the creation with precision.


    The skill had succeeded. Before the upgrade, creating something as small as protons had been nearly impossible¡ªtoo intricate and beyond his understanding of their composition. But now, it was not only feasible but efficient.


    I could use this to develop new skills, he thought, the idea intriguing him. But that¡¯ll have to wait.


    Soon after, Michael returned with the 50 survivors. His expression was grim, and Sam could sense the discomfort radiating off him.


    He must¡¯ve seen what I did, Sam thought, his gaze steady. I don¡¯t blame him for feeling that way. Even I don¡¯t feel entirely okay about it.


    It wasn¡¯t regret, not exactly. It was more like an instinct deep within¡ªa quiet voice reminding him that something about it felt wrong. But what was done was done.


    The group began their silent walk back to the camp. The survivors, still in shock, followed quietly behind.


    When they finally arrived, night had already fallen. The camp was dimly lit, the faint glow of fires flickering in the distance. Nate came out to greet them, his expression a mix of concern and relief.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± he asked, his voice calm but probing.


    Sam and Michael took turns explaining everything that had happened. Nate listened without interrupting, nodding occasionally before finally saying, ¡°I see. You did what you had to do.¡±


    After a moment, he added, ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here tomorrow.¡±


    With that, Nate turned back to tend to the camp, leaving Sam and Michael to process the day¡¯s events in silence.


    <hr>


    When morning came, Sam stepped out of his tent and stretched, the cool morning air brushing against his skin. The mood in the camp was noticeably lighter¡ªalmost festive. Conversations buzzed among the survivors, their relief palpable as they prepared to leave the forest behind and head for the tutorial town.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    ¡°Finally! We¡¯re getting out of here today,¡± one person said, their voice tinged with hope.


    ¡°Do you think the town will be safe?¡± another asked, cautiously optimistic.


    ¡°Safer than this place, that¡¯s for sure,¡± someone replied, earning a few chuckles.


    Sam¡¯s gaze swept over the camp, taking in the smiles and the hurried preparations. For the first time since the tutorial began, people seemed genuinely hopeful.


    ¡°Brother!¡± a familiar voice called out, breaking him from his thoughts. Sam turned to see Eve approaching, her expression serious yet determined.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Sam asked, curious as she stopped in front of him.


    ¡°Can you help me?¡± Eve asked, her voice steady but carrying an undertone of vulnerability.


    ¡°Help you with what?¡± Sam replied, tilting his head slightly.


    Eve hesitated for a moment before speaking. ¡°I want to go through the dungeon. I need to get stronger.¡±


    Sam studied her for a moment, noting the fire in her eyes. He nodded slowly. ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll do that. But first, let¡¯s get everyone to the town safely.¡±


    Eve smiled faintly, relief washing over her face. ¡°Thanks, Sam. I just... I don¡¯t want to fall behind. I need to keep up.¡±


    Sam nodded again, understanding her feelings. Eve had always been competitive, and the tutorial had pushed her into unfamiliar territory. Feeling powerless was something she couldn¡¯t tolerate, and he respected her drive to improve.


    By mid-morning, the camp was ready to move. People gathered their belongings, forming groups as they prepared for the trek to the town.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re finally getting out of here,¡± one woman said, her voice tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope the town has actual beds,¡± another joked, earning a few laughs.


    As the camp began to move, Nate approached Sam. ¡°You¡¯re really helping her with the dungeon after this?¡±


    Sam nodded. ¡°She wants to get stronger, and I think she needs it.¡±


    Nate sighed but patted Sam on the shoulder. ¡°Just make sure you both come back in one piece.¡±


    With everyone ready, the group started their journey toward the tutorial town. The forest seemed less menacing in the daylight, and the anticipation of reaching a safe haven buoyed their spirits.


    Sam stayed at the back, his eyes scanning their surroundings, always alert. He knew the forest well enough by now to not let his guard down, no matter how optimistic the group felt.


    <hr>


    When the group arrived at the portal¡¯s location, a heavy silence fell over the camp. The scene before them was horrifying. Bloodstained ground, scattered body parts, and the overpowering stench of iron assaulted their senses.


    Some people couldn¡¯t bear it. A few stumbled back, their faces pale, and others doubled over, vomiting the contents of their stomachs.


    Sam felt a pang of guilt as he observed their reactions. He hadn¡¯t been able to clean up the carnage himself, and now they were left to confront the brutal reality of what had transpired.


    ¡°Th-That¡¯s the portal!¡± someone shouted, breaking the silence. They pointed to the glowing gateway visible amid the ruins of the camp.


    At that, a ripple of desperation surged through the crowd. Some couldn¡¯t tolerate the sight or smell any longer and ran toward the portal without hesitation, vanishing into its light.


    [Tutorial Town Entrance]


    One by one, more followed, until what had been a group of 200 had dwindled to just a little more than 50. Those who remained were mostly Sam¡¯s family and members of the combat team or other people who think the same as them that they need to get stronger.


    Sam scanned the faces of those who stayed, his expression calm but thoughtful. Then, he turned to his parents. ¡°Dad, Mom, take care of yourselves,¡± he said firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the others and follow you later.¡±


    His mother¡¯s face softened, though worry shone in her eyes. She stepped forward, pulling him into a tight hug. ¡°Sam... you come back to me. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±


    Sam nodded, holding her briefly before letting go. His father gave him a firm pat on the shoulder, his silent expression carrying a mix of pride and concern. Together, they stepped into the portal and disappeared.


    Turning back to the remaining group, Sam faced them, uncertain. ¡°So... what do we do next?¡± he asked, his voice steady but unsure. Leadership had never been his strength, and he wasn¡¯t used to guiding others.


    Michael stepped forward, his voice calm and pragmatic. ¡°How about we start by helping other people? I¡¯m pretty sure most of them are still stuck at the starting point. We can guide them to the town, and then move to explore the other cardinal directions. If we find people along the way, we can direct them too. Who knows, we might even find another dungeon.¡±


    Sam considered his brother¡¯s words before nodding. ¡°That... makes sense.¡±


    The others murmured their agreement, some nodding as well.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Sam said, his voice a bit stronger now. ¡°If everyone¡¯s okay with this plan, let¡¯s get started.¡±


    The group began organizing themselves, their resolve building as they prepared to move out. The atmosphere, though heavy, carried a sense of purpose.


    <hr>


    [TUTORIAL QUEST]


    Quest Name: [The Survival]


    Time Remaining: 22 Days 08:24:25


    Objective: Navigate the forest and reach the Tutorial Towns located in one of the four cardinal directions.


    Rewards: Rewards will be granted based on the progression of your Soul Record, reflecting the growth, achievements, and milestones you have attained throughout the trial.


    <hr>


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human / Heaven


    Class: Unbound Initiate


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 35 [Tier 1]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 38 +12[+215%]


    Agility: 38 +12[+215%]


    Vitality:38 +12[+215%]


    Endurance: 38 +12[+215%]


    Intelligence: 38 +12[+215%]


    Wisdom: 37 +12[+215%]


    Luck: 100 +12[+215%]


    Grandmist: 110 +12[+215%]


    Undistributed Stats: 0


    [SKILLS]: Mental Ruler <Legendary>, Apex Concentration <Legendary>, Source of All Matter<Unique> +3, Flash Step <Legendary>, Atomic Fissure <Mythic>,[The Heavenly Eye <Unique>], [Grandmist Dimension <Unique>]. [+40%]


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: The Eye of Heaven, Unbound.

 Chapter 29 - Sphere!

    "Vmmmmm... VMMMMMMMM!¡± ¡°Zzzzzz-TING!¡±


    ¡°Zhhhhooom!¡±


    ¡°BOOM!!¡±


    A massive explosion lit up the forest, the white light radiating outward in a ten-meter radius. The shockwave rippled in all directions, sending debris flying. As the dust settled, the source of the destruction became clear¡ªa towering crimson bear, six meters tall, stood in the middle of the blast zone. Its body was riddled with burn marks, smoke rising from its seared fur.


    The beast let out a deafening roar, ¡°Rrrrrrooooaaaaarrr"¡ªa mixture of pain and rage.


    On a hill 500 meters away, Sam stood with a frustrated expression, observing the creature. He sighed. ¡°This really isn¡¯t enough. Why hasn¡¯t this become a skill yet? I¡¯ve already given up on dream moves like Kamehameha, but even this dumb energy ball isn¡¯t registering as one.¡±


    The bear had spotted him now, its crimson eyes locking onto its attacker as it began climbing the hill with surprising agility. Sam, however, remained unfazed, his focus entirely on gathering energy. Using his Source of All Matter, he concentrated protons into a glowing ball of light in his palm.


    As he condensed the ball further, an idea flashed through his mind. He activated his skill again, this time creating two smaller balls of light. With a deft motion, he made the smaller orbs orbit the larger one.


    ¡°Shwiiing... shwiiing...¡±


    The unexpected reaction caught Sam off guard. The three spheres emitted an energy that felt magnetic, holding them together in perfect harmony. The entire construct stabilized, the orbs glowing brighter with each passing second.


    Suddenly, a familiar notification chimed in his mind.


    Ding!


    Sam¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smile. ¡°Finally,¡± he muttered, watching the bear as it clawed its way closer, now just five meters below the hilltop.


    He extended his hand, aiming the tri-sphere construct at the beast. With a flick of his wrist, the glowing orbs shot forward at blinding speed, moving far faster than sound.


    ¡°Zhhhhooom!¡±


    ¡°BOOMMMMMM!!!¡±


    The impact was catastrophic. The entire hill trembled, and within moments, it began to crumble. Even the ground beneath Sam started to give way.


    ¡°Craaaaack... THUUUUD!¡±


    Reacting instantly, he jumped off the collapsing hill, landing to the south with a heavy thud.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Crimson lightning bear: level 45]


    Sam brushed himself off, turning to make his way back to the group. As he approached, Michael was already standing, stretching and looking reinvigorated.


    ¡°Are you recovered now?¡± Sam asked, his voice calm.


    Michael nodded. ¡°Yeah, my stamina¡¯s full again. From the sounds I heard up there, I take it your... ¡®project¡¯ was a success?¡±


    Sam grinned. ¡°I guess you could say that.¡±


    The group exchanged a look, clearly curious about what Sam had been working on, but no one pushed him for details. They¡¯d seen enough of his destructive experiments to know better than to ask too many questions.


    Three weeks had passed since Sam sent off the majority of his group to the tutorial town. During that time, he and the group that stayed behind had diligently followed Michael¡¯s suggestion to help others. Just as Michael predicted, most people had remained in the center of the trial zone, venturing into the forest only to scavenge for food. Their conditions were dire¡ªsupplies had run out, and desperation was beginning to set in.


    Among them, a few opportunists had attempted to take control of others¡¯ survival kits, exploiting the situation for their gain. Sam dealt with them swiftly but refrained from killing them, as their actions hadn¡¯t crossed an unforgivable line. ¡°They¡¯re just trying to survive in their own way,¡± he told his group. Instead, he gave them a stern beating to ensure they wouldn¡¯t cause further trouble.


    Over the course of three days, Sam and his team escorted this large group¡ªnumbering over 3,000 out of the 5,000 participants in the trial zone¡ªto the portal. It was a monumental task, but they succeeded.


    For the next week, Sam wandered to all four cardinal directions, searching for more survivors. Those he found were given clear directions to the town. Unlike the previous group, these individuals had already proven their ability to survive in the forest and defend themselves, so Sam didn¡¯t guide them further.


    On their journey, they encountered groups resembling the gang that had blocked the portal. Unlike before, these groups received no mercy¡ªSam and his team wiped them out completely.


    Along the way, they also discovered three new dungeons: Rabbit¡¯s Hole Dungeon, Bear¡¯s Cave Dungeon, and Boar¡¯s Herd Dungeon. Rather than diving into them immediately, they marked their locations and decided to ensure all remaining survivors had moved on to the next stage first.


    With everything settled, they found themselves with a full two weeks before the tutorial stage ended. Sam and his followers began clearing the dungeons one by one. Each dungeon completion rewarded them with a title that provided +2 to all stats, a significant boost to their capabilities.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    They also discovered that dungeon quests were only offered during a participant''s first visit. Once all four dungeons had been cleared, the group decided to repeatedly run Bear¡¯s Cave Dungeon. The monsters inside were the highest level of the three, making it the best spot for grinding experience and strengthening themselves further.


    By the fifth round of grinding Bear¡¯s Cave Dungeon, Michael had become the highest-level member of their group, reaching Level 50. With the milestone came the offer of a rare class and the opportunity to undergo Tier 2 evolution.


    When Michael emerged from his evolution, his appearance had subtly changed¡ªhe was noticeably more striking, his features refined with an almost ethereal quality. But it wasn¡¯t just his looks that had improved. His strength had increased exponentially, making him five times stronger than before.


    This incident struck a chord with Sam. Despite his consistent efforts, it was clear he leveled much slower than the others. It wasn¡¯t just in his imagination¡ªMichael¡¯s rapid progress only highlighted the gap further.


    One by one, others followed in Michael¡¯s footsteps, evolving into Tier 2 beings. Each gained immense raw power, capable of lifting up to 10 tons with ease, moving at incredible speeds.


    Even with their impressive progress, Sam remained the undisputed strongest among them. Everyone knew it¡ªhis destructive abilities were on a completely different scale. Yet, Sam couldn¡¯t shake the thought that his leveling pace lagged behind.


    He mused to himself, If I really went all out, I could probably cause destruction on the scale of an atomic bomb... but I¡¯d likely die in the process.


    The idea lingered in his mind, a sobering reminder of both his unparalleled power and the inherent risks that came with wielding it.


    Today marked the final day of the survival quest. Sam and his group needed to enter the tutorial town to receive their quest rewards. For Sam, this was also his last chance to grind and experiment with his abilities before moving on.


    Over the past two weeks, he had devoted himself to creating a new skill using protons, but the process had been far more challenging than he anticipated. His initial vision was to release a beam of energy from both palms¡ªa devastating attack to annihilate monsters in a single hit.


    However, reality hit him hard. While he could produce the beam, its actual performance was dismal. The energy output was weak, little more than a glorified flashlight. Worse still, it drained a massive amount of energy, leaving him exhausted with little to show for it.


    Determined to make it work, Sam adjusted his approach. He concentrated the beam to increase its power, hoping for an explosive result. Instead, the concentrated beam morphed into a rigid light pole¡ªuseful only for smashing monsters physically rather than hitting them with energy and creating explosions like he had envisioned.


    After repeated failures, Sam reluctantly gave up on the beam idea for now. He shifted his focus to creating a ball of energy instead. This method showed promise¡ªit was effective and bore some resemblance to his Atomic Fissure skill.


    But there was still a problem. The energy cost was immense, and the output, while destructive, wasn¡¯t efficient enough to justify the resources it consumed. Frustrated but unwilling to quit, Sam continued to refine the technique.


    Finally, on his last attempt, something clicked.


    [Proton Sphere <Mythic>]: Harness the power of subatomic particles to create and manipulate a concentrated sphere of protons. The user can generate a Proton Sphere and control its trajectory with precision. The destructive power of the skill scales directly with the quantity of protons created and condensed within the sphere.


    Sam turned to the group, a confident smirk on his face. ¡°Guys, let me test my new skill on the boss this time, okay?¡±


    The ground had trembled earlier during his experiments, sparking curiosity among the others.


    ¡°Sure, but let us watch!¡± Eddie said eagerly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Michael added, grinning.


    With everyone in agreement, they made their way to the massive cave on the other side of the mountain. The entrance was imposing¡ª20 meters wide and equally tall. Sam paused before they went any further.


    ¡°Eddie, can you help me draw it out? If I use my skill inside, the whole cave might collapse,¡± Sam said.


    ¡°Got it. Give me a minute,¡± Eddie replied with a nod.


    He disappeared into the dark cavern, and for a brief moment, there was only silence. Then, the sound of heavy, thunderous footsteps echoed from within. A moment later, Eddie came sprinting out, followed closely by a massive creature.


    It was a colossal, 15-meter-tall brown bear with three sharp horns protruding from its head.


    [Lightning Bear King: Level 50] - [Monster][Record][Boss][True Neutral]


    The sheer size and presence of the beast would have been terrifying the first time they encountered it, but after defeating it more than ten times, it no longer inspired fear. In fact, Michael had even tried soloing it once.


    As the bear stepped fully into view, it let out a deafening roar, as if programmed to intimidate: ¡°ROOOOARRRR!!¡±


    Sam didn¡¯t waste any time. He opened his palm, focusing his intent, and activated his new skill.


    ¡°Shwiiing... shwiiing...¡±


    Three brilliant orbs of white light materialized, spinning around each other in a synchronized dance. The largest, about the size of a basketball, was flanked by two smaller orbs, each the size of a golf ball. The rotation created a mesmerizing glow, radiating energy.


    It only took a second to form, but the sight of the glowing orbs immediately caught the bear¡¯s attention. It roared again, locking onto Sam as its target, and charged forward with earth-shaking strides.


    Sam remained calm, his eyes narrowing as he aimed. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed the Proton Sphere.


    ¡°Zhhhhooom!¡±


    The orbs shot forward at supersonic speed, cutting through the air like a beam of pure destruction.


    ¡°BOOOMMMMMM!!!¡±


    The impact was cataclysmic. A blinding white light engulfed the area, followed by a wave of intense heat and a deafening shockwave. The light lingered for ten seconds, bathing everything in its glow before finally fading.


    When the brightness subsided, the group stood in stunned silence, staring at the aftermath. The once rocky terrain had been reduced to a wasteland. The ground was molten, cracks running through it like fiery veins.


    The bear was nowhere to be seen.


    Sam lowered his hand, exhaling deeply as he surveyed his handiwork. Yeah, that¡¯ll do.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Lightning Bear King: level 50]


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 48]


    [Dungeon Exit]


    Sam said "Let''s get out of here"


    <hr>


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human / Heaven


    Class: Unbound Initiate


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 48 [Tier 1]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 48 +18[+215%]


    Agility: 48 +18[+215%]


    Vitality:48 +18[+215%]


    Endurance: 48 +18[+215%]


    Intelligence: 48 +18[+215%]


    Wisdom: 47 +18[+215%]


    Luck: 100 +18[+215%]


    Grandmist: 110 +18[+215%]


    Undistributed Stats: 0


    [SKILLS]: Mental Ruler <Legendary>, Apex Concentration <Legendary>, Source of All Matter<Unique> +4, Flash Step <Legendary>, Atomic Fissure <Mythic>,[The Heavenly Eye <Unique>], [Grandmist Dimension <Unique>], [Proton Sphere <Mythic>]. [+40%]


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: The Eye of Heaven, Unbound.

 Chapter 30 - The Tutorial Town!

    [TUTORIAL QUEST]


    Quest Name: [The Survival]


    Time Remaining: 0 Days 08:12:045


    Objective: Navigate the forest and reach the Tutorial Towns located in one of the four cardinal directions.


    Rewards: Rewards will be granted based on the progression of your Soul Record, reflecting the growth, achievements, and milestones you have attained throughout the trial.


    Sam stood before the glowing blue portal, the final gateway that marked the end of their time in the survival trial. Behind him stood Michael, Eve, Ann, and the fifty others who had worked alongside him for the past month. Each of them had transformed¡ªnot just physically, but mentally. Everyone here had reached Tier 2, their strength, endurance, and agility far beyond anything they could have imagined before.


    Michael, the highest level among them, stood tall at Level 62. His presence radiated a confidence that mirrored the group''s journey from inexperienced survivors to hardened warriors. Sam turned to face them one last time before stepping through the portal, nodding silently to signal that it was time.


    The sensation of stepping into the portal was no longer foreign to Sam. The familiar pull of space warping around him enveloped his body, carrying him to the other side. As he emerged, the sight before him left him momentarily speechless.


    The Tutorial Town was vast, a sprawling medieval town But clean and looked prosperous.


    Sam now stood at its heart¡ªthe Central Plaza, a massive circular square paved with polished stone that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. In the center of the plaza rose a towering obelisk, its crystalline structure radiating an ethereal blue light. The light pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat, casting a faint glow on the faces of the survivors bustling around it. Surrounding the obelisk were nine portals, including the one Sam had just stepped out of.


    People were emerging from the portals, their expressions reflecting a mix of relief and exhaustion. Sam assumed they were survivors from the other trial zones, each bringing their own stories of hardship and survival.


    Around the plaza, a sprawling marketplace had sprung to life. Stalls and tents, hastily erected but functional, created a chaotic yet vibrant scene. Survivors bartered and traded resources¡ªsome haggling over weapons or food, others securing supplies for the challenges ahead. The air buzzed with activity, filled with the hum of conversations, the clatter of metal, and the occasional laughter that felt out of place in such a serious setting.


    Sam¡¯s gaze drifted to the far edges of the town, where towering stone walls loomed. Their weathered surfaces bore intricate runes that shimmered faintly in the sunlight, suggesting they were more than mere stone¡ª a protective barrier against whatever threats lay they were a part beyond.


    Ding!


    [TUTORIAL QUEST: The Survival Complete]


    [CLAIM YOUR REWARD]


    Behind him, one by one, his team began to step out of the portal. Michael was first, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling plaza with the instinct of someone always on guard. Eve followed, her fiery determination evident in her stride. Ann and the others soon joined, their expressions a mix of awe and caution as they took in the sights of the unfamiliar city.


    Among the crowd, Sam spotted a familiar face. It was Mark, one of his father¡¯s assistants from the camp hospital. The older man¡¯s face lit up the moment he saw Sam. He waved his hand, weaving through the throngs of people to reach him.


    ¡°Mister Samuel!¡± Mark called, his voice carrying over the din of the plaza. ¡°You finally made it! Your father¡¯s been worried sick about you. Please, come with me!¡±


    Sam nodded and exchanged a quick glance with Michael, who gave a slight nod in return. Without hesitation, Sam began to follow Mark. The rest of the group moved as one, their presence commanding attention as they navigated through the plaza.


    Sam glanced at Mark as they moved through the bustling streets. ¡°Mr. Mark, where are we heading?¡±


    Mark turned slightly, keeping pace with Sam. ¡°We¡¯re going to the Residential Quarters on the northeast side of the city, sir. Most of the participants from our trial zone are staying there. Thanks to your reputation, people trust us and have chosen to follow our group.¡±


    Sam nodded thoughtfully. It was a relief to hear that the atmosphere within their group was positive after everything they had endured. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± he said, his tone steady. After a brief pause, he added, ¡°Can you tell us more about the town?¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir,¡± Mark replied promptly. ¡°Let¡¯s start with the Central Plaza where you first arrived. It¡¯s the main gathering place for everyone. The natives say that Stage 2 will be announced there soon.¡±


    Sam raised an eyebrow. ¡°Natives?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Mark confirmed. ¡°They¡¯re the people who live in this tutorial world. They own the town and all the property here. They¡¯ve been providing us with information and assigning jobs or tasks to help us integrate. Completing those tasks earns us Soul Points, which are the primary currency here. Most of us use the points to rent living spaces in the Residential Quarters or buy food.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Sam frowned slightly, processing this new information. ¡°Soul Points?¡± he repeated. ¡°I¡¯ve earned some, but they don¡¯t show up in my status window.¡±


    Mark nodded knowingly. ¡°That¡¯s because you haven¡¯t accessed the System Store yet, sir. Once you do, Soul Points will appear in your status window automatically.¡±


    Sam tilted his head, curious. ¡°How do I access the store?¡±


    ¡°There are System Pylons in the Residential Quarters,¡± Mark explained. ¡°When we get there, you can use one to access the System Store and unlock its features. It¡¯s pretty straightforward.¡±


    Mark continued, ¡°To the north is the Town Hall. That¡¯s where the town¡¯s mayor resides, and it also serves as the management office. Participants aren¡¯t usually allowed to go there, though.¡±


    He gestured toward the east. ¡°The east side of the city is the business district. You¡¯ll find various shops selling everything you could possibly need¡ªfrom basic consumer goods to weapons. The range of items is incredible, and the rarity is just as varied. You wouldn¡¯t believe it, but I even saw a Legendary-grade item for sale there. Of course, it was outrageously expensive.¡±


    Sam raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°Legendary-grade, huh? That sounds like something worth looking into.¡±


    Mark chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ll want to learn about tiers and rarity at some point, but unfortunately, I can¡¯t share that information with you directly. You¡¯ll need to purchase it in the System Store. System rules, you know.¡±


    Sam exhaled sharply, shaking his head. ¡°There¡¯s a lot to catch up on.¡±


    Mark smiled knowingly. ¡°Hahaha, take your time, Mr. Samuel. There¡¯s no rush. The fairies announced that Stage 2 will begin a day after Stage 1 ends, so you have a one-day break to get settled and figure things out.¡±


    He paused, then gestured to the west. ¡°Over there is the Guild Hall. That¡¯s where participants can learn Skills and a variety of common skills. If you join one of the guilds, you can even gain certifications for official professions that are recognized by the system itself.¡±


    Sam tilted his head, curious. ¡°Common skills? Why bother with those when class skills are clearly superior?¡±


    Mark nodded, as if expecting the question. ¡°I thought the same at first. But the reality is very different. Take a swordsman, for example. A fighter who relies solely on class skills will never reach the level of someone with proper training and a complete set of common skills. The latter is many times stronger because common skills act as the foundation.


    ¡°The same applies to production classes like blacksmiths. Those who learn advanced common skills can craft items far superior to those who rely solely on their class abilities. Common skills may seem basic, but mastering them makes a world of difference.¡±


    Sam absorbed this information in silence, realizing there was much more depth to the system than he¡¯d initially thought.


    Mark continued, ¡°Next is the barracks. It¡¯s somewhat similar to the Guild Hall, but it¡¯s focused on military-style training for fighters. Anyone can join, and they teach both skills and common skills, often at a lower price than what the Guild Hall charges for the same lessons. However, there¡¯s a catch¡ªyou¡¯ll need to take on tasks to hunt down monsters outside the walls to earn the right to purchase certain items.¡±


    He gestured around as they walked. ¡°Surrounding the town are wild areas. The closer zones have weaker monsters that participants can safely hunt, but traveling further than 100 kilometers becomes increasingly dangerous. Beyond that range, Tier 2 monsters start appearing, and it¡¯s a whole different level of risk.¡±


    Mark pointed to the various areas of the city as he spoke. ¡°Apart from the four cardinal directions of the city¡ªthe Town Hall to the north, the business district to the east, the Guild Hall to the west, and the barracks to the south¡ªmost of the remaining space is dedicated to residential quarters. These are spread out and provide living spaces for participants.¡±


    He glanced toward the Central Plaza, nodding toward the nine portals. ¡°You might have noticed the nine portals in the plaza. It turns out that all nine trial zones share this town. From what I¡¯ve heard, the other zones haven¡¯t fared as well as ours. Their survival rates are 60% or lower.¡±


    Mark¡¯s expression softened as he looked at Sam. ¡°But our trial zone is different. We have an 80% survival rate, and that¡¯s largely thanks to you, sir. Your actions gave people hope and a way to make it through.¡±


    Sam glanced back at his group, who were quietly listening to Mark¡¯s explanation. The weight of those words settled heavily on his shoulders, but he simply nodded, letting Mark continue as they moved closer to their destination.


    As they walked through the bustling streets, Mark suddenly clapped his hands, as though remembering something. ¡°Ah, how could I forget! This town has a name, you know. It¡¯s called Tutorial Town Number 777,777,777. Seems like we got a lucky number, don¡¯t you think? Hahaha.¡±


    The group chuckled lightly at Mark¡¯s attempt to lighten the mood, but Sam¡¯s mind remained focused on observing their surroundings. For the next thirty minutes, Mark continued explaining the details of the main facilities and how everything functioned.


    By the time they finally arrived at the residential area, the sky was beginning to darken, painted in hues of orange and purple. As they approached one of the larger clusters of buildings, Sam¡¯s eyes fell on two familiar figures waiting for them¡ªNate and Kate Barlow, his father and mother. A crowd of other familiar faces stood nearby, their expressions lighting up as they spotted Sam and the group.


    Sam couldn¡¯t help but smile, his heart warming at the sight. ¡°Welcome back, everyone!¡± Nate called out, his voice carrying a mixture of relief and joy.


    The reunion was filled with laughter and cheer, a stark contrast to the tension and danger they had endured for the past month. As the group embraced and exchanged greetings, Kate announced, ¡°We¡¯re holding a celebration tonight to mark the end of Stage 1! You¡¯ve all earned it.¡±


    The idea of a party lifted everyone¡¯s spirits even further. The festive atmosphere felt like a return to civilization after being stranded on a lonely island for years. For a few hours, they celebrated with food, music, and stories of their survival.


    When the party wound down, people began retreating to their assigned rooms. Nate approached Sam and patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Your room¡¯s ready, son. Get some rest¡ªyou¡¯ve earned it.¡±


    Sam nodded, feeling a deep, satisfying exhaustion settle over him. The kind of tiredness that came from hard work and the knowledge that he¡¯d made it through. He stepped into his room, a small but cozy space his father had prepared for him. Sitting on the bed, Sam let himself relax for the first time in weeks, replaying the events of the day in his mind.


    Finally, he opened his status window, focusing his intent on claiming his reward for the survival quest.


    [CLAIM YOUR REWARD]


    Ding!


    [Your Performance is Outstanding by All the Standards of the Tutorial System]


    [You Have Earned the Top Rank Historical Record of the Tutorial]


    Ding!


    [10,000,000 Soul Points]


    [1 Legendary Equipment Choice Card]


    [1 Legendary Skill Choice Card]


    [Title: Greatest of All Time]


    [System Challenger Title Activated]


    You have received additional quest rewards: 1 Legendary Random Box


    Sam was shocked! by The System''s generosity.

 Chapter 31 - GOAT!

    Sam was stunned. The reward exceeded all his expectations, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.


    Taking a deep breath, he tried to steady himself. ¡°Fuuu...¡± The exhale helped to calm the storm of excitement swirling inside him.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he murmured, ¡°let¡¯s start with the title.¡±


    [Greatest of All Time]: You Have Earned the Top Rank Historical Record of the Tutorial Stage 1 - Increases all stats by 25%.


    A solid addition to his arsenal. Sam nodded to himself, satisfied. It wasn¡¯t groundbreaking, but every boost mattered, especially when it came to enhancing his Grandmist. Over the past few weeks, he had become increasingly reliant on Grandmist for everything¡ªfrom his offensive abilities to his very survival.


    Since his body had undergone its transformation and he had gained the Grandmist Dimension, Sam discovered that he no longer needed to eat conventional food. While eating still provided some benefits, it was no longer necessary for sustaining himself. This change had initially made him feel almost invincible.


    His body didn¡¯t bleed anymore, and most physical attacks bounced harmlessly off him. But over time, Sam had begun to notice a critical weakness¡ªhis vulnerability to energy-based or magical attacks. Unlike physical blows, these types of damage still affected him significantly. Worse, recovering from them required him to spend his Grandmist, a resource he couldn¡¯t afford to waste frivolously.


    This realization tempered his earlier confidence. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m not as untouchable as I thought,¡± he muttered to himself, his expression growing more serious.


    While the new title wasn¡¯t a game-changer, the additional stats would certainly help. If nothing else, it would make him more efficient in battles where his weaknesses could be exploited.


    Sam flexed his fingers, feeling the steady hum of Grandmist coursing through his veins. ¡°Guess it¡¯s time to figure out how to patch that gap,¡± he thought, already strategizing his next steps.


    Sam pondered his next move carefully. With his newfound realization of his vulnerability to energy and magic-based attacks, he needed a solution. Something to make his abilities more sustainable in prolonged battles.


    That¡¯s when he got the reward. The system had granted him a [Legendary Skill Choice Card], and he felt a surge of hope.


    ¡°This has to be it,¡± he thought, gripping the card tightly. After a moment of deliberation, he activated it.


    The golden card in his hand began to glow, transforming into radiant light that flowed into his chest.


    Ding!


    [Legendary Skill List Available]


    Sam¡¯s mind was flooded with information as a near-endless list of skills appeared before him. He instinctively activated The Heavenly Eye to process what he was seeing.


    ¡°A billion options?¡± Sam was stunned by the sheer magnitude of possibilities. He had no idea there were so many legendary skills.


    ¡°This is going to take forever,¡± he muttered. Resolving to streamline the process, he focused his Heavenly Eye to filter out the offensive skills. As much as he loved the idea of adding another attack to his arsenal, his Atomic Fissure and Proton Sphere skills were already enough destruction for now.


    With the offensive options removed, the remaining categories were narrowed to Defensive, Energy, Efficiency, Mobility, and Supportive/Utility Skills. Even then, the list was still overwhelming, with Eight hundred million options left.


    ¡°This is better than billions, but it¡¯s still too much,¡± Sam mused.


    He refined the list further, using Heavenly Eye to prioritize the most powerful skills with upgrade potential. The process reduced the options to a manageable few thousand.


    For the next thirty minutes, Sam meticulously reviewed the descriptions of each skill. His heart ached with indecision as he realized the incredible potential of each one.


    One skill could create an earth wall stretching over 30 kilometers, perfect for massive-scale defense. Another offered teleportation abilities, a game-changer for mobility. Then there was the most tantalizing of all¡ªa time rewind skill that Sam suspected was similar to what the fairy had used to decapitate and restore a man on the first day of the trial.


    ¡°I want them all,¡± he thought, torn by the choice.


    But practicality won out. Sam knew what he needed most right now: a way to ensure his Grandmist reserves would never run dry. With that thought in mind, he made his decision and selected the skill.


    Ding!


    The choice was made, and Sam waited with bated breath to see the result.


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new skill: Ethereal Reservoir <Legendary>] Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    [Ethereal Reservoir <Legendary>]: Grants the ability to create an overlapping dimensional reservoir within the user¡¯s body, allowing for the storage of immense amounts of energy. The reservoir exists in a pocket dimension tethered to the user''s core, seamlessly integrated with their being.


    Sam had high hopes for the skill Ethereal Reservoir, but he couldn''t predict exactly how it would interact with his unique energy core. Ever since his transformation, his body had become one with the Grandmist Dimension, a fusion of existence and power unlike anything he''d ever encountered.


    He didn¡¯t waste time pondering. With focused intent, he moved the Grandmist energy within him to activate the skill.


    As soon as the skill engaged, a tremor rippled through his Grandmist Dimension, and an Ethereal Core began to form at its center. For a moment, it pulsed brilliantly, radiating with the potential to store immense energy.


    But then something unexpected happened. The skill began to dissolve, not transforming into something new like Inventory, but instead being devoured by the Grandmist Dimension itself. Its essence and properties were absorbed, strengthening the dimension in ways Sam couldn¡¯t yet comprehend.


    Ding!


    [Grandmist Dimension <Unique>] has been strengthened.


    Ding!


    [Grandmist +100]


    Sam blinked, confused. "It¡¯s not over?" he muttered.


    He realized that while the skill had disappeared from his list, its effects were far from gone. The Grandmist Dimension began to reshape itself. A second layer¡ªa shadowy, overlapping dimension¡ªstarted to form alongside the primary dimension. It mirrored the original but was distinct, tethered to the primary like a reflection.


    Then it hit him. Half of his Grandmist surged out, draining his reserves at an alarming rate to fuel the creation of the new reservoir. The sudden loss of energy left him reeling, and he collapsed onto the nearest surface, exhaustion washing over him.


    Lying on the pillow, Sam steadied his breathing and used The Heavenly Eye to observe the changes within him. The discovery left him speechless.


    His Grandmist Dimension could now create up to 10 overlapping reservoirs, each acting as a separate storage space for energy. But there were limitations.


    Energy Creation Cost: Every new reservoir required half of his current primary Grandmist to form So he can''t create it at all once or create it in the middle of battle.


    Singular Usage: He could only draw energy from one reservoir at a time; their energies couldn¡¯t be combined simultaneously.


    Reservoir Durability: If a reservoir was completely drained, it would collapse, and he¡¯d need to recreate it from scratch.


    Sam smirked despite his exhaustion. ¡°This¡­ this is more than I could¡¯ve hoped for,¡± he murmured.


    Though it would require careful management, the potential of having ten independent reservoirs of Grandmist was staggering. This wasn¡¯t just a skill; it was a monumental step in his evolution.


    Then, a flash of realization hit Sam, and he murmured, "Is this it... a multiverse?" He suddenly understood that he might have created something far beyond his expectations. But he stopped himself, remembering that he was only Tier 1. If he were Tier 9, then things like a multiverse might be possible. After all, only Divine rank and above could create real worlds, as far as his knowledge of the Universal Will went.


    then he take out another golden color card and use it.


    [1 Legendary Equipment Choice Card]


    Ding!


    [Legendary Equipment List Available]


    This time, the choices weren¡¯t just billions¡ªthey were trillions. Sam sighed deeply, the overwhelming number of options making him question whether the system secretly enjoyed tormenting him.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this,¡± he muttered, rolling his shoulders before diving in.


    First, he started with the basics. Weapons? Out. Sam grinned to himself. His fists and explosions had become his signature. Why would he trade that for a blade or a spear? The sheer joy of watching monsters get obliterated in an earth-shattering blast was something no weapon could replicate.


    Next, he filtered out shields. ¡°What¡¯s the point?¡± he thought. These days, he didn¡¯t need one. If anything got close, his explosive skills were more than enough to keep the monsters at bay.


    That left armor, clothing, accessories, and other wearable items. He applied the top-quality filter, narrowing the list down to Millions. Still too many.


    ¡°Okay, think. What do I really need?¡± he asked himself.


    The answer came quickly: defense against magic and energy-based attacks. With that in mind, he refined the options further, cutting down the list to hundreds of thousands.


    He gritted his teeth. ¡°This is ridiculous. Why so many choices?¡±


    Finally, he added one last filter: self-recovery or indestructibility. After all, every time he fought, his clothes ended up in tatters, barely surviving the aftermath of his explosions. This brought the options down to just over a hundred.


    ¡°Now we¡¯re talking,¡± Sam said with a smirk, scrolling through the final items.


    But as he scanned their properties, he noticed something interesting: all the remaining items were practically identical in function. Each one provided exceptional durability, regeneration, and protection against magical and energy-based attacks.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± he thought, surprised. The choice now wasn¡¯t about practicality. It was about style.


    His eyes locked onto a grey-silver robe. Its shimmering fabric seemed almost alive, radiating a subtle glow that reminded him of his Grandmist Dimension. It was sleek, elegant, and matched his current aesthetic perfectly.


    ¡°This is it,¡± he said, smiling.


    It wasn¡¯t the properties that sold him¡ªthose were all the same. No, it was the way the robe looked. The grey-silver sheen mirrored his love for his explosive style. It felt like a natural extension of himself, the perfect complement to the raw power he wielded.


    Without hesitation, Sam selected it.


    Ding!


    [Silverflare Mantle]


    [Rarity]: Legendary


    [Durability]: [100/100]


    [Description]: A robe crafted from an otherworldly fabric infused with celestial energy, its grey-silver sheen shimmers with a faint, fiery glow. The mantle is attuned to its wearer¡¯s energy, adapting to their power and amplifying their presence.


    [Equipment Skill]:


    Self-Regenerating: Repairs itself automatically when damaged, restoring its pristine state within moments.


    Adaptive Defense: Creates a protective barrier that reduces the impact of magical and energy-based attacks by 50%.


    Energy Resonance: Absorbs a portion of residual energy from explosions and powerful attacks, subtly replenishing the wearer¡¯s reserves over time.


    Sam really felt great about the rewards today. He was done with everything for now. Tomorrow, he had plans with the system storage and many things to do. Sam closed his eyes; this was the first day since the tutorial began that he fully slept.

 Chapter 32 - Information!

    Sam woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. He couldn¡¯t remember the last time he¡¯d truly relaxed or slept soundly. Part of him didn¡¯t want to get out of bed, but the day ahead was full of tasks that wouldn¡¯t wait.


    Reluctantly, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, stretched, and got ready for the day. After a quick shower, he stepped out of his room and into the living area, where the smell of freshly cooked food greeted him.


    His mother stood at the kitchen counter, busy with her preparations. She glanced up with a warm smile as Sam approached.


    ¡°Mom, let me help you,¡± Sam offered, already reaching for an apron.


    But his mother waved him off playfully. ¡°Please, don¡¯t. I just learned a new cooking skill, and I want to try it out! You¡¯d better wait and let me cook.¡±


    Sam chuckled, holding his hands up in mock surrender. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll get out of your way. I¡¯ll go explore the town for a bit and be back soon.¡±


    Grabbing his coat, Sam stepped out of the apartment building. The structure loomed above him, a ten-story wooden marvel. He still couldn¡¯t fathom how it managed to withstand its own weight, but he assumed it had something to do with magic.


    Their apartment wasn¡¯t cheap¡ª5,000 soul points a month¡ªbut his parents could more than afford it. As two of the most skilled healers among the participants, they were in high demand. Not only did they heal participants and natives alike at the barracks, but they also taught advanced medical techniques from Earth to native healers. It seemed Earth¡¯s medical knowledge, even as a common skill, surpassed what the locals could do.


    Sam wandered toward the center of the residential area, where a faint blue glow caught his attention. As he approached, he saw a blue glowing pylon floating slightly above the ground. Curious, he placed his hand on its surface.


    Ding!


    [Minor System Pylon]:


    <ul>


    <li>


    <s>Territory Management</s>


    </li>


    <li>


    <s>Transportation</s>


    </li>


    <li>


    System Store


    </li>


    </ul>


    Sam raised an eyebrow. "Interesting," he murmured, impressed by the functionality of the pylon. Deciding to explore further, he selected System Store.


    Ding!


    [Soul Points Function is Unlocked]


    [Soul Points: 10,008,500]


    Sam blinked in disbelief. ¡°Ten million? Where did all of that come from?¡± he thought. Then, realization struck him¡ªit must have been the accumulated rewards from his exceptional performance during the tutorial¡¯s first stage.


    He continued to explore the store interface.


    Ding!


    [System Store]:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Equipment


    </li>


    <li>


    Skills


    </li>


    <li>


    Items


    </li>


    <li>


    Information


    </li>


    <li>


    ¡­


    </li>


    </ul>


    The list seemed endless. Sam grinned to himself. ¡°This might take a while.¡±


    Curious, Sam began to explore the System Store section by section, eager to see what it offered.


    What he discovered left him both amazed and amused¡ªit had everything he could think of, from mystical artifacts to mundane Earth items like cars. However, the store wasn¡¯t without its limitations.


    Most of the items available to him were restricted by his current tier and rarity level. As a Tier 1 participant, he could only access Tier 0 and Tier 1 items of common and uncommon rarity. Even then, some items came with specific requirements.


    For example, a Goblin Staff required the Goblin Slayer title to purchase, which he luckily possessed. But a simple car? That needed a Car Engineer title, which he didn¡¯t have.


    Sam smirked, shaking his head. "A car, huh? Not exactly what I need right now."


    Today, his focus wasn¡¯t on equipment or fancy toys. What he needed was information. He navigated to the appropriate section and opened it.


    [Information]:


    <ul>


    <li>


    [Tier General]


    </li>


    <li>


    [Rarity General]


    </li>


    <li>


    [System Lore General]


    </li>


    <li>


    [Class General]


    </li>


    <li>


    ¡­


    </li>


    </ul>


    At the bottom of the screen, a disclaimer caught his eye:


    -x- Information purchased from the System Store cannot be shared.


    Sam frowned slightly at the restriction. "Figures. They wouldn¡¯t want us giving others an edge for free."


    With a deep breath, he began to browse through the information categories, deciding where to start.


    Sam decided to start with the Tier General section. The cost was 100 Soul Points, a relatively small amount compared to what he had. Without hesitation, he confirmed the purchase.


    The moment the transaction was complete, Sam felt a subtle shift in his mind. Something new appeared¡ªlike a small mental sphere nestled within his consciousness. Curious, he reached out to it with his mental power, and the information unfolded effortlessly.


    ¡°This is convenient,¡± he muttered, already appreciating the seamless integration of the system¡¯s knowledge delivery.


    Encouraged by the process, Sam proceeded to purchase additional general information: Level, Rarity, Class, and Traits. Each cost the same 100 Soul Points, and each added another mental sphere to his mind.


    After unlocking them all, Sam browsed through the store one last time and noticed something intriguing:


    [Realm Lord Information - 5,000,000 Soul Points]


    His eyes narrowed as he read the requirements. The cost wasn¡¯t the issue; he had more than enough Soul Points to afford it. But the prerequisites listed were daunting.


    <ul>


    <li>


    Required Title: Realm Creator (?)


    </li>


    <li>


    Required Tier: 6 (?)If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Sam clenched his jaw. "So close, yet so far," he thought, frustrated by the barrier. The title he already had, likely due to his Grandmist Dimension, but Tier 6 was still a long way off.


    Realizing there wasn¡¯t much more he could do in the store for now, Sam decided to head back to his family¡¯s apartment. The streets were quieter as evening approached, and the warm light of lanterns began to flicker to life along the stone-paved paths.


    When Sam returned to the apartment, the scent of freshly cooked breakfast greeted him. His mother had prepared a hearty meal, and the six of them¡ªincluding Ann, who now lived with them¡ªgathered around the table.


    The atmosphere was light and cheerful as they shared stories about their experiences in the tutorial and the people they¡¯d encountered. Laughter echoed through the room, a rare moment of relaxation after a month of constant survival.


    After breakfast, his parents suggested they take the day to explore the town. "You¡¯ve all been through a lot," his father said. "Let¡¯s take this chance to enjoy a bit of normalcy."


    The group agreed, and for the rest of the day, they wandered through the bustling streets of the tutorial town. Sam¡¯s father and mother showed them various parts of the city, from the vibrant marketplace to the towering guild hall. They even stopped by the barracks to watch some participants train.


    It was a day of light shopping, relaxation, and absorbing the town¡¯s layout. For Sam, it was also a chance to mentally map out key locations and observe how the system influenced this place.


    By evening, they returned to the apartment, tired but satisfied.


    <hr>


    Once Sam reached his room, he closed the door behind him, leaning against it with a deep exhale. The day had been pleasant, but now it was time to focus.


    Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he reached into his mind, triggering the mental spheres he had purchased earlier. One by one, the spheres of information unlocked, flooding his mind with clarity.


    The first sphere, Tier General, unveiled the structured hierarchy of power within the system. Tiers represented not merely raw strength but the fundamental evolution of one¡¯s very existence.


    There were eight tiers commonly known in general knowledge:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Tier 0 ¨C The Mundane: This tier encompassed purely physical beings like humans or animals on Earth. Regardless of their strength or skill, they were incapable of wielding Existence Power without assistance from the system.


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 1 ¨C Initiate: Evolution into this tier marked a being¡¯s first step into the realm of Existence Power. Upon reaching Tier 1, an Energy Core would form, granting the ability to generate and manipulate Existence Power independently. This evolution also extended the being¡¯s lifespan by 100% of their original span. For example, a human with a natural lifespan of 70 years could now live up to 150 years.


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 2 ¨C Practitioner: This tier further enhanced the quantity of the Energy Core, doubling its capacity and extending the lifespan by another 100%, reaching approximately 300 years for humans.


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 3 ¨C Adept: At this level, the quality of the Energy Core improved significantly, refining the energy it produced and boosting its potency. The lifespan extended by another 100%, allowing humans to live up to 600 years.


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 4 ¨C Elite: The transformation at this stage was profound. The Energy Core merged with the soul and body to form an Existence Core, a higher state of energy cohesion. Both the quantity and quality of the core increased dramatically. Lifespans skyrocketed to 3,000 years, regardless of species.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Beyond Tier 4, the tiers were largely shrouded in mystery, with only their names known in general knowledge:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Tier 5 ¨C Expert


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 6 ¨C Master


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 7 ¨C Champion


    </li>


    </ul>


    This was the end of the general knowledge provided by the system. However, Sam¡¯s own understanding extended beyond what the system revealed. From the knowledge he possessed before the system''s existence, he knew of a god-tier level of existence beyond Tier 7.


    In the system¡¯s framework, a Tier 8 being was referred to as a Celestial, an immortal entity born directly from the will of the universe itself. These beings served as agents of creation, shaping stars, planets, and life to aid in the universe''s expansion. Before the system¡¯s intervention, such beings could only come into existence naturally, birthed by the universe''s design. Mortals often revered them as deities, offering faith and devotion¡ªa form of Existence Power far more potent than most other sources.


    This faith enabled Celestials to transcend their original purpose and evolve into something even greater: the Divine. A Divine being could create separate dimensions or worlds, using the universe as a foundation. These realms operated under laws defined entirely by the Divine¡¯s will, standing apart from the universal laws. Such worlds were called Divine Realms.


    However, beyond the Divine lay an even more formidable level of existence¡ªone that challenged the very fabric of the universe. To ascend beyond the Divine, a being had to defy and usurp the supreme authority of the universal laws themselves. This act of rebellion allowed them to become The Supreme, an existence equal to the universe in power and authority. The key difference was that while a Supreme rivaled the universe''s strength, it lacked the boundless vastness and infinitude of the universe itself.


    Sam knew there was an existence even greater than the Supreme¡ªthe System itself. He didn¡¯t know where it came from; it simply appeared. At first, its power seemed equal to the Supreme, but as he experienced rebirth through the endless cycles of the universe, he realized the System had grown incomprehensibly stronger, far beyond anything he had ever known.


    Because of the System, his universal self gained access to fragments of his soul from different realities. These fragments became the source of his memories and the foundation of his Unbound nature.


    Then Sam moved on to the next topic: Leveling. He wanted to understand why his progress had been so slow. As he recalled the information, he murmured, ¡°I¡¯m just too strong.¡±


    It turned out his slow leveling wasn¡¯t a flaw or an issue with the system. Instead, it was because his soul record was far more powerful than the average Tier 1 being. His titles, Grandmist, and unique skills had made his record extraordinarily dense, requiring far more experience than usual to fuel it to its full capacity before he could undergo evolution.


    What caught him off guard, however, was the revelation that there were multiple ways to gain experience. Killing monsters and performing class-specific tasks, like healing for a medic or analyzing for an analyzer, were just the most obvious ones. Then he came across a peculiar method¡ªBreathing Techniques.


    Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of irony. ¡°Am I in a cultivation novel now?¡± he muttered to himself. It seemed so, as breathing techniques were defined as common skills in the system, with varying effects depending on the individual and the technique used.


    Another surprising method was consuming resources called experience stones, which formed naturally on planets rich in existence energy. Their function reminded him even more of cultivation worlds, reinforcing the similarities.


    Despite the variety, the system confirmed that the most effective method for gaining experience was killing the Chaos Being System will personally reward Extra exp for such action.


    Next was Rarity. While it functioned similarly to tiers, rarity applied to objects, skills, and classes rather than living beings. Unlike living beings, which possessed a soul record, these items still had records but were instead categorized into seven ranks: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, Mythic, and Hero. Each rank represented the strength and resilience of the item¡¯s record. For example, a Legendary item could withstand the power of a Tier 5 being and remain intact, while its full potential could only be unlocked by someone of the same tier or higher.


    Sam also noted that there were rarities beyond the standard, such as his Unique rank. However, these rarities didn¡¯t conform strictly to tiered power levels and seemed to depend on individual cases and circumstances.


    Next was Class. While much of the information aligned with what Sam already knew, there was a critical new insight about tier evolution. Transitioning from Tier 0 to Tier 1 was straightforward and almost guaranteed for any being. However, evolving beyond Tier 1 required a stronger soul record, as it directly influenced the rarity of class choices available during evolution.


    For instance:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Tier 1 to Tier 2 required at least an Uncommon class to progress.


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 3 required a Rare class.


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 4 required an Epic class.


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 5 required a Legendary class.


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 6 required a Mythic class.


    </li>


    <li>


    Tier 7 required a Hero class.


    </li>


    </ul>


    The rarity of class choices depended entirely on the strength of the soul record. To enhance the soul record, participants needed to acquire powerful titles and high-rank skills. Titles reflected exceptional achievements and unique traits, while rare or unique skills increased the complexity and depth of the record. Without sufficient soul record strength, a participant might be limited to weaker class options, ultimately capping their growth potential.


    This realization reinforced the necessity of actively seeking challenges and improving skills, as grinding alone would not suffice to ascend the higher tiers. Every title earned and skill acquired was a stepping stone to a stronger soul record and, ultimately, a higher rarity class choice.


    Finally, there was Trait. It explained the true nature or essence of one¡¯s existence and soul record. Traits also factored in the individual¡¯s race. For instance, humans often possess traits like comprehension, which enhance learning speed. Some individuals had rarer traits, such as Ruler or King, which boosted leadership and granted specific skill enhancements.


    However, not all traits were created equal, even if they shared the same name. Their effectiveness depended on the individual. Sam likened them to gifts in Earth terms. If Albert Einstein were alive in this world, Sam imagined he would have a trait that aided his comprehension of the cosmos.


    After reviewing everything, he lay on the bed and closed his eyes, thinking this might be the last day that he would have full sleep.

 Chapter 33 - Stage 2!

    Sam was hanging around with his team in the Central Plaza, waiting for the fairies to announce the next stage of the tutorial. The sun was nearing its peak, casting a warm glow over the bustling plaza.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost noon now,¡± Eddie said, glancing around.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Michael replied, stretching lazily. ¡°What do you think the next stage is going to be?¡±


    Sam shrugged, a small smirk playing on his lips. ¡°Could be a town defense event.¡±


    Eddie raised an eyebrow. ¡°What does that even mean?¡±


    Sam explained the concept, leaning casually against a nearby post. ¡°It¡¯s where we¡¯d have to defend the town or specific points from waves of monsters¡±


    As he spoke, a fleeting thought crossed his mind. Is this world even real, or am I stuck in some kind of novel? The absurdity of the situation made him chuckle to himself. ¡°Just hope I¡¯m not the villain standing in the way of the protagonist becoming the strongest. That¡¯d be awkward,¡± he added with a light laugh.


    Michael rolled his eyes. ¡°You and your overthinking.¡±


    Before anyone could reply, a brilliant blue light flared across the ground in the plaza, radiating outward. Everyone¡¯s attention snapped to it as participants began appearing out of thin air, summoned one by one. The plaza quickly filled with people, a mix of awe and tension spreading through the crowd.


    Sam scanned the growing mass, his eyes narrowing slightly as a group of fairies appeared in the air, their delicate wings shimmering under the bright sunlight. He immediately recognized one of them¡ªLilia, the fairy who guided his trial zone.


    His gaze, however, lingered on another fairy who stood out among the rest. She had the largest wings, and her commanding presence made her impossible to miss. Her aura exuded authority, and even amidst the chaos, she seemed perfectly composed.


    Noticing his gaze, the fairy turned briefly to meet his eyes. A small, knowing smile touched her lips before she shifted her focus back to the crowd.


    She floated forward, her voice clear and commanding. ¡°Greetings, participants. My name is Dora, and I am in charge of this stage of the tutorial.¡± Her words carried effortlessly across the plaza, silencing the crowd instantly.


    ¡°I will now explain the second stage. This stage is called the Endless Abyss. You may have already heard about the Chaos creatures¡ªbeings vastly different from the monsters you faced in Stage 1. These creatures originate from the army of Antiexists, the sworn enemies of all existence. This stage will immerse you in the Endless Abyss, a special dungeon created by the system to contain Chaos beings.


    ¡°The Endless Abyss consists of infinite floors, each holding countless Chaos beings of varying tiers. Participants will descend into this abyss to defeat as many Chaos creatures as possible over the next 30 days. Be warned¡ªonce you enter, you cannot leave until the stage is complete and Survival Participants will be automatically teleported out.¡±


    She gestured gracefully as if punctuating her words, and suddenly a system notification appeared before everyone.


    Ding!


    [The Endless Abyss Leaderboard]


    <ol>


    <li>


    -


    </li>


    <li>


    -


    </li>


    <li>


    -


    </li>


    </ol>


    ¡°The Competition on the leaderboard will be worldwide for you Soul Being of your home planet, the stronger and higher-tier Chaos beings you defeat, the more points you will earn. For team efforts, the score will be distributed based on contribution.¡±


    Dora paused, letting her words settle in. The crowd whispered anxiously among themselves, the weight of her announcement sinking in. Her voice grew sharper, cutting through the murmurs.


    ¡°Participation in this stage is optional. However, let me remind you¡ªif you fail to reach at least Tier 1, Level 30 by the end of the tutorial, you will be deemed worthless and... disposed of.¡±


    A ripple of unease swept through the crowd at her blunt declaration, but Dora remained unfazed. She continued, her tone steady and authoritative.


    ¡°Further details will be provided by the fairy assigned to your trial zone. The entrance to the Endless Abyss will open here in three hours. Prepare yourselves.¡±


    With that, Dora floated back, her presence commanding even in silence. The crowd, still digesting her words, erupted into murmurs and frantic discussions as participants began mentally preparing for the next stage.


    Sam¡¯s eyebrows furrowed as he mulled over the term. Chaos beings...


    The word itself carried weight, and everything he¡¯d heard about them confirmed his unease. Unlike monsters¡ªcreatures born from corrupted or malevolent records¡ªchaos beings were fundamentally different.


    They had no minds, no desires, and no fears. They were driven purely by instinct¡ªa relentless, all-consuming urge to annihilate all forms of life. This singular focus made them far more dangerous than any monster he had faced before.


    Monsters, even at their most ferocious, had a sense of self-preservation. When the danger was too great, they would retreat, regroup, or avoid unnecessary conflict. But chaos beings? They didn¡¯t care about their own survival. They would willingly sacrifice themselves if it meant taking down their target.


    This alone made them an entirely different kind of threat. Their disregard for their own existence translated into relentless, unyielding attacks that didn¡¯t leave room for errors or second chances.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Sam clenched his fists as he considered the implications. This wasn¡¯t just another trial; this was survival against creatures that wouldn¡¯t stop, wouldn¡¯t hesitate, and wouldn¡¯t fear him. If we¡¯re not careful, this could get ugly fast.


    Sam turned to his team, his expression serious. ¡°It¡¯s really dangerous this time. Does anyone want to step back?¡±


    The more than fifty people who had been following him stood firm, their resolve clear. No one wanted to retreat. Sam felt a swell of gratitude and pride for their determination.


    ¡°All right, then,¡± he said with a nod, ¡°Let¡¯s get ready. We¡¯ll meet again 30 minutes before the entrance opens. Dismissed.¡±


    The team dispersed, each member preparing in their own way¡ªpacking supplies, sharpening weapons, or purchasing anything they might need for the trials ahead. Sam, however, had already stored everything he needed in his private inventory, leaving him with some free time.


    He decided to make his way toward Fairy Lilia. She noticed his approach and immediately greeted him with a wide, almost nervous smile.


    ¡°Ah! You weird human! Ah, no, I mean... you great human! You really did an incredible performance,¡± she stammered, her words clearly an attempt to please him.


    Sam blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sudden 180-degree change in her attitude. ¡°Uh... thanks for the compliment?¡± he said, unsure how to respond. ¡°I actually have a few questions. Can you help?¡±


    Lilia clapped her hands together eagerly. ¡°Of course! You can ask me anything!¡±


    Sam tilted his head, studying her for a moment before continuing. ¡°I want to know how things are going to work inside the Endless Abyss. Is there any safe place in there? I mean, fighting continuously for 30 days sounds impossible.¡±


    Lilia nodded earnestly, her expression brightening. ¡°That¡¯s a great question! When you enter the Endless Abyss, you¡¯ll start at the safe zone¡ªa small, town-like area where you can rest. Chaos beings cannot enter the safe zones, so they¡¯re completely secure.¡±


    She raised a finger for emphasis. ¡°Additionally, each time you descend to the next floor, you¡¯ll arrive at another safe zone. But!¡± Her tone grew more serious. ¡°Once you step out of a safe zone, you can¡¯t go back inside. So plan carefully before you leave.¡±


    Lilia leaned closer, her voice dropping slightly. ¡°And, food is going to be an issue. Chaos beings are poisonous, so you can¡¯t eat them"


    Sam frowned slightly. ¡°So how do we get food?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to find resource points scattered randomly across each floor. Every time someone picks one up, it¡¯ll respawn elsewhere. A single resource point will give you A Random treasure chest and 10 ration potions. Each potion is enough to keep you full for three days,¡± she explained with a bright smile.


    Sam relaxed, pleased with the information. ¡°That¡¯s good to know. Thanks for explaining.¡±


    ¡°Anything else you¡¯d like to ask?¡± Lilia prompted, her wings fluttering lightly.


    ¡°How large are the floors?¡± he asked.


    Lilia¡¯s expression became thoughtful. ¡°The first Ten floors are 10 kilometers wide and long by Earth standards. The next Ten floors will be twice that size, and each subsequent Ten floors doubles the previous one. The deeper you go, the stronger the Chaos beings become. But be careful!¡± She leaned forward slightly, her tone dropping to a warning. ¡°Chaos beings are incredibly dangerous.¡±


    Sam took a deep breath, steadying himself. He had one last question gnawing at his mind.


    ¡°Lilia,¡± he said, his tone serious, ¡°what¡¯s the reward for this stage? We¡¯re risking our lives here. It¡¯s only fair to know what we¡¯re fighting for.¡±


    The fairy¡¯s shimmering wings fluttered lightly as she tilted her head, offering him a small, knowing smile. ¡°Ah, you humans always care about the rewards, don¡¯t you?¡± she teased, but her voice held no malice.


    Sam crossed his arms, unfazed by her tone. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Lilia chuckled softly. ¡°Fair enough,¡± she conceded. ¡°The rewards for the Endless Abyss depend entirely on your performance. Those who excel will earn Titles¡ªpowerful ones that reflect their accomplishments and enhance their abilities. Alongside that, participants will receive Soul Points, also based on their contribution and achievements.¡±


    Sam raised an eyebrow. ¡°Titles and Soul Points, huh? Is that all?¡±


    Lilia¡¯s smile deepened, her expression cryptic. ¡°Sometimes, what you gain isn¡¯t just what¡¯s handed to you, but what you discover along the way. Keep that in mind.¡±


    Sam¡¯s gaze lingered on her for a moment, processing her words. Titles and Soul Points were valuable, sure, but it was clear there might be more hidden opportunities within the Abyss.


    ¡°Thanks, Lilia,¡± he said finally, nodding in appreciation.


    ¡°Anytime, Great Human,¡± she replied with a slight bow, her wings glowing faintly. ¡°Just... try not to die. I¡¯d rather not see such an interesting participant get snuffed out too soon.¡±


    Sam smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m harder to kill than you think.¡±


    As he turned to rejoin his team, her laughter, light and melodic, echoed softly behind him.


    Sam sat cross-legged in a shaded corner of the Central Plaza, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. With a calm focus, he activated his Heavenly Eye, observing the participants¡¯ progress and assessing their strengths. From what he saw, most of the crowd was still at Tier 1. Only a small number had managed to reach Tier 2, their energies denser and more refined.


    He frowned slightly. So few Tier 2s... he thought. It¡¯s no wonder most people have decided to sit this one out.


    From his observations, nearly 80% of the participants in the plaza had already resolved not to join Stage 2. They lingered in small groups, their faces showing relief or resignation. Sam couldn¡¯t blame them. For many, survival alone was an achievement. His own parents had declined to take further risks, content with their roles as healers.


    When his team started arriving one by one, Sam greeted them with a nod, his gaze steady. Thirty minutes before the entrance was set to open, all fifty-five members of his group had assembled.


    Standing amidst them, Sam addressed the team. ¡°I spoke to the fairy earlier and got some useful information. Here¡¯s what we¡¯re facing,¡± he said, detailing the structure of the Endless Abyss, the danger of Chaos beings, and the logistics of safe zones and resources.


    The team listened intently, their expressions growing serious. Each understood the stakes. When Sam finished, he looked around and counted. Fifty-five of us, he thought, nodding to himself. ¡°Alright,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯re as ready as we¡¯ll ever be. Let¡¯s give it everything we¡¯ve got.¡±


    The minutes ticked by, and soon, the sky above the plaza seemed to shimmer. The nine fairies who guided the trial zones floated into the air, their hands glowing with a crimson hue. Dora, the lead fairy, stepped forward, her voice ringing clear across the plaza.


    ¡°Participants, the time has come,¡± she announced. In unison, the fairies raised their glowing hands, and a fiery red key materialized before each of them. Dora began chanting an incantation, her words resonating through the air.


    The keys floated upward, unlocking invisible barriers in the space above. Then, with a crackling surge of energy, the Red Gate materialized, towering ominously in the center of the plaza. Its surface was alive with chaotic red and black energy, twisting and writhing like a living entity.


    Ding!


    [DUNGEON DETECTED]


    Dungeon: The Endless Abyss


    Tier: ??? [Level ???]


    Type: Tutorial World Entry


    Description: The Endless Abyss consists of infinite floors, each holding countless Chaos beings of varying tiers.


    Objective: Survive for 30 days and defeat as many Chaos beings as possible.


    Reward: Title: Survivor of The Endless Abyss, 10,000 Soul Points.


    Warning: Once entered, the dungeon cannot be exited until the stage is ended.


    The ominous hum of the Red Gate filled the air, casting long shadows across the plaza. Sam looked at his team, his resolve firm. ¡°This is it,¡± he said. ¡°No turning back now.¡±


    Michael grinned faintly, a spark of determination in his eyes. ¡°We¡¯ve got this,¡± he said.


    Eddie let out a nervous laugh. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it¡¯s not as bad as it looks.¡±


    The team gathered their gear, exchanging final words of encouragement. Then, as one, they stepped forward, ready to face the abyss.

 Chapter 34 - The Endless Abyss!

    Sam emerged on the other side of the gate, and what he saw was far from what he had anticipated. The surface beneath his feet was rugged and barren, resembling a moon¡¯s cratered terrain. Above him stretched an endless expanse of space, devoid of clouds or any semblance of an atmosphere. Instead, a vast sea of stars twinkled, surrounding him on all sides. It was as though he stood upon a meteorite adrift in a cosmic ocean.


    He activated the Heavenly Eye to get a better grasp of his surroundings. The reality sank in quickly: he was indeed in the middle of space. Far off in the distance¡ªtens of thousands of miles away¡ªhe could see countless meteorites, billions of them, floating aimlessly. His gaze caught sight of other participants beginning to materialize on nearby meteorites. Sam assumed they must be from different trial zones.


    As he continued scanning, something peculiar caught his eye. On one distant meteorite, a pack of Siberian huskies appeared, their thick fur ruffling as if in response to a breeze that didn¡¯t exist. Sam froze, his mind reeling. What the¡­? Dogs? It wasn¡¯t just humans participating in this tutorial. The realization hit him hard: the system was managing more than just humanity.


    ¡°Does every meteorite have its own abyss? Is this event truly for all living beings on Earth?¡± Sam muttered under his breath, grappling with the implications of what he was witnessing. The strain of using the Heavenly Eye to survey such vast distances began to weigh on him, and his mental power dipped dangerously low. He deactivated the skill, his heart still racing.


    ¡°Wow,¡± Eve exclaimed, breaking his thoughts. ¡°We¡¯re in space! How are we even breathing?¡±


    Ann nodded, her voice tinged with wonder. ¡°Right? For a second, I almost grabbed my neck because my instincts screamed I needed air.¡±


    Their group exchanged observations, their amazement at the alien landscape palpable.


    Sam tore his focus from the mesmerizing expanse of stars and turned his attention to their immediate surroundings. About 500 meters to his right, he spotted a lone building standing stark against the barren ground. It was the only structure in sight, and it seemed as good a place as any to begin.


    ¡°Over there,¡± Sam gestured to the building. ¡°Let¡¯s check it out.¡±


    Without hesitation, his team nodded and began following him, their earlier awe replaced by a sense of purpose.


    Sam approached the building¡¯s entrance, noting its surprisingly familiar design. ¡°A tavern?¡± he muttered, tilting his head as he took in its impressive size. Curiosity got the better of him, and he pushed the door open, stepping inside. The interior was eerily quiet. Empty tables and chairs were scattered across the space, and a bar lined one side of the room. It felt abandoned, devoid of any staff or occupants.


    He frowned, glancing around. ¡°I thought there¡¯d be some kind of guide here. Guess I was wrong.¡±


    Sam began exploring the tavern, searching for anything useful. Eddie¡¯s voice called out after a few moments. ¡°Hey, I found something!¡±


    Sam and the others gathered around a large map pinned to the wall. The map outlined the area, marking the tavern as the central point of the safe zone, with its radius extending for 1 kilometer.


    ¡°So, this building is basically just a landmark,¡± Michael commented.


    ¡°Seems like it,¡± Sam replied, studying the map.


    Before they could delve deeper, other participants from their trial zone began filtering into the tavern. It appeared that most had chosen to stick close to the safe zone, wary of venturing out. The once-empty space became crowded and filled with chatter.


    ¡°This place is getting packed,¡± Sam remarked. ¡°Let¡¯s move. Staying here won¡¯t help us understand this stage.¡±


    Eve asked as they left, ¡°Where are we even going to start? We don¡¯t know anything yet.¡±


    Eddie chimed in, ¡°How about we just explore for now? See what¡¯s out there?¡±


    Sam nodded, taking the lead as the group set out to investigate. The terrain outside was barren, resembling the meteorite¡¯s rocky surface. They wandered cautiously, scanning for any signs of life¡ªor Chaos beings. But so far, the area seemed devoid of anything living.


    After some time, a voice called out in the distance. ¡°Hey, I found something!¡±


    Sam and his team hurried toward the source of the shout. They arrived to find a group gathered around what appeared to be a set of stairs leading underground. The entrance was dark, with no light emanating from below. Above the stairs was a translucent system notice:


    [Resource point: Tier 1]


    Entry: [0/10]


    [Warning: There is no exit once you go inside until all chaos is defeated.]


    The group exchanged glances, the ominous warning hanging heavy in the air.


    Sam''s expression darkened as he surveyed the stairs leading down. ¡°The fairy didn¡¯t tell me we¡¯d have to fight for resources point,¡± he muttered.


    Michael shrugged. ¡°Maybe she thought it was normal¡ªsomething we¡¯d figure out for ourselves.¡±


    Sam considered this, nodding slightly. ¡°That might be the case.¡± He glanced at his team. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go in. I¡¯ll lead. Anyone else want to join?¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Several participants volunteered immediately, stepping forward with determination.


    As Sam descended the stairs, the light from the surface faded, replaced by a heavy darkness. When he reached the bottom and turned back, the stairs behind him led into a pitch-black void, the entrance above completely gone.


    ¡°Stay alert,¡± Sam cautioned his team, his voice steady.


    Ahead of them was a red stone door, ominous and foreboding. Without hesitation, Sam pushed it open, revealing a vast cave with a high ceiling. The air was heavy, and an unsettling roar echoed through the cavern.


    Fifty twisted goblin-like creatures charged toward them. Their deformed bodies glowed faintly with a dark, red aura, their appearance grotesque and unnatural.


    [Chaos Spawn: Level 30]


    ¡°GARRRR!!¡±


    The creatures ran at them with relentless aggression.


    Eve stepped forward, gripping her spear tightly. ¡°Let me handle this!¡± she declared confidently.


    Sam shook his head, his tone firm. ¡°These aren¡¯t normal monsters. Don¡¯t be careless. Everyone, get ready!¡±


    Eve frowned, frustration flashing across her face. She felt as though Sam didn¡¯t trust her capabilities but swallowed her feelings for now, focusing on the approaching threat.


    Sam charged ahead, plunging into the heart of the monster group. With a surge of power, he unleashed a controlled explosion, scattering the Chaos Spawns in all directions. The shockwave disrupted their formation, throwing several of them off balance.


    ¡°Now!¡± Sam shouted, signaling his team to advance.


    The group moved in, targeting the creatures still recovering from the impact. One spearman lunged forward, driving his weapon into a Chaos Spawn¡¯s chest. But instead of retreating or succumbing to pain, the creature clamped onto the spear, dragging itself closer.


    The spearman¡¯s eyes widened in horror as the monster lunged and bit into his hand with razor-sharp teeth. ¡°AHHHHHHH!¡± he screamed, recoiling in agony.


    Another team member rushed to his aid, smashing the Chaos Spawn¡¯s head with a mace, finally stopping its rampage. When Sam reached the injured man, he noticed the bitten hand dissolving, eaten away by a corrosive substance.


    Sam knelt beside him, his voice calm but commanding. ¡°Don¡¯t resist.¡± He placed his hand over the injured arm, activating Source of All Matter. A silver mist enveloped the wound, rapidly restoring the man¡¯s hand.


    The injured man stared at Sam in awe and relief. ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    Sam nodded and turned his focus back to the battlefield. Injuries were happening everywhere. Despite their Tier 2 strength and vitality, the Chaos Spawns were proving to be far more dangerous than expected.


    These weren¡¯t ordinary monsters¡ªthey fought without hesitation, throwing themselves at their targets with a mindless drive to kill. Their attacks were brutal, and their dark aura seemed to sap the energy of those fighting them.


    The battle dragged on, chaotic and bloody. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last Chaos Spawn fell. The cavern grew silent, save for the labored breathing of the team.


    Though no one had died, almost everyone was injured, their Tier 2 vitality enough to keep them alive. Sam surveyed the aftermath grimly.


    As the last Chaos Spawn fell, Sam heard a faint hum emanating from the center of the room. Blue light particles began to swirl and coalesce, gradually forming a treasure chest. He approached cautiously, opening the chest to reveal its contents: ten yellow potions and a pair of uncommon gloves.


    ¡°These must be the ration potions the fairy mentioned,¡± Sam muttered, inspecting the potions briefly before handing the gloves to Michael. ¡°Distribute these to whoever needs them,¡± he said.


    Michael nodded, taking the gloves and organizing their allocation. Meanwhile, Sam turned his focus to the injured, methodically using Source of All Matter to heal their wounds.


    When everyone was stable and the group had recovered, Sam addressed them, his voice steady but firm. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    The team nodded, though many were still visibly shaken by the brutal fight. The Chaos Spawns¡¯ relentless aggression had left a deep impression on them.


    As they climbed back up to the surface, Sam heard the distinct sounds of battle¡ªshouts, roars, and the clash of weapons. Emerging from the stairs, they were met with chaos.


    Their group was locked in combat against an army of Chaos Spawns. Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed as he quickly gauged the situation. The creatures swarmed in from all directions, numbering around a thousand, every one of them Tier 1.


    Without hesitation, Sam leaped into the air, taking a moment to assess the battlefield. Spotting the densest cluster of Chaos Spawns, he aimed his newly mastered Proton Sphere at them.


    ¡°Vmmmmm... VMMMMMMMM!¡±


    "BOOMMMM!!!"


    The massive explosion ripped through the horde, creating a temporary gap in their formation. Landing amidst the chaos, Sam charged toward the front line. ¡°Take the injured back!¡± he shouted, his voice cutting through the din.


    Every punch he threw unleashed another devastating explosion, scattering Chaos Spawns like leaves in a storm.


    ¡°BOOMMMM!¡±


    The shockwaves of his attacks rippled through the battlefield, disorienting the enemy and providing his team with much-needed breathing room.


    After what felt like an eternity, the Chaos Spawns¡¯ numbers began to dwindle. Sensing the tide turning, Sam stepped back, allowing his team to handle the remaining creatures.


    He made his way toward a cluster of injured fighters being carried to safety. Kneeling beside one of them, he asked urgently, ¡°What happened? Where did they come from?¡±


    The man winced as he replied, ¡°It started right after you went into the underground. These monsters came out of nowhere and surrounded us from all directions¡ªit was like they planned to ambush us.¡±


    Sam frowned deeply, his mind racing. He knew Chaos Beings were mindless individually, driven purely by instinct to destroy life. But in large groups, they developed a Collective hive mind, growing smarter and more coordinated the greater their numbers. If this was only the first floor, the deeper levels would undoubtedly hold far greater dangers.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Chaos Spawn: level 34]


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Chaos Enemy]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 49]


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 50]


    Ding!


    [Class Evolution Available]


    Sam smirked with satisfaction as the notifications appeared. It was true¡ªthe system rewarded extra experience for defeating Chaos Beings. He even gained a title after only defeating a few of them.


    [Chaos Enemy]: You are the enemy of Chaos Beings - Increases all stats by 7.


    Reading the description, Sam felt a surge of excitement. Not only had his stats increased, but he had finally reached the threshold for Tier 2 evolution.


    Surveying the battlefield, he noted the aftermath. The Chaos Spawns were wiped out, and thankfully no one from his group had died. Their superior tier had made a significant difference, though many bore injuries.


    Sam helped Michael heal the injured with Source of All Matter. As the last wound closed, Sam spoke, ¡°Cover me. I¡¯m going to undergo my evolution. Chaos Spawns might ambush again, so stay on guard.¡±


    Michael nodded, his expression serious. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ve got this. Just focus on your evolution.¡±


    Sam nodded and sat down on the ground. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and opened the Class Evolution option.


    Ding!

 Chapter 35 - Tier 2!

    Sam opened the Class Evolution option, and the list of choices appeared before him. Ten options were displayed¡ªnine were legendary classes, each boasting impressive bonuses like a 100% increase in overall stats.


    But Sam didn¡¯t even glance at their descriptions. He had already made up his mind and refused to let himself be tempted. His path was clear¡ªit was Unbound.


    [Unique]


    [Unbound Initiate]: All stats +20%


    Stats Quantity enhance: Grandmist +100%


    Description: A uniquely powerful class that represents the essence of Samuel Barlow.


    Skill Examples: Source of All Matter: Create matter by consuming Grandmist.


    The class description was short and familiar, mirroring what he already possessed. But the key improvement was clear¡ªmore Grandmist. That alone made this choice invaluable. Without hesitation, Sam selected it and initiated his evolution.


    Grandmist began to flow out of his body, enveloping him completely. The ethereal energy swirled around him like a storm, melting away his skin layer by layer to reveal an inner body that shimmered like the cosmos itself. Stars, galaxies, and endless light pulsed within him, a mesmerizing display of the universe in miniature.


    As the Grandmist consumed his outer form, his clothing dissolved into nothingness, unable to withstand the overwhelming energy. The only exception was his legendary Silverflare Mantle, which remained untouched. Instead of breaking, the mantle seemed to resonate with the Grandmist, gradually absorbing its power. Its silver threads glowed faintly, as though becoming one with his inner cosmos.


    The swirling storm of Grandmist began to condense, pulling his fragmented, cosmic body inward. Piece by piece, the stars, light, and energy coalesced, shrinking into a concentrated core¡ªa seed of the cosmos.


    Then it happened.


    The seed pulsed once, and an explosion of energy erupted, sending a powerful shockwave rippling outward. The ground quaked beneath him as the shockwave spread, a silent testament to the sheer magnitude of his transformation.


    The entire process made Sam feel as though he were undergoing the endless cycle of creation and destruction once more. Now, he needed to rebuild his body. The light particles floating in the air after the explosion began to converge, drawn together by an unseen force. They started to gather and assemble piece by piece, like billions of intricate Lego bricks locking into place with precision.


    Minute by minute, his form took shape. Flesh and bone reassembled from the light becoming Space and Time of Grandmist dimension, reweaving his essence until, 30 minutes later, his body was whole again. With a thought, his human skin appeared, covering his new form.


    As he stood, Sam could feel the vastness within himself. His inner Grandmist dimension was now more expansive, its boundaries stretched far beyond what he had known before. Not only was it larger, but it was also more solid, more stable¡ªready to bear the weight of the power he commanded.


    When the light and dust finally settled, Sam remained, now a fully evolved Unbound Initiate, radiating power and stability in perfect harmony.


    Michael shouted, ¡°Sam! Are you okay? I heard the explosion¡ªwas there an ambush?¡±


    Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of guilt. ¡°No, it was just my evolution causing the commotion. It¡¯s stable now. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll catch up with you.¡±


    Michael gave him a wary glance before stepping back. Once Michael left, Sam turned his focus inward, eager to observe the changes within himself.


    He sent his mental energy into his Grandmist dimension. At first glance, it appeared much the same as before if judged by sight alone. But when he delved deeper¡ªinto the foundation level¡ªhe saw the transformation. Previously, it was a void filled only with Grandmist and leftover particles of creation. Now, it possessed the fundamental properties of space and time.


    He could feel the vacuum forming, adding solidity and structure to the dimension. Yet something was still missing. To make it a true, self-sustaining world, it would need both energy and laws. While energy could be created through the conversion of mass¡ªlike nuclear reactions¡ªit was minuscule compared to the vastness required to sustain a universe. He thought to himself, If Grandmist could one day transform directly into energy, that would be revolutionary.


    Opening his eyes, Sam turned his attention to his physical body. It had undergone subtle yet profound changes. His form had shifted closer to perfection, a step further from the limitations of mortality.


    Most significantly, his flesh and bones had returned¡ªbut not as before. They were no longer made of cells or sustained by blood. Instead, his flesh was formed by space, and his bones were forged from time. This wasn¡¯t the embodiment of laws but the law particles the fundamentals of Space, Time Laws, and all the Laws.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    His foundation now reached the quantum level, anchoring his existence in ways few could fathom. He realized with awe that he was no longer bound by the constraints of history or time. Even if someone altered the past or rewound time, his being would remain unaffected. His flesh and bones had become the Anchors of His Present existence.


    Ding!


    [Tier 2 Evolution Complete]


    [Stat Potency Increased by 100%]


    [Source of All Matter <Unique>] had been strengthening.


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new skill: Grandmist Fabric <Unique>]


    [Grandmist Fabric <Unique>]: You can summon or recreate the legendary Item Silverflare Mantle from the Grandmist dimension, The Item can''t be taken away from you.


    Ding!


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human / Heaven


    Class: Unbound Initiate


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 50 [Tier 2]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 48 +25[+240%]


    Agility: 48 +25[+240%]


    Vitality:48 +25[+240%]


    Endurance: 48 +25[+240%]


    Intelligence: 48 +25[+240%]


    Wisdom: 47 +25[+240%]


    Luck: 100 +25[+240%]


    Grandmist: 210 +25[+340%]


    Undistributed Stats: 10


    [SKILLS]: Mental Ruler <Legendary>, Apex Concentration <Legendary>, Source of All Matter<Unique> +5, Flash Step <Legendary>, Atomic Fissure <Mythic>,[The Heavenly Eye <Unique>], [Grandmist Dimension <Unique>]+1, [Proton Sphere <Mythic>],¡­etc. [+40%]


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: The Eye of Heaven, Unbound.


    [Soul Points]: 10,008,000


    Sam could feel the surge of power coursing through him. He was undeniably stronger now, and his body could endure far more of his abilities without backlash. The realization filled him with a quiet confidence¡ªhe could now unleash even more devastating explosions without concern.


    Standing up, he walked over to join Michael and the group.


    ¡°Sorry for the commotion earlier,¡± Sam said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    Michael frowned at first but then chuckled. ¡°I thought you were being ambushed! I¡¯ve never heard of someone causing an explosion just from evolving. Hahaha!¡±


    Sam shrugged with a grin. ¡°Can¡¯t help it. It¡¯s the nature of my class. Who knows, when I reach the higher stages, I might end up blowing the world up. Hahaha!¡±


    The group shared a laugh, the tension easing momentarily. After some light-hearted banter, Sam shifted the topic.


    ¡°So,¡± he began, his tone turning serious, ¡°are we going down?¡±


    The question hung in the air, and the group momentarily faltered as memories of their earlier encounters with the Chaos Spawn flashed in their minds. The grotesque forms, the relentless attacks¡ªit wasn¡¯t an experience anyone wanted to relive.


    But then, one by one, they steeled themselves, remembering why they had come here in the first place. They refused to remain weak. They had chosen this path to grow stronger, no matter the cost.


    With determination now evident in their expressions, they nodded in agreement.


    Seeing their resolve, Sam felt a flicker of pride. He gave a firm nod and said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s move then.¡±


    <hr>


    "BOOOMMMMM!"


    "Zhhhoooommm¡­ BOOMMM!!"


    Sam unleashed his skills like never before. In front of him surged an endless army of Chaos Beings, all Tier 1, yet their numbers seemed infinite¡ªeasily close to a million. Beside him, over ten thousand participants from the Tutorial Town fought with everything they had.


    How did it come to this?


    It had all started shortly after the resource point incident. Sam and his group continued searching for clues to access the lower floors, encountering small groups of Chaos Spawn along the way. The floor wasn¡¯t particularly large, and after an hour of battling and exploring, they found the entrance¡ªa massive black pit descending into the unknown.


    However, the pit was heavily guarded. Thousands of Chaos Spawn surrounded the entrance, and to Sam¡¯s surprise, they weren¡¯t the first ones to find it. Already, thousands of participants from other groups had gathered, staring down the horde but unwilling to engage. None dared to attack the overwhelming force alone, instead sending messengers to call for reinforcements.


    Soon, the area was teeming with people. Thousands joined the growing force, each group bringing its leaders to strategize. The scene was almost surreal to Sam¡ªten thousand people planning how to handle a single army of Chaos Spawn.


    The discussions dragged on, but eventually, the plan became clear. All eyes turned to Sam, who had been unanimously chosen to open the attack.


    Sam stepped forward, gathering the powerful Proton Sphere. He poured his Grandmist into the skill, concentrating its power to unprecedented levels. He thought to himself, This one will wipe out everything for sure.


    The others watched in hushed awe. They had heard the rumors¡ªstories of Sam¡¯s unparalleled explosive abilities¡ªbut none truly understood the extent of his power.


    As the massive sphere formed in his hand, its sheer intensity caused the ground to tremble. Without hesitation, Sam launched it into the horde.


    "Zhhhhoooommm¡­"


    The sphere sped toward its target, crashing into the center of the Chaos Spawn army.


    "BOOOOOOMMMM!!"


    The explosion obliterated everything in its path. Chaos Beings were incinerated, their twisted forms erased in an instant. The horde was utterly annihilated.


    But something unexpected happened. The force of the explosion didn¡¯t stop at the Chaos Spawn. It ripped through the ground, shattering the black pit''s foundations and exposing the Endless Abyss''s second floor.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Chaos Spawn: level 44]


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Seal Breaker]


    [Seal Breaker]: You shattered the Seal construct of a being far beyond your tier - Increase all stats by 25%


    Ding!


    [Emergency Quest]


    Name: Prison Break!


    Description: The second-floor Cage of the Endless Abyss has been destroyed by unforeseen means, destabilizing the Abyss. Defeat all Escaped Chaos Beings to restore balance.


    Time Remaining: 12:00:00


    Objective: Defeat all Chaos Beings that escaped from the second floor.


    Rewards: Rewards will be granted based on contribution.


    Penalty: Death.


    Sam thinks to himself Sorry¡­

 Chapter 36 - Wars!

    The ground beneath Sam¡¯s feet shuddered violently as deep cracks snaked across the terrain, splitting open to reveal the abyss below. From the gaping darkness, an unrelenting surge of Chaos Beings poured forth, their twisted forms and glowing eyes creating a nightmare of endless malice.


    Sam cast a glance at Michael, whose face mirrored the shock spreading through the crowd. Eddie muttered under his breath, ¡°This... is bad.¡±


    Sam tightened his fists, his resolve hardening despite the chaos. A wry smile tugged at his lips as he said, ¡°Guess we¡¯re fixing my mess,¡± before charging headlong into the fray.


    Landing in the midst of the Chaos Being horde, Sam quickly assessed the situation. Among the goblin-like creatures, he spotted human-shaped Chaos Beings wielding weapons¡ªan unsettling escalation. His Heavenly Eye activated, identifying the new threat.


    [Chaos Soldier]


    They were stronger than the Chaos Spawn but still fell within Tier 1. Without hesitation, Sam unleashed Atomic Fissure.


    Boom!


    The impact was devastating, obliterating the immediate swarm in a fiery explosion of light and force. But instead of stemming the tide, the dark pit at the center only grew wider, its edges crumbling as even more Chaos Beings poured out, faster and in greater numbers.


    Sam¡¯s eyes widened at the unintended consequence. Realizing he couldn¡¯t afford to fight near the pit any longer, he retreated, using Flash Step to move 1 km away from the dangerous focal point. His expression darkened with frustration. Despite his intentions, his power had inadvertently worsened the situation. His Unbound abilities, though immense, were proving difficult to control in such a delicate scenario.


    Regrouping at the frontlines, Sam focused his efforts on minimizing the damage. He carefully controlled the range of his skills, ensuring they wouldn¡¯t further destabilize the pit. Each strike was precise, and he worked tirelessly to push back the Chaos Beings.


    A while later, the tide of fighters began to shift. Reinforcements from the other groups arrived, their collective resolve bolstering the battle line. With the combined strength of thousands of participants, they pushed forward, aiming to reclaim control over the chaotic battlefield.


    Despite the overwhelming odds, Sam stood at the forefront, his relentless determination and raw power inspiring those around him. But deep down, he knew this battle was far from over.


    <hr>


    Zhoooom! BOOOM!!


    Sam continued his relentless assault, the battlefield trembling with every strike. He had already slain more than ten thousand Chaos Beings, their disfigured forms reduced to nothing under the force of his explosions. Yet, no matter how many fell, the enemy¡¯s numbers seemed endless. The Chaos Beings surged out of the abyss like an unyielding tide.


    It wasn¡¯t hopeless for Sam, but for the others, the situation was growing dire. Their force of ten thousand participants was dwarfed by the Chaos army, which had already swelled to over ten times their number. And still, more poured from the pit.


    Sam¡¯s team fought valiantly beside him, acting as a shield for the weaker participants. Michael stood at the rear, Healing Pulse emanating repeatedly to stabilize the injured and keep their line intact. Eve and Ann flanked him, cutting down Chaos Beings as they advanced, ensuring his protection.


    But the Chaos Beings began to change their strategy. Instead of mindlessly charging, they started forming formations¡ªorganizing themselves into groups that attacked with greater coordination. This shift in behavior forced the participants to retreat, their front lines crumbling under the calculated assault. Chaos Beings moved in waves, creating pockets of concentrated pressure that the participants couldn¡¯t withstand.


    Sam¡¯s heart sank as he saw people falling¡ªsome dragged down by sheer numbers, others overwhelmed by the strategic onslaught. He couldn¡¯t let this continue.


    With a fierce resolve, Sam conjured a massive Proton Sphere, hurling it into the densest part of the Chaos army.


    BOOOOM!!!


    The explosion sent Chaos Beings flying in all directions, creating a temporary gap in the enemy''s ranks. Seizing the moment, Sam shouted, ¡°Everyone retreat to the Safe Zone! I¡¯ll hold them back! Fall back!¡±


    The participants hesitated for a brief moment before obeying. The sense of desperation was palpable as they began pulling back, one by one.


    Michael¡¯s voice rang out, filled with worry. ¡°What are you going to do, Sam!?¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold them off!¡± Sam replied, his tone unyielding. ¡°If we keep fighting here, we¡¯ll be surrounded, and it¡¯ll all be over! Go! Get everyone ready for a longer fight! Retreat and regroup. Get ready for the next round!¡±¡±


    Michael clenched his fists but nodded, his expression resolute. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid! We¡¯re coming back for you!¡± With that, he joined the retreat, coordinating their forces to regroup at the Safe Zone.


    Now alone, Sam found himself surrounded by an ocean of Chaos Beings. They seemed to sense his isolation, shifting their focus entirely to him. Their movements became more coordinated as if driven by a collective will to crush him.


    Sam¡¯s lips curled into a fierce grin. ¡°Come on, then!¡± he roared.


    He slammed his fist into the ground, activating Atomic Fissure.


    BOOOOOOM!!!


    The battlefield erupted in a storm of destruction. The ground shattered, sending shockwaves rippling outward, breaking the formations of the Chaos Beings. Sam unleashed his full power, no longer holding back, the explosions tearing through wave after wave of enemies.


    Surrounded and outnumbered, Sam stood as a beacon of defiance, his unrelenting will blazing like a storm. For every Chaos Being that advanced, a fiery explosion met them, ensuring none could pass. The battlefield was his, and he would hold it¡ªno matter the cost.


    <hr>


    Michael POV


    This is bad, I watched as Sam unleashed his skill on the army of Chaos Beings, the devastation resembling the detonation of an atomic bomb in the movies. Flames consumed the battlefield, annihilating the monsters in their path. But the destruction didn¡¯t stop there. The pit, which we assumed was the entrance to the lower floors, was swallowed by the inferno, its edges collapsing inward.


    Then came the system notification.


    Ding!


    Emergency Quest: Prison Break!


    The moment the quest appeared, Sam jumped into the air, launching himself straight into the center of the ever-growing swarm of monsters. My heart sank. What is he doing?


    Without hesitation, I shouted to the others, ¡°Follow him! Engage the swarm!¡±


    We surged forward, weapons ready. I wielded my spear, piercing through the Chaos Beings one by one. At the same time, I activated Healing Pulse, the yellow aura spreading out around me, mending minor injuries and keeping my comrades on their feet.


    But the monsters just kept coming, an unending tide pouring from the pit. Their sheer number was overwhelming, and the battlefield was quickly becoming chaos.


    In the distance, I saw people from other groups struggling. Some were surrounded by the creatures, their screams cut short as they fell. A cold dread gripped me. If this continued, we¡¯d all be overrun.


    Then Sam moved.


    From the middle of the battlefield, he activated one of his massive skills. A wall of flames and shockwaves erupted, splitting the Chaos army in two and creating a brief reprieve. His voice cut through the chaos, commanding us to retreat.


    ¡°Fall back!¡±


    For a moment, I froze, confused. Why? Why would he want us to retreat? My first thought was that Sam was planning to sacrifice himself, but I knew him better than that.


    Sam wasn¡¯t sacrificing himself.


    This was his battlefield, and he fought best when he wasn¡¯t held back by the need to protect others. His fighting style was too destructive, too overwhelming for a team fight.


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± I shouted at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold them back!¡± he yelled in reply. ¡°Retreat and regroup. Get ready for the next round!¡±


    I nodded. I knew he could hold the line¡ªno, he was the line. Sam had never shown signs of exhaustion since reaching Tier 1, and now, as a Tier, he was even stronger.


    ¡°Fall back!¡± I ordered, leading our group away from the battlefield.


    As we retreated, I counted our numbers. Thankfully, we hadn¡¯t lost anyone from our group. But the same couldn¡¯t be said for the others. Many Tier 1 participants were severely injured, some barely clinging to life.


    Even as we pulled back, the sound of explosions echoed behind us, each one louder than the last. Shockwaves traveled the distance, reaching us even 3 kilometers away. The ground trembled beneath my feet, a stark reminder of the sheer power Sam wielded.


    Finally, we reached the Safe Zone. I turned back, still hearing the relentless booms in the distance.


    Michael looked around at the chaos surrounding the Safe Zone. People were scattered, many still shell-shocked and unsure of what to do. The urgency of the situation pressed on him like a weight. If they didn¡¯t act quickly, Sam would be in real danger.


    He raised his voice, cutting through the noise and confusion. ¡°Everyone, listen up! We don¡¯t have time to waste. If we fail this quest, we all die! Get yourselves together!¡±


    The crowd stilled, their eyes turning toward him. Michael took a deep breath and continued. ¡°Whoever is ready to evolve to Tier 2, do it now. Prepare yourselves for another fight. And if anyone has a plan, speak up! We need ideas, and we need them fast!¡±


    A man in his sixties stepped forward, his physique surprisingly strong and well-maintained for his age. He raised his hand to gather attention. ¡°I have an idea,¡± he began, his deep voice commanding respect. ¡°Let¡¯s build a fortress in front of the Safe Zone. That way, we can funnel the Chaos Beings and prevent them from surrounding us.¡±


    The suggestion sparked a ripple of agreement through the crowd. Encouraged by the man¡¯s initiative, others began to chime in with additional suggestions.


    Michael felt a glimmer of hope. People really can come together when it matters most, he thought.


    After a quick vote, the group agreed to build the fortress. Work began immediately. Earth mages coordinated to shape the ground into a sturdy foundation, while others dug trenches and erected walls. Tier 1 participants who met the requirements started undergoing evolution, their power surging as they ascended to Tier 2.


    An hour passed. Despite the steady progress, the sound of explosions continued to echo in the distance, a stark reminder of Sam¡¯s lone battle.


    Finally, the fortress was complete. A sturdy wall now stood between the Safe Zone and the chaos beyond. The participants were healed, rested, and ready to fight once more.


    Michael turned to Eddie, his face grim but determined. ¡°Eddie!¡±


    Eddie nodded without hesitation and sprinted toward the direction of the explosions. His mission was clear: to let Sam know they were ready to join the fight.


    Michael watched him disappear into the distance, his fists clenching tightly. Hold on, Sam.

 Chapter 37 - Atomic!

    Sam fought continuously for three hours. This was the first time he truly felt the pressure of battle. Not even the lightning bear of the first day had pushed him to use his full power like this. His Grandmist reserves, seemingly limitless before, were now halved. It wasn¡¯t just the constant spamming of his two Mythic skills¡ªit was the relentless onslaught of Chaos Beings employing every suicidal tactic they could muster to harm him.


    Despite their best efforts, the Chaos Beings only managed to leave minor scratches on his body. But with their overwhelming numbers, those scratches multiplied into injuries he could no longer ignore. Grey mist seeped from his wounds as he continuously expended Grandmist to heal himself, preventing further damage. His once-pristine form was now marred with scratch marks, a testament to the intensity of the fight.


    <hr>


    BOOM!! BOOM!!


    Proton spheres erupted from both of Sam¡¯s hands, obliterating the Chaos Beings closing in on him from both sides. Before he could catch a breath, an arrow pierced his chest. It was a Chaos Soldier, hidden amidst the swarming horde, who had taken a calculated shot while Sam was distracted by enemies flanking him.


    Unfazed, Sam sealed the wound with Grandmist and retaliated with a Proton Sphere aimed directly at the bow-wielding Chaos Soldier.


    BOOM!!


    The explosion annihilated the Chaos Soldier, leaving a gaping void in the ranks of the horde. Sam barely had time to reposition before another wave pressed in, thousands strong. By now, he estimated he had slain more than 500,000 Chaos Beings, but the tide showed no sign of slowing.


    From amidst the throng, he began to notice a new presence¡ªTier 2 Chaos Beings. Though fewer in number, around a hundred, they were sturdier and harder to kill than their Tier 1 counterparts with normal attacks. However, they fell quickly under the might of Sam¡¯s Mythic skills.


    As another swarm closed in, Sam decided to escalate. He activated Atomic Fissure with both hands, pressing his palms together and aiming toward the front of the encroaching horde.


    ¡°Haaaa!!!¡± "BOOMMM!"


    The resulting explosion unleashed a colossal wave of red-hot flames. The ground in a 500-meter, 90-degree arc ahead of him melted under the intense heat, leaving nothing but scorched remnants of the Chaos Beings.


    The devastation momentarily halted the onslaught, giving Sam a fleeting reprieve as he prepared for the next wave. He steadied himself, listening for any sign of an approaching attack.


    <hr>


    Then, he heard it. The deep, resonant blast of a war horn.


    Sam recognized the sound instantly¡ªit was the signal his group had agreed upon. Relief washed over him as he realized his allies were finally ready to rejoin the fight.


    ¡°So, they¡¯re ready,¡± Sam muttered, a faint smirk crossing his face. He cracked his knuckles and prepared for another round, his eyes fixed on the horizon where the next wave of Chaos Beings was already advancing.


    Sam thought for a moment, then decided. "Retreat for now."


    He gathered an enormous Proton Sphere above his head, its unstable energy growing with alarming intensity. The sphere, now a massive 3-meter radius of light, had shifted from its usual white to a volatile purple, leaking arcs of plasma in all directions. Recognizing the danger, he hurled it into the sky with all his strength, then immediately turned and began running toward the safe zone.


    Using Flash Step repeatedly, Sam covered the ground quickly, his focus sharp. About 2 kilometers away from the point where he had thrown the sphere, he spotted Eddie in the distance. Sam shouted at the top of his lungs, ¡°Eddie, retreat now! I just dropped an atomic bomb!¡±


    Eddie¡¯s face turned pale at the warning. Without hesitation, he turned and sprinted after Sam. Within their group, ¡°atomic bomb¡± was the code name for Sam¡¯s most unstable skill¡ªan attack so uncontrollable that even Sam could suffer from its aftermath.


    Thirty seconds later, a blinding light erupted behind them, illuminating the landscape like a second sun. Though Sam didn¡¯t turn to look, the light cast sharp, defined shadows in front of him.


    ¡°Ahhhhhh! My eyes!¡± Eddie screamed in panic, having glanced back at the flash. The brilliance was enough to cause permanent blindness to ordinary people.


    ¡°Shut up, don¡¯t look!¡± Sam barked, still moving forward.


    Ten seconds later, a thunderous shockwave slammed into them, almost throwing Sam off balance. Eddie, however, stumbled, nearly falling. Sam quickly scooped Eddie onto his back and continued running toward the fortress.


    Minutes later, the fortified structure came into view. Michael rushed out to greet them. ¡°Is Eddie injured?¡± he asked, concern evident on his face.


    Sam replied casually, ¡°He tripped while running.¡±


    Michael frowned. It was almost impossible for a Tier 2 being to trip and get injured.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t trip!¡± Eddie shouted indignantly from Sam¡¯s back. ¡°The shockwave hit me! Someone heal my eyes¡ªI can¡¯t see well!¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    A healer stepped forward to take care of Eddie as Sam set him down. Michael turned back to Sam. ¡°What about the Chaos Beings? How many of them are left?¡±


    Sam thought for a moment, calculating the numbers. ¡°It¡¯s definitely more than a million, but it might not have reached two million. The flow started to slow down while I was fighting them.¡±


    Michael¡¯s face paled at the figure, but he squared his shoulders, determination hardening his expression. ¡°Sam, we¡¯ll hold the front here. Go on your rampage as much as you want. If you need to rest, come back. We¡¯ll fight without holding you back.¡±


    Sam felt a pang of frustration. His power was undeniably a shield for his people, but it was also a force of destruction, especially when he couldn¡¯t fully control it. He nodded. ¡°Understood.¡± Then, without another word, he turned back toward the battlefield.


    With the "atomic bomb" dropped, Sam estimated he might have just taken out another 100,000 Chaos Beings. As he made his way back to the battlefield, he quickly pulled up his system notifications to get a sense of the impact.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Chaos Spawn: level 48]


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    You have slain an enemy [Chaos soldier: level 60]


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Annihilator of Chaos]


    [Annihilator of Chaos]: You have defeated over 100,000 Chaos Beings in a single battle - Increases all stats by 10% While against Chaos Beings.


    Ding


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 65]


    [Source of All Matter <Unique>] had been strengthening.


    Sam gritted his teeth. ¡°Not bad,¡± he muttered under his breath, but he knew this was far from over. The pit continued to churn out Chaos Beings, and the sheer number still out there was enough to overwhelm even him if he didn¡¯t act carefully.


    Closing the notifications, he clenched his fists, the grey-silver mist of Grandmist swirling around him. ¡°Alright, round two,¡± he said as he stepped back toward the chaotic fray.


    <hr>


    Sam leaped high into the sky, ascending to 500 meters above the battlefield. The air was eerily calm at this height, but below, the scene was pure chaos. The red, scorched ground spread out like a massive wound across the terrain. He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the pit. It had finally stopped spewing Chaos Beings, but the creatures were now moving in coordinated waves, forming an enormous army that was marching straight toward the safe zone.


    From his vantage point, Sam estimated their numbers. ¡°Two million or less,¡± he murmured to himself. Despite the numbers thinning from his relentless attacks, the swarm was still overwhelming. Worse, he noticed the Chaos Beings had divided into smaller groups spread across the floor, likely to counter his area-of-effect attacks.


    ¡°They¡¯re learning,¡± he thought grimly. These weren¡¯t mindless creatures anymore. The hive mind was evolving, adapting to their tactics. This new development made the battle far more dangerous.


    Without wasting another second, Sam extended his hands, gathering Grandmist to form several Proton Spheres. He unleashed a quick barrage of them down at the largest army, each sphere trailing streaks of light before colliding with devastating impact.


    Boom! Boom! BOOM!


    The ground erupted in flames and shockwaves, obliterating thousands of Chaos Beings with each hit. From above, it was like watching meteors crashing into the earth. By the time gravity began pulling him down, Sam had already wiped out a significant portion of one group.


    As he descended, Sam took note of the smaller armies spreading across the floor. The hive mind¡¯s strategy was working; dividing their forces made it harder for him to deal critical damage with his large-scale attacks.


    When he landed, the impact cracked the ground beneath him. He stood there momentarily, the faint grey mist of Grandmist swirling around his battered form. He clenched his fists, his thoughts racing.


    ¡°I can¡¯t protect them all the time,¡± he thought bitterly, his mind drifting to Michael, Eve, Ann, and the rest of his team holding the front line. ¡°This is no different from the old wild world. They¡¯ll have to learn to protect themselves.¡±


    He exhaled sharply, steeling himself. ¡°But I can at least buy them time.¡±


    Sam turned his focus back to the battlefield. He locked eyes on the largest of the Chaos armies, the one marching closest to the safe zone. ¡°I¡¯ll crush the big one first,¡± he decided, his voice cold and resolute. ¡°Then I¡¯ll deal with the smaller ones.¡±


    Grey-silver mist erupted from his body as he prepared to charge. His fists glowed with energy, ready to unleash destruction upon the chaos. Without hesitation, Sam dashed forward, leaving a trail of scorched earth in his wake.


    Sam hovered above one of the largest Chaos Being armies, his focus sharp. The army below swarmed like ants, numbering around 100,000. With a deep breath, he gathered his Grandmist, channeling it into his ultimate attack.


    He raised his right hand, the energy around him surging wildly as he unleashed an Atomic Fissure directly into the heart of the army.


    BOOOMMMMM!!!


    The nuclear energy hit the ground like a meteor, carving the earth into the shape of a massive fist. A millisecond later, the ground erupted with an earth-shattering explosion. The blast sent Chaos Beings flying in all directions, their forms disintegrating in the heat and shockwave. The impact left a deep crater, its edges glowing with residual energy.


    Sam hovered for a moment, admiring his handiwork. ¡°This move... it¡¯s too satisfying,¡± he thought, a smirk tugging at his lips. It reminded him of the martial arts techniques he¡¯d read about in cultivation novels. A punch that could level armies.


    But there was no time to bask in the thrill. Chaos Beings continued to pour out from other directions, their numbers seemingly endless. Sam dove back into the fray, striking down the monsters with ruthless efficiency. Every move was calculated, every attack devastating.


    He didn¡¯t stop there. Sam shifted his focus to ensuring that the scattered Chaos armies didn¡¯t converge on the safe zone all at once. He intercepted waves of monsters, keeping their numbers manageable for the defenders. It was a balancing act of destruction and control.


    As he fought, his movements became almost mechanical, his body a machine of pure annihilation. He repeated the process over and over unleashing destruction, shifting to another army, repeat. The battlefield around him was littered with the remains of Chaos Beings, their dark forms crumbling to ash under his relentless attacks.


    While Sam was traveling to the next target, Then a thought struck him¡ªhe hadn¡¯t checked the leaderboard even once since the stage began. Curious, he paused briefly, activating the interface mid-battle to see the progress.


    <hr>


    [The Endless Abyss Leaderboard]


    <ol>


    <li>


    Samuel Barlow - 833,994 pts.


    </li>


    <li>


    Kim Jin-Ho - 25,999 pts.


    </li>


    <li>


    Asteroid Destroyer - 7,040 pts.


    </li>


    <li>


    Michael Barlow - 6,790 pts.


    </li>


    <li>


    Anne Lee - 6,504 pts.


    </li>


    </ol>


    <hr>


    Sam blinked at the absurd disparity in the scores. ¡°What the heck is this? Am I seriously in a Korean novel now!?¡±

 Chapter 38 - Elite!

    He glanced at the names below his, his mind racing with questions. How was this even possible? Even for himself, if the Prison Break event hadn¡¯t occurred, he doubted he could have reached ten thousand points. The math was simple¡ª1 point equaled 1 tier 1 Chaos Being, meaning this Kim Jin-Ho must have killed over 25,000 tier 1 Chaos Beings or 2,500 tier 2s. Either way, the sheer number was staggering.


    Sam frowned, trying to piece it together. ¡°How is that guy racking up points so quickly? Unless he¡¯s the protagonist of this world or caught in some unique situation like me,¡± he mused. ¡°But still, to kill that many monsters in just five hours after the stage started, he must possess incredible power or something beyond the norm.¡±


    His eyes moved to the third name on the list: Asteroid Destroyer. It clearly wasn¡¯t a human name, and Sam couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at its absurdity. ¡°A pet? he speculated. The score was also impressive, further deepening the mystery.


    Scrolling further, he noticed a clear pattern. Beyond the top two and a handful of others, the majority of the top 100 participants were from his tutorial town. It made sense. The chaos monsters hadn¡¯t initially flooded other areas; they¡¯d been forced to fight this war of survival against the tide of Chaos Beings.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t have a choice,¡± Sam muttered, his gaze hardening. ¡°But at least this hellish situation is giving them a chance to grow stronger.¡±


    Closing the leaderboard, Sam steeled himself for the fight ahead. There was no time for distractions¡ªevery second counted in this endless battle.


    Boom!!


    Sam landed hard on the scorched ground, the remnants of his latest Atomic Fissure still rippling through the air. The battlefield was a wasteland of molten craters and broken terrain, littered with the disintegrating remains of Chaos Beings. Eight hours had passed since the dark pit collapsed, and the relentless tide of monsters finally began to show signs of thinning.


    The numbers had dwindled to less than 500,000, but Sam noticed a troubling shift in their behavior. Chaos Beings, once mindlessly swarming in every direction, were now converging on a single target¡ªthe fortress. Their focus had shifted from him to Michael''s group, clearly aware that he was too difficult to kill.


    "They''re learning," Sam muttered, his expression grim. "Or at least, their hive mind is."


    Without hesitation, he continued his assault. Proton Spheres launched from his palms, streaking through the air and exploding into the back ranks of the Chaos army.


    BOOOM! BOOOOOM!


    Each blast sent dozens of Chaos Beings flying, but their advance toward the fortress remained relentless. Sam clenched his fists, frustration building. It was clear they were now treating him as more of a distraction than a threat, redirecting their main forces to overwhelm Michael''s group.


    "You''re not ignoring me that easily," Sam growled, leaping high into the air. From above, he could see the entire battlefield¡ªthe fortress under siege, Chaos Beings swarming its walls like an unstoppable tide.


    Sam unleashed another Atomic Fissure, targeting the dense cluster near the rear of the Chaos army.


    BOOOOOM!


    The ground shattered, sending waves of destructive energy tearing through their ranks. Still, the monsters pressed forward, their hive mind seemingly calculating that the losses were worth the opportunity to overwhelm the fortress.


    Michael''s group was holding their own, their Tier 2 strength keeping the fortress intact, but Sam could see the strain. Injuries were mounting, and exhaustion was beginning to show.


    "They''re using my group to bait me," Sam realized, his eyes narrowing.


    With a burst of Flash Step, he closed the gap to the Chaos army¡¯s rear, slamming into the ground with another Atomic Fissure. The explosion rippled outward, carving through hundreds of Chaos Beings, but it was a temporary reprieve.


    "They won''t stop until either we''re all dead or they''re annihilated," Sam thought, gritting his teeth.


    Determined to buy Michael and the others more time, Sam continued his relentless attacks on the Chaos army''s rear flank.


    As Sam punched through the dense swarm of Chaos Beings, explosions erupted with each strike, scattering bodies in all directions. Despite his relentless effort, the closer he got to the center of the Chaos army, the more resistance he faced.


    His sharp eyes narrowed as he spotted something unusual amidst the chaos¡ªa group of 1,000 tier 2 Chaos Soldiers, all clad in dark crimson armor, forming a protective perimeter. In their midst, Chaos Mage Soldiers surrounded a glowing magic circle, chanting in unison. The air vibrated with their ominous ritual, and an unsettling energy began to radiate from the circle.


    Sam¡¯s instincts screamed at him. ¡°This is bad!¡±


    Realizing the urgency, he surged forward, breaking through the swarm of monsters with calculated strikes. His fists caused localized explosions, tearing apart any Chaos Beings that dared block his path. But the swarm thickened, Chaos Beings seemingly sacrificing themselves in droves to slow him down.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°I can¡¯t afford to use massive attacks here,¡± Sam muttered, frustration mounting. He glanced toward the fortress in the distance. If he unleashed something as destructive as Atomic Fissure or Proton Sphere, the collateral damage would endanger his allies.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Sam growled, weaving through the swarm and forcing his way forward. He mentally vowed, ¡°I need to develop better close-range abilities. This can¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Finally, he was within striking distance, but the ritual reached its climax. The mages¡¯ chanting stopped, and an eerie silence blanketed the battlefield.


    All at once, every Chaos Being on the battlefield froze.


    Sam halted, his gaze sweeping the now-motionless army. Then, one by one, the monsters collapsed, their bodies disintegrating into ash. The fortress defenders froze in shock, staring at the sudden turn of events. Some even began to cheer, assuming victory was theirs.


    Sam¡¯s gut told him otherwise. ¡°It¡¯s not over.¡±


    Flash Step.


    In an instant, he closed the gap to the magic circle, slamming his fists into the glowing formation. Boom! The ground beneath the circle shattered, but the magic persisted, glowing even brighter.


    Sam focused his mental power, observing the energy flow. His senses locked onto the core of the circle¡ªit was pulling energy from the Chaos Beings¡¯ remains, consolidating it into a single point.


    Suddenly, a sharp crack split the air.


    CRASH!


    A red rift tore through the sky above the magic circle, its jagged edges pulsing with chaotic energy. It was identical to the rift Sam had seen in the goblin dungeon but far larger and more volatile. Before he could react, a surge of blue energy materialized out of nowhere, surrounding the rift and sealing it in a burst of blinding light.


    For a moment, Sam thought it was over. Then, he saw it.


    a monster slipped away from the rift before blue energy completely sealed off the rift it was a single figure¡ªa Chaos Being in human form, its presence exuding a suffocating aura.


    Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed as he activated The Heavenly Eye.


    [Chaos Soldier: Level 369][Elite][Chaotic Evil][Antiexist][Hive mind]


    Sam tensed, his fists clenching. This was unlike anything he had faced before.


    It was a tier 4 being! Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed as he assessed the monstrosity before him. Tier 1 encompassed levels 10-50, Tier 2 ranged from 50-100, Tier 3 from 100-200, and Tier 4 from 200-400. This creature, at level 369, was nearly Tier 5¡ªa frightening prospect.


    The monster was a grotesque humanoid deformity. It had three mouths grotesquely placed on its face and additional eyes on its ears, both scanning and leering. Its left arm was shaped like a spear, sharp and menacing, while the other hand clutched a bone cup emanating a sinister aura.


    Sam didn¡¯t wait.


    BOOM!


    He launched himself forward, shattering the ground beneath his feet. His fist was aimed straight for the monster''s core, but the creature moved with unnerving agility, sidestepping his attack effortlessly. Its spear-like arm thrust forward, piercing through Sam¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Ahhhhhh!¡± Sam screamed as a searing pain shot through his body. It wasn¡¯t just physical¡ªthe creature¡¯s attack carried an energy that burrowed into his core, attempting to wreak havoc from within. But before it could spread, Sam¡¯s Grandmist surged, purging the foreign energy at the cost of 20% of his reserve.


    Clenching his teeth, Sam retaliated.


    BOOOMMM!


    He unleashed an Atomic Fissure at close range. The nuclear-like explosion engulfed the monster, sending it hurtling through the air. Sam didn¡¯t relent. He chased after it with a Proton Sphere in hand.


    ¡°VMMM¡­ BOOOOM!¡±


    The sphere struck true, slamming the monster into the ground with devastating force. Dust and debris rose into the air as the ground trembled under the impact.


    But when Sam landed and saw the creature through the clearing smoke, his heart sank.


    The monster wasn¡¯t dead.


    It rose, its injuries minor despite the ferocity of his attacks. Its vitality was immense¡ªfar beyond anything he had faced before.


    With a guttural roar, the chaos being lunged at Sam.


    Its speed rivaled his Flash Step, and before he could fully react, its bone cup smashed into his side, sending him flying 500 meters away. The impact left a deep crater where Sam landed.


    The monster leaped, closing the distance in an instant, its spear-arm aimed for his heart. Sam barely rolled away, avoiding a fatal blow, but the creature adjusted and struck again, piercing him once more.


    Sam grimaced, feeling the spear dig deeper, but his resolve hardened he hit atomic fissure at the monster to separate himself from the monster and heal his wound immediately!.


    ¡°I can¡¯t outrun this thing,¡± he muttered. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s see whose energy lasts longer!¡±


    Sam¡¯s strategy shifted. Instead of dodging, he braced himself for a war of attrition. His Grandmist, with its superior quality, regeneration, and sheer quantity, compared to any form of energy he knew. Each injury was met with immediate regeneration, his cosmic essence knitting his wounds closed even as they formed.


    The creature snarled, sensing its prey wasn¡¯t weakening.


    Sam growled, his fists glowing with the devastating light of Atomic Fissure.


    He dashed forward with the full power of Flash Step, his movements creating shockwaves that rippled across the battlefield. But Sam knew now¡ªthe monster was faster and stronger. It had already proven that hitting it wouldn¡¯t be easy.


    Just as he expected, the creature dodged his glowing fist, its movements fluid and unnervingly precise. Its bone cup swung toward his head with terrifying speed, aiming to smash him once more.


    But this time, Sam was ready.


    The cup connected with his head in a deafening CRACK!, but instead of being thrown back, Sam gritted his teeth and held his ground. His hand shot up, gripping the creature¡¯s bone cup with an iron-clad grip, his Grandmist reinforcing his muscles and bones to absorb the brunt of the blow.


    The monster snarled, trying to pull its weaponized arm free, but Sam didn¡¯t let go.


    "Die!!" Sam roared.


    Using the creature¡¯s momentum against it, he twisted his body and yanked hard on the cup, forcing the monster off balance. With his other fist, still glowing with the destructive energy of Atomic Fissure, he delivered a counterpunch aimed directly at its deformed chest.


    BOOOOMMM!!!


    The explosion blasted the monster backward, its grotesque body smoking and twitching. Yet, it remained standing, snarling with eerie defiance. Sam didn¡¯t let up. He rushed forward again, his fists raining down detonations as he tore into the creature''s flesh, each blow creating shockwaves that rippled through the battlefield.


    The battlefield lit up again as the clash resumed, Sam¡¯s relentless assaults hammering the creature while its brutal counterattacks kept him on edge. Both combatants fought with unmatched ferocity, the ground around them disintegrating under the sheer magnitude of their battle.

 Chapter 39 - Annihilation!

    Eve¡¯s POV


    Her spear pierced through the head of another Chaos monster, ending its life in a single strike. Eve panted, her chest heaving as the exhaustion caught up to her. My stamina is running low... This is bad. She didn¡¯t know how many hours had passed since the monsters began swarming the fortress.


    A voice called from behind, snapping her out of her thoughts. ¡°Change the front!¡±


    Relief flooded her as she heard the signal. It was time to rotate the front line, allowing those on the current front to rest and recover while fresh fighters took their place. Eve slowly retreated, her steps heavy, making way for others to take over.


    But then, something unexpected happened.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± someone near her exclaimed.


    The Chaos monsters suddenly froze in place. Their movements slowed, and their bodies began to crumble into dust.


    ¡°Is it over?¡± someone else shouted, hope and disbelief in their voice.


    ¡°Yeahhh!¡± Cheers erupted across the fortress as people began celebrating.


    But Eve didn¡¯t join in. Her gaze fixed on the system interface¡ªthere was no completion notice for the quest.


    Her unease deepened as she turned her eyes to the battlefield. What was once a sea of monsters had become a barren plain. Standing amidst the cleared ground, 2 kilometers from the fortress, was Sam. He looked pale, his figure slightly hunched.


    Then, Eve¡¯s heart dropped as a red rift materialized above Sam¡¯s position.


    What is that?!


    Without hesitation, she started running toward him, her legs moving before her mind could catch up. But Michael grabbed her arm, stopping her in her tracks. ¡°Wait!¡± he commanded.


    Before Eve could respond, the rift vanished, but what appeared in its place made her blood run cold. A monstrous figure emerged near Sam¡ªa humanoid being, grotesque and deformed, with three mouths and eyes on its ears. Its left arm resembled a spear, while its other hand gripped a bone cup.


    ¡°What is that?¡± Eve whispered in horror.


    Johnny, standing nearby, turned pale as he stammered, ¡°Everyone, run away! That¡¯s... that¡¯s a Tier 4 Chaos monster!¡±


    Eve froze, her body trembling as the weight of his words sank in. From the information she had purchased from the system store, she knew exactly what Tier 4 meant¡ªit was on an entirely different level of power, beyond anything they could handle.


    Her eyes widened as she saw the monster¡¯s spear-like arm pierce through Sam, sending him flying.


    ¡°Sam!¡± she screamed, her instincts screaming at her to rush to her brother¡¯s aid.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Michael¡¯s voice cut through the chaos as he grabbed her again, his grip firm. ¡°You¡¯ll only hold him back!¡±


    Eve¡¯s heart twisted painfully as she watched others, too, hesitate, wanting to help but knowing the truth. Michael turned to the group and shouted, ¡°Everyone retreat! Get to the other side of the safe zone. This place isn¡¯t safe anymore. Go, now!¡±


    Eve clenched her fists, frustration and helplessness clawing at her insides. She watched as Sam stood against the impossible, his figure growing distant as they retreated. Her resolve hardened, a fire igniting in her chest. I won¡¯t stay weak. Not again. Never again.


    <hr>


    Sam POV


    Sam continued to exchange blows with the monster, their fight dragging on for over an hour. The monster recovered quickly¡ªnot as fast as Sam, but enough to keep up a relentless assault. Its energy reserves seemed inexhaustible, and its physical prowess outmatched his in every way. Even in terms of raw energy, it was clear Sam was at a disadvantage.


    His Grandmist dimension was already running low, forcing him to rely on his sub-dimension reservoirs. The first sub-dimension reservoir was half-drained, and he had only one other remaining. He couldn¡¯t gauge how much energy the monster had left, but he wasn¡¯t willing to waste time guessing. The only edge he had was the sheer destructive power of his skills.


    BOOMMMMM!!


    Another explosive punch sent the monster flying, slamming it into the barrier enclosing the meteorite. For a fleeting moment, Sam considered breaking the barrier and tossing the monster into the void, but he dismissed the idea. He¡¯d already caused enough collateral damage.


    The monster recovered swiftly, leaping toward him with supersonic speed. Its spear-like arm drove through his stomach, leaving a gaping wound. Sam gritted his teeth as grey mist poured out, healing the massive injury almost instantly. The cost was steep¡ªanother significant chunk of his Grandmist energy was depleted.


    Switching to his final sub-dimension reservoir, Sam decided to boost himself temporarily. Imitating the monster¡¯s use of dark energy to enhance its body, he fueled his own with Grandmist. His body began glowing with a grey aura, his strength and speed temporarily magnified. But the cost was immense¡ªthis boost would drain his energy rapidly, leaving him with only a single chance to strike.


    The monster charged again, but this time Sam anticipated its movements. As it lunged, he pivoted and drove a glowing red fist into its chest.


    BOOMMM!!


    The impact sent the monster staggering backward, but it immediately recovered, vanishing and reappearing behind him in an instant.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    It roared, its spear arm piercing through Sam¡¯s back again. Gritting his teeth, Sam grabbed the arm protruding from his chest. He¡¯d had enough.


    ¡°This ends now!¡±


    Summoning the power of Atomic Fissure, Sam unleashed it point-blank.


    BOOOMM!!


    The explosion obliterated the monster¡¯s spear arm and sent it flying across the battlefield. It landed heavily, its form battered and injured¡ªbut far from dead.


    The cost of the move was severe. Half of his last energy reservoir had been consumed. Breathing heavily, Sam clenched his fists, his body trembling from exertion. This is bad. I need to use it¡ªno choice now. Just hope it doesn¡¯t kill me too.


    Sam raised both his arms using his skill Source of all matter, Soon Sam holding a ball of pure water above each hand. To the casual observer, they looked identical, but on the atomic level, they were opposites. The water ball in his right hand was ordinary, composed of regular matter. The one in his left, however, was far from normal¡ªit was anti-water, formed entirely of antimatter. Sam poured every ounce of his energy into isolating the antimatter, commanding it to remain stable and prevent any accidental contact.


    The monster, having recovered from its prior injuries, watched Sam with confusion. It sensed no immediate threat from the water balls. With no hesitation, it began stepping forward, intent on ending the fight.


    Sam, who had been preparing for this moment, steadied himself. As the monster used its skill to blink directly in front of him, he smirked and shouted, ¡°E=mc2, bitch!¡± Clapping his hands together, he slammed the two water balls into each other.


    The reaction was instant and catastrophic. The antimatter collided with the matter, triggering an annihilation event. The combined mass of the two was instantly converted into pure energy, releasing an overwhelming burst of power.


    A blinding white light erupted from the collision, swallowing both Sam and the monster in an unrelenting wave of destruction. The sound vanished entirely, replaced by a deafening silence as the massive dome of light expanded outward, disintegrating everything within a 1-kilometer radius.


    Across the safe zone, participants felt the ground tremble violently. The world seemed to lose its color, plunging into stark black and white. Moments later, the shockwave arrived. It struck the barrier surrounding the Safe zone, shattering it into pieces. The tavern collapsed under the sheer force, and those caught standing were hurled hundreds of meters away before crashing to the ground. Enhanced humans survived, but many were left badly injured.


    After what felt like an eternity, the light subsided, and sound returned to the world. The sky regained its natural hue. Confused murmurs filled the air: ¡°What just happened?¡± ¡°Did someone detonate a nuclear bomb?¡±


    And then, the unmistakable Ding! of the system notification rang out, signaling the completion of the quest.


    Back on the battlefield, the destruction was absolute. The monster was gone, along with the ground it once stood on now became a wide crater. All that remained was a charred, dust-smoking void.


    For a moment, there was nothing. But then, the dust in the air began to swirl, drawn by an unseen force. A faint gray light appeared at the center of the devastation, illuminating the cloud of particles. Slowly, the dust transformed into a pure particle, coalescing into a humanoid shape.


    Piece by piece, Sam¡¯s body reassembled. Moments later, he stood naked amidst the desolation, his body whole once again. With a deep breath, his eyes snapped open.


    Sam immediately activated Cosmic Fabric, and the Silverflare Mantle wove itself seamlessly over his newly reformed body. He took a moment to steady himself, exhaling deeply as he felt the fabric settle. The battle had pushed him to his limits.


    "If it weren¡¯t for this unique body of mine," Sam muttered, inspecting his hands as faint traces of Grandmist swirled around them, "I¡¯d be dead for sure."


    His form, a marvel of Grandmist and reconstructed matter, was the sole reason he had survived. As long as he had even a sliver of Grandmist and particles to work with, he could reform his body. But this¡­ this had been the closest he¡¯d ever come to true annihilation.


    The realization hit him like a wave. This wasn¡¯t just a battle¡ªit was a warning. The tier 4 chaos being had pushed him to the brink, and it was a stark reminder that even with his strength, he wasn¡¯t invincible.


    Ding!


    You have slain an enemy [Chaos Soldier: Level 369]


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 68]


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 69]


    ¡­¡­¡­..


    [Congratulations! You have reached level 95]


    Ding!


    [Source of All Matter <Unique>] has been strengthening to the maximum.


    Ding!


    [Congratulations! You have earned a new title: Slayer of The Elite]


    [Slayer of The Elite]: Defeating an Elite being while still being below tier 4 - Increase all stats by 15%


    Ding!


    [Title upgrade!]


    [Tier Breaker]: Signifying the achievement of killing a monster beyond one''s current tier - Increase all stats by 10% ? 25%


    [Ascendant Slayer]: Defeating an enemy 10 levels above your level - Increase all stats by 10.? [Superior Slayer]: Defeating an enemy 300 levels above your level - Increase all stats by 25%.


    [Annihilator of Chaos]: You have defeated over 100,000 Chaos Beings in a single battle - Increases all stats by 10% While against Chaos Beings. ? [Annihilator of Chaos]: You have defeated over 1,000,000 Chaos Beings in a single battle - Increases all stats by 20% While against Chaos Beings.


    Ding!


    [Emergency Quest][Complete]


    [You have acquired: 2,000,000 Soul Points, 1 Legendary Skill Upgrade Card]


    Ding!


    [System Challenger Title Activated]


    You have received additional quest rewards: 1 Epic Random Box


    Ding!


    [SOUL RECORD]


    Name: Samuel Barlow


    Race: Human / Heaven


    Class: Unbound Initiate


    Title: Lucky Man 9, Early Access, The First of Skill Wleider, Barrier Breaker,¡­]


    Level: 95 [Tier 2][Stats Potency +200%]


    [STATUS]


    Strength: 50 +15[+320%] ? 208


    Agility: 50 +15[+320%] ? 208


    Vitality:50 +15[+320%] ? 208


    Endurance: 50 +15[+320%] ? 208


    Intelligence: 50 +15[+320%] ? 208


    Wisdom: 50 +15[+320%] ? 208


    Luck: 100 +15[+320%] ? 368


    Grandmist: 210 +15[+420%] ? 945


    Undistributed Stats: 222


    [SKILLS]: Mental Ruler <Legendary>, Apex Concentration <Legendary>, Source of All Matter<Unique> +Max, Flash Step <Legendary>, Atomic Fissure <Mythic>,[The Heavenly Eye <Unique>], [Grandmist Dimension <Unique>]+1, [Proton Sphere <Mythic>],¡­etc. [+40%]


    [COMMON SKILLS]: language, mathematics, cooking, exercises,¡­.Etc.


    [TRAITS]: The Eye of Heaven, Unbound.


    [Soul Points]: 12,008,000


    Sam''s gains from the battle were immense. The sheer magnitude of chaos beings he had defeated, He was now teetering on the edge of Tier 3 Evolution¡ªa milestone he hadn¡¯t expected to approach this quickly.


    After a quick glance at his system window to check his progress, Sam¡¯s lips curved into a faint, satisfied smile. But it didn¡¯t last long. His body felt drained, and the dim flickers of Grandmist within him reminded him of how low his reserves had gotten.


    "I need to recharge... but first, I need to make sure everyone is okay," Sam muttered, determination replacing his fatigue.


    Dragging his depleted energy reserves, Sam set off toward the safe zone. His movements were steady but deliberate, each step driven by a growing concern for his people. The aftermath of the battle still weighed heavily on him, and he couldn¡¯t rest until he confirmed their safety.