Intently staring at the Sprite's tear, Frost found himself at a loss with what to do.

He could activate it now and gain 10 stat points, but where to put them? Or he could save the tear for later use. The problem with that being Frost's unwillingness to spend his 25 available stat points without a plan for a class. It wouldn't do to be a warrior with stats in intelligence, or a mage with stats in strength. That was one of the worse paths a user could take, reducing the power of their class to create versatility. Why be a jack of all trades when you can be a powerhouse?

Frost decided that he'd only use the tear once he had a clear Class objective. Until then, using it would be a waste. The same went for the available stat points, he would just have to grind what he had and tolerate being weaker than average for the time being.

With his plan set for the future, Frost took a last look around the store. Aside from several books that looked like they could fetch a decent price, everything else was miscellaneous. Junk. It was a shame, he'd hoped to make some money on this failed adventure. But such was luck.

Closing the door behind him, Frost left the store and immediately started shivering. In the short time he'd been inside the weather had turned for the worst, gales of wind and heavy snowfall assaulting him. His poor clothing did little to protect from the cold.

Status AlertYou have caught a cold!

-Health regeneration: 50%

-Movement speed: 50%

-Continued exposure to cold with begin to harm health!

"Damn." Frost muttered. With that notification, grinding went off the table. Fighting creatures for xp and loot would be difficult for any level 1, let alone at half strength.

But a sudden inspiration struck him. A player could gain stat points by performing difficult tasks and pushing their bodies natural limits. Wouldn't a harsh environment allow just for that opportunity? Maybe grinding wasn't completely impossible...

Beginning a slow jog to the outskirts of the town, Frost proceeded to increase his pace every few minutes until he was running at a full pelt. Though with his movement restriction, that wasn't saying much. Choosing a path that would circle him around the town he began his first lap.

Almost immediately notifications began to pop up:

+1 Agility

+2 Agility

+1 Strength

This continued for a while..

The rate at which Frost earned stats was astonishing. Running in the harsh winter conditions was speeding the process of gaining stats by hours!

Unfortunately though, during his 4th lap of the town a notification appeared. And as all good things must, his progress came to an end.

Status AlertCold has entered advanced stages!

-Health regeneration: 0%

-Movement speed: 10%%

- -2 health

"No!" Frost yelled, "No No No!"

He was roughly a mile from town and his movement was now limited to a slow walk. On top of that, his health was now at 8/10 and would most likely continue to fall. Frost estimated he only had 10 minutes of life before the cold killed him, trouble was the town was 10 minutes away. Surviving would be a miracle by itself!

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Setting off towards the town, Frost fought back a cough that threatened to rack through his body. In hindsight, perhaps running in the snow hadn't been the best course of action, but the results he'd gained quickly banished such thoughts. In just a few laps of the village he'd gained:

-8 agility

-3 Strength

and all in an hours work!

Unable to fight it back, a cough racked through his body. A raw pain began to grow in the back of his throat, feeling like he'd just swallowed sawdust.

Feeling slightly woozy at this point, Frost was grateful to see the town finally come into view. But a check of his health sent his heart racing.

2/10 hp remained!

Picking up his speed as much as he was able to, Frost approached the nearest building he could see. A small wooden shack lying on the outskirts of town.

Feet trudging through the heavy snow, Frost had to dig deep within himself to find the strength to keep moving. His limbs felt heavy and dull, and his head throbbed. For every step he took closer to the shack, the distance between them seemed to grow.

10 feet away!

-1hp

Frost pushed on.

5 feet away!

A sudden gust of wind unbalanced his body, but stabilising himself he continued to move forwards.

1 foot away!

Barging through the door Frost collapsed into the shack, grateful for the sudden burst of warmth. Raising his leg weakly off the floor, he used it to gently press the door shut, cutting himself off from the outside world.

Cold has stabilised, continued exposure to warmth will reverse the effects suffered

Yes! He was safe! Taking in a deep sigh, Frost loudly exhaled. It was good to be alive.

"Well aren't you a sorry state for sore eyes." A voice came from behind.

Unable to muster the strength to stand, Frost could only tilt his head from the floor to see the source. An ageing woman stood before him, dark brunette hair with streaks of white showing from the roots. She was rather skinny and stood with a slight hunch, she had not aged well.

"S.....sorry for the intrusion," Frost barely managed to make out, "Needed....shel....shelter."

Another shiver racked his body, sending him into a mini convulsion. Followed swiftly by a violent cough, causing his already aching throat to scream out in agony.

Seeing his predicament, the elderly woman quickly walked off to retrieve something from another room. Soon returning with an orange potion in hand. Pulling Frost's head into her lap, she quickly began to administer the potion.

Advanced Health Potion usedHealth is completely restored.

               Cold effects fully reversed

               +2 hp

What?! A health potion that could completely heal someone?! And raise their health stat permanently?!

Who was this woman.