[Do you think I have the time and resources for this? My first priority should be to ensure my own safety rather than jumping from one extreme to another.]
[Participant 137, rest assured that this is an unusual mission, as I have already mentioned, and you will have a 1 in 1000 chance.]
Thank you for letting me know that it's not a one in a million chance at least.
[Well, I have nothing to lose.]
With a heavy heart, I clicked on "Yes," silently praying that I would receive a rare artifact or new skill as a reward.
[The mission panel has been loaded, and a new mission is being considered for Participant 137.
Mission:
Eliminate 102 enemies within 14 hours. An initial payment of 5,000 system points will be provided, along with access to the Store window up to level 4.
Does participant 137 accept this new mission?
Yes. No.]
What?
102 enemies?
Defeat them within 14 hours?
But wait, won't killing them bring more trouble upon me?
And most importantly, will I even survive?
[What is this Store?]
[The System Store is a digital marketplace accessible through your interface, where you can purchase various items to aid you in your missions, including artifacts, spell books, potions, and even modern-type weapons. You can use the System points earned from completing missions or other activities to purchase these items and improve your chances of success in your missions.
However, be warned that some items may be restricted or require certain levels of clearance to purchase.
Remember, the System is here to help you succeed in your missions. Utilizing the System Store wisely can greatly improve your chances of survival and success.]
So, it seems that in the store, I can purchase items within a range of points. That's starting to make sense now.
This mission is my only hope for increasing chance of survival.
[Are there any valuable items available for purchase on the first four levels of your Store?] I asked the system.
[Yes, there are, but your current points balance is not sufficient to buy them.] Replied the system.
The vital fluctuations of other beings were irreversibly approaching. I took a deep breath and clicked on the "Yes" button.
I will become stronger at all costs.
I felt the sound of approaching footsteps before suddenly finding myself in a new space. The room was spacious, and I felt a sense of nostalgia emanating from it. Looking around, I saw that it was almost empty except for a leather chair, which I sat down in relief.
To my astonishment, I no longer had my claws or formidable body. My nails were trimmed, and my fingers lacked the needle-like growths that I was used to. Even my attire had changed; I was now wearing a white shirt that was a size too big, black trousers, and a belt. I patted my face and felt the sensation of having a human nose and ears.
[Participant 137, you have 10 minutes to make a choice. Your wallet has been credited with 5,000 points.] The system announced.
As I surveyed the room, a panel window opened up to the ceiling, revealing a vast assortment of items. Knowing that I needed a weapon to defend myself, my heart raced with excitement.
But as I approached the showcases, many of the items appeared as dark blobs against a blue background, making it challenging to discern their details.
[Why can't I see these things more clearly?] I asked the system, pointing to several items.
[Unfortunately, the artifacts you're interested in are currently unavailable for purchase with your current points balance. The cost of some items in our store can reach as high as 2,500,000 points, so we've closed the presentation to prevent any confusion.]
"I can't afford them," I groaned, running my fingers through the hair on the back of my neck.
I asked the system:
[What options do I have to defend myself? Where can I find some useful skills?]
Although the interface appeared straightforward, I felt the urgency of time ticking away in seconds, causing me to lack restraint.
The system did not reply verbally, but instead took control of the panel and opened the relevant tabs. Before me, colorful scrolls and worn-out books spilled onto the screen, each cover adorned with names and methods of instruction.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
[There are some basic skills available, but they come at a price of at least 45,000 points.] The system replied.
[Why are they so expensive? What about artifacts?] I asked.
As I squinted to read the small text, I rubbed my eyes and let out a warm breath.
[You have to understand that the artifacts in this store are unique and powerful, with properties that go beyond the capabilities of ordinary items. As for the skills, they have been refined and perfected over centuries, and they are invaluable in their effectiveness. That's why their price is so high.]
I nodded, understanding the explanation of the system. I knew that if I wanted to survive in this strange new world, I needed to invest in my skills and gear. I scanned the scrolls and books, trying to find something that would be within my budget.
As I searched, the system pointed out several artifacts that might be useful to me. There were weapons with enchanted blades, armor that could withstand magical attacks, and even a cloak that granted invisibility.
However, their prices were all well above my current points balance. I let out a frustrated sigh.
[Is there anything else I can do to earn more points?] I asked the system.
[Yes, you can take on missions and complete tasks. Some of them offer generous rewards.]
A new tab opened, revealing a collection of items including necklaces and primitive weapons adorned with golden patterns.
[These are the ones that might be suitable for you, both in terms of value and potential usefulness.]
Three items hung before me. One of them caught my attention—a simple, spotless sheet of A4 paper. Arching an eyebrow, I examined it closely and asked with intrigue:
[Does this paper possess a special skill for defeating enemies?]
The system's response surprised me:
[No, this is just a simple piece of paper. However, it is considered an artifact due to its unique composition, unlike anything seen before.]
What?
Surprised, I glanced at the price tag and my eyes widened. It was priced at 3,800 Points. Despite its intriguing nature, I couldn't justify spending such a substantial amount on a mere sheet of paper.
I shifted my attention to the next item—a dagger with a blue handle. It paled in comparison to the Crescent Tail, and I quickly dismissed it as an option.
The final item that caught my eye was a spatial bag with a size of 3 by 3 square meters. It carried a price tag of 4,200 Points. I sighed in frustration, feeling like there was nothing truly worthwhile within my reach. Eventually, I closed the tabs and returned to the first level, where human weapons were displayed.
My gaze landed on a grenade priced at 2,500 points. I pondered intensely, contemplating if it would be effective against creatures.
Seeking clarity, I asked the system:
[Will these weapons be able to penetrate the creatures' defenses?]
The system replied:
[You can assess the potential damage by comparing it to your own body. You have 3 minutes and 49 seconds remaining.]
I realized an important element that I had overlooked. By clicking on each item, I could not only see its composition and progressive usage but also an important aspect of any weapon—the strength and recoil it exerted when in action. It was crucial to make an informed decision with limited time available.
Among the available options, I observed that there were four distinct thresholds to consider:
Gray: This indicated that the weapon posed no threat to me. It wouldn't be able to cause any damage, making it essentially useless in combat.
Yellow: Weapons falling into this category had the potential to inflict harm, but they wouldn't significantly impact my combat capabilities. While they could cause some damage to enemies, they weren't particularly formidable or impactful.
Red: Weapons classified as red were capable of dealing significant damage to adversaries. They possessed a certain level of power and effectiveness, making them a viable choice for engaging in combat.
Purple: Weapons in the purple category were incredibly dangerous. They had the potential to kill or incapacitate me if mishandled or used improperly.
The storefront displayed various human weapons falling into the Yellow and Gray thresholds. It didn't require much thought to realize that I was in deep trouble.
Wiping away the remaining tears, I meticulously opened each tab, desperately searching for potential weapons. Some caught my interest, but their prices stung just as fiercely as summer mosquitoes.
5,000 points against 102 enemies who were likely stronger than me. No, I needed something more substantial.
Think, think, think.
The timer relentlessly counted down, showing the final minute and 12 seconds in bold blue digits.
And then it hit me—a mass weapon.
While a nuclear bomb would annihilate me, a spatial bag contained only lifeless items.
[Are there any sleeping powders or similar substances?] I inquired, hoping for a viable alternative.
[If you're referring to potions, they can be found in the third tab, which you missed at the very beginning.] The system promptly responded.
In a split second, the system closed the previous tabs and opened the one featuring white test tubes filled with liquids that sloshed against the glass walls, emitting an ethereal glow in the fading twilight of my existence.
Each held a different potency and effect, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,600 points.
One particular option caught my eye — a soporific that acted for 15 minutes, priced at 1,500 points. There were also longer-lasting potions, capable of inducing sleep for an hour or two.
With 45 seconds remaining on the timer, I had to make a quick decision.
In that crucial moment, my gaze fixated on a test tube that emanated a fiery red hue, gradually shifting towards a menacing shade of purple. A grin spread across my face as I locked my eyes on the antidote within.
[Wrap me these two.] I demanded, my voice filled with determination.
I watched as the screen flashed briefly, indicating that the points had been deducted from my account.
As the timer swung its arrows, reaching the final second, I once again found myself inhabiting a massive body, accompanied by aching sensations pulsating through my muscles. Clenching my teeth, I glanced at the health window, only to witness a painfully slow regeneration. It appeared that the spell from that vile individual had done its job all too well.
[Health:
32%]
[By switching to Passive Revitalization, will my regeneration speed increase?] I inquired.
[Yes, with the intervention of the system and your cooperation, the spell's effect will be nullified.] Came the system's reassuring response.
[You mentioned that I wouldn't be able to move a single muscle, but am I still capable of speech?] I queried further.
[You can opt for semi-Revitalization, but it will slow down the regeneration process by a certain number of points. It will take a few minutes longer to fully recover.] The system clarified.
A few minutes was a small price to pay compared to hours of incapacitation. Clenching my fangs together, I mustered my resolve and heard a resounding rumble next to my face.
I activated the semi-Revitalization.
Fluttering my frostbitten eyelashes, I gradually opened my eyes, only to be met with the sight of a creature bearing a forked tongue.