Survival System 2

Stark and Bella stood before the towering 5-foot gecko, aware that they needed a clever strategy to immobilize such a formidable creature. Stark's gaze fell upon a massive tree branch nearby, which seemed suitable for their plan.

"Bella, we need something bigger to trap this gecko," Stark said, pointing at the substantial branch. "If we can immobilize it, we'll have a chance to strike."

Bella looked at the branch, her eyes widening with anticipation. "That stick is enormous, Stark. But do you think we can handle it?"

Stark exuded confidence. "We've come this far, Bella. I believe we can do it. With your help, we can set up the trap and take down this gecko."

Together, they exerted their strength to position the colossal branch, creating a sturdy trap designed to ensnare the gecko. Stark utilized his knowledge of survival skills and engineering, ensuring the trap was effective without relying on any supernatural abilities.

As the gecko approached, Stark positioned himself to strike first. With lightning-fast reflexes, Stark swung his wooden stick with precision, striking the first gecko with a powerful blow. The creature let out a screech of pain and fell to the ground. As the adrenaline surged through Stark's veins, a notification appeared on the holographic panel, accompanied by an AI voice.

[First kill achieved!]

[High Body Reflex Unlocked!]

[System activated. User Stark, welcome to the Survival Enhancement System.]

[Greetings, users. I am the Survival Enhancement System, created by a more advanced civilization to observe and guide you through this challenge.]

Stark stared at the panel, his brow furrowed. "The Survival Enhancement System? What do you mean?"

[The energy that has brought you to this ruin has also granted you special abilities. You have unlocked these powers in order to survive the waves of monstrous beasts that threaten your existence.]

"Special abilities?" Stark murmured. "Do you see anything like a notification in front of you, Bella?" Stark asked her as he wanted to clarify whether he was dreaming

Bella shook her head,

"No! " He hesitantly reached out and tapped the panel, prompting a series of options to appear.

Bella was still surprised why he asked about that. When all of a sudden a more detailed information appeared panel.

[Name~ Stark Miller]

[Age~ 10 years]

[Talent Potential~ SSS-Rank]

[Innate Talent~ Skill Creation- Gives you access to numerous skills]

[Strength~4]

[Agility~5]

[Endurance~3]

[Energy Reserve~ 30]

[Energy Recovery~ 0%]

[Exp~ 40/100]

[Skill Store.....]

[Skill~Weapon Manifestation - Summon a weapon of choice temporarily. Cooldown: 10 minutes. Energy Cost: 30.]

[Skill: Energy Shield - Creates a protective energy shield around the user. Duration: 30 seconds. Cooldown: 2 minutes. Energy Cost: 40.]

[Ability: Geomancy - Manipulate the environment, shaping rocks and terrain. Cooldown: 5 minutes. Energy Cost: 50.]

[Ability: Flame Strike - Conjures a powerful burst of flames to attack enemies. Cooldown: 1 minute. Energy Cost: 50.]

[Each option you see here represents a unique power you can unlock and utilize to enhance your survival capabilities.]

[The skills and abilities are activated by expending energy and have cooldown periods before they can be used again. Energy is a resource that replenishes over time, so it's important to manage it strategically during your encounters.]

[The Weapon Manifestation skill, for example, allows you to summon a weapon of your choice temporarily. Once activated, you will wield the weapon for a limited duration before it dissipates. This skill has a cooldown of 10 minutes, meaning you will need to wait for that duration before summoning another weapon.]

[The energy cost associated with each skill represents the amount of energy required to activate it. In the case of Weapon Manifestation, it would consume 30 units of energy. Keep in mind that using skills and abilities will deplete your energy reserves, so it's crucial to plan your actions accordingly.]

[Please choose wisely]

[Quest: Kill all creatures within this cave]

[Countdown: 30 seconds!]

Stark found himself caught off guard by the sudden turn of events. The mention of a quest startled him, but as soon as he laid eyes on the countdown, he instinctively understood the imminent challenge. Having experienced countless games in the virtual world, he knew what would come next.

With very little time to spare, Stark had to make a rapid decision. His mind raced, weighing the available options. Considering his limited energy reserves, he knew he had to choose wisely to maximize his chances of success.

"I choose the Weapon Manifestation skill," Stark declared. This skill, despite its energy requirements, was the most viable choice within his grasp.

Energy surged through Stark's body, and a brilliant light enveloped his hand. When it faded, a Red sword materialized in his grasp. Stark marveled at the weapon's craftsmanship, feeling its weight and power.

Bella stared at the sword in awe, her eyes wide with amazement. "Stark, that's incredible! You actually summoned a weapon!"

Stark had experienced various virtual reality simulations, but the thrill of wielding a real sword brought a surge of excitement.

"Finally, I will get to test the real experience"

However, their moment of exhilaration was abruptly interrupted as a horde of mutated animals began to surround them.

"Bella, stay here and I'll try to divert their attention while immobilizing a few," Stark declared, springing into action. He couldn't quite comprehend where his confidence came from, but he possessed a courage he had never known before.

Bella wanted to protest but was taken aback as Stark swiftly maneuvered, sliding underneath the legs of a gecko-like creature and severing its limbs in one fluid motion. The mutated gecko collapsed, and Stark seamlessly transitioned to the next foe, this time delivering a fatal blow to its heart.

"Now, Bella!" Stark shouted, tossing the sword towards her direction. She swiftly retrieved it from the ground and approached another gecko-like creature, stabbing it decisively in the chest.

In the next instant, an unfamiliar energy enveloped Bella as she gradually rose from the ground, defying gravity. "Stark... I'm doing it... I'm flying!" she exclaimed, struggling to maintain her balance in mid-air.

"Pass me back my sword!" Stark yelled at Bella, and she promptly threw it back to him. Sensing an impending danger, Stark reacted swiftly as a lizard with a snake-like head, standing approximately 6 feet tall, prepared to spew its poisonous venom. Stark hurled the sword towards the creature's mouth, obstructing its breath.

The serpent-like creature writhed momentarily, unable to release its deadly venom due to the sword lodged in its mouth.

[+40 XP]

"It actually works I can use a skill" Bella who was still on the air was happy as she lost control and fell on the ground.

Their excitement was short-lived as the other creatures closed in on them.

"Bella, I think it's time we work together. There are too many of them for me to handle alone. You can draw their attention with your flying skills while I eliminate them," Stark suggested.

"Okay," Bella nodded in agreement, despite her limited control over her flight abilities.

As Bella took to the air, her flight was somewhat erratic due to her lack of complete control. Nevertheless, she managed to hover above the ground, catching the attention of the approaching creatures. Their focus shifted towards Bella, giving Stark a window of opportunity to strike.

Stark sprinted with all his might, his heart pounding in his chest as he closed the distance between himself and the closest creature. With a burst of adrenaline, he lunged forward, aiming for a swift and precise strike.

As he reached the creature, Stark swiftly brought his weapon down, piercing its back with a single, well-aimed stab. The creature let out a piercing screech of pain, momentarily stunned by the sudden attack.