[System Points: 210]
The number lingered in his vision, taunting him.
"Okay, System," he muttered. "You've been quiet for too long. Show me what I can do with these points."
For a moment, nothing happened, and then a new interface flickered into view. The text was crisp, glowing faintly in the dim room:
[System Shop Unlocked.]
Categories:
Abilities
Upgrades
Items
Knowledge
He stared at the list, his curiosity warring with caution. "Items?" he mused, selecting it. A new menu appeared, showcasing an array of artifacts, potions, and tools. Each item had a description and a cost. One in particular caught his eye:
[Emergency Energy Capsule: Instantly restores 50% energy. Cost: 10 Points.]
Useful, but he wasn't ready to spend points just yet. He backed out and selected Abilities instead. The options here were far more intriguing:
[Flash Step: Enhance mobility with bursts of speed. Cost: 50 Points.]
[Energy Shield: Generate a protective barrier. Cost: 75 Points.]
[Minor Elemental Control: Basic manipulation of an element. Cost: 100 Points.]
Eren's heart raced as he considered his choices. The idea of controlling elements was tempting, but he decided to wait. This was a resource he couldn't afford to waste. For now, he'd focus on learning the system's full potential.
The next day brought fresh challenges. He was paired with Kaelena for a team exercise, their task to navigate a labyrinth filled with traps and hostile constructs. As they moved, Kaelena couldn't help but notice his newfound agility.
"You're faster than yesterday," she remarked, a glimmer of suspicion in her eyes.
"Guess Orin's training paid off," he replied, deflecting her curiosity.
But as they delved deeper into the maze, Eren realized this wasn't just a test of skill. The labyrinth seemed alive, its walls shifting and its traps adapting to their strategies. He'd need every ounce of his growing abilities to make it through—and perhaps, a few system points too.