Chapter 8: Unlocking Potential

Eren sat cross-legged in his room later that evening, the soreness of his muscles making every movement a reminder of Orin's brutal training. His thoughts kept drifting to the System. It had given him objectives, issued rewards, but so far, he had no idea how to use those system points.

[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.