Chapter 18. system upgrade (and punishment)
---
[System Interface: Status Window]
Name: Mike
Species: Allosaurus (Lv. 7)
Evolution Points: 1,900.59
Attributes:
Strength: 53
Agility: 40
Endurance: 50
Intelligence: 31
Vitality: 48
Skills:
Predator's Sense (Lv. 4): Detects creatures within a wide radius.
Primitive Bite (Lv.9): Increased damage and speed.
Quick Sprint (Lv.7): Even faster bursts of speed, more efficient.
Fire Ignition (Lv.5): Ability to generate more intense flames for cooking or combat.
Hardening (Lv.5): Temporarily increases defense and durability by hardening the skin.
Current Evolution Level: 2
Next Evolution Threshold: 1,000 Evolution Points
---
Mike's Cave - Status Window Upgrading
Mike leaned back against the rocky wall of the cave, looking at his status window with a mix of pride and frustration. "Alright," he muttered. "It's not exactly what I wanted, but hey, it's upgrade time!" He grinned, tapping the glowing [Upgrade] button.
---
[System Notification]
Upgrade Successful!
Evolution Level increased to 3.
Evolution Points deducted: 1,000.
Remaining Evolution Points: 900.59
---
Mike let out a satisfied sigh. "Finally, some progress." His eyes drifted to the system changes listed in the small, glowing notification box.
---
[System Notification]
New Features Unlocked:
Spin Wheel: Use Evolution Points for random rewards!
Cost per spin: 100 Evolution Points.
Shop Refresh System: Refresh the Shop for 60 Evolution Points.
Shop inventory now randomizes daily.
---
Mike blinked at the screen, squinting at the text. "Wait, what? Random shop? Spin wheel?" His jaw dropped. "You're kidding me. Is this a punishment?!"
The system didn't respond, but the faint flicker of the screen seemed mocking. Mike grumbled, "Random shop inventory? That's insane! What if I miss something important? And 60 points just to refresh it?! This feels like robbery!"
---
Mike's First Spin - Regret Sets In
Reluctantly, Mike opened the Spin Wheel, the glowing interface showing a colorful, spinning wheel filled with icons: potions, points, skills, and… a banana?
"This better be good," he muttered, selecting the [Spin] option.
The wheel began to turn, lights flashing wildly. Mike leaned forward, his claws digging into the dirt. "Come on… rare skill… legendary weapon…"
The wheel slowed and stopped.
---
[System Notification]
Spin Reward: Health Potion (Small)
---
Mike stared at the screen, his expression blank. "A health potion? Are you kidding me?" He slammed his tail against the cave floor. "I didn't spend 100 points for some glorified first-aid kit!"
But he couldn't resist trying again. "One more time. Maybe this one's better." He hit [Spin] again, his points dropping another 100.
The wheel spun, and Mike's hopes rose. "C'mon… something good this time…"
---
[System Notification]
Spin Reward: Evolution Points +30.
---
Mike froze. Then he threw his head back and screamed, "You're giving me back my points? I just lost 70!" He glared at the flickering system window. "Are you doing this on purpose?!"
The system didn't answer, but Mike could swear it flickered brighter, as if amused.
---
The Final Spin - Unexpected Surprise
With only 400 points left, Mike hesitated. "This is my last spin. If this is another potion or useless crap, I swear—" He hit [Spin] one final time, watching his points drop to 200.
The wheel turned, lights flashing in a rainbow blur. Mike held his breath.
The wheel slowed, stopped, and…
---
[System Notification]
Spin Reward: Rare Skill - Shrink Form
---
Mike blinked at the screen, tilting his head. "Shrink Form? What the hell is that supposed to do?!" He opened the description window.
---
Skill: Shrink Form (Rare)
Allows the user to reduce their size significantly.
Bonus Effect (Level 50): Unlocks ability to transform into other forms.
---
Mike stared at the description for a long moment before bursting out laughing. "Shrink myself? What even is this skill? Am I supposed to hide under rocks now?!"
His laughter died when he re-read the bonus effect. "Wait… transform into other forms at level 50? That's… actually kind of cool."
He crossed his arms, shaking his head. "Okay, system. You win this round. But I'm watching you."
---
Mike Prepares for the Next Battle
Mike glanced back at his stats, noticing a slight boost in attributes from leveling up. His skills had also leveled, and with the new Summon Minion skill he unlocked from the shop earlier, he was ready for action.
He stretched, claws clicking against the stone floor. "Alright, Eli's village is next. Time to see what these skills can really do."
As he stepped out of the cave, he muttered to himself, "But seriously… Shrink Form? What am I, a circus act now?"
The system flickered behind him, as if it were silently laughing.