Hierarchy in Power levels
[Rifts are semi-dimensions, each forming their own unique environments. Within them exists Rift Beasts, the that creatures bound to these dimensions. Eliminating them and absorbing their cores enhances the hunter's strengths and skills.]
Rave reading the text carefully.
[Rift Cores grant various improvements: increased physical strength, expanded essence capacity, new skills, and, in rare cases, elemental affinities can also be aquired. But all of these were for only stong and skilled people.]
Defeating beasts makes people stronger? That sounded like something straight out of a game, yet here it was really happening.
[Rifts hold more than just beasts. As many rifts will contain valuable treasures that aid in growth. Some who explore them reach unimaginable heights, becoming legends, even stepping toward immortality.]
Rave exhaled deeply, gripping his chin. "People literally fight their way to the top here. As I read in novels." He thought as he was comparing this world with the novels he read.
But the system wasn't finished.
[You are currently inside an Upgrader Rift. This dimension is meant for beginners, offering them their first abilities. While it lacks high-level creatures or rare treasures, it is the starting point for all who seek power.]
He rubbed his face as dried blood loosing from his face. "A beginner's zone, huh? Thats the reason why I didn't came into anything crazy yet."
He had barely known the surface of this world. And things were just getting started.
Rave's excitement surged as he explored the system. Every system-based power he had ever read about in novels had godlike potential, and his system also might not different from them. If used right, this could be his ticket to the peak of the world.
"Alright, alright, let's see what you've got," he muttered, rubbing his hands together.
As he focused on the thought, another screen materialized in front of him, overlapping the first. It displayed Skill tree heading in board words atop of the sceen. That screen contains ten small circles, each marked with a lock symbol.
A message appeared above them:
[Select a skill. Unlocking requires one Lesser Tier Beast Core.]
His eyes gleamed as he skimmed through the list.
Iron Fist – Strengthens punches, increasing impact force.
Stone Skin – Enhances durability, reducing damage taken.
Swift Steps – Improves footwork and movement speed.
Silent Steps – Reduces noise while moving.
Steel Grip – Enhances grip strength and control over weapons.
Steady Breathing – Improves endurance and stamina recovery.
Piercing Strike – Focuses force into a single, armor-penetrating attack.
Reactive Reflexes – Heightens reaction speed to sudden movements.
Enduring Frame – Increases overall toughness and pain resistance.
Wind Dash – Grants a burst of speed for short distances.
Rave crossed his arms and went deep in thoughts. "Hitting harder is nice, and being tanky also sounds great, but… what if I entered into dangerous situations and if I can't outrun it then what's the point of having a skill?"
His finger hovered over Swift Steps skill. "Agility… Yeah, that's what I need." He smirked. "Not because I'm scared of strong beasts or anything—just being smart. Gotta know when to fight and when to run."
But he sighed while looking at his one and only beast core. "Man, spending my first loot already? That stings." His expression twisted as if he was being robbed. "But it's better to use it than dying in the beast hands."
Gritting his teeth, he selected Swift Step. The system reacted instantly.
[Skill Acquired: Swift Step (Beginner Level)]
A wave of warmth spread through his body, rejuvenating each and every cell. His muscles tensed and then relaxed as now he felt some changes happening in his body. The changes only took place for a brief period and went normal.
Rave now feeling his body more lighter and more controlled. His balance adjusted on its own, and his legs instinctively shifted position, as if they already knew how to move better.
"Whoa…" He stumbled slightly before regaining his footing. It was subtle, but he felt different. Lifting his foot, he tried a quick step forward.
His body moved smoother, like the weight holding him down had lessened.
"Damn!" He grinned, testing it again. "It's like I just complted months of training in an instant."
The knowledge of the skill had already settled in his mind. The right way to shift his centre of weight, how to minimize wasted movement, and the rhythm of proper footwork.
"Heh, looks like I just became a little faster to catch." He let out a small laugh. "Not bad. Not bad at all."
Even though it hurt to use up his only beast core, the result was worth it.
Now, it was time to put it to the test.
Just as Rave was getting used to his improved movements, the system screen changed again. This time, it showed something even more exciting—his stats.
[STATUS PANEL]Name: Rave Arnet
Age: 18
Level: Body Adapting Stage – Skin Purification Level [0%]
Attributes:
Attack: 5
Defense: 6
Speed: 8
Skills:
Swift Steps
[New Quest Available]
Objective: Kill 10 Lesser Beasts
Reward: Root Map to Treasure Trove (Upgrader Rift)
Rave blinked at the screen. "It actually have stats feature also..." His eyes scanned through them, and his expression twisted. "Wait, these numbers suck!"
He tapped on the Attack stat. Nothing happened. "Only five? That's gotta be below average. Defense isn't great either. At least speed's the highest. Guess that's thanks to the skill I just unlocked."
Then, his gaze moved to the new quest.
"A treasure map?" His eyebrows lifted. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Finally, something that sounds worth to take the trouble."
He clenched his fists, feeling a wave of motivation. He had already planned to hunt more beasts for cores, but now there was actual treasure on the line. That was all the reason he needed to get moving.
His eyes landed on the dead boar, and something clicked in his mind.
"Hold on, those tusks look sharp." He stepped closer, kneeling beside the body. "Better than fighting bare-handed, right?"
Gripping one tusk with both hands, he yanked it free, struggling slightly as it was still embedded in flesh. "God, this thing's stuck hardly there…" With one final pull, the tusk popped out, nearly making him fall backward.
"Gotcha!" He grinned. Without wasting time, he grabbed the second one. Both were solid, about the length of his forearm. They felt sturdy, like they could pierce through flesh easily.
Spinning one in his hand, he smirked. "Alright, these might not be the best weapons, but better than punching things to death."
He took a deep breath and glanced at the endless plains ahead. There was no point in wasting time. The hunt was on.
"Let's do this." He tightened his grip on the tusks and took his first step into the unknown places.