Chapter 108: In Under 15 Minutes
I returned to my dormitory after a long and strenuous training session with Nic, knowing precisely what I needed to do next. If there was a time I should up my stats, it was right before my first shift as a member of Elite Group #1. I had no idea what the rifts had in store for me and how well the rest of my team might react to the unknown yet inevitable things to come. However, knowing that the Scout Supports chosen for this experiment were among the very best in the profession of Supports served as a comfort to me. Because of this, we all just might survive our first rift delve.
My thoughts returned to the matter at hand: I allocated 80 stats at once last time without too much of a stretch in my body and core. Can I handle 100 at once? Maybe 150?
I still had 383 stat points to allocate, and I suspected another cultivation would bring up my levels within Tier 7 and throw even more points at me. The quicker I could allocate what I had, the less overwhelmed I'd feel by the daunting numbers that seemed to grow at an exponential rate.
I chuckled at myself, realizing how ridiculous I'd sound saying any of that aloud. I guess there are worse problems than having too many stat points from getting stronger.
I sighed deeply within my meditation, allowing my head to feel light and my body to relax into the calm. It always felt like flying, in a way. I could half convince myself that, while meditating, if I moved my arms in front of myself as if trying to swim in the air, I would begin to float.
I decided, perhaps foolishly, to proceed with allocating 150 points at once. I assigned the numbers slowly and cautiously, fearing the start of an excruciatingly painful stretch to my core, the uncomfortable growth in my muscles, and even the uneasy feeling that came when improvements were made to my brain.
STATS
MIGHT: 61 (+15)
AGILITY: 58 (+15)
VITALITY: 73 (+15)
INTELLIGENCE: 227 (+45)
WISDOM: 223 (+45)
WILLPOWER: 58 (+15)
FREE STAT POINTS: 233
I stared at the allocation much too long before submitting it. I allowed myself to take a deep, preparatory breath, careful to remain within my trance. Then, I finalized the numbers.
I rapidly blinked my eyes open and forced myself down onto my back, allowing my body to sink into the covers and mattress of my bed in the hope that they might soften the blow that was to come.
My core began to bloat, similar to how my stomach might extend after eating too much food, but about a thousand times worse. My muscles burned, my head pounded… I gritted my teeth against the discomfort as I began to regret my choice to allocate 150 points at once, but the discomfort abandoned me within seconds.
I opened my eyes–wide–and stared at the ceiling for a full minute of disillusionment. The new strength in my limbs didn't even bring on a dull ache as I tested their mobility. My mind felt clear, and I studied every brilliantly clear detail of the swirls and dust particles on the ceiling that were presented to me by my improved eyesight.
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"Wow," I breathed, exhilaration making me short of breath.
I clenched and unclenched my fists as I fought the urge to punch a hole in the wall merely to test out the increased strength. I felt amazing! Like I had just dipped into a hot shower, received a calming shoulder rub, and drank an entire bottle of alcohol without experiencing any of the disadvantages the drink so often brings. I felt only the warmth–the intoxicating buzz.
I sat up slowly to ensure I wasn't wobbly or completely misinformed by how great I felt. No lightheadedness or any sort of spinning came on.
I grinned as I felt a bubble of exuberant laughter rising in my chest. My body was truly getting stronger, which made it easier and easier to increase my stats at higher increments.
"I bet I could do it again," I said to no one as I studied the subtle increase in the size of my biceps.
Without a moment's hesitation, I slid back into the meditation. My core groaned at me slightly, glowing a little less brightly than it had before. Still, I was confident it could handle another allocation of 150 stat points.
I put in the numbers quickly and eagerly:
STATS
MIGHT: 76 (+15)
AGILITY: 73 (+15)
VITALITY: 88 (+15)
INTELLIGENCE: 272 (+45)
WISDOM: 268 (+45)
WILLPOWER: 73 (+15)
FREE STAT POINTS: 83
The pain was worse this time and shook me out of my trance completely. I fell on my back, involuntarily this time. Every muscle in my body tremored from fatigue, including the muscles in my face. And though I had slipped out of my meditation, I couldn't even command my eyelids to open.
I released a muffled cry, as loud as my exhausted lips would allow, and I'll admit the pained shout sounded quite pathetic.
Just as I thought all of my insides would burn so hot that my skin would begin to turn red, all of the pain disappeared. It happened just as quickly as it had before, and I was once again grinning within a state of absolute bliss. Though my eyelids were heavier, and I felt like I could benefit from a decent nap, I had no discomfort.
I sat up again, slightly wobbly and imbalanced this time, but otherwise alright. I took a few deep breaths before standing. The muscles in my legs shook underneath my weight, but I was able to stroll across the dormitory without falling.
I pumped a fist in the air triumphantly. I had just allocated 300 stat points in under… I shot a glance at the digital clock. In under 15 minutes! And I felt fine!
I stumbled, nearly falling to the floor face-first.
Well, mostly fine.
As the minutes ticked by, my physical and emotional fatigue faded away to nothing, but I didn't dare risk pushing myself and my core for a third time. My remaining stat points could wait a while longer.
Once again feeling perfectly steady on my feet, I began packing the necessary things for my work shift. I had just under an hour before I needed to report at the city entrance.
I was bringing my larger sack with me this time in the hopes that I'd acquire some loot that I could sell. I left it empty and tied my recently filled waterskin at my left hip just below the top half of the Tier 4 armor set I'd just strapped on.
I caught sight of myself in the full-length mirror next to my bed. Although I would need another equipment upgrade soon, I had to admit that the sleek, silver metal, which fit well with my slender yet strong build, looked impressive. I was no longer the scrawny, UnMarked boy that everyone back home made fun of. I just needed to somehow fix the mop of messy, dark curls atop my head, and then I might actually look… was "decent" the right word? I was long past due for a haircut.
I slid the matching Tier 4 spear into my backsheath and turned away from my reflection with a shake of my head.
Ideally, an upgrade of equipment would be beneficial even in that moment, but with how fast I'd advanced through the Tiers after just one cavern, I figured it best to wait a little longer before making new purchases. Besides, I was running low on money again. I needed to get paid for a work shift or two before I could even think about going on another shopping spree.
"Alright, Eira, you wanna go on a little trip?"
The oblong disc resting on my desk buzzed in response.
I retrieved the object containing my pet and slid it into a small belt pouch that I'd bought earlier that week. The leather bag was the perfect size for containing Eira on long journeys or during battles.
I made sure, one last time, that both the belt pouch and waterskin were tied securely at my hips, then nodded at myself.
"You ready?" I directed to Eira.
My right hip vibrated as she responded in what I could only guess was excitement.
I smiled. "Let's go."