The Tower of Infintium

The rhythmic clang of metal on metal echoed through Greystone Village as Miguel worked in Garrick's forge, sweat beading on his brow. His arms burned from the effort, but he relished the feeling—every hammer strike honed his strength, his precision, and his control over his fire affinity. The flames that once lashed unpredictably now coiled around the metal in controlled bursts, heating it to just the right temperature before each strike.

Garrick watched from the side, arms crossed. "You're getting better at this. Controlled, steady—exactly how a blacksmith should be. No wasted energy."

Miguel grinned as he set the hammer down. "Feels like I'm finally getting the hang of it."

"You'll have to." Garrick motioned toward a stack of ingots. "I've got a bigger project for you soon."

Before Miguel could ask, the village bell tolled, signaling the arrival of travelers. Wiping his hands on a rag, he left the forge, curiosity piqued.

The village square bustled with movement. A merchant caravan had arrived, their wagons loaded with supplies, but Miguel noticed something else—Kyle stood near the edge of the square, watching the commotion with a thoughtful expression.

Kyle noticed Miguel's approach and straightened. "Hey. Didn't expect to see you here."

Miguel smirked. "You planning to just watch, or are you going to take part in the village life?"

Kyle let out a short laugh. "Guess I'm still figuring things out. I've been thinking about what you said before—about taking time to experience everything. It's… different from how I usually play."

Miguel nodded, pleased but not surprised. "What's stopping you?"

Kyle hesitated. "I don't know. The others still think grinding is the only way forward. If I fall too far behind, I might not catch up."

Miguel shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe you'll get ahead in ways they never will."

Kyle glanced toward the caravan, then back at Miguel. "Mind if I stick around for a bit? See how you do things?"

Miguel clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Stick around as long as you want. Just be ready to get your hands dirty."

Later that evening, Miguel prepared for another round of training with the village guards. This time, Kyle tagged along, staying on the sidelines as Miguel sparred with Draven.

Draven wasted no time pressing Miguel, pushing him harder than before. Lightning flickered along Miguel's spear, crackling through the air as he moved faster than he ever had. Each strike carried precision, each movement calculated.

[Skill Progression: Lightning Jab → Lightning Thrust]

Miguel felt the shift, the refinement of his abilities coming naturally through repetition. Draven nodded approvingly. "You're starting to understand how to move with it."

Kyle watched intently, arms crossed. "You make it look easy."

Miguel smirked. "It's not. But that's the point."

The next morning, Miguel ventured deeper into the surrounding forest, seeking to test his newfound speed and precision in real combat. Kyle followed, maintaining a cautious distance.

It didn't take long before they encountered trouble. A trio of creatures emerged from the undergrowth—long, sinewy bodies, chitinous plating covering their torsos, and sickle-like limbs that gleamed in the dim light. They moved unnervingly fast, their movements insect-like yet fluid.

[New Enemy Encountered: Sickle Fiends]

Miguel readied his spear, feeling the electricity crackle along its length. The first fiend lunged, slashing toward him with razor-sharp limbs. He ducked low, twisting his body as he thrust his weapon upward.

[Skill Activated: Lightning Thrust]

The spear struck true, the lightning-enhanced force piercing through the fiend's plating. Sparks erupted as the creature screeched, convulsing before collapsing into digital fragments.

Kyle's eyes widened. "That was insane."

"Stay back," Miguel warned. "These things are fast."

The remaining two fiends hissed, their bodies blurring as they darted around him. Miguel's senses sharpened—he could feel the electricity in his veins responding, reacting faster than his thoughts.

[Skill Activated: Flash Step]

Miguel vanished from his previous spot, reappearing just behind one of the fiends. His spear ignited with fire and lightning, the energies converging in a swirling blaze.

[New Skill Unlocked: Storm Pierce]

He drove the weapon forward, the combined force shattering the fiend's defenses instantly. It let out a final screech before dispersing into the air.

The last fiend hesitated, its beady eyes darting between Miguel and Kyle. Sensing the shift in its odds, it turned to flee.

"Not happening." Miguel extended his palm, focusing his lightning affinity outward.

[Skill Activated: Arc Chain]

A bolt of electricity shot from his fingertips, arcing through the air and striking the retreating fiend. It convulsed mid-step before disintegrating entirely.

[Battle Complete]

[Level Up: 12]

[+5 Attribute Points Earned]

Miguel exhaled, his body humming with residual energy. Kyle just stared, shaking his head. "Okay. I get it now."

Miguel smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Told you."

Back at the village, Miguel reviewed his status window, taking in his steady progress:

[Status Window]

Name: Miguel Tañon

Level: 12

Strength: 35 → 40

Dexterity: 30 → 36

Endurance: 27 → 32

Intelligence: 23 → 28

Vitality: 29 → 34

Elemental Affinities: Fire (Level 5), Lightning (Level 3)

[Skills Acquired]

Spear Mastery (Level 5)

Lightning Thrust

Flash Step

Storm Pierce

Arc Chain

Miguel stretched, feeling a newfound lightness in his limbs. Every battle, every lesson, every interaction was shaping him into something stronger. And with Kyle now watching closely, Miguel felt like he wasn't just progressing for himself anymore—he was showing the value of a different way to play.

The journey continued, and the challenges ahead promised to push him even further.