Chapitre 4: 1st Talent

Kreze's body experienced a remarkable transformation as the Qi-rich pond accelerated his healing. Now, his physique appeared robust and well-nourished, with defined muscles and a lean, sculpted form. The rejuvenating effects were evident, and he seemed to embody a harmonious balance between strength and agility.

Krez began to sink, his nose dipping beneath the waterline. The descent into the pond seemed calm until a sudden stillness took over. The surface became tranquil, interrupted only by fading ripples from his submerged entry. Then, with a whoosh, Krez burst out from the pond's center, landing on solid ground with a newfound strength.

**Bleeeegh!** Krez projectile vomited for a solid two minutes. The liquid emanating from him was tar-black—a substantial purge of the impurities his body had accumulated in his original 126 years of life. Just because he was back in his 16-year-old body didn't mean the impurities disappeared; the reincarnation merely reversed the age of the cells in his body.

As Krez wiped the black liquid from his mouth, a surge of excitement coursed through him. The expulsion of impurities signaled a significant step toward refining his body. Yet, with anticipation lingering, he pondered whether this transformation would be sufficient to unlock his first latent talent.

In a manner reminiscent of a teacher responding to a student's query, a surge of power resonated within Krez's soul. Black markings emerged on Krez's forearm in a distinctive band, resembling a tattoo with a blend of tribalistic patterns and runic inscriptions. As he concentrated on the markings, an instinctive understanding dawned upon him – this tattoo symbolized the unlocking of his first talent, The Gamer.

As pulses of energy radiated from the tattoo, krez felt the subtle vibrations throughout his body. A translucent screen materialized before his face, displaying information:

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Talent: The Gamer

Scanning host for power system to bind to...

Scanning...

Dantian not activated.

Mage heart not activated.

Body Cultivation found - 1st stage Mercenary Body obtained.

Binding to Body Cultivation.

Note to user: All benefits The Gamer talent brings will directly contribute to increasing your body's power.

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With this revelation, the path of Body Cultivation lay ahead, intertwining with The Gamer talent to enhance and fortify krez's physical prowess.

As Krez pondered the nature of The Gamer Talent, a translucent screen unfolded before him:

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The Gamer Talent Overview:

- Level up by killing enemies, completing quests, and achieving accomplishments.

- The Gamer ability awards experience for leveling up.

- Not omnipotent; cannot create items, martial arts, cultivation techniques, or mage spells out of thin air.

- The more dangerous a battle, quest, or accomplishment, the greater the experience gained.

- In cases of significant experience, the reward may manifest as a complete level increase.

- Each level up provides 3 attribute points.

- In rare cases, a quest or achievement reward will directly add to an attribute.

- Leveling up does not affect the current body cultivation level, nor do added attributes.

- The Gamer also comes with a character stat screen.

- Remember The Gamer is bound to body cultivation, you can only use points on attributes tied to the body.

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With these additional details, Krez now had a more comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and benefits of The Gamer Talent.

Excitement surged within Krez as his talent unveiled the broader world—beyond Eastern cultivation and Qi, the presence of mana and mages became apparent. Anticipation fueled his desire to wield potent spells and manipulate elements, opening new avenues of exploration and mastery in this mystical realm.

As Krez cleared his mind of thoughts about mages, mana, and mage hearts, he centered his focus on pulling up his stat page. The numerical details stood before him, ready to be shaped by his decisions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Krez~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Level: 1

Body Cultivation: stage 1 Mercenary

+ Strength: 100

+ Agility: 100

+ Vitality: 100

+ Stamina: 100

Exp: 0/100

Attributes available: 3

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With the principle "speed is king" in mind, Krez knew significance of agility. Understanding that in combat, being able to swiftly strike your opponent is crucial, he leaned towards prioritizing the enhancement of agility. After all, as he recalled, "no matter how hard you hit or how hard you can get hit, if you can't hit your enemy, you will lose."

Krez eagerly pressed the + next to his agility stat, and as soon as he did, a satisfying pip sounded out. His agility rose from 100 to 101 with another pip, then swiftly to 103 accompanied by two more pips. In that moment, Krez felt a burst of energy emanate from his core, spreading to his fingertips. The pip sounds seemed to signify not only the numerical increase but also the tangible enhancement in speed, reaction time, flexibility, and dexterity – an all-encompassing improvement that left him invigorated.

Contemplating the broader impact of stat increases, Krez wondered if adding strength might enhance unexpected areas, perhaps making even his tongue stronger. Similarly, he pondered whether boosting stamina could extend to augmenting his special prowess, leaving him curious about the potential all-encompassing effects of modifying various attributes.

As the addictive sensation of boosting attributes consumed Krez, the panther at the edge of the verdant grove became increasingly enticing. The prospect of gaining experience by defeating it and the idea of crafting pants from its hide lingered in his thoughts, creating a compelling incentive.

Upon reaching the status of a stage 1 Mercenary and activating The Gamer Talent, Krez reconsidered his initial notion of hunting deer. Instinctively, he knew they wouldn't provide the experience he sought, and their hides wouldn't withstand the forthcoming battles he was about to face. So makeing deer pants was a no go.

As Krez retrieved the makeshift spear from his first night, a tinge of disappointment flashed across his face when it shattered in his hand with a gentle squeeze.

He acknowledged the inadequacy of the spear . Krez looked at his hands and said out loud "These fists will be enough." Undeterred by the loss of his spear. he made his way to the edge of the grove, where the warding stone stood, ready for his first battle.