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"Now then..."

[Item Information]

Name: Item Merger (Low Quality)

Special Effect: Fuses up to three Items (Common and Rare Grades only)

Combat Ability: <NIL>

Durability: One-time Use

[End Of Information]

{Will You Purchase This Item for 100 Currency?}

"Yes," I said with a soft smile, gazing at the glowing System panel in front of me.

The transaction went through smoothly, leaving me with only 1,150 Currency at my disposal.

 I knew I had to be cautious with my spending, especially since I was nearing the time when I would venture into the Tower Of Trials. The impending challenge weighed on my mind, but I couldn\'t afford to squander my resources now.

Yet, there were essential items I still needed, and that meant using my Currency. Each expenditure felt like a calculated risk, a step closer to either survival or failure in the looming trials.

One could even argue that it was an investment to use Currency as much as possible in order to prepare for the dangers ahead, but I couldn\'t go as far as splurging my last lifeline in the Tower Of Trials.

"I must reserve it for important necessities, like this," I decided.

Before me were my Enchanted Wears: a shirt, trousers, and sneakers. They had seen better days, and although they still provided their benefits without issue, it was only a matter of time before they fell apart.

It made sense to merge their attributes and create a new item with greater durability to retain their buffing effects.

"Merge all three," I commanded, and the Item Merger began its task. Before my eyes, a new item took shape.

A brilliant light shimmered, causing me to momentarily close my eyes.

 I could hear fabric intertwining and feel a vibrating pulse resonating in my ears. Anticipation quickened my heartbeat as I eagerly awaited the outcome.

"Haa..."

The light dimmed, signaling the successful completion of the Item Merge. I eagerly opened my eyes, expecting to see my new and improved item.

The result of a significant evolution!

...It was a speedo.

"What the fuck?" I exclaimed in disbelief, staring at the unexpected outcome of my careful merging.

My mind raced, trying to make sense of how three pieces of sensible clothing had transformed into this seemingly absurd swimwear. It certainly wasn\'t what I had in mind for facing the Tower Of Trials.

[Item Information]

13:46

Name: Enchanted Speedo (Upgradable)

Special Effect: When worn as underwear, this brief grants you its basic functions, but if worn externally (either on the face, or on the crotch, as superheroes do, effects will be doubled for five minutes). It has an auto-clean function.

Combat Ability: +15

Durability: Sturdy

[End Of Information]

"No... no, this can\'t be happening. Please, not this," I muttered in disbelief, my voice tinged with frustration.

Hadn\'t I suffered enough? Hadn\'t I endured countless humiliations and degradations?

Yet here it was—another bizarre twist.

What was up with the Special Effects of this thing?!

"Seriously, why a speedo? I never even asked for underwear! Why did this have to happen?"

I had held onto my composure for so long, but this was just too much. Why did the System want me to wear underwear on my face or over my outfit?

\'Well, I guess if it grants me more power, I can\'t complain, but... BUT...!!!\'

Did I really have to go this far to gain strength? Was this the price I had to pay?

\'Anything for survival, Mikey. Anything for survival.\'

I couldn\'t forget my goal, could I?

\'To be strong enough to survive... and strong enough to live my life.\' That was the pact. If this was the path to make it a reality, then who was I to object?

I took a deep breath, trying to push my embarrassment aside.

"Let\'s check out the other rewards," I said.

<Would You Like To Open Your Treasure Chest (Epic)>

"Yes."

The System instantly responded by revealing the content within.

[Treasure Chest Content (Epic)]

~Invisibility Cloak~

[Item Information]

Name: Invisibility Cloak

Special Effect: Allows the user to turn invisible as long as they use their Energy Levels (Cost: 1 Energy Level every 10 Seconds)

Combat Ability: +5

Durability: Sturdy

[End Of Information]

"Oh? It\'s actually pretty good."

The Energy Level consumption was quite high, but given how high-end the item was, I didn\'t see it as a drawback.

\'The kind of people that use these kinds of items are those with high Stat Points and Levels, to begin with.\'

I was the one who was being stingy with spending my Stat Points, after all.

"It also grants me extra Combat Ability. That\'s good."

A smile was still etched on my face as I considered the last thing I had to explore. My newest Non-Exclusive Skill!

"Elaborate on Skills."

[Skills]

(Exclusive)

<Dream>: Allows the user to experience future events in the form of a dream. These future events are basically the user\'s experience. Trauma could be experienced as a result of this Skill. {Note: User may not take his own life or intentionally try to use this Skill. It will not activate.}

<Nightmare>: Allows the user to interact with the present/immediate future. Actions taken synchronize with reality, solidifying their effects. {Note: Using this reduces Life Force, so frequent utilization of this Skill is not advised}

<Visualize>: Allows the user to see up to five seconds into the future. {Note: Consumes 1 Energy per second of use. 1 Second cool-down limit per each future second seen.

(Non-Exclusive)

<Sprint>: Doubles User\'s usual speed for one minute. {Note: 1 Energy per use. 10 Seconds cooldown)

<Focus>: Heightens User\'s senses for one minute. {Note: 1 Energy per use. 10 Seconds cooldown)

<Fallen Foe>: Revives a previously living being that the user has killed, making them their minion indefinitely. {Note: Energy consumption will depend on how powerful the minion is. Current limit: 1 minion}

[END OF INFORMATION]

"No way!" My eyes widened in shock as I grasped the significance of my newly acquired Skill.

Out of all my Non-Exclusive Skills, this was by far the most powerful!

"Could it be... I can actually bring the dead back to life?" My heart raced with excitement as I contemplated the various possibilities.

\'Based on the Skill\'s nature, it seems the person must be alive, so undead creatures like those apparitions wouldn\'t work. Plus, I have to be the one to take their life. I understand…\'

The crucial factor was Energy consumption. It appeared to be a vital consideration, so I needed to think about enhancing my Energy Level over time.

\'The Boss has already disappeared, so I can\'t use it on him. I suppose I\'ll have to test it on another opponent when the opportunity arises.\'

It was disappointing that I could only control one minion at a time, but I had a hunch that this Skill would evolve and allow me to command more minions in the future.

\'Besides, it mentioned my <Current Limit> was one minion.\'

That was all the confirmation I needed.

***********

[9:35 PM, Saturday 6th of May, 2023]

I ascended to the roof of the hotel, my footsteps echoing through the desolate hallways.

As I pushed open the heavy door, I was met with a rush of wind, carrying with it the scent of smoke and decay. The night sky stretched out before me, an abyss of darkness that mirrored the state of the world below.

Stepping cautiously to the edge of the roof, I peered at the dystopian scene that lay before me.

Buildings stood in ruins, their skeletal frames reaching out like gnarled fingers. Fires flickered in the distance, casting an eerie glow upon the desecrated landscape. Chaos hung heavy in the air, creating an overwhelming sense of despair.

Yet, amid the turmoil, a cool breeze brushed my face, ruffling my hair and whispering promises of relief.

The sensation brought momentary clarity to my mind, dispelling the fog of regret and sorrow that lingered within me. It reminded me that even in dark times, beauty and solace endured.

My heart raced with trepidation and anticipation.

The unknown stretched ahead, a perilous path. But deep inside, determination burned. I vowed to survive, to forge a way through this nightmarish existence.

Standing there, peering into the abyss, I made a solemn promise to myself. No matter the horrors or daunting trials ahead, I\'d persist. I\'d adapt, evolve, and conquer the overwhelming challenges.

The world had succumbed to chaos, but in that moment, my resilience brought solace.

As I braced for an uncertain future, conflicting emotions surged within me — lingering regret and sorrow intertwined with the undeniable thrill of the unknown.

With unwavering resolve, I stepped back from the edge, my eyes locked on the horizon. The night was ruthless, but I\'d never let it break me.

Turning away from the rooftop\'s edge, I carried the world\'s despair, yet an ember of hope still burned deep within my soul.

 I was going to see the end.

***********

[Meanwhile...]

From her hidden perch atop a crumbling building, a young woman peered through binoculars, her eyes locked onto Mikey standing on the hotel\'s roof.

A broad smile stretched across her face, a mix of admiration and amusement lighting up her features. She observed as he surveyed the dystopian world below, an aura of both regret and determination emanating from him.

By her side, a younger boy watched the unfolding scene, his gaze fixed on Mikey. After a moment of shared silence, the boy finally spoke up.

"That fight he had earlier was quite a show, wasn\'t it?"

The girl nodded, her attention still on Mikey. "Indeed, it was. He\'s much stronger than he seems."

The young man turned to her, curiosity in his eyes. "Do you think it\'s time to approach him?"

She shook her head gently, her unwavering smile still in place. "Not just yet. There are matters to resolve, work to be done before we can reunite."

With that decision made, she turned away from the binoculars and began her descent from the rooftop.

However, the young man remained, his gaze lingering on Mikey as he smiled openly at the world around him. He couldn\'t help but wonder about the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead for the young fighter. There was something about Mikey\'s determination that resonated with him, a spark of hope in this darkened world.

"It seems things are about to get even more interesting..."

And as soon as he voiced that thought, he too vanished from sight, leaving Mikey to his solitary vigil, unaware of the enigmatic watchers observing his every move.

*

*

*

[End Of Arc 1: The Tutorial Arc]

<New Arc In Progress...>

{Arc 2: The Great Expedition Arc will resume shortly.}

~Thanks for reading this far. The journey is just beginning!~

Cheers!