That’s when I noticed something odd: my inventory never held more than three health packages at a time, and never more than two food and water packages each.
I was grateful for the health package—and for the Knowledge Shard. With the improved upgrade shards, I also planned to try extending the range of my Com Crystal.
One more Kobold stood between me and Level 5.
I walked several blocks, spotting plenty of Kobolds but no Level 4s. A few blocks later, I did find one, but it was too close to a pack of Level 3s for me to risk it.
At last, I came across a Level 4 roaming on its own. The fight went smoother than the last—clean, efficient—and I didn’t even take a hit. Confidence surged through me, though I knew better than to relax. Reaching Level 5 Wizard meant one thing: somewhere ahead, a stronger, meaner Kobold was waiting.
I was pleased with the additional points to distribute and assigned them to Agility and Endurance. With those boosts, my SP and HP regeneration would tick up a little faster, and I still had a Free Points token tucked away for later.
I’d also gained a Spell+ Token, though those were System-assigned or random. Better not to factor that into my decision when choosing a new spell.
The coin dissolved the moment it touched my skin, and knowledge filled my mind in a clean, steady rush. It was quick, efficient—so routine I barely paid it any attention.
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At some point, without even realizing it, I’d gotten used to this. What once felt strange and remarkable had just become another function of the System. Nothing magical about it anymore—just the usual way of learning.
I decided to get home. It was not that late, but I did not want to hunt any more Kobolds. I also had a token to use.
Luckily, I did not see the new Level 5 Kobold. I was not yet ready for them. Not Yet.
I got to my apartment and began chewing on some jerky. I decided to get the points token out of the way first. It should be quicker than getting a new spell.
I noticed the points were less than before. I suspect they were random, and you could potentially get 1 or maybe as hight a 20…25.
I decided to take a chance although I highly suspected my luck would run out sooner or later.
The dice appeared in my hand. I had the urge to blow on it like the gamblers in the movies, but I resisted the urge and just rolled it.
“And I thought this was going to be quick, but…what the hell. Riddles.”
I read it over and it was quite easy. The second line gave it away.
“Health or HP.”
That one was easy as well – the ‘without me, magic is silence’ gave it away.
“Mana.”
That one was a bit more difficult, and I had to think.
Something that increases but becomes more difficult to increase as it becomes higher. I can only think of one thing, and ‘brings trails greater still’…
“Levelling up…Levels.”
I knew that one right away. Easy as pie.
“Knowledge.”
I already had 2 more points than the 10 I would have had, so in my opinion everything after that was a bonus.
That one was even more difficult, but I think what made me get it was the ‘claimed by daring hands’.
“Loot.”
I had nothing…Nothing.
I spread the points evenly across my stats, watching my MANA pool climb to 32. A small step but progress all the same.
Now for the Spell+ Token. I pulled it out, and right on cue, a message appeared before me.
By now I was certain—the System really wanted me to take Mana Bolt. But I didn’t want it. Not yet. Maybe later, and only when I decided it was time.
Yeah… I was being stubborn.
I rolled and it landed on... It landed on the question marks, again. I did not want to answer riddles again. It was fun while it lasted but…
“What the hell. Let’s play a game.”
I was not sure if I would like the game or not but I did want to play it, so I rolled and it was 3.
I crossed my fingers, silently hoping for Mythical. Rare would be fine too—I’d take it.
“Eleven”
“Mana Bolt again? Why does it keep popping up?”
I rolled—and when the result came up as a 15, I couldn’t help but grin.
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