Alexander's heart pounded in his chest as he faced the Nightstalker. The system warned him about the impending battle.
Alexander reviewed his abilities, focusing on those that might give him an edge. Acidic Venom and Corrosive Strike could exploit the Nightstalker's weakness - its eyes.
The Nightstalker lunged, its agility and speed formidable. Alexander dodged and weaved, using his Geomancy to create small tremors and disrupt the Nightstalker's footing.
Alexander seized an opportunity to strike, unleashing a stream of Acidic Venom toward the Nightstalker's eyes. The creature recoiled, momentarily blinded.
Alexander capitalized on the Nightstalker's momentary distraction, using Seismic Strike to create a shockwave that knocked the creature off balance.
The battle intensified, with both combatants exchanging blows. Alexander's abilities were put to the test as he struggled to keep up with the Nightstalker's relentless assault.
As the fight wore on, Alexander began to gain the upper hand. His Acidic Adaptation allowed him to withstand the Nightstalker's corrosive attacks, while his Geomancy enabled him to control the terrain.
The Nightstalker unleashed a devastating attack, forcing Alexander to stumble backward. Alexander countered with a powerful Corrosive Strike, aiming directly for the Nightstalker's eyes.
The Nightstalker let out a deafening screech as the Corrosive Strike landed true, dissolving its eyes and rendering it blind. Alexander seized the opportunity, delivering a crushing blow that ended the battle.
Alexander stood victorious, his chest heaving with exhaustion. He had defeated the Nightstalker, and the system notified him of the rewards:
- 50 Experience Points
- New Skill: Assassination (rewarded for defeating the Nightstalker)
- New Ability: Toughness (rewarded for enduring the Nightstalker's attacks)
Alexander's stats increased:
- Total Experience Points: 210
- Intelligence: 16 + 1 = 17
- Dexterity: 1 + 1 = 2
- Perception: 1 + 5 = 6 (from previous rift worm kills and other experiences)
Alexander remembered the food he had gathered earlier. "System, how can I store the remaining food?"
"You can use your experience points to buy storage devices or bags in the system shop," the system replied.
Alexander explored the system shop, curious about the available items. He could purchase:
- Portable Storage Container (50 EXP): A compact container for storing items.
- Durable Backpack (100 EXP): A sturdy backpack for carrying goods.
- System Storage (1500 EXP): A personal storage space accessible anywhere.
- Health Potion (20 EXP): Restores 50 health points.
- Enchanted Necklace (150 EXP): +5 to Perception (locked, description unavailable)
- Skill Book: Shadow Dance (80 EXP): Increases agility and stealth capabilities (available)
- Other items (locked, descriptions unavailable)
Alexander considered his options, weighing the benefits of each item. The System Storage seemed incredibly useful, but it was far beyond his current experience points.
Alexander decided to purchase the Portable Storage Container and the Skill Book: Shadow Dance. He spent 130 experience points, leaving him with 80 experience points.
With his new storage container, Alexander stored the remaining food, feeling more organized and prepared for his journey.
As he browsed the system shop, Alexander wondered about the locked items. What could the Enchanted Necklace do? And what other secrets lay hidden behind the locked items?
For now, Alexander focused on mastering his new Skill Book: Shadow Dance. He practiced the movements, feeling his agility and stealth capabilities improve.
With his newfound skills and storage container, Alexander felt more confident in his abilities. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.