Ash clung to Alexander's boots as he went deeper into the Inferno Realm. Each step in the scorched portal weighed heavy—not from fatigue, but revelation. Strength beyond 100. Wolves that wielded flame like breath. Skills forming through battle, not study.
This world… this system… it's built on survival through struggle.
> [System Notification]
"Energy detected. Coordinates marked. A new Rift will open in T-minus 30 minutes."
Alexander's attention snapped to the map interface the system projected. A pulsing red marker blinked at the edge of the city, far from his current location—but reachable, if he ran.
He didn't hesitate.
---
28 Minutes Later
Smoke curled from the cracked concrete as Alexander arrived at the site. The terrain was unfamiliar—twisted metal and warped vehicles frozen mid-wreck. A collapsed highway loomed overhead like the spine of some ancient beast.
Then the air split.
A vertical tear opened in the sky, swirling with chaotic energy. Out of it came a hum—not mechanical, not organic, but wrong. From the rift stepped creatures Alexander had never seen: tall, insectoid humanoids with chitinous armor and blades for limbs.
> [Inspect]
Name: Rift Harvester
Level: 8
Threat Rating: Moderate-High
Skills:
Energy Drain (B)
Blade Dance (C)
Hive Link (??)
Weakness: Neural Core (rear thorax)
> New Quest: Slay 10 Rift Harvesters before they finish absorbing the energy of the rift.
Alexander steeled himself, drawing on his Acidic Adaptation and Shadow Dance to begin the assault. He dashed behind the first Harvester, narrowly dodging a whirling blade, and drove a Corrosive Strike into its neural core. The creature shrieked, convulsed—and collapsed.
But the others moved as one.
Hive Link… they're connected. Coordinated.
He couldn't outfight them head-on. He needed to outthink them.
"System, show me terrain options!"
> Activating Tactical Geomancy Overlay…
The environment shimmered with highlighted terrain features: a collapsed tower, exposed gas mains, a brittle support beam overhead. Alexander grinned.
Let's see if fire still burns in this world…
He lured two Harvesters into the ruin and struck the gas main with Seismic Strike—the explosion engulfed the enemies in a roaring inferno.
Three down.
The remaining Harvesters advanced, but their coordination was staggered now, their Hive Link weakening. Alexander struck quickly, using Shadow Dance to reposition and Toxic Spray to corrode their exoskeletons.
One after another, they fell—until only one remained.
This one was different—larger, glowing.
> [Inspect]
Name: Hive Conductor
Level: 15
Abilities:
Hive Command
Energy Beacon
Blade Storm
It launched itself at him.
Alexander's acid-based attacks glanced off its hardened plating. His stamina dipped dangerously low. I'm not strong enough yet…
> [System Notification]
"Host is eligible to unlock latent potential through Resolve.
Activate: Resonance Mode?"
Cost: 200 Experience Points
"Do it!"
Alexander's body ignited—not with flame, but purpose. Acidic Adaptation surged through him, amplified by willpower and battle-hardened instinct.
He moved faster. Hit harder.
His Caustic Blast detonated like a bomb, staggering the Hive Conductor. A crack formed in its chest.
Now.
He channeled every ounce of power into a final Seismic-Corrosive Strike, combining abilities with desperate precision.
The creature shattered.
---
> [System Notification]
Rift Harvester Pack Eliminated
Quest Complete
600 Experience Points Gained
New Title: Rift Breaker
New Skill: Hive Sense (Passive, B) – Detect and interpret hive-based communications
New Ability Unlocked: Resonance Mode (Can be activated at high stress; consumes EXP)
Bonus Stat Points: +4
Alexander collapsed to one knee, drenched in sweat, vision blurry—but alive.
> Current Stats:
Strength: 6
Agility: 4
Willpower: 10
Intelligence: 17
Perception: 6
Dexterity: 2
Constitution: 2
Charisma: 0
Experience Points: 710 (after Resonance Mode cost)
Skill Slots: Expanding…
---
He looked up at the swirling skies. The Rift was gone. But more would come