Chapter 2: Awakening Powers and First Blood

Alex Slayer's thoughts turned to his newly awakened talent. A line of explanation appeared in his mind.

[Endless Extraction: You can extract properties from any target and obtain unexpected effects.]

The explanation was vague. Alex needed to experiment to understand its full potential. Curious about others' talents, he switched to the chat channel, buzzing with excitement.

"Haha! My talent is strength enhancement—double strength when activated!"

"Mine is speed enhancement—double speed!"

"I've got physique enhancement—double defense!"

"Wow, I can control fire with my D-level talent!"

"I can control ice! I'm a superman now!"

"My talent enhances my sense of smell tenfold. It's just an F-level talent. Ugh!"

"Magnetic control here! Will I be as powerful as Magneto?"

"Boss John, take me with you!"

"Brother John, I'll follow you too!"

The chat was abuzz with people flattering John, who had awakened a C-level talent.

"By the way, there are two people with talents above C-level. Who's the other one?"

"Come on, reveal yourself!"

Alex quietly exited the chat. His SSS-level talent was too powerful to reveal. In this dangerous world, exposing such a trump card could invite trouble. Moreover, his combat power was just one star, and he was still very weak.

Just then, the Heavenly Voice announced:

[Announcement: You can now leave your wooden house and enter the novice village. In ten seconds, the novice assessment will begin.]

[Assessment: Reach level 10 within seven days. Those who fail will be eliminated; those who excel will be rewarded.]

[Upgrade method: Hunt beasts, monsters, and creatures to gain energy and level up.]

A rusted short knife fell from the sky, which Alex caught easily.

[Novice Short Knife: Attack Power +2, a rusted knife for beginners, Tier 0 equipment.]

[Attack power is based on strength. 1 point of strength increases attack power by 1 point.]

Not bad, Alex thought. It added 2 points to his attack power. He touched the blade and activated Endless Extraction.

A flash of white light removed the rust, revealing a shiny, new blade. Rust and debris fell from his hand.

[Endless Extraction success! You extracted the rust and residue from the novice short knife, upgrading it to a refined steel knife.]

[Refined Steel Knife: Attack Power +5, Tier 1 item.]

So, Endless Extraction could upgrade items. Excited, Alex tried extracting again but failed—the knife had reached its extraction limit.

Satisfied with his upgraded weapon, he stepped outside his wooden house into the novice village. People of all ages emerged, holding their rusted knives.

Following the crowd to the village square, Alex saw a protective barrier. Beyond it lay a world of danger. Hundreds gathered in the square, hesitant to step outside.

"What's out there?"

"How strong are the beasts?"

Suddenly, a muscular man named Jack, with 1-star combat power, smashed a boulder with his fist. The crowd was amazed.

"Wow! Such strength!"

"That's Jack with a D-level talent!"

Jack smiled and explained, "My talent is power boost—triple strength when activated."

The crowd was in awe.

"D-level talent is amazing!"

"I only have an E-level talent—double strength."

"At least you have E-level. I have an F-level talent!"

Most people had F or E-level talents. Only a few had D-level, and even fewer had C-level. The crowd envied those with higher-level talents.

Jack, feeling proud, said, "I'll venture out first and scout the beasts for you."

He confidently walked out of the village. Moments later, a scream pierced the air.

[Announcement: Novice Jack Wilson was killed by a level 1 beast, the Snowfang Rabbit!]

The crowd was stunned.