The morning began like the last few: calm, familiar, and purposeful. Zashirmiq woke up and began his meditation and breathing exercises while absorbing energy from the environment. Once done, he stepped out into the backyard lawn to begin his routine workout.
As he moved through each exercise, his mind reflected on yesterday. His first fight had been against a level 7 Hollowed Human, a battle he had barely won, thanks to his armor. But that fight helped him understand his powers and limits better. The rest of the day had been smooth. He had avoided unnecessary risks, and at the time, it felt like the right call.
However, after watching Ayesha fight later, he began to rethink. Playing it safe wasn't wrong, but on battlefields, many things could go wrong unexpectedly. Always playing safe wasn't a smart strategy either. It was better to take calculated risks, to be ready for when things go south.
After finishing his workout, he prepared breakfast and took a shower before heading to Amina's home. Amina looked good; she seemed to have fully recovered.
After breakfast, Amina spoke.
"I think I can go out with you today. As long as we don't go deep, it shouldn't be a problem, and I can help you."
"Thanks, but I think you should rest a bit more, just in case. We can start going out together tomorrow. I have a few things left to check and try today."
"Okay, sounds like a plan. See you tonight then."
Once outside the wall, Zashirmiq headed east. Soon, he found a Hollowed Human and used Insight.
Hollowed Human Status
Level: 7
Energy Type: Primal
Zashirmiq engaged it in battle. After a few seconds:
[Enemy Defeated]
Energy Absorbed
Nexium Coins Obtained: 70
The fight was much easier than yesterday. He had a better understanding of what to expect, and he was now Level 3 instead of 2.
Zashirmiq continued finding and defeating Hollowed Humans around the same level. Around noon, he encountered another lone Hollowed Human.
Hollowed Human Status
Level: 10
Energy Type: Primal
The highest he had faced until now was Level 7. But yesterday's battle gave him an idea of what to expect. He decided to engage.
Level 10 was indeed his current limit. For several minutes, neither side could gain the upper hand. It was a stalemate.
Just as Zashirmiq considered using Teleport to escape and conserve energy, he saw an opening. Instead of teleporting behind it, he blinked to its left and swung his sword. The distance was too close; the Hollowed Human failed to react, and the blade carved a large chunk of flesh from its side. Blood gushed from the wound.
But the distance was close enough that the Hollowed Human's claw also struck Zashirmiq, injuring him.
Still, this turned the tide in his favor. His injury was far less severe than the enemy's. After a few more traded blows, he finally finished it off.
[Enemy Defeated]
Energy Absorbed
Nexium Coins Obtained: 100
Zashirmiq sat down, pulled out a healing potion from his ring, and drank it. Ten minutes later, his injuries were fully healed. He also used a stamina restoration potion to recover his strength.
He continued hunting. Later in the afternoon, after killing another Hollowed Human, he finally heard the system notification:
[Enemy Defeated]
Energy Absorbed
Nexium Coins Obtained: 70
Primal Energy Level Up: 3 → 4
Since there was still time before sunset, he kept hunting. As evening approached, he fought another Level 10 Hollowed Human. Compared to the earlier battle, this one was much easier thanks to his new level and experience.
After the fight, he drank his second healing potion to recover from accumulated injuries. As he headed home, suddenly—
A Mutated Beast blocked his path.
It was a rabbit, clearly injured from an earlier battle. Zashirmiq immediately used Insight.
Rabbit
Level: 10
Energy Type: Primal
Zashirmiq stopped, considering whether to engage or escape using Teleport. He had no healing potions left. But seeing the beast's injuries, he made a decision.
He would fight.
Even injured, it was still dangerous. He couldn't afford to underestimate it.
Zashirmiq's grip tightened around his sword. He muttered under his breath:
"Here goes nothing."
The beast locked eyes with him and charged.
Zashirmiq didn't wait. He used Teleport instantly.
The ground shattered under the rabbit's claw, right where he had been a second earlier.
It didn't give him a moment to breathe. It turned sharply, faster than expected.
Zashirmiq raised his sword and barely deflected a claw swipe. The impact vibrated up his arm.
He stepped in, slashing at its already wounded side.
A cry of pain. Blood sprayed.
The rabbit kicked.
He failed to dodge.
Its hind leg slammed into his ribs, sending him flying. He crashed through a broken wall and landed hard, pain flaring through his side. Something cracked. He gasped, chest tight.
But there was no time to worry.
He pushed through the pain and got up.
Sword still in hand.
The rabbit was circling, limping, bleeding, but still fast.
He couldn't outlast it. He had to cripple it.
Zashirmiq charged. The beast met him halfway.
Blade clashed with claw.
He barely dodged a bite, rolled under its arm, and stabbed deep into the thigh wound. Blood poured.
The rabbit shrieked and headbutted wildly. Zashirmiq ducked, but too slow.
Its skull smashed into his shoulder.
He staggered back, breath caught, arm numb.
Dislocated. Maybe fractured.
He switched the sword to his left hand.
The rabbit limped, but it still came.
Zashirmiq focused.
He baited a charge and teleported at the last moment, reappearing behind it.
He lunged, sword slicing the hamstring.
The beast dropped to a knee.
He slashed again, deep into its back.
It roared and clawed backward, raking his left thigh. Pain seared.
He dropped to one knee, sword almost slipping from his grip.
Too much blood. His side throbbed. Ribs broken. Thigh bleeding. Right arm barely usable.
The rabbit tried to rise.
Zashirmiq gritted his teeth.
He teleported, appearing in front of its head.
With everything he had left, he drove his sword straight through its eye.
The rabbit gave a final shudder, then collapsed.
Dead.
[Enemy Defeated]
Energy Absorbed
Nexium Coins Obtained: 500
Primal Energy Level Up: 4 → 6
Chaos Energy Level Up: 1 → 3
Cosmic Energy Level Up: 1 → 2
Zashirmiq collapsed beside it, gasping for breath, blood soaking his side and leg.
As he lay there, he asked the system:
"System, how do I use the system mall?"
"Just say or think 'Open Mall' in your mind, and it will open."
"Open Mall."
The next second, a window appeared in front of him:
System Mall
Nexium Coins: 3100
Battle - Nexium - Energy Domains - Specialized Domains - Skills - Misc
The default tab was Battle, which showed the following listings:
[Healing Potion (Grade-1): 50 Nexium Coins]
[Healing Potion (Grade-2): 200 Nexium Coins]
[Healing Potion (Grade-3): 500 Nexium Coins]
[Revitalization Potion (Grade-1): 1000 Nexium Coins]
[Stamina Potion (Grade-1): 50 Nexium Coins]
"System, what's the difference between these different grades of healing potions?"
"Grade 1 healing potion can heal all minor injuries."
"Grade 2 can heal even major injuries like broken limbs."
"Grade 3 can heal life-ending injuries and can regrow limbs, etc."
He nodded and selected the second option.
Nexium Coins: -200
[Healing Potion (Grade-2) received]
Drinking it immediately, a warmth surged through him, closing the worst wounds in seconds.
"It's much better than the healing potions available in the city."
Below the initial listings were many more potions and items, each with their own usage and costs. Clearly, the system mall was vast and full of potential.