[11:58 AM, Saturday 6th of May, 2024]

"I should buy an Item that adds to my Energy Level or boosts recovery. Maybe both. That way, I don't run out of Energy mid-fight."

It was probably also time to start thinking of how to properly invest my Stat Points.

'I really lack Energy, after all. My Life Force also looks pretty sorry.'

For the moment, though, I decided to look at Shop for an Item that suited my needs in the Energy Level department.

[SYSTEM SHOP]

{Welcome to the Shop, where we Sell you anything you need, or want. As long as you possess enough 'Currency', you can get anything here.}

< Available Balance: 1,500 C >

~Skill Section~

~Item Section~

~Information Section~

~Lucky Draw ( 1 C )~

~Custom Request ( 1,000 C )~

[Let's Do Business]

~Item Section~ was the place to go, and it didn't take long for my search to come to a halt.

"Eureka!" A grin formed on my face as I spotted exactly the stuff I was looking for.

"There you are..."

[Item Information]

Name: Lowest Quality Energy Recovery Necklace (Upgradeable)

Special Effect: Restores 2 Energy Per Minute

Combat Ability: <NIL>

Durability: <Very Fragile>

[End Of Information]

"<Sprint> and <Focus> take up one Energy Level each. I currently have 2 Energy Levels, so even if I don't add a Stat Point, this Item will take care of the demand of those two."

Of course, I didn't plan on stopping there.

<Visualize> was still a Skill I couldn't ignore. I was most likely going to use it sparingly, due to its Energy consumption, but I couldn't completely throw out its prospects, now could I?

{Will You Purchase This Item for 200 Currency?}

It was cheaper than I expected. Perhaps it was because the item had very fragile durability.

'I don't plan on anything touching it, though.' I smiled to myself.

Besides, considering it was Upgradable, and it had no set period of expiration, I considered it a steal.

"I'll also buy one more item." This particular one had caught my eye several times whenever I browsed through the <Shop> during my time in the Tutorial.

I spotted my target in the <Shop> and tapped on it instantly.

[Item Information]

Name: Item Merger (Lowest Quality)

Special Effect: Fuses two Items (Common Grade only)

Combat Ability: <NIL>

Durability: One-time Use

[End Of Information]

A smile formed on my face as I brought out the items I had in mind. They were my most trusted companions in this lone adventure of mine.

"These two should qualify..."

That's right! My two Rocks!

"Energy Rock and Rock. It's time for the both of you to become one."

{Will You Purchase This Item for 50 Currency?}

It felt like I was splurging money at this point, considering how likely it was that I could probably get a better item in the ~Lucky Draw~

I wasn't ready to take my chances, though.

I purchased the Item, reducing my funds to 1,250 Currency. I could only hope my efforts were worth it.

And were they? Well...

[Item Information]

Name: Energy Rock (Upgradeable)

Special Effect: Always Returns to User. Floats on User's fingertips. Can be controlled by the User through a mental link.

Combat Ability: +3

Energy Level: +2

Durability: Infinite

[End Of Information]

Once more, I had an ultimate weapon in my grasp. What was better than a regular Rock and an Enchanted Rock?

... An Energy Rock!

"It's also upgradeable! Awesome! I feel like it's gonna be like Thor's Hammer for me!" I grinned like an idiot as I stared at the sizzling, yet glowing rock that floated on my fingertips.

My eyes nearly shed an overflow of tears, and I couldn't resist its wonderful allure that never failed to pull me closer.

"It's... beautiful."

After buying all the Items I wanted to obtain from the <Shop>, and finally amping myself up, there was one final thing I had to do.

It was kind of like saving the best for last, except—of course—Rock would always be the best.

This one was just more important.

"It's time to distribute my Stat Points."

********

"Status Window." A smile formed on my face as I finished allocating my resources where I thought they were due.

[STATUS WINDOW]

- Name: Mikey Rael

- Race: Human

- Level: 10

- Life Force: 2/2

- Energy Level: 8/8 (+2)

- Combat Ability: 2/2 (+3), (+12)

- Stat Points: 20

- Currency: 1,250

- Role: <The Dreamer>

- Authority: <Dream/Nightmare>

- Titles: <Visionary>, <The One Who Saw The End>, <Chosen One>, <Survivor

- Skills (Exclusive): <Dream>, <Nightmare>, <Visualize>

- Skills (Non-Exclusive): <Sprint>, <Focus>

- Items Equipped: <Energy Rock>, <Enchanted Shirt, Trouser, and Sneakers>, <Energy Recovery Necklace>, <Tower Pass (F1)>

- Alignment: Neutral

[Additional Information]

You can see the future and past by living it. It is a coveted power worthy of desire, but a scary one to possess.

"Looks fair. I have spare Stat Points for when I am really desperate and need them."

Besides, I just had a feeling I couldn't spend too much of it.

At least not yet.

I considered upgrading my Life Force, but frankly, it wasn't of utmost importance to do so.

I didn't have much to lose if I died, no matter how much it sucked. Besides, why would I prolong my suffering by granting myself more Life Force?

If I encountered a monster that I absolutely needed more Life Force to prevail against, then I would have no choice but to upgrade it. For now, though...

'It's better this way.'

With my Combat Ability and Energy Levels both at sufficient levels, I didn't think I had to worry too much.

'It sure is good to have items and equipment.'

With everything already set for me, I finally had the breathing space to decide on my next course of action.

"I think I'm prepared enough."

Rising to my feet, with a sharp smile across my face, and determination burning within my heart, I prepared to venture out once more.

It was time for a hunt!

*

*

*

[A/N]

The Tutorial is over, but does that stop our Mc from venturing out? Nope!

Also, do you think he made the right choice? What are your thoughts so far? Comment them down below!