Chapter V

'Crap, it's already 4:03pm. Hope Sarah didn't get to the shop yet. If she sees the state it's in she'll probably panic.' He thought as he was walking down the street towards his family's medicinal shop. As he was walking he glanced at the experience bar at the bottom of his vision. 'Hmm, it still says 0/100xp...' After thinking this, he opened up his quest log. After reading it, he smiled somewhat. 'Okay, so the quest still says to meet with Sarah at my family's shop. I guess the shop being damaged didn't affect the quest...That's good. After I meet her, I wonder if I'll finally gain some of this so called Experience.'

As he was nearing the medicinal shop, he could see that there was a crowd gathered in front and a young girl was frantically trying to push her way in. 'Oh boy. Looks like I'm a little late...Better get that flower out.' As he continued to approach the shop, he retrieved the flower from his inventory. The girl was starting to cause a commotion. “Let me through!! I need to get through!! My friend might be inside that shop!! Move!!” Although she was yelling, no one was paying her any heed.

Alex had finally reached the crowd and was approaching from behind Sarah. He gently called out, “Sarah! It's okay.” Suddenly hearing a familiar voice, Sarah was startled and quickly jerked her body around. When she saw who it was, tears started to form in her eyes. She ran forward and tackled Alex in a hug, knocking him to the ground as she called out, “Alex! You dummy!”

Laying on his back with Sarah on top of him with her head buried in his chest, he gently stroked her head as he said, “Sarah, it's okay.” He could hear some muffled sobs coming from her. “Sarah. Let's get up before we cause even more of a scene.” As she heard him say this, she sat up and looked around. Noticing that some of the crowd was looking at them, her face immediately turned crimson as she hurriedly stood up.

While Sarah wiped her tears away, Alex chuckled as he got off the ground as well. “Sarah, you alright now?” Pouting, Sarah looked at him and said, “You meanie! Do you know how worried I was about you!?...hic...I thought you....hic...you were...” She started to cry again, but before she could say anymore Alex hugged her. At first her body went stiff but then she quickly relaxed.

Separating from the embrace, Alex said, “Everything's alright now, right?” She was still blushing as she nodded her head. “Mn. E-eveything's okay.” As she wiped her tears, Alex smiled as he held a green flower towards her. “Here, I got this for you.” As she saw the flower, a radiant smile crept onto her face. “It's so pretty. Thank you so much.” As his cheeks were becoming warm, he rubbed his nose. “It's a green carnation...I thought it would compliment your eyes...so uh...” Hearing this, Sarah giggled. She quickly grabbed his hand and said, “C-come on. Let's go watch that duel.” She started to pull him away from the crowd.

As they were walking down the street, Sarah curiously asked, “So...what happened to your family's medicinal shop?” Alex's face became slightly downcast as he said, “Some cultivators broke out into a fight there...” As if realization struck her, she quickly asked, “Umm...are your mom and dad okay?” Alex gave a sad smile as he said, “My dad...he lost his arm...” Sarah stopped in her tracks when she heard that. “I-I'm sorry...”

Alex shook his head. “It's okay. He's still alive, so...” She started to open her mouth to say something, but Alex beat her to the punch. “So, who's this duel between?” Smiling wryly, Sarah replied, “I'm not sure. I just know that the two who are going to be fighting are at the Intermediate rank. They said that they'll face each other in the Martial Arena.” Alex nodded. Sarah kept glancing at Alex as they continued to walk in silence.

** ** ** **

After about a quarter of an hour, they finally reached the entrance of the Martial Arena. When they arrived, Alex frowned. “Tch, they're charging people to watch?” Sarah wryly smiled as she responded, “I didn't know...Sorry.” Alex shook his head and smiled, “It's alright. Don't worry about it.” The Arena itself was contained within a medium-sized coliseum that only had two entrances. One at the north side and south side. There was a decent sized line at the north entrance, where Alex and Sarah were.

Alex and Sarah both sighed as they got in the line. After about five minutes of waiting they were finally able to enter. Before they could do so though, there were two large burly men blocking the doorway. “1 silver per person.” Said one of the men. Alex frowned again, but nonetheless took out two silver and handed it to the man that had spoke.

After he received the money, both men stood aside. After Alex and Sarah walked past them, they were in a long hallway. As they were walking, Sarah gently said to Alex, “Hey. I'll pay you back for this...” Alex chuckled as he said, “That's not necessary. That was the money my dad gave me so I could buy you a gift...So just count this as part of that gift.” After he finished speaking, he smiled. Sarah blushed and meekly said, “T-thanks...” As they continued to walk, Alex was thinking, 'One silver per person!? That's extortion!'

When they exited the tunnel, they quickly found some open seats that were relatively close to the stage where the fight would take place. The coliseum was a circular shaped building, with a stage in the dead center. This particular coliseum only had two stories. The seats ringed around the stage on the first and second story. The first row of seats were at ground level, with the closest view of the stage. The row behind them were positioned one step higher so they could also have a clear view. Each row after that continued to ascend, creating a staircase that led up to twenty rows. The second story was identical to the first.

Alex and Sarah were able to find seats in the third row on the first floor. These seats were very close to the stage, where the action would take place. As they seated themselves, Sarah excitedly said, “I can't believe we managed to get seats so close! We're so lucky!” Alex smiled but remained silent as he thought, 'Lucky...huh.' They sat there and talked for a little while until the duel would begin. As they were talking, more and more people were funneling into the arena, filling up the seats. Before they knew it the arena was packed and had become rather noisy.

After some more time passed, a man dressed in all black with long dark hair that fell to his waist, finally walked onto the stage. After he arrived on the stage, he stopped near the center and looked around. The man stood there and closed his eyes. Shortly after, another man started to walk towards the stage from the opposite side. He was wearing all light blue clothes and had shoulder-length brown hair. As he reached the stage, the man in black opened his eyes and smirked. “Heh. I was starting to think you ran away.” The man in blue clothes scoffed, “Hmph! As if I'd run...It's time someone taught your Argent Viper Sect a lesson.” Both men bickered for a few minutes.

As they were doing so, Alex was thinking to himself, 'Huh? When I met with Sarah, I didn't get a status window...Shouldn't have meeting with her completed the quest?...Open Quest Log' As he thought it, his quest log appeared.

Quest Log

-Go on a date: Meet with Sarah Collford at your family's medicinal shop in a few hours.

-Enjoy the date: Enjoy the duel with Sarah Collford.

Alex read and re-read the quest to make sure he wasn't imagining things. 'Uhh...So this is a date...okay...But why didn't I get experience for meeting her?...Is the quest not done yet?...I guess it has multiple parts?...Guess I'll find out later.' He shook his head and dismissed the quest log. After doing so, he turned his attention back to the stage. The men seemed like they were finally about to start fighting. 'About time.' Alex was slightly annoyed at how long they were quarreling for.

“Fine! This place will be your grave!” Yelled the man in light blue clothes. “Haha, I could say the same for you. However, I'll be sure to send your body back to the Northern Ice Sect in pieces.” The man in black coldly replied. Enraged, the blue-clothed man charged forth. As soon as he reached the black-clothed man he threw a punch towards his face. The man dodged it by a hair's breadth and countered with his own fist to the blue-clothed man's chest. The blue-clothed man blocked it and jumped backwards, but the black-clothed man wouldn't let him retreat. He closed the distance quickly not leaving any breathing room. He sent his leg out kicking the blue-clothed man in the stomach; then immediately delivered an elbow to his face.

The blue-clothed man stumbled backwards, but quickly regained his balance. But it was too late. The black-clothed man was already upon him with yet another kick. But this time, it was to his waist. As the leg made contact, a loud crack sounded out. The blue-clothed man's left arm dangled down unnaturally. Luckily, he managed to block the kick with his arm, but that came with a price. The audience was starting to get rambunctious.

The blue-clothed man shouted, “Ugh, you force my hand!” Suddenly, a blue mist seemed to exude from the man's legs. A frost started to cover the stage around the man. Seeing this, the black-clothed man leapt backwards putting distance between the two of them. “Come!” Yelled the black-clothed man as he placed his hand on his hip. The blue-clothed man smirked as he once more charged at the black-clothed man.

This time his speed was faster. When he reached him, he kicked towards him. The air that his leg passed through seem to freeze. The black-clothed man didn't move. Right when he was about to be hit, the leg stopped. “W-what!?” Uttered the blue-clothed man. Wrapped around his entire leg was a long black leather strap. The black-clothed man laughed. “Ahahaha, the win is mine.” As he said this, he yanked his hand back and the blue-clothed man tumbled to the ground. In the black-clothed man's hand was a handle and connected to it was that long black leather strip. It was a whip.

Before the blue-clothed man could untangle his leg, a foot came stomping down towards his head. He jerked his head to the side as the foot smashed a few of the tiles on the stage floor. The blue-clothed man swept his untangled leg in an arc knocking the black-clothed man off of his feet. As he hit the ground with an “Umph”, he uttered, “Bastard!!” The blue-clothed man managed to get his leg free and got back up on his feet. He immediately put distance between him and the black-clothed man. Staring him down, he panted heavily. The black-clothed man quickly got back to his feet by the time the blue-clothed man had put some distance between them. He stared back at the blue-clothed man. However, he wasn't panting. The audience burst out in a clamor.

“Hmph. I'm going to end this.” Said the black-clothed man in a sinister tone. He started to crack his whip against the stage's tile floor. Each crack of the whip shattered a tile. A greenish-black aura surrounded his hand and whip. He sneered and then charged at the blue-clothed man as the whip continued to strike out, cracking tiles. The blue-clothed man took some steps back and raised his arm preparing to defend himself. A blue mist started to exude from his whole body. When the black-clothed man was within three meters from him, the mist instantly formed into an icicle the size of a man's arm. It sprung through the air towards the black-clothed man. He snickered and flicked his whip, smashing the icicle apart. After which, he flicked out his whip again. It came down with a crack as it slashed the blue-clothed man's chest, leaving a bloody gash.

The blue-clothed man grimaced as he stumbled back. Grinning maniacally, the black-clothed man continued to lash out with his whip, striking the blue-clothed man repeatedly. A full minute passed. The blue-clothed man could do nothing but receive the strikes. He was knocked down onto the ground. A bloody mess, he tried raising his hand and screamed miserably, “I-I surrender! I give up!” But the black-clothed man ignored him and continued to lash at him; severing the fingers of his raised hand. The crowd had gone silent as they watched the spectacle. Five minutes went by and the blue-clothed man finally stopped moving.

Sarah was clutching Alex's arm and burying her head into his shoulder. “I-is it over?” She weakly whispered. Alex patted her head and was about to say something. However, he noticed the black-clothed man approaching the body of the blue-clothed man. Alex whispered back to Sarah, “Not yet. Don't look.” Alex narrowed his eyes and furrowed his brow as he watched the black-clothed man.

As the black-clothed man approached the body, he was grinning ominously. When he finally reached it, he kicked it with his foot. Knocking the blue-clothed man's corpse onto his back. He muttered, “Like I said...I'm going to send you back to your Northern Ice Sect in pieces...” He put his whip away and pulled a serrated dagger out from behind his back. He reached down and grabbed the blue-clothed man's hair, yanking his head up. He then began to saw away at his neck with the knife; splattering blood all over. As he finally severed the head, he held it up for the audience to see. Some members of the audience grimaced, while some vomited.

The black-clothed man's grin became wider as he witnessed the crowds reaction. Dropping the head to the ground, he proceeded to saw off all of the blue-clothed man's limbs. Once he was done, he called for someone from the audience. After a moment, four large burly men hopped up onto the stage. They uttered, “Milord.” Snorting, the black-clothed man ordered, “Gather this trash's body. Send it to the Northern Ice Sect.” The four men slightly trembled as they acknowledged the order. After putting away his dagger, the black-clothed man had a smug smile on his face. Observing the crowd, he yelled out menacingly, “Remember this! All those that cross my Argent Viper Sect will suffer the same fate!!” Hearing this, the entire crowd was deathly silent. Coldly snorting, the black-clothed man walked off the stage and exited the arena.

Shortly after he had left, the four men followed suit carrying the remains of the blue-clothed man. Once they were all gone, the crowd erupted into a ruckus. Alex nudged Sarah and gently said, “It's okay now Sarah. You can look.” Covering her eyes with her hand, she peeked out. Seeing that it was all over, she let out a sigh of relief. “I can't believe how vicious that guy was...That other guy surrendered...and yet...” Seeing that she was slightly pale, Alex tried to comfort her. “Sarah, lets get out of here. I'll walk you home.” In response, she slightly nodded.

They then left the arena and started to head towards Sarah's house. Before they arrived though, Sarah turned to Alex and said, “Alex...I'm hungry, do you want to get something to eat?” Alex thought for a moment before answering, “Hmm, yea sure. I don't know how you could eat something after that display, but it'll be my treat.” Sarah smiled and hugged his arm. They then found a street stall selling some meat jerky. After he bought some for the both of them, they nibbled on it as they traveled to Sarah's house.

** ** ** **

Alex had just escorted Sarah home and bid farewell as the sun was starting to set. Walking by himself down a street, he was thinking, 'Those Argent Viper Sect people are so barbarous and vicious...' Shaking his head and sighing, he continued to walk. 'Hmm, well I wonder if I completed that quest yet...Open Quest Log.' The quest log appeared before him.

Quest Log

– Go on a date: Meet with Sarah Collford at your family's medicinal shop in a few hours.

– Enjoy the date: Enjoy the duel with Sarah Collford.

– Escort Sarah Home: See to it Sarah Collford returns home safely.

- Return Home: Successfully return home.

'Huh...is this quest ever going to end...It's like a continuous quest...Like a quest chain...' He shook his head again as he dismissed the quest log. 'Oh well...I just can't wait until it gets completed...I'm so eager to see if I earn any experience...' As he was thinking, he ended up back in the marketplace. 'Crap, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going...Let's see...' He opened up the local map. 'If I turn left up ahead I can double back.' He continued to walk forward and was about to make the turn, when something caught his eye. 'Hmm...the blacksmith huh?...Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to take a look...' He walked over to the blacksmith's shop and entered.

Once he was inside, what greeted his eyes were various weapons and armor hanging on the walls. Some were even in display cases and on the counters. 'Wow. I can't believe that in all my life, not once have I ever come here...' As he thought this, he walked deeper into the store. There weren't that many people within. There was a robust looking middle-aged man, who had a full head of brown hair that was cut short and a long beard that fell down to his belly. He had a chiseled face and a scar that ran diagonally from above his right eyebrow to just below his right eye, stopping before it reached his nose. He was wearing a leather apron as he was grinding a sword behind the counter.

Alex walked up to the counter near where the man was grinding the sword. He politely called out, “Excuse me, sir.” The man glanced up from the sword for only a second before returning his gaze to it. He grunted, “What is it, boy?” Alex smiled as he replied, “Well sir, I was just curious as to how much it would cost to purchase a sword that was right for me...” The man took the sword off of the grindstone and gave Alex a curious look. “Boy. Are you messing with me? Go back to your mother's teet. You're too young to be wielding a sword.” Alex frowned, but sternly said, “I know this may not change anything...but I'm going to be a cultivator soon and I believe I'm going to need a weapon...”

When the man heard that Alex was going to be a cultivator, he raised his eyebrow and eyed him. “You're going to be a cultivator? Hahaha. Alright boy. I'll humor you. Why don't you come over here and let uncle take a look at you.” Alex was slightly taken aback. “Ummm, no. That's okay. My mother told me to not let strange old men check out my body...Never mind. I'll take my leave.” The man was flabbergasted. He yelled out, “Not like that you brat! Geez!” Alex turned around and was about to leave. “Wait!” The man called out. Alex slightly turned around and asked, “What? I already said it. I'm not letting you ogle me.” The man sighed as he chuckled, “Boy, you're funny. I'll give you that. What I mean was, let me inspect your Qi veins. That's it.” Alex narrowed his eyes and raised an eyebrow. “Why?” The man had a wry smile on his face as he replied, “Wow, you're a cautious one aren't you?”

Not receiving the answer he wanted, Alex started to walk away. As he did so, he said, “Never mind sir. I'll either come back with my parents or go elsewhere.” The man was dumbfounded. “B-brat! Fine, whatever! I don't care. I can't be wasting so much time on random kids...” He angrily held the sword to the grindstone and continued his work.

After Alex walked out of the blacksmith's shop, he turned around and gazed at it. 'Hmm, when I mentioned I was going to become a cultivator, he became very interested...Hmmm, he asked to check my Qi veins...Was he a cultivator? Can they do that?...If they can, I don't think I should let anyone check my Qi Veins if I can help it...Who knows what would happen if they found out about my Empyreal Body...' After thinking that, he continued on his way home.

** ** ** **

When he had made it home, it was already dark outside. The moment he got into the living room, his mother who was sitting on the couch noticed him immediately. She frowned and chided, “Alex! What were you doing out so late? You know how much I dislike you being out at night.” Alex smiled wryly. “Sorry mom. After the duel, I walked Sarah home. Apparently, I got lost in thought on my way home and ended up in the market, haha.” Laylah's mood seemed to ease somewhat as she was no longer frowning.

Alex continued, “Then I saw the blacksmith's shop and my curiosity was peaked.” Laylah raised an eyebrow as she asked, “Why were you curious about the blacksmith?” Alex awkwardly chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “Umm...Mom...I need to talk to you...Can we sit down?” She narrowed her eyes and furrowed her brow. However, she gently said, “Alright honey...What is it?”

Alex walked over to the couch and sat down in a chair opposite of his mother. After his mother sat back down on the couch, he continued on to timidly say, “So, mom...Where's dad? How's he doing?” Laylah warmly smiled and nodded. “He's sleeping right now and he's doing fine...What did you want to talk about Alex?” Hesitating slightly, Alex started to speak, “Well, mom...umm...I already talked to dad about this. But ummm, well, we were going to talk to you together...but since he's asleep I figure I'll just wing it myself then.” He paused for a moment and cleared his throat. “Mom. I want to become a...cultivator.” When she heard what her son wanted, it was like a bomb being dropped. Her face was expressionless as she remained silent and stared at her son.

After a few minutes passed, Alex was starting to feel awkward. However, he too continued to remain silent as he was wary of what his mother might say. Finally she spoke in a gentle tone, “Alex...” He gulped as he heard his name. “What did your father say about this?” Alex smiled wryly as he answered, “He said that he would support me no matter what I choose to do. However, I would need to talk to you first.”

She had a pensive smile on her face as she nodded. “I see.” That was all she said. Once more a silence permeated the air. Once again it lasted for a little while. Unable to bear it again, Alex started to speak. “Mom I-” However, his mother spoke over him. “-Alex.” He looked at her attentively. In a solemn tone she said, “If you wish to become a cultivator, I won't stop you...But, there are some things you definitely need to know.” Alex nodded as he responded, “Alright mom. I'm listening.”

Laylah nodded and directly said, “First of all. You should be aware, cultivators will fight quite often. It's not uncommon for them to lose their lives.” Alex nodded showing he understood. She continued, “The training and ordeals you will face, may be extremely difficult...would you still be willing to become one?” Alex nodded again and firmly said, “Yes!” Sighing, Laylah severely said, “If you become a cultivator...You have to be prepared to kill...Can you do that?” When he heard his mother's question, Alex's expression didn't change. There wasn't so much as even a flinch. Laylah was amazed, she had thought that her question would at least make him have some sort of reaction. Alex calmly and adamantly spoke, “Mom. I'm prepared to do whatever is necessary for me to become a cultivator. Even if it means killing other people.”

When she heard her son's response, she went wide-eyed and started to open her mouth to speak. After a moment she closed her mouth and closely examined Alex. As she stared at him, she began to apply some pressure to him with her Qi. When he felt his mother's Qi, his eyebrow twitched. But there was no other reaction. Laylah was astonished. 'Just what is driving him so much? He should at least have a larger reaction than this...' She thought as she curiously looked at her son.

After a couple of minutes, she finally retracted her Qi when she noticed that Alex was starting to sweat profusely. She giggled as she said, “You don't need to act so tough honey. If you couldn't stand my Qi, you should've said something.” Alex smiled wryly as he replied, “Mom. If I couldn't endure the pressure from your Qi, you'd probably refuse to let me become a cultivator.” Laylah embarrassedly smiled as she dejectedly responded, “You saw right through me huh?” Alex gave a nod to his mother's inquiry. She continued to say, “Fine honey...You passed my test...I won't stop you from becoming a cultivator...However, there are some conditions of mine you'll need to follow. If you agree, then I'll support you full-heartedly.”

Alex jubilantly smiled and nodded. “Of course mom. Thank you so much! I-” She laughed and interrupted him. “Honey. Not so fast. You should hear me out first.” Alex coughed. “Right. Sorry...I was just a little overjoyed.” Smiling, Laylah gently spoke, “These conditions aren't really any restrictions, just some prerequisites that I want you to meet.” Alex hurriedly nodded as he keenly listened.

“First, you'll need a weapon. We'll go together to the blacksmith tomorrow and find you a good one...Second, I want you to be able to protect yourself. So starting tomorrow, I'm going to begin teaching you how to use a sword. As well as some basic hand-to-hand combat...Thirdly, you're obviously going to want to join a sect or school right?” She paused there waiting for his answer. He hastily nodded. She was quiet for a moment and then continued, “Alright then. I'll go and get a list of all the sects and schools in this region of the kingdom. From them, I'll help you pick out one that you are the most suited for...Fourthly, you said you wanted to learn dad's trade right?...Then I want you to learn as much as you can before you set off okay?”

Alex smiled and reassuringly said, “Of course mom. I was planning on it for sure!” Laylah smiled. “Good. Now for the final condition...After I train you and I think you're ready, I want you to go into the Nilyl forest south of the town. Once there, you'll kill a profound beast or monster at the early-stage beginner rank and bring back its Qi Core. Only then will I allow you to leave home and join a sect...Understood?” Alex smiled and resolutely answered, “Yes mom! I won't let you down.”

She chuckled as she replied, “Good. But don't think it's going to be easy. Profound beasts and monsters are stronger than cultivators of the same rank. If a mid-stage novice profound beast fought against a cultivator of the same stage and rank. Then that cultivator would most likely lose, unless they were well-prepared or talented. Profound beasts and monsters are not to be underestimated, regardless of their rank. Do you understand?” Alex smiled and nodded. “Good.” Laylah smiled back as she responded to his nod. “Now go to bed okay? Tomorrow will be a long day.”

Alex stood up, but before he left, he looked towards Laylah and asked, “Mom. Before I go to bed, could you tell me just what a Qi Core is?” She gently smiled at him before she answered. “Sure honey...A Qi core is something that forms from the collection of Qi over a long period of time. Profound beasts and monsters all have one. For cultivators, when they start out they don't have one. However, by the time they reach the intermediate rank they'll be able to form one from their own Qi. It'll increase the amount of Qi they're capable of using and holding within their body.” Alex was boggled as he listened.

“Qi cores from Profound beasts and monsters can be used for a lot of things. The only uses though, that I'm completely sure of and aren't just hearsay, would be that Qi cores can be used in both alchemy and blacksmithing. The final thing I know of is that, if a cultivator consumes a Qi core, they can increase their own strength. However, it is extremely dangerous to do so. It can even be lethal. Thus, not many cultivators risk doing it...I probably shouldn't have told you about it, but I want you to be aware of the dangers.” Alex's jaw was slightly agape. “Wow mom. That's crazy.” Laylah giggled. “Hehe. Yea it is.” Smiling, Alex warmly said, “Alright mom, thanks for answering me. I'm going to bed. Goodnight. I love you.” Laylah gently smiled as she tenderly replied, “Goodnight, I love you too honey.”

Alex then went to his room and closed the door. Once inside he stripped out of his clothes until he was in his underwear and then laid down on his bed. He crossed his arms under his head and excitedly thought, 'Mom and dad are both okay with me becoming a cultivator...To be honest, I didn't expect them both to agree so readily...Well mom does have those conditions...But this is great! I can't wait!' As soon as he finished thinking, a chime rang out while a status window appeared.

*Ting*

Congratulations! You have completed the quest [Take Sarah Collford on a date]

You have earned 20xp.

Alex lay there slack-jawed in awe. 'Finally completed it...but 20xp? Hmm, I guess that's good. I mean all I did was buy a flower, then go with Sarah to the duel and then walk her home. Wasn't really difficult. If all quests are that easy, I'll be able to earn experience easily.' Closing his mouth and dismissing the window, Alex tilted his head. 'Huh. Why did I only get this message now and not earlier when I had walked inside? The quest had said to return home, so I figure it should have completed the moment I walked in through the door right?..Hmm, the only thing I could think of would be that maybe these messages wait until I'm in a sort of idle state before popping up?' As if answering his thoughts, two chimes once again rang out as a couple of status windows popped up.

*Ting*

You have gained 1 Intelligence (+1 INT)

*Ting*

You have gained 1 Wisdom (+1 WIS)

'Alright! So I was right? When I figure things out I gain intelligence and wisdom, so I guess I was right...That help thing, did say that wisdom affects problem solving...so yea...' Slightly nodding to himself, he continued to think, 'Hmm, I wonder what my stats are like now.' He opened up his Status Window and looked over his stats.

*Ting*

Name: Alexander HartlowAge: 12Level: 0XP: 20/100Health: 10/10Qi: 4/10Energy: 30/120Satiety: 72/100Titles:

NoneStats:

Distributable Points: 0Constitution: 1Intelligence: 5Vitality: 1Wisdom: 5Stamina: 3Endurance: 1Strength: 5Charisma: 8Agility: 2Dexterity: 1Willpower: 5Bloodlust: 2Luck: 50?????????????????????Attack: 1Defense: 0Element Resistance: NoneAdditional Information:Race: HumanGender: MaleElement Affinity: All ElementsAlignment: NeutralAllegiance: Undeclared

As he viewed his stats, he was grinning from ear to ear. 'My Qi recovery speed is so slow. I wonder if it'll recover faster when I sleep?...Four, I'll have to remember that and check when I wake up...eighty experience to go! I wonder what'll happen...My satiety went up from earlier today...Was it from that jerky?...Hmm, that's so cool how it keeps track of my hunger too. Wonder why it doesn't do thirst though? Huh...Oh well, I better get to sleep, tomorrow will probably be a long day.' Finally settling his thoughts that were jumping from one thing to the next, Alex got under his bed's blanket and rolled over to his side. He closed his eyes.

He laid there for a little bit, tossing and turning. His thoughts started to race again. 'I really hope dad will be okay...Losing an arm isn't a small matter...' He sighed as he rolled onto his back. Opening his eyes, he stared at the ceiling with a solemn expression. 'Dad should be able to bounce back from this. He's strong...' He let out a long breath before he rolled back over to his side and closed his eyes again. 'I better try to sleep.' Shortly after, he drifted off to sleep.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **