Visitor

There were 48 Stats in front of him. 

They all appeared quite similar, with their spherical shape, black color, and crystal-like material. Each one shared a similar size, with some being slightly larger or smaller than the others. Once in a while, there would be one that stood out from the rest, but based on a quick look, there were only a few.

'If I remember correctly the book said that most people's limit is 10x a world. That didn't say if it was for each stat or all of them combined. Surely, not the latter.' 

Soren was excited about his up-and-coming stat increase.

Without wasting a second he lifted one to his forehead. 

[-Endurance stat increased by 1.03x-]

[-END: 5.15-]

And another.

[-Vitality stat increased by 1.02x-]

[-VIT: 8.16-]

Continuing until he had no more.

[-Endurance stat increased by 1.05x-]

[-END: 5.4-]

[-Strength stat increased by 1.01x-]

[-STR: 5.25-]

[-Reaction Speed stat increased by 1.02x-]

[-RS: 8.16-]

[-Endurance stat increased----]

'Reaction speed? I didn't think I could get a stat like that with these Stats. I guess it's just rarer than the others.'

Going through them was a thrilling experience for Soren. All he did was raise a rock to his head and then his physical stats would increase.

Each increase was minimal but provided what he lacked most and with the amount he accumulated they would build each other up. That way each upgrade went off the previous one, continuously multiplying a higher number.

The process only took a few minutes to complete.

His final stats looked like this: 

[-STR: 6.9-]

[-AGI: 8.14-]

[-END: 10-]

[-VIT: 9.7-]

[-RS: 8.16-]

He felt energized and ready to fight the world. His heavy breathing instantly faded away and came a new calm, healthy oxygenated breath. 

'Guess my endurance won't be as big of a problem now. Thank god. Or no, not god, they're the ones who put me here. In any case, thank something.'

His body wasn't beyond normal human capabilities yet, but it was definitely at the top now in a few areas. 

It felt like a new body. As if he hadn't used that same body for the last 21 years of his life. It was a mysterious feeling.

After the initial excitement ran out, he realized his limits hadn't been reached. 

'I can still grow stronger than this. I mean it makes sense, but at least my limit isn't lower than the standard.'

'However, I don't want to be just the standard so I hope it's above and beyond. If not I'll need to find a way to steal it from someone else. Maybe I should do both?'

Soren also understood one thing.

He needed to sleep, not just for his body which may not have needed it as much, but for his mind. He had been preoccupied for a long time and needed a mental break. The easiest way to attain that is through sleeping where no conscious thoughts reside, or battle each other. 

He looked around, searching for any dangers that lurked. However, being at the top of the mountain had its benefits.

No one was around here. Why would they? There's nothing to gain at the top of the mountain. This was perfect for Soren though.

He decided to sleep up here, even if there were still potential dangers. He simply didn't care. 

Finding a softer spot of dirt around the stone he lay his head down. 

'I wish I had a bed, but I don't care. I just want to... to sleep.'

That was his last thought as his eyes closed shut and his mind detached itself from the world of the living. 

...

The next morning.

The sun was high in the sky. Illuminating every object with its brilliance

Soren woke up to the sound of someone talking near him. The person didn't bother to lower their voice at all. In fact, they were talking all high and mighty.

'Who is that and why do they sound familiar?'

He kept his eyes closed, not wanting to attract attention yet. They were up here because of him. There simply couldn't be anything else on the mountaintop. 

As he gained more clarity words began to sprinkle in his mind.

"Maybe I should go wake him up. This waiting is killing me." 

Soren could tell it was a woman and she was getting more annoyed every second that passed.

He thought for a moment. 'I feel like I'm going to regret it if I don't open my eyes soon.'

Finding what he thought to be reasonable, his eyes shot open, ready to see who was before him. Sunlight shone right into them causing him to close them once again. 

'Why is it so bright? I didn't even get to see who it was.'

"Hey, get up before I kick you off the cliff. Or maybe I should do it anyway."

Instead of opening his eyes directly he sat up and looked down. Then let his eyes open and adjust to the light of day. 

Remembering the person next to him was aggressive he hurriedly answered, "I'm up, I'm up."

While he may have been threatened to be kicked off the mountain, Soren didn't feel like he was in danger right now. It was more like a bunch of threats and wanting to be entertained.

He finally looked up at the impatient face and his body stiffened. How could he forget that face?

The cheerful eyes held a hint of mischievousness. Her body smaller than normal, but not childlike in any way. Lastly, the one who put a massive bruise on his back still hurting to this day, not yet disappearing.

That all only happened not too long ago too, so these memories were still vivid in his mind. 

"Ah, you're fully conscious. Hey answer me. How did you live past those ants?"

The lady was authoritative, direct, and seemingly hadn't a care in the world. Soren wasn't sure how to handle her.

Knowing this, he still didn't like her so he gave a simple response. "I just did."

"Well what do you mean, you just did? Is it your ability? huh? You go invisible or fly maybe?"

"Yes, that has to be the answer."

The woman didn't like this guy's answers, it all felt like he was just messing around and not speaking truthfully. Therefore she did what should do.

She walked a few feet behind Soren, him still on the ground, and pulled the back of his tunic.

"I'm starting to remember you. Didn't you get flown off the training stage?" She laughed to herself, uncaring of Sorens feelings.

Then her face turned serious. "But if you don't tell me how you survived I will drop you off the edge."

Soren didn't doubt it. She was strong, he could feel it now. A glimpse was all it was, but that was more than enough.

His butt was being dragged to the edge and his mind was turmoil.

'It shouldn't be bad if I told her right? What if she tries to take my sword. What could I do?'

Thoughts clouded his mind until finally they reached the cliffs edge. 

Soren hated looking into the pit of darkness again. After all, thats where he just barely survived the horde of ants. 

The girl started bringing him past the edge when he blurted out. "FINE! Okay, its nothing too special though. So don't throw me off please."

Suddenly, his body exploded with strength, wanting to brawl with anyone willing.