Chapter 13: Self-Understanding

While the competitors enjoyed a brief rest period, the room buzzed with a mix of emotions. Some gathered in small groups, sharing reflections on the challenges faced, while others preferred isolation, focusing on their future strategies.

Liam, with a serious expression reflecting his concentration, recognized the vital importance of these precious minutes of break. Deliberately, he chose to distance himself from the hubbub, seeking a quiet place to reflect on recent experiences and plan his next steps in the Beyond Realms.

"System." Liam instinctively recalled the system warning during the endurance challenge and decided to examine it. A concise notification emerged.

[Proficient Mana Usage Detected]

[Breathing Technique Created]

[Estimated Rank: A-]

[Please Name It]

Focused, Liam named it "Ancestral Serenity." "This is the ideal moment for a review." With quick thinking, he decided to check his status in the system and his in-game abilities.

Name: Viper

Class: Physical

Level: 1 (0/1000) [approximately: 1000 x (1.5 ^ (level - 1))]

HP: 250 [approximately: 100 + (VIT x 50) + Equipment + (level x 100)]

MP: 170/170 [approximately: 100 + (ESP x 20) + Equipment + (level x 50)]

–

Physical Attack: 4 [approximately: (STR x 2.5) + Equipment + (AGL x 1.5)]

Magic Attack: 4 [approximately: (INT x 2.5) + Equipment + (ESP x 1.5)]

–

Physical Defense: 3 [approximately: (VIT x 2.5) + Equipment + (STR x 0.5)]

Magic Defense: 3 [approximately: (VIT x 2.5) + Equipment + (INT x 0.5)]

–

STR (Strength): 1

AGL (Agility): 1

VIT (Vitality): 1

INT (Intelligence): 1

ESP (Spirit): 1

–

Abilities:

Attack:

Serpent's Strike - B:

When activated, the user's mana is concentrated in their fingers, allowing mana to move quickly and controlled, releasing energy instantaneously, enhancing attacks. Causes 40 damage (10 x Physical ATK). Cost: 40 mana. 1-second cooldown.

Movement:

Serpent's Dance - B+:

When activated, mana is concentrated in the user's feet, with a specific pattern of movements resulting in erratic but precise actions. Agility increased by 100%. Cost: 40 mana. Duration: 30 seconds. Cooldown: 1 minute.

Breathing:

Ancestral Serenity - A-:

When activated, the user must complete the mantra: 'Inhale the power of the present, exhale the distractions of the past. In each breath, find the calm of the center. Inhale deeply, feel the internal energy. Exhale gently, release worries. In the now, I remain, focused and strong, like the constant flow of the river of life.' Upon completing the mantra, the user receives 250% mana recovery, 50% concentration, and partial immunity to illusions. Duration: 10 minutes. Cooldown: 25 minutes. No cost.

Liam reflected on the effectiveness of his abilities, considering how he could use them strategically in future challenges. His mind was sharp, and his determination remained unshaken as he prepared for the next challenge.

After examining his status in the system, Liam turned off the status screen, delving into his own thoughts. The rest provided a momentarily calm environment, allowing him to reflect on the game so far.

Liam vividly recalled the moment he was in Oliver's house, where Oliver patiently explained the intricate attributes shaping the fate of players.

"In the game, we have attributes, let's start with HP, or life points," Oliver said, as sunlight filtered through the window. "It's literally the measure of a character's life in the game. When it reaches zero, you die. But here in the Beyond Realms, things are interesting. A powerful strike at a vital point can be fatal, even without gradually depleting the opponent's HP."

"MP is mana points," Oliver continued. "It's the magical reserve. Determines how many skills you can use. When it reaches zero, you can't use active skills anymore. Oh, and remember, without mana, your physical movements are affected too."

Liam reflected on the meaning of each attribute. 'STR, strength... Oliver explained it's not just about muscles but the ability to control your body in the game. Athletic ability in the real world makes a difference, even with equal attributes.'

'AGL, agility,' Liam continued, recalling Oliver's words. 'Movement speed, attack, perception, and dexterity. Important for classes like assassins, thieves, swordsmen... even for some strange mages who invest in it.'

Liam remembered the comment about VIT. 'Vitality, crucial for tanking. More VIT means more hit points and defense. If you want to be a tank, this is the way.'

'INT, intelligence,' continued Liam's train of thought. 'Determines magic damage and the requirements to use them. Also slightly increases MP, but mainly for those who use magic.'

'Finally, ESP, spirit,' Liam smiled as he reflected. 'The main factor for the amount of mana points. I really understood this well, thanks to Oliver's training.'

As he reviewed these concepts, Oliver's voice echoed in his mind. "Besides these main attributes, there are other hidden ones, but they are a mystery. No one knows much about them, except that they can play a crucial role."

Liam now felt the responsibility of these attributes. "Every choice, every allocated point, shapes my journey. That's the true nature of Beyond Realms. Not just a game but a universe with its own laws and challenges."

While Liam reflected on his attributes and the conversation with Oliver, his eyes caught the enigmatic figure of Shadow Voss in a corner. The dark hood he wore added a touch of mystery to his figure. The competitor was surrounded by an aura of arrogance, but his eyes revealed a fierce determination.

Liam decided to approach, curious about what motivated the mysterious participant. Shadow Voss looked up when Liam approached, his eyes revealing a calculated gleam.

"You're not the type to easily blend in, are you?" Liam broke the ice, trying to understand more about his fellow competitor.

Shadow Voss responded with a nod, maintaining a reserved posture. "Not everyone needs superficial camaraderie to achieve their goals. I'm here to win, not to make friends."

Shadow Voss's direct response didn't surprise Liam. He knew that in Beyond Realms, participants' motivations could vary widely. However, Liam was intrigued by the intensity in Shadow Voss's eyes, a burning flame of ambition.

"Win at any cost, then?" Liam continued, probing a bit more.

"What do you understand about costs?" Shadow Voss retorted, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "Everyone has their means. In the end, everyone will have to make difficult choices."

Liam realized he was dealing with someone shrewd, someone who didn't reveal their cards easily. The eye exchange between the two was charged with tension, a spark of rivalry igniting.

Before the conversation could progress, Garret, the instructor, drew everyone's attention. "Competitors, the next phase is about to begin. Head to the designated location for the Combat Challenge."

Liam and Shadow Voss exchanged a final glance before parting ways, each heading to the next phase with their own objectives.

Garret led Liam and the other competitors through a door that took them outside the warehouse, revealing the training field. It was a wide, open area, surrounded by tall fences. The space exuded an intense atmosphere, filled with anticipation and energy.

The sight was impressive. Various wooden dummies were arranged in a designated area, providing the perfect setting for the Combat Challenge. The observation area, visible from the field, was crowded with more people than when the tests began. The eager spectators awaited to see each competitor's unique skills in action.

Garret raised his voice to get everyone's attention. "Welcome to the training field, competitors! This is where your combat skills will be put to the test. You'll face varied challenges that will test not only your physical strength but also your cunning and strategic ability."

He pointed to the wooden dummies. "These will be your initial opponents." Garret continued explaining the next challenge. "You'll face magical wooden puppets. Initially, each of you will fight against a single dummy. When you defeat the first, you'll face two in the next round. The number of opponents will double each round, up to a maximum of eight, and then we have something special. This is an opportunity to test not only your combat ability but also your endurance and strategy."

The competitors paid attention to Garret's instructions as he proceeded with the explanation. "Let's start by selecting the first participant based on the current ranking of the tests."

Garret consulted the ranking list and, with a serious expression, pointed to Liam. "Viper, you'll be the first to enter the arena. Show us what you're capable of."

Liam nodded, accepting the challenge. He headed to the arena, where the wooden puppets awaited. The atmosphere was tense, with both competitors and spectators watching closely.

Garret gave the final instructions. "Remember, competitors, you decide when to leave or stay until you're nearly dead. Good luck, Viper!"

As Liam prepared to enter the arena, the spectators in the observation area were buzzing with excitement. They discussed expectations for the challenge and placed bets on how many wooden puppets Viper would be able to defeat.

"I heard the current record is reaching the fourth stage and destroying 7 puppets, but then the guy ran out of energy and gave up because he couldn't handle the last one. Can Viper surpass that?" said a spectator, eyes fixed on the arena.

Mortheus, an experienced veteran in Beyond Realms, shared his analysis. "Viper has stood out from the beginning. I wouldn't be surprised if he had already acquired some additional skill before this challenge. The real question is by how much he'll break the previous record."

As speculations continued, Liam, in the center of the arena, focused his concentration on the wooden puppet awaiting him. Garret, the instructor, encouraged him with final words. "Show us what you can do, Viper!"