Unforeseen Encounters: Secrets and Surprises

'Interesting', the person thought and left.

'' This person is so charming, but he still wants to hide his beauty, and, then, the extremely rare hair color he has there. But why does he want to hide from the higher-ups? I need to keep an eye on him from time to time'' the person thought while walking.

...

As Stefan continued his leisurely stroll, the sound of Heli's sudden exclamation broke the tranquil silence. Confused, he turned to him and asked, "What's going on, Heli?"

With a glimmer of excitement in his eyes, Heli pointed ahead and exclaimed, "Look! It's an 'Auxilus' plant."

Intrigued, Stefan listened as Heli explained, his tone considerate and eager to share his knowledge. "After chewing the leaves of this plant, you can transform your hair color to match your wildest imaginings."

Stefan's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's incredibly convenient! It seems my luck hasn't abandoned me, even in this new world," he exclaimed, his voice brimming with anticipation.

.....

As Stefan stepped foot into the quaint town, he found himself utterly captivated by its sheer beauty. It wasn't just a feast for the eyes; it stirred something deep within his soul, leaving him breathless with wonder. Despite being a modern individual exposed to countless landscapes and picturesque locales, never before had he encountered such a breathtaking sight that seemed to transcend mere beauty and touch the very essence of his being.

Even the system, momentarily stunned by the town's splendor, swiftly regained its composure, masking its astonishment with practiced ease. "Such breathtaking vistas were nowhere to be found in your original world, Host," it remarked, attempting to downplay its own awe.

Before Stefan could formulate a response, chaos erupted nearby. A rift tore open in the sky above the town, unleashing a horde of monstrous creatures upon the unsuspecting populace. In the blink of an eye, the bustling streets transformed into scenes of frantic activity as people hurriedly shuttered their stalls, a well-rehearsed routine born from countless encounters with such calamities.

Apologies for the oversight! Let me adjust that.

As the system urgently advised Stefan to flee to safety, he couldn't shake the desire to lend a helping hand to the besieged townsfolk.

"But can't I assist them in some way?" Stefan pressed, his sense of duty overriding his instinct for self-preservation.

Heli's response was swift and pragmatic. "No, Stefan. Your strength pales in comparison to even the weakest of these creatures. It's risky enough just being detected by them. We must prioritize your safety above all else."

Feeling torn between his desire to help and the stark reality of his limitations, Stefan persisted, reminding Heli of their need for cooperation to complete quests. Was this chaotic scene the level-D hole Heli had briefed him about?

Confirming his suspicions, Heli identified the rift as a level-D threat, marked by its yellow hue. Yet, rather than accepting defeat, he scrambled to find a solution, suggesting a visit to the system mall for potential aids.

Just as they were about to act, a realization struck Heli, his guilt palpable. "Wait a moment, Host. I forgot to give you the Newbie Gift Package. Should I provide it now?" he asked, a hint of remorse coloring his tone.

With a swift glance around, Stefan pinpointed a safe spot and wasted no time darting toward it, all the while instructing Heli, "Open it up and see if there's anything we can use to tackle this situation."

As Heli swiftly sifted through the items, he unearthed three invaluable treasures:

First, the Level-1 Healing Potion [5/5]

- A potent elixir capable of swiftly mending wounds up to approximately 2 centimetres in size. While it may not be a cure-all for life-threatening injuries, its quick-healing properties could prove invaluable in a pinch.

Next, the Level-1 Recovery Potion [1/1]

- A one-of-a-kind tonic designed to revitalize the weary. With just one sip, it promised to banish exhaustion, allowing the user to bounce back with renewed vigor.

Last but not least, the Level-2 Strengthening Potion [2/2]

- Is a true game-changer. Not only could it accelerate cultivation, empowering the user to progress at an unprecedented pace, but it also held the potential to transcend the body's natural limits. With a mere swig, one could harness its magic to surpass barriers and unleash untapped potential, even if just for a fleeting 30 minutes.

Armed with these miraculous concoctions, Stefan felt a surge of hope amidst the chaos, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with newfound confidence.

"Heli, I need that Strengthening Potion now," Stefan urged, his tone urgent as he scanned their surroundings for a new hiding spot.

"Got it," Heli responded swiftly, passing the potion to Stefan without hesitation. With a determined nod, Stefan downed the potion, feeling its effects course through his veins as he prepared to tap into its power.

As they reached the next safe haven, Stefan wasted no time, his excitement palpable. "Okay, Heli, guide me through this. How do I harness the magic power like the locals here?"

"Easy," Heli replied, his voice calm and reassuring. "First, you'll need to drink the potion. It'll create a sort of aura suction around you, making it easier to absorb the surrounding energies. Then, find a comfortable position and meditate. Focus on feeling the auras around you; they'll naturally gather around your navel area."

With Heli's guidance, Stefan felt a surge of determination. It was time to tap into the magic of this world and unlock his full potential.

As Stefan and Heli delved into their cultivation, Heli couldn't stress enough the importance of secrecy. "Remember, Stefan, never reveal that you can see these auras to anyone else. It's crucial for your safety," Heli cautioned.

"Got it. Mum's the word," Stefan affirmed, his focus unwavering as they plunged into their practice. Time was of the essence, and they couldn't afford any distractions.

However, just as they settled into their routine, an unexpected visitor disrupted their sanctuary.

The system, ever vigilant, couldn't hide its shock at the newcomer's arrival. "How can he be here?" Heli thought, a note of disbelief coloring his inner dialogue.