Harvest of Power

"Is this the Dwarven warship? It's enormous," Riku murmured, straightening his dusty jacket as he gazed at the colossal steel behemoth nestled amidst the ruins before him. He let out a sigh, a mixture of awe and respect.

On this planet, the Dwarves boasted an extraordinarily advanced level of science and technology. Airships, laser weaponry, and the like were considered commonplace. Even nuclear bombs posed no challenge to the Dwarven species. Their personal combat skills might not be exceptional, but their equipment could effortlessly turn humanity into ashes.

As Riku approached the warship, a notification from his system chimed in, bringing a smile to his face. It seemed the warship could indeed be recycled, and its worth was substantial. His journey had not been in vain.

"System, don't recycle," Riku firmly declined. He still had unfinished business, and he hoped the Dwarven warship was relatively clean; otherwise, his task would become considerably more challenging.

Riku then secured his horse in a safe spot and began his descent into the Dwarven warship using his Hermes Boots, approaching it methodically from a high vantage point. If Earthlings were to witness this spectacle, they would undoubtedly revere him as a deity.

As he stepped into thin air, a strange sensation washed over Riku. He cautiously explored the warship, never letting his guard down. Although the warship had long been destroyed, the chances of Dwarven survivors were slim, but not non-existent. Moreover, with demonic creatures running rampant, it was plausible that a few had accidentally infiltrated the warship.

Riku's sense of relief only came when he acquired the Dwarf telescope, removed its power source, and stored it away. This was the primary objective of his mission, and with it accomplished, he could move on to other tasks.

"System, recover the wreckage of the Dwarven warship," Riku instructed calmly. Recycling the complex Dwarven warship was a far more straightforward task than a meticulous search, and he had other plans after its disposal.

The system responded with an icy tone, "Recycle the warship, worth 5,000 exchange points. It's done."

"System, expend 5,000 exchange points; I want to open an exquisite treasure chest," Riku declared.

"5,000 exchange points have been used, and the exquisite treasure chest has been successfully redeemed," the system confirmed, conjuring an emerald-green treasure chest before Riku.

With anticipation, Riku placed his hand on the exquisite treasure chest. It clicked open, revealing a radiant white light ball.

"Ding, congratulations, host, on obtaining the intermediate chaotic energy source."

"Intermediate chaotic energy source: After absorption, an energy seed will be implanted within the host, capable of autonomously absorbing external energy to strengthen itself and store energy. Additionally, with a single energy analysis, chaotic energy can be equivalently converted into other forms."

"Ding, intermediate chaotic energy source located, worth 10,000 exchange points. Do you wish to recycle it?"

"Don't recycle it; I can absorb it directly," Riku replied with a raised eyebrow. Clearly, the value of the intermediate chaotic energy source far surpassed that of the exquisite treasure chest. Opening two treasure chests might appear profitable, but there were no guarantees of such luck in the future. Furthermore, he required something to enhance himself for use in other worlds.

"Understood," the system responded, following Riku's command.

In an instant, the white light integrated into Riku's body, infusing him with an immense surge of energy, empowering him beyond the capabilities of ordinary humans.

"Ah, it's truly a remarkable find," Riku exclaimed as he floated in mid-air, relishing the newfound strength coursing through him.

"Is this Elemental energy?" Riku extended his hand, forming a turquoise light with the Elemental energy swirling around him.

"However, despite the increased strength, I lack techniques or magic. I'm essentially an ordinary person with empty power," Riku mused, shaking his head without succumbing to complacency.

"It appears I'll need to find an opportunity to learn some magic from the Elves in the future," Riku added, setting his sights on his next objective.

At this moment, the forest Elves lived peacefully, unaware that a human they regarded as a mere curiosity would one day become a threat.

"Before that, let's test the strength of my energy," Riku declared, descending towards a mountain demon below, which roared angrily in response.

The mountain demon, unable to resist this provocation, lunged at Riku with the intent to tear him apart and devour him.

"Sniff--!" In a flash, Riku closed the gap, his fist enveloped in potent Elemental energy. He delivered a powerful blow to the mountain demon's abdomen, sending it hurtling through the air, disintegrating into pieces and splattering flesh and blood on the ground.

A single hit, a single second; the mountain demon was vanquished.