Simon woke up with a sharp breath, his heart pounding as his eyes snapped open. Instinctively he looking at the watch on his wrist.
"Two days had passed!" he muttered.
Panic surged through him for a brief moment, but then he shifted his focus inward. His eyes glowed in excitement as he sensed it.
A third Astral Core had formed in his dantian.
His body felt denser, stronger—each fiber of his being brimming with newfound power. His Astral energy had expanded drastically, far beyond what he had expected. Just to confirm, he plucked another Leaf from the plant and consumed it.
This time, he remained conscious, and he felt the effect was not as strong—but still noticeable.
His energy surged 50% closer to 4-Star.
Excitement coursed through him.
But—
Two days were gone, wasting precious time that he could have used to hunt in wilderness to grow stronger.
So, not wanting to waste any more time put the enlightened plant into his Space belt.
Without another moment of hesitation, Simon bolted from the cave, this body moving with explosive force to the exit—
CRACK!
Pain shot through his skull as his forehead smashed into the rocky ceiling.
Simon groaned, as he rubbed his forehead, he was stronger than he thought.
Simon smile. He had underestimated his own growth. If he wanted to harness his power properly, he needed to understand it more.
For the Simon spent another three days in the wilderness, training relentlessly in the wilderness.
His movements become sharper, faster. His control that was already exceptional become more Extraordinary. By the time two weeks had passed, Simon become someone that was un-recognizable.
He was no longer the same man who had entered this forest for the first time.
Simon stood taller, his muscle honed like tempered steel, his aura exuding raw, restrained lethality. The wilderness had carved away all remnants of weakness, leaving behind only the predator.
And now, it was time to return.
Simon returned to the location where he first entered the forest to return home. He stepped out of the forest.
And waiting at the exit—
A Steelfang wolf.
The same Dreadbeast that had been the one to welcome him to the forest now stood before him to send him off.
Simon smirked. Fitting.
With a flick of his wrist, Ignis Fang slashed through the air—
The wolf didn't even have time to react. Its body split cleanly in two, collapsing to the ground lifelessly.
Few hours later.
Simon returned to base city; his steps steady as he made his way toward his company's trading hub. The towering skyscrapers and bustling streets made Simon disoriented because of its stark contrast of the wild, untamed, and brutal.
Shaking off the discomfort, Simon strode into his company's trading hub, a sleek, high-tech facility where merchants appraised and traded valuable resources.
Simon wasting no time, he headed straight to the appraisal department, where expert merchants evaluated his haul. The moment he revealed the Enlighted leaves; the room fell into a stunned silence.
Because this was no ordinary find -it was a treasured herb capable of accelerating cultivation breakthroughs. After a brief but intense negotiation, he secured a staggering 80 million credits for it, a fortune by any standard.
Next, he placed the Dreadbeast Egg on the counter, a rare and valuable item— if properly incubated and trained, could hatch into a powerful companion. While it didn't hold the same overwhelming value as the herb, it still fetched an impressive 30 million credits, a testament to its rarity.
Finally, he sold the Dreadbeast carcasses he had collected during his hunt. Their tough hides, sharp claws, and valuable cores made them a lucrative commodity, netting him another 10 million credits.
By the time the transaction was complete, Simon exited the building with a total of 120 million credits in his account. A satisfied grin tugged his lips. It had been a long, brutal two weeks, but this—this was worth it.
A satisfied grin played on Simon's lips
Two weeks of brutal combat. Every ounce of blood and sweat.
And this— this made it all worth it.
Next stop was Armory.
Simon strode inside, heading toward the counter.
He approached to the women behind the counter absorbed in her work.
"I'd like close my debit," Simon said, his voice breaking the silence.
The women behind it gasped, startled by his sudden presence. She blinked at him, then narrowed her eyes in curiosity.
"Hmm?"
Simon gave her an innocent smile.
Spending two weeks in the wilderness had taught him to suppress his presence at all time—A skill that made him a far more effective hunter in Wilderness, and death for Dreadbeast.
The women quickly composed herself, eyeing Simon with curiosity. "You're quiet. Too quiet," She remarked, leaning on the counter.
"That's a dangerous habit outside the wilderness, you know."
Simon chuckled. "Force of habit. Helps with hunting Dreadbeasts."
She nodded in understanding. "I suppose it dose. Anyway, let me check your balance." She tapped on the terminal, her finger moving swiftly. "Debt cleared, You're free of it now."
"Good." Simon exhaled, feeling a small weight lift from his shoulders.
"You've been out on the field, right" she asked, giving him one more look.
"No offense, but your clothes look like they've been through a grinder. You should consider upgrading to a high-grade combat suit—something that can actually handle the punishment you're putting it through.
Simon glanced down at himself. His outfit was indeed worse for wear, the fabric torn and scoffed from countless battles. "Got any recommendation?"
"Plenty." She pulled up a catalog on the screen and scrolled through various option. "This one should work well for you."
She pointed at a sleek black, reinforced combat suit designed for durability and flexibility. "Lightweight, high-impact resistance, and it even has an auto-repair function for minor damage. Won't tear apart after a few fights"
Simon nodded, impressed. "Alright, I'll take it. have it delivered to my office."
"Done. Expect it within the hour."
Satisfied, Simon glanced at her again. "I never got your name."
She smiled. "Maddy. And you?"
"Simon."
Nice to officially meet you, Simon," Maddy said with a teasing tone. "Try not to get that new suit shredded in a week, alright?"
Simon grinned. "No promises."
He turned to leave but suddenly remembered something. Stopping mid-step, he reached into his space belt and pulled out Ignis Fangs and Embar cleaver.
"Maddy, I want these repaired. Two weeks of constant fighting took their toll." he gestured to worn blades edge.