[New skill unlocked: Iron Skin Technique - Rank A]
"Iron Skin Technique, huh?" Liam muttered and opened the skill description to understand its use.
[Iron Skin Technique - Rank A:
Effect: No damage for 3 seconds.
Cooldown: 24 hours.]
"No damage for 3 seconds," Liam whispered, as a grin spread across his face. "That could come in handy."
He then turned his attention to the other rewards he had received.
[Strength increased by 20%]
[Endurance increased by 15%]
[Internal energy capacity increased by 10%]
Liam's curiosity piqued, and he asked the system, "What do these increases in strength, endurance, and internal energy capacity mean? How do they affect me?"
[You shouldn't care or focus on those stats. They don't matter.]
Liam frowned with a confused look on his face. "Then why show them at all? What's the point?"
[The stats are there for you to feel accomplished. The increase in stats is not a reward but a reflection of how much you've grown after training and cultivating, and achieving the first stage of the Muscle and Bone Realm.]
"Oh! So I can't increase them using XP and stuff." He muttered to himself.
SIGH!
"It's getting late. I should go eat."
Liam made his way to the secret place where Rin and the others were waiting. He felt a pang of guilt for letting them save his portion of food, but he had no other choice.
As he approached, he noticed the atmosphere was gloomy. Everyone seemed grim. Liam was about to ask what was wrong until he saw Joon Seok.
Joon Seok was wounded, a deep cut visible on his shoulder and back. His clothes were stained with blood, though the bleeding had stopped. It was evident that Seok was in great pain.
"What happened?" Liam asked with a concerned look on his face. "How did Seok get injured?"
Deep down, Liam had a hunch about what might have happened, but he needed to hear it from them.
Joon Ho looked up with a grim expression. "The commanders cut the rations by another 20%. Because of that, the hostages are extra violent. Many have already died from starvation, but now the main cause of death is murder."
Liam held his breath and clenched his jaw as he listened.
Joon Ho sighed and continued. "Seok got injured in a fight. Four people surrounded him and tried to steal his food. He managed to fend them off, but not without getting hurt."
Liam's eyes narrowed in anger. "How did the hostages get weapons?"
This time, Rin replied. "They carved sharp objects from rocks and boulders. They're using them as weapons."
Liam cursed under his breath. "This is getting out of hand. We need to do something."
He turned to Joon Seok, who was gritting his teeth in pain. "Seok, you need to rest and recover. We can't afford to lose anyone."
Joon Seok nodded, his expression determined. "I'll be fine. Just need some time to heal."
Liam had an idea after hearing the world heal.
'Hey system, can I buy a healing potion using XP and give it to Joon Soek?' He asked with a voice full of curiosity and desperation.
The system took a while to answer, but it finally replied, [There are certain restrictions on the items you can share with others. The healing potion is not one of them.]
Liam was delighted to hear that and immediately bought a Tier 1 HP Potion. He knew it wasn't enough, but it would help somewhat.
He turned to Joon Seok and handed him the potion. "Here, drink this. It'll help with the pain."
Joon Seok trusted Liam and, without asking any questions, drank the potion.
slowly, his wounds began to heal, and the pain faded away. Everyone watched in surprise as Joon Seok's condition improved right before their eyes.
"How did you get that potion?" Rin asked, her eyes wide with amazement.
Liam hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He certainly couldn't tell them the truth. "I… uh, got it from the guards I killed when I tried to save Soo-Min," he said, trying to sound convincing.
The others exchanged glances as their curiosity piqued. "Do you have more?" Joon Ho asked.
Liam nodded. "Yeah, but I've hidden it so no one can find it."
They all seemed satisfied with his explanation and didn't press further. With Joon Seok's wounds healed, they all sat down to eat together. The mood was lighter now that the tension from earlier dissipating as they shared their meal.
"Thanks, Lee," Joon Seok said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I owe you one."
Liam shrugged. "Don't mention it. I just repaid your favour."
As they ate, they talked to lighten the mood.
"You know, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually starting to enjoy this bun and soup," Joon Ho said as he took a bite of his food.
Rin laughed. "Yeah, it's amazing how hunger can make anything taste good."
Soo-Min giggled as she said. "I still think it tastes like cardboard, but at least it's fresh cardboard."
Liam chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "You guys are crazy. But yeah, fresh cardboard is better than stale cardboard any day."
They all laughed, the sound echoing softly in the cave. As they finished their meal, Liam cleared his throat and made an announcement.
"I have some news," he said in a steady voice. "I've reached the first stage of the Muscle and Bone Realm."
The others looked at him in surprise, their faces breaking into smiles.
"That's amazing, Lee!" Rin exclaimed, her eyes shining with pride. "No wonder you look more handsome and better than before."
Liam felt his heart skip a beat at Rin's comment, unsure of how to respond. He scratched the back of his head as a slight blush crept up his cheeks.
Joon Ho clapped him on the back. "Congratulations, Lee. That's a huge achievement."
Soo-Min nodded in agreement. "You've worked so hard. You deserve it."
Liam smiled, grateful for their support. "Thanks, everyone. But now that I've completed this task, it's time for me to help you all reach the first stage of the Muscle and Bone Realm too."
Everyone looked at him with resolute expressions on their faces, seemingly ready to achieve the breakthrough.
"We're ready," Joon Seok said in a firm voice. "Just tell us what to do."
Liam nodded. "Alright, starting tomorrow, we'll train together before sunrise. Everyone, get some rest tonight. We have a long day ahead of us. You won't get to rest tomorrow so make sure you rest properly."
They all agreed and began to leave, but Liam remained behind. He had another plan in mind—to complete his new quest. As the others left, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do.
"Time to farm some XP."