The creature was truly horrifying. It was crying, its body covered in blood, hands covering its face. Behind it, four long arms stretched forward.
Each hand had sharp nails, and its body was neither small nor large—just unsettlingly proportioned.
When I made eye contact with it, I felt my sanity begin to unravel. Unconsciously, I started choking myself, my mind thrown into complete chaos.
My face twisted with horror and helplessness. After several minutes of choking myself, the creature broke through all the protective layers.
It looked at me and muttered in a deeply terrifying voice, "My child, I finally found you."
I couldn't breathe. Everything became blurry, yet I could still feel everything clearly.
It began cutting off my limbs—slowly, deliberately, savoring my suffering. And it didn't stop there. Its mouth suddenly grew massive, filled with sharp teeth. It ate me alive.
I felt every second of it.
It happened too fast. I had just broken through… and now I was being devoured.
And then, when I closed my eyes—darkness. When I opened them again, I was back in the same place.
I curled into a ball, hugging my knees, forcing myself not to go insane. I touched my body, trying to regain a sense of reality.
Gritting my teeth until my lips bled, my eyes sharpened and turned cold.
---
[3rd Loop Begins]
[Points: 940]
[First Reward: Rare Creature]
Note: If the host does not pick this reward in this loop, it will not be available in the next loop or unless the host encounters the creature again in this one.
[Second Reward:]
Song Formation Proficiency: 21%
Cold Formation Proficiency: 7%
[Third Reward:]
Qi Refinement: 2nd Layer
Looking at the rewards, I didn't hesitate—I chose the second one.
As I selected it, I felt my proficiency skyrocket in Song Formation and increase slightly in Cold Array Formation.
Next, I considered the Lottery Talent Ticket options:
Bronze Ticket – 10 Points
Scrap Ticket – 100 Points
Black Ticket – 1,000 Points
Silver Ticket – 10,000 Points
Golden Ticket – 100,000 Points
Diamond Ticket – 1,000,000 Points
Ruby Ticket – 10,000,000 Points
I didn't draw a ticket immediately. First, I headed toward the old man's shelter. I grabbed the axe and beheaded him again.
My eyes showed guilt. But this was the third time. He still wore that same smile.
I didn't waste time and absorbed him. Next, I laid four formations around the shelter.
Having enough points, I muttered, "I choose Black Ticket."
---
[New Talent Acquired: Advanced Body Refinement Talent!]
[Description:]
Advanced Body Refinement Talent: You are one in a thousand. Your body is twice as strong as the average person.
I didn't smile. I just sighed. More pain awaited me.
Scratching my head, I got to work. I began cultivating again. I was back at the 1st layer.
Hours passed, and slowly I approached the breakthrough point.
Finally, with just one more hour, I reached the 2nd layer of Qi Refinement.
Satisfied, I smiled.
Then I began my physical training. Seven hours passed. Night came. The nonstop exercise took its toll.
In one day, I had eaten three packs of jerky and drank two bottles of water.
This pace was unsustainable, but I kept training. Two more hours passed, and I reached 2nd Layer Body Refinement.
I felt my Qi being absorbed by my skin, strengthening it continuously. Gradually, my skin toughened.
When I punched the wall, I felt nothing. Punching again with full strength, I left a small crack.
Satisfied, I knew I could swing my axe better now.
My body felt stronger and more energetic—but also more demanding in terms of food.
Another day and I'd be down to half my supplies.
I sighed. Food was becoming a serious concern.
I gathered all my remaining food and water. Staying here was dangerous—I would meet that creature again if I remained.
At this time, there shouldn't be any monsters around. I walked toward Lorraine's shelter.
It wasn't far. When I arrived, I knocked loudly on the sealed door. Thanks to my new strength, the sound echoed powerfully.
She opened the door, annoyance clear in her eyes.
"Who are you?" she asked, voice filled with threat.
I forced a smile. "Could you please let me in for the time being? I'll give you this." I handed her a jerky and a bottle of clean water.
I made up a story about living in an underground bunker. She seemed uncertain but eventually let me in.
Grateful, I sat on the floor and smiled.
"I want to help out. When I mutated, I gained the ability to make a barrier. Inside, it becomes colder—but not too cold," I said sincerely.
Surprised, she hadn't expected me to be mutated. She nodded and gestured for me to show her.
Though she had a solar air conditioner, it didn't keep the room thoroughly cold at night or during the day.
I activated the Cold Array Formation. Minutes passed. She noticed the change. It was much more comfortable now.
She smiled in satisfaction and muttered, "Not bad, kid," patting my shoulder.
"This can also act as a barrier with decent durability," I added.
"I don't need food or water right now, so you can keep your jerky and water," she said.
I nodded.
The horrifying creature didn't appear that night.
Instead of sleeping, I used the time to practice my array formations.
Nine hours passed. My proficiency in Cold Array Formation increased to 20%, and Song Formation reached 31%.
Satisfied with my progress, I nodded.
The two other guys probably left already, since there was nothing left to loot.
I asked Lorraine if I could stay for two more hours. She nodded, letting me rest a bit longer.
As she prepared to head out, I asked, "Can we have a sparring match?"
Surprised, she smirked but accepted. She stretched her lean, muscular body—a sight that made me gulp.
"Let's head outside. I don't want the house getting messy," she said.
I nodded, and we stepped outside into a spacious area.
She smiled and teased, "Don't worry. I'll hold back," her voice laced with mischief.
I nodded and prepared for the spar.
Lorraine rarely sparred with anyone. She had a strong reputation in the city. No one messed with her—monsters were her only usual opponents.
She sized up my body, noting my strength, but still held back.
She launched a punch at my stomach. I narrowly dodged it—but she surprised me with a sudden kick.
Her body extended like a whip, her leg crashing into my head.
With no real combat experience, I was easily knocked down and nearly passed out.
If not for my body refinement, I would've been unconscious.
She seemed excited—at first—but seeing how easily I struggled, she clicked her tongue in disappointment.
"Tsk tsk. You've got a strong body, but you're still far from ready."
I forced myself up, my head pounding.
"Not yet. Let's continue," I said.
She nodded and lunged at me again.
This time, I anticipated a stomach blow, but she faked me out and struck my legs instead.
She had a lot of experience.
Thirty minutes passed. I was left bruised and battered.
Honestly, I wasn't sure this could even be called sparring—it felt more like a beating.
She chuckled, seeing my state, and handed me some medicine to heal.
I nodded and took it.
Soon after, she left—off to take care of something