Du Shentian was seen running toward the outer gate of Dragon Century 007, his footsteps echoing faintly against the hardened stone pathways as the massive walls of the sanctuary slowly came into view ahead of him. His breathing remained steady despite the urgency in his movements, as every passing second brought him closer to the deadline imposed by the system, a deadline that carried the weight of his very life.
The wind brushed past his face as he moved forward, carrying with it the faint scent of dust and distant wilderness, a subtle reminder that beyond those towering gates lay a far more dangerous world where survival was uncertain and death could strike without warning. His grip tightened slightly as he ran, his mind continuously calculating time, risk, and the overwhelming gap between his current strength and the power he desperately needed.
Suddenly, a thought surfaced in his mind—one that had lingered quietly ever since the system first appeared before him but had remained unasked due to the chaos and life-threatening situations he had been thrown into.
"Master… do I also possess a system panel like those main protagonists in animes and novels do?" he asked, his voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and excitement that he could no longer suppress.
The system responded immediately, its tone calm and composed, yet carrying a subtle hint of amusement beneath its otherwise neutral demeanor.
[Host, you do possess a system panel similar to those protagonists. Would you like me to display it for you?]
Du Shentian's eyes lit up instantly, and a wide grin spread across his face as if, for a brief moment, he had completely forgotten the deadly mission looming over him.
"Yes! Show it to me, Master!" he said eagerly, his voice filled with anticipation.
The moment his words fell, a translucent blue panel materialized before him, floating midair with a faint glow that made it appear almost unreal, as though it did not fully belong to this world.
System Panel
Host: Du Shentian
Race: Human
Cultivation: Unawakened
Ability: Weak Lightning (F-Rank)
Skills:
Swordsmanship – Beginner Level 5 Hand-to-Hand Combat – Beginner Level 2
System Skills: None
Source Points: None
Stat Points: None
Stats:
Strength: 10
Speed: 10
Endurance: 5
Combat Power: 25
Du Shentian stared at the floating panel, his eyes reflecting the faint blue glow as he absorbed every detail displayed before him, his mind rapidly making comparisons with the countless stories he had once watched and read.
"Whoa… it really looks like something straight out of an anime or novel," he muttered, unable to hide his amazement as he continued running, occasionally glancing at the panel to memorize its contents.
The system remained silent for a brief moment before asking something unexpected, its tone carrying a subtle curiosity.
[Host, you mentioned that you lived in the Bloodstone Heavens during your childhood. How were you able to watch anime or read novels in such an environment? Were such items freely available there?]
Du Shentian shook his head immediately, his expression turning slightly awkward as memories surfaced in his mind.
"No, they weren't free," he replied, letting out a small breath. "I used to steal them from shops. I got into a lot of trouble because of it… but my siblings loved watching them, so I kept doing it."
A faint smile appeared on his face as he continued speaking, his tone softening with nostalgia.
"I was actually pretty good at it too. One time, I even stole a small TV right under their noses. They never even realized what happened."
The system fell silent for a moment, as if processing his words and the life he had lived before.
Then, it finally spoke again, its tone noticeably softer than before.
[Host… your past circumstances were harsh. However, you no longer need to endure such hardships.]
[With my assistance, you will rise to heights that no one in this world has ever reached.]
Du Shentian smiled faintly, a quiet determination forming within his eyes.
"Thank you, Master," he said sincerely.
By that time, he had already reached the massive gates of Dragon Century 007, where several guards stood stationed, carefully monitoring every individual who entered or exited the sanctuary.
He slowed down slightly and pulled out his Awakener ID card, handing it over without hesitation. The guard examined it thoroughly before nodding and stepping aside.
"Proceed," the guard said.
Without wasting another second, Du Shentian moved forward, crossing the boundary that separated relative safety from the unknown dangers beyond.
The moment he stepped outside, the atmosphere shifted completely.
The structured order of the city disappeared, replaced by the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the wilderness, where demonic beasts roamed freely and survival depended entirely on strength and awareness.
Inside the wilderness, Du Shentian continued moving forward, this time holding a map in his hand while carefully observing his surroundings to avoid unnecessary risks.
He had purchased this map for 10 Union Coins—a significant expense for someone like him. It marked the locations where awakened-tier and first-tier demonic beasts were commonly found, giving him a rough direction.
Looking at it closely, he frowned.
"Where the heck does this map lead?" he muttered. "I could barely handle awakened demonic beasts before… defeating a first-tier one is going to be problematic."
The system responded instantly, its tone firm.
[Host, it is possible. Do not underestimate yourself.]
[However, you must increase your speed. Forty-five minutes have already passed. You have forty-five minutes remaining.]
Hearing this, Du Shentian's expression tightened, and he immediately quickened his pace.
Time was no longer something he could ignore.
Soon, after navigating through rough terrain and scattered ruins, he finally found what he had been searching for.
A group of demonic rabbits.
There were around thirty of them, including smaller ones that were clearly awakened-tier beasts, while the larger ones emitted the aura of first-tier demonic creatures.
"There it is…" Du Shentian whispered, lowering his posture as he observed them carefully.
The system warned him again.
[Host, observe carefully. There are approximately thirty demonic beasts present. Do you believe you can defeat them alone?]
A faint smile appeared on Du Shentian's face.
"Yes," he replied calmly. "But not in the traditional way."
The system paused briefly before asking another question.
[Host, how do you intend to defeat them? Will you rely on swordsmanship or hand-to-hand combat?]
[Additionally, how did you acquire these skills before meeting me?]
Du Shentian answered without hesitation.
"During Brother Blind's one-year stay in the Bloodstone Heavens, he trained me. That's where I learned both swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat."
He briefly glanced at his system panel again.
"My swordsmanship is Beginner Level 5, and my hand-to-hand combat is Beginner Level 2."
The system processed his response before replying thoughtfully.
[If you intend to face Luo Xinyan in the future, swordsmanship may not be optimal.]
[Based on my observations, she is likely a weapon-based combatant. Engaging her with a sword may increase your injury risk.]
[However, focusing on hand-to-hand combat may improve your chances of survival.]
Du Shentian nodded slowly, acknowledging the logic.
Then another thought crossed his mind.
"Master… what exactly are Source Points used for?"
The system explained in detail.
[Source Points have multiple applications.]
[They can be used to increase your cultivation rank.]
[They can also enhance skill mastery, but only after those skills reach the Entry Level.]
Du Shentian quickly grasped the concept and nodded.
Then he asked another question.
"What about Achievement Points?"
Instead of answering directly, the system opened another panel before him.
System Achievement Shop
Items listed:
Concept Cutting Sword – 100,000 Achievement Points
Dragon's Breath – 80,000 Achievement Points
Various high-tier items…
Du Shentian's eyes widened.
"I only have 5 Achievement Points… what can I even buy with that?" he said.
The system then displayed a lower-tier section.
There, he saw:
Beginner Set – 10 Achievement Points
Du Shentian frowned slightly.
"Master, what does the Beginner Set contain?"
A new panel appeared before him.
Description:
Beginner Set contains:
1 × Ability Upgrade Card
50 Stat Points
Primordial Source Energy Absorption Art
Analytical Eye (System Skill)
The system explained further.
[The Beginner Set is a one-time purchase item. Certain items in the shop can only be obtained once, and this is one of them.]
Du Shentian nodded thoughtfully.
Then something else caught his attention.
A product marked with a massive red tag.
99% Discount
Ancient God Body
Achievement Points Required: 20
"There's no description?" he asked.
The system replied.
[Each month, one item is placed on a 99% discount. However, its description remains hidden.]
Du Shentian narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Ancient God Body… it sounds powerful," he murmured.
Then another realization struck him.
"Master… my first achievement was because I stabbed Luo Xinyan in her butt, right? That's how I got the 'Butt Maniac' title."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"So if I pierce more beings in their butts… will my title evolve and grant more achievement points?"
The system replied immediately.
[Host, your understanding is correct.]
A new panel appeared.
Title: Butt Maniac (One-Star)
Evolution Condition: Pierce 100 being's butts
Rewards:
Butt Maniac (Two-Star)
10 Achievement Points
Du Shentian nodded seriously.
"So that's how the achievement system works."
Then he asked again, "How do I obtain other achievements?"
The system answered calmly.
[Perform extraordinary or unconventional actions. Achievements will unlock naturally.]
Du Shentian took a deep breath, his gaze sharpening as he looked at the horde of demonic rabbits in the distance.
"Alright," he said.
Then, without hesitation, he reached into his bag and pulled out a mysterious bottle, gripping it carefully as a faint, dangerous smile slowly formed on his lips.
The system immediately spoke, its tone cautious.
[Host… what is inside that bottle?]
Du Shentian did not answer immediately.
Instead, he simply stared at the demonic rabbits ahead, his eyes filled with a strange mix of determination and mischief.
The answer… was yet to be revealed.
End of the Chapter 11
Author's Note
This is my first novel, so there may be mistakes along the way. Please feel free to point them out so I can improve.
Also, English is not my first language, so there might be some inconsistencies.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy the story!