Before leaving the novice village forest, Alex performed a quick scan through his inventory.
He had obtained a second [Snake Backpack] and decided to take advantage of his synthesis ability.
He activated the synthesis process and combined the two identical items.
Ding!
[Synthesis Complete!]
[Snake Backpack + Snake Backpack = Python Backpack (Legendary)]
[Can store up to 250 items, up to Legendary rank.]
A satisfied grin formed on Alex's face.
His inventory space had just increased significantly, providing him with enough room for all the rare items he hoped to collect during the upcoming event.
"Perfect," he thought, stashing the newly synthesized backpack into his inventory.
Now, Alex turned his attention to something even more important: his prized [S-Rank Shadow Egg].
"Hey, panel," he called out. "Show me the S-Rank Shadow Egg."
Ding!
A panel appeared before him, showing the shadow egg inside a blue square, standing still.
Beneath the egg was a notification that read:
[Needs an S-Rank Seal Card to Hatch.]
But Alex wasn't focused on hatching it just yet.
Instead, he wanted to try something else—something potentially game-breaking.
[Potential Extraction is available.]
He couldn't use his ability on a living being.
For example, the moment the egg began the hatching process, there was no way he could enhance it.
But what about when it is still in its egg form?
He didn't know if it would work, but it was still worth the try.
He eyed the egg carefully, and then whispered, "Potential Extraction."
Ding!
[Do you want to use 'Potential Extraction' on 'S-Rank Shadow Egg'?]
Alex smirked.
This was exactly what he hoped for.
"Yes."
Ding!
[Extraction successful! You have enhanced 'S-Rank Shadow Egg' to 'SSS-Rank Shadow Egg'!]
[Your pet was supposed to be a 'Night Howler Terror,' but it has now evolved!]
It worked.
The process had elevated his pet from an already powerful S-Rank to the ultimate tier: SSS-Rank.
Alex could feel his excitement build.
In most cases, companions could grow to be as powerful, if not more powerful, than their masters.
This SSS-Rank pet was going to be an absolute beast, capable of turning the tide in any battle.
"Selling cheap antidotes!"
"Looking for a party!"
"The alchemist is out of stock—someone help!"
Chaos filled the streets as players rushed to buy antidotes or find parties to join.
The poison mist would only dissipate once the event ended!
Without the antidotes, they wouldn't survive the poison mist that filled the forest, which meant they wouldn't be able to collect any points or claim any rewards.
Alex didn't care about the commotion.
He was fully prepared.
His main focus now was earning enough points to secure that SSS-Level Seal Card he needed to hatch his enhanced pet.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
[One minute remains!]
The game made a global announcement, reminding everyone that the event was about to start.
Alex checked his map.
The gray mist that had previously obscured the [Toxic Forest] had been replaced by a detailed map of the area, showing a dense forest with several key locations marked.
This event revealed itself to be much more juicy than expected by many.
Thus, all the major guilds would participate.
The [Night Howler Apocalypse] was an event you were forced to participate in if you were inside the first city.
But the [Toxic Forest Event] was something you had a choice to participate in or not, meaning that it became ten times as popular and wanted!
Especially with the rewards already displayed!
As the clock hit zero, another announcement rang out:
Ding! Ding! Ding!
[The Toxic Forest landmark has been made public. Players may now enter and begin earning points by defeating monsters.]
[Note: There is no ranking. Points are all that matter.]
[Don't forget your poison antidotes!]
The antidote market had exploded overnight, with the price of a single antidote rising from one silver coin to five.
Any avid businessman would have had an orgasm at this return, Richard included, maybe.
But Alex didn't need to worry about that.
He had already prepared plenty for both himself and Alice, and planned to sell the leftovers.
They made their way toward the forest, passing by countless players who were struggling to buy antidotes or join last-minute parties.
As they approached the entrance, a green mist loomed over the forest—thick, toxic, and deadly.
"That's strong," Alice gasped as she stared at the mist in awe.
"That's low-level poison," Alex corrected her, his tone calm. "We'll be fine."
Before stepping into the mist, both Alex and Alice pulled out their antidotes from their inventories and drank them.
Ding!
[You are now immune to poison for 59:59 minutes.]
"Let's go," Alex said, his voice firm as he pointed toward the forest.
And with that, they both stepped into the toxic wilderness, ready for whatever challenges awaited them.