Chapter 16 The Hunt Commences

“Okay, Jeremy… Breathe…” I said to myself.

I inhaled deeply, calmly taking air into my lungs and releasing the invisible vapor out of my nostrils.

Instead of focusing on the negative, the matters that were out of my control, it would be more productive to use the time I have to figure out a more effective approach.

“Let’s look on the bright side… A few minutes ago, I would have still been stuck at Rank F. This is still progress” I mumbled.

Besides, there was one more thing I wanted to try. My Karma Points, it’s time to see their use.

Closing subspace instantly, my focus turned to the Status Window displayed in front of me.

Upon reading through the [Stats], I found out that there was a wide gap in the numbers. For one, my Strength was too low, and my Intelligence was way too high.

I’ve never been known for being smart, so I didn’t understand the reason.

“In RPGs, intelligence usually translates to one’s capacity to control mana and the likes… But I don’t even have any MP. What the heck is wrong with this system” I mumbled.

If I can somehow find a way to balance my [Stats] and increase my strength, I should be able to engage in more physical combat and my survival rate will increase by a considerable margin.

I tapped on the screen displaying my [Stats] and tapped on the Strength icon.

>Tzzzzt<

A slight buzz hummed as my fingers connected to the screen, and after that…

“Nothing? No reaction?!” I muttered in disbelief.

Why can’t I alter my [Stats] with Karma points? Is there a method to it that I am unaware of? Or could it be that I do not have enough Karma Points?

Questions kept running through my head as I tried to understand the reason behind the disappointment I was feeling.

I didn’t want to admit it but maybe…

“Did I get my hopes up after miraculously upgrading my Gifts?” I asked myself.

Now that I think about it, I never saw people upgrading [Stats] or Gifts, yet I just assumed it was natural… I slowly felt entitled to it.

“There’s probably another use for Karma Points. If it’s for [Stats], then I suppose it wasn’t the appointed time for that.”

It could also be because I haven’t gotten to a Level high enough.

With so many variables it was best not to think too much about it.

>Yawn!!<

I opened my mouth widely, letting out soft moans of exhaustion.

For someone who was a shut-in, I had never exerted myself like this. The fatigue I was feeling currently was unlike any other.

“It seems leveling up doesn’t erase that uh…?” I muttered.

I slowly closed my eyes as my body relaxed where I sat, slumping to rest my back as I fell asleep.

“No!” My thoughts rang out.

I instantly opened my eyes, pushing away my drowsiness for a little longer.

“I’m not done…” I realized.

“[Subspace]”

There’s one more thing left to do… I now have 50 Storage Slots. That’s 40 extra slots to store my resources in.

I cracked my neck and stretched my hands, slightly feeling more alive.

“Time to resume work”

[The Next Day]

It was finally time to leave this home. I can’t say I won’t miss it.

I received quite a great deal of resources from the house’s stock. It made me wonder.

“If I can obtain as many resources as I can from the other houses I come across… That would be nice”

This grand idea seemed too much for my current state. I shouldn’t get too greedy. It would be best to focus on my goal of survival.

However…

“I partially know the state of the current world. Food, water, and other important resources were scarce. Even what I currently possess can be considered a treasure to some people, leading to serious conflict… That’s just how valuable they are.” I reasoned.

It would be in my best interest to gather as much as I can… Enough to sustain me for a long period.

I don’t want to be caught between the conflict of the others concerning resources.

My goals require me to focus on grander things… But to do that I need to have abundant materials at my disposal.

“It’s decided then! If I come across any apartment here… I’ll loot it!”

That was the best alternative.

It was currently afternoon, and this was my 7th day after the time I got returned to this world.

I have tested my present capabilities, my [Stats] have been thoroughly examined.

I currently possess one F Rank Skill, [CLAW ATTACK] and it’s maxed out.

My [Subspace] contains 50 Slots, and I have used up 40… For special reasons.

“Now then… I should get going” I smiled.

Touching the Freezer that blocked the door, I stepped forward. The massive structure returned to my [Subspace], allowing me passage to the already unlocked door.

I swung the door open and was embraced by the stale air that filled the passageway.

“This wasn’t any better than the house though, I wish I had some air conditioner…” I muttered.

Brushing off the discomfort I was feeling, my eyes darted around the quiet hallway, paying closer attention to my surrounding.

I can’t afford to get careless anymore.

Everywhere was quiet, empty too… It felt off.

I sniffed the air and concentrated on hearing. It didn’t take me very long to hear it.

“Skrrrrikkiiiii”

“Skrakaaakiii”

“Skrukkkuuu”

Again with their gibberish… But that didn’t matter.

“I’ve got you” I grinned evilly.

With all my senses heightened I could hear sounds from far away and smell the musk of the Demons that ran through this large apartment.

But, unlike before… I was even more prepared.

“[Subspace]”

Without looking at the blue window that appeared, I tapped on an icon twice.

Immediately, two sharpened metal rods appeared on both of my hands.

I grabbed them tightly, looking behind where I stood.

The smell was coming from downstairs. Very well… That’s exactly where I was headed anyway!

“I’ve been hunted for a while now… It’s time to return the favor!” A dark gleam appeared in my eyes.

I can’t wait to kill some Demons and level up more!

….

[STATUS INFORMATION]

– Name: Jeremy Lewis

– Level: 10 – Exp: 10.30

– Race: Human

– Job: None

– Age: 16 Years

– Sex: Male

– Height: 5″ 3. – Weight: 115 pounds

– Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

– Karma Points: 100 – (G) Karma Points: 5

[Stats]

– HP: 600/600

– MP: – –

– Strenght: 140

– Agility: 750

– Vitality: 600

– Intelligence: 1,600

– (G) Factor: 90

[Gift: [Subspace]]

– Items Equipped: Sharpened Metal Rods x2

– Allies: None

Skills Possessed: <1>

[Status Condition]

<None>

[Additional Information]

A human with the last Gift. Possesses the interest of God.

[End Of Information]

….

[SUBSPACE]

Rank: E

Level: 1

Ability: Stores Physical matter within a personal pocket dimension (Rank F – E)

Total Amount Of Slots: 50

Additional Ability: Items Stored Within Subspace remain in suspended states (Rank E)

<Edit>

[Additional Information]

A Gift that stores any physical matter in compact slots located in a distinct pocket universe. The matter stored within this space can be retracted by choice. The size and additional capabilities increase upon growth.

….

[SKILLS]

– You Currently Possess 3 Skill Slots

? Slot 1 – <Claw Attack>

? Slot 2 – Empty

? Slot 3 – Empty

[Skill Slots Will Be Added As Your Level Increases]

….

[Skill Information]

<Claw Attack>

Grade: 1 (Fixed)

Level: 10(Max)

A skill obtained from the lesser Demon, ‘Hell Kobold’s Spawn’. It is a low leveled skill that hardens, sharpens, and elongates the fingernails of the host, making it a deadly weapon for combat.

[Currently Maxed Out]

– All restrictions on this skill have been removed.

– Skill Duration Has Been Extended

‘Cooldown Time’ Has Been Shortened

[Current Skill Duration Period: 1 Hour]

[Current Skill Cooldown Time: 1 Minute]