Metatron approached the gate of Frostvale village, the faint yellow radiance around him pulsing softly. Two guards eyed him carefully, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. He paused, crouching behind a low snowdrift, and activated his interface for the first time since returning from the forest.
A translucent panel appeared before him, hovering in the cold air. It displayed everything he needed to manage:
Character: Metatron
Level: 9 / 10
XP: 8,940 / 10,000
Stats Points Available: 12
Stats:
Strength: 48
Dexterity: 52
Magic: 65
Endurance: 44
Luck: 12
Equipment:
Jacket – Crafted (Reality Sync)
Snow Raider Goggles – Crafted
Boots – Crafted
Sword – Basic Steel
Daylight – Custom Pistol
Inventory:
Low-Grade Beast Leather x12
Frostwood x20
Frost Boar Tusk x6
Scrap Metal x18
Skills:
Fireball (Lv 1)
Flame Surge (Lv 1)
Metatron scrolled through the panel, examining each stat and calculating how to spend his points. Using a formula he had memorized, he distributed them gradually to maintain balance:
> CE = Attack + 0.8 × Dexterity + 0.5 × Magic
Each adjustment updated his combat effectiveness subtly, giving him better control over Reality Sync without drawing attention. Satisfied, he closed the interface, letting the panel fade.
He stepped past the gate, the guards' eyes still on him. The yellow glow dimmed slightly as he made his way toward the market. The shop bell jingled when he entered, and the slender NPC behind the counter raised his eyes to the radiance.
> "Buy… or sell," the NPC said, voice flat.
Zin. Metatron noted the name hovering above the NPC's head. He opened the trade window and sold the materials he didn't need—leathers, wood, tusks, and scraps. Coins clinked into his account immediately.
> [Coins Gained: 450]
[Inventory Updated]
Strapping Daylight and the sword in place, Metatron muttered to himself:
> "Yellow warning manageable… stats balanced… inventory cleaned… now back to the forest. Level 10 is getting closer."
Snow swirled around him as he left the village, ready to continue hunting beasts, gathering materials, and preparing for the moment when he could finally leave Frostvale and unleash his full potential.