THE SKILL TREE

Rave's eyes almost came out when a sudden prompt popped up right in front of him.

[Herbal Syrup Identified]

- A liquid made by slimes after munching on herbal plants over their lifetime.

- Good for the Body Adapting Stage and even better at the Body Cleansing Level.

He looked at the message, hardly able to believe it.

"Wait… seriously?"

He had thought the system would just keep quiet, but surprisingly it was actually explaining something without him even asking first.

"Well, that's the first..." but a sudden thought hit him.

"If the system's talking on its own, what else does it know?" Feeling curious, he decided to test the waters.

"Hey, system. What are the cultivation levels in this world?"

To his shock, the system replied right away.

[This is not a cultivation world.]

[Power progression follows the path of Body Strengthening.]

[The first major stage has three levels:]

1. Body Cleansing – Purifying skin and blood.

2. Reconstruction – Muscles and tissues fix themselves, tackling most defects.

3. True Strengthening – Bones and muscles toughen up, and energy paths start to open.]

[For further levels, discover them yourself.]

Rave blinked, letting it all sink in.

"So, this world isn't about cultivation, huh? It's all about enhancing the body instead?" He scratched his head, thoughts racing.

A grin spread across his face, wild and free.

"I like that."

With this fresh info buzzing in his mind, his gaze flicked back to the glimmering Herbal Syrup on the ground. The system had just confirmed it had benefits, and if it was useful at the Body Adapting Stage, why not give it a shot? Rave licked his lips, excitement bubbling up.

"If this stuff can really push me further..."

His mouth practically watered at the thought of the boost he could get. Without a second thought, he scooped up a handful of that syrup, watching the thick, glistening liquid swirl around in his palm.

"Well, I should drink it my stomach full." And just like that, he gulped it down. As soon as it slid down his throat, a wave of cold fire erupted all over his throat. Every pore on his body flared open, like something inside him was being dragged out forcefully.

"Gah—!"

His muscles tensed, breath hitching. "why it tastes like sh*t" he shouted but then—

A nasty, black sludge oozed out of his skin. Sickening the Rave with unexpected changes.

His arms, neck, chest—he was suddenly drenched in sticky, foul-smelling impurities, as though years of hidden grime were being expelled all at once.

"Ugh! What the heck?!"

The smell was so bad it nearly made him vomit, but at the same time, he could feel something shifting inside him. It was like his skin was becoming lighter, almost like when he bathed with with very warm spring water.

Then, out of nowhere, a system notification popped up right in front of him.

[Skin Purification: 15%...]

He wiped his sweaty forehead and looked down at the black muck covering his hands.

"This is crazy... Its more than when consumed beast cores."

But he didn't stop there. Taking a deep breath, he scooped up another handful of the sludge. His hands trembled a bit, but he pushed through the urge to hesitate.

"Here we go, again."

He swallowed it down, and again the purging sensation kicked up in his throat. His skin felt like it was burning, but not in a bad way—more like old, useless layers were being peeled away, revealing something stronger, smoother, and just better underneath.

Clenching his teeth, he kept downing it. Another handful. Then another. With each gulp, the black gunk oozed from his pores, and he could feel his body getting lighter, fresher, second by second.

Honestly? It was kind of addictive.

By the time he finished the third scoop, he felt like a brand new person. His skin was tighter, cleaner, now it was practically glowing under the sunlight.

[Skin Purification: 80%...]

"Just a bit more..."

With one last gulp, he downed the final bit of Herbal Syrup.

Followed by a wave of energy coursed through him. The grime vanished completely, and for the first time ever, Rave felt like he was floating.

[Skin Purification Complete.]

[Your body has become significantly stronger and more efficient.]

Rave clenched his fists, feeling his skin stretch and flex, more resilient and powerful than ever.

"I feel... refreshed."

But just when he thought he was done—

[Next Stage: Blood Purification Initiated.]

Before he could even wrap his head around it, the sensation hit him like a freight train. A sharp tingling sensation raced through his veins. Unlike before, there was no grime, no dirt.

Instead, he felt something more as he cant describe now, as if some heavy weight had just been lifted from his blood. Energy surged through him, and instead of feeling worn out, he felt revitalized, like he'd just had the best sleep ever.

[Blood Purification: 10%...]

That tingling spread everywhere, through every vein and muscle. His stamina was bouncing back at an unbelievable rate, and the tiredness from before? Just gone. Rave couldn't help but smirk as he flexed his arms.

"I could do this for hours..."

As the sensation grew stronger, his body buzzed with a quiet energy, like a well of endless power was building inside him.

[Blood Purification: 20%...]

But after that first boost, the progress started to slow down.

"Tch. I need more syrup."

Even with the slowdown, he could still feel those changes. His muscles were more responsive, his reactions quicker, and his mind sharper than ever. And just as he was about to put his new speed to the test—

[New Skill Acquired: Vital Surge]

- Instantly refreshes energy.

- Cancels minor injuries, fatigue, and health issues.

Rave froze for a moment.

"Oh man."