After receiving permission to continue hunting despite their red-name status, Adam wasted no time making a decision.
He ordered his team to rest for the night, ensuring they'd be fully prepared to hunt the entire next day.
The others didn't argue.
They were just as eager to level up after everything that had happened.
If Adam hadn't been there today, all of them would have died...
That was a fact none of them could deny.
A quiet sense of gratitude settled over the group.
They hadn't said it out loud, but in their hearts, they acknowledged it... Adam was definitely a good leader.
His decisions had kept them alive, and his strength had turned the tides in their favor.
As much as they wanted to keep pushing forward, they knew recovery was necessary.
One by one, they split off, heading to their respective inns and taverns.
The city's dim, artificial lights cast long shadows as they walked, exhaustion creeping into their steps.
Life in the Tower of Yxthar was ruthless, and every moment of rest was a luxury they couldn't afford to waste.
Rest was the last thing on his mind.
The night air was cool as he made his way toward an empty alley, ensuring he wasn't being followed.
He leaned against the rough stone wall, his hands in his pockets, gaze lifting toward the dark expanse above.
Somewhere beyond this artificial sky, the real world continued on.
Did it even matter anymore?
With a small sigh, he pulled up his system interface.
▶ [User] Adam Codranel
➤ [Rank] Ember (Requires 50 Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank)
➤ [Level] 4 ─ (Capped at level 100)
├── [Temporary Copy] (?-tier)
├── [Permanent Copy] (?-tier)
└── [Body Blood Magic] (D-tier)
◆ [Stream Information]
├── [Stream Codename] The Chosen Conduit
├── [Average Viewers] 8/sec
└── [Pending Gifts] 0
His eyes lingered on his abilities.
While sleep was essential for clearing metabolic waste from the brain, Adam had discovered a workaround with his abilities after being helped by the government during the testing of his skills.
By using his ability to enhance blood circulation, he could accelerate the process while remaining awake.
With precise control over his own bloodstream, he could optimize oxygen and nutrient delivery to his brain and muscles, significantly reducing fatigue.
For others, exhaustion was an unavoidable limitation.
For him, it was just another hurdle he could bypass.
Of course, he could only do this for a couple of days...
Sleep was still essential for the current him.
He exhaled, dragging his gaze to another part of the system screen.
Adam tapped a finger against the wooden table, his expression unreadable.
Despite his pitiful viewership numbers, it was a solid amount...
He let out a scoff, shaking his head slightly.
In his past life, when he first entered the Tower, he hadn't even managed to attract a single viewer until he reached the second floor.
His only source of income had been monster drops, and it had taken him four grueling months just to clear the first floor.
But this time, things were different.
This time, he wasn't going to waste a single moment.
'I'll leave the first floor within a week.'
He wanted to reach the tenth floor before the eleventh floor opened up.
If he could do that... he'd maximize his rewards, gain more visibility, and set himself up for long-term dominance.
'And while I'm at it... I'll speedrun defeating the [True Body] versions of these boss monsters.'
Adam's thoughts sharpened as he shifted his focus.
'The first floor boss... Hobgoblin Chieftain Kravash. Level 35.'
Kravash was no ordinary boss.
He was a named monster, making him far stronger than the generic creatures populating the dungeon.
And if Adam fought him in his [True Body] state, he'd be even more dangerous.
But Adam hadn't fought a single boss with an intact [True Body] before.
Not because he was weak, but because in his previous life, by the time he got to any of them, other players had already taken them down.
By then, those bosses had lost their original strength, leaving behind only weakened remnants.
This time, it would be different.
'If I fight him at level 25, I can probably win.'
It wasn't arrogance... it was a calculated judgment.
Adam had fought Kravash before.
Even if it wasn't the full-strength version, he knew the boss's habits, skills, and attack patterns.
Combined with his experience, that knowledge was more than enough to cover for his current lack of power.
He just needed the right preparation.
A translucent interface materialized before him, filling his vision with neatly categorized sections.
├── Iron Shortsword (35 Gold) – A reliable, well-balanced blade. Suitable for beginners.
├── Serrated Dagger (50 Gold) – Lightweight and sharp. Inflicts deep wounds over time.
├── Steel Greatsword (120 Gold) – A heavy, two-handed weapon for high-damage swings.
└── Bloodfang Rapier (600 Gold) – A thin, vampiric blade that absorbs a portion of the damage dealt.
├── Leather Vest (40 Gold) – Basic protection, offers slight resistance against slashing attacks. Googlᴇ search NovᴇlFirᴇ(.)nᴇt
├── Chainmail Shirt (90 Gold) – Heavier but durable. Reduces physical damage taken.
└── Runed Iron Plate (700 Gold) – A full-body suit of armor engraved with minor enchantments.
"Go to accessory section."
The list shifted, displaying an array of items designed to enhance a player's attributes.
├── Ring of Minor Strength (250 Gold) – Grants a slight boost to physical strength.
├── Ring of Fleetfoot (320 Gold) – Enhances movement speed.
└── Oxygen Band (600 Gold) – Strengthens breathing circulation, enhancing endurance and focus.
"Search up Blood Stones. Price range... 500-1000 gold."
The screen flickered, then displayed the results.
[Bloodstone Shard] (550 Gold) – A small fragment that passively increases blood regeneration rate.
[Lesser Crimson Core] (780 Gold) – A condensed bloodstone that enhances vitality and minor healing abilities.
[Bloodforged Crystal] (990 Gold) – A high-tier stone that significantly boosts blood-based magic and resistance.
Adam tapped his chin. The Bloodforged Crystal was tempting, but it would drain nearly all his funds.
'Do I go all in, or play it safe?'
His eyes darkened slightly.
In his past life, he had played things safe... and it had cost him.
This time, he had no intention of making the same mistake.
Without hesitation, he reached out and made his selection.
"Purchase Bloodforged Crystal."
The system chimed in confirmation.
A second later, a small, deep-red gem materialized in front of him, pulsing with power.
Adam smiled to himself.