The panic lasted only a moment. After a few minutes, Soren finally regained his composure. Having already experienced rebirth in another body, the presence of a System in his mind wasn't enough to frighten him.
The main reason was that Soren realized this System might not pose any danger to him. Taking a deep breath, he focused his consciousness inward, and a screen-like attribute panel appeared in his vision once again.
A rigid portrait showed a gaunt, black figure with wrinkled skin. Disease-induced growths protruded from his face like crab shells, and sparse hair completed the image. Soren had never realized his new self could be so hideous—just like the Infected outside!
Beside the portrait were various statistics: intelligence, strength, agility, and others. But upon closer inspection, Soren noticed something unusual. The character's maximum health value was five hundred, yet the remaining health in the bar was only two hundred and twenty-three points!
[Status: Viral infection, radiation poisoning, localized necrosis, skin infection, severe comprehensive infection, urgent treatment required]
As he focused on the health bar, rows of data flashed through his mind, leaving Soren momentarily disoriented.
"Is this the condition of this body?"
With a hint of surprise, Soren focused on the health value again.
[Status: Viral infection, radiation poisoning, localized necrosis, skin infection, severe comprehensive infection, urgent treatment required]
[Viral infection reduces health by 70 points, radiation poisoning reduces health by 70 points, localized necrosis reduces health by 50 points, skin infection reduces health by 50 points, other debuffs reduce health by 37 points]
Upon further examination, Soren discovered more information. The health reduction was caused by various viral infections and physical trauma. The harsh environment of this era meant people were born with only half their potential vitality!
His heart pounded as he grew increasingly curious about the attribute panel. After reviewing his health, the next icon that caught Soren's attention was—Blade Initiate.
[Class: Blade Initiate (Unactivated)]
Having played various combat games in his previous life, Soren naturally understood what a Blade Initiate was. However, he wasn't quite familiar with this particular version. Would it be like the flowing-robed swordsmen of Eastern legends? Or perhaps the magic-wielding, aura-projecting warriors of Western tales? These were mere speculations, but Soren found himself intrigued.
[Skills: Remaining skill points: 1]
[Learnable Skills: Prime Restoration]
Moving his gaze downward, Soren saw the skill points attribute. As he focused his consciousness upward, an ancient-looking book appeared, radiating golden light and spiritual energy—Prime Restoration.
"So there are skills to learn, but what effect does Prime Restoration have?" A puzzled expression crossed his face as Soren reached out toward the ancient book.
[Consuming 1 skill point, learned Prime Restoration]
[Prime Restoration: An arcane technique passed down by ancient masters to their disciples, possessing sacred effects, removing negative status effects, healing physical damage]
As his hand touched the book, Soren felt a warmth spread through his palm. The golden tome instantly dissipated, and a sudden understanding appeared in his mind. His fingers moved in intricate patterns as his lips parted slightly.
"Prime Restoration!"
With a soft exclamation, a green light emerged from his fingertips, illuminating the dark mine shaft with a faint glow! Excitement spread across Soren's face—he hadn't expected to produce something like this!
Eyes fixed on the green light, Soren continued the finger movements. The faint green glow soon entered his body and disappeared.
"Tssss—" A subtle sound resonated. As the green light entered his body, Soren felt an immediate lightness, and his previously lethargic spirit became vibrant.
Focusing his consciousness on the attribute panel again, Soren examined it carefully. Strength, intelligence, and agility remained unchanged, but there was a slight difference in his health. The previously 223 health points had now increased to 240! Correspondingly, the health reductions from radiation poisoning and skin infection had been slightly weakened.
"So Prime Restoration can actually restore bodily functions!"
Comparing the attribute panel with his physical sensations, Soren's heart began to race. Though he had been in this world for only a day, he understood what this skill represented in an era where medical technology had severely regressed!
"No, this era has become completely distorted. If others discovered I have this ability, I'd likely be imprisoned for life." Learning Prime Restoration hadn't clouded Soren's judgment. Within moments, he understood the serious implications. In this world, some things—could only be known to oneself!
Stopping his fantasies, Soren moved his fingers again, but the green light didn't reappear.
[Skill cooling down, remaining time: 50 minutes]
A clear message in his mind informed Soren why the skill couldn't be used.
"So it has a one-hour cooldown."
Pausing briefly, Soren continued examining the panel. One Prime Restoration wasn't enough to satisfy him; he believed he could gain more through this interface.
[Prime Restoration Level 1, Experience 10 points, 190 points needed for next level]
On the panel, the experience value under Prime Restoration clearly indicated that this skill could be upgraded. Similarly, Soren found an experience bar under his character icon.
He continued his observation for a full ten minutes, but couldn't find anything else. The panel only had an attribute section and a skill section accessible, with many areas grayed out. Soren couldn't see their contents, knowing it was because his current level wasn't high enough.
"I wonder how this character can level up." After some thought, Soren believed leveling up was the key to unlocking the remaining panels. As for how to level up, he was again at a loss. However, this confusion didn't last long. After a moment, Soren picked up the pickaxe from the ground, his hunger reminding him that he hadn't secured today's food yet.
"Clang—"
Arms raised high, the pickaxe fell. As he swung it again, Soren found it much easier than before. The health recovery had significantly improved his strength utilization.
[Incorrect mining trajectory. Suggestion: Elevate 43 degrees, reduce force by 5 kilograms, lower waist, raise arms, execute in one fluid motion] After one strike, the mechanical voice corrected Soren again.
His expression shifted as he raised his arm higher, reduced his force slightly, and channeled power from his core—Clang!
A coal chunk the size of a head fell from the wall, black and oddly appealing.
[Correct mining trajectory. Learned Coal Mining skill, current level: 0]