As Max stared at the swirling green-blue light flooding his vision, a translucent screen materialized in front of him. It was sleek, glowing, and packed with information.
[Spend: 25 Days (Killed)]
Gains:
25 Days of Experience (Body, Mind)
Skills Gained:
Hot Blood (F)
Cool Mind (F)
2 Power Upgrade Cards
$40,000
Max blinked. "Fu€king hell..."
This wasn't just a reward—it was life-changing. The $40,000 alone stunned him. In Earth currency, it was huge. And he had earned it in just one day.
Another line appeared:
Next Travel: 1 Day Later
(Earth: 1 Day = M.A.W: 0.00001 sec)
Max's smile widened. That meant he could re-enter the Martial Art World at nearly the same moment he left. Time was practically frozen there.
He tapped the (i) icon beside each line to learn more:
25 Days Experience (Body, Mind):
The physical and mental experiences of the copy body are partially transferred to the real body. Because of the vast differences between worlds, only a portion is retained, but it can influence mental growth and physical instincts.
Skill - Hot Blood (F):
This skill keeps your body battle-ready at all times. When activated, a controlled heat rises in your body, not causing pain, but excitement. It sharpens focus and allows access to full physical potential.
Skill - Cool Mind (F):
This passive skill enables clear decision-making. Even under pressure, emotions won't cloud judgment. You can remain calm and tactical in the heat of any situation.
Upgrade Power Cards:
Used to enhance existing powers.
$40,000:
Just money—but a lot of it.
New Option Detected: [Convert]
Convert your Earth currency to Martial Art World currency.
Max tested it. $1 USD = 100 Gold Coins in the Martial Art World.
He converted $10,000 into 1,000,000 Gold Coins.
Then he used both Power Upgrade Cards:
Link (1⭐)→ Link (2⭐)
Copy (Original Body) (1⭐)→ Copy (Original Body) (2⭐)
New information popped up:
Link (2⭐):
A stronger connection with copy bodies. No mental side effects. Greater control and synchronization.
Copy (Original Body) (2⭐):
You can now create 2 copy bodies.
Another screen appeared:
[Portal Access Unlocked]
Travel not just to the Martial Art World, but to two other worlds as well. Max smiled.
"If I keep upgrading, maybe one day... I can explore all three worlds at once."
But right now, he had only one thought:
Prepare properly.
Last time, he had rushed in with just the clothes on his back. But now, with money and time, he would go prepared.
He confirmed something he had previously suspected: if clothes came with him, then other items might too. In fact, his old money pouch had transferred into the other world. That meant gear could travel too.
Max grabbed his phone, used AI help, and made a full shopping list for two copy bodies. His total budget was now $30,000.
---
Shopping Summary:
Shelter & Sleeping Gear – $1,794
2x 4-Season Tents
2x Sleeping Bags
2x Inflatable Pads
2x Ground Tarps
2x Mosquito Nets
2x Portable Hammocks
Clothing (for 2 bodies) – $679
Merino Wool Layers, Jackets, Pants, Socks, Gloves
Waterproof Boots, Sun Hats, Caps
Cooking & Water – $456
Dual Burner Stove, Fuel, Titanium Cookware
Water Purifiers, Containers, Food Barrel
Food Supplies – $1,920
Freeze-Dried Meals, MREs, Energy Packs
Tools & Survival Gear – $516
Survival Knives, Multi-tools, Firestarters
Power Banks, Duct Tape, Headlamps, Repair Kits
Weapons & Defense – $276
Kukris, Collapsible Spears, Stun Baton, Slingshot, Bear Spray
Medical & First Aid – $414
Trauma Kits, Medicines, Water Tablets
Navigation & Communication – $696
GPS, Walkie-Talkies, Compass, Signal Tools
Misc Essentials – $362
Tactical Journals, Hygiene Kits, Towels, Backpacks, Daypack
Total Spent: ~$7,200
Max had about $22,800 left. He scheduled home delivery and began prepping.
He looked around. Dad wouldn't be home until night. Mom and his brother had gone out shopping too. The house was empty.
"Perfect," Max muttered, eyes fixed on the glowing portal option.
This time, he would return with a plan.
This time, he wasn't just visiting.
He was building something.