Alex stood there.
Face blank.
Then clapped.
Slow. Deliberate.
"Wow. So impressive."
"Makes me wanna grab a good meal and celebrate."
The figure paused.
"...What?"
"You see God before you."
"Why do you not kneel?"
Alex tilted his head.
"What kind of god are you?"
"What benefits can you give me?"
Pause.
"Also, my time is charged by the second."
"You already owe me 10 spirit stones."
Beat.
"Oh. 11 now."
Silence.
Complete silence.
The red figure didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Just stood there.
Seconds passed.
Finally—
"...You are interesting."
Voice different now.
Less godly. More... amused?
"My name."
"I cannot tell you. Not yet."
"But I can help you break through to Level 9."
"And every level after."
Alex crossed his arms.
"Why can't I break through now?"
The figure turned slightly.
"Beast Tamers need to kill."
"Monsters from portals."
"Extract their energy. Absorb it."
"Only then can you advance."
Pause.
"The amount varies. Person to person."
