Alex's eyes narrowed as he stared at the interface.
One hundred million points.
He checked his balance again. Ten thousand. The difference was a vast chasm, wide enough to swallow any hope of a quick solution. But Alex did not despair. He had faced worse odds before. The trial ground was designed for conflict. Points came from hunting, from killing, from claiming what belonged to others.
He looked down at Ember.
The small dragon slept on his chest, its dull gray scales a stark reminder of the price already paid. Its breathing was faint, but steady. Alex's jaw tightened as he watched it.
"Give me the feedback strength," he muttered.
Boom.
The surge hit him like a collapsing star.
