Mermaids.
Mermaids are mythical creatures that have captured the imagination of people for centuries.
They are often depicted as beautiful and alluring, with a fish-like tail and the ability to breathe underwater.
Their mesmerizing appearance and unique abilities have inspired countless stories, legends, and works of art.
In folklore, mermaids are usually portrayed as playful and curious beings that enjoy exploring their underwater world.
However, they are also known for their fierce protectiveness of their homes and kin. Mermaids are said to be able to unleash powerful spells and curses on those who threaten them or their loved ones.
The Mermaids Rain knew were a bunch of weirdos.
He was aware of the dangers associated with mermaids.
So, when he stumbled upon a strange stone near his vacation spot, he was very troubled.
Feeling a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment and the mermaids, Rain took matters into his own hands.
After realizing the potential danger posed by the strange stone to him, Rain felt a strong sense of responsibility to protect himself.
He knew he had to act quickly, so he decided to cover the entire area around the stone with heavy boulders.
With no help in sight, Rain took on the task alone.
He spent hours moving the massive boulders, one by one, and strategically placing them around the area to ensure that the stone was completely covered.
But because of a lapse of judgment, some boulders fell on that stone.
However, as the stone was made from good materials, it wasn't destroyed.
Although the stone was not destroyed, it was now buried deep beneath the ground.
"Oh, I guess I made a mistake," Rain murmured to himself as he stared at the boulders.
But as he surveyed his work, he felt a sense of satisfaction and pride. He knew that he had done the right thing, even if he had done it alone.
Rain smiled as he looked at the boulders, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
As he stood there, Rain's thoughts drifted back to the mermaids. He wondered if they knew how much he had done to protect them.
He imagined them swimming in their underwater kingdom, safe and protected, thanks to his efforts.
"Yeah, thanks to me, they will never find out about this. And will stay happily in their kingdom. Isn't that a good thing?" Rain thought inwardly.
[Host, you are really cruel. You didn't even leave someone's grave. Nothing less expected from you.]
"Hey, don't make a fuss. I didn't do it intentionally," Rain tried to explain, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace.
"I hope I never get involved with them again," he thought to himself, edging slowly away from the boulders and making his way up the bank of the river.
[Ding! You raised a flag host.]
"Damn." A look of annoyance washed over Rain's face as he muttered a curse under his breath, his eyes squinting in frustration as he walked towards his home.
****
"System, you are crazy," he said, still chuckling as he turned his attention to the rewards he got from the achievements.
Rain couldn't believe his eyes as he scrolled through the rewards he had received from completing various achievements.
[Name: Blood Thrust
Type: Buff Skill
Grade: S Grade
Description: Channels the user's own blood or life force to enhance physical capabilities.
Temporarily increases strength, speed, and agility while also providing a small amount of self-healing.
Can drain the user's health or cause fatigue after prolonged use.
Duration: 300 seconds (Can be prolonged if more lifespan is sacrificed.)
Cooldown: 1 week
Attributes:
- Strength +100%
- Agility +100%
- Speed +100%
- Self-healing +50% of maximum health
- Health drain -2% of current health per second after the first 100 seconds of use
- Fatigue +5% per second after the first 50 seconds of use
Notes: Blood Thrust is a powerful buff skill that can provide a significant advantage in combat, but should be used with caution.
The health drain and fatigue effects can quickly become detrimental if the skill is used for too long, so it is best to time its use carefully and monitor the user's health and stamina closely.]
"Hmm, this Blood Thrust skill is definitely powerful, but it seems pretty risky to use." He furrowed his brow, uncertain.
"The health drain and fatigue effects could be dangerous if I'm not careful." Rain looked concerned, his face slightly frowning.
"I don't want to risk putting myself in a worse position just to gain a temporary advantage." Rain was determined, nodding as he spoke.
"But... I guess if I'm ever in a really tough situation and have no other options, it could be a game-changer." Rain rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the potential uses of the skill.
"I'll have to be strategic in my use of the skill and make sure I monitor my health and stamina levels closely." Rain's expression was focused, and he nodded as he made a mental note of how to use the skill effectively.
"Yeah, that's it. I'll keep Blood Thrust as a last resort, an emergency option." Rain looked relieved, slightly smiling at the thought of having a powerful skill as a backup.
"That way, I can still use it if I really need to without putting myself in unnecessary danger." Rain spoke confidently, nodding firmly as he made his decision.
In the end, Rain thought of saving this skill as his trump card.
However, he was annoyed by the reward he got for the fishermen achievement.
It was a good thing he got a fish food cooking recipe. However, that recipe was a bit.. not very troublesome.
The name of the recipe was: [Grilled Mermaid Fish with Citrus Sauce]
At first, Rain thought the system might be joking. After all, there was no way some crazy guy would make a recipe like that.
However, after reading the recipe, Rain was dumbstruck.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized Mermaid Fish
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Clean and scale the Mermaid Fish. Remove the head and tail and fillet the fish.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the fish fillets and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the fish fillets for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are lightly charred and cooked through.
6. In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Drizzle the citrus sauce over the grilled fish fillets and serve immediately.
Rain looked skeptically at the recipe of the dish.
"This is really crazy. System, why would someone eat this?" Rain asked, scratching his head in confusion. "I mean, what's the point of it? It looks useless to me."
He felt earning the ire of the Mermaids for a mere dish wasn't worth the trouble.
The system responded with a gentle chime.
[Host, don't say like this. If you knew the effects of eating this top-tier dish, even you would try to eat it.]
Rain raised an eyebrow. "Don't brag. Show me. Let me see how great it is."
The system complied, projecting a holographic image of the grilled mermaid fish with citrus sauce in front of Rain.
He examined it carefully, taking in the charred, flaky fish fillets and the glossy, tangy sauce.
"Well, it looks good, I'll give you that," he said, shrugging. "But what's so special about it?"
[Host, I believe you will not be disappointed. The grilled mermaid fish with citrus sauce is one of the most popular and highly prized dishes in this realm. Its flavor and effects are renowned throughout the land.]
Rain nodded, feeling a spark of curiosity. "Alright, then. Let's give it a shot."
[Sure.]
[Title: Grilled Mermaid Fish with Citrus Sauce - Magical Effects
1. Enhanced Vitality: The consumption of this dish is said to imbue the eater with increased vitality and energy, allowing them to perform feats of strength and endurance beyond their normal capabilities.
2. Heightened Senses: The zesty citrus sauce and aromatic herbs used in this dish are known to stimulate the senses, enhancing the eater's perception and awareness of their surroundings.
3. Improved Mental Clarity: The combination of omega-3 fatty acids from the fish and the beneficial nutrients in the citrus sauce is believed to promote improved mental clarity, enhancing memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities.
4. Magical Protection: The mystical properties of the herbs and spices used in this dish are believed to offer magical protection against dark forces, shielding the eater from negative energies and harmful influences.
5. Increased Luck: In some cultures, the consumption of certain foods is believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Eating this dish may be said to attract positive energies and opportunities to the eater, bringing them luck and prosperity.
***
The system activated a series of holographic panels, each one detailing a different magical effect that could be associated with the dish.
Rain listened with growing skepticism as the system rattled off a litany of benefits ranging from increased vitality to heightened luck.
He was a practical person, and the idea of eating something just for the sake of its supposed magical properties seemed absurd to him.
When the system finished, Rain crossed his arms and shook his head. "I don't know. It still seems like a lot of hype for just a fish dinner."
The system remained patient.
[Host, you must remember that this is a fantasy world. The laws of nature and magic are different here. What may seem like just a meal to you could hold great power and significance to others.]
Rain considered this for a moment then shrugged. "I will think about it in the future."
Thinking like that, he stored his third reward after taking a brief look.
"I guess it's time to continue my usual routine from now on." Rain stretched his body.
He was eager to try his new skills in real life.
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