Rise of the Ultimate Profit System

[Updated Attribute Panel] Host: Ed Val

Strength: 37 → 40

Speed: 30 → 34

Endurance: 26 → 30

Luck: ???

Skills: Basic Combat, Market Manipulation, Enhanced Reflexes, Pressure Point Strike, Shadow Evasion

Special Skill: Personal Space Storage

The massive figure standing before Ed radiated an overwhelming aura, his deep crimson energy distorting the very air around him. His presence alone made weaker cultivators in the vicinity tremble and step back in fear. His armor, carved with intricate symbols, glowed faintly, emphasizing his dominance.

Lucian exhaled sharply. "A Crimson Guardian… This just got complicated."

Ed's fists tightened. The name sounded ominous, but he had no time to back down. The mysterious figure's eyes locked onto him, full of scrutiny and suppressed amusement.

"You," the Crimson Guardian spoke, his voice carrying authority. "You're the one who took down my men?"

Ed straightened, not allowing fear to cloud his resolve. "They attacked first. I just returned the favor."

A low chuckle rumbled from the Guardian's chest. "Bold. I like that. But strength without understanding is foolishness. You are nothing more than an insect playing warrior."

Ed smirked. "Then why waste time talking to an insect? Let's see if you can squash me."

The Crimson Guardian's expression darkened. Without warning, he flicked his hand, sending a wave of crimson energy barreling toward Ed. The force shattered the ground in its wake.

Ed activated Shadow Evasion, narrowly sidestepping as the attack obliterated a building behind him. Dust and debris filled the air, but Ed remained focused.

Lucian clicked his tongue. "Reckless as always."

The Guardian wasted no time and charged, his speed betraying his large frame. Ed barely had time to react as a powerful fist came crashing toward him. He raised his arms in defense, but the sheer force sent him skidding backward, his feet tearing through the pavement.

[Warning: Endurance has dropped by 5% due to impact.]

Ed coughed but steadied himself. He couldn't afford to be careless. His opponent wasn't just strong—he was leagues above the small fry he had faced before.

"Think, Ed. Use his strength against him."

The Guardian lunged again, but this time, Ed utilized Pressure Point Strike. He dodged at the last second and jabbed at the Guardian's exposed ribcage. His fingers struck true, but instead of freezing his opponent's movement, the Guardian barely flinched.

Ed's eyes widened. "What?"

The Guardian smirked. "You think such tricks will work on me? Amusing."

With blinding speed, he countered with a knee strike to Ed's stomach, launching him into the air before delivering a devastating punch midair that sent Ed crashing through a marketplace stall.

Groaning, Ed staggered to his feet, his entire body screaming in pain. But amidst the agony, something stirred within him—a boiling heat, a thirst for battle.

[System Notification: Hidden Potential Activated]

[New Skill Unlocked: Battle Instinct]

Effect: Allows the user to analyze opponents in real-time, predicting their attack patterns and weaknesses.

A rush of clarity filled Ed's mind. The Guardian moved again, but this time, Ed saw the attack before it even happened. A right hook, followed by a downward strike.

Ducking just in time, Ed countered with a precise kick to the Guardian's knee joint. The impact forced the giant to stumble slightly.

Lucian, observing from a distance, grinned. "That's it, kid. Adapt."

Ed didn't let up. He weaved around the Guardian's next strike, landing a series of rapid punches to the exposed areas of his armor. Though not enough to break through, each hit was calculated.

The Crimson Guardian scowled. "You're learning fast… but not fast enough!"

With a roar, he unleashed a burst of crimson energy that engulfed the area, forcing Ed to retreat. But just as Ed thought he had a moment to recover, the Guardian suddenly appeared behind him, fist raised.

"Damn it, too fast—"

Before the attack could land, a blade flashed between them, forcing the Guardian to halt. Lucian stood there, sword drawn, eyes gleaming with amusement.

"I think that's enough," Lucian said. "You've made your point."

The Guardian scoffed. "You always interfere at the most annoying times, Lucian."

Lucian shrugged. "It's a habit. Besides, this kid's got potential."

Ed, still catching his breath, glared. "I don't need you stepping in."

Lucian smirked. "Oh? And how much longer were you planning to let yourself get beaten into the dirt?"

Before Ed could retort, the Guardian stepped back. "Interesting… Very well, I'll let you live today. But remember, strength alone is never enough. If you survive long enough, we'll meet again."

With that, the Crimson Guardian leapt away, his presence vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.

Ed collapsed onto one knee, exhausted. The fight had pushed him to his limits.

[System Notification: Battle Completed] Rewards: +3 Strength, +2 Speed, +1 Endurance

New Passive Skill: Pain Resistance (Minor)

Lucian extended a hand. "Come on, warrior. Let's get you patched up."

Ed sighed, taking the offered hand. This was only the beginning. If he wanted to survive in this evolving world, he had to grow stronger—fast.

And he would. No matter what it took.