I sat cross-legged on the floor, my heart pounding in anticipation as I held the roulette ticket in my hand. The system had finally allowed me to redeem it, and for the first time, I witnessed the mystical roulette wheel materialize before my eyes in a dazzling dispy of golden light. My breath hitched as I took in its intricate engravings and radiant glow. The wheel spun rapidly, the sections blurring together as glowing inscriptions fshed by—none of which I recognized.

  [Spinning...]

  The roulette wheel slowed, the glow intensifying before it came to a stop. A notification chimed in my mind.

  [Congratutions! You have obtained the technique: Qi Soldier.]

  Almost immediately, knowledge flooded into my mind. Images, concepts, and insights wove together, imprinting themselves deep into my consciousness. My breathing hitched as I processed the influx of information.

  "Qi Soldier, huh? System, what exactly does this technique do?"

  [Qi Soldier is a unique projection technique that allows the user to summon a Qi manifestation of a warrior. This projection wields a weapon based on the user's intent and can operate independently within a limited range. The power, durability, and intelligence of the soldier depend on the user’s Qi reserves and mastery of the technique.]

  A technique like this was a game-changer. An autonomous ally in battle? That meant I could fight on multiple fronts, or distract an enemy while I struck from another angle. I clenched my fists in determination.

  Over the next week, I focused entirely on absorbing Qi and meditating to master the Qi Soldier technique. My apartment became my training ground, each night spent refining the delicate bance between conjuring the soldier and maintaining control over it. By the end of the week, I had reached proficiency level 3/10, allowing me to summon a translucent golden warrior wielding a simple Qi sword. While still rudimentary, the soldier moved with fluidity, responding to my will as though an extension of my own mind.

  With my new technique coming along, I turned my focus to my next challenge: reaching the Foundation Establishment stage.

  I reviewed the components required for my breakthrough:

  Refined Jade: The Jade Heart pendant around my neck, which I received as a quest reward, fulfilled this requirement.100-Year-Old Spiritual Ginseng: This one was trickier. Chinatown’s herbal medicine stores were my best bet.Meteoric Metal Essence: This was the real challenge. Uru, known for its ability to be enchanted, could absorb and conduct magic and likely Qi, making it an excellent choice. Vibranium, famed for its ability to store energy, would also serve as a foundation material. But obtaining either one? That was another story.Uru was primarily found in space and mined on Asgard, but a small deposit existed on Utopia Isle, near Antarctica. Mining there would be... difficult due to the potentially hostile mutants presence. As for Vibranium, the Great Britain Museum housed some ancient Wakandan artifacts—a possible source. Not the most heroic idea, but it might be necessary.

  For now, I focused on the easiest target: the spiritual ginseng.

  I made my way to Chinatown, walking through the vibrant streets, the scent of herbs and spices wafting through the air. Using my newly acquired Spirit Sense, I scanned through various herbal shops until I detected a faint trace of spiritual energy. Following the trail, I entered a modest-looking store packed with shelves of dried roots, teas, and medicines.

  An elderly shopkeeper greeted me. "Looking for something special, young man?"

  I nodded. "I'm searching for a 100-year-old ginseng, preferably one with some spiritual energy."

  His eyes narrowed in curiosity before he motioned me to follow. He led me to the back, where he unveiled a carefully wrapped bundle. As he unwrapped it, I felt the pulse of Qi from the aged root. This was it.

  "This ginseng is rare," he said. "Pricey, but worth it."

  I was about to negotiate when a sudden explosion shattered the store's front wall. I barely had time to react before debris flew everywhere. Dust filled the air, and the shopkeeper was thrown back, hitting the shelves hard. The precious ginseng slipped from his hands, crushed beneath a falling beam. I cursed under my breath.

  As the dust settled, I looked through the gaping hole in the wall. Outside, chaos reigned. A massive figure in an armored suit stomped down the street—Rhino.

  Above, a familiar figure swung between buildings, agile and determined. Gwen Stacy—Spiderwoman—was engaged in a fierce battle against the rampaging vilin.

  A system notification rang in my mind:

  [New Quest: Stop Rhino’s rampage!]

  Options:

  Help Gwen openly – Reward: 100-year-old spiritual ginseng.Help Gwen discreetly – Reward: 1000-year-old spiritual ginseng.A smirk tugged at my lips. The choice was obvious.

  Summoning my Qi, I activated the Qi Soldier technique. A translucent golden warrior materialized beside me, its sword gleaming with ethereal energy. I directed it forward, sending it out to engage Rhino from the shadows.

  The Qi Soldier dashed through the smoke, unseen by the chaotic crowd, its sword sshing toward Rhino’s exposed joints. The armored brute roared in pain and fury as the invisible strikes found their mark. Gwen took advantage of his momentary distraction, unching a web barrage to pin his limbs.

  I maneuvered the Qi Soldier with precise intent, keeping Rhino off-bance while remaining hidden. He thrashed wildly, unable to understand why unseen blows kept striking at his weak spots—until he adapted. With a frustrated snarl, he began blocking his armor's weak points, shifting his stance to minimize exposure. Then, with a thunderous roar, he smmed his fists together, releasing a shockwave that bsted the Qi Soldier straight into a nearby building, shattering the projection upon impact.

  I re-summoned the Qi Soldier, directing it to distract and impede Rhino's motion, buying Gwen the crucial seconds she needed. As the golden projection harried him from all angles, Gwen capitalized on the opportunity, unching a final web barrage that immobilized his limbs. After a relentless assault from both Gwen and my hidden warrior, Rhino finally colpsed, groaning in defeat.

  [Quest Complete!]

  Reward Acquired: 1000-Year-Old Spiritual Ginseng.

  As the Qi Soldier dissipated into golden wisps, I exhaled in relief, watching Gwen secure Rhino with her webs. She looked around, clearly sensing that someone else had helped.

  "Thanks, mystery friend," she murmured before swinging away.

  I grinned and slipped away into the shadows. I was genuinely relieved to have earned the ginseng despite the chaos. The system confirmed my reward, and as I held the 1000-year-old spiritual ginseng in my hand, I could feel the potent Qi radiating from it. Carefully, I stored it away for the breakthrough to come. But as I walked home through the quiet streets, the etion faded slightly. I had needed Gwen's help to bring Rhino down—and even with the Qi Soldier, I couldn’t handle him alone. The truth settled heavily in my chest: I still wasn’t strong enough. Still, I was gd to be one step closer—two of the three materials now in hand.

  With the ginseng secured, my next step was clear—finding a way to obtain Meteoric Metal Essence. And if that meant a trip to the southern sea or a heist in London, so be it. I couldn’t shake the feeling that if I didn’t grow stronger soon, I might start losing sleep.