The last few XP orbs rolled in like lazy fireflies, each one adding a sliver to Yuuta's experience bar. Then, with a satisfying ding, the system chimed in:
[DING!]
[Congratulations: You have leveled up!]
[New Level: 5]
"Finally!" Yuuta groaned, slapping both of his dusty frog thighs. "Took you long enough, you stingy XP system!"
Still, he sighed in reluctant acceptance. As annoying as the slow grind was, it was better than digging through razor-edged rubble and bleeding out of every damn limb like before. He flexed his fingers, half-expecting blood to spurt out again. Luckily, regeneration had already patched him up nicely.
But before he could get too comfortable, the world around him stopped. Literally.