Chang Long only had a moment to explore the vast flower field before the sun set. She then walked back to the vicinity of the Sacred Water Pond, where she sat and relaxed, eventually drifting off to sleep. Chang Long woke up in a good mood the next morning, the atmosphere at Doi Buppha was romantically misty at dawn. Chang Long was surprised that no one else seemed to visit this place. In fact, she had not encountered another player since she started the game, which puzzled her greatly.

    "I'm so hungry... I guess I'll have to rely on the Sacred Water Pond again."

    Chang Long glanced at the nearby pond and walked over to scoop up some water to drink.

    "Ahh... Refreshing. Now, you be a good egg and stay here. I'm going to explore around a bit. I'm not abandoning you, but this is the safest place. If I encounter any enemies, it'll be easier to fight. All right, off I go!"

    Chang Long talked to the egg as she hid it in a bush not far from the Sacred Water Pond, along with her coin pouch. She kept the python fang sword with her as it was her only weapon.

    After exploring Doi Buppha, Chang Long concluded that it was free of beasts, making it a safe resting place. She then retraced her steps back to the hill she had climbed the day before, only to be stunned by what she saw.

    "A town!"

    She spotted a town in the distance, located across the vast, snake-filled grasslands.

    "Did I... ran the wrong way?!"

    Chang Long spoke to herself in frustration. The town was far away, and the path to it was infested with snakes of various levels, making it a lethal trek.

    "Actually, I could level up here first. It's safe, and I don't have to worry about basic needs thanks to the Sacred Water Pond. If things get too tough, I can always run back up here. Yeah! I'm so smart."

    With her clever plan in mind, Chang Long promptly acted on it, ready to venture into the grasslands below.

    The snakes did not make her wait long. They attacked as soon as her feet touched the grass. Two level 10 giant pythons attacked from the front, while four level 5 green pit vipers blocked her escape from both sides. Behind her, a level 30 anaconda, much larger and longer than Chang Long, opened its mouth wide in preparation to strike.

    "My God!!"

    Chang Long had nowhere to escape. She regretted straying far from the path to Doi Buppha.  Chang Long narrowly dropped down as 3 snakes attacked at the same time, causing their big heads to collide violently. The impact from the collision sent them flying backwards several meters, except for the larger anaconda. It was twice the size of Chang Long and was thirty meters long. It was momentarily confused. Chang Long took the opportunity to dash towards the path toward Doi Buppha that was about ten meters away.

    The anaconda quickly followed. With the speed that surpassed Chang Long's, it eventually caught up to her. The Anaconda wrapped its tail around her and squeezed tightly. Although startled, Chang Long kept her wits about her, raising her arms to avoid being constricted. The anaconda hissed contentedly, opening its mouth wide for another strike.

    The sound of crunching bones echoed in her ears. Her face contorted in pain, but rage filled her to the brim. Suppressing the pain, she gripped the python fang sword firmly and thrust its sharp end into the anaconda's open mouth with all her might.

    Shunk!!

    The sword pierced through the anaconda's skull. It tried to shake its head to dislodge the blade, loosening its grip on Chang Long. She pushed the sword deeper into its mouth and then yanked it out forcefully, before stabbing it again swiftly. The anaconda's body jerked and then laid still.

    The two level 10 giant pythons were knocked unconscious on the ground from the initial impact with the anaconda. The four level 5 green pit vipers were also in a sorry state, having been run over by the anaconda. Without hesitation, Chang Long quickly finished off all the snakes.

    "Player Chang Long has slain a level 30 Anaconda Beast, receiving 3000 experience points. Slain 2 level 10 Giant Python Beasts, receiving 2000 experience points. Slain 4 level 5 Green Pit Viper Beasts, receiving 2000 experience points (experience doubled). Player Chang Long received a total of 11,900 coins, two Level 2 Python Fang Swords, four jars of Low-Level Blood Crystals, two jars of Medium-Level Blood Crystals, five jars of Low-Level Mana Crystals, one Level 5 Snake Leather Belt, one Level 5 Snake Leather Jacket, one Level 5 Snake Leather Pants, one pair of Level 5 Snake Leather Boots, one pair of Level 5 Snake Leather Gloves, and one Snake Leather Backpack..."

    "Player Chang Long has fulfilled the basic requirements for leveling up, advancing to levels 4, 5...10."

    "Player Chang Long has fulfilled the basic requirements for a beginner profession, receiving Swordsmanship Skill Level 1, 2, Endurance Skill Level 1, Swift Movement Skill advanced to Level 7, and Evasion Skill advanced to level 7."

    Chang Long sighed in relief, having narrowly escaped death. While still shaken, she quickly picked up the snake leather backpack and swiftly collected the items dropped by the various snake beasts before scampering back up to Doi Buppha.

    "Come on game. I killed a Level 30 beast and all I got is a measly bit of experience point. If it weren't for the double XP event, I doubt I'd ever reach Level 10 in this lifetime."

    Chang Long grumbled as she flopped down next to the Sacred Water Pond. She rubbed the sore spots on her body, where the level 30 anaconda beast had nearly crushed her bones. Then she reached for the Sacred Water Pond, to scoop up some water to drink. In less than a minute, her pain and fatigue vanished. Chang Long then opened the emerald-green snake leather backpack with black scale patterns she had just acquired to inspect her loot.

    "A full set of snake leather outfits... Wow, high defense. I might as well change into this," Chang Long rummaged through the equipment obtained from the anaconda beast, noticing that the defense stats were ten times higher than her current outfit made of low-quality cotton (Defense 1, each for the shirt and pants, and 0 for the sandals). Deciding to change, she looked for a spot to don her new gear.

    After changing, she checked her reflection on the Sacred Water Pond and was astounded by her own coolness. The outfit from anaconda beast was emerald green with black scale patterns covering her shirt, pants, belt, fingerless gloves, and boots. They gleamed under the sunlight.

    "If only I had dark sunglasses. I’ll be a total rockstar, ha-ha."

    Chang Long posed like a celebrity for a while before noticing her egg glowing intensely, alternating between intense light and soft light. She pulled it out from the bush, tapped on the shell, but nothing happened.

    "Maybe it's hungry,"

    she speculated, scooping up water from the Sacred Water Pond to pour over the egg. But instead of dimming, the light intensified so much that Chang Long had to cover her eyes again.

    "I really do need those sunglasses..."

    "The Sacred Mysterious Egg has been blessed by the Sacred Water Pond, advancing to a Concentrated Sacred Mysterious Egg,"

    the system announced, leaving Chang Long speechless. The egg's appearance had transformed again; the golden speckles and the orange-red base had turned into alternating color stripes around the shell.

    "Seriously, what's going to hatch from this thing!"

    Chang Long scratched her head, puzzled by the egg that other than exhibiting change in color had shown no signs of hatching after nearly two days.

    'Maybe it needs to be incubated like a chicken egg?'

    Chang Long entertained the thought by holding the egg in her lap and talking to it without fear of judgment since she was alone. Whenever she was thirsty, she would scoop water from the Sacred Water Pond to drink, losing track of time in her vigil.

    That night, Chang Long slept hugging the egg happily. However, something caused her to wake up. Suddenly, the egg became so hot that Chang Long had to let go of it. The egg glowed with alternating red and gold light, as if wrapped in flames. The egg was so bright that she did not even need the moonlight to see it.

    "What's wrong, egg!?"

    Chang Long watched the shaking egg with concern. The intense heat from the bi-colored flames made it impossible for her to approach. She paced around the flaming egg worriedly, unsure how to help.

    "Right!"

    Suddenly remembering something, Chang Long took out a silver coin and tossed it into the Sacred Water Pond. She closed her eyes, clasped her hands at chest level, and prayed for the egg's safety.

    Flash!!

    A brilliant light emanated from the moon's reflection in the center of the pond, rivaling the egg's flame. but quickly faded, revealing the silhouette of a person standing above the water.

    "Greetings, faithful little mortal. I am Veritas, the Goddess of the Sacred Water Pond."

    A beautiful young woman with a radiant complexion wore a white cloak that covered her from head to toe. She offered a gentle smile to Chang Long, who was staring at her, agape not just at Goddess Veritas's beauty but also at the warm atmosphere emanating from her, which almost brought tears to Chang Long's eyes.

    "Uh...the egg...it's on fire. What should I do, Goddess?!"

    Chang Long stuttered, pointing anxiously at the intensely flaming concentrated sacred mysterious egg.

    "It's alright. That's just an indication that the egg is about to hatch. You don't need to worry,"

    Goddess Veritas reassured her with a voice as soft as a gentle breeze.

    "That's the hatching process? Is the egg going to be alright?"

    Chang Long remained worried, even as Goddess Veritas confidently reassured her.

    "Don't worry, little mortal. The process is nearly complete,"

    Goddess Veritas approached Chang Long, holding her hand to ease her concerns.

    "Look! The eggshell is starting to crack,"

    Veritas pointed, directing Chang Long's gaze to the egg, which began to show signs of cracking and splitting.

    "Come on, egg!! You can do it. Hatch safely for me,"

     Chang Long encouraged, while Goddess Veritas gave a tender smile, fond of her anticipation.

    Tiny pieces of the shell slowly fell to the ground, and the flames enveloping the egg seemed to weaken, allowing Chang Long to glimpse a leg of the furry creature inside. The creature was struggling to push the eggshell apart with its legs, with Chang Long watching eagerly from a distance. Finally, with an unknown strength, the eggshell was pushed open, revealing the creature inside. The bi-colored flames were absorbed into the creature's mouth, revealing a tiny fox with fluffy orange-golden fur, sparkling golden eyes, and an adorable face that melted Chang Long's heart.

    "Player Chang Long’s Sacred Mysterious Egg has successfully hatched."

    "Player Chang Long has received a Level 1 Sacred Flame Fox. Please name your pet,"

    the system informed Chang Long to her astonishment.

    "A name? Uh...Kitsune, then,"

    Chang Long muttered to herself.

    "Confirm the name Kitsune?"

    "Confirm."

    "Naming process complete. Player Chang Long has received a Level 1 Sacred Flame Fox as a pet, receiving Telepathic Communication Skill Level 1."

    Chang Long paid no attention to the system's voice, focusing instead on the fluffy little fox that was gazing back at her.

    "Kitsune, come here!"

    Chang Long called out, extending her arms.

    "At your service, master,"

    it responded and ran towards Chang Long, leaving her stunned.

    "Kitsune, how did you speak human language?"

    Chang Long exclaimed excitedly, staring at Kitsune wide eyed.

    "I responded telepathically, master. No one else can hear my response but you,"

    Kitsune replied.

    "Player Chang Long has fulfilled the conditions and received Special Skill: Animal Language Level 1."

    As soon as Kitsune finished speaking, the system announced in Chang Long's head again. She felt surprised but hesitated to ask, especially not wanting to bother Goddess Veritas, who stood there smiling tirelessly for her.

    "Your task is finally completed, little mortal."

    "Sorry for making you wait, Goddess,"

    Chang Long apologized, feeling guilty.

    "It's okay. Since I've been guarding this Sacred Water Pond for almost a year (in-game). You're the first player to meet the pond's criteria. You will receive a reward from me, the Buppha Garland."

    Goddess Veritas said, handing over a delicate silver necklace with a flower pendant as white as a pearl, emanating a soft fragrance. Chang Long immediately wore it.

    "And this, I give you out of personal favor,"

    Goddess Veritas handed over what appeared to be a pristine white horn adorned with gold, about 20 cm long. Chang Long accepted it, puzzled.

    "It's the Horn of Abundance. Just name the food you wish to eat, and this horn will conjure it for you. However, you need to find your own container,"

    Goddess Veritas chuckled.

    "Why are you giving this to me?"

    Chang Long asked curiously, having no idea why Goddess Veritas favored her.

    "Hehe, it's because I feel sorry for you not having good food to eat and only drinking water from my sacred well," Goddess Veritas said.

    Upon hearing this, Chang Long blushed deeply with embarrassment.

    "Uh... I haven't entered the city yet, so I didn't have food with me,"

    Chang Long explained softly, embarrassed by her situation, making Goddess Veritas laugh once again.

    "Then, it's time for your first visit to the city, little mortal. Gather your belongings; I will transport you back to the starting city through dimensional shift."

    "Dimensional shift?"

    Chang Long repeated.

    "Yes, dimensional shift. Hurry up, little mortal; I don't have all night,"

    Goddess Veritas urged with a smile. Chang Long quickly packed all her belongings into the snake leather backpack, picked up Kitsune, and approached Goddess Veritas who was waiting.

    "Ready?"

    Goddess Veritas inquired. Chang Long nodded.

    "Hold your pet tightly... Dimensional Shift."

    Goddess Veritas touched Chang Long's forehead, as she invoked the skill. In an instant, Chang Long moved through a white tunnel at breakneck speed. In less than a minute, her feet softly touched the ground of the starting town, amidst the astonished gaze of many onlookers.