Accompanying the system’s prompts was a seismic transformation within Waldo’s body. Energy surged and surged like tides, washing over and refining his physical form. Each instance was a rebirth, a qualitative sublimation. For Waldo, it was both a painful and exhilarating process. Though the refinement was agonizing, after its completion, an extraordinary sense of ease followed, and his body felt lighter.

Congratulations to survivor Waldo for reaching level eighteen!

Congratulations to survivor Waldo for reaching level nineteen, please continue to strive!

Congratulations to survivor Waldo for reaching level twenty, please continue to strive!

In the following time, the system continued to remind Waldo of his level. Upon hearing the announcement of reaching level twenty, a surge of wild joy filled Waldo’s heart.

Boom!

Simultaneously, his brain buzzed. An unprecedented, immensely colossal, and violent tide of energy erupted within him, resembling a mountain collapsing and a tsunami surging. His body released a torrent of energy.

His tendons, bones, and flesh had all reached an ultimate state—crystal-clear, free of impurities. At this moment, Waldo had transcended ordinary existence.

In this instant, Waldo couldn’t help but want to let out a long howl to express his excitement and that inescapable exhilaration! However, he managed to restrain himself.

Succeeded?

Alanna nervously looked at Waldo. Helen was equally anxious. After all, they had no idea what would happen after reaching level ten. Who knew if there would be crises in the levels beyond?

Have you reached level twenty? 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

The two women were somewhat uncertain.

They could sense the surging energy around Waldo, but they weren’t entirely sure if he had reached level twenty. Each ten levels marked a threshold that wasn’t easily reached.

Amid the two women’s concern, Waldo slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were reddened, but his gaze was bright, revealing an irrepressible sense of joy.

Seeing this, both Helen and Alanna understood his achievement. "Haha, level twenty. It’s not difficult for me, is it?!" Waldo laughed heartily, brimming with pride and confidence.

This statement prompted the two women to roll their eyes at him. Their exasperation also hinted at their happiness, as his growing strength meant their safety.

Fantastic!

Helen couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

Then, she tried to run over to embrace him but let out a scream and hastily backed away. She covered her nose, her eyes wide, and pointed at Waldo, "Why do you smell so bad? You’re really smelly! What did you do?"

Alanna immediately noticed the foul odor emanating from Waldo upon Helen’s observation. Moreover, he had sticky substances all over him, which made her nauseous. They couldn’t understand how he had turned into such a state, considering he had been in their sight the entire time.

Waldo also realized his situation. He smiled wryly and explained, "After reaching level ten, every level-up beyond that expels a considerable amount of impurities from the body. It’s inevitable. The more expelled, the stronger I become."

So that’s how it is.

The two women understood after hearing the explanation. Nonetheless, they were unwilling to give him a hug, no matter how much he played the victim. They cruelly ignored him.

"Alright, alright. I’ll take a shower and then come back. I’ll deal with each of you one by one," Waldo sighed.

The two women immediately burst into mocking laughter, seemingly implying that they would ensure he had no chance of returning if he dared to approach them.

Just as they exchanged jests, Alanna seemed to recall something and hesitated, "Waldo, now that you’ve reached level twenty, can’t you continue to level up?"

At her words, Waldo’s body stiffened momentarily. After a brief contemplation, he replied, "Of course, I can continue to level up. However, for safety’s sake, I plan to familiarize myself with my current body and the changes that have occurred. Once I’m sure there are no issues, I’ll proceed with further leveling."

Helen nodded in agreement. It made sense to be cautious since they had no idea what variables might arise after reaching level twenty. They continued to discuss the changes in Waldo’s body.

Before long, the two women asked if Waldo had developed any new abilities. It was a casual question, based on their understanding that each person could only have one ability.

However, what shocked them immensely was Waldo’s affirmative nod.

"What are you doing? Did you just nod?" Helen was taken aback, wearing a bewildered expression.

Waldo smiled slightly and explained, "After reaching level twenty, I suddenly gained a second ability, ’Fire Control’."

Alanna’s eyes widened, almost in disbelief. "What did you say? Say it again! You really have a second ability?!"

Seeing Waldo nod firmly, the two women were left in shock. How could a person have two abilities? They each possessed a skill, so they knew well that one person could only have one ability. Yet, how could Waldo have two?

Seeing their puzzlement, Waldo said, "Maybe my situation is a bit unique."

Seeing Waldo was just as baffled, the two women decided not to press further. After all, they had witnessed too many extraordinary things from him.

At this moment, their emotions were more of amazement than confusion. They were genuinely thrilled for Waldo.

Alanna asked, "What’s your new ability?"

"Fire Control!"

Under the curious and expectant gazes of the two women, a small flame suddenly appeared at Waldo’s fingertip, dancing with vivacity. In the next moment, the flame surged, transforming into a temperature-intense, massive fire dragon stretching five to six meters long.

Ah!

Startled, the two women screamed and hastily retreated. The high temperature almost singed their hair and eyebrows.

Glaring at Waldo with indignation, they seemed ready to tear him apart.

Waldo chuckled lightly. The massive fire dragon swiftly diminished, compressing into a fireball. With a toss of his hand, he flung the fireball out of the villa, crashing it onto an empty plot of land about a hundred meters away.

Boom!

An explosion followed, creating a blast of heat. A large pit appeared in the distance, and a sizable patch of the ground was charred.

The power was more terrifying than that of a single rocket projectile!

The two women were left gaping.

"Is it that potent?" Helen nodded.

"Yes, that’s my second ability, ’Fire Control.’ However, it comes with limitations. Using fireballs consumes a great deal of my energy, and I can only manage a few before it becomes too draining," Waldo explained.

Alanna exclaimed, "That’s still impressive!"

Just then, West and Chubby appeared at the villa’s entrance, startled by the previous explosion.

West blinked innocently and asked, "Master, what was that explosion just now?"

"It’s nothing. It was just one of my experiments. Carry on with whatever you were doing," Waldo said.