The trees of Winterford's woods closed in around him, tall and damp with morning mist. Aric adjusted the strap across his shoulder and kept his hand near the hilt of his iron sword. Supplies sat neatly tucked in his inventory—bread, dried meat, a few salves—all prepared by Serina at dawn.
Behind him, Captain Bran lingered at the treeline, arms folded. "Stay sharp. I'll be watching."
Aric nodded once. He wasn't alone, but Bran would not step in unless blood demanded it. This was Aric's trial.
The System's voice broke the hush.
[Quest Generated: First Hunt]Objective: Defeat one hostile beast.Reward: +1 Level, Stat Points (5), EXP scaling bonus.
[Optional: Impress the scary mentor watching you. Not an official reward, but ego points are priceless.]
Aric breathed deeply, heart quickening. "One beast," he muttered under his breath. "I can do that."
[That's the spirit. Now let's hope the beast doesn't do you.]
It didn't take long.
A low grunt broke through the trees. The underbrush trembled. Aric froze, eyes narrowing as the shape emerged—massive shoulders, bristled hide, tusks caked with dirt.
[Target: Ironback Boar. Level 5. HP: 80/80. Skill detected: Charge.]
The beast's eyes glinted red as it pawed the ground. Then it lunged.
"Too fast—!"
Aric dove sideways, feet fumbling—
"Quickstep" he mumbled.
A surge hit his legs. His dodge snapped sharp, graceful, pulling him just past the tusks. He landed steady, blade already in hand.
[Quickstep Proficiency: 100%. Skill now independent. Slot freed.]
Aric blinked, startled. It—unlocked?!
[Congrats, Host. You've officially stopped tripping over your own feet.]
No time to think. The boar wheeled, lowered its head, and charged again.
Aric raised his sword, breath tight. "Fine—let's try this."
[Skill detected: Arcane Slash. Lv.1. Efficiency: 74%. Mana Cost: 5 MP.]
Aric swung. Blue light seared down the blade, colliding with the boar's iron hide. Sparks flew, tusks scraping against steel. The beast stumbled back, its HP flashing down.
HP: 60/80.
Aric's arms shook from the impact, but he held ground. "It worked."
[Yeah, but it's angry now. Which is great for cardio. Not so much for your ribs.]
The boar roared, lunging again. This time, Aric used Quickstep, slipping aside like water. He slashed across its flank—once, twice—until the light burned hotter.
HP: 30/80.
The beast wheeled, bloodied but relentless. It surged again—its Charge slamming into a tree trunk where Aric had just stood. Splinters flew.
Aric grit his teeth. Now.
He gathered the last of his focus. His sword thrummed with arcane light, brighter than before. He met the beast head-on.
Arcane Slash cut through the Charge, steel blazing. The boar shrieked as its body split across the shoulder, crashing to the ground with a final, guttural grunt.
HP: 0/80.[Enemy Defeated. EXP +20.]
Aric staggered, panting hard. Sweat stung his eyes, arms heavy, legs trembling—but he stood.
[Quest Complete: First Hunt]Reward: +1 Level. +5 Stat Points.Current EXP: 20/100 (Lv.2).
[Proficiency Gains: Quickstep mastered. Arcane Slash efficiency → 84%. Real combat, baby.]
Aric exhaled shakily, staring at the still form of the boar. He had done it. Not in a dream. Not against straw. Against something real.
From the treeline, Bran watched, arms crossed. His expression was unreadable, but the faintest hint of approval flickered in his eyes.
[See? Not useless. Told you. You're starting to look like a protagonist.]
Aric almost laughed. I'd settle for survivor.
[Same difference, Host. Same difference.]
Aric leaned back against a tree, chest heaving, the iron sword still slick in his hand. His heart hadn't stopped racing since the boar fell.
"System," he muttered, then caught himself and thought it instead. Status.
The panel unfolded in front of him, soft blue light painting the air.
[Status Window]
Name: Aric Frost
Age: 10
Race: Human
Class: None (Unawakened)
Titles:
The Survivor Beyond Death
Incarnation Bearer
Crown Points: 10 CP
Level: 2(Exp: 20/200)
HP: 94 / 110 MP: 0/ 20
Core Stats:
STR: 6
AGI: 6
END: 6
DEX: 7
INT: 8
WIS: 6
LUK: 3
Authority: 0
Stat Points: 10
Skills:
Sword Slash (Lv.1)
Sword Thrust (Lv.1)
Quickstep (Lv.1)
Tenacity (Passive)
Copy Skill Slots: 1/2 Slots
Arcane Slash (Lv.1 | Efficiency: 82%)
Inventory:
Iron Sword (Beginner's)
Minor Health Potions ×3
Minor Stamina Potions ×3
Basic rations & supplies
Aric's lips parted slightly.
[Look at you, Host. First monster down, first mastery unlocked. Proud moment. Want me to clap?]
Aric rolled his eyes. You'd probably clap like a drunk goose.
[Correct. But you'd still like it.]
He almost laughed, despite the sweat stinging his eyes. His gaze slid to Arcane Slash's bar — still not full, but higher than before. So fighting really is the fastest way forward.
The panel faded, but the numbers stayed carved in his mind.
Aric tightened his grip on the iron sword. He wasn't useless. Not anymore.