Birdsong brushed softly against the wooden windows. A golden glow slipped through the woven cloth curtains, caressing the walls of Soul's room. He opened his eyes, still wrapped in a pleasant heaviness.
He had slept like a rock.
Yesterday had been exhausting: his first real fight, his first intense training session, his first real steps into this dangerous world… and the first traces of pride he'd seen in his teachers' eyes.
A faint smile stretched across his face. His heterochromatic eyes—violet on the right, orange on the left—glimmered softly as his purple hair fell around him when he sat up.
— All right… new day.
He washed, got dressed, fastened the katana Kage no Kizuna properly at his hip, slid the scythe Shinigami's Embrace into its back scabbard, and went downstairs to grab a bite.
After breakfast, he greeted his parents and stepped outside, taking a deep breath of the fresh morning air.
On the road to school, a stocky man waved him over.
— Soul! Come give me a hand a second.
It was Torben, the village blacksmith.
Torben — Brumefell's Blacksmith
Torben was a broad man in his forties, with a wild brown beard and a leather apron covered in burn marks. His arms were as thick as beams, dotted with scars from the forge. Despite his intimidating appearance, he always wore a warm smile and spoke with a deep but gentle voice.
— Gotta load two crates onto my cart. Training arrows for the school. And since you're strong for your age…
Soul nodded and helped him lift two crates filled with wooden shafts and rounded resin tips.
— Thanks, kid, you're a good one.
— No problem, Torben!
Soul picked up the pace so he wouldn't be late.
At School
Torben arrived a few minutes after him and handed the crates over to Bron, who lifted them as if they weighed nothing.
— Finally! These little archer brats are gonna have something better than sticks to fight with!
— Thanks, Torben, Bron rumbled.
The archer students, Kael among them, were buzzing with excitement.
— Wooow… they're almost real!— We're gonna get to shoot for real today!
Bron turned toward all the students.
— GET READY!— WARM-UP! RUNNING! SQUATS! DODGES! GUARD STANCE!
The children ran under the watchful eye of the giant. Soul felt his heart speed up as the heat of effort built in his muscles. The sandy ground muffled the sound of their footsteps, and the fresh morning air contrasted with the sweat beading on their foreheads.
After about ten minutes of intense warm-up, Bron blew his whistle.
— DUELS!
The matches began.
Duel 1 — Soul vs Ryen
Ryen had gained speed. He moved with more technique, more confidence.
— I'm gonna win this time! he shouted.
Their wooden weapons clashed.
Soul dodged one strike, Ryen blocked another.Then they both jumped back at the same time.
Bron watched the scene, arms crossed.
The fight ended… in a draw.
Ryen, out of breath but proud, pumped his fist.
— Ha! I've gotten stronger!
— Yeah, you have, Soul admitted with a smile.
Duel 2 — Kael vs Mira
With his training bow, Kael was finally showing his full potential.
— You're gonna see the difference, Mira!
— I'll try not to lose too fast…
The sticky arrows whistled through the air. Mira dodged two shots, but Kael landed a third right on her shoulder.
— Hit, she said with a sigh.
— And the winner: Kael! Bron called.
Duel 3 — Soul vs Mira
Mira fought with a light staff, precise but timid.
Soul took care not to hurt her.
In a few fluid movements, he took the advantage.
— I surrender… Mira said, panting but smiling.
— Winner: Soul, Bron declared.
Duel 4 — Ryen vs Kael
An intense match.
Kael fired three quick arrows; Ryen charged forward, tanking the sticky impacts and trying to knock him down.
But Kael was just too fast at range.
— Winner: Kael!
Duel 5 — Soul vs Kael
Kael grinned.
— Soul… I'm not letting you win!
— I wouldn't expect anything less, Soul replied.
The fight was close.
Soul dodged several arrows, rushed in, tried a feint…
But Kael tagged him with a shot to the chest.
— Hit!
— Argh…
— Winner: Kael!
Duel 6 — Mira vs Ryen
Mira did better than expected, dodging several attacks, but Ryen had improved too much.
Ryen won, but immediately praised her.
Zeke and His Clique Arrive
Zeke walked up with his usual arrogant grin.
— So, fake heroes, ready to lose again?
Behind him: Garlick, Britney, Zara and Luck
Bron sighed.
— Fine. Get in the arena.
Soul vs Britney
Britney stepped into the arena with elegant strides, her long blonde hair flowing behind her.
She puffed out her chest, her blue eyes full of contempt.
— I'll show you the difference between a real mage… and a double-class failure, she sneered.
Soul didn't answer.
He took a deep breath, hand tightening around his training weapon.His eyes—violet and orange—watched Britney without hatred… but with determination.
Bron lowered his arm.
— FIGHT!
Britney didn't waste a second.
— Minor Light!
A small glowing orb shot from her palm, flying straight at Soul.
Soul dodged with a quick step, letting the spell whiz past his face.
Britney frowned.
— You dodged?
— Of course, Soul replied calmly.
She continued.
— Blinding Flash!
A white burst exploded in front of Soul.
Most of the students flinched back.
But Soul… shut his eyes half a second before the flash.
Mira whispered:
— He… anticipated it?
As soon as the light faded, Soul dashed forward before Britney could cast a third spell.
— WHAT?!
Britney panicked, stumbling back.
She tried to charge another spell, but Soul closed the distance, pressed his weapon lightly to her side—
Hit.
Britney froze.
Her spell fizzled out in her palm.
Bron raised his hand immediately.
— WINNER: SOUL DRASIL!
Britney's jaw dropped.
— That's… impossible…
— A double-class can't be that fast!
Soul simply replied:
— A class doesn't define a person's worth.
A hush spread through the arena.
Even Zeke frowned.
Ryen let out a low whistle.
— Soul… you were crazy fast.
— That was seriously cool, added Kael.
— You read her movements well, Mira said softly.
Britney turned away, mortified, cheeks flushed red.
Kael vs Luck
Luck stepped into the arena, spinning her training spear between her fingers, an arrogant smirk on her face.
Her brown pigtails bounced with each step, and her insolent eyes locked on Kael like he was easy prey.
— This'll be quick, she murmured.
— Go ahead and try, Kael replied, raising his training bow.
Bron lifted his arm:
— READY?
— FIGHT!
Luck charged immediately.
A straight, aggressive rush.
Her spear carved a wide arc, hissing through the air.
Kael didn't panic.
He stepped back lightly and loosed his first sticky arrow.
Luck dodged, pivoting gracefully.
— You'll have to aim better than that!
Kael smiled.
Perfect. Keep talking.
He fired a second arrow.
Luck swept it aside with her spear.
But Kael immediately followed with a third shot, loosed at the exact moment her arms were fully extended, wide open.
The arrow stuck to her forearm.
— Huh?!
Before she could react, Kael fired a fourth arrow, lower this time.
THWACK.
It stuck to her right leg, half-pinning her movement.
Luck growled and tried to lunge forward despite the sticky arrows…
Kael didn't wait.
He let loose a fifth arrow, clean, controlled, precise.
SMACK.
This time, right in the chest.
Luck toppled backward and landed on her rear, mouth hanging open.
Bron raised his hand.
— WINNER: KAEL RONDOR!
The students erupted in applause.
Luck flushed bright red in humiliation.
— That's not… that's not fair…!
— You shot me five times! she protested.
Kael shrugged, calmly putting his bow away.
— You wanted a fight, didn't you?
— That's what this was.
Soul, Ryen, and Mira whistled appreciatively.
— You destroyed her, said Ryen.
— You were way too fast, added Mira.
— That was clean, concluded Soul.
Kael pretended to inspect his nails, smug.
— When you're the best archer in class, that's normal.
Luck turned away, sulking, but unable to answer.
That day, the whole class understood one thing:
Kael wasn't just a good archer.He had the potential of a true prodigy marksman.
Mira vs Zara
Mira stepped into the arena, heart pounding but determined.
She gripped her light staff tight. She knew she wasn't a fighter… but she refused to back down.
Facing her, Zara—slender frame, icy eyes, dark trainee assassin outfit.
She showed no emotion.No nervousness.Only control.
Bron raised his hand:
— READY!
— FIGHT!
Zara almost vanished.
Mira's eyes widened.
So fast…
Zara appeared at her right.
Mira tried a horizontal swing—
Zara slipped past it with a simple, fluid tilt of her hips, moving like a shadow.
— Too slow, Zara murmured.
She slid behind Mira and placed the tip of her training dagger between her shoulder blades.
— Lost.
But Mira refused to give up just like that.
She spun, attempting a second strike—
Zara stopped the staff with one hand.
Just one.
Without effort.
The students around the arena whispered:
— She's a real assassin…
— She's terrifying…
— Mira doesn't stand a chance…
Mira stepped back, exhaled, and attempted a minor enchantment on her staff.
A faint spark of mana flickered.
Zara smiled.
Not mockingly.Just… coldly.
— I admire your will. But…
She leapt.
A streak of black.A flawless movement.
She ripped the staff from Mira's hands, slipped behind her again, and set the dagger gently against her throat (safe, but completely dominating).
Bron raised his hand at once.
— ZARA WINS!
Mira dropped her head, trembling.
No physical pain…But a harsh blow to her heart.
Zara stepped back, sheathed her weapon, and simply said:
— You're brave.
— But courage alone isn't enough in this world.
Mira looked up, surprised by the unexpected sliver of praise.
Soul, Kael, and Ryen rushed over to her to comfort her.
Ryen:
— That fight was totally unfair, Mira! That girl moves like a demon!
Kael:
— You did well. It's just not your kind of fight.
Soul placed a hand on her shoulder.
— You lasted longer than most would.
— I'm proud of you.
Mira smiled shyly, her heart warming despite the defeat.
Ryen vs Garlick
Garlick walked into the arena, rolling his shoulders, full of confidence.
His round face twisted into a mocking grin, wooden sword resting on his stocky shoulder.
— Get ready, Ryen. I'm gonna crush you like yesterday.
Ryen took a deep breath.
His gaze hardened.
He had trained a lot since their last fight.
Bron raised his hand:
— READY…
— FIGHT!
Garlick charged in with brute force, using all his weight.
The ground shook under his steps.
But Ryen wasn't the same boy he'd been yesterday.
He slipped to the side, dodging in a quick, precise motion.
WHOOSH.
Garlick missed completely.
— Huh?!
Ryen immediately countered with a strike to the ribs, then another to the wrist, forcing Garlick to drop his weapon.
Garlick yelled:
— You just got lucky!!
I'm gonna—!
He tried to grab his sword again, but Ryen sprang forward, pivoting on his back foot like a true disciple of Bron, and landed a clean strike on Garlick's back.
CLACK.
Garlick dropped to his knees, totally overwhelmed.
Bron raised his arm.
— WINNER: RYEN THORN!
The students applauded.
Kael nudged Soul with his elbow.
— Your buddy's leveling up fast.
— Yeah… he's starting to impress me too, Soul replied with a grin.
Garlick, humiliated and red-faced, avoided everyone's gaze as he stood.
Ryen walked past Soul, breathing hard but proudly smiling.
— Told you I'd get stronger…
— You just proved it, Soul said, clapping his shoulder.
That day, the class realized that Ryen Thorn wasn't going to stay "the impulsive kid" of the village.
Bit by bit, battle after battle…he was becoming a real warrior.
Soul vs Zeke
Zeke stepped forward with his usual arrogant smile.
— So, double-failure… ready to lose again?
Soul said nothing.
His violet and orange eyes watched his opponent calmly.
Zeke frowned, slightly thrown off by the lack of reaction.
Bron raised his hand.
— READY!
Zeke charged immediately, fast and brutal.
But Soul had changed.
Bron's advice from the day before echoed in his mind.
His stance was more stable.His movements, more precise.
Zeke struck.Soul blocked.
Zeke followed up.Soul slipped aside with a smooth sidestep, fluid like water.
Around the arena, the students stared, surprised.
— He's moving… like an adult!
— What are those reflexes?
— Zeke's gonna lose!
Frustrated, Zeke roared and went for a big overhead strike—too wide, too emotional.
Soul seized the opening.
He stepped in
—Tapped Zeke's wrist
—Disarmed him with a clean, sharp motion
—Then set the tip of his training weapon against Zeke's chest.
Bron raised his hand at once.
— WINNER: SOUL DRASIL!
Zeke froze, jaw hanging.
— That's impossible…
— You cheated! You used some weird magic!
Soul shook his head.
— I just listened to the advice I was given yesterday.
Kael puffed his chest out.
— That's what happens when you waste your time talking instead of training.
Ryen burst out laughing.
Mira smiled proudly.
Bron eyed Soul with a glimmer of satisfaction.
— You're improving fast… very fast.
Zeke stumbled back, face burning with shame, unable to accept his defeat.
The healer, Professor Kyria, came over to tend to Soul and the other injured students.
Necromancy Class — With Bron
Soul left the previous class, walking with determined steps.
The Necromancy room was completely different from the others.
The floor was covered in dark stones engraved with violet runes.Black candles floated at eye level, their still flames never flickering.On the walls, shelves full of carefully arranged bones sat beside pale violet vials containing fragments of souls.
At the back of the room, Lady Nyxmar was waiting for him.
Lady Nyxmar, a tall figure wrapped in a black dress embroidered with silver, stared at Soul with her glowing violet eyes.Her long obsidian hair fell like a curtain around her pale face.She radiated a strange mix of elegance, coldness and… an odd kind of kindness.
— There you are, Soul Drasil, she said in her low, deep voice.
He bowed slightly.
— Good morning, Lady Nyxmar.
— We will resume from where we left off. Stand in the center of the circle.
Soul stepped into the necromantic circle.
The runes reacted to his presence, glowing more intensely.
Lady Nyxmar began the lesson.
— Necromancy is not a magic of death, but a magic of will.
— You do not make the dead "obey."
— You impose your will on them… or you lose.
She summoned a simple skeleton, which collapsed and then reassembled itself, demonstrating the specific anatomy of the undead.
Then she continued:
— Today, you will learn to feel the necromantic flow.
— To listen to the vibration of bones.
— To understand what ties a corpse to your mana.
A chill ran down Soul's spine, but he was curious, fascinated.
For nearly an hour, they worked on feeling the flow, listening to death-aspected mana, and developing awareness of skeletal movement.
Lady Nyxmar was impressed.
— You have exceptional sensitivity.
— It's rare… very rare.
When the class was nearing its end, Soul timidly raised his hand.
— Lady Nyxmar… I have a request.
She narrowed her eyes, intrigued.
— I need to learn how to handle my scythe. And… only Mr. Bron can help me avoid injuring myself.
— May I go get him so he can accompany me to the cemetery?
A silence hung in the air.
Then, against all expectations, she nodded.
— Learning to control your weapons is part of your survival.
— Go get Bron when the class is over.
— We will go to the cemetery together.
Soul bowed deeply.
— Thank you, Lady Nyxmar!
After Class — Finding Bron
When the runes on the floor went dark, signaling the end of class, Soul immediately headed out and ran toward the training grounds.
Bron was there, arms crossed, watching other students.
— Mr. Bron!
— I need you.
Bron raised an eyebrow.
— For the scythe?
— Yes… I'd like you to guide me during my fights at the cemetery.
— Lady Nyxmar agreed to let you come with us.
A faint smile tugged at Bron's beard.
— Hmph.
— At least you know when you need help.
— All right, kid. Let me know when you're heading out.
— It's now! Soul said, catching his breath.
Bron nodded and grabbed his training staff.
— Then let's go.
Heading to the Cemetery
Soul and Bron met Lady Nyxmar outside the school.
She was waiting for them, motionless, like a living statue.
— Are you ready? she asked.
Bron cracked his neck.
— Let's go.
Nyxmar lifted her hand; a faint cold wind rose…
And she led them through the wrought-iron gate leading into the cemetery.
The sky grew grayer.The trees grew quieter.The world itself felt heavier.
Soul took a deep breath.
He was ready.
Battle 1 — Soul vs Feline Skeleton
(First skeleton of the day)
The icy wind of the cemetery whistled between the gravestones.Black trees cast gaunt shadows on the ground.
Lady Nyxmar raised her hand and summoned a skeleton.
But this time…
A feline skeleton.
Its spine was arched, shoulder blades lifted, thin bone claws sharp as knives.Its empty eye sockets seemed to fix Soul with predatory focus.
Bron murmured in Soul's ear:
— Low guard.
— Stable center of gravity.
— A scythe is not a sword: you don't "strike," you pull and guide.
Soul inhaled and took the stance Bron had shown him.
Hands spaced out along the shaft.Feet firmly planted.Shoulders relaxed.
The feline skeleton leapt silently—quick, the kind of attack a predator makes.
Soul pivoted, drawing the scythe in a controlled arc.
CLANG!
The blade met the skeleton's ribs, but instead of bouncing off clumsily like the day before…
It cleanly sliced through three sections of bone.
The skeleton rolled, landed back on its paws despite the damage.
It attacked again, claws outstretched.
Bron bellowed:
— USE THE PULLING STRIKE!
— STEP BACK AND PULL THE BLADE!
Soul obeyed without thinking.
He stepped back, brought the blade around in a circular motion—
And this time, the scythe followed the natural trajectory of his arm, guided by its own weight.
SCHLAK!
The skeleton was hewn cleanly in two.
Bones scattered across the gravel.
Lady Nyxmar's violet eyes gleamed.
— Impressive, Soul Drasil.
— You adapt very quickly for a human… and a child.
Bron crossed his arms, proud.
— Not bad.
— You're finally starting to handle that weapon properly.
Soul wiped his sweat, panting but happy.
He had won.
A new window appeared:
[Feline Skeleton (LV 3) defeated → +15 XP]
XP: 95 / 100
[Quest – First Steps]
Slimes defeated: 3 / 10
Skeletons defeated: 3 / 10
Upcoming rewards:
– Spell: Summon – Slime LV1
– Spell: Necromancy – Skeleton LV1
– +50 XP
Battle 2 — Soul vs Canine Skeleton
(Second skeleton of the day)
Lady Nyxmar lifted her hand a second time.
This time, a longer, leaner skeleton took shape.
A canine skeleton.
Faster.More aggressive.More unpredictable.
It growled despite having no throat, then began to circle Soul like a hunting wolf.
Bron laid a hand on Soul's shoulder before stepping back.
— There… don't lose your center.
— Let it come to you.
— And when it jumps… you cut the path it takes.
Soul raised his guard again.
He could feel his body more stable than the day before, more fluid.
The skeleton darted sideways, then lunged straight at him.
Soul reacted instantly.
He pivoted on his right foot and sent the blade sliding in a diagonal line—
CRACK!
The skeleton's leg snapped off.
It fell, but still tried to crawl forward to attack.
Soul followed up with a second movement, controlled, clean, powerful:
SCHHH!
The scythe cut through the spine at the thorax.
The bones came apart and collapsed in a dry clatter.
Bron nodded with a rare smile.
— Hmph.
— You're starting to get it. The scythe isn't just a weapon…
— It's an extension of your movement.
Lady Nyxmar added in a cold but admiring tone:
— Your progress is abnormally fast.
Soul, breathless but proud, wiped the sweat from his brow.
He was no longer the boy who got crushed by a single skeleton.
And suddenly—
TING.
A violet window appeared in front of him.
[CONGRATULATIONS! Your level has increased.]
Old Level: 1
Old Stat
HP: 60/60
MP: 80/80 (130/130 equipped)
STR: 9
END: 10
AGI: 16 (31 equipped)
INT: 27 (52 equipped)
WIL: 30 (85 equipped)
LCK: 14 (29 equipped)
SUM : 12 (42 equipped)
NEC: 12 (42 equipped)
New Level: 2
New Stat
HP: 70/70
MP: 90/90 (140/140 equipped)
STR: 10
END: 11
AGI: 17 (32 equipped)
INT: 29 (54 equipped)
WIL: 32 (87 equipped)
LCK: 15 (30 equipped)
SUM : 14 (44 equipped)
NEC: 14 (44 equipped)
Another window followed:
[You obtained: +5 Bonus Stat Points](Distributable into: STR, END, AGI, INT, WIL, CHA, SUM, NEC)
Soul froze.
— I… I just… leveled up.
Another window appeared:
[Canine Skeleton (LV 3) defeated → +15 XP]
XP: 10 / 200
[Quest – First Steps]
Slimes defeated: 3 / 10
Skeletons defeated: 4 / 10
Upcoming rewards:
– Spell: Summon – Slime LV1
– Spell: Necromancy – Skeleton LV1
– +50 XP
Bron and Nyxmar exchanged a glance.
— Congratulations, kid, Bron said.
— …Interesting, Nyxmar murmured.
Soul decided not to spend his points yet.
— I'll do that tonight, he muttered.
Soul left the cemetery with Bron, still out of breath from his battles against the skeletons.
Then he headed toward the Summoning room, located in the east wing of the main building.
3rd Summoning Class
Soul pushed the door open, and a wave of warm air washed over him.
The room was large and bright, perfectly circular, with a glass dome letting in sunlight.The floor was covered in magic circles carved into white stone, radiating a faint blue glow.Mana crystals rested on pedestals around the room, each one pulsing with a gentle aura.The smell of burnt parchment and slime jelly hung in the air.
Master Fenrick, the beastman with bluish-gray fur, stood at the center.
His gaze was sharp and piercing, yet deeply calm.His imposing frame contrasted with his natural softness.
He inclined his head when he saw Soul enter with Bron.
— Welcome back, Soul Drasil.
— Very well. Today, Soul, we will deepen your perception of the mana of summoned creatures, as well as the elemental differences between Slimes.
Soul nodded.
Fenrick continued:
— Stand in the inner circle.
— Breathe.
— Feel the echo of your mana… as if you were calling out to someone behind a door.
Soul closed his eyes and focused.
The summoning circle reacted at once, releasing a blue light that spread gently.
Fenrick made several translucent Slime silhouettes appear to illustrate:
— Red Slime: aggressive, internal heat.
— Green Slime: calm, plant affinity.
— Blue Slime: fluid, adaptable.
— Orange Slime: unstable, internal sparks.
— Violet Slime: toxic, unpredictable.
The summoner watched Soul as he focused his mana, small violet particles floating above his hand.
— Good.
— But remember: summoning is not an attack. It is a collaboration.
— You call… the world answers.
Soul nodded, absorbing every word.
Fenrick snapped his fingers.
— Very well.— It's time to move to outdoor practice.— As yesterday, we'll head into the Western Forest for real combat.
Bron placed a massive hand on Soul's shoulder.
— This time, I'll be watching your movements while you fight.— You're going to learn twice as fast.
Soul smiled.
Fenrick gestured toward the exit.
— Then let's go.
Destination: Western Forest
They left the room and crossed the courtyard.
Students from other classes were training, their noise echoing across the academy, but Soul, Fenrick, and Bron walked straight toward the small gate leading to the forest.
As soon as they crossed the little stone bridge, the light grew dimmer.The ground became earthier, the air cooler, filled with the scent of moss and damp vegetation.
The Western Forest was dense and deep, and despite its proximity to the academy, it was full of wild creatures used for training.
Fenrick pointed to a clearing.
— We'll start here.— Bron will stay near you to guide you… but he will only intervene if your life is in danger.
Bron added:
— And trust me, kid…— I'll step in as little as possible.— You have to learn to survive.
Soul took a deep breath.
His heart was pounding.
But… he wasn't afraid anymore.
He was ready.
Battle 1 — Soul vs Red Slime
(First Slime of the day)
A Red Slime burst out of the moss, glowing with an inner orangish light, like a living ember.
Soul took a deep breath and placed a hand on Kage no Kizuna's hilt…
SHING!
He drew the blade.
The katana vibrated faintly, as if it too was enjoying the forest air.
Bron watched from a distance, arms crossed.
— Keep your wrist loose.— The Red Slime is aggressive: it charges in a straight line.
The Slime lunged, leaving a hot trail through the air.
Soul pivoted.
He raised his katana—and slashed in a clean, horizontal strike.
FLAK!
The Slime burst instantly, scattering bright red jelly all around him.
A window appeared:
[Red Slime (LV 3) defeated → +10 XP]
XP: 20 / 200
[Quest – First Steps]
Slimes defeated: 4 / 10
Skeletons defeated: 4 / 10
Upcoming rewards:
– Spell: Summon – Slime LV1
– Spell: Necromancy – Skeleton LV1
– +50 XP
Soul stepped back, surprised by his own efficiency.
Bron nodded.
— Well done.— But you're still stiff.— You're "striking"… instead of letting the weapon cut for you.
Soul took note, eyes shining.
Battle 2 — Soul vs Green Slime (Applying the Advice)
A Green Slime slowly oozed out of a bush, less aggressive but sturdier, its green ripples almost like a living plant.
Bron said calmly:
— This time, you're going to relax.— Breathe.— A katana cuts with fluidity, not strength.
Soul nodded.
The Slime suddenly charged with more speed than expected.
Soul redirected its attack by angling his blade just like Bron had shown him.
The Slime slid along it, losing all momentum.
Soul turned his wrist—much more smoothly than earlier—and followed up with a second diagonal slash.
CHLAK!
The Green Slime was cut cleanly in two with almost no resistance.
Another window popped up:
[Green Slime (LV 3) defeated → +10 XP]
XP: 30 / 200
[Quest – First Steps]
Slimes defeated: 5 / 10
Skeletons defeated: 4 / 10
Upcoming rewards:
– Spell: Summon – Slime LV1
– Spell: Necromancy – Skeleton LV1
– +50 XP
Bron let out a surprised whistle.
— There we go!— That's a katana strike!— Keep that up and you'll become dangerous without even realizing it.
Soul felt a surge of confidence.
For the first time… he was starting to feel strong.
Battle 3 — Soul vs Blue Slime (Fluidity and Speed)
A Blue Slime formed from a puddle on the ground, translucent and icy.
It moved differently, almost as if it were floating.
Bron warned:
— That one's unpredictable.— Never stay still.— Move with it.
Soul breathed in and bent his knees.
He had understood the logic:
Stable, but mobile.
The Blue Slime slid across the ground with surprising speed.
Soul pivoted to the side with almost elegant movement, his katana following his body like an extension of his arm.
WHOOSH — SHHH!
The Slime was sliced apart by a perfectly controlled circular motion.
No resistance.No mistake.
This time, Bron smiled openly.
— I'm going to have to stop calling you "kid" at this rate…
Soul smiled too, wiping away a bead of sweat.
He'd defeated three Slimes without any real struggle.
And then, another window appeared:
[Blue Slime (LV 3) defeated → +10 XP]
XP: 40 / 200
[Quest – First Steps]
Slimes defeated: 6 / 10
Skeletons defeated: 4 / 10
Upcoming rewards:
– Spell: Summon – Slime LV1
– Spell: Necromancy – Skeleton LV1
– +50 XP
But he wasn't ready for what came next.
Soul was sheathing his katana, thinking the training session was coming to an end…
When a wet crash echoed.
SPLASH!
A Purple Slime—bigger, darker, with a volatile aura—burst out of a hollow branch.
It immediately launched a jet of toxic jelly straight at Soul.
Bron shouted:
— SOUL!!— DODGE!!
Soul barely had time to leap to the side.
The jelly hit his sleeve, eating through it instantly and releasing a violet smoke.
— That's a toxic Slime! Fenrick shouted.— Don't let it touch your skin!
Soul drew his katana in a lightning-fast motion.
SHING!
The Purple Slime jumped with insane speed, far faster than the others.
Soul blocked with the blade—
But the impact forced him back two steps.
— Kid, stay mobile! Bron growled.— And aim for the core!
Soul searched frantically for the core.
He saw it: a small pulsing sphere, buried inside the violet jelly.
The Slime attacked again, firing a second toxic wave.
Soul dodged just in time, but a droplet splashed onto the skin of his arm.
BURN.
He winced.
— Agh…!
Bron yelled:
— Don't stop!— Go left! Cut it while you turn!
Soul grit his teeth.
He moved—faster than ever before.
The Slime jumped.
Soul pivoted, took a circular step, raised his katana—
And put his entire weight into a precise diagonal slash.
SCHHHHLAK!
The Purple Slime exploded, splattering jelly everywhere.
The core rolled onto the ground.
Soul struck it immediately.
CRACK!
The purple monster went still.
Then Soul dropped to one knee, breathing heavily.
Bron rushed over.
— You got hit on the arm. You were poisoned.
He pulled a small green vial from his pocket.
— Drink this. Quick!
Soul swallowed the antidote.
The burning faded little by little.
Fenrick arrived too, his expression serious.
— Very few students your age survive a Purple Slime.— But you… you pulled through.
Soul wiped his sweat.
— I… I'm alive…— I… did it?
Bron placed a heavy but reassuring hand on his shoulder.
— Yeah.— You fought like a real one.
Soul gave a faint smile.
He'd won.
A final window appeared:
[Purple Slime (LV 3) defeated → +10 XP]
XP: 40 / 200
[Quest – First Steps]
Slimes defeated: 7 / 10
Skeletons defeated: 4 / 10
Upcoming rewards:
– Spell: Summon – Slime LV1
– Spell: Necromancy – Skeleton LV1
– +50 XP
Lirena Moonlark — The Herbalist
On the way back to the academy after the Slime fights, Soul walked alongside Bron in silence.
The air smelled of damp moss and fresh sap.
A light breeze made the leaves tremble.
Suddenly, they heard a small muffled groan.
— Ouch… this basket is really too heavy…
Soul turned his head.
A little farther ahead, near a bent tree, stood a young elven woman struggling to lift a large basket filled with plants, dried stems, medicinal flowers, and aromatic herbs.
Lirena Moonlark — Herbalist
Lirena Moonlark was an elf with delicate features and a natural, almost mystical beauty.
Appearance:
• Forest-green hair, long, shiny, braided with tiny glowing leaves.
• Light blue eyes, almost translucent, like the waters of sacred rivers.
• Pale skin with faint silvery reflections when caught by the light.
• Long, thin ears decorated with small wooden rune-rings.
Outfit:
She wore a light dress woven from plant fibers, green and brown, perfectly suited to the forest.Her belt was lined with small vials, herb pouches, dried leaves, and wooden hooks for hanging plants.
Presence:
She radiated a gentle, soothing aura.A scent of fresh grass and wildflowers lingered around her.She always spoke softly, as if every word were carefully chosen.
Lirena Moonlark was the village's natural healer, known for her medicinal potions, traditional remedies, and deep knowledge of the region's flora.
Soul's Help
Soul hurried over as soon as he saw her struggling.
— Are you okay?— Let me help you!
Lirena flinched slightly, then smiled—a bright, sincere smile.
— Oh! Soul Drasil… yes, I… this basket is heavier than I expected.— The western harvests are particularly abundant today.
Soul grabbed the basket without any apparent effort, while Lirena had trouble lifting it even a few centimeters.
— I can carry it to the village. It's not that heavy.
— Thank you… you really are a sweet boy, she said with a gentle, almost motherly tone.
Bron watched the scene without interfering, but a small smile tugged at his beard.
Soul walked with Lirena for quite a while, until they reached a path where visibility was better.
She recovered part of the plants, carefully arranging them into her pockets and pouches.
The Reward
Before leaving, Lirena placed a hand on Soul's shoulder.
— To thank you…
She rummaged through her satchel and took out two rare medicinal herbs:
🌿 Lunaline Leaf— Helps heal small wounds— Can be brewed as a tea to restore a bit of vitality
🌾 Sylvanroot Branch— Neutralizes minor toxins— Can be mixed into a basic anti-venom salve
— These plants are precious, Soul.— I want you to keep them. You really helped me a lot.
Soul took them carefully, impressed.
— Thank you, Miss Moonlark! I'll put them to good use!
She gave him a kind, playful wink.
— And be careful… you have the aura of someone who's going to fight a lot.
Then she went back into the forest, her leafy hair swaying in the wind.
Soul rejoined Bron, his heart feeling a little lighter.
Back at the Drasils'
After his bath, Soul came down for dinner.
The table was full: stew, grilled vegetables, warm bread, aromatic herbs.
Lynea asked:
— So, how was your day?
Soul told them everything.
The battles.The level up.The Purple Slime.Helping the instructors.The herbalist.
Aegis patted his back.
— You're growing fast, Soul.— Maybe too fast…
Soul smiled softly.
In His Room — System Window
After a long day, Soul went up to his room, closed the door behind him, and sat on his bed.
The moon gently lit the floorboards, and the wind made the shutters vibrate.
He took a deep breath.
— Okay… let's see.
He raised his hand.
TING.
A violet System window appeared instantly, bright and perfectly stable.
Status — Without Equipment
Name : Soul Drasil
Level : 2
HP: 70/70
MP: 90/90
STR: 10
END: 11
AGI: 17
INT: 29
WIL: 32
LCK: 15
SUM : 14
NEC: 14
Bonus Stat Points: 5
The numbers floated slightly, wrapped in a faint violet mist.
Soul murmured:
— So… I really can distribute them however I want.
He slid his finger over the weaker stats.
A small vibration ran through the window when he selected a stat.
Stat Point Allocation (Official Version)
Soul added:
+1 Strength
+1 Endurance
+1 Luck
+1 Summoning Affinity
+1 Necromantic Affinity
As soon as he confirmed, the window rearranged itself.
Status — Without Equipment (Updated)
STR : 10 → 11
END : 11 → 12
LCK : 15 → 16
SUM : 14 → 15
NEC : 14 → 15
Status — With Mythic Equipment
The two mythic weapons emitted a black and violet aura when Soul brushed his fingers over them.
Their bonuses overlaid his new stats:
Kage no Kizuna — Mythic Katana
+15 AGI
+25 INT
+25 WIL
+30 SUM
Shinigami's Embrace — Mythic Scythe
+30 NEC
+30 WIL
+50 MP
+15 LCK
The window flared brighter and displayed:
Status – With Equipment
HP: 70
MP: 90 + 50 = 140/140
STR: 11
END: 12
AGI: 17 + 15 = 32
INT: 29 + 25 = 54
WIL: 32 + 25 + 30 = 87
LCK: 16 + 15 = 31
SUM : 15 + 30 =45
NEC: 15 + 30 = 45
Soul stared, speechless.
— I'm… really a lot stronger with the weapons…
Opening the Inventory Window
As he closed the status page, another icon flashed:
[INVENTORY – NEW]
Soul tapped it.
The window opened into a large violet rectangle, divided into hexagonal slots.
Each slot contained an item obtained from his fights over the last two days.
The System's voice echoed in his mind:
[The INVENTORY is a dimensional space used to store items, materials, weapons, and resources.No time limit.Current capacity: 24 slots.]
Soul browsed through the items.
Inventory Contents
Slime Loot:
• Slime Jelly x7(Basic potion material)
• Weak Mana Fragment x4(Component for MP potions)
• Incandescent Jelly x2(Red Slime — ingredient for warming potions)
• Plant Jelly x2(Green Slime — weak healing potions)
• Aquatic Jelly x2(Blue Slime — refreshing potions)
• Toxic Jelly x1(Purple Slime — weak poison)
Skeleton Loot:
• Skeleton Bone x6(Basic crafting material for blacksmiths)
• Worn Arrow x3(Recyclable resource for Kael / artisans)
• Runic Bone Staff x1(Mage equipment — low power)
Soul stared at his resources for a long time.
— I didn't think I'd collected this much…
Then he closed the window, tired but proud.
Tomorrow would be even tougher.
But now…
He had a full inventory, boosted stats, and two mythic artifacts he could rely on.
He fell asleep whispering:
— I'll get stronger… no matter what.
END OF CHAPTER 4