Day 3 of Training
"Again!" Zephyra's voice cut through the morning air.
Aren stood in the forest clearing, sweat dripping down his face. His arms shook from exhaustion, but he raised them once more.
"Gust!"
Wind blasted out, hitting the training dummy Torrhen had set up. The wooden post cracked but didn't break.
[MP: 125/225]
"Stronger," Zephyra demanded. "You're holding back. Push harder."
"I'm out of breath—"
"The monsters in the capital won't care if you're tired. Again!"
Aren gritted his teeth and tried once more. This time, he channeled more MP, focused the wind into a tighter stream.
The dummy exploded into splinters.
[GUST Leveled Up! Lv4 → Lv5]
[Damage increased, MP cost reduced]
"Better," Zephyra said, landing on his shoulder. "You're learning. Slowly."
Torrhen walked over with a water skin. "She's right. You're getting better. Yesterday that same attack would've just knocked the dummy over."
Aren drank gratefully. "How many times did we clear the dungeon this week?"
"Three times. You're Level 7 now. That's good progress."
"Not good enough," Zephyra said. "We have eighteen days left."
Aren pulled up his status.
[AREN VALEWOOD - LEVEL 7]
HP: 190/190
MP: 125/253
STATS:
∙ STR: 8
∙ VIT: 26
∙ AGI: 16
∙ INT: 34
∙ WIS: 32
∙ LCK: 7
∙ SPI: 68
Two more levels in three days. The dungeon grinding was working.
"Come on," Torrhen said. "Let's do another run before lunch. The more we clear, the faster you level."
…
Day 7 of Training
The Moss Cavern had become routine.
Aren walked through the tunnels without fear now. He knew where every slime spawned, where the rats ambushed from, exactly how the boss golem moved.
His Gust could one-shot the slimes now. The rats died in two hits. Even the boss only took a few minutes.
[ANCIENT MOSS GOLEM DEFEATED]
+500 XP
[LEVEL UP! YOU ARE NOW LEVEL 8!]
"That's the seventh clear this week," Torrhen said, collecting loot. "You're doing well. Level 8 in a week is impressive."
But Aren frowned. "The XP is decreasing. I got 500 from the boss this time. Last week it was 500 plus the clear bonus. The week before, even more."
"That's normal," Torrhen explained. "The System adjusts XP based on your level versus the monster's level. The higher you get, the less you gain from weak enemies. Eventually, this dungeon won't give you any XP at all."
"So what do I do?"
"Move to harder dungeons. But…" Torrhen looked worried. "The next rank up is E-rank. Monsters there are Level 10 to 15. You're not ready yet."
Zephyra spoke up. "Then we make him ready. Train harder. Fight smarter. Bond stronger."
Their bond had grown to 78% over the week. Aren could feel Zephyra's presence almost constantly now. Her emotions, her thoughts, sometimes even her memories.
"Two more days," Aren said. "Then we try an E-rank dungeon."
Torrhen looked uncertain but nodded. "Alright. But I'm bringing backup. Just in case."
…
Day 9 of Training
Aren sat in the forest with Spark floating in front of him.
"Okay," the little fire spirit said. "I've been thinking. And watching. And I want to help more."
"You already help," Aren said. "You and Breeze scout ahead, warn us of danger—"
"But I want to FIGHT!" Spark's flames flickered with enthusiasm. "Breeze got a contract. Zephyra fights with you. I just sit on the sidelines throwing tiny fireballs that don't even hurt anything!"
Aren smiled. "You want to contract too?"
"YES! Please! I'll work hard! I'll get strong! I promise!"
A notification appeared.
[CONTRACT OFFER RECEIVED]
Spirit: Spark (Fire Spirit, Lesser)
Type: Combat Partnership
Terms:
∙ Share combat and growth
∙ Regular offerings of flammable materials
∙ Never extinguish flames carelessly
∙ Fight together
Benefits:
∙ Access to fire abilities
∙ Combat support spirit
∙ Grows stronger through battle
∙ High offensive potential
Accept contract? [YES] [NO]
Aren looked at the eager little spirit. Spark had been loyal since day one. Literally offered friendship over a piece of bacon.
"Alright," Aren said. "Let's do it."
Spark zoomed around in excited circles before settling down for the contract.
The moment they touched, heat flooded through Aren. Not painful, but warm. Energizing. Like standing near a campfire on a cold night.
[CONTRACT FORMED]
Spark (Fire Spirit, Lesser) is now bonded to Aren Valewood
Bond Strength: 60% (Newly Formed, Enthusiastic)
New Abilities Unlocked:
∙ Ember Shot (Fire ranged attack, 15 MP)
∙ Flame Aura (Passive - Resist cold, minor fire damage to melee attackers)
∙ Campfire Companion (Create safe, warm fires)
Stats Increased:
∙ STR: 8 → 11 (+3)
∙ INT: 34 → 37 (+3)
∙ SPI: 68 → 73 (+5)
"YES!" Spark blazed brighter. "I'm contracted! I'm really contracted!"
Breeze flew over and bumped against Spark affectionately. "Welcome to the circle, hothead."
"We're both contracted now! We're both part of the shaman's spirits!"
Zephyra watched from a tree branch. "Three contracts. You're building a proper spirit circle, shaman. But remember—each spirit you contract with is a bond you must maintain. Don't spread yourself too thin."
"I won't," Aren promised.
He felt the three bonds in his mind now. Zephyra, strong and steady like a constant wind. Breeze, gentle and curious. Spark, burning with enthusiasm and energy.
Three spirits. Three partners. Three friends.
"Alright," Aren stood up. "Let's test these new fire abilities."
…
Day 12 of Training
The E-rank dungeon was called "Shadowfen Depths."
It was darker than the Moss Cavern. Colder. The air felt wrong, heavy with something Aren couldn't quite identify.
[DUNGEON ENTERED: SHADOWFEN DEPTHS]
Rank: E
Recommended Level: 10-15
Party Size: 2-5
Monsters: Shadow Wolves, Plague Rats, Toxic Slimes, Corrupted Bats
Boss: Shadowfen Horror (Level 18)
"You sure about this?" Torrhen asked. He'd brought two other hunters from the village—both Level 15. Safety in numbers.
"I need harder fights," Aren said. "The Moss Cavern isn't giving me enough XP anymore."
They moved carefully through the dungeon. The first monster appeared quickly—a Shadow Wolf.
[SHADOW WOLF - LEVEL 12]
HP: 380/380
It was bigger than a normal wolf, with black fur that seemed to absorb light. Red eyes glowed in the darkness.
The wolf lunged at Aren.
"Gust!"
Wind knocked the wolf sideways, but it recovered fast. Too fast.
"Ember Shot!" Aren used his new ability.
A ball of fire shot from his hand—Spark's power channeled through him. It hit the wolf's flank, and the creature yelped.
[CRITICAL HIT - FIRE DAMAGE]
Shadow Wolf HP: 380 → 285
"It's weak to fire!" one of the hunters called. "Keep hitting it!"
Aren fired two more Ember Shots while Torrhen peppered it with arrows. The wolf died quickly.
[SHADOW WOLF DEFEATED]
+180 XP
More than the entire Moss Cavern boss now. This was the right choice.
They fought through the dungeon slowly. The monsters here were tougher, hit harder, had more HP. But with four people, they managed.
Aren's fire abilities shined. Most of the enemies here were weak to fire or wind. His Gust knocked them around while Ember Shot did serious damage.
By the time they reached the boss chamber, Aren was Level 9.
[LEVEL UP! YOU ARE NOW LEVEL 9!]
The boss was horrible to look at—a massive creature that looked like a blob of shadow and teeth. No clear form, just nightmare made flesh.
[SHADOWFEN HORROR - LEVEL 18] [BOSS]
HP: 2,400/2,400
"Same strategy as always," Torrhen said. "Hunters and I keep it busy. Aren, you provide ranged support. Don't get close."
The fight was brutal.
The Horror could teleport through shadows, appearing behind them without warning. Its attacks hit like trucks, and when it screamed, everyone's ears rang.
One of the hunters went down, slashed by shadow claws. The other dragged him back while Torrhen fired arrow after arrow.
Aren used everything he had. Gust to knock it off balance. Ember Shot to burn away its shadow form. Even tried Purification once, but the Horror wasn't corrupted—just naturally evil.
[MP: 253 → 75]
Running low. They needed to end this.
"Zephyra!" Aren called. "Spirit Fusion!"
He'd never tried it in real combat before, but now seemed like a good time.
[SPIRIT FUSION ACTIVATED]
Bonding with: Zephyra
Duration: 5 minutes
Cost: 50 MP + continuous drain
Power exploded through Aren's body. His AGI doubled. His wind abilities tripled in strength. He could feel Zephyra's essence merged with his own.
His eyes glowed silver. Wind swirled around his body like armor.
"Woah," Torrhen breathed.
Aren raised both hands and used Gust with his enhanced power.
The wind blast was massive. It hit the Horror like a physical wall, slamming it into the cave wall. The creature shrieked.
Torrhen didn't waste the opening. He fired three arrows directly into the Horror's core.
[CRITICAL HITS x3]
The Horror exploded into shadow fragments.
[SHADOWFEN HORROR DEFEATED]
+800 XP
[DUNGEON CLEARED: SHADOWFEN DEPTHS]
+400 XP Bonus
[LEVEL UP! YOU ARE NOW LEVEL 10!]
Aren collapsed as the fusion ended. Every muscle ached. His MP was down to 15.
But they'd done it.
Level 10. The goal he'd set three weeks ago.
"You're insane," one of the hunters said, healing his wounded friend with a potion. "That fusion thing… what was that?"
"Nature magic," Aren said weakly. "Special ability."
The hunter didn't look convinced but didn't push it.
Torrhen helped Aren stand. "Level 10. Two weeks before we leave. You hit your goal early."
"Yeah," Aren grinned despite the exhaustion. "I did."
…
Day 15 of Training
Word had spread through the village. Aren, the sick kid who everyone expected to get a trash class, was now Level 10.
Most sixteen-year-olds were Level 3 or 4. Torrhen at nineteen was only Level 12.
Aren at Level 10, two weeks after his class ceremony, was abnormal.
People whispered when he walked by. Some with respect. Others with suspicion.
"The Classification Bureau is going to study you," Chief Rodrick said when Aren stopped by to register his new level. "They'll want to know how you're progressing so fast."
"I'm just training hard," Aren said.
"No one trains this hard. No one grows this fast. Not naturally."
Aren met the Chief's eyes. "Are you saying I'm cheating?"
"I'm saying be careful. People who stand out get noticed. And not always in good ways."
After leaving the Chief's house, Aren found Torrhen waiting outside.
"We need to talk," his brother said seriously.
They walked to the edge of the village, where no one could overhear.
"I've been thinking," Torrhen said. "About the capital. About what happens when you get there."
"What about it?"
"You're going to stand out. A lot. Level 10 at sixteen is rare. A-rank class is rare. Fast progression is rare. Put it all together, and you're going to have a target on your back."
"I know."
"Do you?" Torrhen grabbed his shoulder. "Aren, I'm serious. The capital isn't like here. There are nobles with private armies. Guilds that control everything. Criminal organizations. The Classification Bureau has authority to detain class holders indefinitely for 'study.'"
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying maybe we don't go. Maybe we run. Head to another kingdom. Change your name. Start over where no one knows you."
Aren was quiet for a moment. The idea was tempting. Running away, avoiding all the danger and complications.
But he thought about the spirits. About the Fading World quest. About the corruption he'd seen in that wolf.
Something was wrong with this world. And running wouldn't fix it.
"I can't run," Aren said quietly. "If I do, I'll just be hiding from my problems again. I did that my whole past life. Avoided risks, played it safe, died alone with nothing to show for it."
He looked at Torrhen. "This is my second chance. I'm not wasting it by running scared."
Torrhen sighed. "I figured you'd say that. You're too much like Dad. Stubborn."
"Is that bad?"
"Dad's dead, Aren. Killed in a dungeon because he pushed too hard, tried to do too much."
The words hung in the air.
"I won't end up like Dad," Aren said. "I have you watching my back. And I'm not stupid enough to fight alone."
Torrhen smiled sadly. "Alright. Then we do this smart. We go to the capital, you report like you're supposed to, but we keep your real abilities hidden. Let them think you're just a talented Nature Mage. Nothing more."
"I can do that."
"Good. Because if they find out what you really are…"
Torrhen didn't finish, but Aren understood.
If the Classification Bureau discovered he was an Ancient Shaman with an SSS-rank class that could bypass System rules, they'd either try to control him or kill him.
Maybe both.
…
Day 21 of Training - One Week Before Departure
Aren sat in the Spirit Grove, surrounded by his three contracted spirits and dozens of others who'd come to watch.
Over the past three weeks, his reputation among spirits had grown. Word spread that a shaman had returned. The first in five hundred years.
Spirits came from all over to see him. Some offered contracts. Others just wanted to talk, to be heard, to feel seen again.
"You've grown strong, young shaman," the old earth spirit said. The same one who'd warned him about the Fading World weeks ago.
"Level 10. Three contracts. Not bad for three weeks."
"It's a start," Aren admitted. "But I need to be stronger. The capital will have people at Level 50, 60, even higher."
"Strength isn't just levels," the earth spirit rumbled. "It's wisdom. Understanding. The bonds you forge."
Zephyra landed beside Aren. "He's right. You've learned quickly, but there's still much you don't understand about being a shaman."
"Like what?"
"Like the old rituals. The sacred techniques. The way to commune with the World Soul itself."
"The World Soul?"
"The spirit of the planet," Zephyra explained. "The source of all spiritual energy. Ancient Shamans could speak directly to it. Ask for guidance. Request aid. But that knowledge was lost when the last shamans died."
Aren felt a chill. "So how do I learn it?"
"You don't. Not quickly, anyway. It takes years of meditation, practice, understanding. You have one week."
One week. Then everything would change.
"I have something for you," the earth spirit said. It rolled forward and opened, revealing a small glowing stone. "My core fragment. Take it."
[ITEM OFFERED: ANCIENT EARTH CORE FRAGMENT]
Rarity: Rare
Effect: Can be used to create a Totem or enchant equipment. Contains ancient earth spirit essence.
"I can't take your core," Aren protested. "Won't that hurt you?"
"I am old. Very old. I have excess energy I no longer need. This fragment will help you more than it helps me. Consider it an investment in the future."
Aren carefully took the glowing stone. It was warm and heavy, pulsing with power.
"Thank you."
"Use it well, shaman. The capital will test you. Be ready."
Other spirits came forward, offering small gifts. A water spirit gave him purified water that could cure any poison. A plant spirit gave him seeds that would grow anywhere, even in dead soil. A small light spirit gave him a blessing that would let him see in absolute darkness.
[ITEMS RECEIVED]:
- Ancient Earth Core Fragment
- Purified Spirit Water x3
- Eternal Seeds x5
- Blessing of True Sight
By the time the sun set, Aren had a small collection of spirit gifts. Nothing powerful on its own, but each one useful in the right situation.
"The spirits believe in you," Zephyra said as they walked home. "Don't let them down."
"I'll try."
"Don't try. Do."
Aren smiled. "Yes, Master Zephyra."
She ruffled her feathers in amusement.
Back home, Aren found his mother packing supplies for the journey. Dried meat, bread, water skins, medical supplies.
"One more week," she said quietly. "Then my baby goes to the capital."
"I'll be fine, Mom. Torrhen's coming with me."
"I know. But a mother worries." She turned to face him. "Aren, I know something's different about you. About your class. I don't understand it, but I see it in the way people look at you. The way things happen around you."
Aren's heart jumped. "Mom—"
"I don't need to know the details. I just need you to promise me you'll be careful. That you won't throw your life away for power or glory."
"I promise."
She hugged him tight. "That's all I ask."
…
Day 21 of Training - Night
Aren lay in bed, unable to sleep.
One week left. Seven days until they left for the capital.
He pulled up his final status before the journey.
[STATUS - AREN VALEWOOD]
Class: Ancient Shaman (Displayed as: Nature Mage)
Level: 10
HP: 220/220
MP: 290/290
STATS:
∙ STR: 11
∙ VIT: 29
∙ AGI: 18
∙ INT: 42
∙ WIS: 38
∙ LCK: 7
∙ SPI: 85
SKILLS:
∙ Spirit Sight (Passive) Lv4
∙ Spirit Speech (Active) Lv4
∙ Minor Offering (Active) Lv5
∙ Spiritual Sense (Passive) Lv4
∙ Gust (Active) Lv7
∙ Feather Fall (Active) Lv3
∙ Whisper Carry (Active) Lv2
∙ Purification (Basic) Lv3
∙ Gentle Breeze (Passive) Lv2
∙ Scout Wind (Active) Lv3
∙ Fresh Air (Active) Lv2
∙ Ember Shot (Active) Lv4
∙ Flame Aura (Passive) Lv2
∙ Campfire Companion (Active) Lv1
∙ Spirit Fusion (Ultimate) Lv1
SPIRIT CONTRACTS:
∙ Zephyra (Wind Spirit, Intermediate) - Bond: 82%
∙ Breeze (Wind Spirit, Lesser) - Bond: 68%
∙ Spark (Fire Spirit, Lesser) - Bond: 65%
COMPLETED ACHIEVEMENTS:
∙ First Contract
∙ First Dungeon Clear
∙ Reach Level 10
∙ Form Spirit Circle (3+ contracts)
ACTIVE QUESTS:
∙ Report to Capital (7 days remaining)
∙ The Fading World (No time limit)
REPUTATION:
∙ Thornhaven Village: Respected but Feared (+30 Respect, +40 Fear, +50 Suspicion)
∙ Spirits of the Region: Revered (+85)
∙ Dungeons Cleared: 15 total
Level 10. Fifteen dungeon clears. Three spirits. Dozens of new skills.
In three weeks, he'd gone from a dying boy in bed to a functional adventurer.
But was it enough?
The capital had thousands of adventurers. The Classification Bureau had experts at every level. The Systematists were hunting Ancient-class holders. And somewhere out there, that man in dark clothes was watching.
One week to prepare for everything.
One week before his second life truly began.
Aren closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
Tomorrow would be another day of training.
And in seven days, everything would change.