With the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the trees, Ethan felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. It had been months since he had arrived in Astralon, and under Lila's guidance, he had grown stronger and more confident. Now, it was time to venture out on his own, to test his limits and grow even more powerful.
"Are you sure about this?" Lila asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Ethan nodded, adjusting the straps of his backpack. "Yes. I need to prove to myself that I can handle this. Thank you for everything, Lila. I wouldn't have made it this far without you."
Lila smiled warmly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Remember, Ethan, strength isn't just about power. It's about heart and determination. Be safe, and trust in yourself."
With a final farewell, Ethan set off into the forest, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. The dense woods were alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. He moved with purpose, keeping his senses alert for any signs of danger.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, he encountered his first challenge—a pack of wild wolves. Drawing his sword, he felt the familiar rush of adrenaline as he engaged them in battle. The wolves were fierce, but Ethan's training had paid off. He moved with agility and precision, dispatching them one by one.
Ethan Cole's Current Status
:Name: Ethan Cole
Level: 8
Strength: 20
Agility: 20Intelligence: 20
Skills:
Hidden Buff: 9999x Exp
Tame (Any Mammals, Beastmen, Elves, and Demihumans)
Each victory brought a surge of experience, and Ethan felt his strength growing with every battle. He continued his journey, climbing rocky hills and navigating dense underbrush. The forest was teeming with life, and he encountered a variety of creatures, from giant spiders to hulking ogres. His Tame skill proved invaluable, allowing him to turn potential enemies into allies.
Days turned into weeks, and Ethan's confidence grew. One afternoon, as he was making his way through a mountainous region, he stumbled upon a disturbing scene. A wagon, heavily guarded, was parked in a clearing. Inside the wagon, behind iron bars, were several demihumans—cats, bunnies, and other beastmen. Their eyes were filled with despair, their bodies marked by bruises and chains.
As Ethan approached, a system message appeared before his eyes:
"Quest 1: Save The Slaves. Reward: Farming Skills"
His heart pounded with a mix of anger and determination. He couldn't stand by and do nothing. He would save these people, no matter the cost.
Drawing his sword, Ethan approached the guards. "Release them," he commanded, his voice steady.
The guards laughed, brandishing their weapons. "Get lost, kid. This doesn't concern you."
Ethan's eyes blazed with resolve. "I said, release them."
The battle was fierce but brief. Ethan's training and newfound strength gave him the upper hand. He moved with deadly precision, dispatching the guards one by one. The merchant, a greasy-looking man with a nervous twitch, watched in horror as his men fell.
"Have mercy on me, please!" the merchant begged, falling to his knees. "I... I'll give you money, or anything you want!"
Ethan's expression hardened. "No more innocent lives will suffer because of you." With a swift motion, he ended the merchant's life.
With the guards and merchant dealt with, Ethan approached the wagon. He quickly broke the lock and opened the cage. The demihumans inside looked at him with a mix of fear and hope.
"It's okay," Ethan said softly. "You're free now."
A system message appeared:
"Quest 1 Complete. Reward: Farming Skills"
Ethan felt a warm sensation as the new skill integrated into his abilities. He turned to the freed slaves, who were huddled together, unsure of what to do next.
"Do you have anywhere to go?" Ethan asked.
A young cat girl, her eyes wide with uncertainty, shook her head. "We have nowhere to go," she said, her voice trembling.
Ethan took a deep breath. "Alright, listen. I don't have a home either, but we can build one together. If you're willing to help me, we can create a place where we can all live in peace."
The demihumans looked at each other, then back at Ethan. Slowly, they nodded, hope rekindling in their eyes.
Ethan smiled. "Great. But there are a few conditions. First, I also have nowhere to go, so we'll need to work together. Second, let's build a house here in the forest. Third, you guys build the houses, and I'll make the farm and crops."
The demihumans agreed, and they set to work. Ethan used his new Farming Skills to prepare the land. As he hoed the ground, he felt an innate understanding of the soil and its needs. He could summon any farming tools with a thought, making the work much easier.
"Carrots," Ethan said, as he planted seeds into the freshly tilled soil. The ground seemed to respond to his words, and within moments, sprouts began to appear. He repeated the process with various crops—potatoes, corn, tomatoes—each one growing rapidly under his care.
Meanwhile, the demihumans worked tirelessly to build shelters. They used the surrounding resources, crafting sturdy wooden cabins that blended seamlessly with the forest environment. Despite their hardships, they worked with a sense of purpose and camaraderie that lifted everyone's spirits.
Days turned into weeks, and the small clearing in the forest transformed into a thriving settlement. Ethan's farm flourished, providing ample food for everyone. The demihumans' homes were cozy and well-built, offering safety and comfort.
One evening, as they gathered around a fire, the cat girl who had first spoken to Ethan approached him. "Thank you," she said softly. "You've given us a chance at a new life."
Ethan smiled, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. "We're in this together. We've all made this place our home."
As the fire crackled and the stars twinkled above, Ethan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had saved these people and built a new life for himself. But he knew there were still many challenges ahead. With his new allies by his side and his growing strength, he was ready to face whatever came next.
Ethan Cole's Current Status:Name: Ethan Cole
Level: 15
Strength: 50
Agility: 50
Intelligence: 50
Skills:
Hidden Buff: 9999x Exp
Tame (Any Mammals, Beastmen, Elves, and Demihumans)
Farming Skills
Ethan looked around at the faces of his new friends, feeling a warmth in his heart that he had never known before. He was no longer the weak, bullied boy from his old world. He was a hero, a leader, and a friend. And this was just the beginning of his incredible journey.