Chapter 7: Into the Verdant Wilds
One month passed.
The relentless mornings with Instructor Vale had hardened Kai's body and sharpened his instincts. Each dawn was a crucible, and each day, he emerged stronger—physically, mentally, spiritually.
Now, standing in the inner courtyard as cadets gathered for their first official field mission, Kai's status panel reflected the fruits of his training.
⸻
🟦 Status Panel – Kai
• Rank: Martial Expert (Low)
• Strength: 88
• Speed: 85
• Endurance: 91
• Intelligence: 93
• Perception: 89
• Willpower: 102
• Ki: 160
• Punching Force: ~4,800 kg
⸻
Despite the immense jump from Martial Novice to Martial Expert, Kai still kept a low profile. Most believed him to be merely competent—disciplined, but unremarkable. That illusion had kept unnecessary eyes off him… so far.
Beside him, Ren adjusted the straps of his travel gear. The two had grown closer during the past weeks, sharpening one another through evening drills and whispered strategy debates. Though still talkative and headstrong, Ren had refined his raw energy into something more dangerous.
He glanced at Kai. "You ready? They're saying we might run into a boneback or worse."
Kai gave a slight nod. "Just don't run off this time."
Ren grinned sheepishly. "Hey, that was one time."
Ren's panel hovered beside him, visible only to Kai:
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🟦 Status Panel – Ren
• Rank: Martial Novice (peak)
• Strength: 41
• Speed: 43
• Endurance: 44
• Intelligence: 30
• Perception: 34
• Willpower: 38
• Ki: 52
⸻
He was on the verge of becoming a Martial Soldier, and it showed in his confidence and movement.
Across the courtyard, Instructor Vale stood like a pillar of steel, addressing the assembled cadets.
"Today, you enter the Verdant Wilds—a monster zone classified Tier I-B. You are not being sent to conquer it. You are being sent to learn."
She scanned the group.
"Within the wilds, you'll encounter creatures driven by instinct, mutated by ki exposure:
— Ironspike boars
— Verdant striders
— Boneback apes
— And if you're exceptionally unlucky… a juvenile briar wyrm."
A murmur of tension rippled through the students.
"These creatures will not wait for you to prepare. They will not slow for your weakness. They will kill you if given the chance."
Vale's gaze hardened.
"You move in teams. Fail to cooperate, and you die. Abandon your team, and I will personally see to your removal."
She raised one finger.
"Your mission is simple: collect five monster cores per cadet and return within three days. Survival is not guaranteed. Strength is not enough."
Her eyes met Kai's for a moment.
"Judgment is everything."
She stepped back, and the system chimed in their ears.
🟦 [Mission Assigned: Verdant Wilds – Cadet Hunt]
Objective: Retrieve 5 Monster Cores
Time Limit: 72 Hours
Reward: Random Stt Points, Bonus Training Credits
Failure Penalty: Mandatory disciplinary combat review
Kai's breath steadied.
This would be the first time he fought true monsters outside controlled training.
He turned to Ren. "Stay close. Don't pick fights unless we have position."
Ren gave a mock salute. "Yes, strategist general."
They shouldered their packs and followed the rest of the cadets toward the forest gate, where the air shimmered with ambient ki—the edge of the Verdant Wilds.
And as they crossed the boundary, something primal stirred in Kai's chest.
This wasn't just a test.
This was the beginning of war.