The world seemed to hold its breath as Orin Voss reached out, his hand trembling in the air before the glowing system window. The beast's roars and the chaos of the village suddenly faded into the background, replaced by the soft, insistent hum of possibilities.
[Choose Your Class:
- Warrior
- Mage
- Rogue
- ??? (Locked)]
Orin's mind raced, deliberating on which option was the best in this situation and he needed to make his decision fast.
Warrior meant strength, the power to protect his loved ones.
Mage promised knowledge and the ability to shape the world, controlling elemental forces.
Rogue whispered of speed and cunning, the art of survival.
And then there was the fourth option, shrouded in mystery, its letters flickering and unreadable but somewhat appealing. The unknown can be scary at times.
He glanced at Mira, who clung to his arm, her eyes wide with fear and hope. The beast was still out there, wounded but not defeated. The village needed a protector—someone who could stand between them and the monsters pouring from the rift.
He took a deep breath and focused on the first option. If it wasn't for the current crisis, Orin would have chosen the 'unknown' option due to his open mindedness and free spirit.
[Class Selected: Warrior]
A surge of energy rushed through him, hot and electric. The system window shifted, displaying new information.
[Name: Orin Voss]
[Level: 1]
[Class: Warrior]
[Skills:
- Power Strike (Active): Deliver a powerful blow, dealing extra damage.
- Endure (Passive): Increased resistance to physical damage.]
[Health: 10/10]
Orin gasped as strength flooded his limbs. The aches and bruises from the fight faded a bit and his fear was replaced by a sense of invincibility. He felt taller and stronger, as if the world itself had become lighter.
"Orin?" Asked Mira. Her voice low and uncertain.
He turned to her, a new confidence in his stance. "Stay behind me." He gently moved her to his back.
The beast's roar echoed through the square, it was closer now. Orin gripped the branch tighter, wishing for a real weapon. As if in answer, the system chimed again.
[Quest: Arm Yourself]
[Objective: Find a weapon]
[Reward: Skill Upgrade]
He scanned the chaos. The blacksmith's forge was nearby, its door hanging open. Orin sprinted across the square with all the strength he could muster, Mira followed closely behind but not as fast.
Inside, the heat of the dying forge pressed against his skin. Tools and weapons lay scattered—hammers, tongs, a half-finished sword. Thankfully, it already had a hilt attached to it.
He grabbed the sword, its blade still rough but serviceable. The weight felt right in his hand, as if it belonged to him.
[Quest Complete: Arm Yourself]
[Reward: Power Strike upgraded to Power Slash]
A new window appeared.
[Power Slash (Active): Deliver a sweeping attack, striking multiple enemies]
Orin grinned, adrenaline surging. He turned to Mira, who was staring at him with a mixture of awe and confusion.
"What's happening to you?" she whispered.
He hesitated. How could he explain the impossible? The windows only he could see, the voice in his head, the sudden strength? But there was no time for secrets.
"I don't know," he said honestly. "But I think I can fight it."
A crash outside signaled the beast's return. Orin stepped into the doorway, sword raised high above his head. The creature walked into view, its many eyes blazing with fury.
"Stay back!" Orin shouted at Mina then he stepped forward, planting his feet firmly on the ground.
The beast charged towards him. Suddenly, Orin's new instincts took over. He sidestepped the first swipe of the beast, then swung the sword in a wide arc and willed for his skill to be activated.
[Skill Activated: Power Slash]
The blade glowed faintly as it cut through the air, striking the beast's forelimb. Black blood sprayed, the monster howled in pain and stepped back. Orin pressed on with his attack, driving the creature back with a flurry of swings.
Each movement felt guided, as if invisible hands were shaping his actions. The system fed him information—weak points, timing, the flow of battle. He was no longer just Orin Voss, apprentice. He was a Warrior, not just any Warrior but a Warrior with a System.
The beast lashed out angrily, scratching Orin's shoulder. Pain flared from Orin's shoulder, but it felt distant, muffled by his passive Endure skill. Orin gritted his teeth and countered, slamming the sword into the creature's side.
The monster staggered, then collapsed with a final, shuddering groan. Silence fell over the square.
Orin stood over the fallen beast, his chest heaving. The system chimed again.
[Quest Complete: Defeat the Rift Beast]
[Reward: Level Up!]
[Level: 2]
[Stat Points Gained: 5]
[New Skill Unlocked: Battle Instinct (Passive): Enhanced awareness in combat.]
Mira rushed to his side excitedly , her eyes shining with relief. "You did it! Orin, you killed it!"
He nodded, still dazed. Around them, villagers began to emerge from hiding, their faces a mix of fear and wonder. Master Harlan limped into the square, leaning heavily on his cane.
"Orin," he called out, voice trembling. "How… how did you do that?"
Orin looked at the sword in his hand, then at the villagers gathering around him. He felt the weight of their stares, the burden of expectation.
"I… I don't know," he said, the truth heavy on his tongue. "But I think it's not over yet."
As if to confirm his fears, the rift in the sky pulsed, sending another wave of energy through the village. The system window flickered.
[Warning: Rift Instability Increasing. Stronger monsters may appear.]
Orin's heart sank. The first battle was won, but the war had just begun.
He turned to Mira, determination hardening his features. "We need to prepare. This was just the beginning."
She nodded, her fear replaced by resolve. "Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."
As the villagers gathered their wounded and the sky continued to bleed, Orin felt the weight of destiny settle on his shoulders. He was no longer just a bystander. He was the village's first and only Warrior—and their last hope.