Early morning in Millhaven was shrouded in thin mist. The sun crept behind wooden rooftops, spreading soft golden light. Fresh air pierced his lungs, but for Adam, the freshness felt mixed with the weight of his thoughts.
He sat on the edge of his simple wooden bed, staring at the copper coins on the table. Not many. What remained from yesterday's hunt, after deducting food and small necessities, was just a handful.
These coins need to be enough to buy new equipment. If not, I won't be able to survive longer in the forest.
Adam stood, straightening his shabby clothes, then took the coin pouch. He left the small house, stepping onto the stone road that slowly bustled with morning activity. Children ran laughing, carrying small baskets to buy bread. Merchants shouted offering their wares. And of course, whispered gossip could be heard again as Adam passed by.
"There he is... the Jobless." "Yesterday I saw him selling giant rats." "Impossible he hunted alone. Someone must be helping him." "Or he's stealing."
Adam lowered his head slightly, not quickening his pace, not stopping either. His face remained flat, as if those whispers never touched his ears.
He knew more and more people were paying attention to him. Gossip that used to be whispered was now becoming open conversation. But he also knew: the only way was to keep walking forward.
The morning market was already bustling when Adam arrived. Rows of stalls lined up with various merchandise. The smell of salted fish mixed with the aroma of baked bread and dried spices.
Adam stopped in front of a simple weapon stall. Knives, daggers, and cheap swords were arranged on a wooden table. The merchant, a bald man with muscular hands, was sharpening a short sword.
Adam pointed to a small steel knife with a wooden handle. "How much?"
The merchant stared at Adam for a long time, as if weighing something. Finally he answered briefly. "Ten copper."
Adam reached into his pouch and placed the coins on the table. "I'll take this one."
The merchant handed over the knife somewhat reluctantly. "If not for the money, I'd hate selling to Jobless. People say you only bring bad luck."
Adam didn't answer. He just nodded slightly and took the knife, checking its sharpness. Cheap steel, but better than the kitchen knife he'd been using.
This world had a fairly stable pricing system. Cheap steel knives like the one Adam bought were usually priced at 10 copper, enough for the daily needs of farmers or small hunters. Medium-quality short swords could reach 50 copper. Steel swords made by renowned blacksmiths could cost 2-3 silver, a price impossible for Adam right now.
Other small tools also had their respective values. Regular wheat bread: 5 copper. Thin smoked meat: 20 copper per piece. Basic herbal medicine: 15 copper per small bottle. All these prices made Adam realize his pouch of copper coins wouldn't last long if he only focused on buying food.
That's why I need to invest in equipment. With the right tools, I can hunt more, get more materials, and earn more coins. Money needs to circulate.
Adam stepped to the next stall, where a middle-aged woman sold cloth bags, rope, and other small items.
"This herb pouch, how much?" Adam asked, pointing to a small cloth bag with simple ties.
"Five copper," the woman answered without hesitation. But when her eyes recognized Adam's face, her smile faded slightly. "You're... that Jobless, aren't you?"
Adam didn't deny it. He just placed five copper on the table. "I'll take one."
The woman sighed softly, took his money, then handed over the bag. "Don't let this bag be used for anything bad, okay. People are already suspicious enough of you."
Adam attached the bag to his waist. "I'm only using it for herbs."
The woman didn't answer again, just shifted her gaze to other customers.
Adam's steps continued to the last stall. A young man was selling rope coils made from dried fiber.
"This simple rope, what's the price?"
"Three copper. Strong enough to tie light loads, but don't expect it to hold large animals," the young man explained.
Adam paid without much talk. He immediately wrapped the rope around his waist.
Now in his hands he had a cheap steel knife, an herb pouch, and a length of rope. Simple equipment, but enough to help him survive in the forest.
Adam stepped out of the market, his coin pouch much lighter than before. He stopped in a quiet alley, then counted his remaining money.
From around 50 copper, only 32 remained.
Enough to eat for several days. But from now on, every copper must be used carefully. If not, I'll go back to sleeping hungry.
He stared at the knife in his hand. The glint of cheap steel reflected the dim morning light.
Cheap goods, but better than having nothing at all. With this, I can step deeper into the forest. With this, I can seek more EXP.
Adam slipped the knife into a simple leather sheath, then straightened his back.
"Enough. Now it's time to return to the forest," he murmured quietly.
He knew the gossip wouldn't stop. He knew people would keep looking down on him. But he also knew: as long as he kept moving forward, gossip would never stop his steps.
With new resolve, Adam left the market. The stone road under his feet felt heavy, but his steps were firm. A new day was waiting, and in the forest, new trials were ready to confront him.
Adam's steps traced the path leading to the eastern forest. Morning dew still clung to the leaves, and sunlight penetrating through tree gaps formed thin lines of light.
The bustling sounds of the market were now far behind. What remained were only bird songs, wind whispers, and the scent of damp earth.
Adam took a deep breath. This is where gossip means nothing. Just me, my sword, and the creatures I must kill.
He gripped the cheap steel knife he'd bought that morning. Its handle was simple, but felt steady in his hand. The knife might not last long if used against large monsters, but for a start, this was enough.
The forest grew deeper, darker. Adam stopped occasionally to listen to surrounding sounds. He learned from previous days that silence was often more deadly than screaming.
In the distance, the sound of breaking branches made him turn quickly. From behind bushes emerged a small figure with green skin. Its body was thin, eyes round and yellowish, and in its hand was a crude wooden club.
"Young Goblin," Adam muttered quietly.
The monster snorted softly, its teeth yellow and pointed. Without hesitation, it growled then ran toward Adam.
Adam immediately stepped back two paces, raising his knife. This is different from Slimes or Giant Rats. Goblins can think. They know when to attack and when to deceive.
The first attack came quickly. The wooden club swung toward Adam's head. He ducked, letting the attack's wind pass by, then thrust his knife to the side. But the Goblin was agile, jumping back before the knife touched its skin.
Adam grimaced. Just as I thought. This is an enemy that knows how to defend.
Suddenly, the world seemed to shift.
Faint flashes appeared in Adam's mind. He saw a man with disheveled black hair, standing in the middle of a circle of bandits. Shiro Enzo. The man's hand held a rusty sword, his eyes sharp.
"Don't fight strength with strength. Fight with your head, not your muscles," Shiro's voice echoed in his mind.
Adam jolted slightly. Synchronization again...
His body responded in ways he wasn't fully aware of. His steps became lighter, his eyes more alert to the Goblin's small movements.
The Goblin advanced again, this time thrusting its club toward his stomach. Adam didn't parry. He shifted to the side, then quickly thrust his knife into the Goblin's arm. Green blood spurted, the creature screamed loudly.
Adam stepped back one pace, not rushing. The Goblin swung its club again, but this time Adam already knew its rhythm. He ducked, stabbed at its leg, then finished with a thrust to the chest.
The Goblin fell sprawled, its eyes staring blankly.
[Young Goblin defeated!] [EXP +15]
Adam stood panting, but his face remained calm. So that's it... I felt Shiro's instincts guiding me. Without that, I might have lost just now.
He stared at the knife in his hand. Green blood dripped from its blade.
This knife might be cheap, but as long as I know how to use it, it's enough to fight creatures like this.
He crouched, examining the Goblin's body. From the shabby leather belt at the creature's waist, he found a tarnished copper coin. Three copper. Not much, but decent.
Adam pocketed it. Then he took a deep breath, feeling his own body. There was a strange feeling - like his body was more responsive, his eyes sharper. Synchronization with Shiro felt slightly stronger than yesterday.
If the synchronization percentage keeps rising, it's not just instincts I'll gain... maybe techniques too. That means I need to fight more difficult enemies, so the bond grows stronger.
Adam's steps continued, more careful but also more confident. The forest ahead looked denser, the sounds of wild animals echoing faintly.
He knew this was just the beginning. But for the first time since the Moon Ritual, he felt something that had been lost: hope.
Adam's steps continued taking him through the increasingly dark forest. Trees grew denser, and the sounds of small birds gave way to the faint thuds of large animal footsteps. The air was humid, mixed with the smell of wet earth and wild fur.
He stopped, crouched, then felt the ground. Claw marks. Four long lines pressed into the soft earth. Forest Wolf.
Adam sighed quietly. Not an opponent to underestimate. But if I can defeat it, the EXP I get will surely be bigger than from a Goblin.
He patted the rope hanging at his waist. Time to use this.
The sound of low growling came from behind bushes. A gray shadow leaped out, its eyes glowing red. Forest Wolf. Its size was twice Adam's body, fur matted, white teeth gleaming menacingly.
Adam stepped back two paces, knife ready in hand. But this time he didn't attack immediately. He waited.
The wolf circled Adam, its growl low, teeth bared.
Faint flashes appeared again in Adam's mind. Shiro Enzo, standing in the middle of a dark forest with a simple rope trap. A faint voice echoed: "Sometimes, the best weapon isn't a sword, but a trap. Let the enemy attack itself."
Adam nodded slowly. Alright, Shiro. I understand.
With quick movements, Adam threw the rope over a low branch and tied a loose knot on the ground. He pretended to wobble, giving the wolf an opening to attack.
The wolf pounced with terrifying speed. Adam ducked, rolled to the side, and in an instant the wolf's leg was caught in the rope knot. Its large body jerked, lost balance, then fell crashing to the hard ground.
Adam didn't waste the opportunity. He jumped forward, thrusting his knife into the side of the wolf's neck. A piercing scream filled the air, then faded to short groans before silence.
[Forest Wolf defeated!] [EXP +30] [Skill: Basic Swordsmanship rises to Lv.3] [Skill: Survival Instinct rises to Lv.2 becomes more sensitive]
Adam panted, sitting on the ground, sweat dampening his forehead. But his smile was thin. Success.
The cheap steel knife in his hand was covered in blood. But he knew, more than that knife, his brain had saved him. And Shiro's instincts had guided his steps.
Adam cleaned the knife with makeshift cloth, then cut the wolf's teeth as proof. He didn't carry the whole body - too big, too conspicuous. Only some materials he could sell at the market later. He left the rest.
The sun was already tilting west when Adam left the forest. His steps were steady despite his tired body.
Dusk greeted Millhaven with soft orange light when Adam arrived home. He placed the coin pouch and wolf teeth on the table. The total haul wasn't much, but far more valuable than yesterday's.
Adam sat, staring at the faint panel only he could see.
[Status Window]
Name: Adam Luck
Level: 5
HP: 160
MP: 80
STR: 10
VIT: 9
DEX: 9
INT: 5
WIS: 5
LUK: 5
Skills:
– Basic Swordsmanship (Lv.3)
– Survival Instinct (Lv.2)
– Foraging (Lv.3)
Cheat: "Chronicle Sync" - Active Inheritance: Shiro Enzo - The Lone Wanderer (20%)
Equipment:
– Cheap Steel Knife
– Simple Rope
– Herb Pouch
– 32 Copper Coins
He sighed. These stats might look small compared to kids with official Jobs. But every step is my own achievement. And synchronization... grows stronger.
He leaned back in the wooden chair, closing his eyes briefly. If synchronization reaches 50%, what will happen? Will I only get instincts, or also Shiro Enzo's full techniques?
A thin smile appeared on his face.
"It's okay," he murmured quietly. "Gossip can destroy reputation. But hard work cannot be extinguished. As long as I keep moving, I'll become stronger."
Night came, bringing cold wind through window gaps. Adam lay down, staring at the dark ceiling. His thoughts were filled with images of the forest, wolf sounds, and Shiro's faint whispers.
He closed his eyes with new determination. Tomorrow, the next step awaited.