The night was calm… the moon lit up the forest, and the air carried the scent of old blood.
For a whole year, I had been running from that beast. Tonight… there was no turning back.
I gripped my sword tightly and muttered to myself:
"Tonight, I won't run. It's either me… or him."
The wolf emerged from the trees—larger than ever.
Its fur was black as the void, and its crimson eyes burned in the dark.
It growled ferociously, then lunged straight at me.
I swung my sword with all my might:
"Vertical Slash!"
The blade cut through the air and bit deep into its shoulder. Blood poured out, but the beast didn't fall.
It leapt above me, fangs glinting.
I rolled under its body and stabbed my dagger into its belly.
The wolf howled in pain, but its massive frame slammed into me, knocking me down.
Gasping for breath, I forced myself up.
"No more running!" I shouted.
I charged forward with everything I had.
Kicking its hind leg to break its stance, I gripped the sword with both hands and roared:
"Haaah!"
The blade pierced straight into its chest.
The beast thrashed, growling weakly… then its glowing eyes dimmed, and its massive body collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
I stood there, panting, sweat dripping down my face.
Looking at the corpse, I smiled bitterly.
"A whole year of fear… finally over."
I sat beside the fallen wolf for a while, whispering:
"Now… it's time for the next step."
The next morning, I sat on the beach, staring at the horizon.
Suddenly, something flickered far away.
A ship… its sails slightly torn, its wood weathered, yet still braving the waves.
I immediately knew it wasn't a powerful marine vessel, but a modest trade ship.
I jumped up, waving my arms, shouting with all my strength:
"Hey! Over here! I'm hereee!"
The wind carried my voice, and the ship slowly began to approach.
Then, out of nowhere, a glowing blue notification appeared before me:
> [Ding! You have defeated your first enemy. Congratulations! You've been rewarded with a Special Skill.]
My eyes widened in shock.
"A… special skill?!"
— End of Chapter 3 —