The next day at the guild, a new quest caught JP's eye:
Quest: Wolf Subjugation – Southern Forest EdgeRisk Level: Medium.Reward: 8 Silver + Bonus for pelts.
JP tapped it, thinking of the Pulse Stakes and his new skill. "This could work."
Lyra appeared at his side. "Wolves are dangerous. You're not ready."
JP chuckled. "Neither were you when you found me fumbling with a mana lamp."
Her lips tightened, but she said nothing more as they signed together.
That night, JP reviewed his Status Board by the campfire.
[Status Board]Name: JPLevel: 4HP: 110/110MP: 70/70Skills:
Appraisal (Lv.2)
Crafting Insight (Lv.1)
Mana Conductivity (Lv.1)
Basic Alchemy (Lv.1)Inventory:
Glow Pebbles × 3
Pulse Stakes × 2
Unstable Mana Crystal × 1
Horned Rabbit Horn × 1
Iron Ore (Small) × 2
He whispered to himself, "I'm not strong yet… but if I use my skills right, maybe I don't need to be."
From the shadows, Lyra sharpened her blade. The faint flicker of silver light in her eyes betrayed something he couldn't name—fear, or maybe recognition.
He doesn't fight like the others, she thought. He builds. And that makes him dangerous.