Morning arrived with a soft haze over the city streets.
Jihoon adjusted the V-Lens straps on his temples and flexed his fingers, feeling the familiar hum of the device.
The world around him looked ordinary—cars, storefronts, pedestrians—but through the Lens, faint glows and icons marked spawn zones and potential targets.
He opened his player board.
[Player: Kim_Jihoon]
[Level 5, EXP: 240/250, HP: 100%, Stamina: 87%]
Inventory: Basic Sword, Slime Core, Slime Gel.
Notes from last night hovered in his mind: conserve stamina, observe monster patterns, focus on efficiency. Today was about putting theory into practice.
***
Jihoon walked to a quiet district known for low-level AR spawns.
The streets were largely empty, but blue markers flickered along the pavement—Slimes, Goblins, and other small mobs waiting to be hunted.
The first target appeared: a Rubble Slime, wobbling clumsily between parked cars.
Jihoon crouched slightly, studying its movement. Beginners around him swung recklessly, some missing entirely, while a duo team coordinated neatly a few streets over.
He stepped forward, keeping his movements measured.
The Slime bounced toward him.
Jihoon struck, aiming for the faint glow in its center. The attack registered: -7 HP.
The Slime retaliated with a small spit, grazing his shoulder. Physical, though harmless.
Jihoon rolled backward, conserving stamina. Another swing, precise, and the Slime dissolved into droplets of glowing liquid. Loot appeared: Slime Gel x1, Slime Core x1.
He crouched to collect the items, heart racing—not from fear, but from focus. Each movement required thought, timing, and energy.
He paused briefly, watching nearby players.
Beginners clashed blindly, their attacks wild. The duo he had noticed earlier moved with coordination—striking, dodging, retreating, almost like a dance. Efficiency was clear.
Jihoon noted the difference in approach.
Patience and observation mattered as much as speed. He adjusted his grip on the sword, running through small sequences in his mind. Swing—pause—observe—strike again.
Opening the Exchange briefly, he saw that Slime Cores were worth ₩2,500.
Gel could be used for crafting or potions. A small economy existed alongside combat—planning loot and strategy mattered.
***
By mid-morning, Jihoon found a quiet bench near an empty playground.
Sweat dampened his shirt, but he felt alert. He ate a small snack and checked his stats: HP intact, stamina slowly recovering.
He ran mental notes:
Combo efficiency slightly off.
Stamina usage acceptable, but frequent rest needed.
Loot handling efficient.
The streets were alive with other players.
Some beginners, some more experienced. Everyone seemed absorbed in their game.
***
After a short break, Jihoon moved toward a tougher spawn zone.
Buildings towered higher, streets narrower. The Lens indicated a Mini-Boss spawn: a large AR Wolf, its fur bristling with faint blue energy, fangs glinting.
He crouched, studying the creature's steps and posture. A weak point glimmered subtly at its chest. Jihoon approached cautiously.
The Wolf lunged. Jihoon sidestepped, striking once at the chest. Damage registered: -15 HP. Stamina dropped to 62%.
The Wolf swiped, grazing his shoulder. He staggered slightly but corrected his stance, swinging again with controlled precision.
Minute after minute, he adapted to the creature's rhythm—dodging, striking, repositioning. Finally, after a carefully timed combination, the Wolf collapsed.
Loot appeared: Wolf Fang x2, Wolf Pelt x1, Small XP boost. Jihoon collected them, chest heaving. The hunt had been demanding, but every movement had taught him something.
Pausing, he observed two players clearing the spawn nearby. Their movements were fast, attacks synchronized.
Efficiency was impressive, but mistakes were punished: one misstep and they barely recovered before the next monster attacked.
Jihoon reflected quietly. Progress was different for everyone. Quick kills didn't guarantee understanding. Taking time to observe, to plan, to practice sequences—it was just as important as raw speed.
He returned to a familiar patch of Slimes to practice his sequences. Step forward, slash, step back. Monitor stamina, monitor HP. Each attack refined his movements. Each dodge sharpened his reflexes.
Minutes passed. Sweat ran down his temples, his arm burned faintly, but progress was tangible. Experience points ticked up steadily, minor but satisfying.
He noted a few lessons:
Weak points needed targeting every time, not just instinctively.
Pauses between attacks conserved stamina effectively.
Using the environment for cover and positioning helped avoid unnecessary hits.
By late afternoon, Jihoon moved deeper into the spawn area. He encountered multiple mobs together—a trio of mid-level AR Wolves. Careful observation paid off: he targeted one at a time, isolating them with precision.
Sweat soaked his shirt, arms heavy, legs stiff from movement. Each fight drained stamina and tested focus. Loot stacked in his inventory, small but valuable: pelts, fangs, minor XP boosts.
He paused at a corner, catching his breath. The sun was dipping low, shadows stretching across the streets. Players began returning home or moving toward safer zones.
***
Back at his apartment, Jihoon set the Lens aside. Nari was already asleep, the soft rise and fall of her breathing drifting from her room. He didn't disturb her.
He opened his laptop, bringing up AR forums, videos, and guides. Pages outlined progression strategies, monster behavior, and crafting tips. Videos detailed how to chain attacks efficiently, how to read stamina bars, and how to plan multi-monster encounters.
Jihoon took notes, bookmarking crucial guides:
Efficient leveling routes for Levels 6–10.
Gear prioritization for low-to-mid mobs.
Potion usage and stamina recovery techniques.
Observational tactics for learning monster patterns.
Hours passed unnoticed. The AR world was deeper than he expected, more intricate and layered.
Finally, he leaned back, letting out a long breath. His muscles ached pleasantly, his mind alert. The first day of serious hunting was over.
Jihoon smiled faintly. The grind had begun.
Tomorrow, he would return. Explore more. Fight smarter. Progress further.
And though the streets seemed quiet and normal to the city outside, through the Lens, the battlefield awaited.