A translucent blue screen unfolded in front of Garrick, displaying his status.
[Name: Garrick]
[Strength: 11 | Intelligence: 7 | Endurance: 9 | Agility: 6 | Magic: 0]
[Affection: 20%]
Kyle raised an eyebrow. `This is my first time seeing a stat break past ten.`
He shifted his gaze to Luna and summoned her status screen as well.
[Name: Luna]
[Strength: 7 | Intelligence: 8 | Endurance: 8 | Agility: 10 | Magic: 0]
[Affection: 22%]
`Everyone I've checked so far has zero magic stats,` Kyle noted, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
`But that's not what matters right now...` His lips curved into a smirk. `Their intelligence is lower than mine and their affection is already decent.`
That single fact pleased him far more than the numbers themselves.
`This means my skill will work far more efficiently on them.`
Kyle dismissed both status screens, exchanged a few final words with Garrick and Luna, then left the village.
However, instead of heading toward the mayor's residence, he turned in the opposite direction—toward the forest.
He had already put on his hunting clothes before leaving earlier that day. Buying a dagger had only been part of his plan.
`I finally have a weapon,` he thought calmly. `And I won't have to worry about getting lost, animals are excellent guides.`
"It's time to raise my stats!"
---
The moment Kyle stepped beyond the forest's edge, his pace slowed.
He moved carefully, scanning his surroundings while keeping a close eye on every movement between the trees.
`First step, find something weak.` he reminded himself calmly.
He moved deeper into the forest, footsteps light, careful not to disturb the undergrowth. Minutes passed as he searched, eyes sharp and focused—until he finally spotted his target.
Near a thick tree, a lone rabbit sat quietly, nibbling at grass.
It was small, weak and most importantly—It hadn't noticed Kyle yet.
A faint smile tugged at Kyle's lips.
He adjusted his approach, closing the distance slowly, using bushes and tree trunks as cover. When he was close enough, he stopped.
Kyle's eyes flared crimson as he activated his skill, [Mind Control].
`Don't move.`
The order sank straight into the rabbit's mind, freezing its body before it could even react.
Kyle stepped out from the bushes, crouching slightly as he observed it. The rabbit's eyes were wide, empty—its will completely overridden.
"Good," Kyle muttered. "Guide me to the nearest wild boar territory."
The order took hold.
The rabbit turned and began hopping in a specific direction, moving with unnatural obedience. Kyle followed behind, alert, his hand resting near his dagger as he watched the forest around them.
`I'd rather not get surprised by a charging boar,` he chuckled inwardly. `It's like they've got a crush on me or something, always charging the moment I enter the forest.`
After several minutes, the rabbit suddenly stopped.
At first glance, the area looked no different from the rest of the forest—but Kyle immediately noticed the details that mattered.
Deep scratches carved into tree bark. Broken branches scattered across the ground. Earth churned up by heavy hooves.
`A wild boar is nearby.`
Kyle slowed even further, every sense sharpening as he searched the area carefully.
It didn't take long.
Near a massive tree, a hulking wild boar lay resting, its heavy body rising and falling with each breath.
Kyle stepped out into the open, walking confidently toward the boar. No hesitation, no fear.
The boar noticed him instantly. Its eyes locked onto Kyle, then charged.
Kyle remained still, calmly calculating the rapidly shrinking distance.
`Now!`
His eyes flared crimson once more as he said quietly. "Stop."
The boar trembled violently. Its hooves dug deep into the soil as it fought against its own momentum, dirt flying as it struggled.
Then—stillness.
It stopped just a few steps away from Kyle.
Kyle approached calmly, inspecting it briefly before riding it. Then his eyes shifted to the rabbit he had tamed earlier. "You're free to go."
The rabbit snapped back to its senses and bolted away quickly.
Kyle no longer needed the little rabbit—he now had a boar the size of a compact car to guide him.
Kyle turned back to the boar and gave his next command.
"Take me to another wild boar."
---
The process repeated, over and over. Each time, Kyle honed his timing, tightening his control.
By sunset, seven wild boars stood obediently before him at the forest's edge.
Kyle crossed his arms, a smirk on his face. `Time to test something.`
He looked at the first boar. "Kill the second one."
Then, calmly, to the second. "Do not resist."
The first boar lunged at the second. A thunderous crash echoed through the forest as blood sprayed and the second boar collapsed, its skull crushed.
A screen appeared instantly.
[You have slain a Wild Boar]
[Unused Stat Points: +2 | Shop Points: +20]
Kyle smiled. "So it works."
`If controlled creatures kill for me, I still get points.` His mind raced.
`Humans won't work. I'm sure of that,` he narrowed his eyes. `But monsters... that requires testing.`
After a moment, he sighed and drew his dagger.
"Remain still."
One by one, he killed the remaining boars cleanly.
`I can let them kill each other, but that would cause a commotion. Also, their tusks would get damaged.`
Finally, only one boar remained.
Kyle ended it swiftly... But, nothing happened. The system screen did not appear to confirm the kill.
"...What?"
A moment later, a new screen appeared. As if answering his questions.
[As you grow stronger, weaker beings will no longer grant points.]
Kyle frowned. "Damn system."
Annoyed, he began harvesting the boars' tusks, muttering curses under his breath.
After he finished, Kyle emerged from the forest, a heavy bag of tusks slung over his shoulder.
Night had fully fallen. He paused for a moment, glancing back at the dark treeline, smirking faintly.
"Not bad for a start."
He turned and walked away, whistling as the bag swung with each step.