Eric moved carefully through the bamboo forest, letting the world fill his senses. Sunlight flickered through tall stalks, birds called from above, and the rustle of small creatures echoed through the undergrowth. Every step felt alive. For the first time in years, he was walking freely, and the sensation thrilled him.
Suddenly, a piercing screech cut through the calm. A man ran frantically, pursued by a massive boar. Tusks lowered, hooves pounding the forest floor, the beast charged with terrifying speed.
Eric sprinted forward.
As the boar lunged, a red flash appeared in his mind:
[Wild Boar – Level 3 | HP: 50/50]
He swung his knife, but the boar twisted violently, grazing his arm. Pain flickered through him, and a notification appeared:
[You received minor damage: 3 HP]
Eric stumbled, adjusting with every move. Step by step, he began to match the boar's rhythm, dodging and striking in sequence. Each successful hit updated his mind:
[You dealt 5 damage | Boar HP: 45/50]
[You dealt 6 damage | Boar HP: 39/50]
The boar charged again, tusks swinging. Eric sidestepped, rolled, and stabbed precisely. Notifications followed:
[You dealt 7 damage | Boar HP: 32/50]
[You received minor damage: 4 HP]
Gradually, his movements became smoother. The timing of his dodges, the placement of his strikes, the way he rolled with the boar's momentum—it all fell into rhythm. His body, unfamiliar moments ago, now moved with growing confidence.
[You dealt 10 damage | Boar HP: 22/50]
[You dealt 11 damage | Boar HP: 11/50]
With one final thrust, the boar collapsed.
[You killed an ordinary creature: Wild Boar | Level Up]
The man he saved slowed to a stop, chest heaving. "I… I can't believe you—thank you!"
Eric lowered his knife. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," the man said. "I'm John. I was collecting herbs when that boar attacked me."
They walked together, talking for a while. Eric finally glanced down at his torn map. "Do you have a map? Mine got ruined."
John smiled and handed him a neatly folded parchment. "Here—this shows the forest paths and the surrounding area. It should help you reach the nearest city."
Eric took it carefully and tucked it into his pack. "Thanks."
John adjusted his satchel. "I'll continue collecting herbs. Stay safe out here."
Eric watched him disappear into the forest. With the map in hand and the path ahead stretching endlessly, a new chapter of his life had begun