Journey to the Town of Ozania
The forest beyond the treasure cave stretched endlessly. Ancient trees towered above, their twisted branches forming a thick canopy that blocked most sunlight. Arvin moved cautiously, every snap of twig or rustle of leaves setting him on alert. Though he had survived the cave, the forest was unpredictable.
By the time dusk fell, Arvin realized he could not reach the town before night. The shadows deepened, the cries of distant creatures echoing through the trees. He needed to camp.
He found a small clearing surrounded by dense trees and dry brush. Using flint and a few dry twigs he collected, he started a small fire. The flickering flames cast long, dancing shadows across the ground. He prepared a simple meal of dried bread and herbs he had gathered in the cave.
I need to survive this first, he thought as he chewed slowly, eyes scanning the dark edges of the forest. Every step counts. Every mistake could cost me… everything.
After eating, he leaned against a tree, closing his eyes for a moment. The wind rustled the leaves, and distant howls reminded him he was far from safety. Still, exhaustion claimed him, and he slept, wrapped in a thin cloak.
Day Two
The next morning, Arvin woke to the sound of birdsong and the soft glow of sunlight filtering through leaves. The forest was alive—squirrels chattered, insects buzzed, and the distant sound of a stream provided a small sense of comfort.
He packed his small bag, doused the fire, and continued through the forest. Every so often, he stopped to observe the terrain, look for edible plants, and mark the safest paths. By noon, hunger gnawed at him again, but he managed to eat a small portion of bread and sip water from a stream.
The day passed slowly, filled with cautious movement, observation, and occasional resting breaks. Arvin set a small trap for small game, not because he was starving, but to practice his survival skills.
As night approached, he found another safe clearing. This time, he prepared a slightly larger fire, carefully arranging stones to contain it. He cooked what little he had, using herbs to flavor the bread. The flames danced, reflecting in his eyes, and he felt a strange sense of peace.
I'm doing this on my own… he whispered. No family, no guidance, nothing but myself and my strength. I won't fail.
Once again, he slept under the stars, listening to the forest hum with life. He dreamed briefly of the cave, of treasures, of the system that had chosen him. If it weren't for that place, I'd be nothing…
Day Three: Arrival at the Town
On the third day, the forest thinned, and the smell of smoke and baked bread reached him. Soon, he spotted the town's cobblestone streets and small houses. Merchants called out from colorful stalls, children played in the streets, and families strolled with baskets of food.
Arvin paused, taking a moment to observe. So this is civilization…
As Arvin continued down the unfamiliar street, his pace slowed. Stone buildings lined the road, their walls worn smooth by time. Stalls were scattered along the sides—some lively, others quiet. One, in particular, caught his eye.
An old man stood beside a small wooden stall, not crafting anything, just quietly selling a handful of random equipment laid out on faded cloth. Dented swords, chipped daggers, cracked leather guards—nothing impressive, but nothing fake either. The man's posture was relaxed, like someone who had been here for years and had nowhere else to be.
Arvin hesitated.
He adjusted the strap of his bag, fingers tightening slightly, then stepped forward.
"Excuse me, sir," he said, keeping his voice polite but low. "Can you tell me where the Adventurer's Guild is?"
The old man paused what he was doing and looked up. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Arvin—not hostile, just observant. After a brief moment, he spoke.
"…You're not from around here, are you?"
Arvin blinked, caught off guard. For a second, he almost didn't answer. His throat tightened before he finally nodded.
""No, sir. Actually, I just got here. I came from Eldoria."
The name lingered in the air.
The old man hummed softly, as if connecting pieces together. "Eldoria, huh. That's quite a distance."
Arvin gave a small, awkward smile. "Uhm yeah… sort of."
The old man lifted his hand and pointed down the street. "Follow the main road east. You'll see it soon enough. Big stone building. Green banner. Hard to miss."
"I see," Arvin said. He bowed slightly, sincere. "Thank you very much, sir."
The old man waved him off casually and went back to arranging his wares.
Inside the Adventurer's Guild
The moment Arvin stepped into the Adventurer's Guild, the noise hit him.
Clanking armor, rough laughter, raised voices arguing over rewards—this place was alive. The air smelled of iron, parchment, sweat, and cooked meat drifting in from somewhere deeper inside.
And then—
The noise dipped.
Not silence, but attention.
Eyes turned.
Some curious.
Some amused.
Some openly skeptical.
"A kid…?"
"Did he get lost?"
"Whose brat is that?"
Whispers followed him as he walked forward, each step steady despite the stares. Arvin kept his expression calm, his hood slightly lowered, ignoring the murmurs. He had expected this.
He scanned the hall and quickly understood the layout.
To one side was a large request board covered in parchment—quests ranked by difficulty. Nearby, adventurers gathered in groups, boasting loudly about recent hunts.
Straight ahead were three women standing behind a long wooden counter.
One was counting coins.
Another was inspecting monster materials laid out on cloth—fangs, cores, dried slime residue.
The third was handing out small pouches of money to adventurers who looked tired but satisfied.
So this is where rewards are given.
Arvin walked forward, waiting patiently as a pair of adventurers finished turning in their quest and left laughing, coin pouches jingling at their belts.
When the counter finally cleared, Arvin stepped forward, his small frame barely reaching the counter's edge. The hall around him buzzed with activity—adventurers chatting, coins clinking, the faint scrape of boots across stone—but his attention was entirely on the woman in front of him.
She was chestnut-haired, bright-eyed, and moved with an ease that spoke of long experience in the guild. Yet as soon as her gaze landed on him, she froze.
Her eyes widened. "…Eh?"
She blinked once. Twice. The bustling sounds of the guild faded slightly in her awareness. A child. Standing calmly in front of the Adventurer's Guild reward counter. Not trembling, not crying, just… there.
For a long heartbeat, she simply stared, her hands paused mid-motion above the ledger. Then she leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice—not unkind, but clearly puzzled.
"Um… excuse me," she said carefully. "What are you doing in the Adventurer's Guild, little one?"
A few nearby adventurers, taking advantage of the distraction, paused in their own business. They pretended not to listen, but their attention was drawn immediately to the scene. Whispers rippled across the hall, a quiet undercurrent of curiosity and disbelief.
Arvin met her gaze without flinching. His hands rested lightly on the strap of his bag, posture calm despite the curious eyes around him. Inside, though, his heart was pounding—he felt the weight of every stare, every whispered comment. Focus. Stay calm. Just… act normal, he told himself. Don't let them see anything.
"I'm looking for an inn," he said simply, his voice quiet but steady. "Somewhere safe. How much for one night?"
A few raised eyebrows followed the statement, subtle but noticeable. Murmurs started to spread, quiet and incredulous, as some adventurers exchanged glances.
The woman blinked rapidly, recovering from her initial surprise. A faint smile crept onto her lips as curiosity replaced confusion. "…An inn?" she repeated, her tone gentle but cautious. "Will you be staying longer than one night?"
Arvin tilted his head slightly, thinking. "…Yes," he said after a brief pause. "Actually, I'm looking for something better. Several days. With meals, if possible."
She leaned back slightly, scrutinizing him now—not for his age, but for the way he carried himself. There was a steadiness in his voice, a clarity in his movements, a quiet confidence that did not belong to someone so young.
"I see…" she said slowly. "…For five days, it's one silver coin. Ten days is five silver coins. Breakfast included."
Arvin considered the options carefully, his small fingers fidgeting with the strap of his bag. "I'd prefer the safest option you have," he said softly. "Private room. Three meals a day."
Eva's eyes widened slightly as she explained, her tone a mix of amazement and quiet disbelief. "…That would be the upper-floor rooms. Guild-protected. Quiet. Secure. Meals included. Ten gold coins per month. Those rooms are usually reserved for the more experienced adventurers—or wealthy guild members. They're completely private, away from the common guests, with dedicated service from guild staff. You have full access to all facilities, and any trouble from other adventurers is strictly managed. It's considered the VIP section… the safest, most comfortable place here. And… well, not many people ever request it."
She paused, glancing around at a few adventurers who had overheard. "Ten gold coins… That's enough for an entire family to live comfortably for a whole month."
Arvin nodded calmly, reaching into his bag and carefully placing ten gold coins neatly on the counter.
Eva's eyes widened further, her voice quiet but tinged with disbelief. "Ten gold coins… for the upper-floor room? I… I didn't expect someone to pay this much right away. That's… impressive."
Arvin nodded calmly, reaching into his bag and carefully placing ten gold coins neatly on the counter.
"No way…"
"Ten gold coins…?"
"That's… a month's wages for a whole family!"
"Where did he even get that kind of money?"
"Even adults can't afford to have this much… this kid just placed ten gold coins without a second thought."
Then, after a brief pause, she spoke, curiosity softening her surprise. "Um… what's your name?"
Arvin blinked, then answered politely, "Arvin."
Her face brightened immediately. "Nice to meet you, Arvin. I'm Eva. I handle most beginner adventurers here—so if you ever need advice, feel free to ask."
Arvin inclined his head politely. "Thank you, Miss Eva."
She gestured toward the stairs. "Come on. I'll show you to your room."
Eva led Arvin along a quieter corridor and stopped in front of a sturdy wooden door. She opened it and gestured inside.
"This will be your room."
Arvin stepped in and looked around.
The room was larger than he expected. The space was simple but clean—stone walls, wooden beams, and modest furnishings arranged neatly. A large bed stood near the center, its clean sheets inviting. Near the window sat a wooden table and chair, and against the wall was a wardrobe and a small shelf for belongings.
Eva watched his expression. "It's not luxurious, but it's secure. The upper floors are monitored, and only guild members and staff can access this area."
Arvin nodded. "It's perfect."
She smiled faintly and stepped inside, closing the door partway behind her. "Meals are served downstairs in the guild hall. Breakfast is included, and you can request lunch and dinner anytime."
"I understand," Arvin said.
Eva hesitated, then looked at him more closely. "You're… traveling alone, aren't you?"
Arvin paused for a moment, then answered calmly. "Yes."
Her brows knit together. "You're young. If anything feels dangerous or overwhelming, you don't need to push yourself. You can always come to the guild for help."
Arvin met her gaze. "Thank you. I'll be careful."
She studied him for a second longer, as if trying to read something behind his eyes, then sighed softly. "Alright. Rest well tonight. Tomorrow… we can talk about your plans."
Eva turned toward the door, then stopped. "And Arvin?"
"Yes?"
"If you decide to register as an adventurer… come find me. I'll make sure you start safely."
Arvin gave a small nod. "I will."
Satisfied, Eva opened the door and left, closing it quietly behind her.
Silence filled the room.
As the sound of Eva's footsteps faded down the corridor, Arvin let out a quiet sigh, the tension in his shoulders loosening ever so slightly. The room felt… safe. For the first time in days, he could breathe without feeling the weight of being watched, judged, or dismissed.
He set his bag carefully on the wooden table and began unpacking, placing his belongings neatly on the shelf and in the wardrobe. Each small movement was methodical, almost ritualistic—organizing what little he had, arranging his few possessions in a way that felt like reclaiming a little control over his life.
Finally… I'm alone, he thought, brushing a strand of hair from his face. No one telling me what to do, no one watching my every move… I can decide my own life now.
He reached for the small basin by the corner and filled it with water, dipping his hands in and splashing his face. The cold water was shocking, but refreshing, washing away the sweat and grime of the day. He closed his eyes, letting the sensation linger.
I'm… really here. Alone, and it's my choice what I do next, he muttered softly. "For the first time… I can live by my own rules."
Once washed, he pulled out a set of spare clothes from his bag—a simple, neatly tailored tunic and trousers, practical and comfortable, yet clearly made with care and quality materials. He changed quietly, the smooth fabric fitting well, light but sturdy, suitable for travel. Folding his worn travel clothes neatly, he placed them in the wardrobe, a small sense of order settling over him.
He glanced at the bed, its sheets smooth and neatly made. The bed seemed impossibly soft after the hard nights he had endured in his travels, and he hesitated before stepping closer.
Could I really… just lie down? he asked himself silently. No one will yell, no one will judge me… I can rest. I can think. I can plan.
Arvin eased himself onto the bed, lying on his back and staring at the ceiling. The wooden beams above looked ordinary, yet in this quiet room they seemed comforting. His hands rested lightly on his stomach, fingers drumming softly against each other as his mind raced.
"I… I can't believe I'm here," he whispered to himself. "A VIP room… ten gold coins… it's… it feels unreal. But it's real. I really am here."
His gaze drifted toward the window. The late afternoon sunlight cast long, warm shadows across the room. He thought of the guild hall bustling downstairs, the other adventurers, the whispered speculations, and Eva's careful but intrigued expression.
I need to get stronger. I can't rely on luck forever. I need… I need to survive. I need to prove myself.
He shifted slightly, propping his head on the pillow. "Maybe… maybe this is the first time I have a chance to start over. Really start over. No one telling me I'm useless. No one calling me weak. No one deciding my path for me. Just… me."
The room was still, but his mind buzzed with everything he had seen and experienced. His thoughts drifted back to the system—the strange notifications, the guidance it had offered, the Vault he had discovered. He closed his eyes briefly and whispered to himself,
System… I should check again. See where I stand now.
A second later, he muttered softly, "System… open."
Golden letters shimmered into view in the air before him, hovering like a holographic display. The familiar hum of the system filled his ears, calm yet commanding. Arvin's heartbeat quickened.
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Arvin
Age: 15
Level: 5 (↑)
Strength: 7
Agility: 7
Vitality: 8
Magic: 7
SKILLS
Appraisal: Active – Can analyze creatures, objects, and magical items, revealing basic stats and potential uses.
Other Skills: Locked
ULTIMATE SKILL
Locked – Will unlock upon reaching Level 100
Arvin blinked, absorbing the numbers. He ran a hand along the iron sword at his side, now feeling lighter and perfectly balanced.
The sword… it feels lighter now. Faster… sharper. I can feel it… I've really grown a bit, he whispered to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips.
The system's hum continued in the background, steady and reassuring. Then, new golden text appeared:
VAULT STATUS
Hidden Cave: Discovered and fully mapped
Primary Owner: Arvin
Vault Access: Enabled exclusively for the Owner
Treasures & Artifacts: All items, weapons, and gold are secured under Owner control
Access Conditions: Can activate the cave at will using the Ancient Key phrase: "By the Legacy bound, open."
Security: Cave disappears when Owner leaves; no trace remains until reactivation
Other Users: Access restricted; cannot be shared or breached without Owner consent
Arvin's lips parted slightly as he read each line, his mind racing. The treasures, the legendary weapons, the golden coins, and the potent potions—all possibilities now under his control.
"Everything I need… and it's mine to command," he murmured softly. "I can return anytime… I can decide what to do… finally, I can shape my own path."
He traced the Subspace Ring at his side, feeling its reassuring weight, and let himself lean back fully against the pillows. The quiet of the room settled around him, and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to reflect.
I'll start small… explore, train, grow. The Vault, the treasures… everything waits for me. But I need to be ready. I need to become stronger first.
A faint thrill ran through him. The system, the Vault, his sword, even his own body—they were all part of the tools he could use. Step by step, he would learn, survive, and grow.
"This is only the beginning," he said quietly, almost to the system. "I'll grow stronger, and one day… everything I've seen, everything I've found… will mean something."
Exhaustion finally pressed down, and his eyelids grew heavy. His fingers tightened lightly around the Subspace Ring, the hum of the system fading from view. The world outside continued its constant motion, but here, in this quiet, secure room, Arvin had control, freedom, and a beginning all his own.
With a deep breath, he let himself sink fully into the bed, his thoughts lingering on the Vault, the iron sword, and the endless possibilities of tomorrow. At last, he allowed sleep to take him, deep and unbroken, ready to face a new day.
Arvin woke as the morning sunlight brushed against his face, spilling warm light across the room. He stretched slightly, feeling the lingering tiredness from his journey and the events of the past few days. Without delay, he moved to a small wash area to freshen up, splashing cool water on his face and hands. Even after washing, he still felt the weight of exhaustion pressing on his body.
Once ready, he left his room with nothing in hand, his belongings safely stored in his Subspace Ring. The guild hall was alive with the morning bustle, adventurers gathering for breakfast and preparing for the day ahead. He walked carefully through the hall, noting curious glances from others, some whispering quietly to each other as he passed.
At the dining hall, Arvin was greeted by the staff who guided him to a table. They placed a simple breakfast in front of him: a bowl of hearty stew and a slice of bread. Arvin nodded his thanks and began eating quietly, observing the lively atmosphere of adventurers sharing stories and discussing tasks.
After finishing, Arvin left the dining area and made his way to the reception desk, where Eva was organizing papers and speaking quietly with another adventurer. Noticing him, she looked up and smiled.
"Good morning, Arvin," she said. "What brings you here today?"
"I'm here to register as an adventurer," he replied simply.
Eva nodded thoughtfully, tapping on a slate and motioning for him to step closer. "Very well… let's get your registration done. First, I need to confirm some basic information."
She asked a few questions—his full name, age, and a brief confirmation of his adventuring experience. Arvin answered clearly, careful not to reveal more than necessary. Eva checked her notes, her pen moving swiftly across the registration form.
"Excellent," she said, her tone encouraging. "Everything seems in order. With this registration, you'll officially be recognized as an adventurer, and your rank will be assigned based on your experience and capabilities."
She handed him an adventurer's card, copper in color, with his name engraved along with his rank: F – Beginner Adventurer. Arvin examined it briefly.
"F rank," he murmured. "I suppose that's expected for a beginner."
Eva leaned forward slightly. "Exactly. Beginners always start at F rank. As you complete quests, gain experience, and demonstrate your abilities, your rank will rise. You'll progress to E, D, C, and so on. The higher your rank, the more challenging quests you can take, and the better rewards and opportunities you'll receive."
Arvin nodded thoughtfully. "I see. And the quests themselves… what kind of tasks can I start with?"
Eva smiled. "For beginners, simple tasks are ideal. Gathering herbs for potions is a good start. You can also hunt low-level monsters, which drop Magic Stones. These stones have value—lower-level monsters drop lower-level stones, which can be sold for a few copper coins. Stronger monsters drop rarer stones with higher value. As you complete quests and gather these stones or other resources, you gain both experience and money, which helps you rank up."
Arvin's eyes sharpened. "So I start with beginner quests, collect items and Magic Stones, and grow stronger from there."
"Yes," Eva said. "Here's a list of safe areas for beginners. Stick to these locations at first, record each completed quest, and return to me when ready. Completing quests efficiently and successfully will allow you to raise your rank and take on more difficult challenges."
Arvin left the guild and entered the forest path, the morning light filtering through the branches above. He paused, then activated his Eye of Judgment, scanning the surrounding plants and small creatures. Names, ranks, and uses appeared in faint floating text above each herb and object.
He began moving carefully, collecting herbs while observing their information:
Sunlight Herb
Rank: C
Use: Potion-making, restores minor energy
Location: Grows in areas with morning sunlight, near clearings
Dewleaf
Rank: D
Use: Basic healing potion ingredient
Location: Low grass patches, moist soil
Crimson Root
Rank: B
Use: Used for strength-enhancing potions
Location: Near the base of large trees, partially shaded
Silver Moss
Rank: E
Use: Minor potion ingredient, improves potion durability
Location: Rocks and shaded stones near streams
Arvin moved deliberately, plucking each herb with care and placing them safely into his Subspace Ring. This should be enough for the first few quests, he thought.
Suddenly, a group of slimes bounced into view, wobbling toward him.
Slime
Level: 2
Rank: F
Info: Low-level monster, common in forests. Drops Magic Stones and minor crafting materials. Weak against sharp weapons.
Arvin's grip tightened around the Iron Sword at his side. Alright… slimes aren't too strong, but I can't underestimate them. I need to stay focused… precise strikes… don't panic.
The first slime lunged slowly, its gelatinous body wobbling as it approached. Arvin hesitated, heart pounding. It's just a slime… I can do this… He swung the Iron Sword cautiously, grazing its side. Hit! The slime wobbled and dissolved slightly, leaving a few Magic Stones.
Another slime split into smaller blobs, bouncing erratically toward him. He dodged backward, narrowly avoiding contact, then thrust the sword forward. Hit! One more fell. Keep your distance… time each swing carefully… don't overcommit…
Sweat ran down his brow as he fought, every swing and dodge deliberate. Each slime he felled dissolved into Magic Stones, which he collected quickly. These… I can sell later. Not that I need the money… but experience… that's what counts.
After defeating several slimes, a soft chime sounded in his mind:
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Level Up! 5 → 6
Strength +1 | Agility +1 | Vitality +1 | Magic +1
Arvin exhaled, gripping his sword tighter. Better… I can feel it. The sword moves easier in my hands.
He pressed on, striking carefully, dodging small slimes splitting into smaller blobs. Another notification appeared:
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Level Up! 6 → 7
Strength +1 | Agility +1 | Vitality +1 | Magic +1
Level 7… good. I can actually fight properly now.
He hid most of the Magic Stones safely in his Subspace Ring, keeping a few in his pouch for practice.
Just as he was catching his breath, three goblins emerged from the trees, blocking the path ahead. Their eyes glinted with malice, weapons raised. Arvin froze, analyzing their stance. Stronger… faster than slimes. I can't run… I have to fight.
The first goblin lunged aggressively. Arvin rolled to the side, barely avoiding a slash. Focus… one at a time… precise strikes…
He swung the Iron Sword carefully, aiming for the exposed side. Hit! The goblin staggered but tried to counter. Arvin dodged back, heart racing. He feinted left, struck right, and finally the goblin collapsed with a wet thud.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Level Up! 7 → 8
Strength +2 | Agility +1 | Vitality +1 | Magic +1
Level Up! 8 → 9
Strength +1 | Agility +2 | Vitality +1 | Magic +1
Level 9… the sword feels lighter, easier to control… I can fight!
The second goblin circled him, faster this time. Its dagger scratched against Arvin's sleeve as he sidestepped. Stay calm… timing is everything… wait for an opening…
He parried a blow, countering with a precise strike to the goblin's arm. Hit! The goblin faltered, tripping over a tree root. Arvin pressed the advantage, striking repeatedly until it fell.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Level Up! 9 → 10
Strength +2 | Agility +1 | Vitality +2 | Magic +1
Level Up! 10 → 11
Strength +1 | Agility +2 | Vitality +1 | Magic +2
Level 11… faster, stronger… I can feel my body reacting better. Every movement is sharper.
The final goblin lunged immediately, snarling, circling around. Arvin's heart pounded. Breathe… precise movements… dodge… strike… survive… learn.
He sidestepped a sword, countered with a clean strike to its torso. The goblin staggered, swung wildly, and Arvin dodged again, landing a final blow. The creature crumpled to the ground.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Level Up! 11 → 12
Strength +2 | Agility +2 | Vitality +1 | Magic +1
Level Up! 12 → 13
Strength +1 | Agility +2 | Vitality +2 | Magic +1
[SYSTEM OPEN]
Name: Arvin
Level: 13
Strength: 15
Agility: 15
Vitality: 16
Magic: 15
Skills:
Appraisal: Can analyze creatures and items to determine basic stats and rarity.
Other Skills: Locked
Ultimate Skill: Locked (Will unlock at Level 100)
Carefully, Arvin opened the Ancient Book. The first few pages showed the usual beginner weapons he had already seen, but then the pages shimmered with a golden light, and three new items appeared:
Katana — Level 30
Rank: Elite
Attack: +180
Attack Speed: Very Fast
Special: Extremely sharp blade; can slice through armor and enemies with deadly precision
Restriction: Cannot be equipped until Level 30
Dual Daggers — Level 30
Rank: Elite
Attack: +150
Attack Speed: Very Fast
Special: Allows dual-wielding for rapid, continuous strikes; when equipped, increases Agility by 15%
Restriction: Cannot be equipped until Level 30
Defense Robe — Level 30
Rank: Elite
Defense: +200
Magic Resistance: +50
Special: Reduces damage from physical and magical attacks by a significant percentage
Restriction: Cannot be equipped until Level 30
He blinked, slowly closing the book as his mind whirred. His chest heaved. Level 30… that's so far away… The numbers on the weapons, their descriptions, their raw power—it all seemed unreal. He swallowed hard, feeling both fear and excitement. I have to get there… I can do this…
He slid the book back into his Subspace Ring, the faint shimmer disappearing, leaving only the weight of possibility in his mind. He adjusted his Iron Sword on his back, flexing his fingers around the hilt. Its familiar heft was reassuring, grounding him in the present, but the allure of the new weapons was almost intoxicating.
"Hmm… should I hunt more?" he murmured to himself. "Slimes and goblins aren't really hard opponents anymore… I've leveled up. Maybe I should avoid getting surrounded… I have to stay careful."
The forest around him seemed quieter now, almost as if it too was waiting. Arvin stepped carefully, boots brushing against fallen leaves. Every sound—the snap of a twig, the rustle of a branch—put him on edge, but also sharpened his senses. His mind raced ahead, planning, calculating, preparing for the next challenge.
Arvin adjusted the Iron Sword on his back, feeling its familiar weight. The forest was quiet, sunlight filtering through the trees. He exhaled, chest rising and falling as he scanned the area.
Then movement—a small, deliberate shuffle among the trees—caught his eye. Four goblins emerged, hunched and carrying crude wooden bats. They hadn't seen him yet.
Arvin crouched slightly, whispering under his breath, "Alright… slimes and goblins aren't too hard anymore… I just have to be careful, and avoid being surrounded."
He focused, raising a hand to appraise the nearest goblin.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Target: Goblin
Level: 5
Attack: 12
Defense: 8
Okay… manageable, he thought, gripping the Iron Sword tighter. I can do this.
He leapt from cover, swinging at the closest goblin with precision. Slash! The first goblin fell, and Arvin pivoted quickly, keeping the others in sight.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 13 → 14
Strength: 15 → 16
Agility: 15 → 16
Vitality: 16 → 17
Magic: 15 → 16
The second goblin lunged. Arvin sidestepped, the wooden bat barely grazing him, and countered with a swift strike. Hit! It dropped.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 14 → 15
Strength: 16 → 17
Agility: 16 → 17
Vitality: 17 → 18
Magic: 16 → 17
The third goblin hesitated, then charged recklessly. Arvin waited, parried the bat, and struck at the opening. Another fall.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 15 → 16
Strength: 17 → 18
Agility: 17 → 18
Vitality: 18 → 19
Magic: 17 → 18
The last goblin backed away, panic in its eyes. Arvin feinted left, then struck right. Slash! Down it went.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 16 → 17
Strength: 18 → 19
Agility: 18 → 19
Vitality: 19 → 20
Magic: 18 → 19
The forest seemed endless, dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves as Arvin moved cautiously, Iron Sword in hand. His breaths came steady, and every sound—the rustle of leaves, the snap of a twig—made him tense, ready to react.
Not far ahead, a small group of slimes oozed lazily along a mossy patch. Their translucent forms glimmered in the light.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Target: Slime
Level: 2
Attack: 5
Defense: 3
Arvin exhaled softly, gripping his sword. Slimes… easy enough. But I have to stay focused.
He darted forward, striking the first slime with a clean slash. It split into smaller pieces, each dissolving into Magic Stones. He collected them quickly, keeping an eye on the others.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 17 → 18
Strength: 19 → 20
Agility: 19 → 20
Vitality: 20 → 21
Magic: 19 → 20
He pressed on, slashing and dodging with precision. Another slime exploded under his sword, sending shards of magic energy into his hands. Each strike made him sharper, faster, more precise.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 18 → 19
Strength: 20 → 21
Agility: 20 → 21
Vitality: 21 → 22
Magic: 20 → 21
After several minutes of relentless fighting, he spotted movement near the treeline. Four goblins emerged, carrying wooden bats and crude spears. Arvin crouched behind a tree, assessing them.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Target: Goblin
Level: 6
Attack: 15
Defense: 10
He struck quickly, taking down the nearest goblin before the others could react. The remaining three lunged simultaneously, but Arvin moved with calm efficiency, blocking, parrying, and striking at precise openings.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 19 → 20
Strength: 21 → 22
Agility: 21 → 22
Vitality: 22 → 23
Magic: 21 → 22
The fight continued for over an hour. Slimes, goblins, small forest creatures—each encounter pushed him, but he adapted. Every level-up made the Iron Sword feel lighter, sharper, perfectly balanced in his hands. He began to anticipate attacks, moving with growing confidence.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 20 → 21
Strength: 22 → 23
Agility: 22 → 23
Vitality: 23 → 24
Magic: 22 → 23
By midday, the forest floor was littered with defeated monsters. Arvin's chest heaved, sweat and dirt streaked across his face, but the satisfaction of progress pushed him onward.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 21 → 22
Strength: 23 → 24
Agility: 23 → 25
Vitality: 24 → 25
Magic: 23 → 24
The battles became faster. He dodged instinctively, countered with precise strikes, and moved fluidly between targets. Each level-up brought a surge of energy and confidence.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 22 → 23
Strength: 24 → 25
Agility: 25 → 26
Vitality: 25 → 26
Magic: 24 → 25
Hours passed, sunlight shifting, and Arvin continued his relentless grind. Every strike, every dodge, every kill honed him further.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 23 → 24
Strength: 25 → 26
Agility: 26 → 27
Vitality: 26 → 27
Magic: 25 → 26
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 24 → 25
Strength: 26 → 27
Agility: 27 → 28
Vitality: 27 → 28
Magic: 26 → 27
By evening, Arvin paused atop a small hill, surveying the forest below. His arms ached, his breath was ragged, but his spirit burned brighter than ever.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 25 → 26
Strength: 27 → 28
Agility: 28 → 29
Vitality: 28 → 30
Magic: 27 → 28
He smiled slightly, feeling the weight of the Iron Sword in a new way. He was no longer the frightened boy who had first entered the forest—he was stronger, faster, and more aware of his capabilities.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 26 → 27
Strength: 28 → 30
Agility: 29 → 31
Vitality: 30 → 32
Magic: 28 → 30
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 27 → 28
Strength: 30 → 32
Agility: 31 → 33
Vitality: 32 → 34
Magic: 30 → 32
Finally, after relentless fighting, he faced a small clearing. The last of the goblins he encountered fell with a final, precise strike. The forest around him seemed almost to exhale.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 28 → 29
Strength: 32 → 34
Agility: 33 → 35
Vitality: 34 → 36
Magic: 32 → 34
Arvin dropped to one knee, exhaustion pressing against his body. His Iron Sword gleamed faintly, its weight now perfect. The Ancient Book, strapped safely to his side, seemed to shimmer in approval.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
Level Up! 29 → 30
Strength: 34 → 36
Agility: 35 → 37
Vitality: 36 → 38
Magic: 34 → 36
Arvin sank to the forest floor, chest heaving, sweat dripping down his face. His limbs ached, muscles trembling from hours of relentless combat. Yet despite the exhaustion, a small, victorious smile spread across his face. Level 30… I finally made it…
He slowly rose to his feet, brushing dirt from his clothes, and reached for the Ancient Book strapped to his side. Its leather cover shimmered faintly, as if aware of his accomplishment.
With careful hands, he opened it. A warm, golden light filled the pages, and three items floated gently into the air, suspended by shimmering energy:
Katana — Level 30
Attack: +180
Attack Speed: Very Fast
Special: Extremely sharp blade; can slice through armor and enemies with deadly precision
Restriction: Level 30 required
Dual Daggers — Level 30
Attack: +150
Attack Speed: Very Fast
Special: Allows dual-wielding for rapid, continuous strikes; increases Agility by 15%
Restriction: Level 30 required
Defense Robe — Level 30
Defense: +200
Magic Resistance: +50
Special: Reduces damage from physical and magical attacks significantly
Restriction: Level 30 required
Arvin's eyes widened, his heart pounding as he reached out instinctively. The items responded instantly, hovering closer to him as if drawn to his newfound strength. He carefully grasped each one in turn, feeling their power flow subtly through him—the Katana's lethal edge, the dual daggers' rapid potential, the robe's protective warmth.
Once all three were in his possession, the System interface shimmered into view, translucent and floating before his eyes:
—SYSTEM OPEN—
Name: Arvin
Level: 30
Strength: 36
Agility: 37
Vitality: 38
Magic: 36
Equipped Items:
Katana
Dual Daggers
Defense Robe
The system confirmed everything instantly, the interface glowing softly before fading back. Arvin lowered his gaze, letting the reality sink in. He was fully equipped, stronger than ever, ready for anything the world could throw at him.
He allowed himself a deep breath and a wide, satisfied smile.
Suddenly, the translucent interface shimmered in front of Arvin, blinking insistently.
—SYSTEM NOTICE—
New Skill Unlocked: Attribute Fire
Description: Grants the ability to generate and manipulate fire. Skills include:
Fireball: Creates a small, concentrated sphere of fire that can be thrown at enemies. Deals medium damage and can ignite flammable targets.
Firewall: Summons a vertical wall of fire that blocks paths or damages anything passing through. Deals continuous burn damage over time.
Fire Arrow: Materializes a flaming arrow that can be fired at a target. Fast, precise, and pierces light armor.
Arvin froze, eyes wide, staring at the notification. Fire…? His voice came out almost in a whisper, a mix of shock and awe. I can… generate and control fire?
For a few moments, his heart raced as he absorbed the news. Then, slowly, he raised his hand, fingers curling instinctively.
A small, glowing orb formed in his palm. Fireball.
He aimed at a nearby tree—a sturdy trunk a few meters ahead—and released. The fireball streaked through the air, striking the wood squarely. The bark blackened instantly, smoke curling into the sky.
Perfect… it really ignites and burns as it should, he murmured, excitement surging through him.
Next, he spread his hands wide and concentrated. Flames roared to life before him, forming a solid vertical wall. Firewall. Heat radiated outward as the fire stretched several feet high, roaring with controlled intensity. Arvin adjusted its width and height carefully, stepping near the edges to confirm he was safe while imagining the devastating effect it would have on an enemy.
Finally, he mimicked drawing a bow, concentrating on a point several meters away. A glowing arrow of fire materialized, sleek and bright. Fire Arrow. He drew back and released. The flaming arrow streaked through the air with incredible speed, striking a tree with a sharp crack, leaving a scorch mark along the bark.
Arvin's chest heaved, adrenaline and awe coursing through him. This… this is insane. His mind raced with possibilities: fireballs to strike from a distance, Firewall to control the battlefield, Fire Arrows for precision attacks. The raw potential was intoxicating.
He flexed his fingers, feeling the warmth of fire thrumming through his body. Level 30… Fire skills unlocked… I can finally fight in ways I've only imagined. Every spell, every strike… I'll master them all.
A small, determined smile spread across his face. The forest around him was calm, but inside, a storm of ambition burned brighter than ever. This power… I can already feel what I'm capable of. I'll be unstoppable once I combine this with my weapons.
The forest slowly grew quieter as Arvin stepped away from the battlefield.
Broken branches, scorched marks on trees, and faint traces of magic were left behind, but he didn't linger. His body was exhausted—legs heavy, shoulders sore—but his steps were steady. The Defense Robe rested lightly against his frame, and the weight of the weapons stored in his Subspace Ring felt reassuring rather than burdensome.
"…That was enough for today," he murmured.
He adjusted the strap of his pouch, the faint clinking of magic stones reminding him of the results of his hunt. Goblins. Slimes. More than he had expected. The thought alone made his lips curve slightly upward.
As the forest thinned and the familiar stone path appeared, the distant outline of the town came into view. Smoke from chimneys rose lazily into the sky, and the sounds of people—voices, footsteps, life—slowly replaced the rustling leaves.
By the time Arvin reached the adventurers' guild, the sun had already begun to dip.
The doors creaked open, and the warm buzz of conversation washed over him.
Eva was behind the counter, sorting papers as usual. She looked up the moment she sensed someone approach.
"Welcome—"
Her words caught when she saw him.
"…Arvin?"
He walked up calmly and placed his pouch on the counter.
The sound it made was unmistakable.
Clink. Clink.
Eva blinked once… twice… then reached for the pouch, opening it carefully.
Her eyes widened.
"…These are… goblin magic stones?"
She lifted one, then another, her movements slowing as the realization sank in. Her gaze flicked back to Arvin, disbelief written all over her face.
"D-did you… did you really hunt all of these yourself?"
Arvin scratched his cheek lightly, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Ah… yeah."
That was all he said.
It was more than enough.
A few adventurers nearby went quiet.
"…Did you hear that?"
"That kid brought goblin stones…"
"How many is that?"
Eva took a slow breath and forced herself to focus, carefully counting each stone, setting them aside one by one. When she finished, she looked up again—this time with a completely different expression.
"…You collected twenty-five goblin magic stones and two slime stones."
She pushed a small pile of coins toward him.
"This comes to five silver and one copper."
Arvin accepted the coins and nodded.
"…Thank you."
Eva hesitated, then smiled—half amazement, half worry.
"Please… be careful out there, okay?"
He paused, then gave a small nod.
"I will."
With that, he turned and left the guild.
The whispers followed him, but he didn't slow down.
Back in his room, Arvin closed the door quietly and leaned against it for a moment, letting out a long breath.
"…I'm really tired."
He stored everything neatly, removed his gear, and collapsed onto the bed. The events of the day replayed in his mind—battles, danger, growth.
His eyes slowly closed.
Tomorrow would come soon enough.
For now… rest was enough.