The forest slowly fell silent.
The clash of steel faded.
The last bandits retreated into the shadows.
Adrian stood still, sword in hand.
His breathing was uneven.
His arms slightly trembling.
"…It's over," one of the knights muttered.
Adrian lowered his sword.
I'm alive.
"Good work," Kael said, stepping beside him.
His voice was calm—but his eyes were sharp.
"…You didn't freeze."
"I almost did."
"But you didn't."
A pause.
"…That's enough for a first battle."
[+4 Reputation]
Adrian exhaled slowly.
First battle… and I almost died.
"…This world is insane."
Aftermath
The knights regrouped.
A few were injured.
None dead.
"Too clean," Kael muttered.
Adrian frowned.
"…What do you mean?"
Kael looked toward the forest.
"They retreated too quickly."
Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly.
Yeah… that was strange.
"They tested us," he said.
Kael glanced at him.
"…Explain."
"They attacked fast, then pulled back," Adrian continued.
"Almost like they were checking our strength."
A pause.
"…Or buying time."
Kael's expression hardened.
"…You're right."
[+5 Reputation: Situational Awareness]
Meanwhile
Leonhardt Voss wiped blood from his blade.
"…Pathetic bandits."
But his expression wasn't relaxed.
He had noticed it too.
"…Something's off."
Back to Adrian
Adrian looked deeper into the forest.
If I were them…
"They're regrouping," he said.
Kael turned sharply.
"…Where?"
Adrian pointed toward a narrow ridge further ahead.
"There."
"Why?"
"Better position. Higher ground."
Kael immediately raised his hand.
"Formation! Move carefully!"
The knights shifted.
Moments Later
As they approached—
Whoosh!
Arrows rained down again.
"Ambush!" a knight shouted.
But this time—
They were ready.
"Shields up!"
The formation held.
Kael glanced at Adrian.
"…You predicted this."
"I guessed."
[+6 Reputation]
Counterattack
"Advance!" Kael ordered.
The knights pushed forward.
Adrian followed—more steady now.
Footwork.
Balance.
Timing.
The system's skill activated subtly.
A bandit rushed him again.
This time—
Adrian stepped aside smoothly.
Clang!
He blocked properly.
Not perfect.
But controlled.
This feels… different.
He didn't panic.
Didn't rush.
Waited.
The bandit overextended—
Adrian struck.
A clean hit.
The bandit fell back.
Kael finished him.
"…Good," Kael said.
Battle End
This time—
The bandits broke completely.
Running.
Scattering.
"Don't chase!" Kael ordered.
The knights stopped.
Adrian lowered his sword again.
Breathing hard.
But standing firm.
[Quest Completed: First Test of Judgment]
Rewards:
+15 Reputation
Skill: "Basic Swordsmanship Lv.1"
Adrian blinked.
A surge of understanding flowed into him.
Grip.
Angle.
Control.
"…Okay," he muttered.
"…Now this is useful."
From Afar
Seraphina watched silently.
Her eyes followed Adrian.
He's not strong…
But he adapts too quickly.
"…Interesting," she whispered.
Return
As the group began heading back—
Leonhardt walked beside Adrian.
"…You got lucky."
"Probably."
"…Don't get arrogant."
"I won't."
Leonhardt frowned.
Why does that annoy me?